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61 Coleshill St. Eaton Sq. S. W.

April 26th 1882

Dear Mrs Darwin

Though it may seem almost an intrusion on your grief, I cannot forbear writing a few words to express my sympathy with you & your family in the loss of your noble and glorious husband. I had indeed but the pleasure of a short acquaintance with him, on the occasion of my recent visit to your house: but it was quite sufficient to impress upon me the feeling that he was genial and kind and good as he was great; and

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it will remain a lasting and pleasing memory to me that I had for even a short time the pleasure & the honor of the personal acquaintance of such a man.

I hope it may be a source of some consolation to you – if not now, when your sorrow is so great yet hereafter – to know that not only his many friends who loved him but the entire nation, and even the civilised world mourns his loss to-day. He has been taken away too soon indeed for you for his friends for Science & the Truth to which his life was consecrated, but not too soon for a great and pure & lasting fame, - if such consideration could be of any comfort to you at such a time. More might be said, as the death of a great man like your husband awakens many reflections, & not all sad – but I forbear, and will only in conclusion express the hope that God, and the memory of the noble life best known to you & now finished, may comfort you.

With respectful sympathy & hoping you will pardon my [illeg] to give expression to it

I remain

Very truly yours

William Graham