Transcribe Ward, Henry A. Letter to Orton, James (1852-12-03)

nwh Rochester Dec. 3 1852 My dear Friend

       I have been anxiously expecting a letter

from you for 6 weeks but have been disapointed. I have at length concluded to write to you again briefly. When I wrote you last I believe I was just starting for the West. I went to Salina lead mines & to Dubuque in Iowa. I had a very pleasant trip & succeeded in obtaining a good number of fine specimens of lead ore, Iron & copper Pyrites fine blend (a small geode of it) Bitumen & some handsome specimens of Spar. Geodes, but I will not speak of them now as it would take some time to say what^I wish^& so will defer it till next time, when if well I will s tell you something which may please you, they certainly did me. I promised if I succeeded well in getting minerals to send some to Nat. Howell's Byington of the present Senior Class. At Salina I put up a fair sized box of lead ore blends ? for presents & exchanges, to them & others. I sent by express to Rockford & when I got there a few days afterwards (I returned another road than I went) I found it had been hindered on the road. So I have no doubt I have entirely lost it, although the agent agreed to forward it if found. Please mention these facts to them of they may think me untrue in my promises. And next to the administration of my affairs at Wms. The book or books that you spoke of to me once, please send when convenient. If Washburn, or anyone else, hands you anything ^for me^ please send them by someone coming to Rochester at the close of the term. Also if you have any specimens you wish to part with, send them along I shall send you some in any case