My dear M^r. Darwin

I write for Joseph, as I am sorry to tell you he is quite unable to do so himself— he imprudently slept on the floor beneath an open window one evening, & brought on a sharp attack of rheumatic fever— he has now been confined to his bed for a week, & we hope the worst is past— he has suffered terribly, but is easier now, though even yet scarcely able to turn in bed without assistance

Sir W^m. was taken ill early on the Wed^y. morning, in the throat, a disease which is epidemic in Kew—² (Lady H.³ Joe & I have all had it)   he became rapidly worse— Lady H. was at Yarmouth,⁴ but joined him on Thursday, & the accounts seemed better until Sat^y. afternoon, when he rapidly sank— Poor Joseph was so prostrated by rheumatism as to be utterly unable to be with him the last day, & of course could not attend the funeral yesterday—⁵ He desires his love to Etty, & thanks for her letter, which he received the first day of his illness—⁶

Believe me | Yours affect^ly. | F H Hooker