WCP2263

[1]

Nov. 29./.[18]70

Boston. Mass.

13 Chester Sq^r[?]

Dear M^r Wallace,

Your note¹ reached me the 1^st instant; Since then I have been casting in my mind how I could further your wish regarding the Birds and the Butterflies of the N. S.[?] It seemed to me that your Eastern Specimens were much too valuable to pass into the possession of a private [2] Collector and there remain in comparative obscurity, and that they would be a desirable addition to one or other of the Museums here, open to the students of Science[.]

I let Prof. Agassis² [sic] know what I wished, believing he would help me in the matter, better perhaps than my other one; and it is as I hoped.

He begs me to let you [3] know that it will give him much pleasure to meet your wishes — if you will inform him which Birds and Butterflies you particularly desire, but he thinks it would be too hazardous an undertaking to send a general collection of both at random, and he will be much pleased to receive the specimens you offer in exchange.

I believe you are ingenuous enough to experience a passing emotion of pleasure at the high and complimentary [4] opinion he holds of you as a co labourer in the same vast fields of Science with himself — He trusts you will have no hesitation in forwarding to him "Ever so extensive a list" as you may desire to possess.

I have not been able to find the Publication; the "Zoologist"³ — you spoke of but I shall ask about and I may yet come upon it.

Believe me | very truly yours | E. P. Ingram [signature]