Sir

From living in the country I never heard your Father’s name, until his trial, & know absolutely nothing about him. It is, therefore impossible for me to sign the memorial which states that “he is a person of honourable character & blameless life, who in good faith &c”; not that I have any reason whatever to doubt these several statements.

I have not seen the Moral Phys. by R. D. Owen, but have heard the nature of its content; & though I am strongly opposed to all such views & plans, yet the conviction of your Father seemed to me very harsh, as the publication of works of this nature can hardly be considered as obscene in the ordinary sense of the word.—¹

I am sorry for your Father, but cannot aid him, & remain | Sir | Your obedient servt. | Ch. Darwin