Wesleyan University Middletown, Conn. July 6, 1870 Prof. H. A. Ward. Dear Friend, Your kind favor of the "Forth" came to hand last night, & I hasten to reply. I am much pleased with the recommend, I fear it is too grand. It is all right, I trust, with a slight amendment &c. which I will suggest to you next week. Please accept my many thanks for it. It is a [illegible] to me. Say in substance the same to Mr. Judd, for a new star has appeared in our firmament.
I am glad that you had such an interesting chat with Mr. Judd, for I think that it will be of service to you. I trust, The Hall will occupy the 3rd & 4th stories in one room with gallery. The building is 94ft x 64ft with 7 windows on each side & 5 on the ends, four each story. Staircase at one end of hall. The 1st & 2nd stories are for lecture rooms & work rooms. [Bracement?] for heavy chemistry &c Pardon me for not sending note, but I will pay you $100.00 next week when you are here to bind whatever bargain we may make. Pardon me again
but I misunderstood you ^at the Depot^ to say $75.00 for the Great Kangaroo, if so we'll call it a bargain for $135.00 & you can have your money on the delivery of those two skeletons well remounted (the Orange & G. Kangaroo) & you may do the job just as quick as possible. Remember that you shall give me the first opportunity to talk about the Echidna, Ornithorhynchus, & Coala. Excuse haste and believe me Ever yours N. Cressy Wm N. Rice Ph. D. Middletown Ct.