
          Squan Village, N.J. 18th Dec 1848


 My Dear Friend


 A few days since I wrote you by
 a private opportunity requesting you to send me some Vaccine
 virus and also some Nos. of the Lancet you kindly offered
 me some time since I asked you to send the
 latter by the Steam Boat Orus' if they could not be
 forwarded by the private Messenger. I have since
 learned that the 'Orus' is to make a trip to the Gold
 region and that the 'Edwin Lewis' is to ply in
 her place between N.Y. & Eatontown. You will please
 send by the latter Boat Care of Elias Hight Stage
 Driver to Squan Village. The Messenger by whom I wrote
 has not returned. If you have sent by him you will
 of course take no farther trouble about the matter


 I should be happy to hear from you often. My
 zeal & taste for Botany is not abated (only smothered
 by Professional duties.) I shall be happy to aid any
 individual you may send into this region in finding
 out interesting localities for botanizing or in any
 other manner in my power, as soon as the Season opens.


 We have a fine little edifice (nearly completed)
 for a church got up by the ^ [inserted: inited] energies of Rev
 Mssrs  Rowell, Blythe and a few others -


 I should be happy to have you visit this
 place whenever you can.


 My best regard, for your kind family. Hastings
 Rev [?] Holton etc. Where is Dr Halsted of the Army?


 Respectfully yours


 P.D.Knieskern.
        