REUNITED WITH HIS FAMILY IN ENGLAND 219 



consideration, therefore, that I am not to be charged 

 with a class, or expected to deHver a regular course of 

 lectures, removes a 'sea of troubles' and leaves me in a 

 field of research in which I am not altogether a 'raw 

 hand'. . . . You certainly do draw a very bright pic- 

 ture of the work that is before me (The Physical Survey 

 of Virginia)— of the results that are expected from it, 

 and of the success that is to attend my labors. We 

 do not weigh in the same balance the force that I can 

 bring to the work. Therefore, as bright as your picture 

 is, I have my fears of what there may be on the other 

 side. 'Still, it's wise and brave to hope the best', and, 

 bringing willing hearts and ready hands to the work, 

 we'll try to rub even the dark side bright, should it be 

 turned towards us". 



Though the General Amnesty was not passed until 

 May 22, 1872, and Virginia had not as yet been re- 

 stored to normal relations with the Union, her passing 

 from Federal military control to home rule taking place 

 from April to November, 1869, still the Northern atti- 

 tude toward the Confederate leaders had already under- 

 gone considerable change, as evidenced by the release 

 of Jefferson Davis under bail of $100,000 in May, 1867. 

 Maury felt sure, therefore, that he would not be molested 

 if he returned to the United States, and accordingly 

 after bidding his many warm friends in England fare- 

 well, he set sail with his family from Liverpool, on July 

 1, 1868, for the home from which he had been absent for 

 six years,— years filled with unusual and trying experi- 

 ences. 



