
          have been.  I now say once for all, [inserted: all] specimens whether
 European, Asiatic, American or African will
 be acceptable to me.  I beseech you never ask that
 question again. John will have an opportunity this
 week, if you have anything to send me, give it to
 him.  You will not be offended at my [crossed out: frequent] harrassing
 you so repeatedly for specimens when you consider that
 I am working here entirely alone & consequently
 my labor as yet cannot amount to much.  The
 Troy Lyceum have published a [flaming?] Botanical
 notice, that they intend publishing a floral Calendar 
 in the coming fall; they call upon all classes
 & descriptions of men to assist in this great
 work. I fear its effects will be that of the
 mountain in Labour. C. J. Raffinesque, Esq.
 must cut a prodigious swell. I have frequently 
 thought that a correct complete & Scientific work on
 the Botany of the United States was still a desideratum
 But he no doubt [crossed out: illegible] 
 will accomplish this great work. SS Peixotto dead or alive?
 He has probably taken an aerial excursion as I have 
 not heard of him since the hurricane in august
 last. When he returns I would thank you to 
 remember me to him. Tell Pete Wendover that [Dur?up]
 remains as usual.

                    Write soon

                       I remain your sincere friend
                                 Lewis C. Beck

 Dr John Torrey
        