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Fairfield CT July 22nd, 1842

Dear Sir

Agreeably to your request I have made enquiries concerning the blind in this place, the cause of their blindness to. As far as I can learn that there are but three blind persons in this town, one more than stated in the census. One of those I am personally acquainted with. His name is John B. Elwood. He tells me that he was born blind and he supposes that it was in consequence of his mother seeing a corpse a few weeks before accouchement. After he was three years old he could see some from one eye until he was about 25 then a film grew over it leaving him entirely blind. He is now 49 years old. No relation blind, deaf & dumb, idiots or insane to his knowledge or within his memory. Mr. Buress lost his sight in consequence dissipated habits. His age from 35 to 40. Mr. Couch blind from cataract aged 70. Neither of the two last mentioned have any blind, deaf & dumb, idiot or insane relations as far as I can learn. Neither do I know how long they have been blind. Since they have become adults however.

Yours Respectfully,
Henry C Smith Phs.

You speak in your communication of a Report which will explain the kind of enquiry necessary to make -- this Report I have no received. Elwood is anxious to have an alphabet for the blind and wishes me to request you to send on to this affair for him.