1850 TO 1865 365 
by some traders’ train, which will cost comparatively little. If you 
do not feel justified in having it bought at S. I. expense, I can shoulder 
the bills myself. 
The train for Fort Whipple goes in four or five days. I am on 
duty with the command in my official position from the start. I am 
told that I must be very careful about wandering around the country, 
as it is full of hostile Apaches. However, that don’t worry me at all. 
I would do some collecting here at Santa Fé, but there seems to be 
nothing but Carpodacus and Hirundo and I must economize shot. I 
have the fullest notes on all the birds observed during the journey; 
place, date, habits, number, etc. You may be sure I take these 
carefully. 
Santa Fé is a wretched place in my way of thinking. If here, I 
should either be sick with ennui,—or become dissipated and loafer- 
ish,—neither of which I propose to do. I have got atangible, definite 
object in view big enough to claim all my time and energies and I 
intend to let it do so. 
I received a big package of letters from Washington when I 
arrived here, among them one from Osbert Salvin concerning his 
Laride. I was disappointed, though, in not having one from you, 
nor from any gentlemen at the Smithsonian. You must not forget 
me, Kennicott knows how valuable letters are to poor fellows in my 
fix. Have my papers appeared yet? Please send a few copies of 
each of them. Direct as before to Santa Fé, care Medical Director 
O. M. Bryan, U.S.A. My kindest regards to Mrs. Baird and Miss 
Lucy and remembrances to the Megatheria at the Smithsonian. 
Yours most sincerely, 
Exuiott Cougs. 
From Elliott Coues to Spencer F. Baird. 
Fort Wuippie, Arizona, August I 1864. 
Dear Pror, 
My letters to you from Santa Fé will already have informed you 
how I didn’t go to Fort Garland,—how Dr. Beers and I were separated; 
and how I came here. I have just arrived here and assumed charge 
of the Hospital and am at present getting official matters in running 
