
          And. Dec. 24th

Smithsonian Institution
Nov. 27th 1860

My Dear Dr.

The plants have been or are about
to be shipped to your address. If any
charges should be made for the transportation
keep an account of the sums
paid and enter them in your quarterly
bill of settlement.

I am greatly pleased to learn
that Columbia College accepted your
proposition and that you will have
a safe retreat from any storm which
may arise.

I do not see clearly what will
be the result of our present disturbed
political condition although I have
of late given considerable attention to the
philosophy of history. We have a mixed
system of licentious freedom on the one hand
and slavery on the other. I am convinced
        