
          Lancaster O. [Ohio] May 24th. 1853


 Dear Doctor


 I received yesterday from Lieut. [Lieutenant]
 Whipple the Commission of "Assistant on the
 Southern Railway Route to the Pacific" and
 "assigned to duty as Surgeon & botanist to this
 expedition."


 Were I to wait until I know when I shall
 start before writing you I fear I could not have
 time for an answer but would be much pleased
 to have all the suggestions you can think of
 with regard to the collection of plants in that
 region. Please write freely and candidly on
 the subject and direct to the care of Lieut. [Lieutenant]
 Whipple. We are to meet at some point
 on the River Mississippi the exact point to 
 be designated soon. I expect to leave home
 about the 30th Inst.


 Most Respectfully
 yours &.C. [etc.]
 John M. Bigelow


 Prof [Professor] John Torrey MD.
 New York
        