534 LETTERS TO DARWIN AND OTHERS. [1865, 



free institutions. A heavy task, no doubt; but the 

 good Providence that has so wonderfully shaped our 

 ways and sustained us thus far, we humbly and con- 

 fidently rely on to carry our dear country through all 

 its trials. 



I doubt if you will have in England a full concep- 

 tion of the profound impression which this last atro- 

 cious crime has made, 1 filling the whole land with the 

 deepest and tenderest grief, like that of a personal 

 bereavement ; inexpressibly shocking, but never for a 

 moment bewildering the country nor deranging the 

 action of the government. The manner in which both 

 our victories and sorrows have affected the country is 

 most hopeful, and promises the best results. There 

 is much yet to do and to suffer, and there is need of 

 wisdom, patience, and sacrifice in the renovation of 

 our country, and the establishment of free institutions 

 throughout the South, involving as it does the com- 

 plete reconstruction of society there. But under 

 God's blessing, we expect full success in due time. 



As to myself, I can say little now. I am quite 

 overworked at this season, but I hope that hereafter 

 a rearrangement of my work in the university may 

 bring some relief. 



I am beginning to enjoy the advantage and comfort 

 of the establishment of my herbarium, and the build- 

 ing quite meets my expectations. The collections are 

 fast increasing ; faster than I can take care of them, 

 through the bounty of my scientific correspondents ; 

 while Mr. Lowell's donation of botanical books is of 

 the value of about <300. 



1 The assassination of President Lincoln. 



