Transcribe Maynard, C. J. (Charles Johnson). Letter to Ward, Henry A. (1876-05-02)

Newtonville May 2nd 1876 Prof Henry A Ward

   My dear Sir:

Your copy of Rochester paper in which is an announcement of the "Magnificent Gift" has reached me. Allow me to offer you my hearty congrat- ulations upon such rare good fortune.

  Now as you would susspect perhaps

the idea of offering you my services in obtaining the birds nests & eggs for your undertaking immediatly occurred to me. I should much like to do this & I can </s either > supply you with ^collections^ & the kinds of North America either in skins or mounteos. This I can do cheaper than any one else & in first class style. What say you can we "teach"? as we Yorkys say.

   I should also like to sell you a collection

of shells. You know that I have a large one all correctly named, having passed through the Smithsonian Institute, I am going to Pennsylvania shortly 9 Mintr & if you will write me </u at once> will try & call on you if you desire to see me relative to the above mentioned subjects.

   I can also procure skeletons ^ of Birds & mammals^ for you

all of which will be well identified as you know.

  Please give me an early answer

Yours truly C J Maynard [another hand- Charles Johnson Maynard]