
          Tampa Bay April 16th 1836

Dear Sir

I fear that you will accuse me of 
neglect for not offering you something in the botanical
way sooner but I trust you will be charitable
and though I am able [added: at present] to make but little more than
a mere apology, still circumstances may here after
be more favourable and allow me to be more
serviceable than in promises only. I send you a few
plants  [crossed out: that] [written above: most of which] were collected through the course of
last summer by Lieut. J. H. Allen of the U S Army
whilst he was stationed at Fort Brooke. Mr Allen
seems eager in the study and quite devoted to the science
of botany, and had brought a few of the specimens
that I send you from the memorable Withlacoochee.
He was in the battle or battles at camp Izard with Gen
[Edmund] Gaines and one would suppose as he had a taste for
laurels he would have neglected flowers but he has
gathered both, and promises me that he will continue his
exertions in the latter and endeavours to forward the trophies
to you. As to myself I am obliged as leave Florida
just at the time when botany is becoming of some
interest and through I have spent some time here
yet my duties have been arduous and excursions from
the Fort considered dangerous. Since [added: 9th] February I have
had in connection to my Indian charge that of the
hospital at this post and my undivided attention
had been required among the sick as much of the time
I have been alone. [?] attempt to give you
any account of the country I must necessary fall
short of a satisfactory description as I have not

[margin]

The few plants that I shall be able to send you will be directed to you at [?] 
I shall [?] may safely promise yourself something in the way of botany from Lieut
Allen in the course of the summer
        