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4 St George's Terrace

Gloucester Road

Jan 26 1885

Dear William

I have had a long and scratching day in the office &c, and do not feel much like writing - so I hope you will consider only the tense, not the words.

I was down at Cambridge on Saturday. On Sunday morning Mother asked me to read over the Religious part of the Autobiography, and certain other papers, including your letters to her, as she wanted to have a talk with me on the subject. I have never spoken to her on the subject before. In the afternoon I had my talk. It ended in her

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striking out certain passages, and in her saying that she should write and tell you, that she had no objection to the Autobiography being published if these passages were omitted. In this talk (and as much as possible in this letter) I have endeavoured to make my own views hold a secondary place.

What I first want to tell you is what is not only my own strong conviction, but that of Frank, Horace, and I think Bessie as well. It is that it is of extreme importance to Mother's peace of mind, and I think I may say health, that this question should be settled in some way as soon as possible.

When I left Mother I think that her mind was tranquil, and if she remains in that state of mind, I do hope that you will consider the gravity of such a step as reopening the discussion.

I may as well mention that Henrietta was there, and that when I told her of my discussion with Mother I put forward these same arguments, and I have every hope that she will not reopen the question.

I do not think that what we feel sure Father's views would have been can now be always taken as a guide to what is right.

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but I do feel most strongly how he would sooner almost have burnt his hand off than written an Autobiography which was eventually to cause Mother much pain, or to bring about anything in the nature of a family discussion. I well remember how deeply pleased he was when someone described us as a family of peace and love. I think this is a strong argument for not reopening the question if Mother is now satisfied.

I think one of your views was that if a part was omitted, it would appear to the world as if he had written something which was unworthy of publication.

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[printed letterhead] The Pines, Camberley, Farnborough Station

I for one feel absolutely sure that this would not enter into the head of any reader. But my opinion does not go for much. Have you met anyone who has expressed an opinion that that would be the case? If not try any sensible man you know, and put the case fairly before him. Surely there may be many reasons besides that for omitting a passage. Surely the true reason - that his widow wished it left out without

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enquiring further would satisfy any delicate minded man. But I for one see no reason to tell the public more than the bare fact that something has been omitted. In such an absolutely private document the public has absolutely no right to enquire further. I do trust that you will fairly weigh the question and see if you are not wrong in this one point.
I will only say that it would be an immense pity to my mind if no part of of the Autobiography were published.

One word more and I have done. Henrietta feels that the Autobiography expresses Father's views badly, and that its publication will tend to lower him in the eyes of the world. I mean even the part left in. I do not in the least agree with her. But thinking as she does the publication cannot be otherwise than painful to her, and I think that the pain she may suffer demands our

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utmost consideration and sympathy however much we may differ from the views that cause that pain.

I do long to hear that the question is settled and at rest.

Your affec bro

L Darwin