
          And if you can think of any thing else that
I may avail myself of, as an additional source of support
I shall feel myself still more & more obliged for
your kind advice.

Thus far the avails, resulting form my Botanical
pursuits, which have been carried on more or less for
several years, (though, until last season only occupying my
leisure hours,) have afforded me but a very small compensation,
except the gratification of the pursuit itself
in a scientific point of view. I might here also
remark that the reason of my laying by those pursuits
so suddenly last season was not from any dislike
for the business, but from bare necessity. My means
were very nearly all exhausted and I could expect
to do but little more before frost should cut off
vegetation, so as to put a stop to my labours in that line.
Another reason was that a vacancy occurred near at
hand at this very time, which promised to afford a 
living for the winter. I have not found this
money making situation, but it may afford me
living if I remain here, but for the present season
I could probably not have found a better situation

Will you have the goodness to write to
me soon, inform me if you please where
our friend Dr Gray is. From recent notices in
the papers I learn that the Expedition has not yet
sailed. Have you seen or heard any thing of
Dr DeKay lately I have written a letter 
to him requesting him to inform me where
I can send a few things I have collected for
him that he may obtain them. If you can conveniently
intercede with him, to find me something
to do in the Zoological line, if you please.

The things you mentioned you had laid
out for me, you may send to Utica if an
opportunity affords, care of Dr. [Batchelder?] or
to the Forwarding House of Butler Livingston & Co.
if shipped by way of the canal.  

        