
          New York City Sept. 29tn, 1839

My dr. [dear] Sir 
I have anticipated the pleasure of spending 
some time with you previous to my return to 
duty but in this anticipation I have been disappointed 
by unanticipated circumstances. For the purpose of 
obtaining a better station than I might have otherwise 
have given up the balance of my furlough, i.e. between 
three & four weeks I shall leave the City this evening 
for the purpose of joining the 4th Artillery now at 
Trenton & shall proceed with it to Detroit. Could I have 
anticipated finding you at home today I should 
have called on you. Whenever I ascertain where I am 
to be stationed I shall inform you. In mean time 
I must request you to take charge of my plants. 
Please to select any specimens you desire for 
yourself & if you please also any that you are 
desirous of sending Dr. Hooker. I am affraid that I may 
not hereafter make any contributions to your work 
but I shall do all that I can. I hope additional 
numbers will soon be published. I shall be 
anxious to see them.

I am 
verry [very] respectfully 
yr. obt. st. [your obedient servant] M.C. Leavenworth

John Torry [Torrey] M.D.
        