622 TRAVEL IN EUROPE AND AMERICA. [1872, 
more of it. And now what was done has all to be 
done again, and carried if possible to a completion ; 
and there is no one else to do it if I do not. My 
educational books, or most of them, require to be re- 
edited ; and I fail to find time and sufficient freedom 
of mind for the undertaking. If I could accomplish 
these tasks, or a good part of them, I am of opinion 
that I should in consequence be able (as is especially 
my desire) to do a great deal more for the university 
and the permanent interest of this establishment than 
I can expect now to do, as at present situated, even if 
it were possible or be that I could so continue 
for any length of time. 
Wary respectfully ane truly hea 
Asa Gray. 
TO JOHN TORREY. 
CAMBRIDGE, January 4, 1872. 
Dear Docror,—I have a horrid eold, which 
makes me unwell. 
I write a brief line, in response to yours of yester- 
day, mainly to say that I fear I disagree with you 
about the reply to be made to Wilkes’s urgent request 
to print the manuscript of the Oregon collection of 
Wilkes’ Expedition. 
, It was prepared to print long ago; is not your fault 
that it has been delayed so long. The library com- 
mittee have a right to print it, and might do so with- 
out your corrections if you decline to make any. We 
want the plates, which are now thrown away, and 
must be published. I would print in the form of a 
naked list, — except where remarks and descriptions 
are still wanted,—and to make all right and sure, 
and to relieve you, I, with Watson’s kind help, will 
iene 
