
          Washington D C
 Feby [February] 22nd 56 [1856]


 My Dear Dr.


 Yours of the 18th came duly to
 hand, and in reply to your two queries
 concerning the collection of plants I am
 directed to say - that at the end of
 three (or perhaps 4 months) months, your 
 communication will be expected. The
 funds of the appropriation being pretty well
 exhausted [Le Roy?] begs me state he has set
 aside $200 or $250 for the Bot.' [Botanical] report
 & to know if that sum will bear any relation
 to the amount of work involved in your
 report.


 You ask me how long my stay in W. [Washington?]
 may be. The report will not be completed
 for 4 months to come & I am here I suppose
 certainly that time. I will not take 
 another Expedition, should it be offered to
 me, & desire to settle down somewhere
 with my family, & since I have broken
 through my acquaintance & arrangements
 in New York, it would be scarcely worth
        