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Chicago. Oct. 27th, 1855
My Dear friend "Bob"
I received a joint letter from your Father & yourself on yesterday. And I am happy to learn that you have accepted my proposition to attend attend our college this winter, since I saw you I have spoken to nearly all of the Faculty and they cheerfully promise you "scot free". We will to have proper show cases for your specimens in Nat. Hist. as soon as they can be made. The young man in my office is much pleased at the idea of your joining him in his studies. You will find him a young gentleman worthy of your confidence, being well bred and well educated.
As to boarding you this winter, perhaps we were rather hasty in promising it, especially on Mrs Freer's account, for you know that she is constitutionally particular and in this instace fears that her house will be to much crowded, for my part I can bear a little crowding from those I take an interest in. but you will find when
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you have experience that ladies have a much finer sense of what is appropriate than men. You must not understand from the above that Mrs. F. has any objection to you. on the contrary she takes a deep interest in your welfare; and is always happy to see you.
My office will be a fine place for you during the hours of study. as it is supplied with gas light. and facilities for warming.
You ask whether I think the museum will be above freezing point this winter. I have no doubt but it will, if not, my private room will certainly be warm enough,
I mentioned to Dr Johnson that you had a respectable collection of Botanical specimens labelled. The Dr. will be much obliged if you will bring them along; come in if possible at the commencement of the Lectures.
Your friend JW Freer
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Dr Freer About College Nov. 1855