Dear Mrs Darwin

I am troubling you by the advice of our mutual friend Sir John Lubbock, under the following circumstances. There exists in Yorkshire a large confederation of smaller societies entitled “The Yorkshire Naturalists Union”, of which I happen to be President.¹ The members of that union some time ago determi⁠⟨⁠ned⁠⟩⁠ to address to your Dis⁠⟨⁠tinguished⁠⟩⁠ husband their congratul⁠⟨⁠ations⁠⟩⁠ on his having lived to see his great doctrines attain their majority—or to use Huxleys admirable expression in reference to them, “Come of Age”.² The appropriate document designed to convey to your husband their sense of the greatness of his work is now ready—and since the “Union” consists largely of working Naturalists and equally largely of men of the operative class.—I have a conviction that Dr Darwin will not despise the tribute of respect co⁠⟨⁠ming⁠⟩⁠ from such a source.

At the same time, knowin⁠⟨⁠g⁠⟩⁠ his dislike to all display, I have felt it my duty to guard them against taking any steps calculated to be inconvenient to him. They seem anxious to send a small deputation from themselves to bring the document to Down personally.—Having the notion that to send it in any less dignified way would fail to convey to his mind a right sense of their high estimation of his life’s work.— Nevertheless they place themselves in my hands to act as I may wish.

Knowing Sir J Lubbocks friendship wi⁠⟨⁠th⁠⟩⁠ ⁠⟨⁠your⁠⟩⁠ family I asked his advice whether su⁠⟨⁠ch⁠⟩⁠ ⁠⟨⁠a⁠⟩⁠ deputation would or would not inconvenience your husband, because if so, the document shall be sent to him.³ I shall be much obliged therefore if you will give me a private hint as to the best course to be adopted in this matter and I will guide my friends accordingly.

May I venture Madam, whilst I am writing, to congratulate you upon having such a husband, and also, like the Mother of the Gracchii, such sons.⁴

I am most sincerely yours | Wm. C. Williamson

⁠⟨⁠Charles⁠⟩⁠ Darwin