Transcript
July 1 1907
THE CAMP,
SUNNINGDALE.
My dear Dyer*1
On Sunday afternoon Col. Douglas Dawson, comptroller[?] of the Lord Chamberlain's Dept. arrived by Motor Car bringing the insignia of the O[rder] of M[erit] & a letter from Lord Knollys*2. The latter informed me that "the King had commanded him to tell me that his Majesty had much satisfaction in conferring the Order upon me in recognition of the Eminent services that I had rendered in the cause of Science, & hopes that notwithstanding my advanced age I will (!) long live to enjoy the Honor.
"Also that he has directed Col. D.D to place the insignia of the O[rder] in my
July 1 1907
THE CAMP,
SUNNINGDALE.
My dear Dyer*1
On Sunday afternoon Col. Douglas Dawson, comptroller[?] of the Lord Chamberlain's Dept. arrived by Motor Car bringing the insignia of the O[rder] of M[erit] & a letter from Lord Knollys*2. The latter informed me that "the King had commanded him to tell me that his Majesty had much satisfaction in conferring the Order upon me in recognition of the Eminent services that I had rendered in the cause of Science, & hopes that notwithstanding my advanced age I will (!) long live to enjoy the Honor.
"Also that he has directed Col. D.D to place the insignia of the O[rder] in my
& the letter, in my hands tomorrow the anniversary of my ninetieth birthday."
I am far more touched by the tact & grace of the act of conference, than by the receipt of the great honor.
I am literally overwhelmed with letters of congratulation on my age from private individuals & from Academys[sic] & from Society's[sic] English & Foreign; the latter long & bearing long lists of well wishers. One from the U[niversity] of Glasgow is especially gratifying -- all the more because I hardly distinquis[hed] myself as a student. It will puzzle me to answer them.
Miss Yule has sent me a charming sketch of her father's life; privately printed I am sorry to say. Shall I send it to you? If you have not received it.
Excuse more[?] I am dizzy with writing & my hand vibrates. With best love to Harriet*3 who has sent me such delightful congratulations.
Ev[er] aff[ectionatel]y | Jos 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 the Royal Horticultural Society. He married Hooker's eldest daughter Harriet in 1877.
2. Francis Knollys, first Viscount Knollys (1837–1924). Courtier and Private Secretary to the Sovereign, King Edward from 1901--1913.
3. Harriet Sir William 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 also married Hooker's eldest daughter Harriet in 1877.
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