
          I would take if I was free, would be a sturdy one; but I do
not think that under existing circumstances it would be prudent
in me at the present moment to take a determined stand against
the wishes of a set of men, whose position, not knowledge of
the matter under consideration, would be [crossed out: illegible][added: sure] to crush me,
but I do hope that the time is comming [coming] when justice will 
be done me in some other quarter.

I have had by me for these last two weeks about 20 pages
of Proof wherein both the Latin and English Spc [Specific] Characters are
given, and I have corrected some of the more glaring Errors of
the press, which is a new kind of work to me. Mr Drayton 
is to call on Monday [added: the 20th] to take, or have theses proofs sent back to
the Printer.

I deeply regret that Captn [Captain] Wilkes should have penned you
such a letter as you describe, and he certainly made a 
mistake in saying that you were not asked to to any thing for
me but �translate the specific Characters�, as he knew full well
that I went twice to Princeton to consult with you on matter
altogether different from translating; he knew also full well
that I had little knowledge in drawing up Mss. [Manuscripts] for printing,
and that you had at my request generously condescended 
to help me all that you could, and I do think that a due
respect for your feelings and mine, might have suggested a different
course on his part, and that would have been to have 
let us alone and finish the book, and to have allowed you
something handsome for the translation at least. And I farther
regret this difficulty between Captn W. [Captain Wilkes] and yourself, as I look
upon myself as being somewhat the cause thereof [added: as it was concerning my affairs], but I am
deeply indebted to you in addition to your kindness in other
        