p.2

an [illegible] whose cortical layers indica-
ted so many years, which therefore
was the date of its abandonment; that
the trees indicate [illegible] 12 & 3 close of the
12th & the beginning of the 13th centuries, as
the period when the mound builders
were developed &c although the longev-
ity of trees has not been with me a spe-
cialty. I had arrived at the conclusion
that, ordinarily, 5 or 6 centuries would
mark the limit of their growth, & that
[illegible] trees covering the mound would carry
their antiquity back for some centuries, but
that there was a period beyond in which
several generations might have sprung up,
[illegible] & died, the lapse of which time, it
is impossible for us to estimate I wrote
to Gray & I have his answer full & explicit,
which I shall quote side by side with yours.

I see that your letter was mailed at
Chicago, now, instead of compelling me to write
these things, come up to my home, & discuss them
with me. You would have found Mr. [Perkins?]
here. I have always an extra plate. I have
written to [Goodman?] about [illegible] find.
I am unwilling to adopt any more newspa-
per [illegible] knowing how largely the Ed-
itors indulge in the "Sensational." I feel un-
der infinite obligations to you for your ac-
tive interest in my work, and am very de-
sirous of submitting it to your [illegible].
& I hope that the opportunity may occur before
I go to press. — This cold weather has stif-
fend up my limbs, & now I am compelled
to resort to crutches. I fear that I shall be

compelled to forego my visit to Madison & Friday I had hoped to go to [illegible].
[illegible] meanwhile sending word to you & Dr [Hoy?]
If I get over these premonitions I will certainly go to Madison.

Very truly

[J. W. F.?]