Dear Sir,—When I undertook, some months since, to Review your Theory of the descent of our American Indians, my avowed and sincere desire was to protract a calm and candid inquiry in relation to these too long neglected tribes. This it was thought would best be done by argument; and as I honestly differed with you on the question at issue, an attempt was made to present the facts and reasoning on which my conviction was founded, in fair, and as I thought, respectful style of discussion. The same motive, notwithstanding the somewhat severe rebuff contained in your reply, would induce me, did circumstances permit, to continue that discussion now. But the severe afflictions with which I have been visited during that period, together with my present ill health have in some measure disinclined as well as unfitted me for the task, & I have concluded only to reply to those parts of your answer in which something like disrespectful personalitics towards yourself seem to be understood-leaving the arguments and facts, which have been adduced on either side to be examined and sustained as they may.

. . .

But really I must think all this is foreign from the subject at issue. Whether one or both of us have discussed this subject fairly is not the question: Nor, permit me to say, will it avail much whether many or few of great and venerable names have been quoted as giving opinions incur favour. What we have to do with authors, as I humbly conceive, is not with their opinions, but their reasonings and their facts. In pursuit of these should had been gratified and hope I shall still be gratified, to see both your own and many other talents directed towards our poor Indians. I cannot yet believe in your theory; but declining, as I at present must to defend them, perhaps I ought not to say that my main arguments seem to me to remain unshaken, and that the reply has not set aside my principal objections. Perhaps, however, our readers may think differently, & I shall cheerfully submit to any decision, whereby the cause or truth and religious philanthropy may be promoted.

With sentiments of sincere respect, I am, &c., R. S.

Ballston, March 25, 1824.