- darwin (x)
- Galton, Francis, Sir, 1822-1911 (x)
- 1901-01-09 (x)
- Search results
Search results
Show moreLetter to Grant Allen giving intimate information on the wives of Eramus Darwin. Embossed stamp on stationary reads Atheneaum Club, Pall Mall. Transcription: "42 Ratland Gate St. Feb 25/85? Dear Grant Allen Most of what + all that I can tell you want is contained in 1 Ch. Darwin life of [Erasmus] Darwin 2- [Nup] Sewards life of him 3-Metgards life of wedgewood I return your letter with notes that George Darwin (when I knew I was to meet today) has scrawled on it. As regards Erasmus Darwin 2nd-[] [] widow of [] [], her maiden name was [] + there is some [] mystery as to her origin. though entire nouns there is little or no doubt this was an illegitimate daughter of Lord []. Her education + welfare had been carefully looked after by a sedate man of [], who up to after her 2nd-marriage continued to make formal + periodical visits, the topics of which were kept secret to her then young children + step children. I saw her []-only once as a child. She was a bright, active, kindly lady who lived to past 90. Her portrait as a young lady shows regal beauty. I mention all this to you for your own information. Of course understanding that writing of the illegitimate past is publicized. [] was at one time a [] admirer of [] turned savagely around on D-Darwin + was genuinely spiteful because he did not prepare to marry her as the uniform tradition goes, as she wanted D.E. Darwin had a respectable liason with Mrs Hadley before her marriage + his children by her were almost received on equal footing in the family (4) Mrs []'s whcih refer to Erasmnus Darwin here or there, [] are considered by our family as grossly inaccurate. She hoped her mature life + age in devout + seaside []. Her childhood was precocious + unnatural, + her [] was a time of mischief-making + I suppose hysterical perversion of character. She did frightful harm by misrepresentations very faithfully Francis Gallim" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from 42 Rutland Gate SW.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
Show less