Publication InformationSmithsonian InstitutionWashington, D.C., Mar 22 1882

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Dear Mr. Marsh

Your letter of the 5th March is just at hand. Thanks for the promise of information in regard to the beads. I mail you herewith all I have in hand in regard to the discoveries in the Gulf Stream. I have now under contract a superb sea-going steamer to cost $175,000 to be constructed expressly for practical researches into the fisheries of the coast & general

investigations of the physics & natural history of the ocean. I will buy & send you a copy of the specifications. It will have a most complete equipment in the way of sounding-lines, electric light for attracting fish at night, hoisting-engines, etc. We will have twice as much laboratory-room as the Challenger, & the vessel will be superior to her in every possible way. The specifications are only for the vessel itself, & do not include the thousand & one accessories.

We are getting along very

well here, though, as you may imagine, I am kept pretty busy. 30 years ago you thought I had my time well taken up, but a day's work then scarcely represents that of an hour at the present time. I hope some day to have the pleasure of showing you all we are doing in many directions.

With love to Mrs. Marsh, believe me,

Sincerely & truly yours,Spencer Baird