“Dr. Houghton sent me some of the more interesting plants which he brought with him last year, but he said the best part of your collections were destroyed by getting wet.

“By all means send Mr. Cooper your shells.  He knows more about fresh water shells than any naturalist in New York.  By the way, have you seen Mr. Lea’s splendid monograph (with colored plates) of Unios, in the Transactions of the American Philosophical Society?"

“Are we to have a narrative of the two expeditions in print?  I hope you consent to publish, and let us have an appendix containing descriptions of the objects in natural history.

“You have heard, perhaps, something about the University of the City of New York, which was planned about two years ago.  It went into operation a few days ago, under the most favorable prospects.  The council have given me a place in it (Prof.  Chem.  Bot. and Mineralogy), the duties of which I can discharge in addition to those which I attend to in the medical college, as the latter occupies only four months in the year.”

About the middle of September I embarked at the Sault for Detroit, for the purpose chiefly of meeting the Secretary of War—­taking with me thus far, my little sister Anna Maria, on her way to school at Hadley, in Massachusetts.  While at Detroit, several meetings of benevolent individuals were held, and the constitution of the Algic Society was signed by many gentlemen of standing and note, and an election of officers made.  Having been honored with the presidency, I delivered a brief address at one of these meetings.  This, together with the following resolutions, which were passed at the same time, indicate the contemplated mode of action.[63] It was not intended to be exclusively a missionary or educational society, but also, to collect scientific and statistical information essential to both objects, and to offer facilities to laborers on the frontiers, and answer inquiries made by agents authorized by the General Boards from the old States.  The effort was appreciated and warmly approved by the friends of missions and humanity; but it required great and continual personal efforts to enlist a sufficient number of persons in the true objects, and to keep their minds alive in the work.  It demanded, in fact, a kind of literary research, which it is always difficult to command on the frontiers.  To act, and not to pursue the quiet paths of study, is the tendency of the frontier mind.

[Footnote 63:  Resolved, That the thanks of the society be presented to Henry R. Schoolcraft, Esq., for the valuable introductory remarks offered by him, and that he be requested to furnish a copy of the same for publication.

Resolved, That the Domestic Secretary, be directed to prepare and submit for the approbation of the Official Board, a Circular, to be addressed to such persons as have been elected members of this society, and others, setting forth its objects, its organization, constitution, and initial proceedings, which circular, when so prepared, shall be printed for the purpose of distribution.