now, having to contend against
inertia, I have obtained nothing.

In view of the preceding relation, and finding myself in
disposition to make, before the scientific world, all the
explanations, amplifications and reports, that may be desired, upon
the grand discoveries that I have made in my investigations in the
ruins of Chichen;--among others, the existence of long-bearded men
among the inhabitants of the Peninsula 12,000 years ago, plate
12;--I conclude, asking you, Sr. President, to be pleased to
concede to me:--

1st. To carry the statues of Chaacmol, and some bas-reliefs that
have relation to the story of that Chieftain, and are represented
in the plates 4 and 5, together with my mural tracings, plans and
photographs, to the approaching Exposition of Philadelphia.

2nd. To name me one of the members of the Mexican Commission to
that Exposition, for I am the only person who can give the
information and explanations that may make known the celebrated
monuments of Chichen-Itza, and the importance that they have in the
prehistoric history of the human race in America.

3rd. To authorize my work and investigations in the ruins of
Yucatan, where I hope to make other discoveries equally and even,
perhaps, more important, than those made by me up to the present
date, ordering that the aid of armed force be afforded me for my
protection and that of my wife, whenever our investigations are
made in places where life is endangered by hostile Indians.

4th. That among the objects which the Mexican nation have to send
to the Exposition of Philadelphia, a place be reserved to me,
sufficient for the statues, bas-reliefs, drawings, photographs and
plans that have caused this petition.

5th. That in consequence of the short time that remains before the
opening of said Exposition, and the amount that yet remains for me
to do, particularly the opening of a cart road of 13 kilometers in
a thick forest in a country where all resources are wanting, you
may have the goodness to consider this petition at your earliest
convenience, which grace I doubt not to obtain from the illustrious
Chief Magistrate of the Nation to whom I have the honor of
subscribing myself.

AUG^{TUS} LE PLONGEON, M. D.

MERIDA, January 27, 1876.

NOTE. The refere