
          Botanical Garden & Nursery
Newburgh 17th May /36 [1836]

My Dear Sir

What has become of the Box of Florida
plants? You gave it in charge of the negro-man to
convey to the Highlander when I was at your house
but I suspect he did not reach that boat as I came
up in her myself & the box was not on board. I was
obliged to leave home the next day but left orders
to search for the box in all the subsequent
boats but it has not been found! This is probably
owing (if it has been sent) to its not having my
direction upon it [added: which is my fault not yours]. But we have looked for it under
your direction which I believe was still remaining upon
it. I should be sorry to lose it-- can you give me
any information respecting when it was sent & in what
boat.

Yours in haste
A.J. Downing 
        