RK-387

[stamped] J. Kennicott Brenton Collections

[handwritten] Racine Oct 29 - 1857

Dear Bob

We are all rejoiced to hear that you have got home in good health and in good spirits. Wont you have a time reciting the many incidents - hard scrabbler coarse fare - wild Indians and wild beasts of every sort - how I would enjoy a few days with you now - why I am on nettles to ask a thousand questions. What birds did you get - what mammals, did you get that Buffaloe Skin? - We all had anticipated a visit from you and sister this fall but it appears we are to be disappointed

Were it not almost impossible for me to leave just now - we are expecting my brother from Callifornia every day and my practice is keeping me busy. besides I went to Montreal to attend the American Association which took up two weeks - Albert was with me we had a fine time generally and I in particular.

If you cannot visit us this fall you must promise solemly to make us a long visit when you return from Washington - Yes that is a capital idea a wise thought of yours that you will attend to those specimens for me. Yes Baird has a lot of reptiles and fish which he promised me and I suppose he has not sent them for want of time. Now I will appoint you my legal agent to attend to my interests at Washington. You hear that won't it sounds large??

Mr Hoy and family would be highly pleased to make you a visit could they possibly do so - it is barely probable that I and my brother may drive Kitty down to your place when he comes - but dont calculate too much on it -

I wrote a letter to Dr Andrews some ten days ago and inclosed 51 cents in postage stamps, for the purchase of two pieces of music for Jenny, as I have not heard from from it I fear he never received it, will you ask the Dr about it and if he handed the order to some of the music dealers &c. - Now if this music has

not been forwarded, will you purchase the Bird Waltz and Cammillas (or Camillas) Favorite Serenating Polka. We do not know to whome to send our order for music, if the dealers would send their card I could send from time to time for what I wish. Now please attend to this for us Jenny gets on amazingly in her music -

Albert is making out his list. he has some Ami skins. Not as many as you might expect but the next season - and during the winter we will look to your interest - I shall collect some for exchanging with you -

I am in a great hurry to get this in the office this morning. So I must close. - We will forward the skins to the agent in a few days

Respect for Dr. Andrews and Lady - Yours P. R. Hoy

Dr. Robert Kennicott