
          Recd. & Ansd. [Received & answered] 
 July 11th


 Stratford July 1st, 1841


 Dr. J.  Torrey


 Dr Sir,


 I have intruded upon your
 valuable time, at present, to obtain some
 information that I need, trusting that our
 old intimacy may plead my excuses.


 I am desirous of obtaining the fifth and
 any succeeding volume that may have
 been published, of De Candolle's Prodromus.
 Our booksellers, here, are unable
 to obtain them for me. I wish again
 to take up Botany & revive some of
 my old knowledge of various branches
 of Nat. His. [Natural History]. In many branches, I am
 fifteen years behind the age, having had other
 employments to occupy my time, but in
 Botany not so much so.
        