LIFE OF WILSON. xvii 



We now behold Alexander Wilson in a strange land, without an acquaint- 

 ance on whose counsels and hospitality he could rely in that state of uncer- 

 tainty to which, having no particular object in view, he was of course subjected ; 

 without a single letter of introduction, and with not a shilling in his pocket.* 

 But every care was forgotten in his transport at finding himself in the land of 

 freedom. He had often oast a wishful look towards the western hemisphere, 

 and his warm fancy had suggested the idea that among that people, only, who 

 maintained the doctrine of an equality of rights, could political justice be 

 found. He had become indignant at beholding the influence of the wealthy 

 converted into the means of oppression; and had imputed the wrongs and suf- 

 ferrings of the poor, not to the condition of society, but to the nature and 

 constitution of the government. He was now free ; and exulted in his release, 

 as a bird rejoices which escapes from the confinement of the cage. Impatient 

 to set his foot upon the soil of the New World, he landed at the town of New- 

 castle, and, shouldering his fowling-piece, he directed his steps towards Phila- 

 delphia, distant about thirty-three miles. The writer of this biography has a 

 distinct recollection of a conversation with Wilson on this part of his history, 

 wherein he described his sensations on viewing the first bird that presented 

 itself as he entered the forests of Delaware ; it was a red-headed woodpecker, 

 which he shot, and considered the most beautiful bird he had ever beheld. 



On his arrival at Philadelphia, he deliberated upon the most eligible mode 

 of obtaining a livelihood, to which the state of his funds urged immediate at- 

 tention. He made himself known to a countryman of his, Mr. John Aitken, 

 a copper-plate printer, who, on being informed of his destitute situation, gave 

 him employment at this business, at which he continued for a few weeks, but 

 abandoned it for his trade of weaving ; having made an engagement with Mr. 

 Joshua Sullivan, who resided on the Pennypack creek, about ten miles north 

 of Philadelphia. 



The confinement of the loom did not agree either with Wilson's habits or 

 inclinations ; and learning that there was considerable encouragement afforded 

 to settlers in Virginia, he imigrated thither, and took up his residence near 

 Shepherd's Town, in that part of the state known by the name of New Vir- 

 ginia. "j" Here he again found himself necessitated to engage in the same 



* This is literally true. The money which bore his expenses from Newcastle to Phila- 

 delphia was borrowed of a fellow passenger. The same generous friend, whose name was 

 Oliver, made him subsequently a loan of cash to enable him to travel into Virginia. 



t The habits of the people with whom Wilson w.as compelled to associate, in this section 

 of the state, it should seem gave him no satisfaction ; and the life he led added not a lit- 

 tle to the chagrin which he suffered on finding himself an alien to those social pleasures 

 which, hitherto, had tended to sweeten his existence. His letters at this period would, no 

 doubt, afford some curious particulars, illustrative of his varied life ; but none of them 

 have fallen into my hands. The following extr.act from some of his manuscript verses, 

 will lead to the conclusion that he did not quit Virginia with regret : 



" Farewell to Virginia, "to Berkley adieu, 

 Where, like Jacob, our days have been evil and few I 

 So few— they seemed really but one lengthened curse ; 

 And so bad — that the Devil only could have sent worse." 

 Vol. I.— B 



