JDH informs Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer that they are both summoned to a meeting with Algernon Freeman Mitford at the Office of Works, along with Daniel Oliver & [Alexander?] Moore. The latter of whom has written a long letter of falsehoods.
Transcript
ROYAL GARDENS KEW
Nov[ember]. 14/[18]]79
Dear Dyer*1
It is too bad to have to harass you as soon as you[']re back is turned, but Mr Mittford*2 wants you & Oliver*3 with myself & Moore*4 at the office at 2.30 pm on Monday.
Moore has sent in a wild rigmarole, full of utterly false statements.
I hope Harriet bore the journey well, with love to her
Ever affly yrs [Ever affectionately yours] | J D Hooker [signature]
ROYAL GARDENS KEW
Nov[ember]. 14/[18]]79
Dear Dyer*1
It is too bad to have to harass you as soon as you[']re back is turned, but Mr Mittford*2 wants you & Oliver*3 with myself & Moore*4 at the office at 2.30 pm on Monday.
Moore has sent in a wild rigmarole, full of utterly false statements.
I hope Harriet bore the journey well, with love to her
Ever affly yrs [Ever affectionately yours] | J D Hooker [signature]
1. Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer (1843--1928). British botanist and third Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (1885--1905). He succeeded Joseph Hooker in the role after serving as his Assistant Director for ten years. He previously held professorships at the Royal Agricultural College Cirencester, Royal College of Science for Ireland and Royal Horticultural Society. He married Hooker's eldest daughter Harriet in 1877.
2. Algernon Freeman-Mitford, 1st Baron Redesdale (1837--1916). British diplomat and writer. Secretary of the Office of Works from 1874--1886. The Office of Works was the Government body that oversaw the running of RBG Kew & during his tenure as Secretary Mitford supported Joseph Hooker's improvement plans.
3. Daniel Oliver (1830--1916). Botanist. In 1858 he was invited to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to classify and elaborate the herbarium and library, working for a pittance he supplemented his income by becoming Professor of Botany at University College, London, (1861--1888). Official Librarian of the herbarium at Kew from 1860--1890 and keeper of the herbarium from 1864--1890.
4. Probably Alexander Moore (c.1855--1884). Gardener at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
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