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Solomon Brown, First African American
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Mary Henry
Diaries,
Eyewitness to the Civil War

William H. Dall, Alaskan Explorer

The Wright Brothers,
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Robert H.
Goddard,
American Rocket Pioneer

James Smithson, Founder of the Smithsonian

James Renwick, Jr., Architect of
the Smithsonian
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William Temple Hornaday
Saving America's Bison

Wilson A. Bentley
Pioneering
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of Snowflakes

Primary Source Document
Exercise

Dear Sir,

I have carefully read the paper of Mr. Goddard, checking the theoretical equations, and parts of the numerical calculations. I have examined also the patent specifications but not with such attention at to be able to say whether they represent the simplest mechanisms for carrying out their purposes.

I believe the theory is sound, and the experimental work both sound and ingenious. It seems to me that the character of Mr. Goddard's work is so high that he can well be trusted to carry it on to practical operation in any way that seems best to him. I regard the scheme as worth promoting.

                                            Respectfully submitted
                                              C G Abbot

The Secretary
Smithsonian Institution