
          Washington, D.C.
 June 9th 1855.


 Dear Sir:


 Captain Humphreys informs
 me that he has requested
 you to permit the reference of 
 bidders for the botanical engravings
 for R. R. reports, for their
 information as to quantity and
 style, to the drawings in your
 hands. Should this proposition
 be agreeable to you, there will, 
 of course, be no necessity for 
 forwarding to me the drawings
 for my report at least at present.
 And you will doubtless be advised
 by Captain Humphreys to whom to
 submit them when the contract
 shall have been accorded.


 It has occurred to me that if

        