To J. D. Hooker   10 [October 1853]

My dear Hooker

I sent your M.S.¹ & the books you lent me (with a letter²) off this morning at 8 ^A.M. per Coach with strict injunctions to book it immediately (carr. paid) per Deliv. Co^y. & I trust you will thus receive it before this note.

Very many thanks for the loan of the Books.—

Tell M^rs. Hooker, that I am becoming quite an abandoned novel-reader & have just begun Ruth³ which is quite charming.

Most truly yours | C. Darwin