This letter will be despatched to JDH's sister Elizabeth on arrival at St Helena. JDH is glad to hear that Elizabeth's health has improved. JDH tells how the last Christmas was spent in a dense fog near Elephant Island. The HMS 'Erebus' spent January in the pack ice working against strong currents & tides. Crossing to the HMS 'Terror' over ice bergs on foot proved treacherous. JDH spent his time drawing & describing plants, the results are now sent to their father, William Jackson Hooker, through Captain Beaufort. Discusses Elizabeth's visit to the Richardson's house & his correspondence with Mrs Richardson. Is glad that Elizabeth is continuing with her music & has learnt to sing. JDH misses music though he is not knowledgeable about it. Dr Sinclair is under the impression that JDH likes the song 'The days when we went gypsying' but he generally prefers old airs to modern ballads. He specifically mentions Ariel's song from Shakespeare's TEMPEST & the sea songs: 'Rule Britannia', 'Yer Mariners of England' & the songs their sister Mary used to play. He declares sacred music to be the best, especially Handel's 'Messiah', he mentions some other pieces & gives many examples of operas he admires. JDH prefers older waltzes e.g. those of Mozart & Strauss & favours marches over quadrilles. JDH thanks Elizabeth & their Aunt Palgrave for sending him their sketches. He commiserates at the death of Lady Callcott who painted a scene of Rio de Janeiro harbour, where JDH will soon be, & illustrated a handbook of Westminster Abbey. JDH mentions acquaintances: the Christys, Carswell & Thomson (recently released from captivity in Afghanistan). JDH is now on his way home via Ascension, where he will eat turtle, & the Azores. JDH anticipates Sir John Franklin will return home if Wilmot is to be Governor of Van Diemen's Land [Tasmania]. Mentions a review of Mrs Rigby's work. Reports of the expedition in the HAMPSHIRE TELEGRAPH contained errors attributed to Lieutenant McMurdo.