RK-182

Bloomington Ills. Sept. 10. 1856

Robt. Kennicott.

Dear Sir Your letter found me on the point of addressing you upon the same subject of which you write. My own engagements among the sick have made it impossible thus far for me to visit the fair ground at Seton; and I now find that I shall not be able to get there in season to be of any use. Still, my heart is in the work. I have been troubled to know what was to be done with delicate specimens of Natural History; and on that subject should have written to you. There certainly should have been a place specially provided for these Fine arts of God, at least as suitable as for the works of man. And there must be. Perhaps your sugestion, if carried out, may be sufficient: and to that end, I enclose you a letter to Mr. Miller on the sub= ect; and will be obliged to your father if he will add a note joining his influence in the appeal. If these valuable specimens are not deemed worthy of protection, they should be kept at home.

And now my dear sir, I have an appeal to you. Will you not consent to take charge of my Department? The duties of my profes= sion will prevent me from doing it justice. At least, will you not consent to act as my assis tant? if yes – I will immediately announce it in the “Farmer”. I hope you will not let any slight cause prevent you from doing me this act of kindness. You will see that my

appeal to Mr Miller will in no wise compromise you, as it will me made before your acceptance of the post. Talk with your father on this sub= ject; and write me immediately.

I will of course (if possible) ^be with you at the Fair; and will take pleasure in con= ferring with you by letter in the mean time.

I never I have never known any one to die from the bite of the prairie Rattlesnake.

I am sorry to say, I am not study= ing conchology; but am compelled to devote myself almost wholly to bread-and-butter= ology.

My best respects and warmest sym= pathies to your father.

Write me a long letter, and speak your mind freely on this whole subject.

Your's sincerely E R Roe