Dear Darwin

Mrs Lyell has been consulting me confidentially as to what is best done with Sir Chas: correspondence, & I have her permission to ask what you think—& if you would kindly help her with an opinion.¹

I have read a great many of the letters, to Horner² & others, & am greatly taken with them— they are so full of matter, so pleasant, lucid, & tell so much of his unwearied labors & of the progress of Geology during it’s comparative infancy— Then too they are full of kindly feeling to, & ready recognition of the labors of, others— They are full of local coloring as regards the places (often very obscure) that he visited for the purpose of verifying statements & collecting facts, & full of little notices of admirable local Collectors & Museums that are worthy of being remembered.

Mrs Lyell has a mind to put all in print for private distribution, after revision & cutting out all passages that could hurt anyone (of which I have seen no trace)—& afterwards publish a selection as a contribution to his life. My idea is that the number will prove too great for printing, but this must depend on their value. I suggested her picking out a dozen by chance (without looking at them) of the bundle I have perused & sending them to you for your opinion as to their value to Science.— I am a partial witness I know & so would you be, but that must be taken into account.

Mrs Lyell has riches & is devoted to Lyells memory, & if good can be done by the printing now is the time.

Ever affy yrs | Jos D Hooker

The value of the work would be, 1. the history it is of the progress of Geology. 2. the evidence of the care with which Lyell sifted facts & evidence. & the interest attached to the facts.