RK-711

Snake Room Jan 21.

Dear Father

I have been miserably unwell with an imfluenza since you left and have done little or nothing hence you've had no letters. I dont know of anything now that I can say litna[] to interest you. Dr Rauch has been in Springfield and will perha[strikethrough] probably go again & meet you there I should think. He continues to urge me to put the two appropriations in one bill - I had rather[underlined] not[underlined] do[underlined] it[underlined] unless ours is pretty[strikethrough] sure[underlined] for his[underlined] will[underlined] not[underlined] help[underlined] it[underlined] any[underlined] way[underlined]. I dont want to be mean but there is no use to kill our bill to give his a chance, which is really less important to science or agriculture

No special news here for you, nor from home.

Better discuss this matter with the Governor whether the survey goes through or not - And learn his ideas on the subject - I[underlined] can[underlined] and will make it an honor[underlined] to the state if they give me a half chance. Stimpson who works at the snake table sends respects and "trusts that having been so well grounded in the elements of conduction you continue to conduce".

- Son. Bob.

P. S. Prof Baird's Room - Hurrah - Gen Churchill got this[strikethrough] yesterday a letter from

gov Bissel of which the enclosed is a copy. I will now at least be sure of the appointment if the thing is ordered. Better not show this letter I enclose - it would perhaps not please the governor and it would be unpolitic[underlined] to do

say the gov granted at General Churchills request what he wouldnt otherwise have done - You know the gov has never himself[underlined] informed anyone that he would not recommend the survey and B. F. Johnsons letter to me was marked "Private" so you are of course ignorant of any change in his mind!

[stamped in the middle of text] J. Kennicott Brenton Collections