My dear Sir,

I am sorry, exceedingly sorry, that your health is not re-established— I had hoped that it was.

Perhaps I am an enthusiast to fanaticism, on a given subject, perhaps I only look at facts with a fearless eye.¹

I believe nothing excepting only that there is something. But I suspect that you have made a distinct step in advance, as regards mans knowledge of that which is.

As regards the advertisement, my mind misgave me, and I telegraphed Robertson tho not to order it, even if you sent it, lest you might not wish for it.²

One of the last things I would wish to do would be anything disagreeable to you, but unfortunately I sent the paper and your letter of 4^th. April not only to the members of the Legislature but to the Editors of the papers and to the Landlords of Ulster.³ But I really think and anxiously hope you will not regret it. It has done good. (without it what impression could I have expected to make?)   I am being thanked on all hands for what I have done, as see for instance, the enclosed note from the Duke of Bedford.⁴

I thought I had liberty to publish, and did not discriminate, and your name shall never again be used by me except “privately to persuade persons to raise seedlings”.⁵

—For your instructions as to crossing, my best thanks are a very poor return indeed.⁶

I am perfectly well aware that your writing to me at all is an honor, and that your writing to me frankly is a high honor.

As to the world I am not very solicitous as to what their opinion of me may be, neither shall I lose a nights sleep over this matter whether I succeed or not. It is only “putting in the time” till the end comes.

Please do not return the specimens.⁷ Please do not take the trouble to reply. If hereafter I have anything to say worth saying I shall send it first to you.

With very best wishes for your speedy convalescence and with profound respect | I am My dear Sir | faithfully yours | James Torbitt