On This Day: 3rd January 1814

210 years ago today, Dawson Turner wrote to Ellen Hutchins with New Year greetings and a sincere desire to know about her health. Read the full letter HERE.

He told her that Dr (Thomas) Taylor, her cousin, had been staying with William Jackson Hooker at his home, Halesworth, in Suffolk, for the past month and they were both now with Dawson Turner in Yarmouth. Turner gave a lovely description of Thomas Taylor’s character.

He also wrote: ‘Your character is quite up among the Botanists of the continent, from some of whom I have lately had letters respecting you, & you must not be surprised if they should even venture to write to yourself.’ The Napoleonic wars were thought to be over, and correspondence between botanists had begun again.

Turner wrote about ‘your name sake’ meaning his daughter, Ellen, named after her. Little Ellen had been born in July 1811.

The next letter in this correspondence is one from Ellen to Dawson on 18th January.