My dear Hooker

I must not let a post pass by, without sending you my sincere & cordial congratulations.²

Long may you live, & much happiness may you enjoy with your charming & excellent choice. Though I did not say so, I felt much pleased at your thinking me worthy of your confidence on such a subject: I have told no one (nor will I) except my wife, to whom I tell everything, as you will hereafter to your’s.— The Wedgwoods, however, perceived a flirtation:³ —as you are not married, I may venture to say how much they admired her beauty & manners. I do not know whether to be glad or sorry,—for your sake on the one hand, & for mine on the other, that you are so determined on an expedition:⁴ anyhow it will not be a very long one. You must pay us a visit here before you go: by the way I have forgotten to give my wife’s hearty congratulations. I will propose myself for a couple of days, as soon as I can, but a heap of relations are coming next week & early in August Prof. Studer of Berne. In Sept. I go to see my Father; but I will come to Kew.— As it turned out, I c^d. not have come to you on Saturday, for on Friday one of my boils fiercely reinflamed & all Saturday I was lying on my face on the sofa,—a laughable spectacle to anyone, who by experience did not know what pain I was in.— Nevertheless such a quartet, as you four made, caused me much envy: I displayed a very benevolent heart in not rejoicing over the rain on Saturday.—

On Thursday, I will send per Hiscock Boat,⁵ all your Books back again (which I had intended bringing with me) & extremely much obliged I am for them: what a production the Phytologist is!

I hope some time to meet with you, Watson. Once again let me congratulate you; I believe you will be able to live very comfortably on your expected income, till lots of Babies drop in, & then no doubt providence will take care of them.

Farewell my dear Hooker | Ever yours | C. Darwin