
          till January I have nothing to add to my former pitiful
collection of dried plants. The box that I spoke of I assume
has been lost as it was sent summer before last
and contained minerals and water from the hot springs 
of Washite (Ouachita) Ark.

I owe you many thanks for your kind instructions
in the mode of collecting drying & saving plants
and should I remain in Florida over the summer I hope
to furnish you a better collection that those poor
apologies heretofore sent. Although the offering is
neither equal to your merit nor what I desired to 
make it still you must make allowances for my feeble
efforts when I tell you that I have not always enjoyed
the most happy times and places for collecting and
saving. After my return to Fort Brooke in January last
I asked for and obtained a release from further
duty and in the unsettled state of affairs in Florida
I think it most likely that I shall go to Louisiana
or Mississippi for a permanent residence as both of
these states appear to offer advantages superior to 
those to be found in this territory.

I am much pleased to hear of your featuring 
prospects in your new medical college and
hope that you well realize your fullest expectations
of success and prosperity.

We have no late news from the seat of war, many 
think (hear) that the present campaign will not finish &
yet I am not willing to harbor and such belief. I have just
room to repeat compliments & good wishes from your humble servant
G.W. Hulse

[sideways: you may expect the Brig Wm. Penn in 2 or 3 weeks
I should be happy to hear of your news the plants & a letter
would be most apt to reach me addressed to care of Lieut. Gray or
Commissary New Orleans
        