1850 TO 1865 381 
late, I have not had time to attend to our favorite pursuit, but hope 
to be looking up something as soon as I go up to the logging camp. 
Wishing you the compliments of the season, I am, 
Yours very truly, 
GeorGE A. BoaRDMAN. 
From Elliott Coues to Spencer F. Baird. 
Fort Wurppte, A. T. July 26, 1865. 
My peEAR PROFEsSOR, 
The Santa Fé mail now accumulated for three months reached 
here yesterday. There is most unaccountable delay in establishing 
the expresses, long after the contract has been out. There is reason 
to believe that within a month or so, however, the connection between 
Albuquerque and Los Angeles or San Bernardino, via this place, will 
have been established. 
Among some 35 letters that the mail brought me, were six from 
you, ranging in date from March 4 to May 14. Also the desideratum, 
—the list of identifications—came to hand. Not a paper or pamphlet 
however. At some point after leaving steam, all printed matter is 
either unceremoniously appropriated, or given the “go by.” 
Your letters were the first definite intimation I have had about 
my boxes sent last fall. I need not conceal my great gratification 
that they should have turned out so valuable and interesting. I had 
of course hoped for one or two new species; but I had no idea that 
there would be so many. And I am proportionately elated. It 
would have been hard for me to have come 2500 miles to make a 
failure! I hope too there is something interesting among the mammals 
and alcoholics eggs I have “funked”’ on: because, imprimis, I can- 
not find nests, never could, (except catbirds); secundus, all through 
the season I was ordered off on Indian scouts, and had no chance. 
Indeed, the Indians have all along cramped every movement; were 
it not for them, my collections would have been much larger and 
more varied. 
Since I wrote last, —between fighting Indians, being partially sick 
and partially lazy, I have done but little. Got nothing additional 
that I know of at this moment. 
