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1860
Wednesday 
Sept 19
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[[left margin encircled]] exact So[[?]] X [[image]] The line running around this does not belong to it. 
X One of the fossil leaves distinctly imbedded in one of the specimen of coal I have 
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bright flame [[insertion]] giving forth considerable heat [[/insertion]] which was accompanied with a good deal of black smoke. The residum is of a white scaly nature. This coal is of a choc[[strikethrough]] [[?]] [[/strikethrough]]late color. It contains many species of fossil plants belonging to the nat. org. [[underlined]] Filicida [[/underlined]]. 
I doubt not, interesting developements would be the result of a thourough investigation of the vicinity where I obtained these specimens. Much interest is felt about the G.H. at the results of my present experiments.
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One of the specimens of stones I obtained is remarkable for its beauty as a building stone. I know not what to call it. It is wanting in grain - its edges as sharp as a knife - of [[insertion]] deep [[/insertion]] red color. I have tried it in fire. It comes out with an appearance of lava. 
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One fossil specimen [[insertion]] I have [[/insertion]] looks as though man had put it in its present shape when a block of wood - In fact two specimens have this appearance - The marks of the instruments. Axe, chisel etc being apparently retained.
The variety of specimens [[insertion]] I have already around me [[/insertion]] is considerable & when examined by a master of the special branches required to explain them, I am hoping some good to science will grow out of my four efforts to do something for the good of mankind. 
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My soul burns to be off to determine the fact relative to the waters & coasts where [[insertion]] it [[/insertion]] has been supposed existed Frobisher Strait. Had my health been sooner regained I hope I should have been off ere this. I shall approach Capt. B. To-night or to morrow for his co-operation in my getting an Esquimaux Crew to accompany me. If there should be any untoward accident - or turns to my prospects [[insertion]] unfavorable to my [[/insertion]] proceeding to King William's Land next year [[insertion]] (wh. I pray God may not) [[/insertion]] There would be some consolation to my friends & supporters to know that I had done something for the determination of an important Geographical question to wit the question relative to Frobisher Strait!
If I can receive some of the kindly aid and of my friend, Capt. Budington in preparing me for [[insertion]] this [[/insertion]] Boat Voyage of [[insertion]] about [[/insertion]] one week's continuance, I will be off within two days. In my report, I shall render to Capt. B due acknowledgement, stating to the world that in Capt. Sidney O. Budington