RK-273

Hennepin, Ill 14^th Aprile ‘57 [checkmark]

Dear Young Friend

Yours covering printed circular &c came safe to hand

Now while I pretend to some little zeal for the promotion of the publick welfare and a strong friendship for those whoes energies and abilities seem directed to so laudable an object it is rather past my comprehension how it comes to pass that an old worn out man born in the back woods and reared up in utter ignorance of all Scholastick knowledge of science of any kind should be expected to give aid in any efficient way to those who from a well instructed mind & keenly practiced eye would at a glance compre-hend what it would on my part ^require a long and tedious investigation to understand

I am much pleased to find you are being brought so far forward as that the publick may begin to

reap a little benefit from your observations on the character and habits of the animals and insects that occupy in this little corner of creation and still better pleased am [illegible letter] I whith ^with that eager solicitude for varied and extensive observation that will give promise of that ripe & rich maturity that I hope awaits you for ^the honour of Ill. and the benefit of your fellow men generally

That I would most cheerfully give you any aid in my power I hope you will be willing to believe without farther profession on my part but have a care that you distinguish between my will & ability for while I am not to be sordid of what I have I am equally unwiling to be thought possessed of that which I have not.

Should you ever come near me you must call to see us If are on the Ill River you can

from the graceless little town of Hennepin find me located in full view two miles east and half a mile north Should you be on the Chicago & Rock Island R.R you can from the Bureau junction or the bluff close by se my location in a south west ^east course distant near -ly four miles air measure and nearly six round by the road

When you are in Princeton you can from the top of the Spire on the Presbyterian church see me in the southeast distant fourteen miles If you stop in Henry twelve miles below us on the river you can from the high ground back of town see my house very plainly North 28 [illegible] Having now defined my condition and position you will not be at a loss for my whereabouts so that whenever you can come may expect a cordial welcome from your old

friend Smiley Shepherd

P.S. I believe writers on natural history do not mention winters by the length of their tails If they did I think you might record the past as having excelled any that has preceeded it for many years Copious snows and regular substantial freezes up to middle of Aprile in temperate latitudes is rather chilly comfort to the Agricultural community X