26 Oct 1848 [1] (seq. 216)

New York, October 26th 1848

Dear Doctor —

I am working tooth & nail for the Profes=
=sorship of Chemistry in the Free Academy. Had I
not been misinformed by the Superintendent, who told
me that nothing would be done in Chemistry for some
months — perhaps for a year — I should have begun
early & had my testimonials ready in good time.
Two of the gentlemen told me also that testimonials
would not be necessary — except for two or three
prominent men. Now, I find, that the committee
of nomination had already selected a chemist nearly
a fortnight ago — & that my unexpected application
had caused a delay. They say that now, every thing
will depend on the number & strength of my tes=
=timonials. I have been writing at a furious rate
for two days to all the chemists of my acquain=
tance — viz. L.C. Beck, Bailey, Henry, Bache, Renwick
Chelton, the Rogers, Hare, Fraser, Patterson & McCulloch
(of the mint) Gale, Page, Dana, Hays, Silliman, Hitch-
cock & Hadley. I have also asked a letter from Agassiz —
but from no others, who are, or have not been, real live chemists.