My wife has just finished reading aloud your 'Life with a Black Regiment,' and you must allow me to thank you heartily for the very great pleasure which it has in many ways given us. I always thought well of the negroes, from the little which I have seen of them; and I have been delighted to have my vague impressions confirmed, and their character and mental powers so ably discussed. When you were here I did not know of the noble position which you had filled. I had formerly read about the black regiments, but failed to connect your name with your admirable undertaking. Although we enjoyed greatly your visit to Down, my wife and myself have over and over again regretted that we did not know about the black regiment, as we should have greatly liked to have heard a little about the South from your own lips.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Darwin thanks a writer for a book about Black regiments, confirming his positive views on Black people.
- In plain terms
- He thanks the author for validating his favorable impressions.
- What can you take from it?
- He regrets not knowing about the writer’s role earlier.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What books changed your views on a group?
- How do you express appreciation?
Another view
Gratitude does not address systemic issues.
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