From Ellen Hutchins to Dawson Turner   6 Feb 1813

Feb 6

My dear Sir,

I am at length able to write a few lines just to tell you that I am recovering after a very long & severe illness. The last day I wrote to you I was very ill & ever since until within a few days much worse. I am now able to go down stairs. I am so weak that the least exertion fatigues me. Your letters & engravings reached me safely, & afforded me great pleasure when I could look at them. The table of the Jungermanniæ from Mr. Hooker too I have got & like greatly tho’ I have not yet studied it as I wish. I have some things for him & a great many observations on my doubtful species & some others to send when I can do any thing. I sent yesterday to a mountain for one of which I expected to get perfect fructification & succeeded so that he will now be able to determine it. From the same place was brought me J minuta with gemmæ, it is plenty about rivulets. As soon as I am able I will send you some things thro’ Mr Gurney, & write in answer to your letters. Thank you for the information respecting the author of Childe Harold. I could not like him after reading the book tho’ I admire much of it, & when I am able to write will tell you what I think of it all as you desire. Rokeby has not yet reached us. You have read it long before this time I dare say. I should like to know how it pleases you.

My side is still so painful that I cannot write much. My head & eyes are very weak & my hand trembles, but I am better than I expected to be, for some days I did not expect to recover.

My best & affectionate regards attend you all.

E.H.

February 6th 1813