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Letter 1563

Darwin, C. R. to Lubbock, J. W. (b)

28 Mar [1854]

    Summary Add

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    Distressed to find himself in conflict with JWL on appointment of a Guardian [for the parish].

Transcription

Down.

March 28th

Dear Sir John

I am very sorry to find myself in opposition to you regarding the appointment of a Guardian, which I heard of only on Saturday night. When I nominated Mr Innes, I had not the least idea that the place was desired by anyone, or that there was any chance of opposition, otherwise assuredly I would first have consulted you. From all I have seen of Mr Innes' conduct towards the poor & sick, I think he would make an excellent Guardian.—

I may mention that last year Mr Innes asked me whether I would stand as Guardian, & when I refused, he proposed to me to nominate him, which I did,—he having heard from Mr W. Fox Junr, that Mr Smith wished to resign. This proved to be a misapprehension on Mr Fox's part; & as soon as Mr Innes heard this, he withdrew my nomination, & in place sent in a fresh nomination for Mr Smith.— Under these circumstances Mr Innes is not now willing to withdraw.— I have now told you everything about the transaction, as far as I know or am concerned with it.—

Perhaps you will attend the Vestry, where I hope to be tomorrow, & will communicate with me on the subject.

Pray believe me dear Sir John, | Your's faithfully | Charles Darwin
Sir John W. Lubbock Bart | &c &c

You will, I suppose, have heard that Mr Smith of Down Court has likewise been nominated as Guardian by Mr Ainslie.—

    Footnotes Add

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    f1 1563.f1
    One of a board elected to administer the Poor Laws in a parish.
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    f2 1563.f2
    John Innes, perpetual curate of Down.
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    f3 1563.f3
    Possibly William Fox, curate of West Malling, Maidstone (Post Office directory of the six home counties 1855).
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    f4 1563.f4
    Either John or Josiah Smith of Court Farm, opposite Down House (Post Office directory of the six home counties 1855).
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    f5 1563.f5
    ‘An assembly or meeting of the parishioners or a certain number of these, held usually in the vestry of the parish church, for the purpose of deliberating upon the affairs of the parish or upon certain temporal matters concerned with the church’ (OED).
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    f6 1563.f6
    Possibly Robert Ainslie of Tromer Lodge, Down (Post Office directory of the six home counties 1855).
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