Madam

I thank you sincerely for your most kind note & for your presents,² which I shall value much & shall no doubt receive in due time. I have long venerated your Father & estimated his two great works most highly.³ I can perfectly well believe that the “search after truth was the leading principle of his life & labours”; I was thoroughily impressed with this, after reading them; & strict conscientiousness seemed to me their noble & prevailing character.—   I shall be very glad to read something of his life; for I remember some few years ago enquiring on the subject, as I had got to feel so much interest in his great labours; but did not then hear of his life.—

Your Father’s name is pretty well known in this country, but not so universally as it ought to be, & not nearly well enough known in France, judging from such French Books as I read. If I can in ever so little degree make it more generally known I shall be pleased; & in my larger work I shall have to quote him far oftener. But your Father’s works have enduring merit, & will certainly be of high service to science many years after I am dead & gone.—

With sincere thanks for your letter, which has given me much satisfaction, & with my gratitude for your most kind presents, believe me Madam, with much respect, | Yours sincerely & obliged | Charles Darwin