[[1]]
H.M.S. "Erebus" Berkeley Sound
Falkland Isl[an]ds.
Nov[embe]r 30, 1842
My dear father,
If this note ever meets your eye, it will be put into your hand by Rich[ar] d Baxter one
the seaman of H.M.S "Erebus" whom we have had to invalid. He was a particular
favourite of mine & as such, should he require assistance I have wished him to apply
to me, through you, for it.
We feel quite sorry to part with him & I in particular, from many little acts of kindness;
when wet or cold he would willingly part with his to dry me & has done so on
occasions when it was no small boon. Unfortunately his service in the navy is so
short that he has no claims on her & probably
[[2]] knows few likely to give him any assistance -- a more quiet & good man we have
not on board. His disease is I fear organic. He never was known to be drunk. My
letters were closed so hurriedly this morning that I forgot to mention his name.
Believe me your most affectionate son,
Jos. D. Hooker [signature]
Sir W[illia]m. J. Hooker
The man is very thin, spare built, with a particularly mild countenance, -- Can show
you a serious wound on the finger of right hand. Hair light. Eyes grey.
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