My dear Hooker

I fully agree to every word you say on the controversy, except that Lubbock’s printed note does not seem to me insulting & is only too intelligible.² But I should state that I read the correspondence³ only once & compared only two passages;⁴ for such work now upsets me. I did not sufficiently notice the passage in Lubbocks letter which in fact gives Lyell the lie.⁵ This I think he ought to apologize for. It has also occurred to me that Lyell’s statement that his M.S. was set up in type is in fact no valid excuse for his not having distinctly quoted Lubbock, as it is manifest he altered whole sentences in type⁶   Lyell’s word of course requires no corroboration but I read Morlot’s pamphlet immediately it came out,⁷ & I found Lyell quite au fait with his facts, which must have been before Lubbock wrote. I doubt whether you or I or any one c^d do any good in healing this breach. Time alone could do it if it ever can be done.

All that you tell me about the Busk affair is very curious & pitiable in such a pair as the Lyells.⁸ I especially agree with what you say of the blame to Lubbock in not having quoted Lyell’s letter to him on the subject.⁹

Have you read the latter half of Lubbocks book?¹⁰ it seems to me admirable. Very many thanks for your letter which has greatly interested me.¹¹ If you can do any thing to heal the breach it will be a real good service. I can hardly offer to join you just now as I am very weak after 5 weeks sickness—¹²

yours affectionately | Ch. Darwin