NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCE 



the Academy I should have less fear. But with the cares 

 of President, which involve meetings of council, as well 

 as all business meetings, at least, of the Academy, and 

 much more of an outside nature, I am sure I should be 

 unwise to risk attendance. I should return here after a 

 hard week to do double duty in college for the first ten 

 days because of the absence from the commencement of 

 the term here which it would require, my geological 

 course being on my hands. I tried to have the geology 

 deferred to the latter half of our term, so that I might 

 have a respite after the meeting before entering upon its 

 duties; but the arrangements could not be made. I am 

 sorry to be absent for many reasons. I had concluded 

 to resign the vice-presidency because of Bache's illness, 

 and my own impaired health, thinking that the Academy 

 should have some one capable of performing the duties 

 of President in the presidential chair, and not wishing to 

 be in the way of an appointment of the right man for 

 the place. But on broaching the subject to one or two 

 friends I have been advised not to think of it. I should 

 much prefer now to throw up the position ; for besides 

 my incapabilities from imperfect health, I should enjoy 

 myself far more if I could have my time and strength to 

 mingle socially with the members present. At New 

 Haven the business meetings of each morning so used me 

 up that I could call on no one and had to avoid all eve- 

 ning intercourse with friends in the house, or with those 

 that might call. I should have been glad to have called 

 on Professor Henry, for one, and to have seen him at my 

 house. But it was not possible. I think I have gained 

 a little since summer, but only a little. The past fort- 

 night has brought extra trial and fatigue. I may be in 

 Washington in the spring, and will then see you and Mrs. 

 Baird. Please give her my very kind regards. Mrs. 

 Dana would thank her warmly for her very kind letter 

 received last week, and sends her love to her and to your 

 daughter. 



"Our circle is most sadly bereaved in the loss of its 

 centre of light and affection. Thanksgiving was to have 

 brought us a union of families at dinner in my house. 

 The morning came, but, before the sun was faintly up, 

 Professor Silliman had gone from us, and we were left to 

 mourn. Yet so peaceful was his death, so in harmony 



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