1850 TO 1865 279 



dred, more or less, were to stand the expense of printing, and present 

 to all who did not attend, a copy; this view of the matter does not 

 seem to have entered their thoughts. 



One Silas Totten, of Williamsburg, Virginia, has written this 

 evening a most menacing message and says that he shall send my 

 letter to the Permanent Secretary or President. A remark I made 

 that it was strange so many persons declared themselves not mem- 

 bers, only when called on to pay, he takes as a personal offense. The 

 thought came into my head, while writing in a hurry, without con- 

 sidering that the unfortunate man, might consider that I alluded to 

 him. If he sends you the note, have it printed, and sent as a circular 

 to delinquents. . . 



From Thomas M. Brewer to Spencer F. Baird. 



HINGHAM, June 13, 1852. 

 MY DEAR BAIRD: 



I have been meaning to write to you for several days. 

 I left Washington you know on Monday, via Richmond, and was in 

 Old Point Tuesday night. ... I besieged every darkey I saw in 

 quest of eggs. I could obtain none of any value. After much trying 

 I at last succeeded in chartering a vessel to take me to a small sandy 

 island where the sea birds were said to breed, but I could not be gone 

 long at a time, as my wife was with me and I was not willing to leave 

 her alone among strangers, and ill. I spent a few hours on the island 

 arid only obtained seven kinds; Willetts, Black-headed Gulls, Roseate 

 Tern, Seaside finch, nest and eggs, Bachman's finch, nest and eggs, 

 my only new acquisition, Oyster catcher and Wilson's plover, each 

 one. Besides these, I found at Old Point Catbirds, Red Wing Black- 

 birds, martins and Fringilla Socialis. ... In Norfolk where 

 I spent Wednesday the 3rd inst. I saw your friend, Capt. Farragut. 

 He has made arrangements to procure for you all the fish of the neigh- 

 borhood which can hardly fail to give you much that is interesting. 

 He has had tin canisters made for deposit at the several fishing places 

 which are to be sent to you when full. The Capt. was so much 

 engaged by the court-martial that I saw but little of him. . . . 



Yours sincerely, 



T. M. BREWER. 



