On a critical re-examination to which I was just led, of the appearances on which my letter of Ocr. 20. 1825,1 ascribed the poetic effusion copied from a page in Bartrams pamphlet, to Doctor Franklin, I find that I have committed an error in the case, by hastily applying the word “Given” to the pamphlet, when it was meant for the poetry, and by mistaking for the handwriting of the Doctor, what was only a remarkable likeness of it. You will be sensible that the least uncertainty on this point ought, for obvious reasons, to have the effect of cancelling my communication to you. I must ask the favour of you therefore to return me the paper containing it; on receiving which I will substitute some other communication, answering the purpose of your original request. I need not add that the propriety of guarding agst contingences suggests that of the earliest answer from you. With friendly respects