To the same.
| My excellent Friend, | Fredericksburg, Aug. 20th, 1860. |
I saw by the papers yesterday that you had had to give up certain engagements on account of sickness. Immediately my heart yearned towards you, and I said, "I'll write him a letter to-morrow;" so here I am, the first thing after breakfast, seated to carry out the resolve this beautiful Monday morning.
I hope, my friend, your sickness is not grievous. Still, the hope does not keep down my solicitude.
I am here on leave for a month, seeking such rest as within that time will afford most relaxation. I noticed a few weeks ago your advertisement from "University Place." From that I infer that all goes on well with the grand undertaking. You know my heart is always with you in that undertaking. I begin to fear you will have it up not a whit too soon, for I very much fear the Union is in danger. Causes seem to be at work which are destined to destroy the Union. . . .
I have been occupied, during the winter and spring, among other things, with a new edition of the 'Physical Geography of the Sea.' It is greatly, enlarged, and, I hope, improved. It certainly presents many fine subjects for thought and contemplation. I know of nothing more profitable or ennobling than the discovery of new relations in the physical economy. To tell of these would require space beyond the limits of a letter. . . .
I have reason to believe that there is, about the South Pole, a comparatively mild climate. The unexplored regions there embrace an area equal in extent to about one-sixth of all the known land on the surface of the earth. I am quietly seeking to create in the minds of some an interest upon the subject, hoping thereby to foster a desire in right quarters for an Antarctic expedition.
We have in contemplation—Mrs. Maury, Nannie, Molly, and I—a visit to Niagara, intending to tarry at Newburgh a few days with Hasbrouck.
When you get well and are in the vein, let me hear from
