
          Before quitting the genus Carex, I must tell you that our friend Dewey
 has written me (much to my surprise) that he has gone over my work
 with "no little satisfaction" & that he has "no doubt of it's [its] favorable reception"
 adding "I do not know but the plan is as nearly perfect
 as can now be expected"!! Of course, he differs from me as to
 such of his species as I have rejected tho' [though] he kindly remarks, that "it
 will not detract from the great merit of the work if I do not
 exactly see all things as you do"-- The dear man, however, [finds?]
 himself much injured & aggrieved by my quotations of his old syny. [synonymy]
 in cases where he has since found out, or been informed of his error.
 A much better botanist than Dewey (Engelmann) also seems
 much pleased with my work & says--" I have lately received your
 elaboration of the Norn. [Northern?] Carices [Carexes], which has been of great value to me.
 "Carices have to some extent suffered the same fate in the U.S.
 "as the numerous species & varieties of the genus [Unio?], and it was
 "high time that some more comprehensive mind and [consciencious? i,e, conscientious?]
 (!) botanist should bring order in the confusion made by
 "numberless amateurs &c." Think of the "conscience" of a 
 Gentlemen always ready to pillage collections committed to him!
 at least, when anything like leave is given.


 So much for Botany. I did not know that our valued
 friend's happy day was fixed, & am indignant that [added with caret: the information] should
 reach me thro' [through] another channel. But he is, as you say, always
 busy; & as I am placable, I suppose I must even "digest the
 venom of my spleen," & wish him all happiness. Dare I
 send my best respects to Mrs. Torrey? I pray you strive
 to make them acceptable, be it only for the sake of the medium.
 I am ashamed that she shd. [should] have left the city without my
 having called on her-- but so it was, that her departure
 was fixed just at the very time of Mrs. DP's [DePeyster's] death, whose
 remains I followed up the river. It is quite true that I
 ought not to have delayed so long paying my repsects, but I go
 no where, & this is the true (& my only) excuse--
 Yrs. affec'y [Yours affectionately]
 Jno Carey [John Carey]
        