King, P. G. to Darwin, C. R.
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CD's queries on expression of aborigines were difficult to answer because he encounters mainly those touched by civilisation. Hopes CD did get answers.
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Transcription
Sydney
Feb. 25/69.
My dear M
On reading the enclosed I could not help thinking of you. I suppose the variety is a sport—but who can say what might not be made of it by crossing & judicious selection—.
Did you ever get any answers to your queries about the habits and manners of our black fellows. I tried to make some answers but I found myself unable to distinguish the aboriginal manner from the acquired habit. All blacks I have associated with have been more or less civilized.—
I often think of you & read y
I hope you enj<oy> better health than f<or>merly— you & I will soon <be the> last relics of the <old> Beagle. Don't trouble to reply to this—tho I am always pleased to get a line from you. I may take a trip home one of these days & will hunt you up.
Ever y
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- f1 6635.f1
The enclosure has not been found. - +
- f2 6635.f2
King refers to CD's queries on expression (see Correspondence vol. 15, Appendix IV). For the replies CD received on Australian Aboriginal peoples, see Correspondence vols. 15 and 16. No other correspondence between CD and King on this subject has been found. - +
- f3 6635.f3
In Variation 1: 21, 28, CD referred to information received from King on dingoes. - +
- f4 6635.f4
King was a midshipman on HMS Beagle between 1831 and 1836 (Aust. dict. biog.).