PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 209 



the failing health of Mrs. Watkins has compelled me to seek permission to visit 

 England next summer, I have declined doing so, as probably the Church Mis- 

 sionary Society, with which I am connected, may undertake to carry the work 

 through the press while I am in my native land, and have the opportunity of 

 correcting any typographical errors which may be made in the proof-sheets. 

 Still you will perhaps allow me to ask if the Smithsonian Institution is in the 

 habit of publishing such books as dictionaries of the native languages, and upon 

 what terms it undertakes to have them printed, as I have no means of ascer- 

 taining this point. If you have any circular or pamphlet at hand explanatory 

 of the principles and aims of the institution with which you are officially con- 

 nected, I should feel much obliged by your kindly forwarding one to me. 

 Believe me, sir, yours, very obediently, 



E. A. WATKINS. 

 Professor Henry. 



The writer of this letter was informed that the Institution does publish works 

 of the kind mentioned, if approved by a commission of examination, provided 

 that no other means exists of bringing them before the public. 



Deer Creek, Nebraska Territory, 



September 19, 1862. 



Honored Sir : As I am unable to express myself in English as well as is 

 necessary and as I wished, I take the liberty of sending a German letter, and 

 beg for a kind excuse and acceptance of the same. 



When I arrived here two years ago, unfortunately, immediately after the 

 disappearance of the missionary Brunninger, I found some publications of the 

 Smithsonian Institution relating to various observations. I regret that I was 

 neither in a position to read them cursorily through, nor had I time to even 

 grasp their contents. When, however, time and other business did permit, I 

 looked into them carefully and found great pleasure in so doing, for which reason 

 I also recognize it as my duty as far as I am able with my feeble powers to 

 show my gratitude. Only I must also add with much regret that understanding 

 and apparatus are wanting to me in many branches. Because, however, I stand 

 here so ignorant, I considered it to be well and necessary first to ask whether 

 or with what subjects I could render to your honored institution my feeble 

 services. One point which I in the first place considered as appropriate is the 

 language of the Shyenne Indians. I have now passed a year with them in a 

 capacity which is well known to you, and for a quarter of a year I have travelled 

 about with them for the purpose of learning the language, but have still learned 

 comparatively little. I permit myself, however, to contribute to your honored 

 institution a small extract from the treasure which I have learned and collected 

 for their kind consideration. Should it be acceptable to your honored institu- 

 tion, I will, if you desire, send more. In the mean time I remain, honored sir, 

 with the highest esteem, your obedient, 



GEORGE FLACHEXECKER, 

 Evangelical Lutheran Missionary. 



To the Smithsonian Institution. 



Honolulu, July 15, 1862. 



My Dear Sir : I am in receipt of your favors, dated April 14 and 21, en- 

 closing an order from Professor Bache for tidal apparatus, which I forward to 

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