
          to leave this for Columbia to attend the Session of our
 Legislature and from thence it is uncertain whether I may
 not return immediately to the Alabama. I have not had
 time since my return to visit any herbarium and books
 which are on a small farm I own about two miles from
 the city and therefore cannot reply as I wish to many of
 your enquiries.


 If I [crossed out: illegible] [added: revisit] the Alabama which is yet uncertain,
 I shall probably remain there six or eight months
 and if my health should be restored I expect on my
 return to have more leisure than I have enjoyed for many
 years past, as I shall resign my public employments and
 devote the remainder of my life perhaps entirely to literary
 pursuits. However from a shattered constitution
 little can be expected and even that little I may be unable
 to perform.


 Excuse these personal details which I have only
 given to shew why I have been and why I may be irregular
 in my correspondence. I can only assure you 
 that although I am much pressed for plants by many
 correspondents the first package I put up shall be for
 you.


 In my journey to the Alabama I discovered
        