WCP2263

[1]

Boston. Mass.

13 Chester Sq^r

Nov. 29./.70

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" — you spoke of but I shall ask about and I may yet come upon it.

Believe me | very truly yours | E. P. Ingram³ [signature]