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3.

^[[3/6494]]

[[circled stamp]]
Smithsonian Institution.
AUG 29 1865
[[/circled stamp]]

Of course I shall try to make Norton Sound and the Lower Youkon the great field for Natural History operations, though Dall will circulate pretty extensively. - I have begun to despair of effecting much of anything this fall but shall do my best in Norton Sound, and hope a good deal from old Bischoff and Dall.

I consider that I can do most in the long run for Nat. History by pitching  bravely into this winter expedition - [[?]] should I [[underlined]] go up [[/underlined]] I think Dall, Bulkley & Scammon with the others will carry on the work and the concern ought to reward my efforts even if fatal by carrying out their promises. - This winter expedition is certainly surely telegraphic and I think I deserve some credit from the directors for undertaking it - not that I expect much for I never yet knew a corporation with any gratitude.

I must now make my plans as I go on - a constant succession of bitter disappointments have taught me that I must not rely at all on present appearances. - At this rate we may not get to Nortons Sound

Transcription Notes:
[[?]]- may be "Amen".