To T. H. Farrer 13 October 1879
Down, | Beckenham, Kent. | (Railway Station | Orpington. S.E.R.)
Oct 13th 1879
My dear Farrer
I thank you cordially for your letter, which has filled us all with joy; & Emma particularly desires me to say how very happy it has made her.1 It is as you say a golden rule not “to dwell on by-gones”; but let me repeat that I was not in the least surprised at your demurring to the marriage on account of Horace’s weak health & his not being able to do much work.2 The match, moreover, is a poor one for Ida in a worldly point of view; & she is altogether charming.— On the other hand I must say that Horace has as sweet a temper & as unselfish a disposition as anyone whom I have ever known; & this is of more importance for the happiness of married life than wealth, grandeur or distinction, & more even than strong health.—
I beg you to give my love to Effie,3 & once again accept my very true thanks.
Believe me, my dear Farrer | Ever yours sincerely. | Charles Darwin
Footnotes
Summary
Rejoices at THF’s consenting to the marriage of his daughter Ida and Horace Darwin, although the match is a poor one for Ida "in a worldly point of view". [See 12253.]
Letter details
- Letter no.
- DCP-LETT-12256A
- From
- Charles Robert Darwin
- To
- Thomas Henry Farrer, 1st baronet and 1st Baron Farrer
- Sent from
- Down
- Source of text
- English Heritage, Down House (EH 88207898)
- Physical description
- ALS 3pp
Please cite as
Darwin Correspondence Project, “Letter no. 12256A,” accessed on 26 September 2022, https://www.darwinproject.ac.uk/letter/?docId=letters/DCP-LETT-12256A.xml
