
          Washington 
 April 15' 1856


 My Dear Doctor,


 I wish you would
 make an offer in behalf
 of Prestele for engraving
 the plates of Botany
 of the P. RR. [Pacific Rail Road] as the matter
 is to be closed on the
 25': [?]. If you know
 what he will do them for,
 send word to Mr. Seaman,
 as he is desirous that 
 Prestele should do them.
 He can bid for both engraving 
 and printing, or
 for engraving alone.


 Sincerely yours
 SF [Spencer Fullerton] Baird


 Dr. Torrey
 NY

        