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specimens of the relics recovered, accompanied by numerous maps and plans of 

 ancient earthworks and sectional views of the mounds from which the remains 

 were taken, were laid before the society by Mr. Squier in jjerson. These ex- 

 cited deep interest and surprise in all who saw them; and the society imme- 

 diately took measures to encourage further investigation, and secure the publi- 

 cation, under its own auspices, of the important results already obtained, A 

 few months later, the chairman of the present committee, being in Ohio, was 

 enabled, through the kindness of Messrs. Squier and Davis, to visit several of 

 the more important monuments in the immediate vicinity of Chillicothe, and, 

 among these, "Mound City," so called, from which very many of the minor relics 

 and specimens were procured. He was struck with tlie accuracy of ilie plans 

 and drawings, as well as of the accounts which had been laid before the socie- 

 ty, and bears full testimony to the fidelity and integrity with which the process 

 of investigation and delineation has been conducted. 



During the last and present season the researches of these gentlemen have 

 been actively prosecuted and widely extended, and the above work, largely il- 

 lustrated, comprising the results, has been prepared. These results are so nu- 

 merous and important, and consequently such is the extent and magnitude of 

 the work itself, as to put its publication beyond any means which the society 

 can command. Under these circumstances, your committee learn With pleas- 

 ure that preliminary arrangements have been made for its publication by the 

 Smithsonian Institution, among its "Contributions to Knowledge." It can only 

 be a matter of sincere gratification to this society to see that which it cannot 

 itself accomplish for the history and antiquities of our country, taken up and 

 carried out under such favorable auspices ; and ihey cannot but rejoice that an 

 opportunity is thus aiforded to that noble institution of opening its high career 

 by fostering scientific researches into the interesting probleuis connected with 

 the Ante-Columbian history and Aboriginal monuments of our own country. 



In view of these facts, your committee would recommend the adoption of the 

 following resolutions by the society : 



Resolved, That this society regard the researches of Messrs. Squier and 

 Davis as of very great importance in American Archaeology, and as casting much 

 light upon our aboriginal antiquities, especially upon the character and habits 

 of the earliest races which had their seat in the Mississippi valley. 



Resolved, That we regard the work prepared upon this subject as one of 

 great general interest, and as worthy to be adopted ior publication by the Smith- 

 sonian Institution, both as resting on original researches, and as aff'ording re- 

 markable illustrations of the history of the American continent. 



Your committee would also append to this report the accompanying letters 

 from Samuel G. Morton, M. D., of Philadelphia, and Hon. George P. Marsh, of 

 Vermont, both members of this society, and joint membcis of this committee. 



All of which is respectfully submitted. 



EDWAED ROErNSON, > 



JOHN R. BARTLETT, > Committee. 



W. W.TURNER, ) 



New York, June, 1847. 



New York, June 9, 1847. 

 I have examined with much interest and attention the manuscripts, drawings, 

 and ancient relics in the possession of Mr. E. G. Squier, and am happy to 

 say that my previous impressions concerning the value of the researches of that 

 gentleman and his associate are fully confirmed. It is fortunate for the cause 

 of American Archaeology that the first systematic attempt at its elucidation 



