198 JOHN BARTRAM TO [1755. 



tion of thy country-seat ; and more so, that thy heart flows with 

 gratitude to our heavenly Father and great benefactor. 



It gives me much satisfaction that Billy's drawing is so well re- 

 ceived ; and that thee hath so much regard for my son Moses and 

 his welfare. * * * 



I wholly purposed, last fall, to go to the Virginia and Carolina 

 mountains ; but now, being certainly informed of the great danger 

 of travelling near those delightful situations, I must forbear, at 

 present. But I am sadly afraid your ministry will be fooled by 

 the French, who, no doubt, will pretend they will not act in a hos- 

 tile manner, in order that you may forbid us to drive them back, 

 that they may, in the mean time, not only encroach upon us, but 

 also fortify themselves strongly in their encroachments. * * 



April 27th, 1755. 



Dear Peter : 



I have received thy kind letters of January the 5th, February 

 the 1st, 12th, and 19th. * * * * 



I design to set Billy to draw all our turtles, with remarks, as 

 he has time, which is only on Seventh days, in the afternoon, and 

 First day mornings ; for he is constantly kept to school, to learn 

 Latin and French. We intend to take notice of the frogs and 

 lizards, as they come in our way, or we know where to find them. 

 I have often sent thee the seed of our great Aster ; next expect a 

 root. * * * * * 



I am well pleased that thee let Philip Miller see my speci- 

 mens of Oaks and Evergreens. It's pity but he had wrote to me 

 many years ago. Time is now far spent with us both. 



I hope Dr. Fothergill won't condemn me without giving me 

 liberty to plead my own cause. I have abundance of undigested 

 thoughts to communicate, if I could explain my sentiments so as 

 you could understand my meaning. 



Dr. Mitchell sent a letter to Franklin, I believe by Har- 

 grave, in which he desired me to send him several boxes of seeds. 

 I wish he would write to me more particular, before it is too late. 



Thee writes to me to draw fifty pounds ; but if there should be 

 a war with France, I had rather have it in thy hands, if it could 

 be secured to my children, if thee or I should die as we are all 

 mortal. 



