
          Washington City-- June 7th 1851

Dr. Jno [John] Torrey

My dear Sir,

Two days ago I received a note
from Captain [Charles] Wilkes, directing me to request you to
return to me -- all the Manuscript of my Fern Book in
your possession-- at an early date; and in so doing,
I would request of you (on my own part), to send all
the notes and translations you may have made,
as these will be valuable to me individually.

I am
Sir
Yours
Very Respectfully

Wm [William] D. Brackenridge
        