Transcribe Smith, F. H. Letter to Ward, Henry A. (1876-04-11)

punctiliously respect his privacy,unless </u he > choses to reveal himself.

    Dr Hanson, our chairman has gone to 

Richmond & will try to see the Governor. I am </u reliably > assured, that the ^names of the^ new board will be published in a day or two, We looked for them yesterday.

    I think our bricks will do. No other ^cut^ stone will

be required save for water table, window or door sills and </u steps >, & perhaps a coping or two, taking this later, there is doubt. I am wholly with you in thinking the </u Two > stories </u highly > desirable, both for appearance, & what is still more important for </u room > for expansion. You will get by next mail, another photograph. Which Col Venable will mail to you, giving birds eye view of the buildings as they existed 20 years ago. =same as now. . Sans address of Laboratory & c.

    I hope you will bring drawings & all requiired papers

down with you. Your activity & zeal kindly on all. We are commonly like Rip Van Winkle, but are thoroughly awake now.

    I write from my Lecture room, where I can find

only the scrap of note paper. Truly your F H Smith [ybg]