RK-871

[printed letterhead] No. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C., [written] March 4 [printed] 18 [written] 63

Dear Paternal.

I'm a little on the sick list still; My sore throat is nearly well though. I dont believe I'm sick at all beyond this confounded horse distemper that makes my head feel like a barrel full of rocks. - but Prof Baird is so very careful of me that he insists on my playing sick and having a doctor. Its much better fun than working so I dont resist very hard.

I got a letter from Holder of Bloomington about Ill State Nat Hist Soc. Ill advise with Prof Baird about the matter before answering it - Holder asks me to tell him confidentially what salery I ought to have -

I've not the slightest doubt that I could do far better for the Society than any other man. I can do all they could expect and more, without interfering with my plans for Chicago

Academy. - We will see

Love to you all Bob

Ill write more to some of you to night - I write this merely to catch the mail lest from my silence you might think me seriously sick

[page turned] next letter Ill tell Bruno what to do if he comes

[stamped] J. Kennicott Brenton Collections