
          Washington D.C.
 Nov'r. [November] 8 1859


 Prof. John Torey M.D.


 My Dear Doctor


 I presume it is known by you
 that the Univer. [University] of Virginia have advertised
 for Candidates for the Chair of
 Agriculture & Climatology or Physical
 Geography, to be filled in Feby. [February]
 I propose to become a candidate
 for it. Can I have your patronage
 [I?] [first?] [engaged?]. I presume you would
 not object to give me a letter or 
 Certificate that I have lectured on
 Agriculture before the N.Y. Soc'y. [Society] some
 years ago which was the beginning
 of our acquaintance soon after
 my arrival here. I have also been 
 attached to an Agricultural School
 near Dublin, have written here in the
 Agricultural papers etc.
        