Copy

Elkader, Logan Co., Kans.

The Hon. Sect.

Smithsonian Institute.

[1897 Jun 4]

Sir:

As I have several specimens of Geology I would like to dispose of, I was advised to write you about them.

I have a good specimen of the Icthyosamus, measuring about 27 feet, there are 76 joints of the vertebra, the largest about 7 1-2 in. long, the smallest about 3-4 in. and all in good preservation. The head is about 3 ft. 6 in. long but in several pieces, but I think all complete. There is also a flat fan shaped piece about 10 in. across, and one small joint at the but end which fits into the smallest of the vertebra joints, which accidentally got broken, two pieces shaped like [symbol] and about 10 in. long and two flippers or something of the kind which seems to fit on to above rough sketch; one is broken in two, but all there. There is quite a lot of it besides which I cant remember particulars about, and which could not be put together probably.

2

I have also one other head of same animal 26 in. long, 13 teeth on upper and 13 on lower jaw, one side is very perfect and fit for show in any Museum, the other side got crushed probably during petrefaction, this I would not care to sell unless I got a good figure for it as I have it in a small case, there are only 8 joints belonging to it.

I have besides these, many more vetrebræ&c., and am constantly picking up more, so that if you are wanting anything that is found in this locality, I should like to know what you require. Yesterday I found 29 joints of vertebra which I suppose are sharks, they are concave on each end. There was also a part of a sharks head close by, the lower jaw, but cant say if it belongs to same.

If I can sell you the above specimens I should dearly like to get a small book on geology that would treat on specimens found out west. If you could get me one I would put in a lot of specimens and you could judge if they were worth a book in return or not, and I cant afford to buy one as I am only a poor homesteader.

3

Trusting to have a reply from you shortly,

I remain,

Yours very respectfully,

(Signed) Handel T. Martin,

The Hon. Sect.

Smithsonian Institute,

Washington, D.C.

( Copy )

Yale University,

New Haven, Conn., May 14, 1898.

H. T. Martin, Esq.,

Dear Sir:-

We have to-day opened your boxes and
examined the specimens you sent. They are all satisfactory, and we
are much pleased with them.

I enclose my check for one hundred and twenty dollars ($120.00),
the price you named. Kindly acknowledge its receipt.

I hope you will send me on a good lot of bird bones soon, and any
other good things you may get.

I am sorry that we could not examine the specimens sooner, and hope
you suffered no inconvenience by our delay. We will be more prompt
next time.

C O P Y

New Haven, Conn., June 11, 1898.

H. T. Martin, Esq.,

Dear Sir: -

I have just returned to New Haven
after a short absence, and find your two letters, and the Crinoid
slab and bird bones awaiting me. The Crinoids I am glad to get,
and enclose my check for ten ( $10.00 ) dollars, the price you
named.

I hardly know what to say about the value of the bird bones,
and wish you would try and get me some more pieces before I fix the
price. The other fragments must be near the spot, and am sure I
could find some of them if I was there. A single piece of the
tibia would double the value for me, and I hope you can get it.