29

Rockford
Dec. 9 /85

Prof. C. E. Bessey
Dear Sir

Mr. B[ebb?]
has been sick for five weeks.
Even now, though gaining
slowly, he is still unable
to write a letter.

He wishes me to say to you
that however much he
might enjoy the preparation
of such an article as you
suggest, he deems it only
the part of [providence?/prudence?] in
view of all the work that
has [?] up against him
the last month – botanical