[In the hand of John Adams:]

Earth dug up from under a Stable, put into a Tub, as ashes for Lye -- Fill'd with Water. Stand 24 Hours -- Then leaked off Slowly -- Then boil'd for one Hour -- Then run thro another Tub text of ashes. I.e. filtrated thro the ashes a Small Quanitity, not to stand -- Then put into a Kettle and boiled, untill it grows yellow -- Then drop it on a cold stone or cold Iron, and it will christallise for a Proof -- Then set it by in Trays in cool Places -- Then it will christallise -- and the Salt Petre is formed --

[On covering sheet:]

To John Adams Esqr: Philadelphia

[Docketed:]

John [Joseph] Palmer X
June 19. 1775