
          Washington City June 9th 1848.

Doctor Torrey

My dear Sir,

I have perused your friendly note handed 
to me by Doctor Gray; And I can assure you that I had
not the most distant idea that Captn [Captain] Wilkes was about
to negociate with Dr. G. [Gray] for to take hold of the plants of
the Ex. [Exploring] Expedition, than I believe you had; And it was
not till Captn [Captain] W. [Wilkes] was in Boston, that I learned through
Judge Tappan of the contemplated arrangement, and after
what you stated to me in a former letter, I did not
well know about what to make of the affair. But at the
same time felt pretty well satisfied that Dr G. [Gray] would do
noting [nothing] in the matter without consulting you; I shall be 
much pleased to learn, should the doctor and Captain close
a bargain, the [added: he] gets a good price for the labour, and that
no disagreeable feelings should arise out of the whole,
as I am anxious to see the botany of the Expedition
gone through with, and I did expect to see that
done, or effected through your instrumentality; But still
with your aid Dr G. [Gray] will I am certain, be able to make
a good job of it.

I find I will have to stand some heavy blows and
knocks for not having collected specimens with both fruit

        