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Is hurried "preparing for Electricity," likely a college course, but encloses money to pay for a deflagrator. Discusses finances for an experimental apparatus and the timeline for its completion. Rejects Silliman's offer to relinquish his commission, due to Mrs. Hare's pride.

Laments the ill success of a book translation and wonders if it should be redone as a "familiar work." Thoughts on the book market, its "caprice & fashion," and his share of the sales.

Recommends Dr. James Gates Percival , a poet, "chemist mineralogist & Geologist," in response to an advertisement. Percival is in New York and intends to go to South America. Comments on pieces for a journal, likely The American Journal of Science.

Includes a poem on religion and family and short rhymes about death and fate. News of family and acquaintances, including marriages, death, health. Comments on his education, including Latin, “Physick and surgery,” and attending medical lectures. Working with Dr. Jonathan A. Allen and trying to make enough money to cover expenses, as his father will not provide any support. Tells Asa of their father’s increasing abuse of alcohol, efforts to intervene, and his bad reactions to them.

Letter written partially in rhyming poem and partially in plain text. Poem comments on Chapman's health, the area, and great number of doctors in the region. "The Doctors here are thicker than fleas, / Which flutter round as in a summer's breese / And waging war against all human kind / They're locust like devouring all they find…" Mentions medical cases he has worked on since his arrival, but still prefers New England. "I think it probable that I shall yet look for an establishment in N.E. certainly shall unless I feel more at home in this Indian-Dutch world than I do now." References canals and number of villages around them.

Will supply seeds for exchange in North America in January. [In French]

Notes on constructing a canal on Deep Creek in Maryland, arguing that it is feasible. Provides details on water flow, locks, and boat traffic. Has sent this information to the Secretary of War.

Recommends George Taylor, Jr., as a surgeon’s mate in the Army. Has taught Taylor medicine for several years and believes him competent, amicable, and respectable.

Gives news of family and acquaintances, including Mrs. Hawkins who is cared for by her daughter. Alice used to be a governess, but her pupil is dying. Mrs. Hawkins's son is apprenticed to a "copper plate printer." Comments on his family's "botanical nursery" and his father (Conrad Loddiges, d. 1826). Notes a forty-foot-high palm, their use of steam to heat their conservatories, and high costs preventing much profit.

Describes his symptoms of "brain fever," consisting of paroxysms, bleeding in the head and other internal organs, and bleeding externally. Comments on medical journals and schools.