From S. B. J. Skertchly 20 September 1881
Hunstanton | King’s Lynn
Sept 20. 81.
Dear Mr. Darwin—
Will you kindly allow me to use the testimonial enclosed, or grant me another, under the following circumstances?1
A year ago I met with a sad accident while at work, in which my son was killed and I so injured that I am compelled to resign my appointment, and shall certainly be unable to do any work for some years to come, even if I ever quite recover.2
The Treasury will grant me a pension, but it is so small that even if commuted would not cover the expenses I have already incurred. But if my application is backed up by testimony from independent sources they will—so Sir. H. Cole3 assures me—grant me an adequate sum. The matter is of vital importance to me as I am now quite cut off from all sources of income.
I am grieved to ask you to take this trouble, but if you will kindly accede to my request I shall be more than grateful. You need only send a post card with the word ‘yes’ or ‘no’, respecting the testimonial enclosed, unless you care to dictate another. I would indeed spare you even this trouble were the matter less pressing.
Ever Yours obediently | Sydney B. J. Skertchly
C. Darwin Esqr F.R.S.
Footnotes
Bibliography
Vincent, Stephen J. 2017. Sydney Barber Josiah Skertchly (1850–1926): scientist, educator and advocate for Queensland optometry. Clinical and Experimental Optometry 100: 402–6.
Summary
Asks for a testimonial from CD to enable him to get an adequate Treasury pension. An accident at work has killed his son and injured him to such an extent that he must resign his appointment.
Letter details
- Letter no.
- DCP-LETT-13344
- From
- Sydney Barber Josiah Skertchly
- To
- Charles Robert Darwin
- Sent from
- Hunstanton
- Source of text
- DAR 177: 179
- Physical description
- ALS 3pp
Please cite as
Darwin Correspondence Project, “Letter no. 13344,” accessed on 17 April 2024, https://www.darwinproject.ac.uk/letter/?docId=letters/DCP-LETT-13344.xml