THE BOTANISTS OF PHILADELPHIA. 123 



critical notes and minute inquiries relative to the species of 

 Cyperus, Scirpus and RhyncJiOspora, and he had nearly com- 

 pleted his elaboration of the plants of this order, and was 

 engaged upon the genera Paf^palum and Panicum among 

 the grasses, when he laid aside his work at a new and unex- 

 pected call. The government was preparing to send out a 

 new expedition for the exploration of the Upper Missouri, 

 under the command of Major Long, to be accompanied by 

 a corps of naturalists. Baldwin's friends, Darlington and 

 LeConte, successfully urged his appointment as botanist, 

 and prevailed upon him to accept. Hope of prolonging his 

 failing health doubtless influenced his decision. In March, 

 1819, he made the journey over the mountains to Pitts- 

 burg, where he joined his fellow-travelers. A small light- 

 draft steamboat had been constructed for the long river 

 voyage, but repeated delays ensued, and it was not till the 

 5th of May that the departure took place. From the 

 beginning Baldwin seems to have sad foreboding. On the 

 point of departure he wrote Darlington : " I shall hold out 

 as long as I can. Whether my remains are deposited on 

 the banks of the Missouri, or among my kindred at home, 

 is now a matter of little consequence. For the sake of my 

 family, and the pursuits I am engaged in, I should wish to 

 live a few years longer." In fact, his strength was already 

 failing, and only his enthusiasm and force of will sustained 

 him. The boat proved unsuitable for her work — was 

 leaky, damp, and uncomfortable, requiring constant repairs. 

 A stop was made at Cincinnati for a week, partly for repairs 

 and partly on account of the alarming condition of Dr. 

 Baldwin, who remained on shore with his friend, Dr. 

 Drake, until he rallied. As the boat made her slow way 



