To the same.
| Dear Frank, | Observatory, Jan. 21st, 1856. |
Betty, Nannie, and I are just finishing to-night the new edition of the 'Physical Geography of the Sea.' I send you the papers for the joint meteorological observations of the Smithsonian and Patent Office. The Agricultural Bureau has been up to propose to cut loose from the Smithsonian and join on with me. So you see how the world wags.
I do not see how the Smithsonian plan and ours at all interfere. I am for a quiet life. But unless the Agricultural Bureau wakes up and takes views very different from those expressed to me, not much will be done there. He speaks of wanting two or three clerks! Jansen[1] has gone to India, and is going to set the Japanese and the Chinese at work upon meteorology.
Yours,
To the same.
| Dear Frank, | Observatory, Jan. 21st, 1856. |
You have seen that Commodore Morris has been gathered to his fathers. He was decidedly the cleverest captain in the Navy; he is the third chief of this Bureau that I have assisted to bury since I have been in Washington. We sent the 'Physical Geography of the Sea' off to the publishers this morning, having put the finishing touches to it last night. Now don't you consider that smart work for Betty, Nannie, and me? We were told in December that the publishers would want it by the first of February; we have eliminated some, re-cast much, and added a good deal. I have now some back correspondence to bring up, and I then shall begin to flirt with the eighth edition of 'Sailing Directions'. I cannot say anything about "Meteorology for Farmers," for I have never mentioned the subject to a member of Congress, nor need I until the house shall "sheet home its topsails." I have a notion, though, that the plan will take, "dogs in the manger" to the contrary notwithstanding. I am to be inaugurated next Monday as President of the National Institute; they elected me in Henry's place about
- ↑ Admiral in Dutch Navy—wmm (Wikisource contributor note)
