CHAPTER XXXI 



THIRD AMERICAN TOUR, 1836-1337 



In New York harbor— Collections from the Far West— Audubon's efforts 

 to secure thern— Return to Boston— Friendship of Daniel Webster- 

 Renewed efforts to obtain the Nuttall-Townsend collection— Expedition 

 to the west coast of Florida— Deferred governmental aid— Another 

 winter with Bachman— Overland journey to New Orleans — On board 

 the Crusader— Mistaken for pirates— With Harris and his son explores 

 the Gulf Coast— The Republic of Texas— Visit to its capital and presi- 

 dent—Meeting in Charleston— Marriage of his son— Their return to 

 England. 



Audubon left London with his son, John, July 30, 

 1836, and on the second day of August sailed from 

 Portsmouth on the packet Gladiator, bound for New 

 York. Two hundred and sixty live birds had preceded 

 them to the ship, while three dogs came as a present 

 from the Earl of Derby, and "a brace of tailless cats 

 from our friend George Thackeray, D.D., provost of 

 King's College": all had suffered somewhat from lack 

 of care, but the dogs, one of which was sent to John 

 Bachman of Charleston, and some of the birds crossed 

 the Atlantic in safety. Five weeks were spent at sea; 

 when the Navesink Highlands at last hove into view 

 the welcome news spread rapidly over the ship ; rockets 

 were sent up later to attract a pilot, and when anchor 

 was grounded on American soil, Audubon confessed 

 that he cried like a child and devoutly thanked God 

 for their preservation. He continued : 



All was now bustle and mutual congratulations; our com- 

 mander was praised for his skill by some, and others praised his 

 whisky, which the waiters handed about, and the night was 



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