
          Albany August 8th 1838


 Dear Doctor


 On my return to the city a few
 days since I found your letter [crossed out: ?] laying on my
 table and am heartily rejoiced to hear that
 you are employed in a work of the kind mentioned,
 for I certainly do think that it will
 prove of the utmost importance to the notaries
 of science, particularly to such as are devoted
 to Botany. I have shown the prospectus to 
 several of [?] [inserted: lost?] and they unanimously [crossed out: decide]
 coincide with me on the subject. Friend Bloodgood 
 is at present from home with his family;
 on his return I shall take the earliest opportunity
 of seeing him on the subject. Our Academies
 also and seminaries are for the present
 closed in consequence of their vacations.


 I think
 the best plan that you can persue [pursue] is to forward
 a few copies of the present number (say two to
 each) to some of our Booksellers accompanied
 by a subscription list attached to the prospectus
 O. Steele, W.C. Little & by all means to E. W & C
 Skinners and I will do every thing in my 
 power to favour your views, particularly in Newspapers,
 articles &c.


 I sincerely rejoice that
 Gray has received the appointment you
 mentioned for he richly deserves it yea
 and a much better one to boot.


 And now be so
 kind as to give me some information respecting Mr Corps
 of the Expedition, for I have no means at this place of
 obtaining any [crossed out: information] that can be relied upon
 further, than what I [crossed out: see] occasionally see in print.
 I of course am one of the defunct, having received
 no orders since last fall. Who are going & what
 are their respective departments? and more
        