Darwin Correspondence Project

Down near Bromley Kent

March 17th

Sir

Having heard from Mr Lyell that you feel inclined to publish a second edition of my Journal, I take the liberty of addressing you on the subject. Mr Lyell has shown you a copy of the agreement by which I am legally free to publish with anyone, and I am bound to Mr Colburn by no other claim: I could explain by word of mouth a transaction of such a nature on his part, that nothing should induce me to have any further business-transaction with him. It was entirely through Capt. FitzRoy, that our work was published by Mr Colburn.— I should propose to shorten a little, in a second edition, the geology & natural History & add something to my notices on the Fuegian savages &c &c; though I cannot add much, as I did not take many notes, leaving the subject to Capt. FitzRoy: I apprehend the corrected volume would be nearly its present size without the appendix perhaps a little smaller: I hope to derive advantage from the notes to a late German Edition. Some few woodcuts might be added if you thought it adviseable.

The only difficulty which I see in the way of a second edition, is my ignorance how many copies remain unsold, & how to ascertain this or how their purchase, if as I believe, they are few, could be negotiated: I should be most unwilling to enter into any communication with Mr Colburn, & I am sure, from past experience, I shd not manage it successfully.

Mr Colburn has not for a long time noticed my volume in his advertising lists; & even if <he> had done so, the channel is an indifferent one: many people, to this day, believe that my work is united to Captain King's & FitzRoy's

If I may at all judge from the opinion of scientific acquaintances, I should hope for a considerable sale: I may mention, that Capt. Basil Hall, long ago, urged me to publish a cheaper edition.— I shd be perfectly satisfied to see my Journal in your excellent Colonial Library, or published in any other manner by you, which you might think preferable. I beg to apologise for the length of th<is> < > & I hope, whenever convenient to yourse<lf> that I may hear your views on this subject.

I beg to remain | Sir | Yours faithfully | C. Darwin