Darwin Correspondence Project

Jany. 18th 1864

Dear Mr. Darwin

I had not intended so long a time should have elapsed since sorrow came upon me, without sending you the message my revered husband did, not more than two days before he died & when he called me to his bed side & said, ``Mary, I wish if you have the opportunity you will let Mr Darwin know that I die as I have lived, with the profoundest admiration of his genius, & with the deepest respect for him as the man: he & Dr. Joseph Hooker are the only two individuals I ever class together for their rare qualities, & for a modesty & unaffected simplicity in unison with their high caracteristics''.. These words, my dear sir were uttered by one who knew not how to flatter, & who you will forgive his poor wife for saying was worthy the deep love & respect of those his few dying words thus eulogised

Will you present me very gratefully to Mrs. Darwin for her kind note, & say that this would have been to her rather than yourself, had I not felt I had a sacred trust to perform in sending directly to yourself the few words I have done—

I am | dear Sir | Yours with much respect | Mary Boott