Resurrecting the First American West

Charles W. Short Louisville 17th July 1818

Sir-

I am travelling through the Western States for the purpose of exploring their natural productions. Your name was mentioned to me by Mr. Nuttall in Philadelphia, who told me I could see you in Lexington, where I meant to go; but your brother whom I became acquainted with in Cincinnati and with whom I spent a pleasant day at the north bend, has acquainted me with your removal. I regret exceedingly that I cannot visit your part of the country and see your herbarium, as it is my wish to become acquainted with the geographical range of all the plants of the western country. I have seen a few of your plants at your brother's and have determined most of them, having with me [Pursh's?] [Flora?] & [?] Sinopsis I am able to determine any plant that I see, I will mention the Orchis spectabilis of [?] as an instance, which you sent to your brother as an unknown plant. The principal purpose of this Letter is to propose you the following arrangement. I am going now to Henderson and Harmony. I shall come back here again afterwards, and from thence go to Lexington, where I hope to be in one month, and where I shall remain some time: if it is agreeable to you, I would propose that you might send there your herbarium for my perusal, or any part of it as you may deem convenient. I will in return determine for you all the plants it contains; if you have any duplicates that you can share, I should receive them

These remarks are not the result of hasty and superficial examination but proceed from an attentive examination of a number of individuals. What does [?] say about it. His book is not to be seen in Lexington. In the notice which you take of the Forest trees of your counttry I see that you follow Marshall in calling that before us by the old Linneaus name of [Guidandina?]. It is now I believe more genereally known by [Lamark's?].

I have lately heard from some of my medical brethren, that there was a probability of Lexington's being enriched by the acquisition of yourself. In that case I assure you Sir, I should feel much greater reluctance in leaving it than I do now. But as neither in Cincinnati or Lexington I may enjoy the pleasures of your Society I feel the more indifferent about your removal. Selfish motives aside, however, I feel a wish that you would remove to this place on account of your amiable lady. Her health I am induced to hope would be better in this place, where from the facility of procuring servants ladies are not subjected to the hardships of domestic drudgery.

Be pleased to present my best respects to Mrs. Drake to whom also Mr. Short desires to be remember'd, and accept from my [?], dear Sir assurancies of the most unfeigned Esteem of Your H Servt C W. Short Dr Drake, Cincinnati,

Levi Wells Oct 21. 1812

Cincinnati 27. Oct. 1812 Major Isaac. R. Gwathmey Student at Law Louisville Kentucky

[?] Ensign Butler

Given by Mrs. [G.T.?] Wilson October 15, [194?]

POST THIS FOR YOUR FAMILY.

[symbol of hand pointing to right] ATTENTION! HUSH AND HARK!

A Cosmopolite, upon the Journey of Life from Time to Eternity -- entreats thee! O Reader! to serious consideration upon the value of thy Soul -- with the shortness and uncertainty of Time --and the duty you owe to GOD, with the awful consequence of living and dying in Sin!

II. Remember that by Nature you are in a fallen degenerate state -- therefore, ye must be REGENERATED & "BORN OF THE SPIRIT" --"For without holiness, no man shall see the LORD!" Hence be prevailed upon to take thy ETERNITY into the account -- with the consequences annexed to Vice and Virtue -- and

PREPARE TO MEET THY GOD!!!

Avoiding all known sin, with unnecessary wicked company --and never lay down to rest without committing yourself into the protection of kind Providence -- and when you awake, give thanks -- Thus begin, spend and close every day with GOD -- having your mind staid upon HIM -- and your heart drawn out after HIM in a praying frame --Living to-day as you would wish to die, and be willing to account to GOD in CHRIST JESUS --that you may be happy here, and hereafter, in HIS KINGDOM!!

LORENZO DOW. November 2, 1815.

* WARS - PESTILENCE - EARTHQUAKES and FAMINE are the sword and scourge of GOD - the spirit of Missionary is prevalent --the times are eventful -- and the signs are ominous; but it shall be well with those whose GOD is the LORD!!

Cincinnati -- Looker & Wallace Print.