
          Washington May 5. 1848.

My dear Sir,

I mentioned to you that I am drawing up
to be presented to Congress a brief memoir upon California.
It is intended to give some data for forming an
estimate of the real value of the country, particularly
required at this time, and will contain what facts
I am able to give in (the absence of [crossed out: books] journals and
collections) climate general appearance, elevation and
vegetation in different seasons. I therefore am obliged
to make use of what little botanical knowledge is
in my possesion. If you have no objection I
will mention the oak under the name Quercus longiglanda 
The fruit in the drawing sent is of the natural size,
and the tree a very large one frequently 6 feet in diam.

In mentioning trees I am anxious to be as 
exact and definite as possible, and will thank you
        