1781.] TO HUMPHRY MARSHALL. 539 



reciprocal correspondency. This I highly approve, and shall ship 

 it this week ; and make no doubt he will make a very useful ex- 

 change for us and the public. 



I am yours most respectfully, 



Th. Bond. 



December 2, 1780. 



Dear Sir : 



I received last night your letter and box, which I shall inform 

 the Chevalier of, and know his pleasure about it. The collection, 

 though small, is valuable and curious. I wish to keep up a cor- 

 respondency in Europe, on a small scale, and solely with a view of 

 furnishing each country, reciprocally, with such things as may be 

 useful. This I hope you will enable me to do. As the other is a 

 very large affair, and will cost you much trouble, you ought to be 

 well paid for it. I had not time to translate the direction, about 

 the manner of preserving the seeds : you must, therefore when 

 you have perused it, send it again ; or rather bring it and I will 

 introduce you to the Minister. The ships are not yet sailed for 

 France. 



I am yours, most respectfully, 



Th. Bond. 



March 16, 1781. 



My kind Friend : 



This covers a letter from Mr. Marbois. I have received a very- 

 friendly letter from Mr. Gerard. He desires me to present you 

 with his kind respects and sincere attachment, and desires we would 

 continue our correspondency. He sent us two boxes of curious 

 seeds by Captain Smith, who was drove into Boston, and says he 

 has sent them forward by a safe conveyance. They are long in 

 coming. Another may be expected every day. Mr. Wharton 

 tells gie, the King of France examined every article of our collec- 

 tion, and was extremely pleased with it. This is a very respectful 

 and may be a very useful correspondency. Let us support it with 

 the patriotic spirit it deserves. I have a prospect of adding to it 

 greatly, via Pittsburg. 



Believe me to be, with great regard, 



Your humble servant, 



Th. Boxd. 



