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The following letter is found in the collection of the Hawaiian Historical Society:

January 13 '74

Down

Beckenham, Kent

My Lord:

I hope that you will forgive the liberty which I take in addressing you. From your interesting article on the Sandwich Isls in the Geograph. Journal 1868, I have thought that you would perhaps be so good as to give me some information if in your power.

Firstly, it seems generally admitted that the natives have largely decreased since the time of Cook, & what I especially want to know is whether a statement which I have seen quoted from Mr. Bishop (I believe a missionary) is correct, viz that the women of late years have become decidedly less fertile, and that a vy large proportion of the children which are born die early.

Secondly, I suppose no census has ever been taken, so that the proportion between the males & females cannot be told. But if there is reason to believe that males are in considerable excess over females, I shd much like to learn whether it is true that in old time female infanticide was much practiced; so that mothers which bore several daughters used to kill a considerable proportion of them, as has been the habit with so many savages. Whether or not you can spare time & are inclined to assist me, I trust that you will forgive my intrusion—With much respect.

I remain your Lordships'

Obedient servant

Charles Darwin