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Battle Creek, Nov. 21st
Kind Friend.
I rec'd your letter a few days ago + was verry glad to hear from you.
I shall be much delighted to be with you in the Spring, & see the many specimens, which you will have: I shall be verry busy all winter: in teaching a class in chemistry: & Nat. Philosophy in an Accadmy near this place but shall read all that I can on the Subject of Zoology & Ecology; I have not as yet applied attention to Nat. History much. but wanted[?] the oppertunity verry much:: I am greatly in love with all subject - that [illegible] of Natural Science.
[stamped] J. Kennicott Brenton Collections
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The more, that I investigate the workings of nature, the more do I see, to learn; it seems as if I know but little when I see the broad expanse: that is opened before me.
I hope to give my time: as much as is possible, to the investigation of these Natural Sciences: which have for so long a time; been neglected, by the learned men of our times: I feel that I can not do much to help along the great[?] work; but what I can [illegible] will I do cheerfully. I have sent to the M. C from this district[?] for the Pacific R. R. reports as you advised; and he will probaly send them to me.
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I can not find the work which you spoke of published by the Smithsonian Inst; for I do not know any one about these parts who takes an interest in such works: If you can obtain it for me, it would be a great accomodation: & one that I should be happy to repay in any way: I shall [illegible] to save specime[ns?] of the various animals as soon as I can find out how to preserve the skins. Each part of the country has its own particular species and I shall try to keep your advise & [illegible] up + save us many good specemns as I can find: I do not how to label them yet: Do you give the common vulgar name or the classical one: if the latter it would be hard for me
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to find them; for I am but little acquainted with the right names I supose. But in giveing names we should give the species as well as the individual name.
If you could find me the reports of which you spoke for 1856. I would be very glad: & will.
Enclose to you what ever it may cost: as soon as you would let me know: I shall try to be at Ann Arbor in the Spring; how long will you probaly be there::
I should be happy to hear from you again: when it is Convienent for you to write
Ever Yours truly Gov. S. Haskell