Dear Darwin

I returned this morning for a few days to Kew to meet my Uncle Gunn,¹ leaving Frances² at the 7 Churches Wicklow hills, with D^r & Mrs Harvey,³ where the mt. air is already doing her a deal of good. I return on Friday

I have enquired about the person who wanted a superintendent for a Coffee Plantation in Nilgheries & finding that he is a good man & true, I have therefore written to him & told him of Scott,⁴ telling him that any enquiry he may wish to make of Scott himself may be sent through you, as I do not know Scott’s address.⁵ If nothing comes of this I will enquire about a Calcutta ship, for which July & August is a very good time.—landing him at the beginning of the cold season.

I shall be away till the 21^st. when I must be back & shall run down to you the first possible Sunday.⁶

I am very tired, having come straight on from Wicklow last night by car, steamer & express 2^d. Class, (which is enough to resuscitate the dead) & have been twice through the Gardens today & written 14 letters—so no more at present.

You will be glad to hear that I am giving up 2 Examinerships, Army & L. University⁷—not without a pang—as £175 pr annum is no joke to lose for a man who will do Wedgwood,⁸ & likes travelling   however it is a great incubus off.

I will bring your venerable G^dfather when I come.⁹

I am delighted that the pendulum of your health has at last swung back.¹⁰

Ever yr affec | J D Hooker

Address Jordan’s Hotel

Seven Churches

N Rathdrum

Wicklow

till Saturday week