1850 TO 1865 279 
dred, more or less, were to stand the expense of printing, and present 
to all who did not attend, a copy; this view of the matter does not 
seem to have entered their thoughts. 
One Silas Totten, of Williamsburg, Virginia, has written this 
evening a most menacing message and says that he shall send my 
letter to the Permanent Secretary or President. A remark I made 
that it was strange so many persons declared themselves not mem- 
bers, only when called on to pay, he takes as a personal offense. The 
thought came into my head, while writing in a hurry, without con- 
sidering that the unfortunate man, might consider that I alluded to 
him. If he sends you the note, have it printed, and sent as a circular 
to delinquents. 
From Thomas M. Brewer to Spencer F. Baird. 
Hineuam, June 13, 1852. 
My pear Barrp:— 
I have been meaning to write to you for several days. 
I left Washington you know on Monday, via Richmond, and was in 
Old Point Tuesday night. . . . I besieged every darkey I saw in 
quest of eggs. I could obtain none of any value. After much trying 
I at last succeeded in chartering a vessel to take me to a small sandy 
island where the sea birds were said to breed, but I could not be gone 
long at a time, as my wife was with me and I was not willing to leave 
her alone among strangers, and ill. I spent a few hours on the island 
and only obtained seven kinds; Willetts, Black-headed Gulls, Roseate 
Tern, Seaside finch, nest and eggs, Bachman’s finch, nest and eggs, 
my only new acquisition, Oyster catcher and Wilson’s plover, each 
one. Besides these, I found at Old Point Catbirds, Red Wing Black- 
birds, martins and Fringilla Socialis. . . . In Norfolk where 
I spent Wednesday the 3rd inst. I saw your friend, Capt. Farragut. 
He has made arrangements to procure for you all the fish of the neigh- 
borhood which can hardly fail to give you much that is interesting. 
He has had tin canisters made for deposit at the several fishing places 
which are to be sent to you when full. The Capt. was so much 
engaged by the court-martial that I saw but little of him. 
Yours sincerely, 
T. M. Brewer. 
