THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 209 



cordial support and co-operation. This being my view of the act of 

 Congress, I shall protest against any interference with my preroga- 

 tives, and refuse to employ any person whom I think will not render 

 me cordial assistance in carrying out the plans which I deem the best 

 for the interests of the Institution. The assistants are responsible 

 to the Secretary and the Secretary to the Regents; hence, all com- 

 munications intended for the Regents or the Public must pass through 

 his hands. These restrictions I am convinced are for the good of the 

 whole and nothing would tend sooner to destroy the usefulness of 

 the institution than the division of it into a number of separate 

 interests. The whole establishment must be a unit and the effort 

 of every one connected with it must be directed to the development 

 of every part of the plan. I shall therefore expect of you not only 

 assistance in the way of taking charge of the collections in Natural 

 History, but also in the publications the correspondence and other 

 business. On the other hand, I will furnish you with every facility 

 in my power, compatible with the interests of the institution, for 

 the promotion of your own studies, and shall in all cases consider 

 your reputation as identified with that of the Institution. 



I do not apprehend any difficulty between us, but just now, from 

 the difficulties I have had to contend with in regard to the building 

 etc., I am disposed to move with caution as to the future. 



I think the Board will be disposed to allow me more assistance 

 as soon as I shall signify my desire for it; and if you have not changed 

 your mind I am disposed to have you brought in as soon as you can 

 come. Let me hear from you as soon as convenient, and believe me 

 as ever, 



Your friend, etc., 



JOSEPH HENRY. 



From Joseph Henry to Spencer F. Baird. 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, April 24, 1850. 



PROFR. S. F. BAIRD, 

 SIR, 



In behalf of the Smithsonian Institution I authorize you to take 

 charge of making collections in Natural History, intended for the 

 Smithsonian Museum, and to request of officers of the Army and 



