270 LIFE OF BENJAMIN SILLIMAN. 



in the demolition of some rugged cliff of granite that rise 

 on the banks of the Androscoggin. But I have insensibly 

 gotten into the mineral kingdom, and will now endeavor to 

 feel a little calmer, notwithstanding these turbulent times. 

 I still go on, and suffer no day to pass without a page or two. 

 For several reasons, however, the work cannot appear 

 before the winter. Indeed, were I this day ready for the 

 press, I should doubt the expediency of proceeding in- 

 stantly, such is the universal state of excitation and alarm 

 throughout our country. I am yet to receive considerable 

 assistance from two or three gentlemen in Baltimore, 

 which must, of course, be delayed by recent events in 

 that vicinity. 



FROM HON. DAVID DAGGETT. 



WASHINGTON, November 28, 1814. 



DEAR SIR, Your letter of the 24th instant, concern- 

 ing a twenty-dollar note of one of the banks of this dis- 

 trict, is received. I will readily do all I can in the case. 

 It can scarcely be credited in Connecticut, but so the fact 

 is, that the Treasury of the United States cannot pay this 

 nor any other sum in any other than a depressed currency. 

 Our wages we must spend here, or fund, or loan to individ- 

 uals. A dollar cannot be raised here in any paper east of 

 Baltimore. Silver and gold are literally banished. You 

 might as well hunt for foxes or deer on our green as for a 

 dollar in Washington. I need not tell you how deplorable 

 is our condition as a nation. I see no prospect of a furor- 

 able change. If the war shall continue a year, the gov- 

 ernment must cease to operate. It cannot it will not 

 be administered by its present incumbents. With my regards 

 to Mrs. S., I am, dear sir, 



Truly yours, 



DAVID DAGGETT. 



