RK-799

Saint Paul - Minnesota 21. May 1860

My dear Sir,

I have the pleasure to acknowledge your letters of 31. July and 32. November last, which I had intended answering from Fort Larry, but must do so, very breifly, from this place; where I am under the necessity of returning to Montreal. The effects of a severe illness I had in the Spring render it imprudent for me to attempt proceeding further. -

It is satisfactory to learn you have been successful in the object of your mission to the McKenzie River & that you are likely to make valuable additions to the colletions of the Smithsonian Institution. I intimated to the Company your wish (backed by Professor Henry) to be allowed to pass a third winter at their ports; to which they have acceded, and it is now understood that you have authority to remain at our ports (the selection of your station being left to yourself) during this year and next. - As regards your proposed trip down the Youkon, we have no objection to offer, provided it be done at your risk and charges. I learn you have permission from the Russian authorities to visit their posts near the outlet of the river and I trust may accomplish the trip in safety, and be repaid for the undertaking by the addition of

something new to your collections, - in zoology and botany. -

There will be no objection made to your procuring at our ports specimens of the various fur bearing animals found in the country, for the Smithsonian Museum, which will be charged at the usual prices to our own officers. As the cost of such a collection will be considerable and the transport an item of some moment, I cannot extend this permission beyond one complete set for the Smithsonian. I mention this, as I believe you were commissioned to make collections for some private parties, as well as the Institution. -

We shall not be at all uneasy about the injury to our trade, likely to arise from your attempts at trapping. But, I have learned, you have sent out for a supply of strychnine, to be employed in procuring the use of poison in the interior, by our own people or the Indians; and I trust you will respect our regulations, by abstaining from employing it, if a supply has now been provided to you. I wrote to Professor Henry on the subject and I learn that instructions were immediately sent to you, to make no use of strychnine while at the Company's establishments. -

A remittance was made by the Smithsonian Institution this Spring, of Two Hundred Dollars, to be carried to your credit in account with the Hudson Bay Company, - which has been done accordingly. -

I had the pleasure to receive a very agreeable letter from your father a few weeks ago, in which he expressed great satisfaction at the success you were meeting, as regarded the objects of your mission. He has kindly offered me a collection of hardy shrubs & flowers for my garden at The Dorval, of which I fancy you have given a somewhat too favorable idea. - I have informed your father that I shall receive with very great pleasure, the interesting addition he proposes making to my grounds, and I am next autumn to send him a list of the plants most suitable to our climate. -

The Smithsonian Institution has sent you this spring a box of scientific apparatus &c. and your father has forwarded a "piece" of "home comforts". Both packages have already passed this place and are now on their way to Fort Garry. I have written to Mr. Mactavish to let them be sent on, without fail, by the Postage brigade & I trust they may safely reach you in the autumn. Wishing you every success, & thanking you for your intuition to supply me if possible with a musk ox speciment re - Believe me

Very truly yours G Simpson

Robert Kennicott Esq [illegible squiggle] McKenzie River