Letter from GEORGE PERKINS MARSH to SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD, dated June 14, 1848.
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Carlisle
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.