RK-342

[page torn] June 9 - 1857

Dear Bob,

I am just recovering from an attack of Pneumonia - I was dangerously sick - My sickness put a stop to bird stuffing so we have not done as much as we intended. As for Albert his school engagements would not permite his dooing any thing else. Mr Hoy assisted him in skinning quite a little lot of birds. Several of which are rare -

I recieved the package of Snakes but was then sick had them placed in Alcohol, have not yet carefully examined them - You are great on snakes - Greatly obliged -

Dr. Andrews came and took the Insects with him - I was then just able to sit up part of the day but owing to a little extra exertion I had a relapse and was sick enough again - Hope the Dr. succeeded in getting the insects to Chicago without material damage? -

Respecting the [page torn] must go if possible, but what time [page torn] to go is not yet possible for me to decide now. perhapse about the middle or last of July - I will advise you on the subject in due time - I shall make my arrangements to attend the quarterly meeting of the Chicago Nat History Society and will prepare a paper to read - hope you will be there. I will write to Dr Andrews to let me have due notice of the meeting.

We have splendid weather now every thing is smiling laughing - birds are singing joyously busy and bustle is the order of the day - nests are to be build forth with and then the fine eggs must be deposited then comes the anxious [illegible] to be followed with joyous parental solicitation for the wants and well fare of the tender charge Nature is every where performing wonder working miricles - life that misterious something is every where exertin its energies - and forces to build up a happy community of Summer beings What season can compare with June it is the only

month fit [page torn] - Who has not firt oferd [page torn] a [illegible] of renovation and hearty with ever loose the advantage of the firt happy impression who would be how in winter when driving sleets and spitting snows deform their day and render the nights abominable?

Hope you will not be Swallowed up in New Madrid. I would like to visit that rough swampy remnant of an earth quake. May be it will be a good place for Snakes and lizzards to sport -

I want to se you -

Will perhaps visit you fathers when I go to Chicago to the Meeting. -

Yours with a wonderful lot of good wishes (Oh I am nervous - can hardly write it oh - P.R. Hoy

Dr. Robert Kennicott