<span>Letter to Robert Stecher with a transcript of a letter written by Darwin from Down, Beckenham, Kent, England on October 23, 1880 [12771], in which Darwin outlines his writing of the Origin of Species. Transcription: "My Dear Bob: Had I been here when you came to speak on Darwin I would have shown you the original of this letter. Not Important (Altho its mention of his Origin of Species makes it "Desirable") But I thought you would like like to have this copy. My best always. Phil June 1, 1960 For my friend Bob Stecher:- Copy of a Hand-written letter of Charles Darwin In my possession October 23 1880 Dear Sir (Recipient's name not given.) I am much obliged for </span><span>your courteous letter of Oct 8th.- I have no difficulty in answering your questions; But I cannot see how my answers can be of interest to anyone - I was born on Feb. 12th 1809.- On my return home after the voyage of the beagle, I opened my first note-book for facts .......... (p.2) Bearing on the Origin of Species in July 1837. In June 1842 I wrote a brief sketch of the notions then arrived at;& this was enlarged in 1844 into a sketch of 230 M.S. Pages. The Origin of Species was published near the close of 1859.- Dear Sir Yours Faithfully Charles Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Rochester, Minnesota.The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts</span>
