
          Dr. Gray's wonderful specimen of Fluorspar reminds me of our
 mineralogy which is by no means to be despized [despised]. I have some
 fine specimens of Columbite, and uranium ochre &
 a short time ago I found some pretty good specimens of
 Phosphate of uranium. I also found this mineral years 
 ago. This summer a crystal of Columbite was found
 in Middletown (at the feldspar mine) weighing 14 pounds!
 It has been broken but still there is one piece that weighs
 seven pounds. I have a number of crystals one nearly
 similar to the figure given by Phillip [Mein?] weighing
 2 ounces, and have another 14 ounces incrusted with
 uranium ochre.


 It is my belief that Gov [Governor] Winthrop obtained his Columbite
 from Middletown, my reason for this I will give you
 when I see you, and can talk over the whole matter.
 I find the minerals and metals of this place were known
 quite early, much more to this is generally supposed by
 mineralogists. Even the first Gov Winthrop had specimens
 and knew the mineralogy of the White Mts [Mountains] of New Hampshire,
 in 1642, Darby Field the Discoverer an Irishman gave him
 an account noted in the Journal of Winthrop, which the brief
 is sustantilly [substantially] correct from my knowledge of this region
 See Journal Ed 1790 p 247 [A journal of the transactions and occurrences in the settlement of Massachusetts and the other New England Colonies, 1790 edition, page 247].


 The Chrysoberyl of Haddam I learn was first discovered
 by the late Richard Alsop Esq. of this City who made it known
 to Col Gibbs [crossed out: a] [added: who was his] particular friend. This City was formerly
 a great place of resort for literary and scientific characters.
 Columbite is rather an abundant mineral in our rocks
 and from its great weight must have attracted attention early.
 The large specimen of 14 pounds I have spoken of was found
 on the outside of the rock. Though the five specimens are
 generally disclosed by blasting for the feldspar.

        