Transcribe Ward, Henry A. Letter to Brooks, Gary (1877-09-01)

arranged with me ^in any way 2^ the cast on the other detail of this Botanical Cabinet. But it is still time that the cabinet was fully decided upon and that I should make it, going to Europe for the material, during the coming winter. Indeed - as he was aware - I had already obtained some little of the material (about 4000 plants and some models) for this cabinet. Were I able I would go on and complete it at my own expense,- so anxious am I that this great museum - so nobly undertaken, - shall not at the end </s re main an imperfect > remain imperfect or fail to meet the expectations formed of it by the </s scientific men > University, and by the scientific men of America.

   I have within a few days received a letter 

from A. H. H. Stuart (Secretary of the Interior under Fillmore) who is Rector of the University, asking me if Mr Brook's heirs will not complete this work, so nearly finished during his life. My letter to you ^ which I wish that you would kindly

     communicate to the other ^ is to ask the same question.
  Going down to the Virginia University tonight I will

simply report to Rector Stuart that I have not neglected the matter, and that we shall perhaps know in a few weeks </s the > your decision, </s of Mr Brook's heirs in this matter. >

  I cannot hope - for the cause of Science and the good of

Southern education, that Mr Brooks cherished wish to have this Museum a </s noble >, complete structure may be </s fulfilled > still

           be carried out.

It is a noble Monument to his Memory, and will perpet- uate his influence on our Earth for centuries to come. The Virginia