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.