Dear old Darwin

The die is cast, Lord Derby calls for my correspondence with the First Lord of the Treasy in the Upper House without delay.¹

I cannot tell you how I hate & loathe the process. The responsibility of the act rests with my “friends” Tyndall, Huxley, Bentham & Lubbock²—but it is adopted with my entire concurrence—asked & given unhesitatingly.

As to the upshot, I am confoundedly indifferent. I know that a subordinate can have no chance in fighting against his own Superior, himself a Minister of the Crown, & backed by the P. M & whole Cabinet. It is the operation I so dislike—having Kew’s dirty linen washed in public.

I have a most charming letter from Lord Russell, just so, promising to go to the House & support Lord Derby when the discussion comes on.³

Now that my part in the fight is over,—with my stomach still full of fight, I feel as if I should burst & disintegrate, by turns. You may not understand this, no more do I, but it is so all the same.

Now for the silver edging— Harriette⁴ came home yesterday, so well & happy

I should like much to go to Down soon for a few days if you are going to be at home—& bring some writing with me for Gen. Plant, which I shall never get through here.⁵ Would Mrs Darwin let me bring Harriete for a couple of days?—

Ever yours affec | J D Hooker

I have just had a splendid Greenland collection, which supports my views altogether, & I am ready to do fight for these with you.⁶