Letter from E. W. Hilgard to Mississippi Governor Benjamin G. Humphreys; July 27, 1866

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Oxford, Miss., July 27, 1866.

Dear Sir,

Your favor of 20^th inst. with inclosure of $225.15 on account of expenditures of Geol. Survey, came to hand two days ago. Accepting thanks for your prompt attention to the matter.

I am much gratified by the appointment you have made of Dr. Little as Assistant. I feel assured that his connec-tion with the Survey will resound greatly to its advantage in more than one point of view, and that, whenever I shall be en-abled to resign my present charge, it could not pass into worthier hands. With him I will always be able to cooporate cordially, and so long as I remain in the State, no part of my previous general and local experience will be lost to the Survey.

On account of the uncertainty heretofore existing in reference to this matter, Dr. L. has not been able to sever his connection with Oakland College. His engagements there will oblige ^him^ to reside there for a few months this winter; at the same time, his duties will be so light as scarcely to interfere with the laboratory work now immediately on hand, and there is every prospect that his labora-tory facilities there will be quite equal to those I have here. There is, moreover, some field work to be done on the river between Grand Gulf and Natchez, which he will have the best possible chance of thus executing with very little expense to the State. Should any unforeseen difficulty interfere with the full performance of his duties as Assistant, he will of course lay claim to a proportional part only of his salary as such.

I am glad you approve of the circular I have published. The assistance calls for is much needed in order that the work may be finished within a reasonable period of time and prove of all the advantage and assistance to practical agriculture which it is capable of. I propose to have a few extra copies struck off for distribution hereafter, and also through the hands of Dr. Waddel, at his suggestion. My experience has proved that the cost of such records ^publications^ from time to time, is well repaid.

Very respectfully and Truly Your Obedt. Svt.

Eug. W. Hilgard State Geol. of Miss.

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July 31^st 1866 F

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Oxford, Miss. July 27^th 1866

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Hilgard— Eug. W. State Geologist,

Letter of—

Acknowledging receipt of letter of 20^th July containing $225¹⁵; And in regard to the appointment of his assistant.

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