ROYAL GARDENS KEW Kew
Ja[nuar]y 19/[18]67 Dear Archie*1 We have been quite expecting the sorrowful news you send me, & which is not the less felt on that account. I shall never see another senior[?] to whom I shall look up with the respect & affection that I regarded your father with -- he is the last of those who filled a large space in my boyish memories &

remained the same kind warm friend to the last. G Hawthorn[?] heard from Miss Wilson[?] this morning -- & very the good news it was, as far as her prospects are concerned.
My wife was making a rapid recovery, till seized with a violent face--ache.
She joins with Grace & myself in affectionate sympathy with you all --
Ev[e]r aff[ectionatel]y y[our]s | Jos D Hooker [signature]