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

business & on some other matters referred to me. As soon as I return from Washington, I hope to set my face toward Cambridge, & have a pleasant visit with.

Rood was elected yesterday! All the trustees were present, with the exception of Dr. Spring, who is too infirm to attend. Twenty members voted. Rood had 12 votes, Peck 8, & {F.A.P.} Barnard 2. This was at the first ballot — which decided the matter. The meeting was called to receive the Report of a Committee on Credentials. {L.M.} Rutherfurd prepared it, — a lucid impartial statement. We were at first disposed to have another meeting next Monday — & to vote at the regular meeting Jany. 4th — But after some discussion, it was resolved to read the principal testimonials, & proceed to elect at once — a decision that none looked for at the beginning of the meeting — Rood's friends were rather afraid to venture, but

I ascertained, by speaking to some that were thought to be Peck's friends, that there was little risk. We went forward. You cannot think how much I feel relieved. The greatest efforts were made by Peck friends to secure his election —& a week ago it was thought he would succeed. Now we have a real genius, & a hardworking man, who is also a first rate teacher.

The trunk arrived Saturday night before last — all right.

It is time to break off & I must hasten up town. Give my love to Jane & tell her that she has acted wisely to omit the usual Xmas party. All will respect the necessity. She must take good care of herself this winter. I will write again before going to Washington.

Yours ever John Torrey

U.S. Assay Office 3 PM Nov. 14th 1862 [actually 1864]

My dear friend

All this day, since breakfast, I have been incessantly pressed with call, & with office business. Just now I broke off & have locked my door so that none can get at me. Since I commenced my letter I have had two attempts to get in — — but I "didn't hear them" —

I wrote to Dr. Engelmann, & sent him what he wanted immediately — not without hope that I can put up for him all the Coniferae in my hands that I think may aid him in preparing a full memoir on all the N. Am. (excl. Mexican) gen. & specs. of that family. I promise you that the plates of Icones Muscorum shall be dispatched tomorrow. They are ready

I should be right glad to get those Mandrin Plants on whatever terms you are willing to part with them & will pay at once.

That specimen of Naias {Najas} is jolly — & I thank you for it. I shall take it home & compare it with European {specimens} this eve.

Are not the results of our late election most glorious? I do hope that the poor rebs. will cave in soon.

Maggie came home yesterday after an absence on the Palisades of six weeks or more. She is much improved in health. Eliza will come down in a few days & then we shall be all together once more.

I am sorry that your good Jane did not improve faster. Give her my love, & remember me most

kindly to Wright — whom I greatly desire to see. I keep his photograph in a conspicuous place — so that I am constantly reminded of him — to say nothing of the hundred things that bring him before me while engaged in my botanical studies.

Don't forget to present my kind regards to Mrs. James. I shall not soon forget the pleasant days we spent at her home.

Faithfully yours, John Torrey