1777.1 T0 JOHN BARTRAM. 465 



I know not how to advise you, with regard to trusting yourself 

 amongst the Creeks, who, from present appearances, seem still un- 

 settled, with regard to their intentions towards us. Therefore, 

 whichever way you direct your course, be sure to act with safety 

 to yourself. 



The enclosed letter from Dr. Fothergill, I have had almost 

 two months by me, not knowing how to forward it to you. He 

 likewise sent me several reams of paper, in order to your collecting 

 a Hortus siec .s; and also two flat, tight, tin canisters, I take it, 

 to preserve papers from wet. 



Pray, likewise, preserve seeds from some of the most beautiful 

 flowering plants, as well as of those which may be useful in Medi- 

 cine, so far as their virtues may come to your knowledge, and give 

 me a few of each sort. 



Believing it might be satisfactory to your relations to be in- 

 formed of your safety, I shall, to-day, inform your father thereof; 

 and am your most humble servant, 



Lionel Chalmers. 



CAPTAIN FRASER TO [JOHN?] BARTRAM.* 



Philadelphia, December 15th, 1777. 



Sir: 



Unfortunately it has been impossible for me to prosecute the 

 intention I set out from Britain with, of seeing your late re- 

 spectable father, known to me by name and character only. 



My next wish, on that disappointment, was to see yourself, and 

 enjoy a few hours' conversation with you, such as curious men, and 

 lovers of science have together. The sight of your garden, and 

 its produce, would have pleased me much. I very soon, after my 

 arrival here, waited on your brother Moses, who very kindly would 

 have assisted me, in making me as much acquainted with the plants 

 of this country as he was able, and in putting me in the road of 

 collecting seeds. 



* This letter, written while the British troops were in possession of Phila- 

 delphia, was evidently designed for one of John Bartraji's sons: but, there 

 being no superscription on the original, it is somewhat uncertain whether for 

 John, or William. As, however, John inherited the Garden, the letter was 

 probably intended for him. 



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