[[1]] [1885] *1 Royal Gardens, Kew. Wednesday Dearest H[yacinth] *2 Poor Dr. Carpenter's *3 end was a sad one -- he was, as I am told, taking a sort of vapor[sic] bath, when the covering took fire & he was so severely burnt that he died shortly afterwards. I have written to Mrs Carpenter, & you no doubt will too. Of course I shall go to the funeral, leaving this for Gospel Oak station at 10.25 on Friday. This [[2]] will prevent my getting away by the 1.9. -- I had better take the 3.25 from Richmond I think & shall if I do not write to the contrary. Ever your loving | J D Hooker [signature] ENDNOTES 1. There is no year on this letter, but Dr. Carpenter, whose death is referenced in the letter, died in 1885. 2. Lady Hyacinth Hooker, neé Symonds then Jardine (1843 -- 1921). Joseph Hooker's second wife, they married in 1876. 3. Dr. William Benjamin Carpenter MD CB FRS (1813 -- 1885), was an English physician, invertebrate zoologist & physiologist. He was instrumental in the early stages of the unified University of London. Please note that work on this transcript is ongoing. Users are advised to study electronic image(s) of this document where possible.