1850 TO 1865 281 
Woodhouse thinks that his nominal grade would have to be 
Master’s mate— 
Heermann is a good fellow—I have become well acquainted with 
him—personally I should rather dislike to see him go on this expedi- 
tion for I want him to go to Texas next spring—but as he is anxious 
himself, I wish to further his views in every way in my power—do 
write to me immediately and say whether it is important for him to 
come to Washington—a better one than he cannot be had. 
I shall be in Washington early in November—busy getting up 
the plates for my Ist No. Illustrations (2nd edition)—you will be 
astonished at their surpassing beauty—I have fallen on a genius in 
drawing. 
Ever yours, 
Joun Cassin. 
From John Cassin to Spencer F. Baird. 
Purtapa. 29 Oct: 1852. 
Dear PRoFEssor: 
I rec’d. yours day before yesterday and immediately informed 
Heermann who said that he would write to you—he appears to be 
very anxious to go on the expedition and would I think be a suffi- 
ciently suitable individual—he would be of great service to me so far 
as relates to the birds of N. W. America, and I should very probably 
be able to avail myself of his collections & observations to a greater 
extent than any other person likely to go—I am in favour of him, 
myself, I am.—Besides he is an able collector, very— 
It might also be of great service to the expedition that he can 
speak French very volubly—as well as he can English—especially if 
the expedition has much to do with the Russian fleets or authorities— 
Ever yours, 
Joun Cassin. 
