Having had my curiosity excited on a few questions which I consider may be explained by those who are conversant with philosophy and Science in general; I have from a knowledge of your extensive researches, taken the liberty to request of you a solution of the following queries.

1st why is the savage state called a state of nature?, considering that Adam was the first man & he a perfect one?

2d why does vegetable matter when decayed enrich the ground on which it was produced,?

These are not idle questions Sir, intended to give pleasure to the writer while proposing them to you, but questions about which he has had frequent conversations & of which he is anxious to get satisfactory solutions. Your speedy answer will be received with gratitude

by yr most Ob st