Sunday, March 12th. My dearest Mother, Hamilton*2 and I are just returned from Church, where we partook of the Lord's Supper together. I need not say, how very very much I thought of you all. I like him exceedingly; he is so quiet and respectable. Every morning we ride from 5 to 7: for Mr. Mooney always lends me a horse: sometimes, on our return we stop at Mr. Mooney's house, to eat strawberries: there are plenty here; and with cream they

taste almost as good as in England; and they look even finer. Then we dress, and I sit down to write, till 10 or 11, the breakfast-hour, after which I work at my plants and make preparations for my boat till 4, when we take a quick walk of 4 or 5 miles, and get back to dinner at 7. A Regiment of Native Infantry is here: and the Band plays twice a week, evening and morning. I sometimes recognize the tunes l used to like at home; and though the performance is indifferent and the selection very poor, still it is music. and that is always agreeable to me. And now, to answer your letters seriatim, of which I have received no less than 4 since leaving Calcutta[Kolkata}. In the first place, I cannot thank you too warmly for all your kindness to Frances3: it makes her very happy and me no less, to find that you so assuredly like her, for her own sake, as well as mine. Next, I am much obliged to you for the trouble you have taken with my Essay on Coal: I am anxious to see and to hear about it: but probably I shall not do so for a year or more. My Cousin Frank's*4 success gives me great pleasure: and I hope soon to write to my Aunt about it. Soon after reaching Calcutta[Kolkata], I heard of Gifford's*5 illness, and subsequent amendment, and much did I think of the distress that Aunt must have felt. I wrote to him on my arrival, but cannot expect an answer yet. I can read all your letters perfectly well, and am indifferent about the paper you use: so never mind that. Gideon

Thomson's*6 death has grieved me much, for his poor brother's sake, as well as my own; for they were exceedingly attached to each other. Of all my companions at school and at College. I can scarcely now count 5. The poor fellow was obviously sinking when I saw him at Glasgow last Octb.[October]: still, his complaint was one of such uncertain progress, that I should hardly have predicted such a speedy close. I am truly glad Maria*7 continues well, and sincerely do I rejoice in Uncle Jacobson's well-merited preferment: I wish him all happiness in his new office and a blessing on his labours. It has given me great concern to learn of Miss Cracroft's father's death:- poor thing, she has lost almost every near relation:- year by year. one has dropped off. You speak of papa's eyes being weak: they never were strong, and I heartily wish he would take care, both of them and the peccant ear: if he does not keep the latter covered, during Feby.[February] and March, he may look to have another abscess formed by the cold wind whistling through the drumless organ. I am very sorry you did not see Dr. Falconer*8 before he came to India: he ought to have gone to Kew, according to his promise. How unlooked for is the King of Hanover's generosity to my father! I could hardly have believed it. I should be truly glad to hear that Dawson*9 were recovered; it is a comfort his Herodotus sells.- Yesterday I received a most friendly letter from Darwin*10; and I should be obliged by your lending him such of

mine as are likely to interest him; for my epistolary time is scanty, and a long letter, begun to him some weeks ago, is still unfinished. Happily, I have the prospect of some quiet days, on my way down the river, when I shall get up my arrears of letters, notes, journal, and collections. The improved accounts you send me of Lise*11 are so many blessings to receive! I long to write to her, and will do so soon. Did I ever tell you that Lady Dalhousie*12 has a real Skye Dog? much like ours and only differing in the paler, nearly white, colo[u]r. It is a nice little beast, and was always fond of riding in my gig or Palanquin, at Calcutta[Kolkata], showing the same interest in looking about that our dog does - indeed exhibiting the exact peculiarities of disposition, though not so strongly developed. It is the only pet at Government House, and was Lady Do[u]ro's gift to her sister. Lady Dalhousie was very kind to me:- she has commissioned me to make several purchases for her; and I am to buy ornaments, &c. at Benares[Varanasi]: I confess to being much at a loss, what to get, that will suit. Lord Dalhousie*13 is much attached to her; and they are warmly affectionate to each other. Both show great friendship to me. He is a very fine fellow, who always means what he says; and I really believe he would be not only mortified but hurt, if I resided elsewhere than under his roof, while I am at Calcutta[Kolkata]. On one occasion, he turned out of his own chamber to give it to me, because I re-

turned from Sir Lawrence Peel's*14 house, a day earlier than was expected. I remembered your anxiety that I should carry a Medicine Chest: and I, therefore, always travel with a charming one, belonging to Capt.[ain] Fane*15, who insists on my using it, while I remain in India. It is a beautiful mahogany box, with folding doors, and contains 24 bottles, scales and weights, pestle and mortar, all complete. The wood is nearly 3/4 of an inch thick. Though not wanted for myself, I have found the Medicines of service to others, including my servant. The Palanquin, which always goes about with me, (or I, in it,) was a present from Mr. Colvile*16, Lord Auckland's*17 nephew:) so you see I am much upon Charity! I have not a cigar in my possession, I have smoked very little of late:- and I neither use Wine, Spirits [n]or Beer, which save much expense. Lord Auckland was much liked in India, and made many friends-more from his willingness-to work hard, and his earnest interest in serving the country, than by his abilities. The Caubul[Kabul] affair tells sadly against him; and, though it is generally admitted, that his predecessor laid the sure foundation of those disasters, yet he withdrew the troops, - a grievous mistake! And now, my dear mother, I must bring this long story to a close. Best love to my father, Lise, and Maria (when you write to her) and kind regards to all my friends. I have written to Hitcham by this same mail.

l go down to Bhazulpore[Bhagalpore], and then N.[North] to Darjeeling (in Sikkim), by Palkee and ponies. I never felt stronger than I am now; and I am comfortable in all respects. At Dinapore[Danapur] I expect to see Capt[ain] Henchman.*18 I am ever, | your most affectionate son, | JOSEPH D. HOOKER. Finished and posted at Benares[Varanasi] March 16th. (Received Monday, May 1st.)*19.