[1]

RIDGEMOUNT, BASSET, SOUTHAMPTON.

Jan 22nd

My dear Mother,

I am very sorry that you shd be troubled about the autobiography. I have not yet read it in print, nor have I read L. Stephen's letter. I will do so & consider the question well.

I feel in a difficulty about it. [The] autobiography was left specially to me, & I am primarily responsible for any use that is made of it. I can hardly consent to any course which seems to me to be distinctly lowering to Father's memory or to imply that his opinions on such a subject as religion would not bear publication without hurting his reputation.

[x] [1v]

It is hard for me fully to enter into your feelings, as I feel so clearly that nothing that can be said can touch his character.

Of course such papers as the Record may use harsh language and possibly to Saturday Review may sneer; but I think the criticism of respectable journals, as far as it was depreciatory, would take the line that such arguments are inadequate on which to base unbelief; and some might naturally be led to conclude that the publication of such arguments would on the whole tend to strengthen religious belief.

[x] [2]

But this seems rather beside the question for us to consider.

If one is writing the life of such a man, & especially making use of his autobiography, it is not in my opinion treating honorably either believers or unbelievers, to keep back his opinions on such a subject, however much they may have the appearance of sketchiness; which quality pervades the whole biography: and I think that such a man should be allowed to say what he thinks (with the except of any adjective &c specially offensive to a believer) I cannot see how a paraphrase of Fs

[x] [2v]

wd satisfy either party.

It seems a pity this subject was not considered fully sooner. I understood that 6 minutes ago you only objected to the "Damnable Doctrine" sentence and perhaps an adjective or two I can of course easily understand that you might change your opinion, [eight lines crossed]

I quite feel that your individual feelings should be treated with the utmost consideration, to the extent of stopping this publication of the life [autobiography] if necessary.

good night dear Mother.

Your affect son,

W E Darwin