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^[[395]]
[[preprinted]] International Exhibition,1876
Bureau of Transportation for U.S. Executive Departments
Philadelphia, ^[[April 5th]] 187^[[6]] 

Col. S.C. LYFORD, USA.
Chairman of Board on behalf of United States Executive Departments.
Capt. JOHN F. RODGERS, U.S.A.
In charge of Bureau of Transportation. [[/preprinted]]

Prof. Spencer F. Baird
Rep. Smithsonian Institution at Int. Ex. '76
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir -

I am in receipt of your letter after 4th inst., on the subject of free transportation of your exhibit by the Phila. Wil. & Balto. R.R. Co.

As President Hinckley promises free transportation contingent upon the Boards failure  to obtain an additional appropriation, it strikes me that the best way to proceed in this matter is to withhold payment of all freight bills (to the P.W.& B. Co.) pending this contingency.  To pay and receive refundment  would, in my opinion, only create unnecessary complications.

Mr. Wilsons request cannot, of course, be complied with under our system of doing business, as the range of my duties does not comprehend settlements of accounts - but under the following arrangement I think his office would be kept straight in the premises - Viz: To have the freight accounts made up by means usual and transmitted through you, Mr Wilson being at the same time notified of this fact - they can then remain in your hands (uncertified) until the question of