
          Washington City Sept [September] 29th 1847.

Respected Sir

At this late date, I have to
acknowledge having received your letter of the 
14th, and at the same time Agardh's Monog [Monograph] of Pteris.
Many thanks to you for the loan of the book, and
the valuable information contained in your letter.

I am now convinced from yourself and others
that the Botany of Freycinet's voyage is not to be
had in Philadelphia. And it would be adding
another, to the many favors you have already done
me, if you would use your influence with Dr. 
Gray to get him to loan me his, for a short time.
And I will willingly pay all expenses of transport, 
take good care of, and return it safe to him. I 
would like to have it by me the coming winter.

Sir Wm [William] J. Hooker appears to be working 
slowly on his Species Filicum. No new numbers 
having reached me for a very long time. I hope he
won't give it up.

I believe you are aware that I have adopted
        