Publication InformationFrom my cubiculum at LindGilliss', this 30-of January N.8.

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Son Spencer

I prithee, let thy famulus, thy messenger, thy Mercury, bring me that tractate we spoke of upon the between the Euxine (so called per antiphrasin for s.) and the Caspian, and take back tomes which do cumber me, on German, (dost know why this Deutscher writeth his name with one n?), and certain, not all, volumes of Ritter, on whom be peace! Thy Patent Reports are received, with such meed of thankfulness as is due to him who giveth that which he hath stolen, or by other unlawful

means obtained. Also, I acquit thee of further responsibility in respect of the 'camel' in regard that it hath been restored to me, and I wish unto Mary comfort, to thee, a good conscience.

So no more at present from thine ancient well-willer,

George P. Marsh

To
Master Curator Baird
at the Smithsonium

References in this letter:

Latin: by use of opposite-calling, or just "by antiphraisis." A standard rhetorical term in both Greek and Latin. Marsh himself gives one of the classic examples: the Black Sea is called Euxine ("hospitable to strangers") in place of the opposite, and more accurate Axeinos, ("inhospitable to strangers").