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[Page 3]
We have not sufficient data, [indecipherable], to proceed upon any certainty, but I hope yr voyage & those of other Southern navigators, when made publick, will, by giving us a true History of the Manners etc of the Islanders in the South Seas throw some Light on this Subject. I would not be understood to suppose that many of the southern Isles were not peopled from the East - China, Japan etc & probably some of them from Africa. But what I would contend for is that if two or more Tribes of People set out from the same Point & some extend ['emselves?] Eastward & some Westward, they must in a Series of Years meet. Just as the Descendants of the English, in North America, extending themselves Westward will one day meet the Russians extending themselves the contrary way. Unless the latter should, neglecting their Siberian Dominions, carry their arms more southerly - which may not be improbable. It only remains that I ask you for a short acnt. of the Island of Staffa, if it be really such as described in the newspapers, it is a most wonderful Discovery - I fancy Mr Pennant is not a little chagrined at passing by this Island without noticing it. I have little to say of myself, more that my health has been very precarious for two or three months past. I have had two or three violent Inflammations in my Head, & an abscess or two formed in another part - but am at present tolerably well if I can keep myself so. I need not inform you, I suppose, that I succeed our worthy Friend Huddersford in the Museum, an office I never desired or sought after, but it was offer'd me in so handsome a manner that I could not well refuse it. I stipulated however with the Delegates of accounts that they should allow me Cabinets - Spirits, Glasses & whatever other necessaries might be wanted which they have promised - as they have likewise on their own motion to annex a competent Salary to the Keeper - In consequence whereof I have began to catalogue systematically such of the Subjects as are curious - & wish to substitute in the Room of a great deal of Filth & Trash something more worthy the notice of a Naturalist. I am very conscious my Progress in this Reform will be very small without the assistance of many Friends. My wishes therfore to put the Oxford Museum upon a tolerable Footing will I hope be deemed a sufficient apology for asking yr aid. I am certain the University will think 'emselves much obliged by any present of this sort & I will pass my word for the due preservation of any subjects you may favour us with. I remain, Dear Sir, Yr affectionate Hble
Servt W. Sheffield