280 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD 



From John Cassin to Spencer F, Baird. 



PHILADELPHIA, 28 Aug.: 1852. 

 DEAR PROFESSOR 



I have just received a letter from our good friend Brewer in which 

 he signifies that you might be reached through his address. 



All that I have to say is that about three weeks since that is to 

 say not very long after you left here I rec'd. a very polite letter from 

 Capt. Wilkes in which he informed me that my proposition had been 

 accepted by the Hon. Comm. and requesting me to immediately 

 assume the duties, &c &c. 



So much for the kind offices of you and Dr. Brewer 



Heermann has arrived from California with a collection of about 

 1 200 Bird skins I have not seen them all, but expect to tomorrow 

 I have a portion of them, brought in his trunk, amongst which are a 

 Humming bird, T. Alexandrii, Bourcier, new to our Fauna a Wren 

 T. mexicanus and an undescribed Finch also a Squirrel which Le 

 Conte says is new not very strongly marked however, being like the 

 common Gray Squirrel, but I think quite distinct also the greatest 

 kind of a lot of nests and eggs I have rec'd. a letter from McCall 

 has 2 Hawks, which he thinks new, and various other birds. 



I do not intend to go to Washington until you return. 



Ever yours, 



JOHN CASSIN. 



From John Cassin to Spencer F. Baird. 



PHILADA. 22 Oct: 1852. 

 DEAR PROFESSOR: 



I am glad to have something to write to you about, Heermann 

 wants to go on the Japan expedition he does and further has heard 

 report that somebody is wanted 



He will do very well, if he can get appointed, but as I have said to 

 him, that is perhaps less difficult than to be placed on a respectable 

 footing amongst the officers do you know anything about it? 

 suppose he was appointed, with whom is he to mess on board ship? 



