
          Your last letter (of March) mentions the
receipt of a box of plants which I had forwarded
by J. Battell Esq. I am gratified that you will be
able to draw from its contents some fact of interest
to students of American botany. It will give me
pleasure, as far as I have the means, to communicate
any additional information which you may choose to specify
respecting the plants sent. I hope you will retain
the package No 1 so long as you have need of any of the
plants which it contains for farther examination or comparison
(for I would gladly this you learn them all myself):
and if no longer of use to you. I shall be happy to receive
them at your leisure, with such other specimens as you
may please to favor me with. On their arrival I shall [crossed out: until]
examine the [?] & your observation with intend
interest. I find that I can get them more safely if
send by the Steam boat to Providence; as there is water
[serveyanced?] by the Blackstone to within 30 rods of my office
door. The box can then if you please be directed to
be left at Josiah Chapin & Co's., Providence. Mr. Whitin
will take charge of the box to the boat as soon as prepared.

I have not learned what was the result of the 
mission of Dr. Gates. Doubtless very successful however
[useless] he was arrested by sickness. The Antarctic
Expedition Jun. I apprehend does not often forward notices
of its discoveries in the nether world. At least, [now]
of then have as yet reached and. I would enquire

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