Darwin Correspondence Project

Down, Farnborough, Kent

Saturday night

My dear Sir

I enclose the Dean's note to me; you will see that he does not believe that there is going to be any appointment. I do not know whether he mentioned this to you in conversation,—you do not refer to it in your note received this morning. I know Mr Hutton and Sir Henry and could write to them, if you wish it and if you are sure that there is going to be appointed an Assist. Surveyorship. Neither Mr Hutton, nor Sir Henry (certainly not the former) are likely to bring forward themselves anyone for the place, and I am doubtful whether the strong letter, which I have already written would not have its effects weakened by similar applications to other Members of the Board.— I think I have noticed that when a recommender shows too keen an interest in a candidate, his evidence is thought less of, as biassed by personal feelings. Think this over and ask your father's opinion—if you still wish me to write to Mr Hutton and Sir Henry, I will with pleasure do it; I should not, however, in that case write at such length. I hope the Dean's notion of there being no place will turn out a mistake.

Yours very sincerely | C. Darwin

I do not think I shall have any Cirripedial drawings made till next summer.