
          Salem, February 3, 1823.

Dear Sir,

I had the pleasure of receiving a few days ago your very polite
letter, and am extremely glad to find that any part of my communication
has appeared interesting to you. As you expect to leave New York so soon, the 
examination of my specimens at present would be rather a trouble than a
pleasure to you, especially as your time must be much occupied in preparations 
for the expedition. I hope also to be able to collect during the ensuing
season better and more perfect specimens of many of the plants
which I should wish to send to you. I have now however very good
ones of all which you have particularly specified. I have therefore
concluded not to attempt to send them until your return, unless I
should hear that you had given up your intention of joining the
expedition. You express surprise at not having received an answer
from Mr. Cushing for the collection of cryptogamous
plants which you sent him. When I was at Cambridge a few weeks
ago, my friend Mr. Stover informed me that Mr. Cushing had
received a fine collection of this kind from you, and stated something
about a mistake which had prevented him from answering
it. The accompanying note was not seen by him or something
of that kind, if I recollect right, but [added: the] impression on my mind
at present is, that he said he has spoken of it to Mr. Cushing,
and that he had answered it at last. Mr. Cushing found 
        