
          Recd [Received] Feby. [February] 24th 
Ansd [Answered] March 17th

Wilmington Feb. 11th 1835

Dear Sir,

It gave me much pleasure to recieve [receive] a
letter from you, which was not a little increased from my
not having presumed to expect such a favor only in reply
to my own, I hope not very troublesome, enquiries. I was
much gratified by the information you gave me, and I 
hope I shall be able to repay you by the contents of
this. I am so out of the reach of all scientific information
here in N.C. [North Carolina] that I expect to become in two or three
years quite old-fashioned in botany, especially since it
is not within my means to avail myself of the publications
of the day. However, specimens never become old
fashioned, and I may be able to do something in collecting,
which I shall always take pleasure in doing if I 
can do it without interfering with more important duties.
I flatter myself with the hope of being able, by a prudent 
disposition of time, and arrangement of duties, to devote
some time to this object, so as not to disturb my more serious
engagements. But this remains to be tested. (I will
mention, while I think of it, that I have not yet taken 
orders, and shall pursue my studies in preparation for them
until spring, perhaps till June.) If my future situation
depends upon my own choice I shall take the 
back part of this State, as I am afraid to risk a 
summer in the low country.

        