Description

[Letter dated 1818, but content suggests 1819, written to Hooker at Halesworth, Suffolk] Boott sends thanks for the presents, which are very valuable having come from Hooker, Boott's 'oracle upon such plants'. Hooker should never send Boott plants, as there are better friends who claim Hooker's attention. Boott has not yet looked over Hooker's packet. He visited London and had intended going to Halesworth but returned home ill and dejected. He has been in bed for two days, aggravated by anxiety and mental excitement. There has been a hateful subject afloat for the last 12 months which has bothered Boott and his friend. He has dwelt upon it because it has exhibited some former friends in a bad light to him. It is exclusively of a private nature but he did go to London to print a small volume on the subject to distribute among family and a few friends. He may send a copy and Hooker will see Boott from a new point of view. Boott has not yet received the later numbers of Hooker's MUSCI EXOTICI. He corrects Hooker on the address to send them to: care of Samuel Williams, 13 Finisbury [Finsbury?] Square, London. Boott states he is no longer connected with Mr 'B' of 14 Artillery Place, who is a bad man. Boott took Nuttall's work to town to give to Hooker, having received it from America. It will now be sent by Boott's brother with the third number of [Jacob] Bigelow's AMERICAN MEDICAL BOTANY. Boott sends prayers for Mrs Hooker's happiness and safety. Boott makes a remark about 'Poor Richard' and how few know his worth, yet his name would give honour to any institution. In a postscript he writes that the numbers of MUSCI EXOTICI have arrived and he has replied to a very kind letter from Mr Lyell. Annotation written in different hand asks 'Bro' to remember to send Mr Bate's pamphlet and John's 'Cante of Childe Harold', for 'your loving sis: Eliz.'. Page 1 of 4.