RECORD: Wedgwood, Hensleigh. 1851.04.23. Letter to Emma Darwin. CUL-DAR210.13.29. Edited by John van Wyhe (Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)

REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed by Christine Chua and edited by John van Wyhe 8.2023. RN1

NOTE: See record in the Darwin Online manuscript catalogue, enter its Identifier here. Reproduced with permission of the Syndics of Cambridge University Library and William Huxley Darwin. The volume CUL-DAR210.13 contains Annie's letters, memorabilia & letters relating to death of Anne 'Annie' Elizabeth Darwin and reminiscence of Charles Waring Darwin.


[1]

Malvern

Wednesday (23 Ap)

6 oclock

My dearest suffering Emma, Charles has written I am thankful that the sight of his hand writing will be a comfort to you, who are never out of our most sorrowful thoughts─ I just add a word to tell you that I have been sitting with him for half an hour just now he is able to find relief in crying much & after all I am sure its better for him─ & next I think to go to you which he may possibly do tomorrow if able, & you

[1v]

may travel to Dr Gully who is full of care for him, & that he will not set out if not he will sleep in Park St probably unless feeling strong enough for the whole Journey

He will have told you doubtless of the soft & gentle departure of your dear child

It was only ceasing to breathe & no change was perceptible in her face which ill as she has looked, has never shewed a shade of pain, hardly of discomfort, since Friday night─ her life which has been made such a happy one by you both has been blessedly loved without a sense of any different from the love & happiness that had always surrounded her─ I do hope you may find comfort

[2]

in dwelling on having made sure of her being spared the many sufferings of Life, & yet that you made her happy for ten years─

Poor Brodie & Miss Thorley are quite knocked up & will hardly be able to make the journey till Saturday─ I shall stay as long as I can do any thing ─ dearest Emma I trust that I have not given you any additional pain in these few words. I can never forget the comfort of having been able to be here for you─ any directions that Fanny will write for you─ I will be sure to execute ─ your most tenderly HW


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Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)

File last updated 15 October, 2023