I find a gentleman has arrived here today from Brunswick by the name
of Swallow, who is making interest for the appointment, by getting
recommendations from members to the Governor. He has recommenda-
tions from the President and Faculty of Bowdoin College and others.
  What his claims are I know not save by his certificates. But as the
resolve was passed on your petition, I thought it right you should know
what was going on (if you haven't alrcady been appraised of it) so that
you might take measures to defeat the opposition of Mr. Swallow; and as
Mr. Hamlin has gone to Paris to be absent till the middle of next week, I
have taken this opportunity to give you the information above. I sup-
posed it was your intention to visit Augusta soon. You will now perceive
the propriety of not delaying it any longer.
  You will deem it best, no doubt, to bring with you all the testimonials
you can get of your qualifications for the appointment.
  Mrs. Appleton & Elizabeth are here and send their best regards to Mrs.
Young and yourself.
                                   Very truly yrs
                                           N. D. Appletonr
Dr. A. Young Junr

   This incident probably delayed the appointment of the State
Botanist for several weeks. Dr. Young finally received the commis-
sion but not until the summer was well advanced.
   The first steps for the execution of the survey followed quickly and
on August 18, 1847, at nine A. M., a party consisting of seven persons
left Bangor for an exploration of Mount Katahdin.
   The party consisted of Dr. Aaron Young, Jr., in charge, aged 28
years; Dr. George Thurber of Providence, R. I., later noted as a
botanist and horticultural editor, aged 26 years; Rev. Ariel Parrish
Chute, a clergyman of Harrison, Maine, aged 38 years; Mr. J. K.
Laski, later known as Dr. John De Laski, and a writer on the Glaci-
ology of Penobscot Bay, then probably of Bangor, aged 32 years; John
Emerson of Glenburn, Maine, a young man, George Emerson of Ban-
gor, a youth, and James Cowan of Bangor, guide.
   Dr. Young in his letter to the governor submitting his report on
 the survey says of the party, "In my exploration of Katahdin I was
 accompanied by Mr. George Thurber of Rhode Island and Messrs.
 Chute and Emerson of this State, gentlemen well skilled in botany,
 who rendered me very efficient service in my labors. Other gentlemen
 also volunteered their services, to whom I am indebted for the alacrity
 with which they entered upon their tasks."
   Dr. Thurber in his private diary gives this view of the party.
   i Nathan Dane Appleton, born in Ipswich, Mass., May 20, 1794. graduated froni
 Bowdoin College, 1813. Practiced law at Standish, Maine from 1818 to 1820; and at
 Alfred from 1820 to 1861. State representative 1829, also 1847-1848. State Senator
 1830. Attorney General of Maine 1857 to 1859. Died at Alfred. November 12, 1861


[JANUARY


Rhodora