[1]

[in the hand of Christian Herter:]

Note by C.R. while in London (after Beagle voyage) probably written in 1837.

Roughly about illegibly written jotted down on scraps of paper & perhaps hardly written in earnest (Mrs Litchfield)

Headed            "C.D. on marriage" by Mrs. Darwin —

Advantages "Children (if it please God) — Constant companion (a friend in old age) — Charms of music & femal chit-chat"

Disadvantages "Terrible loss of time, if many children forced to gain one's bread, fighting about, no society".

But he continues "What is the use of working without sympathy from near & dear friends? Who are near and dear friend to us the old, except relatives?"

"My god, it is intolerable to think of spending one's whole life like a neuter bee, working, working and nothing after all. No, no won't do. Imagine living all one's days solitarily in smoky, dirty London house, — Only picture to yourself a nice soft wife on a sofa, with good fire and books and music perhaps — compare this vision with the dingy reality of St. Marlboro' St.

Marry, marry, marry.

Q.E.D.

[in another hand in purple ink:] Written by CAH at Cannes, from Darwin's letter, by permission of his daughter Mrs Litchfield.