Revolution to Civil War (1800-1870)

     A few years ago, on a very beautiful summer evening after the duties of the day were over, and all was in order so that I had nothing particularly to engage my attention, I took a ramble over the green meadoes [sic] and woods to amuse myself by surveying the beautiful works of nature which were displayed in all their magnificence and grandeur on every side.

How was the circumferance [sic]

of the earth first ascertained.

             I have not succeeded in finding out to a certainty...

[The unnamed writer goes on to explain two possible methods: one, by calculating from the convexity as seen at a measured distance in the ocean and then using geometry to arrive at the answer; and two, “by ascertaining the time the sun is in passing over any measured space on the equator” and calculating from that.]

 Ladies & gentlemen you have heard us patiently. We thank you for your attendance & your kind appreciation of our humble efforts.

            We commenced in Weakness, have persevered with energy, & if we have not shown as

much intellectual culture as would have been desirable we have proffited [sic] by the Motto of the poet

            “Little drops of Water

             Little grains of sand

             Make the Mighty ocean