RECORD: Wedgwood, Caroline Sarah. 1885.12.15. [Recollections of Darwin's childhood.] CUL-DAR112.A117. (Cite as: John van Wyhe ed., 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed by Kees Rookmaaker, edited by John van Wyhe 8.2008. RN2
NOTE: See record in the Darwin Online manuscript catalogue, enter its Identifier here. Reproduced with the permission of the Syndics of Cambridge University Library and William Huxley Darwin. The volume CUL-DAR112 contains recollections of Darwin by family and friends and letters to Francis Darwin for Life and Letters. Manuscript on 1 leaf, 2 pages. With thanks to Peter Lucas.
Extract of letter from Mrs Wedgwood
Dec 15, 1885
I see from the Journal that Charles's recollection of his childhood was wrong. Instead of being "a naughty boy" he was particularly affectionate, tractable & sweet tempered, & my father had the highest opinion of his understanding & intelligence. My father was very fond of him & even when he was a little boy of 6 or 7, however
bustled & overtired, often had C. with him when dressing, to teach him some little thing such as the almanack - & C. used to be so eager to be down in time. C. does not seem to have known half how much my father loved him.
Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
File last updated 13 February, 2026