A Mr Easterley who reminds me of a conversation with him in London some years past, has requested me to make known to you a project of his for converting our tobo & corn stalks, to a purpose of great publick utility, as well as private emolument, and likewise to introduce to you Mr Burroughs his agent. I have thought that I could not better promote his object than by enclosing his letter to me, to you, by Mr Burroughs. I have made an experiment under his auspices to day on a small scale, tho’, as the weather was unfavorable, I could not attend the process to a conclusion, I cannot as yet pronounce1 on the profit to be expected from it. The process however is so simple, and so easily managed, that I am induc’d to believe that it will be found to be, a discovery of real advantage to our country. Mr Easterley, was I think made known to me,2 by some person of credit, as one deserving of attention for his information & moral character; tho my recollection is too indistinct on this point, to allow me to be very explicit on it.