Publication InformationWood's Hole, Mass. June 14, 1871.

Page 1

My Dear Mr Marsh.

As I wrote you, I forwarded to two parties your query in regard to the use of the right hand on the part of the American aborigines, & I have just received the enclosed communication from Mr Geo. Gibbs on the subject. How far it supplies you the information desired I cannot tell, but give it to you for what it is worth.

We arrived at this place last Saturday, June 10, & have about established ourselves fairly in the old quarters that we have occupied during three preceding seasons.

We were summoned to leave Washington rather earlier that we had expected, in consequence of the alarming illness of my Mother, who died a few hours after our reaching her, on the 3 of June. She was about 74 years old, & had been, for the last few years, in very feeble health. For a time before her death she was entirely unconscious, although all her children were with her.

In coming this way our journey led us through Boston, & we stopped at the Tremont House, where we recalled very vividly the charming season of our sojourn there with yourself & Mrs Marsh twenty-four years ago. I wish it might be our good fortune

to be similarly situated again.

With love from all to yourself & Mrs Marsh, believe me,

Sincerely & truly Yours,Spencer F. Baird

Hon. Geo. P. Marsh.
U.S. Minister,
Florence
Italy.

References in this letter:

The ethnologist George Gibbs (1815-1873) participated in the Boundary Survey of Northwest America and Canada. He specialized in the study of Indian languages and contributed to Smithsonian publications on the subject.