THORNS ON THE ROSE 71 



random and without any knowledge of his subject, merely 

 wishes to push himself into notice by a blunt denial of my 

 veracity, and would edify & please some of his friends, at the 

 price of my reputation. I think, my dear Mr. Sully, the latter 

 much more applicable, and must belong to the author of the 

 report current in your city. 



I have not read any of the Philadelphia papers since I came 

 to England, and do not know the tone of the attacks upon me, 

 but judging from your friendly letter, I feel assured that the 

 pen that traced them must have been dipped in venom more 

 noxious than that which flows from the jaws of the rattlesnake! 



To you, my dear Friend, I solemly affirm that however 

 unnatural my observations may appear, they are all facts, 

 without a word of exaggeration. My fate in this instance 

 differs not from that of many others, but believe me, will differ 

 widely from that of the illustrious Bruce; those attacks will 

 not make me die of sorrow ! 



With this, my dear Friend, I will close the subject, giving 

 you meanwhile full liberty to use this letter in any manner 

 that may best suit your feelings, and I will now pass on to other 

 things. 



My success in the mother country continues to augment 

 apace. I have many most valuable friends and patrons, and 

 discovered soon after my landing that Science has no par- 

 ticular country. The 5 th. number of my work is now pub- 

 lished, & completes my labor for 1827. During my progress 

 I have often received letters from highly distinguished char- 

 acters, expressive of the highest approbation, & I hope by 

 regular industry to be able to go on with the performance, 

 with credit to myself & benefit to my family. 



I shall leave this town for London in a few days, when I 

 will convey your wishes to Robert Sully, & [when] there I hope 

 to see the picture which you have sent to the Marquis of 

 Wellesley. . . . 



The attack referred to in the letter just quoted was 

 called forth by Audubon's unfortunate paper on the 



