314 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD 
I do not think Prof. Henry will object to this. Others are in favor 
of erecting a grand crystal palace between the Smithsonian and 
Monument to hold National Museum, Library, and Patent Office, 
and numerous other plans are talked of. I don’t much care how they 
manage it, so that 7 can have charge of the Nat. Hist. collections. 
They are at work diligently finishing the interior of the Main Smith- 
sonian building. 
Most affectionately yours, 
S. F. Barren. 
From John Cassin to Spencer F. Baird. 
PHILADELPHIA, 24 Dec. 1853. 
Dear PRorFEssor: 
Why should not I write a letter to you of a character entirely 
friendly or complimentary, or any other, if I felt myself so called? 
No matter—this is a letter not about business of any sort, but 
entirely friendly and fraternal,—the essential object—as far as I see 
any—being to wish you a happy Christmas and many of them Pro- 
fessor—and that yesterday thinking over the matter of sending you 
some small affair by way of rrmembrance—I sent what I did by Adams 
Express—hope it will prove acceptable—there is not the quantity I 
intended to have sent, not intending to put you on short allowance, 
but I suddenly recollected that I was no judge of quality. 
A good many Christmases have now passed, Professor, since 
you and I have been cronies—more than will again probably—and 
yet ye’re a’ the same to me professor—rather more so. 
So it goes—one has in this world many acquaintances, but few 
friends and those few afford to any man,—who is at all considerable 
of a man—in the exercise of the friendly feelings and duties, grati- 
fication of the highest and most ennobling character—One cannot 
overestimate long tried and faithful friends. 
So, professor, wishing you again—and all yours—a happy Christ- 
mas and many—for ourselves, hoping it may never be worse with 
us—I am 
Yours as ever 
Joun Cassin 
