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Darwin Correspondence Project

From W. H. Goodwin   27 May 1881

Bank Buildings | Hastings

27 May ’81

Dear Sir

I was born within 200 yards of “The Mount” where I have always assumed you also were born1

In the days of my early youth your Father or sisters were almost daily seen by me in the Streets of Shrewsbury. You had of course left Salop as your “Beagle” Journal shews. In 1845 I can remember that I used to see the Beagle narrative but had not the sense to read it and I may not have known that it was by a Salopian2

Since 1859 or soon afterwards I have in common with all enquiring people felt an interest in your name and works and without wishing to be obtrusive I have often wished to ask for your Autograph

I need not weary you by referring to the natural wish for a slight memorial of a distinguished Shrewsbury man and I trust you will grant my request. I was brought up in the office of Mr. Scarth3 Solicitor and used to think that I knew every man woman and child in Shrewsbury.

Apologizing for the intrusion which I trust will be pardoned. | I am Dear Sir | Your obedt Servant | W H Goodwin

Chas Darwin Esq | FRS

Footnotes

The Mount, Shrewsbury, was built around 1800 by Robert Waring Darwin, CD’s father; it was where CD was born.

Bibliography

Journal of researches 2d ed.: Journal of researches into the natural history and geology of the countries visited during the voyage of HMS Beagle round the world, under the command of Capt. FitzRoy RN. 2d edition, corrected, with additions. By Charles Darwin. London: John Murray. 1845.

Summary

Requests CD’s autograph.

WHG grew up within 200 yards of "The Mount" [Darwin residence] in Shrewsbury.

Letter details

Letter no.
DCP-LETT-13177
From
William Henry Goodwin
To
Charles Robert Darwin
Sent from
Hastings
Source of text
DAR 99: 200
Physical description
ALS 2pp

Please cite as

Darwin Correspondence Project, “Letter no. 13177,” accessed on 29 March 2024, https://www.darwinproject.ac.uk/letter/?docId=letters/DCP-LETT-13177.xml

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