Viewing page 23 of 43

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

2.
For some little time after our arrival I was occupied in repacking and despatching the specimens collected, and letters to those persons whom were mentioned in out last conversation. Very long and full (25pps) to Prof. Baird, Dr. Torrey, Mr. Walker and Stimpson embodying [[underline]]all[[/underline]] facts relative to your experience with the Expedition, your plans, and outfit.  Other letters (some 25 in number) as suggested.  (see letterbook.)
    Bridges, the naturalist, died of yellow fever on his way back from Nicaragua; I wrote a short memorial of him, otherwise assisted his widow, and secured his very valuable though somewhat injured, collection of plants, (Chilian and Bolivian) and grasses(Nicaraguan) for the Institution, as a gift.
    I started in, in good earnest, with Stearns to rejuvenate the Gala Academy.  The time has not yet come for moving outside of the members, and no salvation will ever arise from among them.  Prof. Whitney Stearns & I however, got the Academy into new and pleasant rooms, and paid the expenses among us of moving and fitting up the new rooms.  Stearns and I did most of the work ourselves.
    Stearns is a diamond of the first water.  I will give you the details by word of mouth