The danger appears to me and all the Wedgwoods not great. The expense can not be serious, and the time I do not think, anyhow, would be more thrown away than if I stayed at home. But pray do not consider that I am so bent on going that I would for one single moment hesitate, if you thought that after a short period you should continue uncomfortable.
I must again state I cannot think it would unfit me hereafter for a steady life. I do hope this letter will not give you much uneasiness. I send it by the car to-morrow morning; if you make up your mind directly will you send me an answer on the following day by the same means? If this letter should not find you at home, I hope you will answer as soon as you conveniently can.
I do not know what to say about Uncle Jos' kindness; I never can forget how he interests himself about me.
Believe me, my dear father, your affectionate son,
Charles Darwin.
Here follow the objections above referred to:—
"(1.) Disreputable to my character as a Clergyman hereafter.
"(2.) A wild scheme.
"(3.) That they must have offered to many others before me the place of Naturalist.
"(4.) And from its not being accepted there must be some serious objection to the vessel or expedition.