182 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 65. 



Horrid swamps, poisonous water, prodigous growth of cane 

 and high woods shutting out the Hght of day ! Horse bemired, 

 from which nothing but great strength and exertion would 

 rescue him. General Wade Hampton was met and looked anx- 

 ious when told what was before him, a convalescent. Wilson 

 passed through the Chickasaw Bigtown. Already the poisonous 

 swamp water, burning sun, and reeking clothing, had brought 

 on an attack of dysentery which threatened to make an end of 

 him in the lonely country of the Choctaw nation. An Indian 

 recommended the ripe and abundant wild strawberry, and Wil- 

 son, kept up his strength with newly laid eggs, eaten raw, to 

 which he credits the cure, after some days in which he could 

 hardly keep the saddle. On May 12th, he noted the nest of 

 an Olive-backed ? Thrush which he mistook for that of the 

 Hermit Thrush. At length, on May 18th, the journey of 478 

 miles from Nashville lands him at Natchez, on the banks of 

 the Mississippi; "through difficulties, which those who have 

 never passed the road, could have no conception of" ; guard- 

 ing his precious book and specimens from the ravages of the 

 elements throughout that long, lonely journey, and to the 

 astonishment of the boatman, without whisky ; the pages of 

 history do not contain a better example of dauntless pertinacity 

 of purpose. 



What must have been his gratification upon emerging from 

 the wilderness, to receive a note from William Dunbar, a sub- 

 scriber, living nine miles below Natchez ; the bearer attending 

 with twO' horses : " .... I understand from my boy, that you 

 propose going in a few days to New Orleans, where you will 

 see some small cabinets Oif natural history that may interest 

 you. But, as I presume it is vour intention tO' prosecute your 

 enquiries into the interior of our country, this cannot be done 

 better than from my house, as your headquarters. My house 

 stands literally in the forest, and your beautiful orioles, with 

 other elegant birds, are our courtyard companions. . . ." The 

 novelty of being welcomed by a perfect stranger, led him to 

 ride out on May 23rd, and spend several pleasant and profita- 

 ble days ; for here he procured the Mississippi Kite, and later. 



