
          Freehold Institute April 30, 1850

Respected Sir,

Knieskern has been teasing me
for several years to assist him in preparing 
for the press a list of the plans of Monmouth. 
I have been so entirely occupied 
with the affairs of the school that 
I could not touch it. I am better 
off for teachers this summer than I have 
been and have got settled down into system.
I shall therefore be able to give some attention 
to botany. I have an active class 
that will scour up the vicinity I think 
pretty well. I should like to add to the 
catalougue [catalogue] of Monmouth the plants 
of Mercer. We have no plan measured matured; 
can you suggest? Have you some catalogues 
to lend me from which I can take some 
hints? Have you any material for the 
list of Mercer? If you have any plan
to suggest or any catalogues to lend me
please let me know immediately.

I am with great respect
your humble servant
O.R. Willis.

To Dr. J. Torrey
        