LIFE OF WILSON. xh 



" I see, by the newspapers, tliat Mr. Jefferson designs to employ persons to 

 explore the shores of the Mississippi the ensuing summer : surely our exer- 

 tions would promote his wishes. I write these particulars that you may give 

 them the consideration they deserve; and we call upon you to deliberate 

 further on the affair. 



To THE Same. 



" February 3d, 1806. 

 " The enclosed sketch of a letter is submitted for your opinion, and, if 

 approved, I must request of you the favor to enclose it in one of your own to 

 Mr. Jefferson. You see I am serious in my design of traversing our southern 

 wildernesses. Disappointed in your company, I have no hopes in another's 

 that would add any value to the Ohio tour. I am therefore driven to this 

 expedient, and I hope it will succeed. Please to let me hear your sentiments 

 on this affair to-morrow morning; and oblige yours, &c." 



To THE Same. 



"February 5th, 1806. 

 " I am infinitely obliged to you, my dear friend, for your favorable opinion 

 of me, transmitted to the president. Should an engagement be the conse- 

 quence, I will merit the character which you have given of me, or perish in 

 the endeavor to deserve it. Accept my assurances of perpetual affection and 

 esteem. 



"■ The letters go off to-morrow." 



It will be perceived, by the foregoing letters, that the President of the 

 United States had it in contemplation to despatch men of science, for the pur- 

 pose of exploring the country of the Mississippi. Wilson now conceived that 

 a favorable opportunity would be afforded him of gratifying a desire, which he 

 had long indulged, of visiting those regions, which he was convinced were rich 

 in the various objects of science; and, particularly, where subjects, new and 

 interesting, might be collected for his embryo work on the ornithology of our 

 country. He expressed his wishes to Mr. Bartram, who approved of them; 

 and the latter cheerfully wrote to his correspondent, Mr. Jefferson, stating 

 Wilson's character and acquirements; and recommending him as one highly 

 qualified to be employed in that important national enterprise. This intro- 

 ductory letter, indited in the most respectful terms, was accompanied with an 

 application from Wilson himself, which, as a faithful biographer of my friend, 

 I here think proper to insert entire : 



To HIS Excellency Thomas Jefferson, 



President of the United States. 

 "Sir: 



" Having been engaged, these several years, in collecting materials, and 

 furnishing drawings from nature, with the design of publishing a new Orni- 

 thology of the United States of America, so deficient in the works of Catesby, 

 Edwards, and other Europeans, I have traversed the greater part of our 

 northern and eastern districts ; and have collected many birds undescribed by 



