Vassar College Dec 7, 1875 Dear Ward I have been on the point of communicating with you several times respecting my projected expe- dition to Bolivia; but have been waiting for developments and for time. I enclose statement which will give you some idea of the [field?]. I want to leave about the first of March. I am expecting aid from the Secretary of the Navy in the line of transportation, and instruments from Royal Geographical Soc. London. but I want $3000 cash to make it a thorough thing. I am going where nobody else has gone and hope to add an important chapter to Geographical Science, and indirectly to commerce and Natural History. Doesn't your friend Brooks or your intelligent Uncle burn
with a desire to immortalize himself by doing as Thayer did for Agassiz, and subscribe enough to have it called forever after his name."The Brooks Expedition" or "The Ward Expedition"! The latter would of course indirectly help you! I will bring you [home?] entire skins of unknown mammals, birds and creeping things. Speak quick. I'm in earnest and am bound to outdo Stanley in Africa. "How I found the Beni" will be my next book! To whom should I dedicate it? Owing to the constipated state of college finances, I can't order that Dugong, much as I yearn for it. Let me hear from you. Most truly Jos. Orton