PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 213 



nient; and perhaps, if the Smithsonian Institution does not want the collection, 

 you may be cognizant of some other institution which might desire to obtain it. 

 Very respectfully, yours, &c, 

 Professor Henry. 



The foregoing is one of many propositions to sell specimens of natural his- 

 tory, &c, to all of which the answer has been made that the Institution does 

 not purchase articles of the kind. 



The following letter was received from M. Romero, Mexican minister, in 

 reply to a request made to him to furnish a letter to facilitate the explorations 

 of Mr. Xantus, in Mexico : 



Washington, December 4, 1862. 



Dear Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 

 the 1st instant, informing me of the object of the appointment of Mr. John 

 Xantus as United States consul at Manzanillo, and asking me to furnish him 

 with such letter of introduction for the governors of the States of Colima, Mi- 

 choacan, and the adjacent ones, as may help him in the prosecution of the scien- 

 tific investigations he intends to make in a portion of western Mexico whose 

 natural productions are very little known. 



Being desirous to contribute to the success of Mr.Xantus's scientific researches 

 and labors, I enclose you herewith letters of introduction for the governors of 

 the States of Michoacan,, Jalisco, Colima, and Sinaloa, which I hope will fully 

 answer his purpose. Should he desire letters for any other governor, I will 

 furnish him with them as soon as you let me know it. 



As regards the entrance of the scientific apparatus Mr. Xantus may t?>ke 

 with him to be used in making collections in natural history for the museum in 

 charge of your Institution, I am happy to say that I think he will not have 

 any difficulty with the customs authorities at Manzanillo, such articles being free 

 from duty according to the Mexican tariff. 



I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



M. ROMERO. 



Professor Joseph Henry, 



Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, SfC 



