570 DOCTOR WISTAR [1792. 



dr. wistar to dr. m. marshall. 



Respected Friend : 



By a conversation with thy uncle, I find that thee is already 

 acquainted with the wishes of some gentlemen here, to have our 

 continent explored in a western direction. My reason for writing, 

 at present, is to inform thee of the present state of the business. 



Mr. Jefferson and several other gentlemen are much interested, 

 and think they can procure a subscription sufficient to insure one 

 thousand guineas, as a compensation to any one who undertakes 

 the journey, and can bring satisfactory proofs of having passed 

 across to the South Sea. 



They wish the journey to be prosecuted up the Missouri, as the 

 easiest, and perhaps most interesting track. A Spanish gentleman 

 who is now here, and lives near the mouth of the Missouri, says 

 that a caravan of traders go off every year up the Missouri, and 

 penetrate fifteen hundred miles up it, to the Mahaw Indians, who 

 are very friendly indeed. These traders go off from the Mississippi 

 about the first of August, so that any one who thinks of it this 

 year, ought to lose no time. 



If thee has any inclination, I think it would be very proper to 

 come to town immediately, and converse with Mr. Jefferson, who 

 seems principally interested. 



I am confident that no small matter will stop them, if thee is 

 disposed to engage in the business. At any rate, I shall be very 

 glad to hear from thee as soon as possible, 



And am, with respect for thy uncle and self, 



Thy assured friend, 



Caspar "Wistar, Jr. 



June 20th, 1792. 



DR. WISTAR TO HUMPHRY MARSHALL. 



Respected Friend : 



I am apprehensive that it will not be in my power, on account 

 of my inoculated patients, to see thee before the middle of May ; 

 and hope to be able to specify the time precisely, when I see thy 

 wife at the Spring Meeting. 



I believe it will be most proper to continue in the use of that 



