
          Manchester, N.J. March 26th 1846


 My Dear Doctor -


 Your very welcome reply was received
 by the last mail - for which you will please accept
 my grateful thanks -


 Respecting an expedition this season I was not
 very anxious to go unless I could do it in about
 6 or 7 months. - I have from necessity been obliged to
 engage in the school here since I saw you at your
 own house last Autumn, and though I have laboured
 hard have not been able to complete the arrangement
 of my plants. - I have been solicited too to take a
 Botanical Class at a place not many miles from
 the sand city and have expressed my willing to engage
 in it. - Perhaps it might not be a bad plan to
 make trial of my capacities for this kind of avocation, I
 might be an agreeable source of picking up a little trifle
 now and then - I should be very glad of your advice
 in this matter - Could I not make a profitable trip
 to the Big Mts. of the South for a Month or six weeks
 some time this season? Or has every thing been snatched off
 by Curtis, Gray & Co. and Buckley? If I continue here
 this season I have thought it advisable to procure me
 a horse & a light conveyance for the double purpose
 of extending my professional business beyond this narrow compass
 and also to afford me facilities to botanize in regions where
 I have only been able to make flying visits hitherto. -


 I send this by an opportunity to Freehold. Could not
 answer yours by our regular mail. - Can you send me a
 letter by our Tuesday's Mail ? Mr. [Loomis?] is quite poorly.


 Mrs. Torrey is quite comfortable - My family is well


 Believe me truly yours


 P.D.Knieskern
        