622 TRAVEL IN EUROPE AND AMERICA. [1872, 



more of it. And now what was done has all to be 

 done again, and carried if possible to a completion ; 

 and there is no one else to do it if I do not. My 

 educational books, or most of them, require to be re- 

 edited ; and I fail to find time and sufficient freedom 

 of mind for the undertaking. If I could accomplish 

 these tasks, or a good part of them, I am of opinion 

 that I should in consequence be able (as is especially 

 my desire) to do a great deal more for the university 

 and the permanent interest of this establishment than 

 I can expect now to do, as at present situated, even if 

 it were possible or probable that I could so continue 

 for any length of time. I am, 



Very respectfully and truly yours, 



ASA GRAY. 



TO JOHN TORREY. 



CAMBRIDGE, January 4, 1872. 



DEAR DOCTOR, I have a horrid cold, which 

 makes me unwell. 



I write a brief line, in response to yours of yester- 

 day, mainly to say that I fear I disagree with you 

 about the reply to be made to Wilkes's urgent request 

 to print the manuscript of the Oregon collection of 

 Wilkes' Expedition. 



It was prepared to print long ago ; is not your fault 

 that it has been delayed so long. The library com- 

 mittee have a right to print it, and might do so with- 

 out your corrections if you decline to make any. We 

 want the plates, which are now thrown away, and 

 must be published. I would print in the form of a 

 naked list, except where remarks and descriptions 

 are still wanted, and to make all right and sure, 

 and to relieve you, I, with Watson's kind help, will 



