Item C153 - Letter from Hugh Francis Clarke Cleghorn, London, to John Hutton Balfour

1 letter, 1 sheet, 4 pages

Letter No 153 from Hugh Cleghorn to John Hutton Balfour; transcribed as follows:

17 Kensington Square
Kensington
7 April 1851

My dear Balfour

I go into the city every day to examine records in the India House, and when passing thro’ Fleet Street I can see Taylor in Red Lion Court about the printing debt of the Bot: Soc: if you give me particulars as to how the matters stands: I will make the best arrangement I can with him.

I saw [Edward] Forbes a few days ago on his way to the Royal Institution where he gives a series of Lectures, and when getting into an Omnibus at Charing Cross, I found myself alongside of Lankester, who counts for two in any conveyance, he is getting so large– He desired to be kindly remembered to you, & said that his translations of Schleiden might be of use to you in the preparation of your new Manual.

Pamplin has no parcels for you I observe Voigt’s Hortus Calcuttensis revised by Griffith in his shop price 35/- you told me I think that you had ordered it but not recd. it– It is a most valuable work for a Botanic Garden– Shall I bring it for you? as I have been purchasing largely for myself, I dare say he may give it somewhat cheaper.

There is also a broken copy of Rheed: Hort: Malab: at Pamplin’s. He is to have the odd vols. looked out before my next visit– I shall try & get Vol: 1 for the College– I should not wonder if their own missing vol. was in his shop, as I observe a great number of Graham’s books.

Royle has been ten weeks in his bedroom, & has suffered much in health, the joints of his fingers are swollen from Chronic Rheumatism & his nervous system has been injured by overworking his strength.

He is now I hope gaining ground every day – his wife and Brother in law Mr E. Solly are writing constantly at the Exhibition Catalogue.

After posting this I take a Kew Omnibus – and if I can get away from Acton shall try and see Sir Wm. Hooker.

I am under terms for a passage in the “Trafalgar” on 20 August but continue in considerable difficulty. – May the Great Counsellor counsel me in all my perplexities.

I have been living in a noisy Hotel with the Sappers & Miners, employed about this Great Exhibition – I am now with Mr Clarke, Secy of the Asiatic Society – & probably remain for 2 or 3 weeks, then returning to Edinbro’ by sea– It will give me pleasure if I can do anything for you.

With kind regards to all friends

Believe me
Ever sincerely yrs.
H. Cleghorn

Permission required from RBGE

• inglés

The Cleghorn letters in the John Hutton Balfour archives at RBGE have been transcribed by Dr. Henry Noltie.