RK-406

Racine Dec. 15 1857

Dear Doctor Bob, I am happy to learn that you are at last going to Washington for certain, but I am sorry thath you could not visit us - We all would be so happy to see you and your sisters in Racine – We are now enjoying a visit from my brother from California – Jenny goes it on the Piano. Can play Smiths March [illegible] learned it so she could play it for you –

I want you to return me the Cormorant Skin – the Sharp Tailed Grouse I don’t need and I believe the Cormorant Skin is all I shall want so don’t take that with you – I will write to Baird on the subject of your Agency, and you can tell him also it will do no harm to have him well posted

I received a few Beetles from you a day or two since – Thank you for the Stag Beetle one I wanted badly. The big Locust is a prize

Charly Schucardt writes that he has collected a fine lot of Beetles for me.

We send by Express this morning the box of Bird Skins. We directed them to “Robt. Kennicott Chicago” - We forgot the directions you instructed us to use – Care of the Express Office

Our best wishes – Wish I could accompany you to Washington, that I do P. R. Hoy