December 27, 1869. Wesley Newcomb to Ezra Cornell from Panama: "I have just completed packing and marking a large case of specimens the results thus far of my collecting in this place, at the Islands of Flamenco and at Taboga. At this latter place we have spent two weeks, dredging and collecting on the beach. Independent of shells I have had the good fortune to have presented me by I.B. Akin Esqr. Commercial Agent of the English Line of West Coast Steamers, some 15 or 16 specimens of pottery collected by him at considerable expense from the graves of the Incas of Peru. Colo. Jewett in his Ethnological enthusiasm values them at thousands of dollars. Such as they are, however they make not an unimportant commencement in this department and are for the University." December 20, 1869. Andrew Dickson White to Ezra Cornell: "It seems to me that Cascadilla is the place for the entertainment on Founders day?. If agreeable to you I would like in the morning to address the students on University life in general, reviewing the past term & making suggestions as to the future." Topics: Land scrip; Newcomb's Central American expedition; local railroads; Western Union Telegraph Company; Cornell University: natural history collections, Founder's Day. Personal names: Lewis, G.F.; Wood, Phebe; Newcomb, Wesley; Cornell, Keturah; Putnam, H.C.; Linton, Prudence K.; Palmer, O.H.; White, Andrew Dickson Geography: Panama.