
          Camp on the Rio Grande Novr [November] 29th 1851

My Dear Dr,

Some days have elapsed since receiving
your letter of June 28th. On our return from the Cobre
I was detailed with a party of nine men and a small
escort to survey the Rio Grande from Doña Ana to
Frontera. In a few days your letter was sent me
from Frontera but then I had no paper or writing
materials, for the last three days however we have 
been confined in camp by snow which though not
deep confines us insufficiently clad as we are [crossed out: keeps 
us] in camp and I am now writing in the open air over
a heap of coals towards which I have frequently to
poke my fingers to keep them in writing condition.

It is entirely unnecessary after what I have written to tell 
you that the botanical season is over, so they have converted
me from a botanist to a surveyor. I don't know how
long they will keep me at it. You know of course that 
Col. Graham has been recalled and that Maj. Emory has 
been sent out to succeed him and his arrival at El Paso
is announced. What change it will make in my business
I am anxious to know. I hope I will be allowed to make collections 
in the proper season. I suppose Dr. Parry is with
Emory. I am informed that he is to report to the Commissioner,
if in person he will have to cross to California to do it &
before he can get to work he may be recalled for delay [added: like] [crossed out: as] his
predecessor. I think injustice has been done to Col. Graham in this
matter if I am rightly informed but we have as yet very meager
news from the station below.
        