Waukee Sunday Evening Jan. 11, 1 , by I A. Lapham. Ladies and Oontleme

I -. •

Lee .livered at the Oregon Engine house No. 3, Vard, Mil­ waukee Sunday evening Jan. 11, 1 , by I A. Lapham.

Ladies and Oontlemen--

A desire to comply with -easonabl..

quest of the president of this "Oregon Tumperanee League," to do ighbor, as a finnd, to you and to the imporpan cause in which you ,ed? and a desire, at least, to at­ tempt all the good I can rather than any consciousness of abil: to instruct, interest or even to amuse you, are the motives that have decided me to appear* before you on this occasion.

Should any of you receive additional c ye or inducement to pe Ln the t • virtue .mor,

ace and happiness, both here and hereafter, by anything I can say or do on this, or any other occasion, it shall certainly be

ally and promptly said and done.

Unaccustomed as I am, hi blic speaking, you must not expect, that -what I have to say shall be in the most graced ful style of oratory? or oven with a pleasing and agreeable mann of delivery. I shall only claim credit for hon of purpose and sincerity in all my s taternentsi.

After what has been ; ited to you from desk on

iQ;' occasions, I need not attempt to show the deleterious ef­ fects of ' alcohol ic drinks upon trie physical nzation and con­ stitution oe' man bo. y? Jets upon the moral and pons nature oJ soul ?*jfl© !•_*.- the disastrous effects upon business afffairs, the p y or estate of individuals.. Tries- • 900- 1851. of the Mississippi is based upon calcareous rocks. They consist of yellow,blue and grey varieties of 1 lines tone, and are classed by geologists as "Silurian rocks" being of an age long anterior to the rocks of the coal formation.

Although to the casual observer they appear to lie in - hor i 7^ *Jr

-909 1852. are evils you are all familiar with, from daily observation? but which can not be too often, nor too forcibly presented so long as they continue to exist in our midst.

It would be an equally needless waste of time to at­ tempt any arguments to show that you are enagaged in a great, a noble and a glorious cause, second, in importance to our present welfare, only to that of religion itself. Indeed, how can relig­ ion exist without temperance? How can a person whose mind is con­ stantly clouded with the fumes of alcohol, know, and understand the sublime truths of the Christian religion? It is impossible! And if a drunkard cannot unders tand these truths, how is ho to have that deep-seated and realizing sense of their importance, that will cause him to embrace them and thus become a true and consistent

Chr ist ian.

NO.unless the principles you now adopt and advocate shall first be carried into practice, true religion and piety exist. A A church filled with drunkards would be an anomaly indeed! The temperance reform, I repeat, must first be made an} the work thoroughly done, before men are fitted to embrace or even fully to understand the doctrines of Him, who taight as never man yet taught. We must certainly pick men up from the gutter, wash and cleanse them and restore them to their right mind, reason and un­ derstanding before they are at all fitted to be sent to church.

These truths are so obvious that it is strange they should have bee been so long overlooked.

If those who are engaged in promoting the great and holy cause of religion in the world would take this view of the subject, 7>"?

-910- 1352. would begin at the beginning in their work? they would ,oubtless meet with far greater success. It is ve •; gratifying, however, to learn that clergymen, everywhere are becoming sensible of their error of omission in this rapec1 an; are beginning again to in­ clude temperance among trie cardinal virtues as did ihe apostles of old. They begin to see that if they neglect any important part of their duty, Cod v/ill raise up separate and independent organ­ izations to secure His great purposes in regaru to man's present and future happiness. Had the church done her Whole duty there would be ,at this day, no necessity for temperance societies.

A stricy adherence to temperance principles may be re­ garded as one of the chief reasons oi' the great success, the flour- ishing condition and the high standing of the religious sect called Friends or Quakers. We all knotr that they attained a great degree of eminence among the different religious organizations.They commande. the respect of the world for their truly pious conduct, as well as its ridicule for some of their singular habits and cus- toms.

This sect was so strict in reigar d to the use of intoxica- tin inks, that they constituted, long ago, a great "Total absti- ne no e Temperanc e Society." They would no more tolerate drunken- ness in their ranks than they would any other sin or crime. To them be longs the honor of first adopting and carrying out ri»- c iples 01' modern temperance societies.

Long before the present movement on this subject was commonc or thought of, werr the hones t Quakers, using their si- lent bu t firm and decided influence in this direction. They exhib- y£>o

•911- 1852. ited to the world the numerous benefits resulting from their strict observance of temperance principles, in their great worldly pros­ perity, good and kind neighborly feelings towards each other, free­ dom from contagious diseases, from quarrels, riots and violence of all kinds? from poorhouses and insane hospitals? and this may have been and probably was th r a oursc of the first movements on this important subject.

It was from this source, imparted through the gentle in­ fluence of one of the best of mothers that I derived my temper­ ance principles and practice too! lror whatever merit there may be in it, in my case, to them belongs the praise. Under such guidance

I have never conquered that original dislike thai y sis when he first tastes alcoholic drinks. They have no charm for mo. I would take them only as ammedicine and with as much reluct ance as is usually exhibited in swallowing the nauseating potions with which your physicians attempt to restore health. 1 have therefore no gutter experiences to -el 'or your amusement.

We nave, in this natural aversion to unaccustomed drinks, an imporatnt weapon, which might be wielded , with great success, against this powerful ally of the great enemy of mankind, this

King Alcohol.

If our youth could ed from these drinks until their tastes were fully formed and developed, they would be as

4 backward about taking rum as calomel. They would have no more in­ clination for mint julep than for senna tea.

If mothers could be induced to omit the useless season­ ing of the pap with which infancy is often fed? if ] arsnts would

so to supply their children with stimulating drinks either dir 7 It

-912- 1852.

eetly or indirectly, lich they gradually break down and conquer

t h e i r na tura 1 d is tai fee for th iis e injurious liquors, we might hoj

that many persons would be by mere disinclination to tax'ste

the d ange rous beverage.

To secure your safe ty against t. vils of in- first temperance, you must shun th. 3 veryAbeginnings of evil. To allow

the tempter not one inch of ground, is your only safety? there is

no mi Le round on which ecu can repose and be s from danger.

I can think of no more apt illustration of the danger to

which the moderate drinker is expos . re Dy comparing him with

the man who was seen flefljfring down the broad smoo th wa ters of the

Niaga river. Re left Black Rock with the intention oi landing

a t hi 3 beautiful residence on the bank of the riv short dis-

tance be 1 ow. As if unc onscioi1 8 of any aj ; • < tehing danger,

floated along calmly an Lj mjbying the charming beauty of th

th conery and the balmy air from off the cool waters of the great

Lakes . His oars lie. useless!;-r stowed away in his little boat,

wh i 1 e elides along unconscious of the swift-winged passage of

t ime and of the fearful nearness of the awful gulf before him.His

frien ds. hail him from the shore and warn him again an. again of

his impending danger, but the reply of the deluded man is, "I am

going bu t a 1i 111s w ay, 1 c an .; asuore at any time, it is ve

pleas nt he r e, let me enjo y it,, let me alone!"

Thus hepasses on and on until at length he approaches the

fearful whirling rapids that precede the great fall. At first,he

feels alarmed, he resolves to turn his boat to the shore, bujt he is pauses to enjoy the gentle racking of the .. v s. The motion ex-

4 7<

f-2- 3- hilarating,is for the moment pleasant.

Dreadful forebodings,it is true,do occasionally take pos­ session of his mind,but he immediately suppresses them by applying his attention wholly to the soothing and exciting enchantments about him? and by indulging the delusive hope th t he may yet at any time approach the shore. His fieiends seeing his almost hope­ less situation,are now nor clamorous for his safety and use every argument to recall him to the land and to make his realize the- extent of his awful danger. Perhaps he,by this time, thinks it necessary to alter his course, He becomed alarmed,* he applies the oars vigorouly, he exerts his whole strength to secure his safety. »ut alas! it is too late, the awful precipice is at hand, he sinks down and is losr forever!!

But this thing of tippling,of moderate drinking,of taking a little for sociability has become so fashionable and polite, so genteel,so conimon among those who have influence standing and wealth among us,that it becomes us to be careful what we say agains it,lest forsooth we offend them,hUrt their delicate feelings and loi tvor and support. Another very important thing to be taken into the account is the fact that quite a large number of the voters at the elections are guilty of this vicious practice, and to secure their influence and votes for our political advance­ ment, or for the political advancement of our party or our friends we must say nothing ahainst it ! Nayjf, we must for a season just before the election join in their "social',gather ings at the grog shops and tippling houses to secure their attendance and their at­ tention to the proceedings,all primary political meetings must be; hold in the barrooms,or at least in some room convenient to a bar. •914- 1852. Candidates who are usually more anxious for their own£jfcgT success,

than for the real good of the people(morally if not politically)

understand but too well,the potency of such arguments as these.

Nov/ the question for each of us to consider is this,

is the good opinion of such men to be placed in the balance against

our own character* for sobrietymour own peace and comfort in this

world and the happiness and prosperity of ourselves and of those

who are dependent upon us for protection and support ? Shall we

surrender our independence of ttiouyht and action to curry favor

with'those would be great men,men -who have not themselves the

courage, the manliness, the independence to do thing s they know to

be right and to leave undone the things they know to be wrong.

Why! I would rather beg for a living in the streets than thus to

surrender-all open and manly independence of feeling and action

and wiio of you would not do the same if the true nature and tenden- c y of this servileness could be set before you in all its glaring

nakedness.

Yet there are may I fear, who cannot resit the ridicule,

the sneer, the jest,the taunts by which they may be assialed in

consequence of their course in adopting and advocating the tem­

perance cause. There is often more true courage necessary to en­

able one to persevere in doing right than to face an enemy on the

battle field. How many brave soldiers have fearlessly stood at

the very mouth of the cannon and yet have not had courage to do for battle ewcifrh thatiwhich is right? It has been said and with much truth,by more than one writer and lecturer,that all persons,and especially the young must

have their amusement,their hours of relaxation from the severer

duties of life. And if no better amusements are at hand they will -915- 1852.

as a matter almost of necessity adopt those that are pernicious

in their nature,their tendencies and results. As we cannot work

all the time,we cannot study always. Some repose,some relaxation

is necessary and proper.

It becomes then the obvious duty of a community to pro- v ide suitable places of amusement, as well as places for work and

study, and the community that neglects this important duty is in a

grat degree responsible for the evil consequences of that neglect.

Where can a resident of our ward go, to meet his fellow

citizens,to talk over matters of public concernment or to while

away a leisure hour? What places have been provided for public

reso*#T? What public ground,public gardens or public room? Alas!

I know of none other than the saloon and barroom.

Europeans understand this matter much better than we do.

Thj.® provide public parks .promenades and fountains, ornamented 'with

the beautiful creat ions of art. They have great libraries and

reading rooms, muse urns and other places of piibli c resort to suit all

tastes and inclinat ions, lilven the theatre at Paris is in part sup-

ported at the public expense!

A venerab le and one of the most r •espec ted writers of our

own country has sai d,—"Place m a town or city a spot 'with spread- ing trees and pleas ant walks between,a spot which would serve as an

agreeable promenade and the feelings of that people will flow in a

kinder and smoother channel, there will bo more cheerfulness and

more happiness than tri e re wou 1 d o th erw is e lav1 e been. It is a de­

1 igh t ful amus einent to saunter along the Frcmo n promenades about

sunset and observe the happy groups of all ages tha t throng th em,

to watch the rapid sale of boquets at the j) 1a t forms wh i ch 1ine

their s ides ( flowrrs only are admitted trie'• e), and as an Araeriean 7/*/

2.

looks at the cheerful scene he must think with pain of his own cit­

ies whore everything seems calculated for dull labor and lynx-eye-

ed gain. It is dou btless owing in some degree to the provision

of such places in foreign countries that their natives resort less

to taverns for amusement than with us,and that intoxication is less

frequently seen." "The French" says this intelligent writer,"have

their Boulevards, the Spanish their Prado, the Italians their Corso

all have their public gardens,and we--we have our tMippling shops

the bane and disgrace of our land and shall have them I fear un­

til we provide more innocent places of resort." (Prof .B»Silliman .

i

yet us then my friends at once set about supplying this

defect in our social system. Let us resolve at once,that means

shall be provided, to occupy the attention and not at the same tins-)

vitiate trie morals, the intellect and even the physical constitu­

tions of the people. Let books, magazines and newspapers be pro­ vided and thus cultivate a taste for the baauties of nature,of art,

of anything, rather than allow the young and thoughless to fall

into vicious and idle habits.

Should an effort be made to convert this beautiful hall into a reading room ,a place where the members of the company and

others can drop in and be regiLdt&b with intellectual food, the re is

no doubt the effort would oe successful.

Whatever is decided upon and attempted with a w ill_ is

easily accomplished. Svery good citizen of the ward would lend a helping .hand and give it his encouragement and supporl . Whwn did one of our active and efficient fire companies ask,and not receive?

Uou have only to say'Let it be done,'and it will be done! You -917- 1852.

have a Young Men's association,-whose twelve or fifteen hundred

volumes of choice reading are offered at merely a nominal cost to

any and all who choose to spend their long winter evenings in read­

ing. Let every institution of this kind be encouraged ana supported

by all of us. In this,our day, man is of but little regard with­

out knowledge,without intelligence. And how are we to acquire

knowledge and intelligenceeexcept from books? But tire cost and

trouble of tdttifclibrary is very considerable, and few of us perhaps

can afford to spare the means and devote the time,necessary to ac­

cumulate a library embracing all the book s we ought to read or to

which we frequently have occasion to refer. By this combination

of effort the same money tiiat 'would purchase one book at the book­

store will secure tire use of tweleve hindred. It is economy there­ fore to make our purchases of books through the agency of this as-

sociat ion.

Besides this,there is a feeling of good fellowship in

having things thus in conitnon which ought t> be encouraged. We are

natural! e or less selfish and disposed to be exclusive in our

tastes,desires and enjoyments and everything which Lends to coun­

teract this fooling and make us "love one ai o the r" more than we do

(or in other words make us more democratic*!) cannot certainly be wrong,but must certainly be right.

Would it not be< d an uonor,second only to that you

have now attained, if it oo uld be said tiiat every person composing

this Oregon company was an active,reading member of this literary association. Is it too much to suppose that this will be one of

the first results of trie all important movement you have so aus­ piciously c omm.; i; c o d ?

You have decided to adopt temperance in drinks as one of 7(7

-918* 1852.

•mpany. iiet me assure you that you

will forward the objects you have in view by adopting also tem­

perance in your language. This is a duty which jrou owe not only

to yourselves but also to the young and inconsiderate 'who may chance,

to be in your hearing. I do not now allude to that meanest of all

practices,lying, nor to that very vulgar end disgusting practice

of profanity. I hope none here are guilty of these sins. But theff-C

is a growing looseness of speech among persons of respectability

which doubtless will be checked and suppressed the moment theybe- gp_-J.n to reflect upon its nature and evil tendencies.

When a fire breaks out in some rickety old buildnngs,how

often do you hear the remark from persons who would deem themselves

insulted were we to impeach their honesty ofpurpose, how often do s

hear such persons say,"We are glad these buildings are burnt, they

ought to have been burnt long ego, it is a benefit to the place to

have them burnt up, it is no loss to the city" &c.&c.

ACgain do you not often hear it said when playing upon a

fire with the waters of extinguishment,"Never mind that building

boys, it ought to be burnt up any how, play away lightly, let her

burn!" I do not pretend to assert that precisely this language

has been used still less that if used,the Oregon company would fail

to perform their duty they have voluntarily assumed of extinguish­

ing the fire of the meanest hovel.

But we all know that sentiments like these are often ex­

pressed in the community. Do we not perceive the ill effects of eir

such language uttered in the presence of thoughless youth, in t

presence of desperate persons,of perhaps hardened sinners? Cer­

tainly by such expressions so often made,so seldom checked or re- itr

-919- 1852.

baked, we insensibly influence those who by neglect of early edu­

cation have not been firmly established in the foundations of

truth,Justice and honesty,to commit those crimes ,those dreadful

acts of incendiarism which are becoming so fearfully conimon. Are

we not all then in some degree responsible for the guilt of such

crime? I only ask those who are unfortunately addicted to the use

of such language to pause and reflect a moment upon 'what they are

about to sgru reflect upon the consequences if some inconsiderate

person shall take you as in earnest and set firs to the ne xt block

of old buildings forthe purpose of clearing the city of a nuisance

and of secureing a handsome block of brick buildings in their stead

Atleast one crime of murder in our immediate neighbor* h_ood can be traced to til is cause, to this looseness and insinceri­

ty of speech. Perhaps but few of ycu remember the time when the

lands in this and the adjoining oo untys were si 11 in the hands

of the government,were still public lands. But few of my pres­

ent hearers were in the territory when it was necessary in order

to secure a home in the county to go upon these public lands and

make improvements with a view to purchase them at a future public

sale. At that time we had no pre-emption lav; securing to each

actual occupant the first right t> purchase land. The only

security then existing was the sense of right and justness in the-

community,which prevented one personffroa interfering with the

prior acquired, rights of others. Such was the general sense of

the injustice of "jumping" another's claim,as it was culled,that

many persons stood ready to turn out and with force of arms prevent

all such interference . Indeed several lawless gangs were actual­

ly organized and by force compelled the removal of persons and

their property from lands to which another conceived he had the ?

-920- 1852.

best right. The adoption of a code of Rules and Regulations at

a very large public meeting held in March,1837,was- the means of

preventing such proceedings and thereby saving the community from

many a riot and from much bloodsheds and violence of all kinds.

Such was the sacredness and binding effect of these rules t hat

they were obeyed and enforced with far greater strictness than are

now the laws enacted by your legislature ! The man who would not

abide by them was hardly deemed worthy of a place in this world,

and often have I heard the expression "That he would attempt to

dispossess another of his just claim ought to be shot." "If he should make such an attempt upon my claim, I would shoot him,"

and this perhaps by a person who would,in fact,be the very last to

engage in or perform such a wicked deed. But in the course of a

settlement of a large tract of land by several thousands of indi­

viduals cases of dispute and difficulty would arise, that tree Rules

though guarded in almost every point,did not cover, or perhaps

some hot bloods,not having patience to awaitthe tardy operation of

the lav;,and relying upon this expression of the people to sustain

them,have proceeded to violence ? and in one case at least,to ac-

tual murder. I have not the least doubt but the crime,alluded to, was committed with the fullbelief and expectation that it would be

pardoned and overlooked by a community,whose sentiments as thus ev-

pressed were in favor of the deed. But the result showed that

such expressions were not hones*t,ware not the real sentiments of

the people. They were but the foolhardy and thoughtless expres­ sions of the moment that found no real abiding place in the heart.

If the influence of such language when commonly expressed in the community, is so great as to lead direotly to t,ho -a-ond x t... on* of such crimes,how much more have we cause to dread its power in y o

-921 is: . leading to intemperance. Pearful, then, is the responsibility of those who indulge in this kind of language. It can do no good, it certainly does do much harm. Let us therefore abandon it both now and forever.

Ladies, I am sorry to say it, unwittingly perhaps, fos- t.er and encourage- intemperance, by their absurd practice of sup­ plying wines and other intoxicating drinks to their friends on the occasion of the Mew Year's calls. Custom requires a gentl - man to call upon all of his lady acquaintances, and he is expected to partake of the good things provided by each. how is it possible to pass through the fiery ordeal with sobriety^

Let ma ^jre, my friends, advise you to assume a bolu

. nt in regard to this temperance cause? its im. rice requires, derlands it ! Set '.our f%ces against the growing evil of intem-

ance, witn a firm unyieli j'-ruination "never to give up" until the field is won. to the determination expressed in your well-seclected motto of "conquer we must." help and encour-

inother? and thus you will show to the world that men can be cheerful and happy witho i exeitemen-t of trie wine cup.

I would even advis a ' ring oi war into the political arena. Call your primary meetings for the nomination of officers to be elected, at some place where the respectable portion of the community will not feel it degrading to go. Then nominate and vote ior, only such^persons as are honest, capable and faith­ ful? and all will be right.

But should an 'son be put in nomination by your own

any other pa -Jry who is weak enough to cringe to the power of 77'

-922- 18. .

the bottle in the co munity, i.o not hesitate to cast your s iffrages against him, however- much you may desire his elevation on account of party or* personal considerations.

But, some persons douht the propriety of cringing ti; temperance question into our political movement and oi' mixing temperance with banks, trie tariff, and the still more important question as to whether A. or B. shall oe constable for the next ten '.

Politics, according to Noah Webster, is "trie science of government, tha' part of ethics which consists in th ation and government of a nation and the protection of the people in their rights, with preservation and improvement of their morals." What then can be mor • prope •' political question taan

is? The protection of the people in their rights! Why, the ve right to walk the s reets unmolected is often violated? the right of trie wife, the children to support and protection from tl $- band an* her is invadea by this degrading practice. And as to morals-in- ranee is the very fountain spring (I wa.j a to say)of all immorality! ASK t >s and men of trie count- ask the police justioe, the marshal mat brings nine tenths o. criminals before them* the answer is uniformly the same, the cause is traced directly or indicectly to Alcoirol .

As it regards public policy this should be made a political question. If any m^moer of th I bring forwa financial measure, by which our taxes would oe reduced ope half, wou: not a; .im for his skill and statesmanship?

Now this natter of temperance is precisely -such a r* -'• Our state, count.- end city taxes on account of criminal pr tions -923- >2. am: for the support of paupers woul mimediately reduced very considerably in amount b ..; total banishment of alcoholic drinks from the land.

If any one question of public policy is, just now, more important than another, I think it is quite clear* that the ques­ tion of intemperance or temperance c rely not be among tl least. What avails it, to protect American industry by a tariff, if Americans are to waste their energies at allthe doggeries! In this way - no industry to be protector.. What avails it, to secure a safe, convenient an souund currency, by the estab­ lishment of banks or* by prohibiting all but specie currency, if our peopd to squander it in the inebriating cup and its dis­ astrous consequence .

It is clear therefore that .ranee jus a political question an treated as such.

That i is ni and will prevail i_s no more than that the goo< n intelligent and enlightened com nity will, in the end, reward those who star., firm of trie side of hones- d virtue? temperance an) religion.

i -o- _ O '-• _ x .

January 19. Wen'; by yiil and stage to Oconomowoc, thence to Fria­

ble's and back. Saw a white chi , a beautiful little animal

entirely white?-eyes red? said to make a noise and have che

pouches like a chipmunk.

Jabuary dO. Went on to Madison at 9 P. M», shared room at American house with D, C. Reed of the Senate and W. W. Graham of the House.

Copenhagen, March 8, 1852.

Increase A. Lapham,

- Si *--

war in which Denmark has oe m involved has delayed for some tii 5 continuance of '•' moi Antiquar­

ies du Nord, i length we are enabled to resume the publica­

tion.* * *

In reiterating the expression of put satisfaction to

reckon you as an active fellow laborer, I have the'honor to be ,

• Sir,

Your obedient servant,

Charles C. /&SfcA^

Sec; Noyal Soc. of No n Antiq.

•ch 17, i

I. A. Lai ham,

arSi.«"; i v.

On iving yo or of the 20th ult. 1 looked and found I had four copies of your catalOj 7'

.

mailed them tc vou. * *

1 send you (it will be ready in two a) a

cop;r of my Plants - Wr htianae,about 140 pages of 4to with

ten plates--one of which it devoted to t nus LAPHAMIA, of

s kno . ,

afte ted. * * * 1 ,; p . .. a specimen of 2 o^

e ies oi La pham if to send <

Yours tc L , A. Oray.

Milwauk , Marc , 52.

Mrs. Jacob Goul ,

Rochester, N. Y.

Mrs. Could-- GZfcfcud-*-^ 1 • ^lr a rueeting of ladies held for

the *onsi( tight be one for the interest

of our Milv. ) Normal Institute and High School.-*' How often

•noon was I led to wish t to

assist us in our deli. ions and encourage us with your en thus i-

ij as this could not b , thought struck me that perhaps you

would assist us in a .-cunia nner, ier to tell t • ith that

is what we most n

I am 'well aware that you have your heart full of a

similar noble project, and am thus emboldened to plead our cause

before you? surrounded as you are by schools which must make the

heart of swell with pride, you can hardly realize

the destt on of a new st, I . But if you will allow your memo] y>Now Milwaukee-Downer col' , , 1 7- . - 1852.

,o travel back a few years, when you and the Misses Black caused

the go< people of Rochester to s-tare at the improvements you

introduced in the manner oi education, you will have a faint id..

of our necessities. Often since my children have become old enou ' A

to attend school have I wished that 1 could place them in Miss

Seward's seminary, there to remain until their studies were com­

pleted, and my heart often 'ises in gratitude that we nave now

so good a school established among us. The thought that this in­

stitution must d

proper nourishment alarms us,mothers and arouses us to more active

exertions.

Our city has done nobly in the way of Public School

houses, but much must ye' be done before we shall all feel will­

ing to send our children to these schools. When on; hears t

population of Milwaukee the feeling that we ought to support our

own schools is apt to rise? but the age of OUJ citj must be uaken into consideration and the fact that the railroads, plankroa. s^jfee-. )^i--£St- tv><^Vl>-V

£""•»•* which of cu.ursj aim t e r.ad-.- :' • '..-,;: ue..i oi hie state, and

ail coming at once, drair the purses o; our rich m en almost to the

bottom* leaving our private school: to be cared for after these

have been provided, ke -, s them from advancing as such institutions

ougl 11.

Oh thai* 1 might b > the means of inducing you to adopt

this school as a ehilu of your own! I know that you would find .

great reward in the gratitude of our people. Could you not be in­

duced to change the sphere of • operations to our city, where a

much smaller sum than you wish to raise, irould do even a greater

amount of good than it can in your state where ther ...re so many 7 76

1852. tdvantages or' this kind for young ladiei * * *

1 have often been reminded of our dea • Miss Bliss, she was so i of coming to Milwj I >ach tl

Indians the/way of life and establishing a school here, how lit­ tle I thought when listeningrfa her that my home would be in that far-off world, but here I am, happy in having one of the bes of

;bands a nd four little c '©n. Sue, alas, was never permitted to visit our shores.

I need not give you the details < | Ian of th school, as our secretary, Mr. W. L. Parsons, preached in your city.

All wi.o have become acquainted with it have acknowledged its su­ periority.

Present my compliments to your husband and accept I yourself my grateful remembrance.

Yours truly, vjj,f4W Ann M. Lapham.

Smithsonian Institution,

pch 3o, I

I. A. Lapham, Esq.,

Sir--

Your communication of %arch 4 was received duly.. Tire re arks contained in it relative to the (reductions in

Prof. J-spy's report was read with much attention ana canvassed parti'- in presence of Prof. iSspy himself. H thought that some of the discrepancies noted by you might be local in their character or otherwise to be explained. . general impression aasxhx here however lias been for sou ie past, that his generalizations h v .- "7 7?

-928- 18. . b^'in made upon data too exclusively obtained over the part of our country erst of the Mississippi. * * *

Yours &c.,

. Porei lan.

Mil , March 30, 1

Prof. Asa Or a:

Dear Sir--

1 .• ve your favor of the l^th. The cata­ logues came along in due time for which I am much obi . . My thanks are also due for your Plantae

Wr 1_ :i. an ly for the honor of having a genus of plants call }d adter my name! * * * I hi i 'will ble to send at the same time at least one specimen of La phamia.

As to what sort of tilings I want from your gardens, I have only to say that anything of easy cultivation and no;. alread; fusely scalTfcered over the whole conntry (among horti­ cultural ists) is desirable. I hope you will not ho'wever lay i under too much responsibility in this respect. A small box sent by express is all I should feel 'willing to ac ;

Yo^ *s truly,

I. A. Lapham.

•ridge, April 29, 1852.

. L iph m,

Dear Sir--

Today I sen. off a box of live plants to you" aaoress. v/r

i

I wan1 many tilings bu' I ha' (dly time to say what.

a, Anemone patens, &c., Ac. But especially I want acorns

11 your oaks, fruits or Hicko and in considerable' quanti­

ties. I ean not have too many this full, gat n c . fresh

in a little earth oi-' leaf mouln.

I dare say 1 shall 1; irticular requ pres­

ently. * * * * *

In haste,

A. Cray.

Mil , , ; 52.

S. '. H wen, Esq. ,

Worcester, Mass.

D jar 5 ir--

I am now • t; on my Ion d final to.

. ploration anion;. ncient works of thi ac­

cordingly drawn upon the treaurer ot ' . Ant. So-, for the remaining $200 appropriated to pay my expenses.-

T . roper form for the press and occupies forty-nine plates of the size adopted for I

Smithsonian Contributions, besides a number of drawings. I shall have much to add on my return as I propose to go to the part of d • h ire •, thence across the Wisconsin up the Lemonweir and strike the Mississippi at La Crosse, mostly on new ground.

As I have never had the benefit of a coi te or clas­ sical education, if. will be proper to nave my manuscript revis

ore ifc goes to pre . This, I presume, will be one by t 77f

1852.

Smithsonian Ins titut ion,

Yours tr

I. A. L | im.

- 26. Wednedday. Commenced a ton*- of exploration, intending to go as far as 1 ' Lasippi at La flrosse.

-o- '

•031- 1852/

Correspo n dea ce o f 111 a Sent ine1.

GLANCES AT THE INTERIOR.

Wafiertown, May 27, 1832-

Mess rs . :di < ors -•

Leaving the dust and coId of the city yesterday we rode to this place cot;.: • ably on planks, except four miles? for we caoso the new Lisoon road as being shorter, newer, leas traveled and clear oi the frightful " 17'ou horses" oe' the Railroad. T:.is, which will soon become the favorite route, i: now planked except the four miles between Hartland and Mr. Dougherty's and the men are at work upon tha*. Your statement of the number of plank- roads leading from Milwaukee, in the Sentinel, a few days since, falls snort of the true number. He have the Humboldt road, three miles, nearly complete? Fond • Tac road, fifteen miles, complete?

Br • Ba road, one mile, nearly complete? Lisbon road, seventeen miles, complete? Wauwatosa road,, five miles, nearly complete?

Vatertown road, forty-five miles, complete? (Tauk sha road, five miles, complete? Janesvillo roan, forty miles, complete, making eight '-oads an. one hundred and thirty-one miles.

Observations wer^j made which satisfied us that it is really colder am.: the season less advanced at Milwaukee, than at

WatertQwn as remarked by the intell ;r- editor of the Chronicle.

At Milwaukee the white oaks are just putting Out their leaves-- whicl'i are yet partially enveloped in the red scale of the buds-- or, as we may say, the oak was in the red. But here the leaves are to assume fully formed, expanded §>nd have began th; rich green of their summer dress. Other plants indicate about the same difference? and wo noticed several of the wild flowers in full bloom here tha •

1852. have nol yet shown their petals Milw j

Zizia, the wild Ger . n , lite Wats inou-

lus, rJbc. There can be no doubt i act that we at Milwaukee ae

from two to three weeks behind Watertown, however humiliating it

ma; to our citizen.;. Ace . I continued observations Lth

•mometer confir same fact diow that t.:. imers are

warmer and the winterscolder in the interior of Wisconsin than on

the Lake shore. There is also (contrary to what at first thought

would be suppose.) more rain in the interior.

found th itiful white Waul. tone crop­

ping out on Lisbon road at the crossing of t eomonee and

also ; Lisbon. At t lace Mr. Craves was employed quar­

rying it; with a vi lying Milwa eith caps, sill, il: - ging and curb stones. This, with the facilities of the plank road, he is emabled to do at a very moderate rate. iSvery sidewalk in

our city should be supported by a curb of the ore four inches

thick and e i wide. The cot would be but little more

than .the'plank • h eld up by little sticks, at present used,

the-- would have itage of oeing permanent an , as well as answering tl -pose.

I. A. L.

Waushara, (Fox Lake), May 28, 1 >52.

Messrs. liditors

From *#ater4own to nak 'drove y >sterday we passed

along some very remarkabl .- ridges that abound in this part of our state, ires anting a very in ting forhrr-r in its topgraphy, and

some knot'y question, for I -clogists. They vary from a few rods to several miles in 1 , and in hei -933- 18.r .

and breadth. One ridge, near the South line of true town of Clyman, we measured and found it. to be 39 feet high. Between the ridges

are narrow spaces, usually occupied by a marsh. The ridges termi-

nate in a point at each extremity, andtfcther interVap or occupy a

continuous line. It was firtunate that our road ran north and south or in the dir ecTTr tr>"- c,f the ridges (advantage is taken or' them

to save the *jtpen$e of ^rr^iing) dc^- hi i 'ujgtacn s

T£ dift-s ^ ii.ii. c*w ? ^ \ u-tuxftS tce^s '. hills and marshy places. In what is called the "Rock River wood."

the road runs over 13 of these ridges in the space of half a mile.

Frequently tde ridges present broad gentle slopes on each side, af­ fording good localities for agricultural purposes--and the whole

is susceptible of cultivation. When the ridges are narrow an:

crooked on the top and supplied with innumerable boulders of grani te, or "n igge r heads", the y a r e cm 11ed "back bones," and

1 supposed to oe the projecting vertebral of some subter­ ranean monster" a theory of their origin quite as natural as any

it can i.toen, and having the advantage of ueing easily under­ stood. Tdis monstrous theory is certainly preferable to to lich attributes them to diluvial action, icebergs, glaciers, etc. The ridges occupy much of eastern null' of Di and northeast quarter of Jefferson counties .. They .ire very large an 1 de­ veloped about Mayville, on the east side of Lake Horicon, giving an angular and very crooked course to the streams which are obligor; to follow the interval ween the ridrec,, wherever they leatjL w

This shows that the ridges are older than the rivers—.they are doubtless as aid as the hills!

0 k Grove, Beaver jflsj^and nausha;'*a are the villages

n on our route yesterday, all finely situated an Lving? with <\

neatly built whit ; houses, surrounded by forest trees, which many

of th zens the taste and sense to preserve. We s

at tance, tl couitj^featt, ir'l'y called JUNEAU in

compliment to the first setller in this count, .

Roll ing prairie was at our right, presenting a very :

appea *ance in the landscape. It is much occupied by farms? tl

soil being i Lity. We wore gratified to learn tiiat

trie f becoming .vine.- importance

of - ,; dcious tern or cultivation, Lands will be

(served in.value rather tahn deteriorated. Our state and coun

agricultural societies will -ah to bring about this ble

state of things. A judicic rotation of crops, a little at­

tention i nature of th , Itivation o. most suited to the sol bjects , considering, an ild

to now before i+ is too late.

I. A. T,

Kingston,May 29,1852

Messrs.Editors,--

It is a charming ride on a pleasant summer day to leave

Wau^/kjitHiand drive around the three beautiful lakes lying north­

west of that place,as we did yes tarda, . They are Fox Lake, Lake

Emily and Lake Maria. The bushes are generally high,presenting as

we ride along, mmany beautiful views,worthy of the pencil of the

landscape painter. Bypad,undulating prairies may be seen in one direction stretching off,far as the eye can reach. The oak open­

ings and the patches of more dense forest,--the rocky cliffs,--the wooded Islands, all tend to give an agreeable variety. These lakes 7 V

•935- 1852.

lie in the dividing ridge between the waters of the Mississippi

and those of the Croat Lakes.

A few miles west of Lake Maria the soil begins to con­

tain a considerable quantity of sand, and we soon found we were

leaving the limestone country and approaching the sandstone

district that stretchs off to the north and notth-wast for hun­

dreds of miles. A little south of this place the white sandstone

is found,forming the base of a small bluff,--the top being composed

of a coarse yellow limestone in appearance. It is to the similta-

neous disintegration and mixture of this lime with the sand,that

are to attribute the fertility of the sandsy soil for we could not see that the sand appeared to render the soil sterile. The

same vigorous growth of native vegetation was seen and it appears

to be equally forward. Tl is soil has all the advantages of mel­

lowness and warmth of sand without its dryness and sterility,--a

very fortunate circumstance for the growth and prosperity of a

large Jistrict in the interior of our high ly favored state.

It is quite gratifying to observe a marked change for

the better in the people through the country in regard to temperance.

Thus far I have seen no drinking and carous ing--tiie bars are deserfe

ed, the nuisance of a noisy and filthy bar-room is not to be found

on our route, very much to the satisfaction and confort of the

weary traveler. The favorite evening amusement now about coun­

try taverns appears to be playing , jumping and other manly exer­

cises interspersed with fcational conversation, by listening to

which one may always gain some new ideas, and perhaps useful in-

format ion.

This is a neat little village situated on Grand river a tributary of the Neenah(or Fox) river,whicn here affords a good water power,about twelve feet. I.A.L. s 7 r '

-936- 1352.

Moundville June 1,1852

Messr Editors,-- This is the name of a Post office not a village built upon »n ancient artificial mound made in form of a cross.

There are a number of other mounds of interesting kinds

in the vicinity but the residentA-here of a scientific friend,Mr.

John Townley,who is a good botanist as well as a horticultural ist

and practical farmer,was one of tine chief motives for a visit to

the place—such persons being but seldom met with so far in the

"backwoods." He has detected here several interesting plants

among them the Talinum terr€d.e~f oi ium,which is very rare,having

been found in a few localities only. He is toe .author of several

papers published in Downings Horticulturalist and in the Albany

Cultivator and is tf^sA'-d in some experiments from which new and useful principles may be established. * * *

To get here we crossed the Indian country and si w the

Indians in their wigwams, exhibiting many of their original habits

and customs. * * * I astonished them very much by being able to

stand up in one of their frail canoes while a pretty squaw pad­

dled it across Buffalo lake. The time allowed these red men to

remain of their lands expires to-uay,but I could not learn that any means had been taken for their removal. They cire probably des­

tined to remain with us and dwindle away and become extinct.

They are much addicted to drink ao obtain which their proud spirit

does not prevent their begging."Give rue sixpence" were the first words I heard on approaching them. .They are always ready to swap

anytumg for a few shillings. Farther down tee Fox river there are said to be numerous honorable exceptions to this picture,--many '

-937- 1852.

Indians being there found who are sober and industrious. Perhaps if our Government would by use of proper means and the expenditure of only the same amount of money now ^nnu^lly paid out on account of the Indian "pepartment" in affording each family a comfortable home,implements of,and instructions in,agriculture many of these red men could be saved from the destruction that now awits them.

We certainly owe it to them and to the cause of humanity to make at least soma fficient efforts in their behalf. Adopt trie measures above suggested and banish 'whiskey and bad white men from among them and they would very soon become a civilized people. * * *

Packwaukoe is a small village on trie North side of Buf­ falo lake and Roxo is smaller. From the usual description of this fine and famous river (the Menasha or Fox) one is apt to imagine it runs through a low and flat country and*. I was much surprised that this was not the case. The marshes .through which it runs are only from one to two miles wide and bordered by high banks back of which is a fine trolling country. * * *

Upon leaving Montello o\- rather in passing over from one

Montello to the other,we crossed the most miserable apology for a bridge that even I,who came from Milwaukee ever saw! and it shows the looseness of our legislature for the proprietors are allowed by law to collect a tribute from every passey-by,for the use of ths this thing which probably cost $50*

I.A.L.

At Dell House,

June 2nd,1852.

A ride of about twenty miles through the woods much of trie way with ~7?7

-958- 1852.

scarcely a track to mark the course brought us to this place,which

is one of the most interesting and remarkable localities inWis-

cons in. s

The Wisconsin river is contracted by steep rocks to a

very narrow channel for a distance of about two miles,the water

rushing through, espec ially when high with great violence, ..ashing

against the rocks here and whirling with frightful rapidity there, boiling end foaming at a great rate. * * * At one point trie stream

is contracted to 52 ft.in breadth and a substantial bridge has been built across. * * * 1*7 We had the curiosity to run our tapy e line down the foam- ing eddies and found them forty feet below the plank of tire oriuge

when the river is at a low stage trie depth is said to be forty six/"-*-^

ftr more. The rocks are composed of laminated sandstone trie lay-

ps horizontal or inclined at different angles and variously dis­

torted,not by any movement or disruption since the deposition of

the rock but by some natural cause acting at the time of the form­

ation of the rock as is evident upon inspection.

Mr.Parker takes much pains in showing off the many won­

ders of the place and takes the lead in showing the way along the narrow shelved rocks with th .- boiling cauldron at a fearful depth

directly under your feet, and through the caverns,where it is nec­

essary to use "all fours" and no great man can pass through --we had no d i fficulty.

This spot is just the place to suit a naturalist. Agas­

sis would be in ecstacies all the time.

Among the many other new and interesting plants I fjound the northern scrub pine(Pinu.s Banksiania) the Labrador Tea, (Le< latifolium)and the wooly Hudsonia (II. tormentosa) ..11 sub artio 7 t(

- 1852.

plants and seldom or never found south of the Dells of the Wiscon­

sin.

At six last evening we had a storm of wind and rain and

hail such as I never before witnesses, one hailstone was 1 1/fi in­

ches its longest diameter. The windows on the west side of the-

Dell House were completely riddled and cattle ran in every direc­

tion as if mad. One of the most curious effects was the the

effect of the hailstones falling in the water of the river, the

whole surface being covered with "jets d'eau" a foot high constant­

ly playing,--presenting a rare phenomenon which can be compared to

nothing else in nature.

Just as the storm broke away a raft made its appearance

having encountered the dreadful storm while passing through the

Dells ! When the water is high the "passage of the Dells" be­

comes quite a nice job requiring an experienced pilot to prevent

everything from being dashed in pieces against the rocks.

Frequently a portion of trie raft runs under trie water

requiring the greatest activity in tne men to keep on the parts

that remain abobe water".

On some occasions it is said to have been turned com­ pletely over, and double rafts have been folded one half upon dk.

o en a r

I.A.L.

Rogers Mills on the

Lemonweir River,June 3rd,1852.

Iy dear Wife, --

jt is just a week this morning since I left you at Mil- -940- 1852. waukoe and,as I shall pass a post office tomorrow,I cannot forego the pleasure of letting you know of our whereabouts,•%•&.

Well then,we got to Watertown Wednesday, Waushara Thurs­ day, Kingston Friday,Montel lfljf on Saturday,who re we staid over Sun­ day. On Monday we 'went to Moundville and staid with Mr.Townlay.

Yesterday we went across to the Dells. Today we have followed up the Wisconsin to the mouth of this stream,thence three miles up it to this place.

Tomorrow and next day we shall go still farther up and cross the divide so as to reach the Mississippi by Saturday night.

It will then require about a week to get down to Dubuque and anoth­ er to get home,so you can count up when that will be, a few days maoj?er or less.

I have written every morning to the Sentinel but fear that the letters do not reach Milwaukee very promptly. The Satur­ day's letter will remain at Montello until next Friday! When you will get this and Gen.Xing the three I mail to him at trie same time it is impossible to predict. If you get it within ten days it will do well.

We have not discovered much of interest among the mounds yet,but hope to soon. Thoseoon trie river are above, will see them tomorrow.

On Sunday I intended to "dress up" agreeably to yo; rootions,especially as I expected to meet the Commissioners of the

Improvement and the Engineer. But for want of better accomodations in an unfinished and unfurnished house, I was obliged to come uown into the bar-room to wash,when "lo and behold." there they we* '.

Mr.Crane (who once lived where Mr.Powell does now)was one, Mr.

Proudfit,nephew of Dr. P/was another. So I was known and could *e!

1- 1852. not sneak off and. fix up! What could I do but see them %ans ceremonie" or at least "Sans fine clothes."

After they had gone I went to see the Indians in their wigwams,where of course fine clothes would be out of place. * * *

Billy has fa a Sit/ through some deep mud-holes today,only a foretaste of what he must expect before he gets home.

I shall telegraph to you at the first office I find,and

shall hope to hear you are all well. * * * Kiss all the little ones for me.

Yours truly,

Ann M.Lap ham. I A.Lapham.

La Crosse June 11th,1852.

Messrs.Editors,--

If you have published the half-dozen scrawls I have sent you,perhaps the readers of the Sentinel will not regret the At­

tack of Fever and Ague that caused the suspension of further in­ flict ions ,nor rejoice with me that the skill of Dr.S.C. Johnson of

this place has put an effectual veto upon it,whereby true said in- likely to be fliction is «4-*»*»a*et« resumed. I cannot now write out for you the

important information collected each day.

The journey up the Lemonwoir across the great dividing ridge down the beautiful valley of the La Crosse, trie steamboat ride to St.Paul,the delightful drive of 10 miles over the handsom­ est and best country I ever saw to the far-famed Falls of St.An­

thony, and trie r. to this place with all their incidents and

interruptions by the shakes of the ague must bo passed over with a siggle sentence, rather than be made the subjects of separate let- -942- * 18: .

ters. This place is improving with wonderful rapidity,but reminds me very forcibly,in many respects of-Milwaukee when I first set my stake there in 1836. There is the same activity,the same array of new unpain ouses, the lumber for which was but a

short time since growing in its native pineries. The public houses overflowing shanties springing up Ln every direction,movers with

their families encamped in the vicinity, altogether present quite an exciting and novel scene.

Through the polite attention of numerous friends and ac­

quaintances (among them his Excellency -£he Lieut .Governor and Hon.

Judge Gale) every want was provided for and Mr*jSrossit of the New

England House well deserves the patronage he is receiving as a r ward for his untiring efforts for trie comfort of those who visit

La Crosse.

Much interest is felt here in regard to a railroad conneeo tion with Milwaukee and the citizens are not without hope that our favorite Mississippi roao may be diverted from the routes at pres­ ent proposed to this place. You will of course see trie animated discussions going on in the papers of this place and Prairie du

Chien on this subject. Unfortunately I could not gratify themr v very natural desire to know the result of my explorations with t!

Mountain Barometer for the observations must be compared with those made at home before any useful results can be obtained. Besides this, a shake prevented my visiting the gap hhat is said to exist

in the great ridge between the Lemonweir and the LaCroese, a cir­ cumstance I regretted very much for without such a gap the passage of this ridge will be quite an expensive business. Upon my re­ turn I shall be .able to construct a profile of the country from 7?

-942- b 1852.

Milwaukee to Prairie La Qrosse,showing approxinately the grades necessary for the construetion of a railroad.

On my way home I hope to bo able to collect the data necessary for a similar profile through the Southern Counties from the Mississippi to Janesville on Rock river.

I -m fully convinced and have no hesitation in saying that LaCrosse is destined to become a place of considerable im­ portance within a very short time. A large scope of country around wil lQr*»-centrate its commercial business nare, including

Black river and La Crosse valley and even a portion of Bad Ax

county.

The daily arrival of the fine steamboats of the Upper

Mississippi affords great facilities for doing business at this point,and these steamboats are of an entirely different class and are managed upon entirely different principles from those of which we hear so much in the river below. There is none of the reckless mar. at,none of the drinking and gambling so common below.

You feel at home among your own folks and can retire without dreams of snags and sawyers and bursted boilers. The Nominee , is ti e favorite boat C pt.Smith,^or as a politician would say "the people's boat". She runs with the regularity of clockwork and her excellent ap­ pointments , the polite and gentlemanlike air and conduct of the officers,and the excellent fare always provided,a3 we found upon trial, shows that her popularity is fairly deserved.

I.A.L. _94i - 1852.

Springville Bad Axe Co.June 12,1852.

Messrs.Editors,—

To form some correct iaea of the immediate valley of the

Mississippi river we drove down along the east bank at the foot of the bluffs for twelve miles to Warner, Vfrawndai\» ansr regretted very much that we could not continue this course to the mouth of the Bad Axe where the last battle of the "Sauk War"was fought and won. We were constantly hemmed in on our right by the river and on our left by the bluffs rising at first with a slope or talus of sandstone and then by a perpendicular escarpment of lower mag- nosian limestone. They have an elevation above the 'water of from

300 to 500 feet and continue with but slight interruptions for hundreds of miles along the Great River. In th often found caves into which one might penetrate a great distance. In one of them we found human bodies and some Indian hieroglyphics, which may possibly have been a record of the noble deeds of the person whose remains were thus deposited. At another place are the letters and figures I. N. S. 1818"—possibly made by some per­ son connected with Pike's expedition which I think ascended the

Mississippi in that year. His Journal in the library of the

Young Men's Association may throw some light on this point.

The little valleys or hollows that break through these cliffs are called by the French coulies,and they are of frequent occurrence,though seldome large enough to afford any "bottom land" or mane room for a farm. They are usually narrow and reach but a short distance back from the river. In cases of sudden heavy rains large bodies of water rush dwwn the cculies with great force carry­ ing away much soil and even st-rrv-S of considerable size. 77

-944- 1852.

Th -iver is divided by nume -ous low islands into a num­

ber of distinct' channels called Sloughs. It is said that there is

no place in the Upper Mississippi (except at Lake Pepin) destitute

of islands,or where a person can see across the whole body of th

river. These channels with the islands usually occupy the whole

space from the foot of.the bluff on the opposite sides. Waubesha

Prairi*e, Prairie La Crosse and Prairie du Chien are about the on­

ly exceptions to this rule. Hence good town sites along the river

are rare,renderi. that do exist the more valuab: . The

river has been unusuall,. - this spring,estimated to be about

eighteen feet above the lowest water. But th st flood known

is said to have been in 1320 when it was eight feet higher than thsed

year,making the total rise no less than twenty six feet along this

part of the river. It is now falling rapidly.

The Mississi. .en at this great distance from its mouth and above nearly all its, principal branches is truly a mag- n ificent river and all the praises so profusely lavished upon it

by travelers and tourists are richly deserved. Its scenic beauty

is not suppassed by the Hudson and that may be considered as saying

a great deal for our noble river. ;s upper valley, is destined

ere long to sustain a very dense population,exceeding any portion

of the river oelow, the emigration to it has just commenced and

under many difficulties that are fast being removed. The com­

pletion of our railroad will at once open the whole region to the

foroi migration how flowing to our shores and it will not fail

to seek a resting place here.

This little village expects soon to be adoi s the

County seat of this fine county,one of the finest ones in the Mis­ sissippi. The question lies between it and Viroqua. I.A.L. 1852.

RABBLES IN THE INTERIOR.

-0-0-0-0-

Correspondence of the Sentinel.

Prairie du Chien, June 15th, 1852

Messrs. Editors,—

From Springville tc this place the road leads along the crest of the great dividing ridge between the waters of the Kicka- poo on one side and of M .ssippi on the other. A few miles from the former place,the sandstone forms steep cliffs and at one p 1 a c e s aw a column standing out by itself 44 feet high and only about six feet square at the buse. It is much broader at the top and it is strange that i is not tumble down. At a little dis­ tance it iias the a nice of a colunoi erected by art for some monumental purpose. Cop: '/ofe has been discovered in considera­ ble quantities at a place called Mount Sterling,but the mine is not now 'worked. Experiment proves it to be of about the same value as tire Mineral Point ore, or about 20 to 25 per cent, pure copper.

Iron ore is also found in many places on the ridge,especially at a point three miles south of Mt.Sterl ing,where there are indica­ tions of a large body or ore. ,t has never been explored or prov-

At Mr.Miller's, on the road, are a number of ancient artificial mounds,in the form of birds with outspread wings,and here we had the good fortune to obtain some of the speckled trout that abound in the clear cold streams running off from this ridge.

This fine fish is found throughout northern Wis cons in,but is not found in the souethern part of the state. At this place we de­ scended into a remarkable cave formed in tiie soft dandstone, the roof being supported by some hard layers interposed between it and the superior < •

-946- 1852.

superincumbent limestone. The entrance is large and of an oval

form, the descent so gradual that cattle and horses have been

known to enter the cave. We 'saw traces of fire where persons

had encamped to enjoy the coolness and protection of the rocks.

As we descended a sudden coolness came over us as if entering an

i ice house. The cave has no great lateral extent, being filled

with loose sand crumbled down from the walls and roof. It would-

be a glorious summer retreat and if in the vicinity of Milwaukee

would be visited by thousands.

Hundreds of fine large and copious springs of the purest

water gush out on either sid^ sf :his gi -at ridge only a few feet

below the top,affording great inducements for the settlement of

the country, and if we regard the beauty of the scenery and the r

richness of the soil,we must be convinced that this ridge will

soon be converted into a series of fine farms.

This ancient town affords much to interest the stranger.

Tire Fort (Crawford) is abandoned to the swallows ,who build their

/nests -in the deserted doors of the officers quarters. It 'was

erected under the direction of Gen.Taylor,late president of the

United States. On the Island"we sav; traces of the Old Fort,

which was taken by the British in the war of 1812. The antiqua-

ted and nearly decayed houses of the French traders carry the im­

agination still further back into the history of the pl^ce and of

the West. But all these are modern compared with the earthy

monummts of an ancient race of red men that adorn the prairie.

Advantage is taken of some of the largemounds for the erectioh •*o of the best residences as they are thereby secured from the high

water of the Mississippi,which often overflows the lower ground.

I.A.L. 7- . 1852.

Eight Miles From Potosi,June 17,1852.

Messrs.Eddtors,—

We are now fairly within the "mineral country" where the

ground is dng into pits and covered with loose rotten limestone

thrown out by the industrious miners. Usually two miness enter

into partnership and after "prospecting" to their satisfaction,fix

upon a location and commence digging entirely upon their own hook.

If they prove successful,the owner of the land is entitled to a

share of the products, varying from one eighth to one third as may

be agreed upon. When the "mineral" (as lead ore is here univer­

sally called) is raised to the surface,the smelter's wagon is road-

y with scales to weigh and carry ut off to the furnace. The

price of ore at the mines is usually about $4.25 per thousand

pounds,but varies some, according to the price of lead and the dis­

tance from market. This is the only system ever adopted in the

lead mines. When any difficulty, however slight, prevents- the

oas y working of the mine by two men,it is at once abandoned and

the business of "prospecting"again resumed. No drains are con­

structed to carry off the water as might be done in many cases w

when the bottom of the mine is higher than the adjacent valleys.

No general system of mining on a large scale aided by capital,skill

and science has been attempted,though there is no reason to doubt

the success of such an enterprise.

The furnace we visited yesterday is built of stone aboul

ten feet square and might have been mistaken for an old fashioi

bake oven,but for the tall iron chimney from which a volume of

smoke and steam with the fumes of sulphur is constantly issuing.

Eighty pigs of lead is said to be the daily yield of the furnace -948- 1852. and it is run- about half the time, there not being enough raised in the vicinity to keep it in constant blast. As each pig weighs seventy pounds,this, shows an annual yield of over a million of pounds,or say one-fifteenth of the whole product of the mi ne.

It has been said and perhaps with truth that the people of the eastern part of our state know but little of those of

the west, and perhaps this may be true, but it certainly cannot exceed the profound ignorance manifested by many 'persons whom we have casually met here. Those who are intelligent are too much occupied and others are too stupid or too much wanting in polite­ ness to strangers to impart to us much useful information as we pass along through this singular and interesting country. Had we more time doubtless we should be able to find many honorable exceptions to these remarks.

The people here are just now rejoicing in the discovery of marble (on Sec.15,T.2 N.R.2 W.) which upon examination is found to be precisely like that discovered by Mr.Wood in Richland Co. two years ago and a specimen of which was forwarded to the Wash­ ington Monument at an expense to the state of five hundred dollars.

Jt lacks the purity and eveness of texture of a true marble,being composed of successive layers as if deposited from water like a stalactite in a limestone cavern. It is also full of minute cav­ ities which prevent its receiving a very find polish. it is said to exist in very great quantities and possesses very great value notwithstanding these defects. It would probably yield the purest kind of quick lime.

Grant county is one of the finest in the State presenting a great variety of surface,soil,products commercial facilities &c. 7 ., p

-949- 1852.

The fine prairies in the interior bordered by groves are not sur­ passed by those of Rock and Walworth counties,while the lead mines afford a nev.er failing source of wealth, drawn from the more rough portions of the county. The people are not satisfied with the

Mississippi as an outlet for their products but are looking anx­ iously to the facilities to be afforded by a railroad connection with the Lakes and the East.

I.A.L.

prairie du Chien June 14,1352.

My dear Wife,--

Although I had not the least reason to expect a letter from you here,yet I felt disappointed when I found that none had been received. * * * I infer that nothing very serious has happen­ ed or you would have written to various points hoping that some word would reach me.

We got here today at noon and will pass "long tomorrow.

I think of omitting Dubuque as I have been so much delayed and perhaps you may not got this until after my return. * * *

As intimated in my last I went up to the Falls Wednes­ day, wind'blowing oo Id as Greenland, shaking with the ague too*

Came back Thursday to La r-rosse Ague broken up by the skill of

Dr.S.C.Johnson,who refused any fee on account of my being a sort

"of public benefactor and a friend of his friend Judge Gale !"

Friday went down the Mississippi twelve miles and out to Spring- ville near head of Had Ax. Saturday came down the great dividing ridge between the Mississippi and the Kickapoo tc Millers 16 miles -950- 1852. from here where we spent the Sabbath very pleasantly and profitably

This forenoon we finished surveying mounds there and drove flown here. * * *

How I 'wish you could be with me in my rambles about the

country, I know you would enjoy it, the very roughness of fare woud give you an additional zest for home comforts oji our return.

For instance at Miller's there is but one room in the whole house,

everything in common. The woman contrives to turn her back to let you go to boa. She is up before you in the morning.

We had some of the celebrated speckled or brook trout

which would have been very fine if they had been better cooked.

As it was we could unite in the universal praise bestowed upon this favorite dish. They were out of tea, coffee did not agree, so I

adopted cold water and became quite fond of it instead of tea, almost a mind to abandon tea as well as coffee. * * *

Mr.Miller showed us the cave which you may find marked on the map, it is quite a remarkable place, very cold, cold water

in it. Does not extend far beyond "day light" but is very deep and is entered through a large oval opening in the sandstone,just where it is covered by tl * limestone.

Could only find one Sentinel at the printing office here

that contained "Glances at the Interior" No.l. * *

Accept every assurance of my continued love and sincere affection.

Ann M.Lapham, Increase. rb(

-951- 1852.

Prof. A. Guyot,

Dear Sir,--

Upon my return from a tour across our st t ; and up the

Mississippi I had the satisfaction to find your favor of the 5th ult. Please accept my thanks for the volume of tables by the u use of which I am saved half the labor of calculation. I find my former calculations agree with those made by the help of these ta­

bles. I have oifen f ouriff-the barometer changing at one station more rapidly than at the other,so that heignts calculated from

different sets of observations made at short intervals are gradual

ly enlarged or diminished and trie Mississippi I fouond to run up hill !!

The instruments I have are of Green's make and are all right.

I have collected a great number of elevations from dif­

ferent s e for railroads,plank roads &c. and have made frequent use of the barometer.

I hope at some .- time to work out the "Physical

Geography" od the state,but in the mean time hope to see a similar work by you of some of our states as a model.

I send you a table of heights and an old map on which many of them are marked. I will send you a better paysoon.

These except four or five were all ascertained by spirit level.

These elevations are above Lake Michigan,the height of which above the ocean I do not consider as sufficiently settled. It could be, doubtless,ascertained by proper examination of the surveys c central and Southern Michigan railroads.

The statement of Mr.Higgins (578 ft) has always appear- Kbx-

>2- 18E .

ed to mo to bo too lor, *om the absence of certain data I h adopted it, and I see that it is now stated at considerably more

(see Richardson's Arc. Exp., 1 552, te<*>fo. ).

Would it not be within the province of the Smithsonian

Institution to ascertain, by correspondence with these companies, or the engineers in t. ment to settle this point? Ana also

to run a level down the St. Marie's river to determine the exact height of Lake Superior? The true elevation of these lakes be­ comes important from tree great number of surveys made from them as at/ basis, not. only in Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota ana Michigan by the United States and Stater givemments, but by the Canauian auth­ orities. Th.'is they may be cone only of national out of inte mi at ional importance. A few dollars thus experiued would in­ crease, therefore, very materially an aceurate knowledge of t.

phy oi' definite all sue x-

1. A.La pham.

American Antiquarian Society.

Worceet • -, Mass., Aug. 2d, 1352.

I. A . d .rt,

Dei S •--

To containing your aanuscript and drawings ant Indian relics, has come safely to haru .

The drawings are very neat and uandsomely executed an. exhibit evidence. and fidelit .

Our publishing committee propose to c< _ ial rM^\ d. 6 3

- 181 .

nuscript immediatel ' thj t I port thereon to the

council at an ea -1 .1 sompliance i our request I will

endeavor to correct anty slips of the pen (t< . thors

a } liable) 1 , -notice. *****

The i Laborate map of Wisconsin and the Direc-

lilwaukee, wtiich wore enclosea in uox fo Soci

1 ibrar ...Lonationsa rhich pleas - accept the

thanks of the council.

Yours very trul ,

3. F. Haven.

Oct. 16. Went to Mineral Point with Professor J. D. Whitney. Went down into one of the lead mines with Mr. Allen, one of the owners

of the mine (Bracken & Allen). Depth 95 feet. Mineral in hori­ zontal layers called openings 'with Black Jack, Dry bone, sulpl of Iron, sulphur Barytes, and carbonate of lime. Somj fine

cubicul crystals of lead coated with lime wer-: ootained* Mr.

Bracken says tine sandstone has been penetrated to lower.* magnesian.

T d-ass rock is a s inate layer in the gray fossil if erous

limestone as seen in the bank at Mineral Point. Examined thorou

1y for fossils, minerals, &c.

Miners pay to landlords 1/5 tol/G for rent. B. & A. employ miners at |l. da , mostly Cornish.

rizontal drifts run from main shaft in various direc­ tions about 3 l/2 to 4 feet high; 6 to 20 feet wide. But little water, which was kept out oy an OK pump. I Lsed by mach­ inery propello. horse power. d Zinc than lead ore in tl mine? also in c . L . oi zinc are thrown away? might -954-' be wc;- . ith b. ap . d merous mines alrea

exhausted. Do not penetrate into the sandstone but reach it, some of the lead openings being near the ice of the sandstone. The

layer containing the minerals above enumerated, about 1 1/2 feet

Thick.

Oct. 18.. Examined one of the coj nines S. :. from jy-ineral Point about one mile * * * not now worked. Go. specimens, * * * At

a -tod for home ana ytu<. Whitn - Galena, 111.

Lwaukee, Octob > , 1

her--

can not do be 'or William* than to send him the aceo: mpphlet, f .. . can select such parts .

';. h is purposes .

There will doubtless be naturalists attached to the

rill be glad to aid him in making collections and in ant -^—» showing him how to press spi pres A . H .ill have much leisure time to devote to it ( could not devote it to a more interesting or im] 'pose. With very little troubl • he can com;- back loaded with shells, corals, minerals, plants,j^O s e o d s r 4^.1,

Yours Ljr,

Col. Saml. Stone, Chicago, 111. I.A.Lapham.

ko .*, Nov. 3, 1 Col. -has. Win Cleveland, 0. dear Sir-- association f<

. . wiio w- C Perry' . u, a. -955- 1852.

pose of exchange of scientific books, of which I have heard nothing since. Is the project abandoned? I have just been arrang­ ing my collection of fossils and feel trie need of something of the kind very much. I should like to secure the loan of some of your books until I can make some extracts, say about two months.

* * * I will see that are properly used and safely returned you. * * *

I have recently made an excursion to the top of the Blue

Mounds and to the bottom of lead mines at Mineral Po i Lth

. Whitney. We collected soar very fine things and found th

chCrt on the top of the mounds contained Pentameris oblongus

trd*^- j-p-

I io- rou Cleveland folks are doing so much. I curi not lame a very active part in your proposed liter­ ary association, I /ill help alon .-.***

Tell dr. St. John not to call our lead-bearing rock car bomferous, as he does in the geological textbook? it is very nea

Trenton* * * *

Yours truly,

I. A. Lapham.

Worcester, Mass., Nov. , 1852.

. A. Lapham,

Dear Sir--

* * * The report of the Committee of Publi­ cation on you:* memoir pok .It of the manner in wriicri your t: has been accompli! and of I 'tistic skill of the drawings.

I have careful. nuscript twice ana- should onlj rb

-9: .

a chan seology now an n to avoid repetition. T

arr excellent an scriptiomtare lucid and satis­

factory. It seems to me that i gone ov hole ground

on..i qu sxhaus ted that new ai eld. * - **

I think .-ill attract a good deal of attent­

ion. Yery truly pours,

I. A. Laph am. 3. P. Haven,

Mil; e, Nov. 12, 18i .

J. W. Vaneleva, Ohio-

D e a r Sir--

I have matured a plan fo complete w

on American Palaeontolog cd shall oe to fossil., Eaton's and Gray's ^works a Botany. It urill embrace full generic an. ;ific

characters of all North American fossils, followed u; the geolog­

ical positioi localities, , . - authors. 11 ill

illustrated wit ires of one species in each of tiue genera.

I have air: sommenced -upon it and shall soon go over the books

I have, embracing nearly all the American workd, and shall then

go to Boston to complete i ? Harvard library. I

appears like a great un< I i il in its accomplis

ment, but by ;eneraous aiu and sympa £' friends I hope to

s u c c e e d.

Since the receipt of your k in^ letter of trie 6 th inst.,

it ha.; occurred to me that your plates might be used uh toe work , r6 •

- 957- . 181 .

an. your translations will save much labor in that way id you

would send them to me. It is so doubtful what will be the result

that of course I can not pay anything for your work except by giv­

ing credit for it. Should it prove profitable, however, I will

do some tiring better? but this is not probable. * * *

Such a work will oe invaluable to all geologists as a

manual an,< as a convenient index to large* works. It will tend to

diffuse a more correct xnowleugo of fossils so that we will not

find trilobites converted into butterflies* cyathophylla into

buffaloes, horses &c., -<-s is done in some (ot se) very fine

cabinets. It will £end to increase a taste for geology and there­

fore be a benefit to t rid ana to our country. * * *

V e r y t r .11 y y ours,

I. A. La pham•

Racine, Wis., hev. IT, 1852 .

I. A. Lapham, Esq.,

Dear Sir--

I have just received a circulat from A. C.

Ingham requesting a c meat ion on the woods of Wisconsin. * * *

You will confer a great favor by sending me a catalogue of trees

an..: shrubs belonging to t. ate, as your catalogue puol ished in

the Trans, of tree American Association is far mot- 1 complete than any to which I have access..* * * Any notes on tire distribution

of the principal trees would be highly useful. * * * My best res­ pects for yourself and family.

Truly yours, P. R. Hoy. -0-0- ' J-4>L*4£. >

%7 / - CUfaz.7£ 18! .

-958- 18 3

Jan. 18. L^f„ milwaakee at 3 p.m. for a tour to the east via Janes

ville,Rockfcrd and Chicago.

Mt.Tabor Ohio,Jan.23 rd,1953.

dear Wife and Children,--

I suppose ill expect t.p hear from me occasionally while on my present tour, to gratify you I propose to -write an oc­

casional letter. After leaving you Iftad no ill luck until the

next morning,'when I forgot my favorite black walking stick,which haf

so often sustained me in times of weakness and which I fondly hop­

ed might sustain my tottering footsteps when old age creeps upon me. I wrote back to Mr.Edgerton requesting him to send it to

Milwaukee and to drop you a line so that you would know where to

get it. * * *

Had a pleasant stage ride across t -airies from Janes- ville to Rockford and by railroad to Chicago. * *

On Thursday I was whirled rapily ov le Southern Mich­

igan and Northern Indiana raolioad to Toledo on the Maumee river

in Ohio where we had oyster soup for supper. * * *

The next day,was hurried up early,crossed the Maumea

on a steam ferry and went forty six miles by railroad to Belle- view on the Sandusky road,where we arrived just one hour after the

train had passed,so I was compelled to lay here twenty three hours, waiting for the next Cincinnati train I But to make the best of a bad ratter I had a fire made in a little private bedroom and went

to -work on trie American Palaeontology just as naturally as if I had been at hi • hours slipped by.

It was not until Saturday at 2 p.m. that I was set down

at West Liberty and looked eagerly about among the crowd thinking "•

-959- 1853.

it possible that some of "our folps* might be there. "Here I am"

said a voice,which proved to be father's,he having seen me thus em­

ployed. * * * After dining at Mr.Runkle's we rode out home in a

snow storm, trie first they have had here. Mother made so much ado

about my coming home that the girlsw%>u,alarmed and ran to see who

was killed, thinking that certainly something dreadful nad ahppen-

ed. * * * Today lad a sleighride. * */ All trie family are to

be here tomorrow to help eat the fatted turkey.

It is now just 22 years since I was at home in the win­

ter and then we had just about as much snow as we have today

my horse had t metrouble with show balls collecting under his

t ,the snow lying upon mud. A Last evening the first number of the Oakley Herald" a

family newspaper devoted to Literature,Science and the Fine Arts,

ecclted by Wm Lapham Esq., was brought in and read f& the family cir­

cle. It had some good pieces,good hits and some very queer poetry

that made all of us laugh. This paper is in manuscript and to be

published or issued weekly. Among the items was mentioned the

"carpenter who made use of moonbeams in the erection of houses" and

the mason who tried to find a hen that could lay a brick !"* * *

Your affectio nate husband and father,

Ann M.Lapham I.A. Lapham.

& her children.

Pittsburgh Pa . >Tan 29,1858.

dear Wife,--

Nearly a whole week having passed since I wrote you , asO

aA I have an evening to apend here I propose to let you know what has happened to me since that time. flO

- 60- 18.r .

I staid at home until yesterday morning. * ** Before I get through I will give you a list of places,so that my route can be traced on the map.

I had to spend a couple of hours in Xenia. * * * Rode all night from thence to Cleveland,where I took advantage of a few hours delay to get a nice breakfast at the Weddell House and to see about a patent father is endeavoring to obtain(through an agent in that place) for a very valuable improvement upon agricultural in^PSevsments especially the cultivator and wheat drill.

From nine this morning untl four I was on the road to this place. At Salem we passed a place where a maqL had just been killed by being thrown from the platform by a sudden starting of the train, a dangerous place is the platform of a railroad car.

When I began to descend the valley of tire Beaver and to ride along the Ohio,many sad thoughts of other days passed over me and yet,they were pleasant thoughts.

The Ohio is a "beautiful river" even when its borders are cove Lth snow and its surface with floating ice. The steamboats and flat boats,here and there held fast by the ice,the hills,with their rocks and evergreens will always be a pleasant sight for me. How I wished my whole family around me at that time for I felt that it was selfish for me to enjoy these pleas­ ures alone,while you were all cooped up in that little city of Mil­ waukee. But then immediately occurred the thought that you would might T see these beauties with other eyes and to you they woul*d-~)*not be beauties but -a desolate and dreary winter waste.

A thick black cloud of smoke and a half sickening bi­ tuminous odor in the air* wanned me of our approach to this dirty place,well named for it is but a coal-pit. From the upper windows f"

1853.

of the *™onongahela House" I could look down,not upon the city,but

upon smoke only,except such buildings as weee near the eye. All

the stories that we have heard about the smoke and dust of Pitts­

burgh you may set down as truth and not fiction.

Lookihlo across the river we see the mines,or rather the

openings near the top,by which they are entered and the slides

down which the coal is passed to the 'water.

By the time you get this and the answer gets back I shall

probably be in Boston so please direct your next to that place.

You caanot imagine what I would give to know certainly to night

all about you,whether ail are well and happy I Kiss ate

the little folkfljfor me and the big ones too ill you choose. Good

bye I am sleepy.

Yours ever,

Ann M.Lapham. I. A. Lapham.

As tor House New York City,

Sunday Feb.6th, 1853

My dear Wife,--

I do not know how I can spend the morning hours of this

sacred day in this great city,to much greater advantage than by com m uning with near and dear friends and relatives by writing letters

to them.

I suppose you will want to know where I have be en,what

I have done and what I have seen since the date of my last,which

was written at Pittsburgh a week ago. One day and a few of the

early hours of the next morning were sufficient to land me at the

Irving House in Washington,the capital city of this great nation

of ov Over the Alleghany mountains the cars are drawn by sta- f-' -962- 1855. tionary engines placed at the top,being fastened to a wire chain for that purpose.

The-, are five such plaCAft t/w. ascending and three de­ scending (as you go from the west). This was the only varia­ tion from ordinary railroad traveling. M The mountains were cov­ ered with snow, not so deep however, but tiiat the evergreen leaves of the Rhoddodendron maximum,were every where seen enlivening the woods with their polished surfaces. f-flkr to-h—y. [Vty&xJscA^)

In the sketch you see us leaving Pitta h in the night a very bad time dor we shall miss seeing the grand mountain scen­ ery but no matter. The iron horse pulled us gallantly up the steefi slopes and through the long tunnel (3 ,000 feet long) when we found we were about as far up as PrcfJi.Pussey went in his baloonl

We above the clouds which rested on the slope of the mountains below us. Down we went right into the clouds (which we found was only iogjand through it into the world below. You will see our train just coming out of it.

When .ve got below I had a s in. Ling about it.

It seemed as if I had been shut up in some tight place ! The clouds seemed to hide everything and make me feel like one in a|r prison, but I soon got over t is sun rose andddispersed trie thin cliuas, the sky looked clear and I began to breathe freely again. In this part country I found the rocks did not lay down level as they do at Milwaukee but were turned up edgewise as u you will see I have marked them above* some lean one way and some another. They appear to be all in confusion as if they had been lifted up at different times and lsicft so.

A little this side of Baltimore I saw for the first time a large bush covered with "chinquapins I" These might be called \fl 3

-963- 1853.

cunning little chestnUts . They grow in this latitude and are

often gathered for sale as "our folks" do chestnuts. By turning

to the Herbarium under the Natural Family of Cupuliferae or cup

bearing plants and utid >r the genus Castanea or chestnuts you will

find specimens of the ohinquepin.

Now children find out all you can about the Alleghany mountains where they run from,what states they run through,wheth­

er they are ii or lower than other mountains &C.-&5--. so that

when I got home we can have a good talk about them.

Of course the new equestrian statue of Jackson must be

seen* Mr.Fred.Horn (of Washington Co.Wis.) and ColJJoores accom­

panied me. The former criticised it on recount of the erect and

easy position of the old General's legs, trie;; do not bend backwards

"like Napoleon crossing the Alps". I find this point much dis­

cussed h~ire but as Nap crossed the Alps on a Jackass it is not

probabl t his pic would be adopted as a standard! To me

it seems that an expert, easy,graceful horseman would ride like

this bronze f

Had a very interesting visit at the Smithsonian Institu­

tion and at several other plac s. I visited the private

gallery of painting belong to Mr.Corcoran,the banker,whichis thrown A.

open to the public twice a week,either to encourage a taste for

such subjects among the people,or to display his wealth, no matter

which, it is a grand thing to clo.

It would take about four of the ordinary horses here to

equal old Tip and Fly! And the way their ribs project is wonder­

ful when we reflect upon the fertility of the soil,the favorable )C "p^ UjyWU

Two or three days was enough for Washington so on Thurs­ day evening I went to Philadelphia to visit the Academy of Natural

Sciences. Here again I was "at home". Dr Zantinger,Dr.teidy,Mr.

Conrad, Or .Wilson and oth*£r members treated me with much politeness and consideration.

Fridays their immense collections .are open to the public.

The Irsh Elk,Ichthyosaurus, Piesiosaurus &c. are among them almost entire ! Their library contains almost rverything that has been published on the subject of the natural sciences.

At 5/30 p.m. I left Efiiladeiphia and am now here. If it stops ruining I shall bis it some cousins I have across the river

(in Brooklyn) in course of the day.

At Washing I heard Prof. Guyot's first lecture at the

Smithsonian Institution. It was one of the series in the "Earth and Man," the one about the Races of Men,their perfect development in central Asia and their gradual degradation as they recede from that point &c.&c.

Kiss all our little folks for me. Good bye.

Yours ever,

Ann M. Lap ham. I. A. La pham.

Cambridgeport.near Bos ton,Feb.18th,1853.

My dear Wife,--

The next day after writing to you I spent in Nov/ York Hiy doing only those things that were necessary and omitting all calls of mere ceremony* by this moans I was able to leave in the Hudson -90S. 1853. river cars for Albany at five the same evening. We were all night

on the way though we should hatoe been there at half past ten.

The ice in trie river had lodged a few miles below Albany and dam-

-wued up the water so as to almost cover the road. One bridge was

so much damaged that the train could not cross it,so vre had to wait

for another and walk across on a temporary foot path.

The extra walking in New York and the night ride almost

used me up,for I was so lame in the back that I could hardly move.

I managed however to get to a cab and to drive out to Prof»4*&4$-u. \P**LA

Hall's. He was in the midst of fossils preparing the 3rd vol.of

Pal. of w.Y. Mrs .hall came in and occupied herself in pre­

paring the illustrations.

He has already done something in a work like m«ne and

very readily consented to join me in the proposed work upon equal

terms, the details to be arranged on my retutn. This iswhat I have

wanted and hoped for,but feared I could not obtain.

This matter being settled and a nice dinner devoured at

Mr.L.^hapin's I l«ft Albany at ^> 1/2 p.m. on Wednesday on my way

here,but of course I could not pass Worcester without stopping.

Most of the day Thursday v/as spent with Mr.Haven. My memoir

had just been sent to the Smithsonian Institution for publication

accompanied by an elaborate report of the committee (probably Mr.

Haven's work)which will form an introduction to the memoir.

Prof.nenry told me tiiat its publication would cost £5,000!

In the evening I went to Boston. * , I found your lettCt

the first intelligence I have had from those most near and dear t

me for nearly four weeks and that was dated way back in January. -906- 1853. river cars for Albany at five trie same evening. We were all night

on the way though we should hatoe been there at half past ten.

The ice in the river had lodged a few miles below Albany and dam-

-vwed up the water so as to almost cover the road. One bridge was

so much damaged tiiat the train could not cross it,so we had to wait

for another and walk across on a temporary foot path.

The extra walk ng in New York and the night ride almost

used me up,for I was so lame in the back that I could hardly move.

I managed however to get to a cab and to drive out to Profv^^*** \p*sx>4

Hall's. He was in the midst of fossils preparing the 3rd vol.of

Pal.of W.Y. Mrs.hall came in and occupied herself in pre­

paring the illustrations.

He has already done something in a work like m«ne and

very readily consented to join me in the proposed work upon equal

terms, the details to bo arranged on my retutn. This iawhat I have

wanted and hoped for,out feared I could not obtain.

This matter being settled and a nice dinner devoured at

Mr.L.^hapin's I Iwfi Albany at d> l/2 p.m. on Wednesday on my way

here,but of course I could not pass Worcester without stopping.

Most of the day Thursday was spent with Mr.Haven. My memoir

had just been sent to the Smithsonian Institution for publication

accompanied by an elaborate report of the commit te (probably Mr.

Haven's workjwhich will form an introduction to the memoir.

Prof .Henry told me tiiat its publication would cost

£5-, 000!

In the evening I went to Boston. , I found your let-jet

the first intelligence I have had from those most near and dear t<

me for nearly four weeks and that was dated way back in January. - J6- 185:

I sww both your brothers. All are well

Friday I went to Cambridge,call ed on Drlfray,found I could obtain whatever I wanted from the library without trouble.

* yesterday was spent *-—— ry at my work and I hope to do all that is necessary for me to do here in from one to two weeks.

I am very pleasantly situated here,only one mile from the largest library in the United States,to which I have free acess and the privilege of taking out any book I wish !! |Jow different from anything that ire have at the west* "The library is for just such cases as yours," said Dr.Gray.

The Bible I found in my room this morning is exactly like yours (Oxford) except that it has not been so much used.

A fearful N.i5 .snowstorm, and a consultation is being heldo»- the subject of going to church.

Kiss all the little folks for me and accept for yourself all assurances of love and regard.

Yours truly,

Ann ./ft • La pham. I. A. La pham.

>•Cambr idgeport,

Near Boston,Feb.20, 1853

My dear Wife,--

Well ano tiier week has passed, but I have this time no hair­ breadths escapes or tales of travel to tell. The hours however have traveled rapidly, old time seems to have caught the railroad spirit of the age and to fly with more than his usual speed. I have the satisfaction of knowing that it has not been a week of idl-t- ness, a very large number of species have bean added to the "Amer­ ican palaeontology." I iiave seen and conversed with Dr.Gould .-967- 1853.

and many other naturalists here * have attended a meeting of tire

Nat.Kist.uoc/ af which Dr.Jackson presided* have arranged with Dr.

Warren to see his skeTrton of the great Mastodon, tomorrow at twelve

and have the privelege of bringing some ladies with me.

frjost of the week has been spent in this snug little room

driving the pen among the technicalities of fossil tertiary shells

as described by Conrad and others. My tin box is now so full that

it will hold no more and the remainder must be kept in a parcel by

themselves. About two hundred species more will complete the work

and then I shall turn my face homeward, so "look out for mel * * *

Good bye.

Yours every truly,

A nn '. T-ap ham. I •A < T,a pham.

Albany March 1st,1853

My dear Ann, --

Having an hour to spare enabled me to drop you a line.

* * * We left Boston at 8 A.M.yesterday and arrived here at 6 p.".

This morning I was cabbed out to Prof.Rail's and closeed the ar­

rangement with him in the manner represented in tire original draft

of a contract which I send you herein.

I sent home from Boston by express a box co ntaining "lo^,1

of fine things" for you and the children (not omitting Grandma)

and my trunk isready to burst with others. - - If my tin box of

palaeontology suggests the "essence pedlar" my trunk would convince

anyone that I was a Dry Goods pedlar ! Fortunately I do not nave

to> cross the line into Canada.

Your affectionate husband,

Ann .".Lapham. I.A.Lapham. 1 '' ' ' " • * * -908- r • ' 1853.

March 7. Cot home by way of hicago and Janesville forty two years old to day !

Milwaukee J March 9, 1853.

Theodore Sedgwick,

Prea't Ass'n for Exhibition of Industry of All Nations,

Dear Sir,—

It would afford me great pleasure to oe aa le to contribute something 'worthy of exhibition in your "Crystal Palace" as you propose,but J^annci spare the necessary funds. I will willingly de vote the time, however,should you need or desire my services in ob­ taining sections of our woods.

It would require two men with axes,X-Cut Saws and a team perhaps for several days to secure sections oi all the trees men­ tioned in trie following list. Sugar ana Rod Maple, Hickory,Pig Nut

Arbor Vita*,Black Walnut, Butternut, Tamarac, Poplar,White,Red,

Burr and Pin Oaks,Basswood,Slm»Slippery Elm,Beech,Cherry and

White and Black Ash.

Whatever funds you may appropriate ana send me for tie is purpose I will see honestly applied. Of course you will inform me as to the length of the section. It is quite probable that your collection may be sold at the close of the exhibition for ee ough to cover all costs.

If I send sections a foot cr more in Inngth they may each be divided so as to supply two or three museums or public institu- t i ens .

Specimens of our cream colored brick and of the clay from which they are made can doubtless be furnished free of expense to you. I nave published a fene 1 arge map oi this state snowing tc" • ,

, ..' . T^ ; -, -96 9- ' 1853. the rectangular method of making the public surveys Ac. Perhaps

Messrs.Sherman & Smith,engravers,may be induced to get up a fancy

copy for Exhibition should it be desirable.

I can also send a collection of dried plants in sheets

of paper and some minerals and fossils.

Absence from home prevented my answering your letter at

an earlier time. Yours truly,

I.A..Lao ham.

Milwaukeee March 13th,1853 ......

nr. P.R.Hoy, . Rac ine,Wis.

Dear Sir,--

I fear our Madison friends are too modest by half. I

have seen no notice of the organization of the Nat.Hist.Association

nor of any progress made in the Assembly with the bill for the

Geological survey.

The enclosed papers will perhaps be ai ough for a begin-

i ng. If you think of any other sections of importance,please add

them. There will be many regulations needed hereafter that are

not very essential at the beginning.

Emmons' new volume of Natural History of Nov; York is

out. Insects,the subject. Mr.Le Conte criticises it pretty se­

verely in trie last Silliman.

Yours truly,

I.A.Lapham.

Milwaukee March,20,1853. OoLSam'l Stoned- Dear brother,--

I received your line through J.H*laat evening. „e has -9!Z0- 1.853.

gone east as far as "ochester. * * *

I have written to my friend Mr. R.Buchanan for the loan

of a copy of "Conrad's Fossil Shells of the Tertiary Formation,"

this being tire only work remaining to be consulted in getting up my book on American Palaeontology. * * *

I have sold my two houses amd lot on Third street. I

mean the old homestead and the store occupied as my office &c. *

* * We all send love end regards.

"ery t ru 1 y yours ,

I. A.Lapham.

M i 1 wa uk e e A pr il 16 th, 1853 .

Dr. P.R.Hoy,—

Dear Sir,--

My.Ingham is very anxious to publish a corrected list

of animals and plants of Wisconsin* and as I have now got through

with my Palaeontology I propose to furnish it,but there is only a

short time left to do it in. I wish therefore you would send me a list of such as you may have observed at Racine in ad dition to

those formerly sent me. I 'will include them with credluto you

or, perhaps in the reptiles, you had better appear as the author of

the entire list. I have Baird and Girard's Serpents,but there

must bo more than six at Racine,which is all there credited to you.

Have had a pleasant tour amotag the naturalists at the

east ,Washimgton, Philadelphia, Bos ton«'S*S«% Hope to see you soon.

Trery truly yours,

I. A. Lap ham. _971- 1853.

Milwaukee May 6th,1853

Prof^Joseph Henry,

pear Sir,--

Since the receipt of your letter of March 26th, I have p

Societies,bearing on North American Antiquities.so far as I could do it hero and iiave sent it to Mr .Haven for additions. It will not occupy many pages in the Memoir. I have copied each title on a separate slip of paper so that they may be arranged chronologi*" cally or alphabetocally as may be thought best.

I have received information which leads me to believe that fossil bones o f extinct animals are frequently found by the miners in the red clay of the lead crevices in the western part of this state and adjoining portions of Illinpas. One person writes tiiat the crevices are covered with drift material thus showing a greater antiquity than has usually been assigned to these bones.

But in this I think he may be mistaken. We have a lacustrine formation which is posterior to the drift.

The bones found are said to belong to an irnals of various sizes"from tra t of a cat to that of -n elephant or mastodon." At one place near Fairplay some large bones,elephant or mastodon were found a number of years qg o and it is believed the remainder of the skeleton could be recovered at a small expense.

Now these bones are of thehighost interest in settling various questions in geology and zoology. When dug up by miners and thrown away they are irrecoverably lost and perhaps no others of the same kind may ever be found. In this respect they have a -972- ' 1853. far higher claim for preservation than ordinary specimens in Nat­ ural History,that are reproduced every year. When lost,they are lost forever.

There is also an extensive cave ne r Madison which has in not been fully explored and the earthy bottom of which we may ex- A pect to find bones of some interest.

A small sum judiciously expended,might secure many of these inter esting relics,and I suggest it may be a subject worthy of a few Smithsonian dollars. Yours truly,

I. A. Lap ham,

Milwaukee May 18th, 1853

Charles J.Sprague,

Bos ton,Mass.

Dear Sir,--

I send you by express (carria Ld)a box of plants, w ith some mineralsffossils Aa,.for the Boston Society of Natural History, and hope t ill prove interesting and valuable.

I send these partly as compensation for a set of their

Journals and Proceedings "h ich I hope you will think it right to send me. If the specimens now sent are not deemed worth as much as the books I will send more. * * * I shall -want a list (which may include birds,qua ruleds,shells &c.),of such as are particu­ larly desired by the Society. I have the current volume of the

Proceedings (from Jan.1st 1851 up to page 258) which need not therefore be sent me. *** *

Very truly yours,

IVA.Lap ham. -973- 1853. Westchester Pa.June 3rd,1853.

I.A.Lapham,Esq.

- dear Sir,--

Yours of the 27th ult.requesting a copy of the little

work entitled Agricultural Botany is just received, and a copy will

accompany this note by ma il. * * *

The manuscript for a new edition of my Flora Gestrica

is in the hand.s of the publishers. Of course it .

that is new to you and I only state it as an article of intelli­

gence. My chief object in getting out th is new edition of the

Flora was to arrange the plants in Natural Families. This in

all probability will bo my last attempt of the kind being now some

distance on the shadb side of three sc^ore and ten. But although

so well stricken in years I am happy to hear again from one to

whom I was often indebted in times past,for most beautiful speci­ mens of western plants, an,. 1 beg you to believe that, so long as

I may be extant, I shall be gratified to hear from you when agree­

able to yourself. With great respect, dear Sir,

Your friend and servant,

Wm.Darlington.

Cambridge June 13th,1853.

I.A.La ham,Esq.

Dear Sir,--

Your lichens came safely andhave just been gone over.

There is nothing that I should not have been inclined to suspect would be found with you,though I need not say that the specimens arennot any the less valuable onfchat ace mint,since we want facts

in science,which these specimens afford. * * *

It has given mo a great deal of pleasure to receive the -974- 1853. first fruits of the Lichenographyof Wiseonsin. I shall hope to see the harvest by and byd. * * *

I hope you will find tie is season a favorable one for westfcin botany. It is glorious here at the east.

In great haste, truly yours,

Edward Tuckerman.

Milwaukee; June 27,1853.

J .B ,D .Brown, I ~), A,(5 <•&*- f6^rrj

Supt. U.S.Census,

Dear Sir,--

I have received your circular of the 20th inst.and send you a copy of the Transactions of the Wisconsin State Agricultu­ ral Society in which tpage 122) you will find avery general and brief notice of the geology of this state. The works here-to-fore published bearing on the subject are those of Owen's(1839--1849 &

1853) also several articles in Silliman's Journal &c. In "Laphan

Wisconsin (page 52 (a copy of which is also sent you) is another short notice of our Geology. Thits bock is now very much out of date but may be of use to you.

The Legislature of Wisconsin last -winter made a small appropriation for a Geological Survey in Mr.E.Daniells is now on A. that service in our lead mines. Ho will require several years to do the work but it is probable that annual reports will be . and published. -975- 1853.

The best method of promoting the cause of Geological

investigations is doubtless for Congress to grant a quantity of land in each state, the proceeds of which to be applied in payment

of the expense. The expense of the surveys and of the proper pub­ lication of the final reports is very considerable, and the new states being already highly taxed for necessary improvements can but poorly bear it. The public lands are enhanced in value by Stuch

explorations, so that the General Government would soon be fully repaid for the appropriation of a few sections for this purpose.

I have investigated the geology of this state consider­ ably and could furnish a large amount of useful matter, had I lei­ sure to a~v*ange my notes for that purpose. Some of my results are published in Owen's recent report, a; you will see on pages 448,

452, 454, &c, &c. Also in Foster & Whitney's Part 2 page 167.

I am preparing an elaborate worx on the native , natural­

ized and cultivated grasses of Wisconsin (including ceralia 4s*. ) for the State agricultural society, ar anxious to include such statistics bea-'ing on the subject as were collected by tire U. 3.

Census. How can I obtain a copy?

Yery truly yours,

1. A. Lapham'.

July 26. Left Milwaukee at 9 A. M. per steamooat Arctic for

Cleveland to meet tJ • American Association for Advancement of

Science. By Southern R. R. via Toledo, Norwale,, Monroeville to

Cleveland, 356 miles. -976- 1853.

A jrican House, Cleveland, 0.

July 23, 185: .

Dear Ann--

After finishing my toilet, 1 s it down to enjoy a long

talk with you, so far as a talk all one side can be enjoyed. I was put down at the door of this hotel at 8 last evening having

left Chicago at 6 in the morning, a pretty good day's work. My

breakfast and dinner stations (Chiago and Toledo) were 243 miles

apartl

Col. Sans'l Stone showed me around Chicago? Dr. Johnson's microscope (made at Waukegan)} top of the Tremont? the new swing

bridge? the artesian well (300 ft. deep) ccc,

A number of Milwaukee folks were on the Arctic, bu t as

1 $>\a,icL all night in Chicago, I missed them the rest of the way,

so I was a' one among the passengers all day yesterday.

Pro ;V^ 3r i r. is here? Dr. Kirtland got home safely with­ out getting sick as he apprehended when at our house. Agassiz will not be here, on account of ill health.

I hope you had a nice time today with your school picnic

1 and that all will pass off pleasantl '' as you have planned. *-I ce expect to hear ProfoP^Pierce open the session with an account of the recent advances made in human knowledge, at 2 o'clcock this after­ noon. Many of the members are here and among them Dr. Riddel1 of

New Orleans, an old friend, you will perhaps remember him as the one whom I corresponded with on the subject of the death of Dr.

Marsh. I shall see him today.

Very affectionately yours,

Ann Id. Lapham. I. A. Lapham. -977- 1853.

CIev el and, 0 ., Jul y 31, 1853 .

My dea" Ann--

As the postoffice is not to be opened until 12

o' clekj^today, 1 cannot get the letter from you that I presume is

there until that time, and a long time it will seem for it is now

but a little past 8. * A large number of the members of the convention are here and having a good time generally. Last evening

they had a general meeting in this, the American house, for the

purposes of conversaaion. *•*.. A very pleasant gathering.

Friday evening Dr. Kirtland took Dr. Leidy, the distinguished an-

atomist and paleontologist of Philadelphia, and me out to his (5 miles) where we spent the evening and next morning hours in agree­ able chat with himself and family. The members have plenty

to get through with reading papers, renewing old acquaintances,

"arguing points" in science, exhibiting specimens, instruments, cc C • , rmn > ' _,

Mr. Hall says he has made but little progress **in in our

joint work on N. Am. Palaeontology, as he has been absent much of the summer. I presume he will take up the work upon his return and complete it in the course of the fall ana -winter. *

, I would like to shew the children this beautiful city, full of fine houses surrounded by beautiful yards with trees, flow-

Qjd% -v ers, gravel walks, grass pjats, ~jjg&m***&£~ But these fine yards A

appsar to be but little enjoyed by the occupants of fine houses?

1 have but seldom seen any members of the family occupying the yards. ' Our little yard in which the boys draw their carts

and play on their mock fire engines afdor*ds a much larger amount of real comfort both to children and their parents than all these fine yards put t< srJ They are very pretty however, and. I n»"

-978- 1853. should like to own one of them. * * * Nov/ good aye.

Your affectionate husband,

Ann M. Lupham. I. A. Lapham.

KJL—Item—ia__M4iwa-'*t'ree-r-

Sopt. 6. Smarted for Chicago and „Tew York.

New York City, Sunday evening, Oct. 2, 3 853.

My dear Wife-

It may interest to know that I am now at Room 91

Wychoff's hotel waiting for the tea gong to soundi * * *

Well, old Time has moved forward one brief hour and what c es nave taken . 0] Sol has disappeared and I am compelled to use of a camphene substitute. I have had my supper and deposited a letter to William in trie Pc dee. To do this a walk of half a mile thro-' ;re t city was necessary.

route was up Warren street to Broadway, parsing er of piles of brick where new buildings are about to be erected in place of old ones already torn down. One of there new buildings I ob­ serve commences at the the third story below the pavement and will probably be five or seven stories abpveJ We enter Broadway opposite the Park and what is that bright light on the City Hall?

'Tis a clock illuminated within so as to show the hands and the hours in a most beautiful meaner, ten minutes before six. No om­ nibuses on Broadway because it is Sunday. But now and . a car­ riage goes rattling along, making noise enough for a dozen. The sidewalks are full of people passing and repassing, but they are not crowded. I turn down Liberty street, not a soul in it. Though p*.?

_Q7Q. 1853.

Byroadway is so thronged the other streets are as lonely and vacant as a country village street. Returning up Broadway I foun

throng had increased so that -it was difficult to thread my way

• almost compact mass of humanity. Passin t i Astor, we dro'p in, perhaps some friend o\' acquaintance may be ti ire. The

rooms, hallf^saloon, *ftb. all thronged with gentle".en of all sorts

and size's, all ages and complexions and probably from every state

in the Union, some sitting, some standing, some collected in

groups in casual or earnest conversation,, others loungi oefore a newspaper, others still enagaged in writing letters apparently as unconscious of the throng about them as if they were in the mid­ dle of Sahara. Among them all, I recognize none? and past out to

join the passing throng on Broadway. Here is the corner supported by beautiful marble^ columns, it is Wa'-ren street and I am glad to get out of the. current and breathe more freely as 1 pass down to the hotel selected for my temporary residence.

1 saw the Crystal Palace yesterday morning and again

in the evening? was of course pleased with everything, but had time to comprehend nothing! A glance however will enable me here­ after the oe . t er to understand and appreciate the description to be given in the illustrated catalogue. * * *

Tomorrow I intend to call on Dr. Torrey, a botanical friend with whom 1 have held much pleasant correspondence, but whom I have never seen? besides some other persons I want to see. s ;df^' i J:^W'^' Shall visit also the A'stor library -JAAJT Mdke-^.^ The maps are so nearly ready that 1 shall be able to bring some of them home with me. * * * Yours affectionately, Ann M. Lapham. I. A. Lapham. -980- 1853.

ibridge, Mass., Nov. 30, 1853.

1. A. Lapham,

My dear Sir--

***** j viac| always supposed that the zeal and success with -which you have cultivated the geology of the state woulr- be appreciated by your fellow citizens a that your geological survey would be placed in you. Jwn^.T, I should very much like to know who the Mr. 6. is, who has received A tine appointment . * * *

Plea e remember me very kindly to Mr^fc, Lapham. 1 remain very truly,

Your friend,

1. A. Lapham. J. D, Whitney.

Cambridge, Mass., Nov. 30, 1853 .

Dea • Sir--

* * * We cheerfully acknowledge the obligations we were under to you in reference to the Geology of Wi-cone in and we. have given you credit for all materials used. * * * We ^tand ready at all times to bear testimony t- ' value o:' your labors in devel- . oping the Geolcgy of Wisconsin? ano we very much regret that you were not the individual designated to make the Geological Survey of that srtate.

W e are very sin; erely yours,

J. W. Foster,

1. A. Lapham, Est;., J. D. Whitney,

Milwaukee, Wis. U. 3. Geologists. W '

-981- 1 553.

3 f. Louis, Dec. 2, 1853.

1. A, La ..• m, Esq . ,

My Dear Sir--I was much pleased to henr from you again after so long a time. * * *

I thought of yon Jast summer when for the first time since I have heard of the polarity of the Silphium laciniatum, 1 found about twenty stalks of this plant, and, sure enough, there was this so-called polarity, but more fully ana singularly devel­ oped than I had eve-" heard of it before. * * * Have you found- anything more particular about this plant? * * *

V s r y trul y your s,

Geo. Enge1mann.

Milwaukee, Dec . 2o, 1853 P"•orjrlc n as. Agassi:-., Dear Sir*

On receiving your sircular 1 set about Milwaukee collecting the fishes oh iver, a large tributary of Lake

Michigan at this place, and al ..1 was not vera successful, 1 now send you the results by express, charges pa i< . You will probably find about eighteen or twenty species.

•I have been endeavoring to form a catalogue oe' trie Nat­ ural Hiotory oil Wisconsin, ,and would; like your aid, so far at least as to send me a correct list of the fishes new sent, having refer­ ence to the numbers on each. I m I ' irewith a list of the fishes of the Northwestern states, on which please note sucli as you oave received from this state embracing Lakes Michigan and Superior a. add any others. -982- 1853.

I duoolnot send you the i^aev^ap trout^whitef ish, -e**,, as you probably know all about them. A large quantity of whitefish are caught here, only a few at places further south, but as we go north Ozaukee, Sheboyganf Manitowoc $ssz , afford great numbers. In

1851 Ozaukee, Sheboygan and ^anifowoc caught 3,584 barrels.

* * * No. 16, Minnow alburnus, caught in immense quantities and boiled for oil. Some eat themi They are sold at 10 to 12 1/2 eients a pailful. They swim in great hordes, filling water a little belo-w the surface. Are they the young of some larger species? ***

The above av*e the names given me by persons here who professed to know all about f i he..; I * * * Shoul^L there be a r- ticular fish or subject in regard to our fish about which you wise further information, please inform me, an. I will try to aid you.

A friend in Illinois once had the skin of a very large fish, probably the alligator gar, caught in Illinois river, near

Peoria. He paid $25 for it and sold it to a French naturalist for

$100. Should this interest you 1 can obtain some more information about the odd fish. * * *

The Milwaukee river from which these fish were taken is

200 to 300 feet wide, 6 to 20 feet deep, is connected with the lake and on a level with it for 3 miles, tdfea dam where the fish a *e stopped in their progress up the river. In some parts of its course it is bordered by large marshes. The current is always gentle, often up- : d. £ Wjden the lake is rising rapidly from strong easterly winds). Water usually nea *ly clea-*, but of rk color, which I suppose to arise from the roots of tamarack or ce­ dar swamps • The deposit from boiling the water in a steady boiler was analyzed by Pro. vv/r. K. Alexander-, which resulted as followe-- rs 3

-9! 1853.

Carbonate of lime 75.00

Carbonate of magnesia 12.70

Phosphate of alumina 3.06

Silicic acid 0.75

aosia 2.00

Manganese 0.80

Iron 0.63

Organic matter 6.00

Total 101/64.

Does this large amount of organic matter supply food for fish &c?

The following table snows all 1 know of the ere of Hie water. The observations were nde once a week on the water near the surface an not Par from the shore, but where there is

orally some current. * * *

• river here rises and falls* only with the rise and fall of the lake, say 1 to 2 ft. annually, the extremes being not over five feet in seventeen years. * * *

Yours truly,

1. A. Lapham.

• 0-0-0-0-0- *•"""?

C&xMZt. da: /t*V

_9S4- 1854.

1. A Lpaham,Esq.

' Dear Sir,--

I have just received your letter and the tub of fishes.

They are remarkably 'well preserved and I am greatly indebted to you

for the specimens as well as for the information contained in your

letter.* * * *

I would like very well a moderate sized trout and some

specimens of white fish, mine from Lake Superior are in bad con­

dition. * * *

Yours very truly,

in great haste,

Cambridge Jan#22,1854. L.Agassiz.

From The Ohio Cultivator, Feb* 1st,1854. —-» "Died at his residence near Mt.Tabor Champaign Co.,fchio

on the 30th of December,1853 of Typhoid fever Seneca Lapham in the

seventieth year of his age.

Mr.Lapham came to this state from Western New York in

1825, and after a number oi years of dear bought experience,finding

that work on the canals -was not lucrative employment, turned his at­

tention in 1830 to farming. Since that time he has been an active

and zealous friend of agricultural improvement,devoting a consid­

erable portion of his time and energy to experiments to determine

the practical value of such innovations upon the old established t* ***. customs of farmers as science suggests. Many were the sneers he at first encountered when the virtues of plaster,4»SB*were entirely un­

known in his neighborhood. Many persons are now profiting by the

improvements brought to their notice by Mr.Lap ham. He once sowed

across e row in a doubting neighbor's corn field in the night,not *s

-985- 1854. tuOres " like the enemy in the parable,but plaster, causing a row of unusual luxuriance which attracted the attention and excited the curiosity of the neighbors until,at the close of the season the secret leaked out, making many believers in improved farming.

The difficulty of oblfcining help on the farm soon led him to devise ways and means of doing as -much of the work as possible without hired hands. Feeling every day the necessity of labor-sav­ ing machinery and uniting in himself a scientific and practical k knowledge of Agriculture and mechanics, he appeared to have been peculiarly fitted for inventing and improving agricultural imple/ ments. Almost every thing used on ths farm shows the mark of his peculiar genius.

He wasccut down by the great destroyer in the midst of his work,though he had filled the measure of his three score years and ten."

State Agricultural Rooms,

Madison Jany 6th, 1854

My dear Sir,-

* * * By express this morning I received your paper on grasses. From the limited examination I have given it, I think it the best and greatest work ever brought out by any Agricultural

Society in the Union and I might say in the world, for neither the

Royal Society of England nor the Highland Society of Scotland have ever attempted anything like it. Of course any attempt to conceal from the committee its author will be useless. * * *

Yours truly,

1.A.Lapham. Albert C.Ingham,

Sec'y Agr. Soc. li

-986- 1854.

Mt. Tabor Ohio Jan'y 7th, 1854.

Editor of the Ohio Cultivator,—

There is an outlayer of Black Shale resting upon the Gor-

niforous limestone in the northern part of Champaign county and the

adjacent portions of Logan. On some of the highest submits are

indications of the Waverly sandstone having formerly existed above

the shale. In this shale are occasionally found small spots of cap

bonaceous matter (probably the remains of fossil fish) which have

induced a search for coal,and the expenditure of hundreds of dollar

at a place where the slightest knowledge of geology would enable

any one to decide tiiat no workable bed o_f_co ai_ c ould be found.

Such instances of waste and folly are too common in bur

country,and if all the money thus wasted could be collected togeth­

er, it would soon, amount to enough to pay for the proposed Geolog­

ical Survey of the State,

I.A.L.

Milwaukee -^eb. 10th, 1854. . .

Dear Sir,—

I now send you a box containing 300 species of plants,

prepalC-Avin the same manner as those formerly sent.

Many of these fall into the same colored sheets and th©

whole must be re-arranged. This I will do when I visit Madison

or it may be dene with but little trouble by your librarian.

The number former1y sent was 500

Now sent 300

800. * * *

Most of these now sent are natives of Wisconsin and I would like to be informed whether the University would prefer to r 3 7

,7- 1854.

close the arrangement now,or shall I at some future time send the

remainder of the Wisconsin species,so that you will have a complete

collection of Wisconsin plants ? * * *

Yours truly,

Hon.John H.Lathrop, I.A.Lapham.

Chancellor Univ.vof Wis.

Detroit Feb.llyh,1854.

My dear Sir,—

Owing to my duties at Ann Arbor I have only just received

your letter or I should have answered you immediately. I am sin­

cerely glad that you are so well employed.

Wisconsin is going far ahead of all' other Western states

in scientific tendencies. ,

I have placed your letter in the hands of the secretary

of the Agricultural Society with a strong recommendation that he

should act upon it. * * * I will publish as soon as possible

the list of grasses with which you have favored me in order to call

attention to the importance of the subject. * * *

I am,witn much re psct,

I.A.Lapham. Yory truly yours,

C iar es Fo .

MadisOn March 1854.

My dear Sir,

Yours of the 8th came to iid last evening. *//'* *

The committee on essays have not yi t reported. The chaiirman,'• Prof. J.H.Lathrop at once guessed the a-, trior of the paper on trasses but not much to my surprise . Yours truly, I.A.Lapham. A.C.Ingham• rar

_98i - 1854.

New York March 7,1 854 ...... °.,

I,A.Lap hant,

Milwaukee Wis.

Dear Sir,--

The cut in the "Record" about which you ask * * * * was from a picture by Eastman which was first engraved in Schoolcraft's work on the Indians, to which we should properly have accredited it

We shall be happy to accomodate you with our cut for your article on "Grasses of Wisconsin." * * * *

Your obt.servt.

G.P.Putnam & Co. pr. J.Kirkland.

West Chster Penn April 6,1854.

I.A.Lapham Esq.

Dear Sir,--

At the request of the State Historical Society of Wiscona.

I rec%ifl*-tly made up a little parc'el of the publications in which I have been concerned,and I took the liberty to put into the parcel for you a copy of Dr.Torrey's description of the Darlingtonia Cal) iforniiUt with a print of the same and also a lithographic portrait og myself. As it is rather doubtful whether we shall ever have a personal interview I thought you might possibly be amused with what is said to be a faithful likeness. At any rate you will please accept the two articles thus sent as a token of my grate­ ful recollection of your kindness in sending specimens of the pJUuaf. plants of your region some years back.

Very respectfully and truly,

Wm Darlington r~?

-989- 1854

Milwaukee April IOth.,1854.

Edwin F.Johnson,

Middletown Comn.

Dear Sir,—

I have had the pleasure of receiving your favor of the

6th of March and the book on the proposed Pacific Railroad, and

regret very much that other pressing engagements prevent my send­ ing in detail,agreeably to your request,t«ty views and the results of my investigations bearing more or less on the same subject.

I can find nothing in your general conclusions that does not appear to be fully supported by the facts cited. We are all apt to think of the northern route across the Rocky Mountains as we would of one in the same latitude on the eastern portion of the continent, it is so difficult to realize the great difference of slimate between the two sides of the continent that the mind nat9 urally forms unfavorable impressions of this route. A little re­ flection will show that the western portion of this rute must be compared with one in the same latitude in Europe,rather than in

Canada/ and then the accumulation of snow &c. will vanish at once.

The mean winter* temperature of Paris,France,whivh is very near the parallel of 49© N latitude is 37°.8,corresponding very nearly with our winters in Virginia instead «3)f northern Canadai

Could the peopse make full allowance for this difference the north­ ern route w

Yours truly,

I. A. Lapham. 17°*-

t

•tAs—>

\sQ l^ui^m^Jb 7<^Le^_ tZisU? tr^uCA^x^ *>^^b- UJJ^X^ 6-ce.x^.

l^-7>~iJLc) UJ- <^^tr^ l>~t- u->-<^^-* (far ^W-Z-^^fo c*-^-*

L^^^c-^t y^^^ H^ScUudr <£rrll^> y *- O^W., X

-990- 1854.

West Point New York April Io,'54

I.A,La pham,Esq/.

Dear Sir,--

I have received this day the volume of Trans.of Wis.

Agr.Soc. Please accept my thanks for it.

I have looked over the volume with much interest,par­ ticularly the part contributed by yourself. You were one of the first scientific pioneers in Wisconsin and I hope you have been re­ warded by seeing your labors duly appreciated and that you now have persons to sympathize with the pursuits which at one time must havr appeared very useless to those around you. * * *

I hope you will turn your attention to the cryptogamia of your region for there you will find a rich and unexplored field.

Believe me,very respectfully,

I,A,Lapham. Yours

J.W.Bailey.

•ietta 0.11th April 1854. j?Vt • Lap ham, Esq ,

De r Sir,--

Your kind remembrance of an old fr^iend in sending the ^y ^J Wis.Afr.Soc.Tran8.was very gr (able to my feelings and revived afresh, the remembrance of our form**" intercourse in years long sine passed away. Those were days of feeling and friendship and are jitill very dear to me.

I aram-happy to see that you are still a laborer in the fields of science. * * * It is anExhaustible subject. I have done but little in that way of late,but have been engaged in writ­ ing the early history of this pert of Ohio anf its first inhabitant

* * * But my days and labors on earth are nearly finished as

I have lived the alotted life of man. I shall always be gratiti* ed in hearing from you. Very truly yours, &.Pt J^cld^d

_991_ 1854.

/flay 15. Left home on the Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad at

4 3/4 p.m. for Madison. Powers Mills, 5 h.20 m. Saw men commenc­

ing to lay the track on the Watertown R.R. and as the grading is

far advanced this road will soon be done. Perhaps it will be the

2nd Wis.R.R. Waukesha 20 miles at 5 h.--43' * * * Milton 62 m at

7 h.--37'

^fry 16 a^^^igpn. Meteor Bee*,tor H.A.T e ney N.67\l/2° W.

May 19 LeftVladison on the constriictio

Stoughton,thenceXby regular train.

M i1wauk 0 e June 27th,1854.

Dr. J.Lawrence Smith,

Louisville Ky.

Dear Sir,--

On the evening of May 5th last a ball of fire was seen

falling from a great elevation over the S.E.part of Minnesota.

When it entered the atmosphere it e xploded several

times with a loud noise,leaving each time a bright white dense

cl oud that remained visible for seme time. The track of the me­

teor was marked by a line of the same. I have undertaken to col­

lect all the facts of the case. * * *and am nowreceiving many in­

teresting accounts of tho phenonena as seen from different points.

These will probably enable me to ascertain approximately its po­

sition, elevation &c.

As you have made these meteors an object of study, I

write to ask your advice as to what further investigations snould

be instituted that would be likely to lead to important results.

Is it at all probable that it was a mass of iron,falling

from the moon or from any other body ? r«/'

-992- 1854.

Any suggest ions th- t you may make to aid me in the mat-

tor will be thankful1 iceived.

Very truly yours,

I.A.Lapham.

( Union College Aug.25th,1854.

I.A.La pham,Es q.

Milwaukee.W is.

Dear Sir,—

It gives me pleasure to acknowledge the receipt from you of the Trans .Wis.St.Agr.Soc.v*]., 8, 1852. This work is a credit to your young and thriving state and should shame some of her

lder sisters who are dding so little for Agriculture and Sci- once. I am particularly gratified with your substantial contri­ bution to the work. * * *

Yours with respect,

Jonathan Pearson.

I.A.La pham Esq.

Dear Sir,--

Your letter of July 13th was duly received with the bo- which you therein referred to. I am obliged to you for your po-

1 iteness and snail find your list of plants very useful to me as a record of the floral treasures of your .locality. * * *

The specime;a s of Wisconsin plants you sent before were so admirably prepared that I have several times since longed to ask you for mo r e. Th e y hev; e served me in different ways. Those new to our own collection •e carefully transferred to their proper folios, the others have'been sent het*e and there in exchange form- -993-' . 1854.

ing the very best part of my package.

I have found no others except Mr.Oakes' and those which

I have myself made at all equal to yours. Nov/ if you can send me another package like the last it will be highly useful to me. Of course I should like the rarer species,but we can use them so ad­ vantageously in exchange I am not so particular about this. * *

Yours truly,

Chas.Jas.Sprague

Madison Dec.6th,1354.

I.A.Lapham,Esq.

My dear Sir,--

* * * Dr.Percival who is here expresses a desire to make your acquaintance.

I think he must know something of geology but what a timid retired old bachelor he is \

Yours very truly,

Lyman C.Draper.

Boston Dec.7th,1854,

I.A.Lapham,

My Dear Sir,--

I have received the box ofplants in excellent order and have to thank you sincerely for them,not only for the specimens themselves but for the heartiness with which my request was granted

I can honestly say I have never seen better,ampler or more charac­ teristic specimens than those you make. * * *

I am glad to learn that your memoir on grasses will soon appear. I do not know of any illustrated work which in a small rv3

wg< 1854. compass affords such information on the order of graminae and cy- peracae as would be very useful to American students.* * *

If I can repay your good will by any services here in my ability, I shall lee glad to do so.

Yours truly,

Chas. Jas •Spr'ague.

Boston.

Milwaukeee Dec.3,1854

Dr. J.C.Warden,

Dear Sir,—

A fragment,cons is ting of the right branch of the lower

jaw of the "Mastodon gigantens" was found recently at Terra Coupee

in Michigan and is now in my possession.

Upon comparing the three teeth in this specimen with your description (p 68) I find much to my surprise that the first (an-

terior^v3 ridges) one agrees with your fifth, the next (4 ridges) with your sixth,and last,thus showing that this animal,occasionally attained to the seventh tooth. This agreement is so perfect that I do not see how there can be any mistake but I propose to submit the matter to you for an opinion.

The seventh tooth inclines inwards and its direction is also inwards while the others are outward,forming a sort of spiral line for the general course of the teeth. The anterior part if

the tooth is broadest and much the highest, it has four ridges or

transverse rows of cusps, the lastbeing partly concealed under the A bone.

Very respectfully, I. A. La pham. -995- 1854.

THE GRASSES OF WISCONSIN

And The Adjacent States Of Iowa,111inois,Indiana,Ohio and

Michigan,The Territory of Minnesota and The

Regions About Lake Superior.

By I. A. Lapham.

-0-0-0-

( Written in 1853,published in 1854).

The word grass conveys two very distinct and different ideas, and when used should be explained in such manner as to leave no doubt in the mind of the reader as to which is intended. In common usage the word includes herbage or plants which constitute the food of cattle and other oeasts,without regard to any particular" species or family of the vegetable kingdom. This is obviously very indefinite and would include (Besides the true grasses)the branches of trees and a host of nutritiousplants, as well as clover and lu­ cerne. A much more precise definition is given to the word g*#ass

(Gramineae) in botany where it includes only such plants as pos­ sess certain characters in conimon consittuting a natural group or family. In this sense it included corn,wheat,oats,rice,the cane

&c. while it excludes clover and many other plants usually called grass but which belong to very different groups of families. It is in w-i-fch the latter sense or meaning of the word that it is used and must be understood in the following pages.

In attempting to make up a list of the native and natu­ ralized grasses of Wisconsin,we are embarassed by the paucity of ob servers. There are but few botanists in our new state and only a very small portion of its surface has been explored by persons qualified to discriminate the different species that may fall in their way.

— -996- 1854.

Doubtless there are many grasses growing within our 1 im- its,not yet detected,especially in the northern and central couH*ie ties. I have not hesitated therefore to include those species of grass that have been observed in the adjacent counfy>many of which will perhaps be hereafter found in Wisconsin.

For the grasses of Ohio,bos ides my own observations in that state I am indebted to the catalogues and communicat ions of

Dr. J.L.Riddell, Mr. Wm S. Sullivant, Mr.Joseph Clark and the late

Mr. T.C.Lea. For those of Michigan,the catalogue of Mr.John

Wright/accompanying the Geological Report of Dr.Houghton for 1839 is the only published resource. To Mr. Dennis Cooley of Washing­ ton,Macomb Co. my thanks are specially

The plants about the shores of Lake Superior have been in vestigated and partially catalogued by W.A.Burt, W. D. Whitney and

Prof. L.Aggssiz.

Those of Iowa,Minnesota and the north-western part of

Wisconsin are enumerated by Dr. C.C.Parry in the late report of Dr.

Owen on the Geology of the same district.

From Illinois I have received a very complete suit of specimens collected by Dr. S.B.Mead of Augusta in Hancock county,

A few specimens are added on the authority of Dr.C.W.Short of KeH-au ticky.and of the y'each botanist Michaux,who visited the southern portion of that state and described its flora as early as 1794.

Within the limits thus indicated there have been detected one hundred and forty nine species including several only known in cultivation. Their names,general character,time of flowering,&c. will be seen in the following table (Trans.Wis.Agr.Soc.vol' 3,p.397) .gg-7- 1854.

As a correct knowledge of the different species of grass

is important,not only to the farmer but to many other classes of

our citizens,I have deemed it proper to give so much of a botani­

cal character of each species as is necessary to distinguish them

one from another. In this part of the work I am especially in­

debted to the valuable Manual of the Botany of the Northern States

by Dr.Asa pray,who kindly allowed me to make free use of the very

accurate descriptions of that work.

Such is the minuteness and apparent obscurity of the

several parts or organs from which the distinctive characters are

mainly drawn, that the study of the Gramineae is one of the most

difficult in the whole science of botany,especially to those who

are only beginning that fascinating study. But with the aid of a

conimon magnifying glass and a careful dissection of the flowers,

taken at the right season of the year,any one may be able to decide

upon the name of the conimon species of grass with considerable cer­

tainty. This being done,reference can at once be had to whatever

has been written in regard to them in works on Agricultural or bo)

tanical subjects.

The technical! terms employed in describing the grasses

as well as other objects in natural science,are mostly included

in the later editions of Webster's American Dictionary, so that

the obstacles to the study of nature ,arising from the necessary

use of these exact terms are in great degree obviated. x, The wfld grasses growing in this state were found by the

experience of the early settlers well adapted to the support of

cattle, and even to yield the best of beef,butter and cheese.

This is attributable not to any one plant,but to a number of plants and among them several leguminous and cyperaceous species as well a as true grasses. -9 98- 1854.

This natural combination of grasses suggests the propri­ ety of the culture of a number of species in our artificial pas­

tures and meadows. It is well known that grasses vary very much

in their value, some being best suited for hay,others for pasture, some for their early growth in the spring,others for their dura­

tion or continuing to yield a source of animal food late in the season. A judicious combination of different species,having ref­ erence to their qualities and to the purposes of the cultivator is doubtless far better than to rely entirely upon one or two species.

Sinclair * informs us that twenty two different species were found on a siggle square foot of a rich ancient pasture

in England. The superiority of such pastures arises from the variety of different habits and properties which exist in a numer­ ous combination of different grasses. From the beginning of

Spring till winter there is no month that is not the peculiar seas­ on in v/hich one or more grasses attain to the greatest degree of perfection.

Ipence the comparatively never-failing supply of nutritive herbage obtained from natural pastures.which it is vain to look for in those artificially formed with one or two grasses only.

A large number of the wild grasses herein described, though, not noted as of any value to the agriculturalist,are yet valuable in their way,inasmuch as they help to make up the great mass of vegetable covering spread over the surface of the earth.

They are all necessary in the great purposes of nature. * * *

Hortus Graminens Woburnenais p.235. I am indebted to Dr.

Benj . die dickar of Milwaukee for the use of this rare and valuable work. -999- 1854.

It will be observed that a full list of synoma,or the different names by which each species pf grass is,or has been, known and described is included. This will prevent much confu­ sion that might otherwise occur,and as has often been the case heretofore. If a writer speaks of Kerdsgrass,for instance,we must inquire whether he writes from Pennsylvania or New York, if the former he means Agrostis yjulgaris or red-top, if from the latter state,he is to be understood as speaking of Phieuro prateftse or tim- thy I So among botanists,new names have been, occasionally given to grasses that have been previously described and named. In such cases the original name is to be restored and the new one is thrown among the synonoms. It is. therefore important to give all these different names by v/hich the same grass is known.

presides the peculiarities pointed out by botanists,by which grasses are distinguished from other plants,there are oth­ ers detected by chemistry. Silica,the element of sand and flint is found to exist in the coating of the Culnus and in small masses or concretions in some woody species. The chaff appears to be most abundantly supplied with the earthy element,and its presence in all species of the grass family heretofore analyzed shows the necessity of supplying silica to the soil where it is de­ ficient and where grasses and grains are to be cultivated with profit and success. * * *

The proportion of grasses as compared with the whole num­ ber of species of flowering plants varies with the latitude,eleva­ tion,degree of moisture in the air,and other conditions affecting climate and the geographical distribution of plants. In W iscon- sin the proportion is about one-thirteenth, and this is the frac-

In general the relative number of grasses diminishes as we approach the equator, but this rule appears to be reversed on on our sea coast,for at Wilmington, N.C.the proportion is increased to one-tenth ** And in the vicinity of Sautee canal in S.Carolina the proportion is still further increased to one-ninth ##.

The culture of the gramineae may be regarded as giving origin to four different and distinct kinds of husbandry.

1 The culture of the grasses proper,for the purpose of sup­

plying (Eood for stock.

2 The culture of the grain bearing grasses,mostly for

bread.

3 The culture of the aquatic grass, rice (Oryza sativa \xsxxk

on which qa very large proportion of the human family are

fed.

4 The culture of sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum,Linn.)

for the sake of the juice.

It is only with the first two that we have any concern as cultivators in this climate, rice and the cane requiring a greater animal temperature than is here found.

"whether the culture of grass and the rearing of stock, or the culture of grains is the most important and will yield the

* Humboldts Views of Nature p.28 .

# Torrey, Hat.Hist.of New York^otany vol 1,P.7

% Oakes in Thompson's Vermont.

* * Catalogue of Rev.M.A.Curtis.Boston,Jour.Nat.Hist.Vol.1 p. 32. ## According to the enumeration of Prof.h.W.Ravenal Proc. Am.Ass.1850 p.2. *AV 1854.

greatest return for the capital and labor employed at any given

locality is quite an important enquiry. Usually upon the first

settlement of a country or the first emergence of a people from a

barbarous state,the culture of grains predominates, the cattle

being allowed to shift for themselves and rely upon the natural

grasses and herbage. The culture of grasses as food for stock is

therefore an indication of a more advanced state of agricultural

art.

Usually in this,country the two kinds are combined in the

same townships or even on the same farms,but there is a decided

tendency towards the increase of the first at the expense of the

second kind of husbandry. Doubtless this mixed culture lis best

for western farmers,but yet there must be a certain relative pro­

portion that one should bear to the other,and it should be our aim

to ascertain what this proportion is and to conform to it as much

as circumstances will allow. The question resolves itself into

this,whether the production of"grain or of meat is the most prof- i table?

In Holland, almost the entire surface is devoted to pas­

ture and hay,and in that country this peculiar kind of agriculture

is carried to the greatest degree of perfection. It is a signifi- c ant fact that landed property is there of greater value and com­

mands a higher annual rent than in any other country. * x x x

In our own country it is stated that in Seneca county

New York the proportion of cultivated lands devoted to grass,has

gradually increased from one-eighth to one third# and according to

a very recent report it appeal's that in Ohio the whole number of

acres cultivated is 11,437,892,of which there is in grass 3,662,692

acres, or* nearly one third. ******

* Loudon--Enc. of Agriculture. # See the very valuable survey of that country by the late -TOSS*** % 1854.

If it should be well ascertained that land cultivated in

grass is A more productive and valuable in Wisconsin than when

cropped with grain,it may be that the partial failure of wheat a

few years since,by turning attention in this direction may,upon t«£

whole be a great benefit rather than an injury £o the state.

The culture of grass for pasture requires less manual labor and

less expensive machinery than that of grains, and there is more­

over less liability to failure of crops. Most of the diseases by

which grain is attacked,are in the heads and the weevil and other insects not only the culms and leaves but the grain itself. * * *

It is known that the cultivation of a constant success

sion of the same or similar crops,soon destroys the value of the

soil and renders it in a great degree unfit for future use. Some

of the older states are now suffering the evils resulting from

this injudicious practice. To prevent the bad consequences of

such a system it is necessary to restore constantly to the soil the

amount of food od plants annually abstracted.

This is usually done by the direct appli cation of such

food,in the form of manure,lime,plaster,bone-dust&c. b ut it is different kind of will,en a groat measure found that a certain succession of <*frops_/

prevent the exhaustion of the soil. In such a system each cul­

tivated field is allowed to lie a certain portion of time in grass

either for the purposes of meadow or pasture. * *

Loudon relates that the introdution into the island of

Jamaica,of a grass from Guinea (Panicum polygonatum),as food for birds has been the cause of the increase of horned cattle in that

island until it has a better supply,both for the butcher and the planter than almost any other country. Few markets in Europe fur­ nish beef of better quality and at a cheaper rate than is now done hjr the people of Jamaica. * * *

-o- -IO0§>- 1854.

NOTES OF THE WIND.

The general result from all the wind observations made

at Milwaukee by Dr. Wm P.Proudfit from 1837 to 1840, by Dr.E.S,

Marsh 1843- to 1848, by I.A.Lapham for 1841 and from 1849 to 1854, in when taken together is that the Spring and Summer,the excess of movement is from the eastward and in the Autumn and Winter from

the westward,and the question arises,whether this can be the ef­

fect of the water of Lake Michigan,which being warmer in the win­

ter than the adjacent land,-will cruse the 'winds to blow from the

land towards the lake,and being colder than the adjacent land in

the winter w ill cause the winds to blow from the lake towards

the land, thus producing 'what might properly be called a "land

breeze" and a "lake breeze."

It also results from these observations that the result-

and wind of

Spring is from N. 25* E

Summer 3. 40* E.

Autumn S. 87 1/2 oW.

Winter N. 81© W.

This shows a change of the direction of the wind from

left to right (with the hands of the clock) and contrary to the

changes of direction in the great storms or cyclones.

-o- rV

_in04- 1855.

Boston Jan'y 15th,1355

I.A.Lapham,

Dear Sir,-- The mastodon jaw you forwarded has reached me apparently

in good order and searns to me to agree with your description but

I have not yet had-^mie^mk opportunity to examine it. Your paper

was read before the Boston Natural History Society by the secreta­

ry and duly filed. * * * (See "Mastodon Gigantens" 2*d edition

page 201)

I remain very truly your friend and servant,

J.C.Warren.

'••ilwniikpp .Tnn'v PUth IftS'S - -

Lieut. M.F.Maury,

Dear Sir,—

I had the honor to receive a copy of your "Sailing Di­

rections" so kindly sent me for which my sincere thanks are due.

Should a new edition be published, I would be glad to

receive mother copy with improvements, for although as you sug­

gest I may be only an "inshore navigator" yet your work embraces

a vast amount of knowledge useful to others and in which I feel a

special interest.

The accompanying chart of the great atmospheric eddy

of the north AtIantic,may suggest to you some new thoughts and

subjects for investigation,on account of its resemblance to the

Gulf Stream, the principal difference being in the western ex­

tremity which is determinedfin the case of the eddy)by the Rocky

Mountains,while the current of course is deflected by the coast. r «/*•

-1005- 1854.

I have no doubt that in former geological epochs the current swept

over the same portion of the North American Continent that the

eddta now occupies.

But I will not now enter into any discussion of this sub­

ject, presuming that the same things may have already occurred to

you, and that I may be only bringing up a subject already fully

considered by others.

The possibility hcwever, that it may be useful induces

me to send the chart as a slight return for the favor received at

your hands.

Very truly yours,

(Sketch .) I.A.Lapham.

Madison Feb/y 7yh,1855-

I.A.Lapham,

Dear Sir,—

I have just received at the express office the copy of

Whitney's Report you sent from Janesville. * * * I will look it

over and return it jlafely by some safe opportunity. * * * I remain yours truly,

• . .d.Percival.

L.J.Farwell fisq.

Madison,Wis.

Dear Sir,—

Supposing the Wisconsin Natural History Association to

be now incorporated,I send you a memo^ral to be signed by you as

president and presented to the legislature for their action in or­

der "To provide for a Zoological and Botanical Survey of the -1006- 1855.

4* "State."

It has been submitted to Dr.Hoy,who thinks we are taking

.the right course and pledges his hearty approval and co-operation

in the survey as proposed. * * *

• . Yours truly,

I.A.Lapham.

Theresa,Wis.February 28,1855.

I.A.La pham,Es q.

Dear Sir,--

Enclosed is a lock .of hair from the Indians.

I wish all concerned to understand that the boy now in

jail is the child of the Indian woman,let the decision of the

Judge be what it will.

Yours truly,

S.Juneau.

dew York 2nd March,1855

I.A.Lapham,

My dear Sir,—

I am persuaded that the Spai^nards did not ascend the

Mississippi so far as the Wisconsin,and that the earth works on the

Fox river could not therefore have been raised by them.

Yours truly,

Geo.Bancroft. _I007- 1855.

Roches t er N.H.Mar.19,1855.

I. A. La phani,'Es q .

Dear Sir,-

I think, of emigrating to the west and of inducing a company to go with me ^nd for that purpose want information.

My mind is strongly biased in fateor of Wisconsin. Will ** you be kind enough to inform me where I can find your book called

"Lapham1s Wisconsin" * * *

I am sir, very respectfully, yours &c.

Wm. H. Odlin' .

Madison May 11th, 1855

I.A.Lapham,

My Dear Sir,-

It has been a great oversight in our con

exempted from fee.

You see by our monthly meetings that "the institution"con

tinues to show signs of animation and I hope it will be many a day from this it will exhibit evidences of decay. Sully's forth­

coming among us will help on our picy-ure gallery materially. * * *

Whenever you think you are rich ejaough to afford our so­ ciety your portrait, a first rate one,we shall make a formal call for it. You have been a pioneer and the literary and scientific man of the state and your portrait should be preserved in our his­

torical gallery. * *

In haste very truly yours,

Lyman C draper. t

)I008- . 1855.

Near Louisville Ky.June 16th,1855.

I.A.Lapham,Esq.

My Dear Sir,--

Your favor of the 18th ult.reached me in due course and a few days after I had the pleasure of roc living by express the two volumes of Trans.W is.St.Agr.Soc. together with the accompanying specimens of oaks,for all of which I beg you to accept my best thanks.

From your communication on the grasses in the 2nd volume

I have in-particular derived much pleasure and ififormatiom and am well pleased to learn that you propose continuing your observa­

tions through the Cyperaceae. * * *

It is somewhat curious that the acorns which you send me of Quereus macrocarpa are much smaller than ours,whilst those of your Q.palustris fjnarsh oak) are considerably larger than those of this neighborhood!

In connection with your observations on the grasses &c.

it may be interesting to inform you that I have just found a patch of Hedicago lupulina (Nonesuch) growing in the yard around my house,where certainly it was never grown. Having never seen the plant in a living state except near New Orleans I was staggered by its appearance here. Can it be possible it has been spontaneously generated by the tropical heat and torrid dryness of the last summer I I 1

Very truly,my Dear Sir,

I am your friend and obliged servant,

C.W.Short. '•••;••'.

Cambri&dge June 25th,1885.

Dear Mr.Lapham,--

I am glad the plates of Cypereae reaehed you safely. * **

Thanks for the Carices. I shall not.get to printing be­ fore October,so that the new plants and new localities will still be in order. * * *

I want a few live plants from your garden early this com­ ing Fall. * * * PLease send any you can lay hold of easily in con- siderable quantity. * * *

Yours fai thful1y,

Asa Bray.

New Albany,Ind.june 25Sh,1855.

My Dear Sir,-

I must ask a thousand pardons for my seeming though not intentional neglect in answering your interesting letter. * * * *

I take as much interest in scientific subjects,especial­ ly botany,as I ever did,but it seems as if my distaste for writ­ ing increase* with my age.

The volume of Trans.was duly received for which accept my warmest thanks. Your extremely valuable article on the grass­ es I read with much interest. It must have cost you much labor the figures are excellent and will greatly assist in determining the species. I have abouti seventy species within twenty miles of this place and on this side of the Ohio,all of which are found in u your catalogue except Paspalum setaceum,which is rare,having found it in only one locality. * * *

Truly and sincerely yours,

A.Clapp. -10(80- " 1855.

I.A.Lapham,

My dear Sir,—

I am much obliged for tthe handsome geological map of Wis­

consin you have been so kind to send me. It is delightful to see

how gradually the whole country is surveyed and the results of such

surveys made easily accessible to every body. * * *

I intend making the Embryology of the Turtle the subject

pf my first volume and would be glad for an opportunity of add­

ing whatever I may be able to obtain respecting those that live in

your vicinity. They have now laid,and the eggs are just at pres­

ent in the most interesting stages of development.

If you would secure a number of eggs of your different

species, as many as possible, and send them to me in alcohol it

would be a very valuable addition to my stock.

Very respectfully,

L.Agassiz.

Nahant 3rd August,1855.

I.A.Lapham,Esq.

My dear Sir,--

Many thanks for the friendly reception you have given

to my prospectus. Allow me to state that in order to do the best

I am capable of in publishing this new work I have made up my mind

to devote the proceeds of the subscription to the enlargment and

improvement of my successive volumes,even should the number of sub­

scribers increase to double that necessary to cover the expenses of

printing my book according to the plan now laid out. I feel

therefore no delicacy in pressing upon friends of science the

claims of this undertaking to their most liberal patronage. * * * Cambridge 24th Audg.1855. Very truly yours, L.Agassiz. -1011- 1855.

Sept. 3 Left Milwaukee via Janesville,Beloit,Prairie du Chien, d7 La ^rosse, Preseott *ev for St.Paul.

Sept. 8 Rode from St.Paul to Fort Snelling thence to Mr.Pres-

St.Paul. Mr.Prescott was in Crawford county up to 1845,then in St

Croix up^to 1853. He came to the Upper Mississippi in 1818 from

New York where he was born,has been connected with the Sioux In­

dian department ever since, married among them,knows their lang­ uage .

Left St.paul at 4 p.m. on the regular packet steamboat

'Galena." At five broke shaft,burst cylinder heads off and laid up. There being no other damage went on with one wheel. Tied up

St night for darkness and in the morning for fog. J

Sept. 10. Holmes Landing 8 A. M. Monday, towed by the Lady Frank-

1 in.

Sept. 11. Bunleith 6 A. M. An accident on the railroad caused some delay a t Galena.

The jaw of a mastodon was found 5 miles north of Galena on Vinegar Hill, 10 feet underground.

Milwaukee, Sept. 17, 1855.

J. d. Col ton & Co.,

n !:s--

Since writing to you last 1 have noticed a very

important defect in coloring the Geological map of Wisconsin. Bj comparing with my original you will see that the upper magnesian

(or lead bearing) limestone is there represented as occupying a

considerable space east of dock divert a fact of much interest -1 12- 1855. first discovered oy me and not noticed bp any other geologist. The relation of this rock to the lead mines makes it of much impor­ tance to know its extent and localities. I am therefore particu­ larly annoyed by this mistake and hope you will see the propriety and justice of having it corrected. * * * Quite a number of maps have been distributed with this important error unobserved. * * *

I send you a copy of the map showing the defect.

Vry truly yours,

I. A. Lapham.

396 Locust street, Philadelpnia,

Oct. 22, 1855.

I. A. Lapham, Isn.,

My dear Sir--

I have trie pleasure now to send you a copy of my "Synopsis" 3d ed. and Vol. 5 of Observations on the Genus

Unio, with some other small matters for your kind acceptance.

You are kind enough to say that you will send me a copy of your "Antiquities of Wisconsin" which will be very acceptable, as will anything you may publish on your interesting region of country.

Pray do you ever see any of the fresh or land shells of the country north of the lakes in the greater or smaller rivers of

CanadaV I do not know if there has been found any species in that part of Canada different from that of the southern side. I am very respectfully,

Truly yours,

Isaac Lea r^

•1013- 13d .

Andover, Oct. 3, 1855.

Mr. I. A. Lapham,

dear Sir--

I now have immediate command of §3,000 or' my own, and in course of six months shall receive a consider­ able sum in addition. If the proper arrangements can be made 1 shall be willing to invest this sum in a building for the Domestic and health Departments of the Milwaukee^ Female College to hold in my own right until the association have funds to purchase the building from me.

It is my intention eventually to devote this property to the eneowment of either the domestic or health department oi the Milwaukee Female college in case the income from my two last published works do not secure the sum necessary. * * *

The great public spirit which has been manifested by the citizens of Milwaukee leads me to hope that some method will oe secured that will provide the whole square on which the college stands for the institution. * * *

V e r y r e spec tf ul 1 y,

Catherine . Seecher.

lambridge, dov. • , ltd .

Dear Mr. Lapham--

Thanks for yours of the 29th and for all you have done for me. ''"he plates came while I was away in Europe.***

The ne i ition of the Manual of Botany of Northern States goes now to press. I have your catalogue of Wisconsin plants published by Am. Assn. Adv. Sci., to go by for the . 7. limit. Will Jou r •r*

1014- 18!; . furnish me with any addition to' your state Flora since then?

Also any Illinois plants new to that state and corrections? * * *

Yours very grateful! ,

A. Gray.

d Geological Society of London.

Somerset house, Dec. 6, 1355.

ir —

I am requested by the Geological Society to express their thanks for your Geological Map of Wisconsin and: to assure you that the society 'are much honored by this mart:, of your consider at ion. I nave the honor to be, Sir,

Your most obedient ana humble servant,

I. Prestich (?)

To . I..A. hay ham, Esq. Secretary,

Dear Sir--

The Geol. Soc. have requested me to forward to you their vote of thanks , to that I beg to add my own. I was glad to

that you had incorporated the observations of Vhitney and

Logan, with Owen's and your- own.

! ieve me, truly yours,

I. A. Lapham, 'sq. Chas. Lyall .

396 Locust street, Philadelphia.

• 22, . December 22, 185! .

dear dir--

I have received your letter and the "Antiquities." It surprises me to fir full of those interesting mounds you -1015- 185 . state is. From, the scanty reports of other authors, however in­ teresting, one naturally would think that few of these remains were existing. * .* * The 'whole report is admirably drawn and I have read it with great pleasure and interest and thank you most sin­ cerely for so rich a contribution to my library. The drawings are by far the best which have been made and their evident exact­ ness leaves no truing more to be desired in regard to those monum­ ents you have illustrated.

I observe what you say in regard to the shells north of

Lake Sxiperior. You mention that there are quantities about Mil­ waukee but of the common Ohio species. * * *

Very truly and sincerely, yours &o •,

I. A. Lapham, Esq. Isaac Lea. •1016 1856.

Boston, Jannar y 15, 1856.

I. A . Lapham, Esq .,

. •--

I have this day received a valuable work from you on the Antiquities of Wisconsin, which appears to oe a work which will do you great honor and be a valuable and interest­

ing addition to our knowledge of that novel country. * * *

With best wishes for your health and prosperity, I remain very f ai thfu 1 ly,

Your friend and servant,

J. C. Warren.

I. A. Lapham, Esq.,

Dear Sir—

I am just preparing a geographical map pf the distribution of turtles upon this continent. I find t. data furnished by printed reports very meagre.

Knowing how extensive your acquaintance with the una

of the 'western states is, I take the liberty of asking of you such information as you may have in your possession respecting the distribution of these animals in thoee states drawn up as min­ utely as you can furnish it. * * * I would be thankful if you could accompany your remarks with specimens to leave no doubt in my mind a; to their identity. * * *

Your s very t r ul y,

Cambridge, Feb. ], 1856. L. Agassiz.

-1017- 1856.

doston, Feb. 12, 1856.

I. A. Lapham,

Dear Sir—

The enclosed was sent to me from the post of fie

today in the state you see it. It appears an accident happened which has burnt the essential part of it.

1 am very much obliged to you for thinking of me, and much pleased at :rou'* continued interest in advancing the science of the country, you show how much a resolute spirit with small advantages can accomplish. * * * I remain

Your very obliged friend and servant,

J. C. Warren. O ^"IdL^ou-^c^o/keji-^ aft&6-

,r>tye<^' ^-z-r

H* c*~ d^£c ^-^u A -

rv i

i ccd / / \ ex^y c^c ^ ^ ^c w €J ) t tidlc

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¥ S3 -.„ ^t -v -'id

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r r-t^fc c tt ^ crY {a Ts^&Z -&**>£*. ~£

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? A-u^/ Sy^rr^o, /fVaA/u^y rrf

-1013- 1:

W±lh—etsrrry thanks for -ycnxr kindness* J remain,

"a"n r° •;,

Tia-fJMTT^,,

I. A. Lapham, fisq.,

Dear Sir —

1 am very much obliged to you for your kind response to my request. The information you give me on the turtles you. have ooserved is vary valuable and -welcome. I had indeed not seen the catalogue of Dr. Sager nor- the observa- t ions o f Mr. Kenn ico 11.

I am much indebted to you for the abstract you send me.

I would indeed highly value the two living specimens of E. picta yon offer me, * * *

V e r y re s p e c tfu 11 y y o ur s,

Cambridge, Mass., Feb. 2*1, 1856. L. Agassiz.

Milwaukee, Feb., 1856. don. Charles Mason,

Commissioner of Patents,

Dear Sir —

As I nave transferred my meteorological labors to Dr.

Winkler of this city, I will hand the blanks sent me to him. will forward observations monthly as heretofore. I send a table showing the length of our winters — the times -were noted by me each year for twenty- years. I also send a list of the first ar­ rivals of vessels "from below," i.e. from the lower lakes. tto

1-0 19- dates may be regarded as the next day after the ice left th

Straits of Mackinac, uniting Lakes Huron and Michigan. * * *

ery truly yours,

I. A . La ph.*

Milwaukee, Wis.

A table showing when the *-*ilwaukou Rive • closed with ice each fall,

and when the ice left in the Spring, by

_7\J3,. Lapham

ii o s e a. Opened .

November 20, 1836. April. Id, 1837.

November 25, 1837. , 1838.

vemoer 15, 1838. March 27, 1839.

/•ember 21, 1839. March 6, 1840/

vember 1' , 1840 March 24, 1841.

Nov. 25, 1841. !h 9, 1842.

I oe emoer 17, 1842. April 14, 1843.

December i, 1 13. March 10, 1844.

November 25, 1844. torch 3, 1 ' .

-ember 2", 1' March 9, 1846.

December 8, 1846. April 2, 181-7.

November 28, 1847. February 16, 1

Hovembe r 30, 1348. •ch 13, 1849.

Decemoer 6, 1849. •ch 12, 1350.

December 6, 1850. .March 13, 1851.

icember 13, 1851.(March 2 , 1852. ' ovember 12, 1852, ~M~arch 20, 1853. December 20, 1853. . -ch 10, 185 ' . D e cember 4, 1854. April 4, 185! . December 1 , I 55. r(t

-1020- 1856.

"leans.

vember 30. _ March 50.------108 days.

Extremes.

Nov. 15 to Dec. 20. _ __ _ Mb. 16 to Apuil 14. - 30 to 148 days

'irs.t arrival of \ teli^boa ts from the lower lakes at Milwaukee fo;

19 years, by I. A. Lapham.

183". May 23. The Tames "ad is on.

18 3 8 . A p r i 1 2 6 . P onns y 1 v an i a.

•9 1839.April 3n. Columbus.

1840. April 11. C he s a p< e a ke.

1841. Apr il 25.Great Westem.

1842. March 26.Cheaapeake.

1843. May 3. Bunker Hill.

1844. April 10.Missouri.

1845. April 5. Hercules.

1846. April lO.EdnkewrHill.

1847. Ap ri1 29.Louis iana.

. April Id. -at tan

1349. April 12.Petrel.

1850. April 4. Republic,

1851. .April 4. Republic.

1852. May 9. Missouri.

3. April Id.Forest City. 1354. April 25.01obe. 1855 . iblie. Extremes March 26 t( an, April 20. Being an average of 33 days after true opening of naviga tionart Milwa i-.ee . H1-

-1021*. 18.

•st Snow Noted, by I. A. . Laprv

1336. cember 10 ana 11. feet.

1837. Oc ober 25. inches.

1. 39. November 6. 1 ight.

1140. vember 1 . 1ight.

1841. Oc tober 23. 1ight.

1844. October 19. 3 inches.

184 - November 1. siight.

13d ;. vember 23. 1 inch.

1847. Fov ember 3 inches.

184 . . o vsmber G incnos.

1 Decembe r 4. Light.

I 550. vember I7, 1/2 incr..

1851 . November ! . 2 inches.

1 552. >e r 5 . 1ight.

1854. November 12. 8 inches. rt*

— J. J J — X OU l > •

Morrisi u , New York, March 7, lead

a* »»r. f.apham--

I thank you fi diconsoin, just received,

I shall duly notice it and sei a a- copy.

• I send you "r. Durrie's n-ticle herewith*- and if you can help me to any of the volumes, which I have pencil checked (you can rub the marks out) I shall oe very glad to make an exchange value for value.

Why may I no+ receive contributions from your historical pen? They will be very welcome always? altho1 my income does no: permit me to of .on an-r other pay than dee magazine itself.

Sin c e r e 1 y y or i rs ,

IT . Dawson.

anical notes. Beech leaves remain on lo\ of the trees until April. Very li Llow, almost white, some are darker, reddish.

art wood of swamp white oak very dark colored.

(Boorlo) is Birch tree.

•icultural Rooi

Madison, April 10, 18: .

I. A. Lapham, gsq.--

I have the honor of herewith transmitting to

a copy o:' a resoltuion adopted by the Executive committee of the State Agricultural Soiscty at their recent meeting. On motion it was resolved, That I. A. Lapham be requested to prepare a series of scient ific and practical articles on timber growing ana the Fo trees of this state for publication by the Societ • Yours truly, D. J, Powers,ast Sec:'- -1033- , 1856.

Madison Wis.April 23rd,1856.

I .A.Lapham,.Esq.

Dear Sir,—

Owing to a partial absence from home your favor of the

14th inst.had laid over some time for an answer.

The plan you propose for an extended and complete work on the Morest trees is an excellent one beyond a doubt and would be worth a hundred times its cost to the state, still I hardly know what the views of the Society would be on the subject. They are to be pretty careful in their expenditures. * * *

Your iaea of getting up specimens of the different woods for exhibition at the Fair strikes me as a first rate feauture. *

* * *

Yours truly,

, Powei*s attd Skin-rrer~.

Cambridge 27th April 1856.

My dear Sir,--

I iiave been for several weeks past so entirely absorbed by the preparation of trie letter press of my first volume that I have been onliged to neglect my correspondence.

Though late allow me now to thank yon very sincerely for the two living turtles you have forwarded to me. They w-eee the first living specimens I have seen of those species though I rec­ ognized them at once as identical with specimens I had received in alcohol from other parts of the west. * * *

Very t r ul y y ou r s ,

L.Agassiz.

I.A.Lapham,Esq.

Milwaukee ,Wis . 9i S~

-1024- * 1856.

Columbia Mo.May 10th,1856.

Prof. I. A. Lap ham,

My dear Sir,—

Your favor of the 18th ult.together with the two copies

of your neat and interesting geol.map of Wisconsin came to hand

last eve. * * * I hour that Jflr.percival is dead. Who will succeed

him ? I hope it maw flu.it your wisnes to occupy that place. * * *

Yours truly,

G. C.Swallow

P.S. Your article on the "Trees of Wisconsin" so much pleased

me that I have ordered the Wisconsin "Parmer" to get the

benefit of the 'whole.

G.C.S.

dadison .Tune 30th, 1856.

I.A.Lapham,Esq.

Sir,--

Gov.Bashford has received from Dr.yenks,the executor and

friend of trie late Dr .Percival, his geological report. From an ex­

amination of the report the Governor is of the opinion that there

are some slight imperfections, in the language of it,which ought to

be corrected before publication.

It wa; the design of Dr.P. to have copied it,but his

health failed so rapidly that he was unable to accomplish the task.

Gov.dashford 'would like you to examine and correct the report and {£

necessary copy it for puolication.

'% The state 'will pay the expense of the same. Please in­ form me if you can attend to it and when you wish the manuscript

sent.

>Vvr>u^ /u^/g^^fL^cV "^ £ J& irfk<^d c

-1025- 1856.

New Haven Aug.1st,1856.

I.A.La pham,

Dear Sir, —

We are gratified that you are to bring out Percival's Ge­

ological Report and will publish some account ofhis life.

We are not able ourselves to mention many facts respect­

ing him beyond what is given in the Journal for July. But I will

give your request to Mr. E.C.Herrick and through him I think you

can obtain what you. wish.

Dr.Percival's Geological Report of Connecticut is out of

print and I do not know where a copy can be obtained.

Yours very truly,

James D.Dana.

West Northfield,Aug 3,1856.

Mr.Lapham,

Dear Sir,--

* * * Glad to hear you have been in Shuth Illinois,wish

you had spent a longer time there. Croat country is it not?

With regard to Rosin weed, Silphium laciniatum I have

long noticed it as an interesting plant. 'Tis a familiar feature

of the prairies. In hunting it used to serve me as a land mark

very often. * * * But above all the eagerness with which horses

eat it makes it a matter of interest to the farmer. Did you ever

iind a rosin weed in a pasture where horses had run for a year or

two ? Never I'll warrant, for the horses will keep it. cropped off

so closely as to kill every plant. If you ride a horse (country horse at least) across the prairie where this plant is growing,if

you don't hurry him lie will continually turn aside to get a bite

at the rosin weeds. * * * r(?

-Io20- 1356.

What is the enc loseVgrass? I will be much obliged if you will let me know. I find the cinch bugs attack it in preference to wheat or corn. * * *

Please remember rue to your family.

Yours truly,

Robert Ke nni G 6#C1

i1wauka e Aug.18,1856.

My dear Daughter,-

We were all glad to receive your letter and learn that

Mrandmo trier and yourself had reached home in safety. * * *

We are glad also to learn that you are enjoying the vis­ it so much. * * * As you may not have other opportunities to spend much time on a farm in tire country it will be wellfor you to have your eyes open to see the nature of rural affairs. Do not be afraid of the old cows,they will not hurt you but will soon learn to lock upon you as a benefactor. You must not turn up you** nose at the idea or learning tc milk a cow 1 It is an aj?t your fa- titer has acquired oaf ore you. * * feeding chickensjffc.un t ing hen s eggs i&^rSvs.. are accomplishments not to be ddspised, especially the latter when you have nothing good for breakfast I Do not forget to see how cream is cared for,butter made &cl#i«->-»

But your own g< od sense will teach you to what jto apply your attemtion while on the farm at home. * * *

Cousin John and I are very busy now copying and prepar­ ing for the press the geological report of Dr.^ercival,who died in May last leaving the manuscript in an unfinished state. * * *

Mary J.Lapham, All well, Your father, Mt.Tabor, Ohio. I.A.Lapham. /o z,9r

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-1027- '•"• 1356. Milwaukee Aug.26th,1856

To his Excellency,

Coles Bashford.Gov.of Wisconsin,-

Dear Sir,-

I send a bill for work 4f¥«preparing Dr .percival '"s Report

for the press,as suggested. y'VvoJ^ |

I take the liberty of sending also a copy of a small geo­

logical map of Wisconsin published by me a year ago, from which you will see that many of the general conclusions aimed at by him,as

the result^ of his reconnoissances, had previously been published by me. Many of the farts represented on this map in the Lead Mine

District and all in the District east of Madison and south of the northern extremity of Lake Winnebago wer the results of my own personal observations. The only important modifications required on the map since the report of Dr.P.are the extension^ of the Pri­ mary south into the counties of Waushara and Marquette,and the ex­ tension of the Lower Magnesian Limestone into Waupun.

But the report of Dr.P.is very valuable and will attract

the attention of geologists as well as miners and capitalists.

It will be looked upon as adding to his reputation for exact science,and should be deemed by tiie state as full evidence of an honest and faithful discharge of his duty as a public officer.

It is very much to be regretted both on account of his own reputation and for the interest of the State in the develop­ ment of our mineral resources that Dr.Percival was not spared to finish the report.

His views in regard to the connection of the primary and igneous ranges with the lead mines,if they had been stated fully in the report would have been a sort of key or explanation of much of the matter of the two reports and would have gone far to con- r*

1028- 1856.

vince geologists and practical miners of the correctness of his

opinion in regard to the value of the lead mines at greater depths

than have yet been explored. This b.eing a point on which geolo- g ist.s differ it remains unsettled in a great degree.

There is a report of Dr.Percival's on the Iron Ridge

mines,which has been published by the proprietor (Mr.Kilbourn) I

send you a copy so 'drat you may judge of. the propriety of adding

it as an appendix to his present r .-port.

I hope the Legislature will see the advantage of continu­

ing this survey and that they will make the appropriation suffi­

cient to enable you to secure the services of some competent geolo­

gist

Very t ru1y y our s,

I .A. La pham.

Uwaukee Oct.22,1856.

Col.Sam'l Stone,

Chicago,111.

Dear 3rother,-

Mr.Robert Kenincctt has left at the Parmer's Office, 47

Clark street, a box of insectfs for me,arranged so as to represent

the Classification and study of those little creatures.

I intend it as a part of the Cabinet of he Female Col­

lege. The first person you meet who will take charge of it and

bring it to Mlllwaukee with great care,pi ease send it to me * * *

Very truly yours,

I .A .Lapham. r?o

-1029- 56 Neuchatel.Switzlerland 7th Dec.'6 1856.

- I.A.Lapham,Esq.

Dear Sir,-- tt is about a year ago * * * that the Antiquities of T Wisconsin was presented to our Society of Nat.Science. It attrac

ted great attention* * * * I was appointed by the President to re­

port about it, as being of a particular interest,and I cannot tell

you how much pleasure I derived from it. Although the mounds in

formTanimals,had been mentioned by yo\& early as'1836,still they

were hardly known in Europe,and I doubt very much whether even

one Antiquarians had any knowledge of them.

This is therefore a quite new feature in the history

of Indian civilization which it is your merit to have brought to

light.

The account of the ancient works at and in the vicinity

of Aztalan is also of paramount interest,although I must confess

that I feel somewaht disappointed in finding that there is no his­

torical foundation at all, to the name Aztalan but that it was giv­

en by Mr.Fryer,on a mere notion derived from a tradition of the

ancient inhabitants of Mexico. * * * *

I was about writing you more at length some months ago,

when this stupid revolution of ours fell upon us and caused us so

many troubles. * * *

God alone knows how we will get out of these difficul-

ties. There is yet much doubt whether the next Congress will suc­

ceed in settling our affairs. * * *

I remember with pleasure the various trips which we made-

together in the neighborhood of Milwaukee in pursuit of drift,which

is so peculiar to your neighborhood. T7 i

-1030- 1856.

Excuse my very bad English. It is so awful showing how soon one forgets a language when not practicing it.

Expecting to hear about you I remain,

Yours, dear 3ir,faithful1y,

E.Desor.

Cambridge December 24th,1856.

Dear »-r . Lap ham, - -

The box of live plants arrived lately. * * * I have put

them in soil in a cool part of the green house and when they

start in the spring I'll tell you what I have.

Many thanks to you. * * *

Yours truly,

A.Gray.

-o- "*-

-1031- 1855 to 1863.

.33ES OF THE UNITED STATES.

-o-

Milwaukee June 1,-1855.

Hon.Charles Mason,

Commissioner of Patents,

Dear Sir,-

I take the liberty of sending the last volume of Trans.

Wis.Agr.Soc.,containing an essay on the Grasses of this region with plates .botanical characters,uses.properties 4fxt* As I believe you

have invited suggestions from persons interested in Agricultural

pursuits,I will avail myself of the privilege and suggest that a

similar memoir be prepared under the patronage of your office for

the whole United States. To do it rightly would require much la­ bor and some expense. But it should be done. There is no work

of the kind now in existence except Muhlenberg's which has been

long out of date,out of print,and moreover is in Latin.

If there are funds at your disposal for the benefit of

farmers, perhaps a portion ofifiirwoulu be well applied in this way.

Very truly yours,

I. A. La pham.

House of Representatives,

• Feb.27,1856.

I.A.Lapham,Esq.

Dear Sir,-

Yours of the 19th inst.has been received and in answer would say I think well of your suggestion. I have talked with several of the committee on Agriculture and they* seem to entertain it with favor,and I think it an even chance they will report in fa- r73

-1082- 1856. vor of asking an appropriation of $3,000 to prepare the work you name, I shall favor the measure.

Are you personally acquainted with Com. Mason ?

Very truly yours,

Daniel Wells Jr.

House of Representatives,

April 17th,1856.

I.A.Lapham,Es q.

Dear Sir,-

I had a talk with Mr ."Brown in charge of the Agricultural

Department of the Patent Office, he said that there was a great probability you would be employed for the purposes indicated in your letter to me,to take up and investigate and report on all the grasses of the country. The subject will soon be acted upon. Mr.

Brown says it may rrquire your whole attention and you may have to be absent from home the most of the time--most of the time here.

Truly yours, D.Wells Jr.

Washington July 14th,1856.

Hon.Charles Mason,

Commissioner oi Patents,

Sir,--

The work I propose to do,under your instruetions,wih with reference to the plants of the family of o^asses (Gramineae) of the United States is something like the following, —

1st, To collect all information in regard to the growth,nat**'

ural history,agricultural or other economical value of each

species and variety in the different sections of the Union. ^7?

-1033- * 1856.

2nd. To make a collection of one hundred specimens of each

species and the principal varieties properly arranged in suit­

able books,for distribution among state societies,agricultu-

ral colleges &c .

3rd, To make drawings of each of the natural size,with enlarg­

ed illustrations of the flowers &c.prepared on sheets ready

for the engraver, of the size adopted for trie lar_ger Govern­

ment Reports and the Smithsonian contributions to knowledge.

4th To collect seeds when practicable for the use of trie Of­

fice for distribution and for tire purpose of making experi­

ments .

5th, To prepare reports from time to time showing the prog­

ress of the work and a summary of the important facts col­

lected.

6th, To make a final report,embracing the whole and to in­

clude the scientific and common or local names and their syn-

onyma, a botanical description, the geographical distribution,

duration of theplant,whether annual,bi-ennial or perennial,

the time of flowering fts-^period of sowing and of harvesting

*#^ in the different latitudes, the mode of culture,the kind

of soil,climates &c.best suited for it, and especially all

facts respecting the economical value of each species.

This report to embody also, if thought advisable, the re­

sults of the chemical analyses and experiments in regard to the com parative nutritive value of the species and of the soils in which

they grow.

The compensation to be two thousand sollars per annum, this sum to include all ordinary personal and traveling expenses. rYr

-1034- 1356.

It is understood that this proposition is contingent to adequate appropriation to be made by Congress.

I should expect to do as much of the work at Milwaukee as possible, but will devote whatever time may oe deemed necessary at other places.

Very respectfully,

I,A.Lapham.

(Written on the back of the pre­ ceding letter)

Washington July 17th,1850.

My dear Wife,--

I have made an engagement with the Patent Office as per the within.

You will so that it depends upon adequate appropriatio"r to be made by Congress. These will be made as I am assured by members. All materials,paper,water colors.press,vasculum &c. to be furnished me from the government stores, so that all trie expense to me will be ordinary personal and traveling expenses. * * *

Had my tea last evening at Professor Henry's of the

Smithsonian Institution,- met a number of persons who knew of me and were glad to meet me. * *

How glad I should be to bar from you. A hundred times

I have wished I could have you and the children with me. Perhaps we may be rich some day 1

Met Mr.Sherman here,the man who was at our wedding. He has geown quite stout. Expressed surprise to find me locking so young! Prof.Henry thought I was too young to have four children. ??£

-1035- 1856.

Do they see anything green that makes them think me so young ?

Perhaps I am green to go so deeply into the matter of grasses but we shall see i

Love to all, good bye/

Ann M.Lapham. I.A.Lapham.

(Keep this }.

Western Union Telegraph.

Milwaukee Aug.22nd,1856. By Telegraph from Washington Aug.22nd,

1856.

To I. A. La pham, i " Remain at Milwaukee until you hear from Judge Mason. Paid. S.T.Shugert.

United States Patent Office,

Aug ,20th, 1856.

Sir,

Agreeably to the understanding between you and the Com­ missioner of Patents,your services are required at this office

forthwith,and you can. report yourself ac< ordingly.

Very respectfully,

I.A.Lapham Esq, Your obedient servant,

Milwaukee, Wis. S.T.Shugert, Acting Commissioner.

The telegraph message was received on the 22nd of August, and was followed by the letter dated August 20th, on the 27th of

A u A gust.

Aug. 27 Rec'd word from Patent Office to report myself at Wash- t77

-1036- 1856 i

ington.

Aug.29, Left Milwaukee at 4 p.m. for Washington.

Sept. 3 Pittsburgh to Washington.

Sept. 27 Home .Milwaukee 2 p.m.

Milwaukee Wis.Oct .1, 1856.

Hon Cnaries Mason,

Dear Sir,--

I have the honor to report that agreeably to the ar­

rangement made with you I have devoted tire necessary time and la­ ta. or to tne study of the grasses of the United States to complete a

list of such species with their synonma, geographical distribution

&c. as nave been heretofore published.

This list must yet be copied into a book when it will

be of great value in your office as a work of reference. By

means of the index reference can be made at once to any name

used by your correspondents and thence to the places where the

spear is described and where any important information can be ob­

tained in relation to it. So if the proposed investigation should

proceed no further,the results of my labors so far will not be

lost.

Very respectfully,

I.A.Lapham.

U.S.Patent Office,October 8th,.1856.

Sir, -

Yours of the 1st inst.enclosing bill was duly received.

As I leave no distinct recollection upon what you base such bill,

please to inform me,what is your understanding of the matter. rir

-1037- 1856.

As the Secretary of the Interior, is still absent,it is probable that nothing can be done in relation to emplymg you m future,before his return.

I.A. .Lapham,Esq. Yours very respectfully,

Milwaukee, Wis. C. Mason, Conimissioner.

Milwaukee Wis.Oct.20,1856

Hon.O.Mason,

Commissioner of Patents,

Sir, -

I have the honor to receive your letter of the 3th inst. reqtiesting me tc inform you what is my understanding of the re­ lation existing between us.

It is this. Some time in February last I suggested to you the propriety of having prepared at the expense of the Agri­ cultural Department of the Patent Office,an essay on The native, naturalized and cultivated Grasses of the United States based upon original investigations,which suggestion 'was not then enter­ tained for want of means at the disposal of the office. At the same time the subject 'was laid before the Hon.Daniel Wells, jr.

ber of Congress for this District and by him presented to the

Committee on Agriculture in the House of Representatives. The committee entertained it with so much favor that Mr.Wells thought it an even chance that they would report in favor of asking an ap­ propriation of $3,000 to prepare the work I had named.

In the month of June Mr.Wei Is informed me personally t7r?

-1038- 1856. that it was the desire of the Commissioner of Patents and of Mr.

Brown at the head of the Agricultural Department that I should come to Washington and assist in maturing a plan and making arrangements for the proposed investigation and that in case the appropriation should be made by Congress I was to be employed to do the work.

Upon receiving this intimation from Mr.Wells and his decided opinion that the appropriation would be made with the addition for this purpose I conimenced at once to prepare myself for the work.

The fi -st object to be attained was a knowledge of what species of grasses had already been described and published by others and accordingly I commenced making an enumeration with references to the books where each species is described, or -where any important information is given in regard to them. As soon as practicable

I proceeded to Washington (in July last)and after consulting with yourself and Mr.Brown matured the plan which was submitted to and approved by you an the 14th of July. I need not recapitulate the terms of this agreement as they are on file in your office.

It was unde rstood that Iflj-ould procee d at once 'with the work if I was willing to risk the making of the appropriation.

This I was willing to do and accordingly proceeded with the work.

Subsequently Mr.Srown proposed that I should also take charge of another matter,that of obtaining cuttings of the sugar cane from South America for the planters of Louisiana. To this

I made several objections but as it was deemed a part of the same duty I consented to take charge of this also.

It was agreed that when the appropriation should be made and my services in this matter needed Mr.Brown was to "Telegraph" to me at Milwaukee. ?*0

-1059- 1856.

A few weeks later Congress made the unusually large ap­

propriation of $75,000,of which it was understood that $15,000 was

for the purpose of obtaining cuttings of the sugar cane,and $3,000

for making the investigations and preparing the work on the

grasses.

Next came a telegraph from your office directing me to

"remain at Milwaukee until I heard from Judge Mason" followed

by a letter from Mr.Shugert (then acting as Commissioner of Pa-

t ents) requiring my presence in Washington forthwith,as my services

were required "agreeably to the understanding between me and the

Oonimissioner of Patents." Accordingly I lost no time in proceed­

ing to Washington and was much surprised on my arrival to learn

that there were difficulties in the way and that the telegraph was

intended to prevent ,rather than to hasten my departure from Mil­

waukee!

Under these circumstances I deem it no more than right

and just that the salary should be paid up to the time of my return

home. I will add that actual expenses already incurred by me cov­

er a large share of trie amount claimed.

But if any reason exists why payment of this bill should

be delayed until a full and final decision in regard to carrying

out the measures proposed be had, I shall be content to wait.

I d'O not (owing to the difficulties alluded to above)

consider the agreement binding beyond the completion of a fair

copy of the enumeration on my part,ana the payment of this bill

on yours, .though I have had no official intimation that my services

we -e to be discontinued.

I cannot but hope,on the return of Mr. McClelland,the matter will be placed upon a proper basis and that I shall be al- -1040- 1856. lowed to proceed with the investigation of the grasses.

V ery tru1y yours,

I. A. Lap ham.

Milwaukee December 2nd,1856.

Hon.Dan'1 Welis,Jr.

Dear Sir,-

I had a line from Hon.Chas.Mason,Com'r of Patents (dated

Oct.8th)asking how I understood the arrangement between us made in

July last, to which I made reply (dated Oct.20) presenting the matter as I explained it to you in person,when we last met here.

Since this I nave heard nothing from him. I think it is due to me that he should let me know how the arrangement is understood at

the office and wnether there is any difference between us in re­ gard to it.

It is proper also that I should be informed whether it

is the desire of the Commissioner that I should discontiue the work. * * *

If you will do me the favor to call at the office and as­ certain how these matters are understood there and what they pro­

pose to do, I shall be under still further obligations to you.

Very truly yours,

I. A. Lap ham. *r^

-1041- " 1856.

"APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE PURCHASE OP-SEEDS.'. ' - .1

Eds.Prairie Farmer,—

In your last paper under the head of "Louisiana Sugar

Making" it is stated that a grant of money to the amount of

$75,000 was smuggled through Congress for the purchase of cuttings of tue sugar cane in tropical countries, to be distributed in that

state. This is quite a mistake.

By reference to the general appropriation law of the

last session,it will be seen that this paltry sum is the whole

amount granted for all the purposes of the Agricultural Depart­

ment of the Patent Office. It is understood that about $15,000 was

included in that sum for the purpose named.

Whatever may be thought of the policy of introducing new seeds,cuttings &c.from abroad,certainly no charge of extrava­ gance can be laid at the door of Congr«« in making appropriations

for the advancement of Agriculture. While millions of dollars are annually squandered upon objects of no greater importance only

a few thousand dollars can be "smuggled through that body"for this most important and truly national object.

These small grants are however yielding rich fruits and as time passes wa shall see other important results,though o f course it is not to be expected that every thing introduced weill prove valuable.

As remarked by Mr. C.G.Taylor in the same numer of the-

Prairie Farmer,if the Sugar Millet proves as valuable as it now bids fair to,this alone will compensate the generous efforts of the Patent Office in procuring and introducing into our country foreign seeds. Milwaukee Dec. 6th,1856. I.A.L, • J.*-*

-1042- 1356 & 1857.

Washington D.£. Dec.23rd,1856

I.A.La pham,Es q »

Dear Sir,-

I have had isom e talk with Commissioner Mason in regard

to your matter. Mr.Mason says you will be paid a fair c ompensation

for time and services up to this time if you do no more .but he

suggests you had best contribute some materials for the next re­

port this winter and i spring.

Mr.Brown named to me you best let the matter run along

till after the 4"t h of March,v/hen a new Secretary of the Interior

will come in and then he thinks you will be employed as contem-

plated last summ< er. 1i e s ays wait. Think of it.

Truly yours,

D.Weil s Jr.

Milwaukee Jan'y 27 ,1857.

Hon.Chas.Mason,

Commission< er of Pat ents,

Dear Sir,-

A long t ime since I received a line from you requesting

to know how I understood the arrangement between the Patent Office

and myself,to which I mad e reply in full. But since that time

I have not heard from you * * *

Very t ru 1 y yo urs ,

I.A. La pham. frV

-1043- 1857. U.S.Patent Office Feb .4th,1857 .

I. A.Lapham,

Sir, -

Your letter of the 27th has been received. * *

Please to forward your article on Grasses intended for

the next Agricultural Report, as early as practicable in order

that we may determine what sum

Yours very respectfully,

C.Mason,

Commiss ioner.

Milwaukee Feb.12,1857

Hon.Chas.Mason

Com'r of Patents,

Dear Sir,-

I have received your brief letter of the 4th inst.in

which you request me to forward as early as practicable an article

on tire Grasses for trie next Agricultural Report, in order you may

determine what sum to allow for my services.

I am entirely unwilling to proceed any further in the

work proposed in the arrangement of July last, until this question

(at least so far as it relates to past services) has been defi- n itely settled.

I have an arrangement with you. to do certain work at a

salary of ^2,000 per annum,under which I could justly claim the ful

rate of pay since the 1st oi July last. But considering all the

circumstances I am quite 'willing to reduce it to the time actually

devoted to the -work,which is now fully four months. * * *

All compensation for time thus spent on th e work(attended j~ Y *

-1044- 1857. also with very considerable expense)having been withheld I deem it rather hard to be asked to continue the work and then leave it for you to determine what sum to allow for my services.

I cannot but repeat the hope that you will not longer dep ny me what is clearly my right,and that the matter may be placed upon a proper has is so that I can proceed with the investigation of the grasses of our country.

Very truly yo ur s,

I. A. Lap ham.

Washington Feb.19th,1857.

I.A.La pham.Esq.

DDear Sir,-

Yours of the 12th inst.has been received. I saw Mr.

Brown to day and he informed me that he had just received one also.

I think you misapprehend the object of the Com'r'1etter. The in­ tent was to have you do something in a tangible form on which the office could base a reason to pay you a reasonable sum for the time you were kept in suspense and perhaps continue to employ you.

No real service had been performed and it was suggested by the

Commissioner that you could prepare an article for the next Patent

Office Report.no matter whether short or long,good or bad,and for which the Com'r could allow you for the four or six months service.

I concurred with him in this view and he is still dispos­ ed to pay you for the time you have held yourself in readiness but there is no law to do so, but if you gave an article for pub­ lication,he ould pay in £hat for both. If you only give the list or matter you proposed it will answer.

You best write to Mr .grown to return your letter for re- V 'r

-1045- 1857. vision or some other excuse so as to get it out of the office for as that stands I fear the Com'r will not feel authorized to pay any tiling and you will have t>s> get a bill through Congress for it,which may not be easy to do.

Mr.Brown seems very friendly and he suggested to me to write you and ask you to get your letter returned. You may have to write through Judge Mason the Com'r in order to do this. He said your letter as it stood would upset your own dish and his calculations in your behalf. I think you best 'write and ask the re turn of your letter.

Y°urs truly,

D.Wells Jr.

Milwaukee Feb. 2 8,1857.

Hon. C.Mason,

Com'r of Patents,

Dear Sir,-

My letter to you of the 12th ins t. having been written under a misapprehension of trie spirit and meaning of your letter of the ftth, I beg you will do me the favor to return it to me.

Very respectfully yours,

I.A.Lapham.

Milwaukee March 31st,1857. Hon.C.Mason,

Com'r of Patents,

Dear Sir,-

In accordance with the arrangement made with your office in July last and the request in your note of Feb'y 4th,last,

I now have the honor to send a report on the grasses of the United r*l

-1046- 1857.

States,showing what has been done and what ut is proposed to do

oh the subject,together with sane general observations that have

occurred to me as important in this connection. It is written

for your annual report and I hope will prove satisfactory. * * *

Very truly yours,

I. A.Lap ham.

Milwaukee June 1,1857.

Hon.Chas.Mason,

Dear Sir,-

About two months ago I sent the first report of my do- i ngs in regard to the investigation of the grasses of the United

States under the arrangement made with you in July last.

If that report was not satisfactory I would be glad to be

informed as to its deficiencies so that they may be remedied.

It was sent by mail and was doubeiess received in due time at your

office.

Very truly yours,

I. A. Lapham.

Cambridge Aug.1st,1857.

My dear Lapham,-

The plant enclosed in your letter of July 23rd is Cynop-

terus glomeratus_. I wish you had it in print.

What is the matter at the Patent Office that your ar­

rangement is interfered with?

Yours ever truly,

A.Cray. rrr

-1047- 1857.

Milwaukee Dec.17,1857.

Hon. J.Holt,

Commissioner of Patents,

Dear Sir,

On the 31st of March last I had the honor to for­ ward to your office my first report on the subject of the grasses of the United States pursuant to an arrangement made July 14th,

1856 and in compliance with the request of the Hon.Mr.Mason in a note dated Feb ,4th,1857. As no notice has been taken of the re-

4 port* * * I am in doubt as to whether it was received. Will you do me the favor to inform me whether the report was received and whether it is expected that I am to proceed with the -work agreea­ bly to the arrangement which was fully entered into and recognized by your predecessor * * * *

Yours respectfully

I .A. La pham.

U.S.Patent Office Doc.26,1857.

I.A.Lapham,

Sir, -

Your letter of the 17th inst.has been received. * * *

The Report on Grasses to which you refer it would appear was not considered as suitable in itself to be embodied in the

Agricultural Volume. * * * *

In all cases where persons write for the Agricultural

Report this office reserves to itself the right to accept or re­ ject articles furnished. * * *

Yours respectfully

J.Holt,

Commissioner. %n

-1048- ' 1858.

Milwaukee Wis.Jan'y 11th,1858.

Dear Sir,- I have had the honor to receive your letter of thr 26th ult.stating that you find nothing on the records and correspon­ dence on file in your office that would entitle me to compensation for the services I have rendered. This being the case, I beg the privilege of making a few plain statements in regard to my connection with the Potent Office and my reasons for thinking that justice requires that compensation should be allowed me for services rendered and expenses incurred.

I applied to the Oommitte ofi Agriculture in the House of Representatives early in 1856 through my friend the Hon.Daniel Wells M.C.for an appropriation to cover the expense of an essay, based on original investigations on the native,naturalized and cul­ tivated grasses of the United States to be prepared under the di­ rection of the Agricultural Dept.of the Patent Office.

The OommilJtee readily entered into my views on the sub­ ject and in making istp the amountrof the appropriation of that year (mudi larger than usual) the sum of $3,000 was included for this particular purpose and the* act was so worded as to authorize such investigations .

In June I was informed un-officially by MrJ3rown,who was in charge of the Agricultural Department of the Patent Office, through Mr .Wells, that it was the desir*e of trie Commissioner that I should come, to Washington and assist in maturing the plan and in • making the arrangements for the proposed investigations which I was to be employed to make.

This I did,and after full discussion of all the details t?»

-104 9- 185 8.

an arrangement "/as ma.de based on my letter to the office of July

14-th, 1856. This agreement was fully entered upon and agreed to

by the Commissioner on his part abd by me,at the time,as will be

attested by Mr.^rown.

By this arrangement so fully and honestly entered upon

I was to do certain specified work for wh ici I was to receive a

compensation of $2,000pr annum. As this was to cover traveling

expenses in a work requiring me to visit the different sections of

the Union it will be seen that it was not too much.

In good faith I entered upon the -work and incurred a

considerable expense in collecting and arranging facts and specimen

as required by the arrangement, and the natter must have been- look­

ed upon in like good faith at the Office for on the 20th day of

August/ an official letter was sent me in these words "Your ser­ vices are required at the office forthwith,agreeably to the under-

s t and ing ex is ting between .you and the C ommissioner of Pat en_t s •

But soon after this on account (as I am informed) of

some misunderstanding between the Com'r of Patents and the Sec'y

of the Interior.it seems to have been decided to abandon the work.

Of course I readily consented to cancel the arrangement

but ro uld not then (nor can I now)consent to the justice of any de­

cision that cuts me off from all compensation for time alreagty de­ moted to the subject and for the expenses already incurred.

This appears also to have bear the view of the late Com­

missioner who on the 4th of Feb.last,wrote to me as follows,

"Please to fov/ard your article on grasses intended, for

the next Agricultural Report as early as possible in or­

der that we may determine what sum to allow you for your

services .wr rfi

-1050- 1858.

This article was duly forwarded on the 31st day of March, since which I have had no communication from your office until the date of your late letter.

If it; was thpught best (on account of the misundorstandig

ing alluded to above oi* for any other reason) not to include the article in the report,or even if it was deemed unsuitable,I can not see why this should deprive me of the right to what was clearly my due under the arrangement of July 14th, 1856.

That what I have stated above is true will be seen by reference to the correspondence and by the testimony of Mr.

Brown and Mr.Wells,who were conversant with all the facts as they

transpired.

I cannot help thinking that upon a full consideration of all the c ircumstunces you wilLyyet decide that I am entitled to the amount charged (for six months $1,000)and that the Comptroller of the Treasury of the U.S.will allow the same.

Ve r y respect ful1y

Hon.J.Holt, Yours,

Com'r of Patents. I.A.Lapham.

M i1wauke ee Jan.11th,185 8.

D.J.Browne Esq.

•pear Sir,-

I have a line from Hon. J.Holt Com'r of Patents in which he says he finds nothing in trie records or correspondence on file which entitles me to compensation for services rendered or expenses incurred on account of the arrangement made through you on the 14th day of July 1856.

In my reply I have referred him to you. as knowing to the facts and especially to the fact that the arrangement was duly g - n

-1051- 1858. made and agreed to by the Commissioner.

• You may remember that when I suggested that I should have some official evidence of it you told me it was unnecessary, and that the word of the Commissioner was sufficient. I wish there­ fore you would do me the favor to present my case in its true light to the new Commissioner. * * *

I regret exceedingly that a work of so much importance as the investigation of the grasses of the United States should o e abandoned.

Yours truly,

I .A .Lapham.

U.S.Patent Office Jan'y 20,1858,

I.A.Lapham,

Sir, -

Your letter of the 11th inst..requesting me to present your case in its true light to the new Commissioner of Patents has b eon received.

As the subject necessarily had to come before me,no point or fact connected therewith h^s been kept back,everything having been presented both verbal and -written,so far as they were known to me,that,your claim could possibly demand. I can do nothing mere,and I trust you will not ask it. The result of the investigation will reach you officially.

Yours very respectfully

D.J.Browne. -1052- 1358.

U.S.Patent Office,

January 20,1858.

I.A.Lapham,Es q•

Sir, -

Your letter of the 11th inst.asking for further consid­

eration on your alleged claim against this office was duly re­

ceived.

On carefully re-examining the records on file in this office,and the acts of Congress appropriating money for Agricultu­ ral purposes for the year 1856 & 7,1 cannot conceive that you haver

rendered any service to this branch of the Government for which you

are entitled to receive pay.

It appears that you made a proposition to the late Com­ missioner of Patents to make certain investigations on grasses,and

that you were notified to report yourself ready for duty on trie

20th of August 1856,which notice was countermanded by Telegraph

the day following,by the order of the Secretary of the Interior,

that subsequently you came to Washington of your own accord and

proposed to prepare an essay on grasses for the Agricultural Re­

port, for which you were to be compensated, that en forwarding said

article to this office it appeared to be a preliminary chapter or

preface tc some anticipated report--or work on grasses rather than

the essay called for,and was regarded as in no wise suited in it­

self for the publication for which it -was intended.

Said manuscript is now on file in this office and can be

'withdrawn at any time by your order.

Allow me to add that this office reserves to itself the right of accepting or rejecting all articles written for its re­ ports,and that no compensation can be allowed.unless the subject 8-7 V

-1053- 1858.

treated of possess sufficient novelty or interest to justify the insertion. I would further inform you that in all cases where

the expenditure of tire Agricultural funds at tiiis office is in­ volved, the acts or services of no one can be recognized without the approval of the secretary of the Interior,and that in the case in

question the late Secretary peremptorily refused to have you em­ ployed.

Your claims therefore can not be allowed.

^ery respectfully,

J.Holt,

Commissions

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jan. 25, 1858.

Hon. J. Holt,

Commissioner Patents--

Sir—

I feel very much obliged fo>- your re-examination of my claim* and though I cannot consent to the justice of the decision,

I must submit to it.

It is not my wish to have any further correspondence

a -a true will be believed on my assertion by all who know me.

1st. The proposition I made to the late commissioner was fuller ass en ted to by him, and I was f ul 1 -; engaged to do certain, work therein described* one item of which was"to prepare reports from t ime to tire , showing the progress of the work and a summary of the important facts collected."

2d. Under this engagement I have performed service and

incurred expenses which entitle... me, as I honestly believe to com- V

-1054- 1858.

pensation for six months at the rate (by agreement) of two thous­

and dollars per annum.

3d. Under this engagement or understanding I was or­

dered to Washington "forthwith*" and for fear that I might be

absent at the time the order reached here, I war telegraphed to remain, at Milwaukee until I heard from judge Mason. This tele­ graph in no manner countermanded the order, but was deemed to be

(and with good reason) intended to secure my immediate attendance at the office by requiring me to remain in Milwaukee until it should be received. It was only when 1 reached the office treat

the object of the telega-aph was explained to me. My friends ha£e

considered it in the same light that I did, and had not the least

idea that it was intended to "countermand" anything .

4th. It is not therefore strictly proper to say that I

"subsequent! *• came to Washington of my owri accord ana proposed

to prepare an assay on grasses for the Agricultural Report."

5th. Among the services rendered by me was the prepara­

tion of a " *eport showing the progress of the work and containing

a summary of the facts collected." That this was not included

in your Annual Report because "it appeared to be a preliminary

chapter or preface to some work on grasses" can make no differ­

ence in regard to the validity of my claim for compensation.

6th. If my services have been of no value, it is be­

cause I have not been allowed to proceed with the work, ana is

therefore not my fault.

With these views, and without intending to impute any im­

proper motives to you, to Judge Mason or to Mr. Brown, I can not help thinking that "equal and exact justice" has not been extended t?£

-1055 185 8

to me in this ma ter.

• respectfully yours,

I. A. La pham.

To the Honorable Jacob Thompson,

Secretary of the Interior--

The memorial of the undersigned respectfully represents that on

the 14th day of July, 1856, he made an arrangement with the com­

missioner of Patents to do certain work in the Agricultural De­

partment, more fully set forth in my letter tc him oi that date,

a copy of which is herewith sent. * * * The work thus proposed was

of great importance to the agricultural interests of our -whole

country and war clearly within the authority given by the appropri­ ation laws of treat year.

In good faith your memorialist entered upon the duties

thus assumed. * * * He has made a report as contemplated showing

progress made in the work, and containing a summary oi facts

collected* which report is now on file in the office of the com­ missioner of Patents.

Your memorialist would further respectfully represent

treat owing (as he is informed) to some misunderstanding between the

e Secretary of the Interior and the late commissioner of Pat­

ents in regard to their respective powers and duties, the work thus assigned to him was abandoned. * * *

Your memorialist >ther represent that if hi_ services thus far are valueless, it is in consequence or' no fault

of nis, but must be attributed to the fact that the work was sus­ pended before any very important results were attained. What is done however, will be useful, should the -York ev- resura rV

-1056- . 1858. .- -

Now the question arises whether your memorialist is to suffer loss in consequence of Mr. Mason's acting in the matt

thout having first consulted (as it appears he should) the Sec­ retary oi the Interior. The law required the investigations to be made under his direction, and it was not fo * memorialist to qu es ti on h is autho r i ty.

Your meorialist would further state that ho received a

telegraphic notice from trie Patent Office requesting him to remain at Milwaukee until he shoulc rom Judge Mason. This, it was presumed, was to insure his attention to the order which ar­ rived a few days after requiring his presence at dfice, forth­ with, as his services were required agreeably to the understand­ ing between him and the commissicne-* of Patents.

Accordingly your meorialist lost no time in proceeding to Washington and was much surprised on reaching the office to leae-n of tree difficulties between the two high functionaries, aria that the dispatch was intended to pre.' vent rather the.a to hasten his de from ifilwaukee! It is perhaps useless to a .at if your memorialist had had the least idea tiiat such was tire ob­ ject of the dispatch he would; certainly not nave troubled the offiee with a visit. * * *

Your memorialist would here venture to suggest that trie proposed work on the ryrasses o United States is one of n ional interest, and of so much importance to agriculturalists * others, that it would be well to devote a *e of ! .ricultnral appropriation to this object. I nave tJ nor to be,

Very respectfully yours,

Lwaukee, Wis., Jan. 25, 1858. 1. A. Lapham. Tl r

-1057- 1853.

Llwaukee, Oct. 27, 135°.

Sir--

I nave received your printed circular dated the 11th inst. requesting me to.collect the seeds of trees and shrubs indigenous in this vicinity and forward then rour office, fre all charge..

This. I would 'willingly have done "purely on scientific or patriotic grounds" had I not been treated so wrongfully by your office (not. by you) a few years ago in regard tc the investigation of tire grasses of the U. S., by which I am out of pocket about one thousand dolla-s? this being the full measure of nr fcriotism in that direction.

Very truly yours,

Hon. Joseph Holt, I. A. Lapham.

Commissioner of Patents.

-o-o- r

-105 8- 1861.

Mil;. ; .. , April 4, 1361 .

Hon D. P. Halloway,

Commissioner of Patents—

Si'r--

A number* of yei rs ago I proposed to the Hon. Commisioner of

Patents to collect information in re gard to the natural history,

the agricultural and other economical uses of every species of

Grass in the United States, - native, naturalized or cul­

tivated* tomake a collection of specimens for the use oi

office and for distribution* to prepare ..rowings of each species

with enlarged illustrations of the minute botanical cha aacters*

to collect seeds? to make report from time to time* ana to make a

final report to embrace the whole. The a *iation for the agricultural department'was increased and purposely de £o in­

clude "agricultural investigations," the attention of the commit-

tee haveing been called to the e • by tJ • L. Daniel Wells. Jr.

the member from this district.

proposition was accepted* * * yet from some unexplain­ ed cause the work was arbitrarily suspended. * * *

My object in calling attention to true matte:- is Jro ask

isr the appropriation for the pr a., e.ut. year woul justify a newal of the work* and. whether your views of its importanceare suoh as to dispose you to authorize it.

With regard to my qualifications for the service I will state that Botany has been a specialty with myself «eat man

years. 1 nave done something of the same kind in a small way as

you. will see by reference to our Agricultural T ctions for

1853, a copy of which is in your library. Professors Joseph Henry and Spencer F. Baird of the Smithsonian Inst itution* Dr. Asn !ray • '

- -1059- 1851 .

of Ha *va rd Univ -rsi ty? Dr . . Darlington of West Chesl pa.* may be referred to on this po int.

H I res pec tf -1 ly est tua * * * having air. T col-

lee ted a great amount of info "•mation on 1 .. ibject I a; roperly

ont i 11 ed to a fair he aring in this matter.

To bring the ma • properly before you I renew the pre

o s i t ion as you will see by t i.e sheet acrompanying this.

I send with thi 3 a ia

;ard t er.

Very res roc tfull y,

» I. A. Lapham.

i e, Wis cons in.

April 4, 1861.

Sir--

During President p • erce 's administration and when t rie Hon.

Charles Mason of Iowa was com niissioner oe' Patents Mr. I . A . Lapham

of this bit- res ted to the commitsioner and some of th e mem-

bers of th e c ommi ttee on ;riculture the importance of th e var-

ious gra ss ea a i ,1 propo sed to examine and. collect, and embo in a

report a full descript ion of the various grasses with a vi ew to

the 8ame being published in the Ptent Office Report on Ag ricul-

ture? and the conmitte e a t th e time reported favorably to the plan

and an a ppropriation w as made to defra y the expenses of th -e person

to be appointed to take charge of this duty, and at the request of

the commissioner and myself Mr. Lapham -went to dfaehington, and in

fact spent time and no inconsiderable sum of money in gathering

facts and matters for a report on the above subject? ana s<

as scientific attainments were concerned, it was admitted on all CfQt

-1060- 1861. hands Mr. ta; ham was, amply eompetent to discharge the full duty

of this service, but I.regret to say that the Secretary of the In­

terior thought he could not consistently appoint a person to so

responsible and important an office whose political sentiments did not in all respects concur with the party in power, and. by this,

as I think, a greet wrong 'was done Mr*, papham, and the public at

large lost the valuable services of A public benefactor, a:. I fully

believe there is no one product on earth of so much value as trie grasses* and I hope and trust you will fin..-, it consistent with

your duties and pleasure to take up this ma tyre;-, connected as it

is with your branch of the government, ana appoint Mr. Lapham to some suitable and proper place in the Agricultural division ci

your jpartment so as to enable him to pnrs i le investigation

of the subject. And as to his qualifications there is no question

and he can furnish the amplest testimonials* and besides I think

, Xt tarn Mar a just and valid claim for the time and money he has

ded in connection with the business? anu Judge Mason so stated

to me, but he said there were technical objections in way of

it: payment. * * *

Very respec^ul! -,

Hon.. D. P. Halloway, Daniel Wells, Jr.

Oommiusioner of Patents, Washington City, D. D.'

Milwaukee, April 4, 1861.

Dear Sir —

Perhaps you could not more effectually aid in the "in-. crease ledge among " than oy assisting .

in an effort to have the work on t.. *asses of cue* country car­

ried out as war designed in 1856* and witn this view 1 take trie

liberty of sending the enclosed papers to you an..: oi asking you 5/) L

-10614 1861.

to second my renewed application in sued manner as you may deem most consistent with the public interest. * * * Your attention to the matter will greatly oblige me.

Very truly yours,

Prof. Joseph Henry, I. A. Lapham.

Wa Heirr- ton D . C .

United States Patent Office.

Agricultural Division.

Washington, May 6, 1861.

Sir —

You';* letter has been received.. In reply I have to inform you that it is not deemed advisable to question the course purs by this office on a former occasion. I would fur trier add that no decision relative to employing you can be made until after the commencement of the next fiscal year.

Yours very res pec tfully,

I. A. Lapham, iSsq., M. M. Locke,

Mi1waukee, Wis. Sup er intend ent

United Sates Patent Office,

Agricultural Division,

;" shington, July 16, 1861.

I. A-. Lapham,

Dear Sir —

Yours or' the 1st inst is at nana. We shall. premising be glad to have a paper from you on the Grasses, /v however the necessity oi' its being plain, clear and brief in its character, it O 3

-1068- 1861. being ou^ object to avoid long articles in the report of '61,

as much at possible add to the variety and usefuleness of its contents. What space do you propose to occupy? and is yo • priceV

Yours truly,

.. M. Locke,

Superintendent.

Milwaukee, july 23, 1801.

Dear Sir--

Referring to th..- proposition in my letter to tree office of April 4 last you will see that it is not intended simply to write an article on the grasees for the commissioner s report as you seem to suppose in yours of the 16th, but to-make original investigations by means of which our knowledge of these most use­ ful plants 'will be advanced. But if the proposition as there made

should be accepted, I will furnish annually a paper suited in plainness, clearness and brevity for the report during prepa­ res'; or' the w orl. .

A.s I have already spent much time in the investigation I hope you and the coriimissioner will deem it right and just, as well as proper to accept tree proposal mad ; in th 1 .•f er of April 4 las' .

Yours trulv,

Erie Locke, Esq., I. A. Lapha .

Supt. Agr. Div. Patent Office. jcH

-10 1361.

United States Patent Offcie,

A g r i cu 1 tu r a 1 Division,

ton, July 30, 1861.

I. A. Lap ham,

Dear Si r--

Your letter of April which you rffer : not to be found and I would be obliged ii furnish a cop; of the same, t ve yo Ltion be; is.

Yours tru 1 y,

Erie Locke*K

SUT .

Mil !, Aug. 3, 1361.

• Sir--

In compliance with the request in yo vor of the

30th ult., I herewith send a copy Of my letter of April 4- last,

; ah was sent to your office through Prof, jjenry of trie Smithsoni-a an Institution. I send also copies en' proposition therein men­ tioned and of the letter oi JV[r. Wells. In your reply d M r 6 it is stated that the consideration oi subject efer­ red until the beginning of I ext fiscal year.

The proposition was originally drawn up after a full cons iltation with dr. Mason and Mr. Browne and was apprev- by theem. You. will notice that it includes all the great Grass Bam- ily, not only those species used for pasturage and hay, but corn, wheat, rice, sugar cane, &c., re;, these being also true Gramineae

It must now be modified so as not to require me to make collections &c., within any state while in arms against the general government. fC

-1064- 1861.

'The chemical analyses'&c. spoken of under the 6th clause of the proposition were not to be made by me, but by Dr. Jackson and the results furnished.

The reports mentioned in the 5th clause were intended for the annual reports of the commissioner if they should be found of sufficient public interest.

I nope you will find it consistent with your duties, to favor a work of so much importance to the industrial interests of our country and to the cause of science.

Very respectfulIy,

Erie Locke Esq., I. A. Lapham. ~~ —-~ - -* . — Supt. Agr. Department U. S. Patent Office.

Milwaukee, Aug. 3, 1861.

Hoh.- John P/ Po 11er, M. C .,

Dear Sir-

Several years ago the Commissioner of

Patents issued a circular requesting, among other things, sugges­ tions that might be beneficial to the agricultural and other in­ dustrial interests of the United States* and in reply 1 suggested a full scientific and practical investigation of the character and qualities of all plants of this country, of tire grass family, whether native, naturalized or cultivated. This family includes besides the plants commonly used icy pasturage and hay the cereal grains, rice, sugar cane &o., and affords directly or indirectly a large proportion of human . The work to include I • - port of all the important information that c re­ gard to such species. There being then no means at the disposal

i office applicable to such an investigation, the matter w; CfO^

-1065- I860,

laid b the committee oh Agriculture by don. Daniel Wells Jr.

(then a member of Congress) who succeeded in having an item of

,000 added to the appropriation for agricultural purposes, making a total that year of .pty^ooo* and authority to make investigations under the direction of the commissioner of Patents was definitely

included in the law.

An gem.ent y;as then made with tire Commissioner of

Patertts (Mr. Mason) by which I 'was to do the work. * * * The work was arbitrarily suspended by the Sec. of the Interior, who claim

to control the matter, because I did not belong to the same politicl partr' - he trained inlThe injustice of such proceeding towards me is sufficient la apparent. * * *

I have lately pro posed again to take up tire same work, and think it is no more than right, under trie cire urnstances,that

if the means at the disposal . office will justify it, the

•angement should be renewed* and I respectfully ask- you atten­

tion to the matter, so far as to see that it is properly brought before the Commissioner qnd to 1 know what a is views on the subj act .

I will add that I am in correspondence with Prof. Henry of the Smithsonian Institution on the subject, and it would be well to c onf er w it . him.

You are probably aware of to fact that I have for many years collecting materials for such works, not only in botany but also' in geology, meteorology &c., and it is my t desire that these labors should oe rade us e'ul to our country.

Respect fu11y yours, I. A. Lapham. 5 7

-1066- 1861.

Milwaukee, Aug. 3, 1861.

Prof. Joseph Henry,

Washington 1). C .

ar Sir —

You may remember that in April last I to favor my project of a botanical and -agricultural investigation of the Gram- ineae oi the United States on the plan that was once adopted by

Commissioner of Patents (Hon. Charles Mason).

The reply of Mr. Locke, - dent of the Agricul ral Department, of May 6 was to the effect that nothing could be done abort it until t ! .ring of the new fiscal year (July 1), and unluckily, when that time came around my letter and proposi­ tion could not . nd. I have today sent duplicates to the off­ ice.

Presuming that you approve of all such means of increas­ ing c edge of the resources c: ' country, I trice the lib­ erty of requesting your further aid in having the subject proper­ ly presented at the ipartment* and also that you will let me kn^ views of the officers in regart to it.

Yours truly,

I. A. Lapham.

Unite States Patent Office,

Agricu11 ura1 Division,

Washington, Aug. 3, 1861.

I. A. Lapham,

Dear Sir—

Your favor is at hand, and in reply have to a

at inasmuch as the Agricultural Fund for the current yea • is

-1067. 1861. overdrawn some ten. thousand dollars, it will not oe expedient to make arrangements this -rdar for the additional outlay which your proposition would involve.

t yon may rest assured that if a liberal appropriation can be secured for next year, I shall take pleasure in making with

you the full arrangement for carrying out tree plan. In the mean­

time I shal 1 oe glad to hear from you.

Truly,

D. P. Halloway,

Commissi oner.

Washington, Aug. 19, 1861.

I. A. Lapham,

My Dear Si r—

Soon after 1 received your letter I went up to see the Commissioner of patents in relation to trie maytter. have He told me he would write you immediately on the subject. I she«4d

just received your letter of Aug. 3 to Prof. Idenry, from him. !The

Com. told me he was in favor of the plan, with his whole heart* and was also in favor of your having control of it. But he thought he should have to 'wait for an appropriation. I will follow that up and will be glad to further your wishes in every possible way.

It is a great tiring and of vast importance to our country ana to the world. I shall be proud as a citizen of Wisconsin, to have this important matter assigned to you. It could not be placed in better hands. I ai - tr il] ,

Your friend,

John P. Fotter.

-o-o- jot

-10 1862.

Milwaukee, Jan. 3, 1303.

Hon. John P. Potter, -

Dear Sir--

I am very thankful for your efforts in re­ gard to the proposed investigation of the native, naturalized and cultivated grasses of the United states, and especially for the courteous manner in which you have written about it. The Commissioner of Patents will authorize the investi­ gation, if a liberal appropriation is made by Congress for Agricul­ tural purposes. There is perhaps no industrial pursuit that needs more fostering, or is more deserving of governmental aid and encouragement, during these times of war, than that of the farmer. His annual products are an essential element in the vast military preparations rendered necessary by this wicked rebellion.

And of all the agricultural products none are so impor­ tant as those derived from the botanical family of the Granineao or grasses, which includes the Cereals—wheat, corn, rice, oats,&c. as well as grasses proper. There has been no gener k on the Grasses of the United States since that of Henr Muhlenberg, published as long ago as 1817, in Latin. A full report eased upon 1 observ - tions and investigations cannot but be useful. In view oi' these considerations I hop committee on • icultuee m indue o include in their estimate of th amount to be appropriated, .all item of $3,000 fo a investi­ gation of the grasses of the U. States, and teat th ropriation not be diminished, but rather increased on account of the war. Ve ry tru 1 y you r i , I • A. Li y°

069- . 1802.

Milwaukee, March 11, 1862.

Hon. John P. Potter,

D ear Sir—

I regret not meetin on the occasion of

ir visit to place so that I cool thank you in person .

the interest you have taken in the matter of the proposed investi­

gation of the grasses of the United States.

I wish to knee whether in making up the amount to be ap­

propriated for the agricultural department of the Patent Offcie,

an iter, vra e incl dor the purpos , as formerly suggested*

er the bill including it (if so) is likely to oe passed with­

out opposition. It is to be hoped that a measure of so much useful

nese may be speedily carried out* the early spring is the time to the commence work, A Very tr wars,

I. A. Latham.

Milwaukee, April 1, 1862.

Hon. D. P. Hal' ,

dommissioner of

Dear* Sir—

Yours oi August 1 duly ived, in which ycu

did rue trie honor tc say that yo e with me the a*range-

men' suggested, for the investigation of tree native, naturalized

and cultivated grasses of Unite... States, provide.. Congress makes a liberal appropriation dor agric *al purposes. Pros

ing the • yriation h >een, -or soon will ee, I take the

liberty of again calling your attention to ,

as the proper season for commencing the work is now at hand* and tl

• ICO- 1 RAO as some of my botanical friends are about to make an excursion to the Rook;r Mountains for the purpose of collecting plants, I wish to arrange with them to collect true grasses for me, with such information in regard to them as can be obtained.

Tira t the matter may be Drought before you without trouble

I present the proposition again, in the form of a contract which

(or some equivalent document) j hop. prove and adopt.

Very res pec tfull y,

I. A. Lapham.

Washington, April 11, 1362.

I, A. Lapham, psq.,

Dea • Sir—

I intended to have written you sooner in

•elation to I ork on grasses}Sf»mm, which we hoped that Congress would make an appropriat ion for at this session. Mr. Holloway promised me that he 'would recommend it to the Ways and Means, but

I find that he refrained from doing it on account c . >. indisposi­ tion of the Ways and Means to make any appropriations not abso-

1 itely demanded by the immediate necessities frf the counter-*.

Mr. H. seems to think it nay oe done next session. I hope it may, I have felt a goo." deal of interest in t tter and deem it a work of vital importance. I reave hoped until a day or two we should be able to get it v*v this session, but I find t eonmissionerinexorable, and Morall o ff ie particularly inimical A to it.

In haste yours truly,

John. P. Pott ; . ?

-1071- 1863.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, March 13, 1363.

ti. Isa.c Newton,

Commissioner of Agriculture--

Dear Sir-

Two years ago I prop-sod to the Hon. Comr. of Patents to collect information and specimens of the Grasses of the U. States as set forth in the accompanying paper. The project, which could

not but oe useful to \ ~ rice 1 tura 1 interests of the country, was recommended by ProfJ' henry, Dr. Gray and others and was ap­ proved by the commissioner (Hon. D. P. Halloway)? but as the Agri­ cultural fund was then exhausted, and as a change was about to bo- made in the Agricultural Department, nothing further was then done in the matter.

I hope you will concur with Mr. Halloway in regard to 1 importance of the matter and will ao nc luded with rue an arrangement for carrying it out substantially as pro posed.

Ver y tr il y yours ,

I. A, Lapham.

Milwaukee, Aug. 31, 18C3.

Hon. Isaac Hewton,

Dear Sir —

I have had the honoi* to receive yoi circular relative to crops for Augus' and herewith return it with the best, information I can obtain.

Your former circular requesting earljf copies or' my mete­ orological observations, with the means calculated, will also be attended to, and the work forwarded by the earliest, mail on t. first day of the month. )*

-107 - . 1863.

' Some time ago in reply to my suggestion for an investi­

gation of the grasses of the U. States, you did me the honor to say

that you .had not authority to enter upon such a work? but it

strikes me that a department established expressly for the pur­

pose of acquiring and diffusing among the people useful informa­

tion .on the subjects connected with agriculture in the most general

and comprehensive sense of that word, can hardly be without author­

ity to collect information about the most important of all t families of the vegetable kingdom.

The cultivation of grass crops and. the rearing of stock

is deemed an advanced stage of agriculture. It is only by the patient and laborious accumulation of facts by careful and scien­

tific investigation that any branch of human knowledge can be ad­ vanced. Please review your decision on this subject.

Yours truly,

I. A. Lapham.

Department of Agriculture,

Washington, D. C, Sept. 9, 1863.

Mr. I. A. Lapham,

Milwaukee, Wis.,

Dear Sir—

I have the pleasure to acknowledge trie receppt of your conmunication of the 31st ult., and am indebted for the prompt attention given the circt/lar sent you.

In answer to your request for a reviww of my decision upon the suggestion made by you some time since for an investiga­

tion of the grasses of the United States, I must repeat that I do not feel at Jiberty at this time to accept your proposition* for, IH

-1073- ' 1863. while conceding the great importance of the subject, I do not feel authorized, with the limited appropriation at my disposal, to enter upon so expensive an investigation at the present time. Very respectfully yours, Isaac Newton, Commissioner. -o-o- ».9 )u> •* - - M « » ^ " „ - ; ng u J* •'ra.r -iii.ts -*^—» Jt ''%-T ..7.- «ysr M .*• •*. • Li

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--.&« •. »* , " d,ATKK«^^ HARBOR