280 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD 
From John Cassin to Spencer F. Baird. 
PHILADELPHIA, 28 Aug.: 1852. 
Dear PROFESSOR 
I have just received a letter from our good friend Brewer in which 
he signifies that you might be reached through his address. 
All that I have to say is that about three weeks since—that is to 
say not very long after you left here—I rec’d. a very polite letter from 
Capt. Wilkes in which he informed me that my proposition had been 
accepted by the Hon. Comm. and requesting me to immediately 
assume the duties, &c &c. 
So much for the kind offices of you and Dr. Brewer— 
Heermann has arrived from California with a collection of about 
1200 Bird skins—I have not seen them all, but expect to tomorrow— 
I have a portion of them, brought in his trunk, amongst which are a 
Humming bird, T. Alexandrit, Bourcier, new to our Fauna—a Wren 
T. mexicanus—and an undescribed Finch—also a Squirrel which Le 
Conte says is new—not very strongly marked however, being like the 
common Gray Squirrel, but I think quite distinct—also the greatest 
kind of a lot of nests and eggs—I have rec’d. a letter from McCall— 
has 2 Hawks, which he thinks new, and various other birds. 
I do not intend to go to Washington until you return. 
Ever yours, 
Joun Cassin. 
From John Cassin to Spencer F. Baird. 
Puitapa. 22 Oct: 1852. 
Dear PROFESSOR: 
I am glad to have something to write to you about,—Heermann 
wants to go on the Japan expedition—he does—and further has heard 
report that somebody is wanted— 
He will do very well, if he can get appointed, but as I have said to 
him, that is perhaps less difficult than to be placed on a respectable 
footing amongst the officers—do you know anything about it?— 
suppose he was appointed, with whom is he to mess on board ship? 
