My dear Darwin

I have just seen the announcement of your brother’s death & must send you a few words of heartfelt sympathy.¹ I have somehow come to think those the happiest, who, like myself, lost an only brother when very young—² it seems now as if they could then be best spared,—a blunder no doubt—but we know better what we lose after we having lived so long together, as you & your brother have.

It was in your brother’s house, near Park Lane, that I first became acquainted with you—& shall never forget his kind face & kinder welcome. That was nearly 40 years ago!— I well remember thinking him then quite an elderly man, & yet I see he was then under 40.³

Ever my dear Darwin | Affly yrs | Jos D Hooker