RK-895

[stamped] J. Kennicott Brenton Collections

[written] Smithsonian Apr 16th 1863

My Dear Father. -

I am extremly glad that you are better, I got your note this morning, - - I have seen agood meny People that know you. -

I had allmost wished myself at home since you have all been sick. -

Are you doing much busness this spring? I suppose I must aught to ask that question of Amasa, - I dont' like Washington very well, - We stay in the hous most of the time Seomtimes we dont go out of the building for -aweek at atime. -

What is your opinion of the fany[?] Irishman? - I should like to see the fellow very much. - I understand he has got aprety good par of Lungs. - Bob works pretty hard, and what troubles me is that he has got a given amount of work to do, and insted of doing it he works all the time for other People, - - All the rest that are here say that they had rathere be sick at the Smithsonian than to be well at any where els. I say that I had rather be sick any where

els. - I wish the wold get this town and liven it, or send the People home, I would not car much which. - - The weather is quite warm, we had a rain last night and the grass looks is beautiful - I supose you are not well enough yet to play pitch are you? -

It is time the mail went so I must wind up. -

Cub, Bruno,

Wednesday - 15th

Bruno and I were much delighted at getting your letter this morning - we've been feeling pretty blue about you. - I trust with the summer weather will come good health for you and the girls - I feel a little guilty all the time that I got Bruno away but I trust the final result will be satisfactory

Bruno works well enough when I can give him plain sailing - I've been so confoundedly busy that I could hardly stop to get work for him - when I get onto the mammals again however Ill set him to meaning - He will have insect pinning to do and sundry other work - I'm going to get him to help a good deal in the accumulation of my private museum - That is he can afford to spend a good deal of time to be on the watch for chances to secure specimens for me - He is awfully lazy and dont take as much pains with his writing as he ought - I reckon it would do him good to abuse his spelling & writing a little - He is very philosophical and dont let matters trouble him much. - I am in the midst of my arctic correspondence - some 25 long letters of instruction to write - By the way if those lost letters Love to you all Bob