My dear Hooker

I have just received your note, which has astonished me, & has most truly grieved me.— I never for one minute doubted of your success, for I most erroneously imagined, that merit was sure to gain the day.—¹ I feel most sure, that the day will come soon, when those who have voted against you if they have any shame or conscience in them, will be ashamed at having allowed politics to blind their eyes to your qualifications & those qualifications vouched for by Humboldt & Brown! Well those testimonials must be a consolation to you.² Proh pudor, I am vexed & indignant by turns.— I cannot even take comfort in thinking that I shall see more of you & extract more knowledge from your well-arranged stock.— I am pleased to think, that after having read a few of your letters, I never once doubted the position you will ultimately hold amongst Europæan Botanists— I can think about nothing else, otherwise I sh^d like discuss Cosmos with you.— I trust you will pay me & my wife a visit this autumn at Down.— I shall be at Down on the 24^th. & till then moving about.

My dear Hooker, allow me to call myself | Your very true friend | C. Darwin