470 LETTERS TO DARWIN AND OTHERS. [1861, 



TO DAJ^IBL CADY BATON. 



Cambkidge, Oototer 4, 1861. 



Your three parcels and letter of October first have 

 duly come. I believe I never answered your note of 

 August 28. 



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 transport 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 wiU get promotion somewhat according to his 

 deserts anyhow. Oh for faithful and honest officers 

 and officials ! . . . 



