Item 6 - Letter from Joseph Dalton Hooker to Brian Houghton Hodgson

1 letter

Mullers Jany 22 1849

My dear H
Your long and most kind and [affect?] letter has now come in and I can only repeat my thanks and protestations against your forming far too flattering an opinion of me and far too tame a one of your self in comparison I assure you, you never bored me I am too rude and thoughtless and you too quick not to have seen that I felt bored had I been so, I am often quiet and do not answer when still an attentive listener: however we will discuss these topics anon, in the mean time believe (as you do) that I joyfully, heartily and gratefully accept, on all accounts, your invitation and am writing to that effect. Two days after I arrived, 46 letters came from [the?] Post for me, but not an word from Falconer such heaps and heaps of matter for us to discuss public, private and indifferent. First let me tell you that I guesse4d why you did not send me the last Athenaeum! It was most kind of you to retain it, though from hearing that the "Letters" had been [noticed?] in the Lit. Gazette and favourably, I felt sure their time was come for the Ath. and that that caused you to retain it. Frances Henslow writes me about it roasts me mercilessly and says that the Review cuts me up ruthlessly, she does not give [particulars] and shrewdly conclude4s that I do not care [2d?] about the matter. Indeed my dear H with the confidence and friendship of so many friends here even in India what should I care for the publication of this instance of my coming short of the mark; when it cannot (as I conceive for I have no particulars) reflect a [?] [?] or ought but my incapacity to do what I never intended to do, - write a book on [Egypt?] this for a [?] between [?]. Indeed Tayler appears "ye complete Gentleman" but how shall I explain my being obliged to meet him at [Bowlings?] and at dinner. The invite came to told Mullers, and for him and the party made up before my arrival. I made a [ghastly?] attempt to excuse myself but before, Bowling himself, Tayler and Muller who had accepted it, was shadowy ineffective, and in short [go to] I had and did so, feeling very much ashamed of myself for breaking through my promise never to dine out and above all with that gentleman Mrs. Turner's visit has caused great talk in D. they cannot get a word of particulars about it from me, not would if they tried 100 yrs it was strange! Washing feet! and I cannot tell you what else - however I never heard of the Lady's [gallantree] til afterwards and I hope I was polite enough to avoid being thought gauche [Mr. D.S.] knew of it before the lady left it [fillapahar!?]. I am working as hard as I can at my plants I do hope to get over in a week and down to you, most anxious I am to answer the 47 letters! I send Humboldt's I have no time to read it and doubt my complete ability. So Falconer is off to [Moulman?] and a Mr McRea put in his place. God knows who and what to do with my plants I know not, home they must go. My poor young sister has been and is very ill, with inflammation in the lungs or some other chest complaint, all are much alarmed and the Doctors as usual, all [out?] and at loggerheads - other news is good and my father pleased with my Report of my own Progress, what will he not be with yours? Falconer too has been writing to him I believe the only letter F has written to any one in London what are we to say to Humboldt? Thank heaven we have time to think - I will bring Asie Centrali down with me. I* have written to Thacker for Lyells Principles to be sent up straight. Had Falc. send the books as I asked 6 months ago I could have sent my copy of Asie Centrali to Thurman who grievously laments not having it. I thought I had sent it him from England long ago. We cannot spare ours and even Falc. in Calcutta. I would ask him to send mine on to Thurman - but I know nought of this Mr McRea. My [uncle] Turner's note will acquaint you with his terms for private pupils. I am much smothered in business so excuse my not going on at present.
Ever your affectionate

Jos. D. Hooker