X ADVERTISEMENT. 



puhliciition by the Smithsonian Institution, among its ' Contiibutions to Knowledge.' It can only be n 

 matter of sincere gi-atitication 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 they cannot 

 but rejoice that an opportunity is thus afToided to that noble institution of opening its high career, by 

 fostering scientific research into the interesting problems connected with the Ante-Columbran history and 

 Ancient Monuments of our own country, 



" In view of these facts, your Committee would recommend the adoption of the following resolutions 

 by the Society : — 



•' Resohed, That this Society regard the researches of Messrs. Squjer and Davis, as of very great 

 importance in American Archteology, and as casting much light upon our Aboriginal Antiquities, espe- 

 cially upon the character and habits of the earliest races which had then- seat in the Mississippi Valley. 



" Resolced, That we regard the work prepared upon this subject, as one of great general interest, and 

 as worthv to be adopted for publication by the Smithsonian Institution, both as lesting on original 

 researches, and as affording remarkable illustrations of the history of the American Continent. 



" Your Committee would also append to this Report, the accompanying letters from Samuel G. Mor- 

 ton, M.D., of Philadelphia, and Hon. George P. Marsh, of Vermont, both members of this Society, and 

 joint members of this Committee. 



" All of which is respectfully submitted. Edward Robinson, \ 



John R. Bartlett, \ Committee^ 



"iVeu; io/A, June, 1847." W. W. Turner, ) 



" .Veu;- York. June 9th, 1847. 

 •' I have examined, with much interest and attention, the manuscripts, drawings, and ancient remains 

 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 systematic attempt at its elucidation should have been conceived 

 and executed in so truly philosophical a spirit ; and, rich as this age already is in antiquarian lore, it has, 

 I think, received few more important contributions than that which the enlightened and generous zeal of 

 these two pri\ate gentlemen is about to confer upon it. The Smithsonian Collection could not begin with 

 a more appropiiate or creditable essay ; and I hope that every facility may be afforded to the investiga- 

 tors, in bringing before the public the results of their honorable labors, in as suitable a form and with as 

 little delay as possible. (Signed) Geo. P. Marsh." 



" Fhiladelphia, June 8, 1847. 

 " As a Member of the Committee of the American Ethnological Society, appointed to report on the 

 Memoir on American Archaeology, by Messrs. E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis, I have great pleasure in 

 saying, that after a careful and repeated inspection of the materials in the hands of those gentlemen, I am 

 convinced they constitute by far the most important contribution to the Archasology of the United States, 

 that has ever been offered to the public. The number and accuracy of their plans, sketches, &c., have 

 both interested and surprised me ; and it is gratifying to learn that the preliminary arrangements have 

 been made foi- their publication under the honorable auspices of the Smithsonian Institution. 



(Signed) " Samuel George Morton'." 



To ensure accuracy in the present volume, the plates and engravings have been 

 prepared under the supervision of Mr. E. G. Squier, who has also had the general 

 direction of the press. The sheets as they were printed, were also examined by 

 Professor W. W. Turner, of New York, and Mr. F. A, Teall, The wood engra- 

 vings were executed by Messrs- Orr & Richardson, and Mr. J. W. Orr, from 

 drawings on the blocks, chiefly by Wm. Wade and Mr. Hamilton Brown. The 

 Lithographic engraving was executed by Messrs. Sarony & Major, and the 

 printing by Mr. E. O. Jenkins. 



