AUDUBON'S ^NEID 319 



Again, on the 25th of that month is this entry: 



Since I left Cincinnati I have finished 62 drawings of birds 

 and plants, 3 quadrupeds, 2 snakes, fifty portraits of all sorts, 

 and the large one of Father Antonio, 17 besides giving many 

 lessons, and I have made out to send money to my wife suffi- 

 cient for her and my Kentucky lads, and to live in humble com- 

 fort with only my talents and industry, without one cent to 

 begin on. I sent a draft to my wife, and began to live in New 

 Orleans with forty-two dollars, health, and much anxiety to 

 pursue my plan of collecting all the birds of America. 



The close of the year 1821 found Audubon teaching 

 a few pupils at New Orleans, where, he said, his style of 

 work and the large prices he received caused him the 

 ill will of every artist in the city. The figure which he 

 cut in the streets, with his loose dress of nankeen and 

 long, flowing locks, made him wish to appear like other 

 people, and he was soon able to rejoice in a new suit of 

 clothes. Though still in need of work, when he was 

 asked to aid in painting a panorama of New Orleans, 

 he refused, begrudging the time, saying that he did not 

 wish to see any other perspective than that of the last 

 of his drawings. 



Having been from home for over a year, Audubon 

 now wished to have his family about him again. 18 His 



17 Father Antonio de Sedella, popularly known as "Pere Antoine," 

 after 1791 pastor of St. Louis Cathedral; an idol of the people, but 

 execrated by historians. 



"This seditious priest is a Father Antoine; he is a great favorite 

 of the Louisiana ladies; has married many of them, and christened all 

 their children; he is by some citizens esteemed an accomplished hypocrite, 

 has great influence with the people of color, and, report says, embraces 

 every opportunity to render them discontented under the American Gov- 

 ernment." Executive Journal of Governor Claiborne. See Charles Gayarre, 

 History of Louisiana, vol. iv, pp. 154-155 (New Orleans, 1903). 



18 This item occurs in Audubon's journal for October 25; "Rented a 

 house in Dauphine street at seventeen dollars per month, and determined 

 to bring my family to New Orleans." 



