My dear Galton,

D^r Krause has published in Germany a little life of D^r Eras Darwin, chiefly in relation to his scientific views; & to do our grandfather’s honour, my brother Eras & myself intend to have it published in English.¹ I intend to write a short preface to it, chiefly for the sake of contradicting the chief of Miss Seward’s calumnies; & this I can do from having a letter from your aunts written at the time, & from my father’s correspondence with Miss Seward. But I further intend to add a few facts & add a few remarks about our grandfather.² Can you aid me with any information or documents?

I have one nice & curious letter to Miss Howard which I will publish.³ Also many letters to Josiah Wedgwood and to the famous Reimarus, but I doubt whether any of these will be worth publishing.⁴ Do you know whether there are any letters in the possession of any members of the family which might be worth publishing; & would you take the trouble to assist me by getting the loan or copies of them?

Several years ago I read the memoirs of your aunt M^rs Schimmel-Penninck and as far as I can remember many of the stories about D^r Darwin seemed very improbable.⁵ Did you ever hear your mother speak of this book, and can you authorise me to contradict any which are injurious to his good name. I am sure you will forgive me for troubling you on this head as we have a common interest in our grandfather’s fame.

Yours very sincerely | Charles Darwin