
          Dear Sir,

I have [added: now] sat [added: down] to write a long letter [in? all?] I am not interrupted in the progress of it. You remarked that my 
former unanswered letter pestered you once for all I say that, that is needless. You inquire what wonderful things I have said of the 
coal masses of Pa. [Pennsylvania]. Nothing at all. I have not exchanged a word with Eaton since I went there & was entirely ignorant of the publications 
to which you allude. I have some singular animal relick [relic] that I discovered in that town, but I never thought they 
[added: were] rattlesnakes. I wish I could transmit you a specimen. I think I will bring down with me one or two next spring. The specimens I have are not 
ammonite? I did not visit Orange co. [County]. Professional business entirely prevented me. I shall visit them in the spring. The 
clintonite is unquestionably bronzite. The other expeditions you refer to are not made, & the caution you give me is certainly good, 
the reason why as you remark, that "my practice must be the mainstay after all." To be plain I do not know that I shall ever obtain 
any situation which will free me from the necessity of the practice of my prof. [profession]. Tho I have not failed in lecturing, & I shall not, but 
circumstances are not favorable for my becoming a popular lecturer. I have one good friend here who has told me [added: however] that he has no 
doubt but that I shall obtain a professorship. Now, nos inter nos. I know if I live, it is in my power, provided I use those 
means in my power. The difficulty Dr. Griffin would say is, in not having a gift of the gab. Before this term closes that objection will 
be done away, I will tell you the precise difficulty. His [crossed out: not] in not having good views of my subject, or in other words is, in not making 
preparation for my lectures is, in a want of facts & information. I have been supplying my deficiencies in these respects this winter & 
when you hear from me by any of my friends they will not tell you I am dull & want animation, quantum sufficit.

Mrs. Griffins accident was not dangerous, only a fracture of the clavicle from which she has long since recovered. Dr. Hopkins is 
very popular & will unquestionably succeed well. Our loss is great in [added: the death [of]] Mr. Noble. The family affects admirably under this irreparable 
loss. I rejoice in the prosperity of your college. If I were in your place I would visit Europe, if duty called. I shall 
be in New York in the spring to see your new [ofice? [office?]] things I hope. Some of the importers of books will bring out Le Conte, Lepidoptera 
for I [crossed out: shall] hope to get the work. I have now answered your letter in full & have only to thank you for it & 
express the hope that I may often have the pleasure of similar favors. I have said some things to be seen in this answer which 
I [a] wise man would not have said but as I make no pretension to sapiency your opinion will remain unaltered.
        