5384 LETTERS TO DARWIN AND OTHERS. (1865, 
free institutions. A heavy task, no doubt; but the 
good Providence that has so wonderfully shaped our 
ways and sustained us thus far, we humbly and con- 
fidently rely on to carry our dear country through all 
its trials. 
I doubt if you will have in England a full concep- 
tion of the profound impression which this last atro- 
cious crime has made,! filling the whole land with the 
deepest and tenderest grief, like that of a personal 
bereavement ; inexpressibly shocking, but never for a 
moment bewildering the country nor deranging the 
action of the government. The manner in which both 
our victories and sorrows have affected the country is 
most hopeful, and promises the best results. There 
is much yet to do and to suffer, and there is need of 
wisdom, patience, and sacrifice in the renovation of 
our country, and the establishment of free institutions 
throughout the South, involving as it does the com- 
plete reconstruction of society there. But under 
God’s blessing, we expect full success in due time. 
As to myself, I can say little now. I am quite 
overworked at this season, but I hope that hereafter 
a rearrangement of my work in the university may 
bring some relief. 
I am beginning to enjoy the advantage and comfort 
of the establishment of my herbarium, and the build- 
ing quite meets my expectations. The collections are 
fast increasing ; faster than I can take care of them, 
through the bounty of my scientific correspondents ; 
while Mr. Lowell’s donation of botanical books is of 
the value of about £300. 
1 The assassination of President Lincoln. 
