
          La [Lousiana] State University Baton Rouge
 Oct 3. 1870


 Prof  John Torrey
 New York


 Dear Sir
 It is about 15
 years ago that I wrote you a letter, making
 some inquiries about botantical works and 
 other matters. Since that time botantical science
 has considerable advanced, and your worldwide
 reputation as an eminent botanist has 
 received universal acknowledgment. My own
 circumstances were such that I had but little
 opportunity of engaging in botany as a practical
 pursuit, except at long intervals. About a 
 year ago however I was appointed to one of
 the professorships of the La [Lousiana] State University now
 located in this city. Since that time I have
        