Box 7, Folder 1: Increase Lapham Correspondence 1826-1830

(To Prof. B. Silliman New Haven Con.)

Copies of letters Sent to Prof Silliman & Carnass White Engineer-

Shippingsport Ky Feb. 11th 1829

Dear sir, I have delayed writing until this late period hoping that I might have something interesting to relate in regard to the geology of the Western Country when I returned from my first to Chillicothe Ohio. But owing to the haste with which I was obliged to travel, my observations were very limited; and I only discovered that the limerock (which I think must be the Sias of Prof. Eaton) after the rising from under the sandstone and slat (Third Graywacke of Eaton,) at this place continues to be the only rock found in situ until we arrive within ten miles of Chillicothe where it again passes under the sandstone I took me a keg of mineral and petrifications which were collected on and about the fall, and exhibited them to Mr. Dorfville, proprietor of the Western Museum of Cincinnati. Among them were species of Madrepora, Milipora, Tbipors, Terebratula, Trilobus, and Productus. an hearing his opinion respecting each of them I was induced to throw away specimens which, before, I had supposed to be valuable; and to be much vexed at myself to think that I had sent you some which were quite as bad. I have to plead for excuse, my total want of experience in collecting such specimens; and it is probable that you may find a few among them worth saving. You will not consider it a very great loss if they have not come to hand; and it is possible they have not, as I have not heard from you since they were sent. I have engaged to collect for Mr. Canvass White civil Engineer four specimens of each variety of shell found in the Ohio river about the falls and already have about thirty varieties of Unios and several furnvalves. he wants them for scientific instructions & for himself. I have enclosed in this letter ten dollars in payment for the Journals of Science of Prof Silliman Increase A. Lapham

G/[?] Canvass White Louisville] Shippingport March 5, 1829

Respected friend

Deeply impressed with a sense of high importance of a thorough course of collegiate education, and knowing that I have now arrived at the age when I must be commenced, if ever, I have for some time past been reflecting on the subject, and endeavoring to form a plan by which I might obtain so desirable an object. But various difficulties present themselves resulting from one source only to want of sufficient means to accomplish it. My parents are not in such circumstances as to allow my calling on them, and to wait until I could earn it myself would cause two great of delay and perhaps blast my prospects for ever.

The strong desire I have for accomplishing this object is my only apology for addressing you on the subject. I want the means to do it; and if you through your own pecuniary resources or influence in society will obtain for me the amount of money necessary for a collegiate education you will have conferred me a favor equal to my most sanguine expectations, and one which ( If life and wealth are the allotments of heaven) shall be cancelled to the last farthing.

I am Sir, with sentiments of respect and esteem your most able humble servant Increase A Lapham

Canvass White Esq.

B. Silliman C. White 5 Mar. 1827

New Haven December 24-1829

Dear Sir

I have received yours of Dec th Have given written address to have Mr. [?] [?] future Nos of the Journal such as you have specified. I shall be [?] to receive the proposed communication of yourself & brother. For well digested communication of value. I now may at the rate of $1 a printed page & I will see that you are credited in the account with the donor for your paper or remit the money as you may prefer. Your will [?] to give me reasonable notice before your papers come & how much room they will probably occupy. I am glad you are going to examine the subject of boulders. I would call your attention to the following things 1. Their size & number & variety in given places 2. Any appearance of things pointed by the effect of rushing water & in what direction or directions 3. Any scratches, furrows & in the roads in place, over which they may be proposed.

to have possible; the numbers, orientation & depth of furrows & 4. Whether more abundant on the borders of lakes & rivers In valleys their effect when 5. I would call your attention to that of your friend to the queries on mineral coats [?] Prof Danbury in the forthcoming [?] of the Journal; information at that head will be very interesting.

The water and stove if I have it among No more [?] which you [?] me which I do not now even remember- I will endeavor to have it examined if possible

[?] [?]not heard from- I shall not trouble him.

Confidential & private. An active gentleman. in your place formerly from the East what his condition- habits bad or otherwise

Yours truly B Silliman

Mr. Lapham

(back of letter folded and used as envelope)

May 1828

paid 25 (red ink inscription) Mr. I. A. Lapham Circleville Ohio New Haven CT DEC 24 (Red stamp ink)

(red wax seal)

(black manuscript ink) Prof. Silliman Dec 24, 1827