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out and just to go before the world. I am much obliged to you for the manner in which you replied to him as I learned by your note sent to me by Wiley J. Putnam. I shall say but very little in reply in this place, as my assertions, whatever they were, are before the world, in my Book, & as I consider under oath, I am quite contented that they shall speak for themselves. You need not fear that I gave you knowingly or otherwise anything in my description of that place in your journal of science that was untrue, if I did, time, at least will bring upon the deserved reproach. I send you by this Steamer my work, which you will be kind enough to accept and you may take what is said of the pipe stone quarry for matter of fact which will stand the test, at all events with such ignorant & purile authority as that which would expose its [? atness ?] by so gross an absurdity as that the pipe stone is dug up in a soft state and laid under leaves by the Indians to prevent it from cracking in the sun! I assert this to be so palpable a falsehood, that I am disposed to [scratched out word] doubt the fact your secret correspondent, however “respectable” never saw the pipe stone quarry. I assert it to be grossly false that the stone hardens to any perceptible [end page]