
          Since Dr. G. has been withdrawn from the Expedition,
 I hope Dr. Pickering may be permitted to have 
 charge of the Botanical department; as I
 should have great confidence in him - if he
 has his health, & a fair change.  I have not
 been able to learn any particulars, lately,
 of the Expedition: and, indeed, I had become
 so discouraged & disgusted by the management
 or rather mis-managment of the whole
 affair, that I made but little inquiry about
 it - & was almost desirous that
 it should be postponed until
 we could get rid of the presen
 [ex...?] administration.
 However, I am still willing to hope
 that with a few such choice spirits, as
 Pickering - won in a small squadron,
 such as I understand is about to sail -
 we shall have something done worthy
 of the Corps - & creditable to the American
 character. - I have a curious looking cruciferous
 plant, collected here this season, that I wish to
 send you the first opportunity.  It has some
 resemblance to Cardamine hirsuta (or Pennsylvaniana)
 but is very coarse & succulent - & looks very much
 like a common potato plant at a little distance.
 I incline to think it must be a non-descript, - so far as
 my books go.


                                       Very truly Dear Sir, yours,
                                                Wm Darlington

        