
          at Washington, but after the return of Prof [Professor] Baird was found
and sent on to Dr. Engelmann. Afterwards sent to me from St. 
Louis, I find: 1st [crossed out: some] [added: A] young rotted yucca plants, that I was
in hopes would grow, of the large tree yucca. 2nd Another
small very narrow leaved filamentous edged [added: yucca] collected at
Picacho Jany [January] 12th 154 [1854], a little east of the Aztec mountains. This
is the only place I saw this species. It very much resembles,
however, one I saw at Presidio del Norte, in the summer of 1852
on the Boundary--specimens of which I think you will find
in that collection. 3rd, Some old broken capsules, and
imperfect seeds, of the tree yucca. 4th, Also some small thin
black seeds, of a yucca sent me by Capt. [Captain] Whipple, from the Gila,
while on the Boundary. These specimens are too large & rough
to send by mail, but I will box them & send [crossed out: by] [added: with] some other things
by express, when I hear from you again. In a few days,
I will go more fully into the yucca question. I think I
heard you express a wish to get some daguerrotypes of some
of our old Boundary parties; Have you any of Schott, Perry,
and Wright? If not, write & let me know immediately. With
these, some other things of interest to you, and what yucca specimens
I have, I can send. I am looking every day for the finishing
stroke of our Cactaceae, from Dr. Engelmann. He writes me that he
has received my Loranthi from Dr. Gray. Capt [Captain] Whipple knew
nothing of it. Is he to elaborate them for Capt [Captain] W.'s [Whipple's] Report?
Do you want the sketch of the tree yucca again? Did I not
put [added: in my collection] some leaves of two yuccas, collected east of the Pecos
and near it Septr [September] 24th 1853? I have so noted in my journal.
One of them I saw east as far as Fort Smith. the other very
much resembles the one so common at the Copper mines, and
western Texas. Please write soon. Kindest regards to your
family. With sentiments of the highest respect I am
Most Respectfully yours
John M. Bigelow  
        