
          Cambridge July 3 1818

Dear Friend
Your letter came to hand on the 
12th of June together with the plants in safety. It gave
me great satisfaction to learn your welfare. It was my
intuition to make a botanical excursion this season,
but as yet it has been out of my power. Mr [Bullions?] previous
to his leaving New York called to see you but you
were gone. From him I learned that you had it in contemplation
to visit this part of the country, if so I expect
to have the pleasure of seeing you in Cambridge. If I could
have the company of some one who could give me assistance
in botany I assure you it would be very agreeable. I
am here, alone without a single person who can give me
a single idea upon it farther than a few vulgar names
or virtues. However I avail myself of them as far as possible.
I can find those who would be botanists provided
they could acquire the knowledge easily, but the difficulties
they will not encounter. I have been as I supposed
very diligent in collecting plants but have fallen behind
others. Mr James informs me 250 species have been collected
in the vicinity of Albany while I have collected
only about 130. Either there are fewer plants here or I
do not see clear enough or am lazy. I suspect the last
I must increase my dilligence. However perserverance will
make up deficiencies sooner or later. The Claytonia of
which I sent you a specimen was out of flower before I
received your letter. When I first found it I concluded it
        