My dear Hooker

I must just write to thank you sincerely for your letter, & to say how rejoiced I am that it seems clear from your account that poor dear Henslow’s sufferings are nearly over, whether or no his struggle is much prolonged.—¹ I would not have missed coming for anything if he had wished to see me, but in fact I am not equal to such an exertion. It is strange how immediately any mental excitement upsets & utterly prostrate; seeing George chloroformed for his teeth brought on my eternal sickness for 24 hours.—² Etty certainly improves & we have faith in your Oil:³ next Monday will be 14 weeks since last regular attack. She gains a little in flesh, but sadly little in strength.— We have almost made up our minds to go by three stages to Torquay on 1^st of June.—⁴

What a strange account you give of the chaos of articles in Henslow’s House.— Give our kindest remembrances to M^rs. Hooker.— I am glad you work a little;— that alone drives cares away for a time. I shall be most anxious to read your Arctic Paper.—⁵

Farewell | C. Darwin