158 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD 
I am tolerably well acquainted with the outlines of my duties. Of 
the opinions of my various friends as to my competency for the sta- 
tion, as Prof. Silliman, Drs. Torrey and Gray, Mr. Audubon, Dr. 
Morton and others, I can at short notice furnish written testimony. 
If you can say a word to any members of the board of regents which 
would be of influence in their decision, I would be very much obliged 
to you for its utterance. 
Very respectfully, 
SPENCER F. Barrp. 
It is possible that Baird’s first letter to Henry did not 
elicit an immediate response as the latter was an extremely 
busy man and the appointment of a Curator was likely 
to be some time deferred. At any rate a letter represented 
by the following draft, accompanied by various testi- 
monials to his qualifications for the post, some of which 
are reproduced here, was prepared by Baird and sent to 
the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution: 
From Dratt of a Letter from Spencer F. Baird to Professor Joseph Henry. 
CaRLISLE, Feb. 25, 1847. 
SiR :— 
I wrote to you some weeks ago, stating that having heard 
that the situation of Curator to the Smithsonian Institute was to 
be filled shortly, and being advised thereto by some of my friends, 
I wished to become a candidate. I also mentioned my intention of 
sending on letters from different individuals as soon as I could 
procure them. I accordingly take the liberty of sending the accom- 
panying from Doctor Morton, J. J. Audubon, John Cassin, J. D. 
Dana, &c. Dr. Gray has kindly offered to write personally to you 
on the subject. Some I retain on account of the too partial terms in 
which I am mentioned, and of those forwarded to you, many contain 
opinions to which my utmost self conceit will not allow me to 
subscribe. 
I have been told by my friends to mention in my application 
to yourself, such places and passages of Scientific works as refer 
