[[1]]
April 7/[18]89
The Camp,
Sunningdale.
Dearest H[yacinth].*1
I wrote yesterday from the Herb[ariu]m.
I enclose cheque, but Grandmama[?] had already settled with the Gardner
&Coachmen -- (the old man was went dismissed as last Saturday week. However I
send the whole cheque you ask & you must settle with Grandmama[?].
I hear that Herkomer's[?] *2 show days were last Friday till to day -- but he has
forgotten to send us cards. Several people have told me
[[2]] how good the portrait is.
You must be very careful about Gracie's [Grace Ellen Hooker] rowing. A day or
two's rowing will do nothing to keep down her stoutness[?], & if her heart will not
allow of her dancing -- the rowing, except in the gentlest manner, will be a very
risquey[sic] thing -- Be sure you ask her if it brings on any stitch in the side, or undue
palpitation.
There is the most lovely little plant in flower here now, Mr [Henry John] Elwes gave it
me -- I send a flower -- it is one of the rarest plants in the world;
[[3]] only found in one spot in the Alleghanies [Alleghenies]. & there it is extremely
rare. Shortia galacifolia.
The weather is raw & cold.
Grandmama[?] saw Mrs Rothey yesterday who has had another offer to hire or sell
Ribsden but not a good one she thinks. She is still bent on letting -- I shall go over this
afternoon & see her. -- Old Mr Garden is quite counting on going to London!
The Duchess of Cambridge is dead -Tell Joey [Joseph Symonds Hooker] that Bean would not take the very smallest
notice of his letter I am sorry to say -- though I tried hard to impress him with it. Love
to him & Hugh.
Ev[er] y[our] aff[ectiona]te | J.D. Hooker [signature]
ENDNOTES
1. Lady Hyacinth Hooker née Symonds later Jardine (1843--1921). Joseph Hooker's
second wife, they married in 1876.
2. Sir Hubert von Herkomer (1849--1914). Artist who painted Joseph Hooker's
portrait in 1889.
Please note that work on this transcript is ongoing. Users are advised to study
electronic image(s) of this document where possible.