296 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD 



From Spencer F. Baird to Lieut. ] . M. Gilliss, U. S. N. 



WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 1853. 

 MY DEAR MR. GILLISS: 



It was not until a day or two ago that I learned of the afflicting 

 termination to the days and nights of anxious watching and care to 

 which you have lately been subjected. I had hoped for a different 

 result from hearing of nothing to the contrary. It is not for one like 

 myself, who has never experienced such an afflicting dispensation, to 

 attempt to impart consolation to one who is capable of realizing so 

 fully the divine promises; but I may at least offer my warmest sym- 

 pathy and most affectionate condolence to a father and mother thus 

 deprived of the light of their house. 



From Spencer F. Baird to Lieut. D. M. Couch. 



WASHINGTON, March, 1853. 

 MY DEAR MR. COUCH: 



I have just received your letter from Brownsville, of Feb. I5th 

 and am overjoyed to learn of the result of the negotiation in respect to 

 the Berlandiere collection. I will endeavor to meet your views in 

 regard to it to the fullest extent. As however there is so much doing 

 in the natural history of Mexico and Texas, you had better allow me 

 some discretion in regard to publishing the characters of anything 

 new which I may ascertain to be in danger of loss, by prior description 

 elsewhere. Not to mention the domestic rivals, Prince Paul of Wur- 

 temberg has recently returned from the Rio Grande region with 

 extensive collections, which are already sent to Europe for description. 

 I think that you will approve whatever I may do in your name and 

 behalf, under any such authority, although if you say so, I will rigidly 

 refrain from doing anything beyond preserving the specimens and 

 materials from injury. 



We will, of course, cheerfully pay the expenses of transportation 

 here. They can, I suppose, be sent to N. Orleans without expense by 

 Quartermasters' Department. Still, if no such opportunity presents, 

 do not delay sending. Ship right off. Be careful in packing, not to 

 put tender and coarse articles together: for instance, don't put min- 



