
          the want of an extensive knowledge of foreign
Botany will preclude a person from being useful,
is for others to judge. If it is to be required of me
to establish new genera and species to any extent
I certainly am not [crossed out: ?] qualified, but if the
collection and preservation of plants, and notices
of such particulars as may not be readily ascertained
from the dried speicmens, be the main objects. I 
should hope that I might not disappoint expectations. 
[crossed out: It ? for] I feel that faithfulness
& perseverance, as well as gratitude to my employers
will not be wanting. For farther information
[crossed out: information] respecting my qualifications I would
beg have to refer you particularly to Dr. Eli Ives.
N. Haven, my instructor for a year & more, also to
[?], Amherst, and Mr Brace, [?]
With Dr. L. C. Beck I have less acquaintance.
there should or should not be a probability of my
receiving the appointment, a speedy reply to this would
be thankfully received, as it would either free me from
suspense or enable me to rest more quietly in it.

During a residence of a year in Maryland & the
        