JDH writes that he is sending this note to his father, William Jackson Hooker, with 'Erebus' Seaman Richard Baxter, who has been invalided home. He asks WJH to assist Baxter if he asks. Baxter has been particularly kind to JDH, helping him when he was wet or cold. Baxter has not been in the Navy long enough to claim any benefits. He is not a drunk, his disease is 'organic'. JDH describes Baxter's physical appearance to WJH in a postscript.
Transcript
knows few likely to give him any assistance -- a more quiet & good man we have not on board. His disease is I fear organic. He never was known to be drunk. My letters were closed so hurriedly this morning that I forgot to mention his name.
Believe me your most affectionate son,
Jos. D. Hooker [signature]
Sir W[illia]m. J. Hooker
The man is very thin, spare built, with a particularly mild countenance, -- Can show you a serious wound on the finger of right hand. Hair light. Eyes grey.
Please note that work on this transcript is ongoing. Users are advised to study electronic image(s) of this document where possible.
H.M.S. "Erebus" Berkeley Sound
Falkland Isl[an]ds.
Nov[embe]r 30, 1842
My dear father,
If this note ever meets your eye, it will be put into your hand by Rich[ar]d Baxter one the seaman of H.M.S "Erebus" whom we have had to invalid. He was a particular favourite of mine & as such, should he require assistance I have wished him to apply to me, through you, for it.
We feel quite sorry to part with him & I in particular, from many little acts of kindness; when wet or cold he would willingly part with his to dry me & has done so on occasions when it was no small boon. Unfortunately his service in the navy is so short that he has no claims on her & probably
knows few likely to give him any assistance -- a more quiet & good man we have not on board. His disease is I fear organic. He never was known to be drunk. My letters were closed so hurriedly this morning that I forgot to mention his name.
Believe me your most affectionate son,
Jos. D. Hooker [signature]
Sir W[illia]m. J. Hooker
The man is very thin, spare built, with a particularly mild countenance, -- Can show you a serious wound on the finger of right hand. Hair light. Eyes grey.
Please note that work on this transcript is ongoing. Users are advised to study electronic image(s) of this document where possible.
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