To J. D. Hooker   [18 November 1844]

My dear Hooker

I write one line to send my thanks to Sir William & yourself for your kind invitation, which I sh^d have had real pleasure in accepting, had I been able.— But I assure you a morning’s work in London totally unfits me for everything, even the quietest conversation, in the evening: I have long, to my sorrow, been compelled to relinquish the Geological evening meetings & attend only at the Council.¹

Whenever, it would suit you to come here, it w^d. give us very great pleasure & if you can spare the time do in December propose yourself. | In Haste | Ever yours | C. Darwin