
          Smithsonian Institution
December 26 1849

Dear Doctor

My communication with the Secretary relative
to the Naturalist for the Mexican Boundary Survey did not amount
to much. The corps was then full, and the changes which have
since taken place in the withdrawal of Col. Emory leaves the Commission
in a more unfavorable condition for doing any thing
in the way of original research and exploration.

I have no objection to your employing Mr Endicott at the rates
proposed in his letter, the number of copies however required will
be at least 1250. I should like to have the memoir as soon 
as it can be finished.

I have the honor to be very respectfully & truly
Your obedient Servant
Josheph Henry
Sec. Smithsonian Institution

        