Robinson Female Seminary,
Exeter, N. H. July 7 1886
Mr. Bessey
Dear Sir
My name may recall to you a
MS. of a primer of Botany which you so kindly and thoroughly
examined almost a year ago, [sic.] which work I have failed
to acknowledge properly. A long illness caused by over-work
has prevented my taking up anything connected with my line
of studies thus far, and therefore your long and well appreciated
letter has lain unanswered; I trust this too late apology
will excuse my great apparent rudeness about it.
I thank you many times for your criticisms, and in
revising the MS as I intend to do at once, I shall avail myself
of the changes you made and suggested — that is, with
your permission to do so; and I trust you will allow me
in a little preface to express my appreciation of the fact
that my MS. enjoyed the advantages of your personal
supervision. Ginn & Co. of Boston, who will bring it out,
will be making a real venture with it; as it will be the first
botany primer they have taken up.
Will you be so good as to write me a line telling me frankly
if you will allow me to mention my obligations to you in my preface.
If you think the MS. hardly warrants so much notice, I shall not
feel hurt if you say so. I am most grateful for your past
goodness about it.
Yours truly
Adaline R. Knight. Exeter N. H.
