The legend writ, the stain affected, the key in Silence undetected, fifty-five in iron pen, Mr. Matlack can't offend.

The legend writ, the stain affected, the key in Silence undetected, fifty-five in iron pen, Mr. Matlack can't offend.
Found	Meerschaum Pipe
Leads-to	Declaration of Independence
Finder	Benjamin Franklin Gates

File:Norm-4cd7645d8b3ac-National+Treasure+(2004).jpeg

This was a series of clues carved into the pipe. Ben cuts his finger, rubs the blood on the carving and then rolls the carving onto a piece of paper to read. When Ben realizes that it means the Declaration of Independence, he can not see how the United States government will let him examine it. Ian Howe, who also wants the Declaration, decides to steal it.