
          Washington D.C. March 24th 1851
Professor Jno. [John] Torrey

My dear Sir,

Yours of Feby [February] 26th enclosing a 
letter from Doctor A. [Asa] Gray, was duly received; and after
weighing well in my mind the nature of the
contents of both letters, I concluded that the best course
for me to pursue-- was to hand the one from the Doctor,
over to the Library Committee-- which I did; and I do
not doubt but by this time the Committee have replied
to the Doctors [sic] letter through you. It was perhaps
better that the Committee should now be made
aware of the Doctors [sic] opinion on the style in which
he thinks the Botany of the Ex. [Exploring] Expedition should make
its appearance-- then at a more distant date.

I herewith enclose you the Doctors [sic] letter.

Did you receive my letter of Feby [Februrary] 26th? it
contained proposals from me in relation to the
Fern Book, if it came to hand-- please be kind
enough at your first convenience to reply to it.

I shall be sending Master Herbert some things soon,-- to 
whom-- together with the other members of your family I
desire to be kindly remembered.

I remain
My dear Sir
Yours very Respectfully
Wm. [William] D. Brackinridge
        