
          Monday Morning at 5. Aug. 20th. 1838

[On reviewing and article in my journal, I am disposed
to make the following extract, that you may perceive the
emotions excited by having proof position that you had actually
commenced the long expected work]
(copied from my journal)

Memorandum

On this day (Aug. 11, 1838) I received the first number
of the first volume of a work of most important expectation. It is the first attempt at a full Flora of North
America; and arranged according to the improved
National Method.

The author is Prof. John Torrey, M.D. This
number was published July 1838 [last month]
It was published (as I learn from my journal and
other documents) a quarter-century after the very
month in which I taught the author the names
of Calyx , Coral, Stamen, and Pistil, the Artificial classification of Linneus[Linnaeus], and the Linneaen
method of Analysis.

I was then in a state of the deepest satisfaction
to which (in an age of professional despotism,
functioned by construction of law) [crossed out: to which]
subject unconquerable integrity.

Dr. Torrey was then a young scion of great
promise, whose ruling passions were, generous
synpathy, and zeal for a knowledge of Nature,
"for its own sake." By him were [added: my] afflictions
[enable?] pastor's sympathies. I am, in post, indebted
for relief from my powerful oppressors.

I consider this number of the North American Flora,
as the first indication of the broad [day?] of Botanical
Science in North America. I have been 
grasping in its twilight for thirty years; and,
I can, and under the controul[control] (most sensibly) of the gnawing
worm of disease and death, it renovates many youthful
emotions, to perceive this soul-inspiring science so ardently
cherished by such an able advocate.
        