cutler-letters_jonathan-stokes_1805-05-15_02

plants common to both continents, and I think it best to retain
the [same?][Linnean?] names. Time will not permit me to re-
mark on the plants you mention. Mr. [?Perch?] will give you
much information respecting them. I shall be gratifed
by receiving the seeds you mention

By this time I should suspect your system of politics
must have undergone somewhat of a revolution. Whashington
gave fredom to slaves at his death, but the " [pacifist?] & democratic
"Jefferson" retains his in servitude." At, present, there is
no hope that the unhappy Africans in this country
will be liberated, or the importation diminshed. The
democratic notions which have so unfortunately divided
the people in this country, and led them off from the
true federal principles, (the only principles on which
a free government can exist) threaten us with the same
issue as in [illegible]. We are progresing rapidly to a
dispotic government, and the democratic Mr. Jefferson
will probably be our first Emperor. The plant of
freedom is withering in this country [& ye?] "Crown imperial" will
occupy ye ground. The present instability of our government for
bids the hope of a botanical garden at Washington, and the
legislature are far from being disposed to
encourage improvement in science. At Cambridge,
however, we have the prospect of such an establishment.
The plants you mention for Washington will grateful
received to enrich this garden, and the aid of the friends
to such an establishment in Europe, is earnestly solici-
ted.

I join with you in regreting the death of [crossed out word: Mrs] your
friend Mrs. [?Shinder?] She departed this life before I had
opp'ty to obtain an introduction to the family. The
last winter I had the pleasure of forming an acquaintance
with a Lady who has a fine taste for botany-
the Lady of your Minister [illegible]-Mrs. [?Marg?], She
is making progress and indefatigable in
her attentions to the plants of this country