WCP5601

[1]

Hurstpierpoint

Jan. 24. 1866.

My dear Hanbury /

After I had written to ask about the chocolate, it reached me, on the same day — thanks to your kindness.

Wallace is here, & I have shown him the Prospectus. He read but a few words of it, then laid it down, turning up his nose (which as you know is naturally a little retroussé [French: turned up]), and gave no other sign of either approval or disapproval.

This calm bright weather makes me feel more lively, but the gout shows no sign as yet of getting down into the legs, altho[ugh] it does into the arms & hands, which towards evening are often so stiff and painful that ^{on two occasions} I have been unable to undress without aid. They tell me it is a good sign, but it is an unpleasant one, and makes me feel rather savage, especially when I think of how long a time the real nature of my malady has been misunderstood.

Would you be kind enough to get and send me 20 stoutish cardboards (but as common as possible, so they be strong enough, for they are but to stiffen parcels) size 21 x 12 inches (or 20 inches by 12 might do), and send them by Rail as soon as possible. I suppose they may cost 2d.¹ to 4d. each.

[2] Wallace desires to be kindly remembered. I suppose you will assist at his lectures at the London Institution — they begin Monday ev[enin]^g next.

In a few days I will try to return your Benth[am]. & Hook[er].² — perhaps I may entrust it to Wallace.

Yours ever faithfully | Rich. Spruce [signature]

D[aniel]. Hanbury Esq.