RECORD: Carlyle, Thomas. 1904 [1853]. [Recollection of Darwin] Letter to John A. Carlyle, 10 March 1853. Andrew In Carlyle ed., New letters of Thomas Carlyle. 2 vols. London: John Lane, vol. 2, pp. 145-6.
REVISION HISTORY: Text prepared by Kees Rookmaaker, edited by John van Wyhe 11.2010. RN1
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[page 145]
[March 1853]
The Ashburtons lately have done unexpectedly a really handsome thing to me. Lord Ashburton is on the committee of the Athenaeum Club; he said once, Shall I propose you, this spring, for immediate election? I answered grumblingly,
[page 146]
vaguely; Lady Ashburton quizzed; and so we came to the clear result, "No," and I dismissed the matter altogether. But now the other day, comes news that I am elected, the money all paid, entrance money and subscription in a lump; and that I have only to go in when I like and stay out when I like! Really very kind; and so handsomely done that there was no rejecting or refusing it. Lord Ashburton took me the other night to my first dinner and entrance there: I donot much believe I shall go often; but that will be seen. Old Crabbe Robinson1,visible in the reading room, inquired after you that night: very old, and clattery. Darwin, Owen, etc., were also visible: plenty of loungers there, if one wanted lounging!
1 Henry Crabb Robinson (1775-1867), English journalist, lawyer, and traveler. Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881), English author.
Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
File last updated 4 December, 2022