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7900/1

San Francisco April 11. 1866

Dear Prof Baird.

I hear from Col Bulkley that we are to start on the first of May for the North and however much I may doubt the fulfillment of this prediction, I think I shall be prepared; [[strikethrough]] [[?]] [[/strikethrough]] in case it should prove true. I have as yet heard nothing from the Col. about Elliott and I fear I shall have to work alone this year, again. If so I stand pledged to work faithfully for the cause, and shall leave no stone unturned to make this years contribution as large as possible. But the field is so vast that the prospect is a little appalling. 

If I can once more get into the field away from the accursed opposition, detraction, and envy which appear to reign supreme here; and where I shall be able to work to my hearts content, at Natural History; then I shall [[strikethrough]] one [[/strikethrough]] feel at home

April 25 1866

Dear Prof

The afternoon of the day on which the above [[strikethrough]] occurred [/strikethrough]] was written, was spent in assisting the wounded from the great nitroglycerine explosion. Keiths Drug Store where I was over seeing the preparation and refitting of our medicine chests resembled a hospital after a