194 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD 



his desire to keep the Institution strictly within its 

 private capacity as a trust from the donor of the endow- 

 ment, for which the United States Government merely 

 acts as trustee. In this way the invasion of political 

 influence might be blocked, a menace in those days far 

 more dangerous than at present. 



In reply to a request that he would help on the 

 geological part of the Encyclopedia William Baird writes: 



From William M. Baird to S. F. Baird. 



READING, November ijth, 1849. 



. . I would help you with pleasure in this thing, and you 

 may send on your manuscript as soon as you please. I would do 

 it for you for nothing, but if you make anything out of the book, 

 and choose to pay me for my work, I shan't object; though as to 

 "sharing in the amount received," I will not agree to it, if by this 

 you mean to divide the amount equally; as, of course, your part 

 of the work would not only be much greater but worth a great deal 

 more than mine. But, respecting the profits, there will be time 

 enough to talk hereafter. . . 



From Mrs. Spencer F. Baird to C. C. Jewett. 



CARLISLE, PENNA. Nov. 21, 1849. 

 DEAR SIR: 



Pardon me if I am intrusive, but I hope the circumstances will 

 be a sufficient apology. After the conversation we had in New 

 York, I feel less hesitation about writing, but now, even after having 

 obtained leave from Mr. Baird to do so, I am almost afraid to 

 venture. 



As the time for the election draws near I am, naturally, becoming 

 anxious as to the result, and not having Mr. Marsh any longer in 

 Washington, to whom I could always write freely on any subject, 

 I have presumed to write to you, unofficially of course, to ask you 

 if you can tell me anything with respect to it. Of all things my 



