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7137/2             No. 2, Dec, 16
Western Union Telegraph Company
Marine Service

I see in a letter from Stimpson to R. K, which which was here when we arrived; and which I opened according to Ks directions; an observation to the effect that "he was soon going to Washington and should endeavor to procure the Academys' share of the collections" already made by us on the Expedition. 
  Now it seems self evident to me that the collections of [[underline]] every kind, particularly[[/underline]] the [[underline]] alcoholic [[/underlined]] ones should be left positively untouched and undisturbed, till ou work is concluded. If this is not done the unity and value of the observations collections and notes will, will be greatly and irreparably [[strikethrough]] damaged[[/strikethrough]] impaired, and any publications made on these disturbed materials must neccesarily be incomplete and unsatisfactory.
  Another matter chimes in with this which I shall mention for the first and only time. Since my arrival have it has been said to me by several persons knowing the management of the Institution, "Your collections of mullusks, will be sent, of course to Carpenter," Now my idea with regard to the disposition of this part of the collections is as follows. It was a tacit understanding between myself & Mr. Kennieott and has been so expressed by him to many persons, that I should have, on completing
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