216 PETER COLLINSON [1759. 



sent thee a letter, and acknowledged thy kind present of the draw- 

 ing-book. 



We want to know how poor Moses fares, and where he is. "We 

 were glad to see his letter to thee, and that he showed so much 

 respect to his worthy friend. 



RETER COLLINSON TO JOHN BARTRAM. 



[February, 1759.] 



I now come to thank my good friend John Bartram for his 

 cargo of plants, and congratulate him on the success that has 

 attended all his cargoes of seeds, during this war. All the plants 

 seemed in good order ; but why was I tantalized about the dwarf 

 Oaks? My son examined everything with great attention, but 

 could find nothing we could liken to them, except two or three 

 sticks with knobs at their end ; but neither the least root, nor 

 fibre, we could discern. We therefore conclude they were by 

 accident left behind ; for we are persuaded our ingenious, knowing 

 friend, knew better than to send such rootless sticks to produce 

 growing plants. 



We have great hopes, as Fort Duquesne is in our hands, and if 

 Crown Point is as happily surrendered, all the nations of Indians 

 will see it their interest to join us, and establish peace in all our 

 borders. 



Then thou will be able to sally forth again on new discoveries ; 

 and I think with safety thou may venture to Fort Duquesne, as 

 there will be continual traffic thither, both from your country and 

 from Virginia. 



As there is a fine straight road now made, it will be very easy 

 of access. Inquire in time what parties of trading people, or 

 troops, are going thither, and then join thyself with them. From 

 the fort, little excursions may be made every day, and come and 

 lie there at night. 



That fine country has been unsearched. So rich a soil will be 

 productive of new and rare vegetables, that we are strangers to : 

 but as thou art a better judge how safe and practicable such an 

 expedition may be, I submit to thee. But, for certain, it must be 

 a pleasant one ; and what may be discovered would recompense 

 the length of such a journey. 



