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Geo. H. Moran, M.D., Morganton, N.C.  Apl 22/89

Is familiar with the stone axes---has found them in Morganton on or near the surface.  All were grooved as if for attachment of handles and were found associated with arrow-points.  Had always supposed them to be weapons of offense, especially as the edges are too dull, or blunt, ro cut wood, unless previously charred by fire.  Cannot say from his own observations what material is employed, but Robt. Claywell of Morganton, says it is chert, slate, steatite and serpentine.  He sent [[underlined]]3[[/underlined]] axes to the S. I. in '81---from Arizona Territory.  They were found with a very fine burial urn which contained fragments of partly burned human bones.  Secretary Baird wrote him that the urn was broken when it arrived and he afterwards sent another which contained fragments of bone, not human.  There was also found at the same time and place several very small but perfect obsidian arrow-points.