Glasgow.
March 14 <1>
My dear Sir
It was after that I had sent my last letter to you that Mr Mr Murray <2> heard from his foreman in the Garden that John Reid (who had been two years in our Garden) would very likely be glad to go to your place, & on your terms, for he had often heard him say, that he would not so much regard salary if he could obtain a situation in England.
Mr Murray therefore who had a very favorable opinion of him wrote to Castle Semple <3> where he went & had him come over here. I saw him this morning. I read to him & to Mr Murray your terms & your statement of qualifications &c.
Mr Murray considers him quite competent & the young man (aged about 26 or 27) is quite willing to go. So I said I would inform you, but that I feared you had already set on foot enquiries in England.
If you desire any further particulars let me know. If you wish for him say when, for he is ready to go at once. I quite think Mr Murray’s opinion may be depended on.
I remember the lad well in our Garden & he accompanied me in some of my excursions.
Faithfully Yours,
W. J. Hooker
Notes:
1. This is a reply to Doc. No: 03219 of 5th March 1836.
2. Stewart M Murray (1789-1858), first Curator of the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. [See Doc. No: 00262].
3. In Renfrewshire.