Publication InformationWashington June 14 48

Carlisle

Page 1

Dear Baird

Mr Henry came to me this morning to consult me in regard to the matter concerning which you wrote by Gen. C., & will no doubt advance you funds from time to time. He will begin moderately, but I think there will be no difficulty in ultimately securing any reasonable amount I wish you would come to Washington before the adjournment, & let me introduce you to Mr H. that you will, for the time, lay aside a little of

your modesty, and swagger enough to make a proper impression

Mrs Marsh is still very feeble, & will not be able to leave the city, I fear, at the time of the adjournment. We shall certainly visit you as soon as I have time, & she strength, to make the trip.

I hope to hear from you soon in regard to the matter I wrote of yesterday.

I did not see Gen. C. being out when he called & therefore congratulate Mrs Churchill instead, on his well merited promotion.

I am very sincerely yoursGeo P MarshProf. Baird

References in this letter:

Trained as a physicist, Joseph Henry (1797-1878) was professor of natural philosophy at Princeton University where he conducted original research on electricity and magnetism. When the Smithsonian Institution was created, he was chosen as its first Secretary. From 1846 to 1878 Henry established basic policies and defined the scope of the Smithsonian's activities.

Sylvester Churchill and Lucy Hunter Churchill were Mary Churchill Baird's parents. A Vermont native, Sylvester Churchill (1783-1862), served in the War of 1812, was Inspector General in the Mexican War, and Brigadier General during the Civil War.