Encloses lichen resembling 'Lichen leucomelas' found at Babbicombe, [Devon], for Smith's opinion. Tempestuous weather but his brother's health improving.

[Smith has annotated 'Lichen leucomelos' on recto of folio]

Sends plants from [Olof] Swartz for confirmation. Thanks for Smith's remarks on his "Flora Londinensis" work. About to publish a periodical work on "exotic mosses"; requests specimens.

Had intended to speak to Smith in person until hearing of death of Smith's mother. Offered position of Professor of Botany of Glasgow University; requests assistance and information from Smith on lecturing, asks for any book recommendations or published botany lectures.

At Smith's request informs him of cost of the new series of "Flora Londinensis"; offers to exchange set of the 18 published numbers, "Musci exotici", and Sternberg's "Saxifrages", for "Flora Graeca". Requests any duplicate exotic specimens from Smith's herbarium. Pleased to see Smith's "Grammar of Botany" announced.

Thanks for plants; had previously received some of the species from Nepal through [Nathaniel] Wallich, but unnamed. Comments on inconveniences of this "place of banishment", particularly there being no botanical library but his own, nor any botanical friends to consult with. Asks Smith to remember him should he receive interesting specimens; in return sending copy of his "Musci Exotici". Asks if he sent 'Lyellia crispa', and if Smith has seen 'Primula scotia', to be figured in "Flora Londinensis". Blackwood of Edinburgh keen for him to publish a periodical on exotic botany ["Exotic flora"]; requests access to [Francis] Buchanan's East India drawings.

His students have increased by 18 compared to last year, a total of 75 though only 52 were paying students. Expects [Robert] Graham [(1786-1845)] at Edinburgh to make over £1200 from his [botany] professorship, besides his practice as physician; they have formed a new garden of 14 acres, with stoves and greenhouses. Death of Dr Stuart.

Difficulties in communicating with Smith. Concerned to find that expressions of his in "Flora Scotia" have been misconstrued as attacks on Smith; will ensure offensive passages are expunged from second edition; apologises for and explains his wording of pages 132 and 279; praises Smith's botanical skills. Discusses differences in leaf shape of 'Salix purpurea', 'S. helix', and 'S. amygdalina'. Disagrees that economical merit should give place to scientific character in reference to 'S. caerulea', discusses authors on 'Salix' including Candolle and Sprengel.

Criticises [Samuel Frederick] Gray's "Natural Arrangements of British Plants", which seems "calculated to give the death blow to the study of natural orders, if not to botany altogether", remarks on plant names and attack on Linnaeus in preface, thinks [Richard] Salisbury has assisted with the natural orders. Refutes Salisbury's article on [Jonas] Dryander in October "Monthly Review".

Hopes Smith's work on "English Flora" in earnest; if Smith had declined it would have undertaking it himself. Return from his professorship not enough to support his family; supplementing by publishing books; proposes a "Species plantarum" in English, though concedes it would largely be a translation of Candolle, asks Smith's opinion. His intended "Exotic botany" work delayed by lack of able Scottish artists; difficulties with publisher. Thanks for duplicate specimens.

He had applied to [Robert] Maughan [(1769-1844)] for specimens of his 'Salix livida' but found that his herbarium was about to be auctioned for a debt; intends to compare [Georg] Wahlenberg's [(1780-1851)] description to Maughan's herbarium on discovering the purchaser. Asks if Smith has seen [Nicolaus Tomas] Host's [(1761-1834)] "great work" on willows, published at Vienna.

Reiterates that if a new edition of "Flora Scotia" is published, as he expects, offensive references to Smith will be removed. Smith's progress on "English flora". Comments on worth of [Robert Kaye] Greville's work on fungi. Difficulties finding a publisher for his "Exotic flora". Visited [Francis] Hamilton at his home at Lenny; his ill-health and beauties of his lands. [Dawson] Turner averse to his proposed "Species Plantarum" in English.

After delay has received a specimen of Mr Maughan's 'Salix livida', gathered near Moffat. Encloses the specimens for Smith, they agree with Swedish plants he has had from [Olof] Swartz and confirmed by Christian Schmidt. Also encloses 'Juncus arcuatus' found in Grampian mountains with [George Arnott Walker] Arnott [(1799-1868)] and [Robert Kaye] Greville of Edinburgh, new to Britain and in [Georg] Wahlenberg's [(1780-1851)] "Flora Lapponica". Has heard from [Dawson] Turner that Smith is progressing well with the "[English] Flora". Five members of his family have suffered from scarlet fever, including himself, describes symptoms. Hopes Smith has not been suffering from the severe winter.

Enquires lowest price of "Flora Graeca". Anxiously awaiting publication of "English flora", hopes it is before second edition of his "Flora Scotia".

Apologises again for apparent attacks on Smith in "Flora Scotia", which he will correct in the next edition; thanks for mention of botanical errors, but still differs on matters of opinion, including: does not agree about 'Salix', maintains criticism of "English botany" figure of 'Aquilegia vulgaris', cannot credit Smith for his work on 'Mentha' due to space, took his ideas on sexes of 'Tussilago' from multiple authors. Most hurt that Smith believes rumours that John Lindley [(1799-1865)] was the principal author, explains his involvement.

From Smith's paper on 'Hypnum recognitum' in "Linnean Transactions" vol 13 presumes he has not seen his own account of 'Hypnum recognitum' in "Flora Londinensis". Concedes he made an error respecting 'Rubus chamaemorus'.

Thanks for botanical information in Smith's last letter, and for Smith's "friendly & affectionate manners". Unsure of [Joseph] Sabine's intentions in erroneously reporting John Lindley's [(1799-1865)] involvement in "Flora Scotia".

Discusses his proposed "Species plantarum" in English, which will neither be a translation of Candolle's "Prodromus" nor an entirely original work; details; will be able to profit from consulting Smith's "English Flora"; queries on terminology; encloses a specimen of the work; will not commence printing until his return from London and Paris in March.

Has not received Nepalese plants from [Nathaniel] Wallich except one collection sent 5 years ago, and now understands that the East India Company requires that they have the distribution of all the specimens, but he continues to receive mosses from Wallich. Pleased the Company sent Smith "so fine a parcel of ferns", thanks the 'Darea' from it, which he wishes to figure in his "Exotic flora". Encloses a "fern-like plant"; observations; wishes to name the genus after its discoverer, Mr Parker; asks if 'Pteris thalictroides' or 'Pteris cornuta' belong to same genus. He has established botanical correspondence with Demerara and St Vincent's; has mosses to send Smith; wishes to consult him about 'Orchideae', of which every new species forms a new genus.

Lists plants for his "Exotic flora", including 'Marcgravia umbellata', 'Cassytha filiformis', 'Cytinus hypocistus'; has two plates engraved of the nutmeg and two new 'Tillandsiae'; about to figure 'Artocarpus incisa' and 'A. integrifolia'. Discusses 'Lepraria iolithos'. Expects "great things" from the unexplored parts of North America, having sent two botanists to the north-west coast; one is to join Captain Franklin and return overland with him, and the other to explore the vicinity of the Columbia [River]; appointing a third to go with Captain Franklin and Dr Richardson on their expedition as far as Saskatchewan and to remain their two years; further details. [Francis] Hamilton and [Francis] Boott both enquired after Smith.

Visiting English friends; desires to call on Smith.

Asked by [George] Hibbert and [Alexander] Macleay to nominate a candidate for superintendence of the Botanic Garden of Jamaica; nominates [James] MacFadyen [(1800-1850), physician and botanist]; his qualifications. Thanks for agreeable afternoon he and his family lately spent with Smith in Norwich.

JDH has already written to his brother William Henslow Hooker & sister Bessy [Elizabeth Hooker] and now writes to his father, William Jackson Hooker. He explains that the expedition will not sail as soon as expected but JDH is unlikely to be allowed leave, by Captain [James Clark] Ross. The result is JDH will not be able to come home to Glasgow in the interim, certainly not until the surgeon, McCormick has returned to the ship. JDH & a Mr Ward are going on an excursion to Cobham. The Botanical commission of the R.S. [Royal Society] did not have the civility to say bon voyage to JDH. Mentions sending seeds to the East India Company. Mentions his father's communications with Talbot, Arnott & Champion & other botanists. Comments that Cape Palmas & Fernando Po are 'glorious stations', he regrets that the expedition will not stop at the Cape de Vers [Cape Verde islands]. Asks if WJH knows of a cruciferous Kerguelens Land plant, which he has heard from Brown appears in Anderson's journal. Asks if his sister Maria would copy out a list of Antarctica & Enderby Land plants for Ross. Asks about the Murrays' being in London. Commiserates with Dr [Harry] Rainey who he considers an excellent lecturer, only equalled at [Glasgow] college by WJH & McKenzie.

JDH explains to his father, William Jackson Hooker, that Captain [James Clark] Ross has been unable to confirm if JDH can take leave, he is reluctant to grant it as the surgeon & captain of the HMS 'Terror' are both away at present. Ross is angry that the ships 'Erebus' & 'Terror' are not yet in a condition to sail. McCormick has discovered that there is little support for the natural history element of the expedition from government or from Sir William Parker [of the Admiralty], which has also upset Ross. McCormick is still committed to pursuing natural history & encourages JDH in the same. JDH has been organising medical supplies & tending to some of the men from the 'Terror' who are generally less healthy. Discusses the expense of equipping the mess for a four year voyage. He enumerates his own expenses since leaving Glasgow, including purchase of instruments from Weiss, & what his pay is compared to his shipmates'. He would like to lend some money to Dayman to help him pay his debts, otherwise the practice is to deduct the amount of any outstanding debt from his pay when the ship is paid off. They will be paid on reaching the Nore. Mrs Richardson has introduced JDH to people in Chatham incl. the Davies. He has not met Mrs Wavell, as Mrs Kay suggested, as she is in Hastings. Thanks Mrs Kendall for her interest, her brother is a great favourite. Dr Smith is ill, when JDH visited him Smith lent him [Charles] Darwin's journal which JDH thinks highly of & would like to buy. JDH has also read up on the voyages of Captain [James] Cook, [George] Anson & [John] Byron. JDH is anxious about a letter of advice he gave to William [his brother William Dawson Hooker].

JDH did not write to his father, William Jackson Hooker, sooner as he was waiting until the last day before the expedition departed. The HMS 'Erebus' was waiting at Billingham with the HMS 'Terror', from there the steamer 'Hecate' took them to the 'Downs' & they sailed on to the Manse, below the Thames Nore. JDH briefly describes his cabin. Has received 'handbox' & contents incl. letters of introduction from WJH. Describes a farewell visit with his sisters Bessy [Elizabeth Hooker] & Mary Harriet Hooker at Kensington. Gurney was out of town but JDH has had a nice letter from him offering assistance. Has also received a letter from [Charles] Lyell with a profile bust of himself by Edouard[?] along with letters of introduction from Sir William Symonds introducing JDH to his sons in Sydney & New Zealand. [William Henry?] Harvey has written to JDH about botanising in the Cape, telling him where to find Wardia, Andraea & Hookeria & providing letters of introduction to the Governor of St Helena & a Mr Wilde who is a naturalist there. Mentions receipt of Natural History stores from the Admiralty. Dr Beverley, surgeon to Captain [William] Parry on two expeditions has visited the 'Erebus'. Captain Ross' mother & sister are now to leave the ship. JDH intends to write to Mr Children, Mr Ward, his Grandfather, Dr Boott & Mrs Richardson. Letters may find JDH at their next stops, which will be Madeira then St Helena. They are now in the Margate roads awaiting a new anchor from Deal [in Kent].

JDH informs his father, William Jackson Hooker, that after 5 days delay at Margate they have set sail for the Downs where they will stop only to land their Thames pilot. JDH sent his last letter with Mr Sibbald who was sent out for a new anchor. After leaving Gillingham they had to wait for the winds to change. At Margate many 'vulgar & uneducated' visitors came on board HMS 'Erebus' & made a nuisance of themselves.

JDH informs his Father, William Jackson Hooker, of their safe arrival at Funchal, Madeira. Briefly recounts the voyage past the Lizard & Torbay & losing sight of HMS 'Terror' in a gale. They made good time despite sounding every day to take the temperature of the deep sea water. JDH has not been sea sick but he & the crew find that the positioning of the cabins 'athwartships' exaggerates the rolling sensation disagreeably. JDH has found no 'animalculae', meaning protozoa, in the water & does not expect to until they reach the tropics. JDH keeps a regular journal recording anything of note as well as his natural history diary for the Admiralty. He will send any specimens he makes for his personal collections to his Father. Captain [James Clark] Ross will deal with specimens for the Admiralty incl. both plant collections made by JDH & animals ones made by McCormick. JDH is keen to avoid any confusion over who owns which specimens. JDH is only allowed to go onshore to collect if one other medical officers remains with the ships. Whilst at Madeira JDH intends to visit Mr Muir & Mr [Richard Thomas] Lowe. Describes his impressions of the island of Madeira as seen from the sea, mentioning the volcanic rock, the vineyards, pine capped hills & village of Santa Cruz. He is disappointed to find the island less wooded than he expected but describes it as beautiful at night with a perfect climate & clear blue seas. Adds a note dated 22 Oct [1839] stating he has met with Muir, Lowe, Mr Reilly, Dr Renton & Dr Lippold & will go on an excursion with the latter to the hills.

Captain Crozier of the HMS 'Terror' has just informed JDH that they must sail as the weather is making it dangerous to remain anchored [in the Funchal Roads, Madeira] so JDH has little time to spend on this letter to his Father, William Jackson Hooker. Recounts his time spent in Madeira; botanised for a few days but was then bedridden by rheumatism. After recovering enough, spent some time with Mr Muir & Dr Lippard who brought him fruit. In his limited collecting time JDH only gathered plants he thought were uncommon, it was not the best season to get specimens. The expedition may go to Port Praya [Praia] in the Cape Verde Islands, they will certainly go to St Helena & St Paul's Rock on their way to the equator. JDH & Mr McCormick [surgeon on the HMS 'Erebus'] get on well. JDH has sent flowers from the convent for his Mother & sisters, including myrtle wreaths, they are sent home by Mr Muir via Mr Pamplin. Mentions that he met Mr Johnstone & a lady who were friends of his Grandfather & Mr Baker from Norwich. Notes that the date on his previous letter may be wrong. Mr Hally[?] is in Madeira & is dying. Dr Renton[?] & Mrs Montgomery Hamilton née Wallace have been attentive to JDH. Letter also contains a note from Mr Muir dated 16 Nov 1839, presumably added when he was given the letter to forward. Muir writes that the 'Erebus' & 'Terror' sailed on the 31 Oct [1839], before which he & his family enjoyed JDH's company. Mr Smith of Jordan Hill has since arrived in Madeira with his invalid daughter.

JDH sends this letter accompanying some specimens [not present] for his father, William Jackson Hooker. He discusses his monograph of Van Diemen's Land [Tasmania] plants, it is a revision of WJH's papers in the BOTANICAL JOURNAL & CURTIS'S BOTANICAL MAGAZINE[?] & needs the addition of Malvaceous plants from ICONES PLANTARUM & Brown's genus Stenopetalum from De Candolle. It is to be printed in the ANNALS & Mr Taylor will send copies for Sir John Franklin, Captain [James Clark] Ross etc. JDH expects the expedition to leave VDL for the ice in Oct 1840. Discusses the need to revise his description for the ICONES PLANTARUM. JDH's collection may be extensive enough to warrant adding new VDL genera to future volumes of the FLORA BOREALI AMERICANA. JDH is now considered the naturalist to the expedition though his nominal rank is as a medical officer [assistant surgeon].