There is no "e-mail" singular. Merle has confirmed via multiple telephone calls and emails that the drill is turning. Moreover, a few skeptical investors actually contacted people who live in the area, who also confirmed that the drill is indeed on site and turning. So I think the burden of proof is now on the naysayers: prove that there isn't a drill on site; prove that Merle is a habitual liar. Because all the evidence points to the opposite conclusion.
How does that old saying go: "Who are you gonna believe, me or your own lying eyes?"