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 Philadelphia Oct. 28th 1839


 Sir,


 Sometime last spring Dr. Troost, my preceptor, 
 informed me that he had received a letter from you 
 requesting his assistance in gathering to Flora of Tennessee. 
 The proposal was made to me by him, & accordingly during 
 the spring & summer I embraced all opportunities for making 
 such collection. I have to pleasure now to offer you from 150 
 to 200 plants & will feel happy if they contribute aught to the
 beautiful & interesting study of Botany. Of nearly all the plants,
 I collected duplicates. I intend that my labors shall not stop here. 


 Having come to this city for the purpose of attending the
 Medical School, I brought them with me & intend, if [added: an] opportunity 
 offer, to carry them to your city myself, but in case I should not be 
 able to do so, I wish you to inform me in what way they can be 
 most safely conveyed to you. They are put up in two portfolios 
 the greater part being sewed to papers.


 I remarked that I had come to this city for the purpose of attending 
 medical lectures. I wish however that you would give me 
 some information respecting the Medical School, the College 
 of Physicians & Surgeons, with which I believe, you are connected.
 Is the anatomical department well supplied? Can the 
 students have access to the Hospitals &c? What are the expenses 
 of the Institution i.e. tickets &c? My motives for requesting this information 
 are good, for I feel somewhat interested, and probably if
        