I spoke to both Basil and John tonight - who very much sent their thanks and love to everyone here on the Boards and asked me to post this report.
Bobby is now conscious, though he slips in and out of being lucid and is having trouble speaking. He had an MRI which showed that when he had the crisis last week and weekend he seems to have suffered a small stroke. This could account for the confusion, or there could be some other cause.
He is not able to swallow food and is unfortunately on a feeding tube. It is hoped that if his condition improves that he may be released to a non-hospital facility (like a halfway house) by next week. Basil will be returning with his laptop in a few days to read the messages here with Bobby, which he seemed eager to do when they spoke last.
I asked John whether visitors would be welcome at this time and he said it was too soon, that the chances of Bobby being able to enjoy the visit were too slight. He asked that would-be visitors hold off for now, but thanked everyone for wanting to make the trip.
He suggested that people forward cards or notes to Bobby to his PO box in Ptown and he will take them to Bobby - email me if you would like this address.