
          Ansd. [Answered]


 Charleston 9 March 1832


 Prof. John Torrey, New York


 My dear Sir, 


 Your letter of 16 Nov last made its
 appearance long since, but I cannot say the same for the promised
 package of Ferns &c. I am bound to be patient as I have nothing
 to offer in return that would probably be acceptable, and
 the adage reminds me that beggars are not [added: to] be choosers!
 I hope you will not forget that I also made bold to ask for
 some specimens of certain species of the genus Rhus.


 You say my Rhus is not R. [Rhus] pumila. I think
 not; a small tree some 15 or 20 feet will hardly be R.
 pumila, and I think may not inappropriately be called
 R. exaltata, not only [crossed out: in allusion] [added: referring] to its stature compared with
 the other species of the genus, but [added: also] in allusion to its having
 been discovered on the highest known point of the Atlantic
 U.S. I enclose some seeds or rather drupes, but fear that they
 will not serve your purpose, that is for cultivation, though perhaps
 sufficiently good as specimens. They were procured with difficulty
 from the height of the tree and its poisonous nature, and I 
 was not willing to run any risks, even for the sake of Botany, in
 being poisoned, being at a distance from home and in not very good
 health; as it was, on my return to my friends near Flat Rock where
 my wife and children were staying , I was confined to my bed for

        