Letter from Constantine Samuel Rafinesque to Dr. Charles Wilkins Short, 17 July 1818

Dr. Ch. 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

gratefully, and endeavour to tender you a suitable return by sending you some of my works, such as the flora of [Louisiana?] & meantime I beg leave to hand you separate by [mail?] my printed circular.

You may write me here to let me know your intentions or in Lexington. You might send your plants to our mutual friend, Mr John D. Clifford, or Dr Brown, or any other friend of yours. If you could call there yourself, it might be very agreeable to both, you might them see the collections I have made in coming and in the W. States; I have discovered already several new genera and abt. new species of plants.

I do not know if you have paid any attention to [animals?] and fossils: if you have any notice on fishes, shells, fossils & they will be very acceptable. I have already described [around?] 30 species of shells of the Ohio, all new! and abt 20 species of fishes, mostly [such?].

I remain very sincerely & respectfully Your obedt Srv, I. S. Rafinesque of the R. [?] of Naples [Philad.?] Soc. of Newyork Lycineum of Nat. Hist. N.Y. [Acad?] of Nat [Sc.?] [Philadephia?]

Louisville Ky 21 July 18 1/2 Dr. Charles W. Short Hopkinsville Christian County Kentucky

C. S. Rafinesque 17th July 1818