
          Rec'd [Received] Feb'y [February] 24th
 Ans'd [Answered] Apr. 5th


 West Dresden  Feb. 16th 1838


 My Dear Sir


 When I was at Middletown last fall Dr. Fisk [Wilbur Fisk]
 said that he thought that the Wesleyan University would
 employ me to collect specimens in Natural History for them. 
 Since that I have received a letter from him stating that they
 could not for want of funds. He says that in conversation with
 you - you said that if I would go & collect you [added: would] sell the specimens
 for me in Europe. Instead of making sales for me will you
 assist me in making exchanges with European Botanists?
 I am anxious to make my herbarium as extensive as possible
 & am desirous of exchanging with European & American Botanists.
 I intend going West to make collections in the Spring. What route
 had I better take? What parts have been the least explored by Botanists?
 If you will assist me in exchanging if not for other specimens, for
 books on Natural Science I will go & collect where ever you think
 best. Any advice that you can give as to the manner of my proceeding
 & how many specimens of each kind to collect will be very acceptable.
 I have about 1400 indigenous species of plants which I am studying carefully
 this winter; besides I have access to Dr. Sartwell's [Henry Parker Sartwell] herbarium. I have Elliott's Botany
 & Nuttall's Genera & 2nd vol. Annals of N.Y. Lyceum [Annals of the New York Lyceum]. Have you published any
 thing lately on Botany that will be of assistance & which I can obtain
 at the book stores? I do not think Dr. Barratt [Joseph Barratt] is displeased with
 you. On the contrary he spoke very highly of you. I expect the
 true reason of his advising me not to give you that paper is this--
 he is selfish. He wishes to monopolize my efforts, wants me to send
 plants exclusively to him-- seems desirous of hindering me from
 sending specimens to you. Says that you have so many duties, that
        