STATE OF ILLINOIS ’S.

Historical Society , Upper Alton III, August. 15th, 1844.

To A. Vattemare, esqr.

Dear sir,

.On the 24 July your letter and communi-cation for the governor of the state were both read and afford-ed much gratification. Thanks were voted to the liberal donorthe marquis de Pastoret for his present of books, “ Histoire dela legislation des peuples ” the society feel greatly indebted toyou for the interest you have exhibited in its prosperity andadvancement.

Mr. senator Brease delivered an address of three hours length be-fore the society, describing Lasalle’s discoveries and the labors of theFrench missionaries among the Indians in this stale 150 years ago.He was directed to transmit your communicalion to the gover-nor and urge its importance upon the legislature. A strong im-pulse was given us by your zeal and our hopes greatly encou-raged.

We shall soon make up a box for you of minerals—lead orefrom Galena and the South part of the stale—Goal — specimensof rocks and boulders found on our large praries, and if possible,a prarie hen or grouse as the English call it, etc., etc.

Respectfully,

Adiel Sherwood .

Corresponding Secretary.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA .

War Department , Washington, December 80th, 1844.Sir,

I had the honor on the 1st of november to acknowledge thereceipt of your letter of the 7th of September last, present-ing to this department in the name of M. Durnon, minister of