194 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD 
his desire to keep the Institution strictly within its 
private capacity as a trust from the donor of the endow- 
ment, for which the United States Government merely 
acts as trustee. In this way the invasion of political 
influence might be blocked, a menace in those days far 
more dangerous than at present. 
In reply to a request that he would help on the 
geological part of the Encyclopedia William Baird writes: 
From William M. Baird to S. F. Baird. 
Reapinc, November 13th, 1849. 
I would help you with pleasure in this thing, and you 
may send on your manuscript as soon as you please. I would do 
it for you for nothing, but if you make anything out of the book, 
and choose to pay me for my work, I shan’t object; though as to 
“sharing in the amount received,” I will not agree to it, if by this 
you mean to divide the amount equally; as, of course, your part 
of the work would not only be much greater but worth a great deal 
more than mine. But, respecting the profits, there will be time 
enough to talk hereafter. 
From Mrs. Spencer F. Baird to C. C. Jewett. 
CaruisLeE, Penna. Nov. 21, 1849. 
Dear Sir:— 
Pardon me if I am intrusive, but I hope the circumstances will 
be a sufficient apology. After the conversation we had in New 
York, I feel less hesitation about writing, but now, even after having 
obtained leave from Mr. Baird to do so, I am almost afraid to 
venture. 
As the time for the election draws near I am, naturally, becoming 
anxious as to the result, and not having Mr. Marsh any longer in 
Washington, to whom I could always write freely on any subject, 
I have presumed to write to you, unofficially of course, to ask you 
if you can tell me anything with respect to it. Of all things my 
