FINAL WORK DAYS 289 



1848, has given this picture of the naturalist's household 

 in a letter 30 from "Minnie's Land, May 11, 1848": 



I found all well here, as far as health is concerned. Mrs. 

 Audubon is straight as an arrow, and in fine health, but sadly 

 worried. John has just come in from feeding his dogs. Audu- 

 bon has heard his little song sung in French, and has gone to 

 bed. Alas, my poor friend, Audubon, the outlines of his coun- 

 tenance and his form are there, but his noble mind is all in 

 ruins. 



The following letter was written by Victor Audu- 

 bon to his father-in-law, John Bachman, before Febru- 

 ary 8, 1849, when his brother started on the ill-fated 

 expedition to which he refers: 



My brother will leave in a few days for California, he will 

 be absent, perhaps for eighteen months. 



This journey is undertaken with the hope that he may be 

 able to get gold. What may be the result, God only knows. 

 John will be accompanied by Col. H. L. Webb, as military 

 leader; the party consists of about eighty picked men. One 

 of Dr. Mayer's sons wished to go with John, but unluckily, 

 his application came after the party was made up, so they could 

 not take him. 



I should like much to see you all, but now it will be im- 

 possible for me to go so far from home. 



My dear old father is apparently comfortable, and enjoys 

 his little notions ; but requires constant care and attendance ; 

 the rest are well. Your granddaughters are growing finely, 

 and are well educated ; soon we shall call in a "Maitre de 

 danse," to polish them up and improve their understanding. 



I am just about to start for Washington, to get letters 

 from the President for John and I will try and see the collec- 

 tion brought back by the exploring expedition, including the 



30 For this and the following letter, see C. L. Bachman, op. cit., 

 p. 274. 



