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important thing is to show [[underlined]]just what they do[[/underlined]], rhythmically & how far their rhythm is a departure from the normal type, and in what way.  [[underlined]]Why[[/underlined]] they do so is another question which may be considered later.  I have to leave the subject to you, because no one but you knows the facts of all.  If I had heard these songs, as you have, I should not need to burden you with the matter. -- When they have 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 drum-beats in a measure which beat do they make emphatic in any given case?  that is the question.  Lay this out in minute detail as to all the songs, and then we shall have a complete basis for discussion and inference.  This is the first indispensable condition of a scientific consideration of the rhythm and this alone will make a long article.

In haste, but cordially
Yours sincerely
J. C. Fillmore