To G. R. Gray 12 July 1869
Caerdeon | Barmouth.
July 12. 1869.
Dear Mr. Gray
As you have always given me information & aided me in every way in the kindest manner at the British Museum, it would give me much pleasure to send you a Testimonial of your abilities as a Naturalist.1 But you are aware that I am not an ornithologist or an Entomologist; & it is impossible for me to express any opinion regarding the merits of your works on these subjects; but I may add that I have heard those who are capable of judging speak in high terms of your knowledge of the species of Birds, & especially of your knowledge of the literature of ornithology.—2
Pray believe me | Dear Mr Gray | Yours very faithfully | Ch. Darwin
To G. R. Gray Esq
Footnotes
Bibliography
Birds: Pt 3 of The zoology of the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle. By John Gould. Edited and superintended by Charles Darwin. London: Smith, Elder and Co. 1839–41.
Zoology: The zoology of the voyage of HMS Beagle, under the command of Captain FitzRoy RN, during the years 1832 to 1836. Edited and superintended by Charles Darwin. 5 pts. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1838–43.
Summary
Would be glad to send GRG a testimonial of his abilities as a naturalist, but is not qualified to express opinion on his works in ornithology or entomology.
Letter details
- Letter no.
- DCP-LETT-6827
- From
- Charles Robert Darwin
- To
- George Robert Gray
- Sent from
- Caerdeon
- Source of text
- The British Library (Egerton MS 2348: 232–3)
- Physical description
- ALS 3pp & ADraftS 1p
Please cite as
Darwin Correspondence Project, “Letter no. 6827,” accessed on 31 March 2023, https://www.darwinproject.ac.uk/letter/?docId=letters/DCP-LETT-6827.xml
Also published in The Correspondence of Charles Darwin, vol. 17
