John Torrey letters, 1831-1873. Asa Gray correspondence files of the Gray Herbarium, 1820-1904. gra00078. Archives of the Gray Herbarium, Harvard University.

[postmark] PRINCE.n N.J. JUN 1

10 Dr. Asa Gray 30 Mc.Dougal Street. New York

Princeton, June 23rd, 1836.

Dear Doctor,

I have been obliged to work very hard since came here last Monday. The subjects on which I have lectured required many experiments, & the ap= =paratus was so much deranged during the erection of the new laboratory & the alteration in the old one, that I have been constatly employed in replacing apps. which I made last year, or repairing articles which I left in good order — Some person spilled mercury & acid in my beautiful pneumatic trough so that the bottom was riddled like a sieve, one of the glass gas holders was broken — & a multitude of little breakages & derangements to great to enumerate. However, I shall probably not lecture here again — unless something should compel me to give up the survey.

I did not see the Gov. after all. He went on Saturday (I believe) to visit Mr. Aster & had not returned on Monday eve. I addressed him a short letter, merely informing him that I had called twice at his lodgings, & that I have written him a letter. It cannot be possible, I think, that any new difficulty will occur, but I shall wait till I receive his answer, giving me, bona fide, the appoint.

When we meet I will talk over the best manner of arranging the whole business.

I suppose Mrs. T. & the children went to Nyack on Tuesday. They will probably remain till Saturday. I have not yet ascertained whether she can be accommodated hereabouts for a few weeks, but I hope to learn tomorrow.

Did you finish the poor Sclerias? I think we must allow the genus Hypoporum to stand. It is perfectly easy to tell all of them from a true Scleria, at a glance — but the difference in habit is not remarkable. Take a good look at that Kobresia, or Elyna before you send it to the printer. Uncinia breviseta will do, — but what is {Thomas} Nuttall's C. {Carex} filifolia? There must be a genuine {specimen} in the {Herbarium} of the {Academy} in Philadelphia, but I cannot go to & look at it now. ___ I must break of here as the mail will close in a minute or two. I could only get ready the note for Col. {William Leete} Stone, which shall inclose. Please send it to him. If {Abraham} Halsey is in town he will write something for {Henry} King or if you will not wait till next week I will do it. I repeat that I am so hurried. Believe me always yours J. Torrey

20 [postmark] PAID PRINCE.n N.J. JUN 23

Asa Gray Care of Dr. J. Torrey 30 Mc. Doughal St. New York

By William L. Marcy Governor of the State of New York The People of the State of New York Know ye that pursuant to authority vested in me by the "act to provide for a geological survey of the State" I have appointed and constituted and by these presents do appoint and constitute John Torrey of the City of New York Botanist and do commit to him the botanical department of the work directed to be executed by the act aforesaid

In testimony where of I have subscribed my name and affixed the privy seal of the State this first day of July One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Six.

W. L. Marcy