
          have my blanks of "Hort. [?]. 184"
repenished first.

I am now going at Compositae.
Your favor of the 26th reached me Saturday
evening. There is in my mind such an incongruity
in a youngster like Hosford's recommending a man
like you who [crossed out: now] was a well known chemist before
he was [added: [breeched?]] [crossed out: illegible], that really I have thought it
best not to ask him, or speak of your being a
candidate, unless the subject came up. I can't
believe that his influence could be of any real
use to you, and do not like him to have
the opportunity, that being interested in the success
of the pulpit (Grills) he is not at liberty to urge
the claims of the master

I am so sorry that you did not apply
earlier, when the mere indication of your willingness
to take the place would have given it to you. The
force of your claim is shown in the committee
being willing to waive their selection already made
and go into it again - which is a great deal -
but places you at disadvantage - for many
of the committee may feel themselves too far
pledged to Grills for honorable change. And will
not Grills feel that he is used very hardly?

I hope, at any rate, he will understand that
you knew not of his being selected when you
became candidate.

But I truly trust & hope you will get 
        