To J. D. Hooker   [16 August 1864]1

Down

Tuesday

My dear Hooker

I write now merely to say that if Mr Scott has time to come here for a day I shd very much like to see him.2 Tell him how to get to Bromley, which is 6 miles from this house. An omnibus to Keston3 meets many trains which will bring him 23 of the way here & I can easily convey him back. Please explain to Mr Scott how short a time I can talk to any one4 & I have had an attack of sickness last week—5

I shall write soon

Ever yours | C Darwin

L(S)

1
The date is established by the relationship between this letter and the letter from J. D. Hooker, [15 August 1864].
2
CD describes John Scott’s visit in his letter to Hooker of [23 August 1864]. It is likely that Scott visited Down on 18 August 1864. CD’s Account book–cash account (Down House MS) records a gift of £80 to Scott on that day.
3
Keston is a village in Kent, two miles north-west of Down.
5
Emma Darwin’s diary (DAR 242) records ‘C. attack of sickness | better in afternoon’ on 8 August 1864.

Please cite as “DCP-LETT-4592,” in Ɛpsilon: The Charles Darwin Collection accessed on 5 June 2025, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/dcp-data/letters/DCP-LETT-4592