
          And. Jan. 6th
Washington Dec. 31 1850

Dear Sir

I have the pleasure to
acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th inst. [instance] It 
gives me much gratification to hear from you, as I
have ever been anxious to place the few specimens I 
have brought with me in the hands of one so widely
& justly celebrated for his devotion to the cause of science.
I had already requested permission from Col. Hart
to submit them to you for examination to which he 
have an instant & hearty consent. As soon therefore,
as I can unpack them & mark distinctly their precise
loacalities, I will forward the collection to you.
I am afraid however that you will find little
that is new, as my constant occupation gave me 
but little time to attend to this branch of the expedition
myself. I had with me a person for the 
express purpose, but he, being violently attacked with
the California fever, unceremoniously abandoned his 
post & walked off to the mines, leaving me to hift for 
myself. Consequently the collection was made by 
persons but little acquainted with botany, & I fear you
will not find it of any great value. Such as it is
however, I put it into your hands with pleasure & perfect
Confidence.

        