ALS [Letter by Francis Darwin, announcing the death of his mother]

[England], 1832. Letter written in brown ink on a folded sheet, the back leaf containing an address in manuscript with a black wax seal (a dragon with a D). The stamp has been cut from the letter without affecting the text. Letter by Francis Darwin, announcing the death of his mother. The letter has been addressed to Samuel Tertius Galton in Birmingham, the stamp has been cut from the letter without affecting the text. There is a black wax seal (a dragon with a D) on the verso.

The text of the letter reads: My dear Galton, /It has pleased God to remove our dearest mother from this world of sin & sorrow. She appeared to be much as usual until 2 o'clock & whilst sitting in her chair by the fire complained of general uneasiness. Sophie & I assisted her to the bed & she expired at 1/4 before 3 oclock, in the presence of Dr. Bent & ourselves. She had thought herself so much better lately that Mrs. Hadley & Millicent were both sent home yesterday & the day before. /I hope Violetta will not suffer from this severe shock to us all. You shall hear again in a day or two. /Believe me affectionately yours / Frans S. Darwin.

Violetta Darwin was the eldest daughter of Erasmus Darwin from his second marriage to Elizabeth Chandos Pole, which took place in 1781. Violetta was married to Samuel Tertius Galton and the mother of Francis Galton. It is therefore likely that the Francis of this letter was one of her four brothers. (Inventory #: 4893)