Sir,

I understand that M^rs Cupples intends to apply to the Literary Fund for assistance under her present most distressing circumstances, & I beg permission to assure the Committee that in my opinion her claims are real and strong.¹ I have read some of her works, & they seem to me to exhibit remarkable talent, & to be excellently adapted to encourage virtuous conduct, & to spread kindly feelings towards not only mankind but all the lower animals.² The number of M^rs Cupples’ works prove how industrious she has been.

Her husband, who for his works, has likewise large claims for assistance (& who has aided me on several occasions with valuable information with respect to several obscure Biological questions & obtained at the cost of an extraordinary amount of labour), has long been much out of health & is at present quite unable to maintain himself.³

I am informed that there is another and aged relative who depends entirely on M^rs Cupples; & she is herself now suffering from illness.⁴ I am convinced that it would be difficult to find any one on whom the generosity of the Literary Fund could be better bestowed than on M^rs Cupples.

I have the honour to remain, | Sir, | Your obedient servant | Charles Darwin

Octavian Blewitt Esq