
          Agricultural College 
Lansing Mich. Oct. 5th, 1861.

Dear Doct. Torrey

Your letter of nearly two 
months ago has been laying on my 
table waiting for me to feel like answering, 
or what is more to the point 
to find time to write. I have determined 
that it shall not go over another week 
& though I dont feel much like 
writing I will follow the advice of Mrs. 
Chicle & "make an effort." Saturday is always 
a busy day with me, having boys 
at work in some six different places; it 
takes all attention & no little travel to 
keep all strings pulling at once. We 
feared a frost & have been securing 
some tons of squashes. I unfortunately 
nearly disabled my right hand by a 
burn & have not been able to use 
it freely for some weeks. It is now so 
that I can write slowly without pain 
which is a great comfort. To begin 
at the beginning. I believe that I 
told you that I should have the department 
of Horticulture on my hands. 
This involves the working of some 30 acres
        