470 LETTERS TO DARWIN AND OTHERS. [1861, 
TO DANIEL CADY EATON. 
CAMBRIDGE, October 4, 1861. 
Your three parcels and letter of October first have 
duly come. I believe I never answered your note of 
I can’t abide writing letters nowadays. But I 
think often of you. You are happy in being able to do 
something direct. I wish I could. Find me a useful 
place in the army, and I will go at once. 
My wife and I have scraped up $550, all we can 
scrape, and lent it to the United States. I am 
amazed that people do not come forward with their 
money — those that can’t go to fight. I wish I could 
do both... . 
I have to-day a letter from Wright, September 4. 
He is of late botanizing with more spirit than for- 
merly. 
A sailing-vessel is up here for Santiago. I shall 
write by it, the United States mail by steamer being 
so interrupted, and perhaps send some _publica- 
tions, newspapers, etc. But.I shall leave for you to 
send the “ Flora of the British West Indies,” as you 
suggest. I could not spare my copy. 
I hope this taking up of large lentil vessels 
means something, and something prompt and thor- 
ough. 
Thus far one is sick and sad, so little is done. 
I had some hopes that your good father would be 
put at the head of the Commissary Department. I 
trust he will get promotion somewhat according to his 
deserts anyhow. Oh for faithful and honest officers 
and officials! . . . 
