LIFE OF WILSON. cvii 



emplo3^ed in taking sketclies of the place, to facilitate the invasion of the 

 enemy. Under these impressions it was thought conducive to the public safety 

 that Wilson should be apprehended ; and he was accordingly taken into the 

 custody of a magistrate, who, on being made acquainted with his character, 

 and the nature of his visit, politely dismissed him, with many apologies for the 

 mistake. 



The publication of the Ornithology now advanced as rapidly as a due regard 

 to correctness and elegance would admit. In order to become better acquainted 

 with the feathered tribes, and to observe their migrations with more accuracy, 

 as well as to enjoy the important advantages of a rural retirement, Wilson re- 

 sided the better part of the years 1811-12 at the Botanic Garden of his friend, 

 Mr. Bartram. There removed from the noise, bustle, and interruption of the 

 metropolis, he was enabled to dispose of his time to the best advantage ; for 

 when fatigued with close application within doors, to recruit his mind and body 

 he had only to cross the threshold of his abode, and he at once found himself 

 surrounded with those acquaintance, the observing of whose simple manners 

 not only afforded the most agreeable recreation, but who were jjerpetually con- 

 tributing to the great undertaking which he was earnestly laboring to complete. 



In the month of March, 1812, Wilson was chosen a member of the Society 

 of Artists of the United States; but in the spring of the succeeding year, a 

 greater honor was conferred upon him, by his being elected a member of the 

 American Philosophical Society of Philadelphia. 



To Mr. Wm. Bartram. 



"Philadelphia, April 21st, 1813. 

 " My Dear Friend. 



" I have been extremely busy these several months, my colorists having all 

 left, me ; so I have been obliged to do extra duty this last winter. Next week 

 I shall publish my seventh volume; and shall send you your copy with the ear- 

 liest opportunity. I am now engaged with the ducks, all of which, that I am 

 acquainted with, will be comprehended in the eighth volume. 



" Since I had the pleasure of seeing you, I have hardly left the house half 

 an hour ; and I long most ardently to breathe once more the fresh air of the 

 country, and gaze on the lovely face of Nature. Will it be convenient for the 

 family to accommodate me (as I shall be alone) this summer? Please to let 

 me know. 



" I lately received from the celebrated Mr. West, a proof impression of his 

 grand historical picture of the death of Admiral Nelson — a present which I 

 highly value. 



'• The Philosophical Society of Philadelphia have done me the honor to elect 

 mo a member, for which I must certainly, in gratitude, make them a commu- 

 nication on some subject, this summer. I long very much to hear from you; 

 and, with my best wishes for your health and happiness, am very truly 



" Your sincere friend." 



As soon as the seventh volume of the Ornithology was published, its author, 

 and the writer of this sketch, set out on their last expedition to Great Egg 



