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My dear Mary

You know me well enough to believe me without an oath, when I assure you that it will give me great pleasure to serve Mr Baird to the utmost of my power not only because he is your husband, but because I am quite convinced that any influence I may possess could not be better exerted than in aiding him to accomplish the objects he has at heart. I apprehend no difficulty in this way on the score of merit or qualifications but I fear he will have some nepotism to contend against. Mr Owen of Indiana, who is an active & influential member of the Board, is -------------------------------- Page -------------------------------- believed to be labouring for the appointment of his brother D.D. Owen, a geologist of some reputation, to some place in the institution, & I fear his influence as a member will enable him to effect this object. If the appointment is delayed till next winter, when we confidently hope to have a Whig Congress, I trust Mr Owen will be out of power, and I shall then probably be in a situation to exert much more influence than at present.

The proper course for Mr Baird to pursue is to forward his recommendations to Prof. Henry, with a letter stating his wishes, & referring to such notices of himself in scientific works as he thinks useful. He should also secure the influence of much of the Regents as he can, by letter or otherwise. I will endeavour to secure him the good will of Messr Evans, Choate, & Hilliard, as well as of the assistant -------------------------------- Page -------------------------------- secretary Mr. Jewett of Providence, if I can advance his interests in any other way I shall certainly not forget to do so --

I have lately had the pleasure of receiving two letters from your father dated respectively Dec 16 & 28' am glad to learn that he has thus far escaped all the dangers of this accursed war. May the curse fall only on the head of those who are guilty of it!

Mrs Marsh suffers much from her eyes as ever, & both she & Lucy are just now afflicted with the influenza.Mrs M was much gratified with your letter & will soon reply. Be good enough to present our kindest remembrances to your good mother, as well as to your sister of whose brief acquaintance we retain very agreeable recollections, and your husband.

I am, my dear Mrs Baird

Your ancient & sincere friend

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