
          I am longing very much to have one of the two Copies, as well as Gaudichaud
by me.

I did not mean My good Sir, as you appeared to infer, from one of
my former letters, that Sir Wm [William] D. Hooker was to be courted in order to
help to get the Botany of the Expedition out; I once stated to you I think. that
if you would only take holds as the principal, and secure the Bot. [Botany] talent in this country
as assistsants, And the necessary Books provided, that the work would be as well
done here as in Europe; Only, I always consider a good friend worth this
taking care of. I see a number of new plants from Californai by Mr
Nuttall, has been published in the Trans. [Transactions] of the Phila. [Philadelphia] Acad. [Academy] of Nat. [Natural] Science.
I hope this does not much interfere with your ground? Mr Sullivan from
Ohio, who has the Mosses of the Expedition to work up, is just now here.
His drawings of some of our new Mosses are truly superb.
Doctor Pickering I understand is now on his last Chapter, and is expected
on in a week or two, I am enclined to think he will then
lay hold of Geographical Botany. It is gratifying to learn that you are getting on
so nicely with the Oregon plants, I can do little at this season on the
Filices. And I must say that your last made my Exploring rheumatick 
seized frame to quake, under the idea that I was encluded among
the "Sluggish Gentry" of Washington, pray do not hit the hangers[?]
around the great Political Hothouse so hard.

I shall be most happy to hear from you at the earliest
convenience. Yours vey respectfully
Wm[William] D. Brackenridge
        