
          The manuscript had just been completed, and the
first sheet printed, when I was overwhelmed 
by the sudden and unexpected loss of the companion 
of my bosom, who had been the light,
and life, and stay of my household, for almost
forty years. Had the work not been thus under
way, prior to that most afflictive of all visitations, 
it is more than probable it would 
never have made its appearance. Still, since
it has come out, I shall be glad to hear that
you have received your copy, and also to hear
what you have to say of it, if you can say
any thing, honestly, that is not condemnatory:
otherwise silence will be sufficiently expressive!
Whatever may be its fate, I am very confident
it will be my last attempt at any thing
of the kind. You will perceive that I did
not obtain the derivation of Cassini's name
Maruta. I had not access to his works, &
Dr. Gray could not give me the desirous information,
but referred me to you. I had the pleasure 
to receive (from the Author), the Report on
the Forest trees & Shrubs of Massachusetts. It is,
indeed, a capital work. I have sent a copy
of Dr. Baldwin's correspondence to Dr. Engelmann;
and should be happy to send one to Dr. Chapman,
if I knew how to get it to him.

I have been on the look out, for some time,
for your Flora of New York, but have not

        