
          better, but is still very weak & mentally yet 
in a very different state from what she used 
to be & almost entirely confined to her bed. 
Our [crossed out: El] accounts of our Elizabeth from Hastings 
are tolerable, but she is quite confined 
a prisoner to the house. The least 
exercise out of the house even in the [pleasantest?] 
days & in a carriage, is too much 
for her. All agree in saying that she has 
no organic disease. We have no more 
news of Joseph. Lady Hooker is better & 
Miss Hooker is deriving much benefit from 
being in the country, but another affliction 
seems to be in store for us. My father who has 
continued (on the whole) to enjoy excellent health 
since you were here was yesterday taken alarmingly 
ill & lay most of the day in a state of stupor from which 
I think that he would [scarcely?] recover, but I am thankful 
to say that the means which were employed 
for restoring him have been successful & today he 
has wonderfully recovered & except that he has too 
much fever & great weakness he is almost himself 
again. Such attacks at his very advanced age (he 
is now in his 86th year) must shake his constitution 
very much. But let the [summer? come?] 
when it will be in through the merits of [?] 
admirably prepared for them. I have just been 
to his bed side to tell him I am writing to you & he begs 
me to give his very affectionate regards both to you 
& to Dr. Gray. Pray accept the same from Lady 
Hooker & me & believe me, ever, with sincere 
regard your attached & faithful friend ,
W.J. Hooker.
        