1850 TO 1865 259 
contain an article which I have just finished—now that the Exploring 
Expedition has fallen through we must turn our attention to some- 
thing else— 
I am unconditionally discharged from that business, and the 
only civil letter Wilkes ever wrote to me conveyed that information,— 
—I shall publish nothing relative to Peale’s book for at least a 
year— . . . I am about commencing a paper in which I intend 
to get together everything ornithological by Americans, probably 
commencing with Bartram, a few of whose descriptions are good and 
entitle him to priority of name—next Ord whose principal paper of a 
nomenclatorial character is in an appendix to an edition of Guthrie’s 
Geography in which he names a large number of birds for the first 
time, but unfortunately describes very few;—he refers however to 
several sufficient descriptions amongst which is Lewis & Clarke’s 
description of a new swan which he, Ord, names Cygnus Columbianus 
and which is very probably Sharpless’ C. americanus & has priority— 
next Wilson—Audubon—Rafinesque—Giraud—and Peale—if Wilson 
will bear my expenses and lend me books I shall come to Washing- 
ton and examine the collection as well as I can. 
I am entirely composed about the Expedition business—quite 
recovered my equanimity, as you will probably think when you see 
the foolish paper I have written for Stephens Comic—all the papers 
in that great work which are written by me will have the initial C. 
to the end of them. 
I am now sure enough over head and ears in literary and scien- 
tific engagements—Webber (old Hicks the guide) and I are about 
undertaking wonderful things—you will see— 
Please inform me the address of Mrs. Townsend. 
Ever yours, 
Joun Cassin 
Tell me soon about the ms. Fissirostres and Tenuirostres. 
This paper which I propose writing about Bartram and others 
will be rather long—it might do for your Smithsonian Contributions— 
I have commenced it— 
Any more California birds? Beesley who accompanied poor Gam- 
bel has returned within a day or two-I have not seen him—Heerman 
is expected home shortly—Charles Ashmead is also expected soon. 
