RKBP-065

Springfield Illinois Oct 18th 1855

Messrs J A Kennicott & Sons

We still wish to plant move Trees and thought we should prefer to receive them in the Fall so as not to be obliged to wait for your sluggish Spring as we had to, the last you sent us. We were pleased with the Trees you sent us last Spring with the exception of the Pear Trees, which were poor unhealthy Trees, out of the four, there are but two living ([Seckels?]) the Bartlets died) & only one of them has made any grwoth the other is almost dead. But the Plum Trees with a few exceptions were noble Trees, with roots that would make any Tree flourish. some of them have sent out Shoots three feet in length. we lost but three & I think they must have been in june & by your severe winter. The Peach Buds would all have lived had it not been for a species of Bug that troubles us a great deal by eating out the Buds as they start in the Spring, however we have some 10 or 11 fine Trees out of the 15 you sent us. We should like to have you send. (Turn Over)

[drawing of a hand pointing to the right] Doct Kennicott will perhaps remember telling me while he was in Springfield that to accomodate me he thought you would spare some roots of the Angers Quince, if you can, Please send from one to a Dozen as convenient

Of Apples Of the Jersey Sweet [partially circled] 2 of this variety I would like to have the [partially circled] limbs left entire as I wish to graft from it Melon 2 Rambo 4 All from your finest & most vigorous trees Total 8

Of Plums. 2 of the best Trees you have of the Bleeker's Gage & 2 of the Ickworth Imperatice if you have it. as I am very anxious to procure that variety

Of Peaches Of the Early York 0 5 } --- Strawbery 0 2 } Crawfords Early 0 15 } Late 0 10 } As large & thrifty Trees (Yearlings Oldmix on Free 10 } of course) as you can send Redrareripe 1 } at your regular per centum Royal George 2 } price Red Cheek Molocton 5 } If you have the Oldmixon Cling. 10 }

Of Nectarines 4 Please send us 2 of each of your best varieties

Of Apricots 2 One of each of your varieties, with the exception of the Early Golden, Peach & Moorpark which we have.

Of Strawberries Large Early Scarlet 500 } Providing they can be preserved in the Cellar or } elsewhere [strikethrough] until Spring, Of which please Necked Pine 500 } advise one as to the best way

[page turned upside down, stamped] J. Kennicott Brenton Collections

Of the Pre Plant, Please send 2 plants of Cahoon's Seedling If you have not got it, your best variety will answer

In the Flower department Tulips Single & Double mixed half Doz Hyacinths 2 plants x Crocus Mixed One Doz 1/2 Doz Crown Imperial 1 plant

Perhaps you will think this is a mixed up mess but it is a sort of Fancy lot got up to please everybody (of the Family) & by filling it to the best of your abilities you[strikethrough] You will Oblige

Yours &c L.C. Francis

P S Please advise me when you can send them (as soon as you can) send your Bill & the money shall be forthcoming

L.C.F.

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