CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 91 



ous offers of the President of the American Fur Company who himself 

 will go along with us, that the difficulties that existed some 30 years 

 ago in such undertakings are now rendered as Smooth and easy as 

 it is to go to Carlisle and return to N. Y. as many times as would 

 make up the Sum in Miles of about 3000: Our difficulties (if any 

 there are) will be felt on our return; when we must come back to 

 S l . Louis in one or 2 open boats in Sep r and part of Oct r next. The 

 passage being longer or shorter accordingly with the state of the 

 Missouri at that Season. 



Edward Harris, who went with me to the Texas, has determined 

 on going with me. John G. Bell, the Stuffer of birds, etc. I have 

 hired to go with me, and was I willing to accept of all the different 

 offers made to me, I could have more companions than would serve 

 my Views or advance my Wishes in any way. 



Young Leconte is not going with me as far as I am aware of at 

 present. 



The objects mostly wanted for such a Journey are a good Gun 

 or Two, double barrelled with Moulds for Bullets to fit, Caps, etc. 

 etc. a couple of good Blankets, or what we Call Comforters, a first 

 rate Life preserver to Swim with, a Butcher Knife or 2, and Just 

 such Clothing as is fit for a rough expedition of Six Months. Every- 

 thing else, I can venture to promise for our Comfort and safety. 



My son Victor wrote to you this afternoon, Just previous to 

 having taken your letter to the N. Y. Post Office; thus you will 

 receive our two letters almost simultaneously. 



It is my Wish to leave New York on the 10 or I2th of March 

 next, and go by way of Baltimore or Wheeling, then to take a steamer 

 to Louisville, and, again another direct for S* Louis. The steamer 

 of the Fur Company leaves S l . Louis from the 25th of March to the 

 1st. of April, according with the advancement of the season, and the 

 rise of the Waters, but of this I can inform you in good time as soon 

 as I receive your determination to go or not to go? This I will 

 positively look for in your next letter in answer to this. 



With our united regards to the whole of your family, believe me 

 always, Yours sincere friend, 



JOHN J. AUDUBON. 



P. S. I forgot to say that you will want a Strong Mosquito-Bar 

 this is made of beaver grass Cloth. If you cannot procure this article, 



