Letter from Dr. Daniel Drake to Dr. Charles Wilkins Short, 10 January 1817

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In response to Short's 1816 letter, Drake states the high probability of there being two species of the coffee nut tree but that no one had recognized it. He also mentions that he had accepted a professorship at Transylvania University.

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Cincinnati Jan 10th 1817 Dear Sir!

I beg you to accept my thanks for having commenced a correspondence which I hope will be mutually beneficial to us.

I have examined the Gymnocladus Canadenssis with no other view than to ascertain its generic characters; & your observations and suggestions concerning it are new to me and beyond anything contained in the treatises to which I have access.

Pursh recognizes that one species (without varieties). His specific characters, taken from [Wibdenow?] are "[G foliis bipinnat foliolis ovalibus acuminatis bubescentibus?]." He adds the seed pods are large & of a dark brown [Michaux?] the younger, who had better opportunities for judging this tree than [Pursh?] is also silent respecting varieties. In Europe, I perceive by Rees' [Cyclopedia?] there is supposed to be only

Last edit 12 months ago by Lejla Bilanovic
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a Single species and no variety, but as it does not bear fruit in that part of the Continent where it has been planted the English & French Botanists could not have made the observations with which you have favoured me. I am not greatly inclined to admit the existence of the two Species but your Drawings and descriptions certainly render it highly probable that there are two varieties. Next Summer will enable us to decide on your conjecture. Should I collect any worthy of your notice I will transmit it promply.

I have Signified to the Trustees of the Transylvania University my acceptance of the professorship and hope to be in Some tolerable State of preperation by next winter; till which time I do not expect to See Lexington. Ms. Drake offers her thanks for the kind anxiety you express concerning her health and comfort. She anticipates much relaxation and amusement from a winter

Last edit 12 months ago by Lejla Bilanovic
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residence in your emporium fashion taste & Science.

I received yesterday a long letter from Mr. Nuttall dated at Charleston (S.C.) whence he was about to sail for Phila. He expects to pass this way next fall on his tour to California "which centre all his present wishes". He mentions that at Lexington he met with his friend Dr. Lyttle with whom he made some excursions. [I suppose?] (forgetting the name of Short) that he means you and mention the circumstance that you may know to enquire at the Post office.

Please to make our united respects to Mrs. Short and believe me yours very sincerely - Dan Drake Dr. Short

Last edit 12 months ago by Lejla Bilanovic
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[Cincinnati o. 12'h] C.W. Short M.D. Lexington

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