
          They will see that the intensive cultivation of the Agave sisalana alone
will cause an entire revolution in the agriculture of the southern states will
relieve them from their [fires?] and alarming embarassments and convert even
their ruined fields and sterile districts into vegetable mines of vegetable wealth.
That it will furnish a profitable staple to the planters of the South which will
afford a cheap material to the manufactures,supply many wants of our
merchant [assets?], our Navy & our [?] in general, and will thus promote
the prosperity and the perpetuity of the Unum.

With these feelings I read the extract of my letter in the Agave Sisalana [Agave sisalana] before the
Lyceum. I did not think necessary to enter into details of the advantages which
would accrue to the United States from its domestication, as so learned a body

should perceive them at once. I stated the facts which show its importance
to the natives of Yucatan. If the statementmade in the message of the
Governor of New York be true [vis?] that most articles of culture flourish most
at the northern margin of the zone of their growth the fact will be our
additional encouragement. I felt nevertheless that if the Lyceum believed
my statements, they must acknowledge that the subject was interesting,
important and deserving the patronage of Government, and conceived
that they could have no motive for reluctance in accepting those opinions.
I respected that they would at least have expressed their sense of its
importance in some way that mightaccompany its presentation with
my petition to the Government. [over?] so slight a circumstance as creating
me an honorary or corresponding membermight have indicated their
feeling of its importance. However gratifying to my vanity it might have been
my vanity would have had the least gratification from such an act. My
ambition would have been subserved - an ambition which leads me 
to believe that the success of my enterprize will elevate me to the list of
public benefactors, higher then [than] even the founders of Canals. With or without
the aid of scientific or monied men I will ultimately succeed, but they
could all accompany my march. It would of course look better to the Congressional
Committee in my paper, to see Document [C or D?], with the Appendix Read
before the N Y Lyceum 9th Jan.referred to in Committeee. Who reposted
"thatthey conceive the subject to be of high national importance and
that the domestication of the species merits the special patronage of the 
General Government. Concurred on by the Society."

I must be down on account of exhaustion - Don't consider this communication
however tiresome it may be an effort to beg your favor or alienate your
friendship. [crossed out: my object] What my expectations were I have explained. If
they cannot be fulfilled, I merely wish to have my paper withdrawn
in such a manner as will not imply any unfavorable opinion being entertained 
of it by the Lyceum.

I have the honour to be very resply. [respectively]
your obt. [obedient] sevt. [servant]

H. Perrine

        