From:
Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker
To:
Miles Joseph Berkeley
Date:
2 October 1852
Source of text:
JDH/2/3/2 f.201, The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Summary:
No summary available.
Contributor:
Hooker Project
No summary available.
Thanks for portrait of Louisa. Plans series of pictures of all JH's children. Margaret Brodie Herschel moved her mother [Mrs. Stewart] into new lodgings, but is now ill again. JH and London household are quarantined. No one may enter or leave. John Herschel [son of JH] is also ill, but under Mrs. Pritchard's care [at Clapham Grammar School]. Lists books and papers to be sent to JH.
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Describes the disastrous burning and sinking of the "Helen" off Brazil, loss of his collections, ten days in lifeboat almost starving, rescue and return to London via a passing vessel 200 miles from Bermuda, insurance coverage for lost collections. On 6th of August, the captain said “I am afraid the ship’s on fire.” Crew spent a whole day tearing apart cargo seeking its source, but too late to save the ship. All boarded two leaky life boats, which required constant bailing. Still weak from illness; skinned his hands descending rope into boat. ARW salvaged only a small tin box containing drawings of fish and palm trees, his watch, and a few sovereigns. “The reward of my four years of privation & danger was lost.” Kept near the ship as it burned for days, hoping they would attract a rescue vessel; eventually were picked up near Bermuda. Return to England took seventy days, more than double the original passage to South America. Barely survived on meager rations of biscuits and raw pork. Update note October 1st: Arrived at Deal. “Oh! glorious day!...beef steaks & damson tart, a paradise for hungry sinners.”
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Encloses pamphlets about [W. T.] Denison's experiments to determine accuracy of gold specimens by use of specific gravity. [JH annotation: Wrote to HH on 12 Oct. regarding Mr. Forbes and H. W. Field.]
Shortage of silver coins at Bank of England. Explains recurring monthly drain of silver when ships crews, families, and pensioners must be paid. Begs JH to send £5000 of silver coin to Bank.
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Instructions for assaying Indian coins.
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Describes chaotic political situation in Barra; “the President went away & left no one in charge of the state.” Officials have sucked all the money in the Treasury. Worst season of year; no collecting; living on very meager food. Will stay 12 or 15 months although it’s very difficult and is unhappy “buried in forest.” Disturbed by unsettling news of problems in England received via London papers; voyage by river from San Gabriel to San Jeronimo; collecting specimens of ferns; plans to travel with Agostinho; problems with lazy, incompetent Indian servants; wants news of whether Sir Robt Humbugck [sic: Schomburgk] has published on vegetation of Rio Negro.
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Doubts [W. T.] Denison's claim that specific gravity is dependable for testing gold coins. Recommends dismissing Mr. Forbes at once. H. W. Field cannot be selective about assays but must perform these whenever JH requires.
Pressure for coining gold, silver, and copper is becoming urgent. Complaints by Bank of England are reflecting badly on new system at Mint. Received two officers from Commissariat department to assist during crisis. Hopes HH will return soon.
Arranges to meet JH at a place other than the Mint.
Thanks for letter of 11th, and the song. Sorry Kemp had been unable to visit. Gives an account of a tour in the west of Scotland.