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
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