xlvi LIFE OF WILSON. 



these naturalists. Upwards of one hundred drawings are completed; and two 

 plates in folio already engraved. But as many beautiful tribes frequent the 

 Ohio, and the extensive country through which it passes, that probably ne^er 

 visit the Atlantic states; and as faithful representations of these can be taken only 

 from living Nature, or from birds newly killed ; I had planned an expedition 

 down that river, from Pittsburgh to the Mississippi, thence to New Orleans, 

 and to continue my researches by land in return to Philadelphia. I had 

 engaged as a companion and assistant Mr. William Bartram, of this place, 

 whose knowledge of Botany, as well as Zoology, would have enabled me to 

 make the best of the voyage, and to collect many new specimens in both those 

 departments. Sketches of these were to have been taken on the spot; and 

 the subjects put in a state of preservation to finish our drawings from, as 

 time would permit. We intended to set out from Pittsburgh about the begin- 

 ning of May; and expected to reach New Orleans in September. 



" But my venerable friend, Mr. Bartram, taking into more serious considera- 

 tion his advanced age, being near seventy, and the weakness of his eye-sight; 

 and apprehensive of his inability to encounter the fatigues and deprivations 

 unavoidable in so extensive a tour ; having, to my extreme regret, and the 

 real loss of science, been induced to decline the journey; I had reluctantly 

 abandoned the enterprise, and all hopes of accomplishing my purpose; till 

 hearing that your excellency had it in contemplation to send travellers this 

 ensuing summer up the Red River, the Arkansas, and other tributary streams 

 of the Mississippi ; and believing that my services might be of advantage to 

 some of these parties in promoting your excellency's design ; while the best 

 opportunities would be afforded me of procuring subjects for the work which 

 I have so much at heart; under these impressions I beg leave to offer myself 

 for any of these expeditions ; and can be ready at a short notice to attend 

 your excellency's orders. 



"Accustomed to the hardships of travelling, without a family, and an en- 

 thusiast in the pursuit of Natural History, I will devote my whole powers to 

 merit your excellency's approbation ; and ardently wish for an opportunity of 

 testifying the sincerity of my professions, and the deep veneration with which 

 I have the honor to be, 



"Sir, 



" Your obedient servant, 



" Alex. Wilson.* 

 " KiNGSESS, February Gth, 1806." 



Mr. Jefferxnn had in his port folio decisive proofs of Wilson's talents as an 

 ornithologist, the latter having some time before, as the reader will have ob- 

 served, transmitted to his excellency some elegant drawings of birds, accom- 

 panied with descriptions. Yet, with these evidences before him, backed with 

 the recommendation of a discerning and experienced naturalist, Mr. Jefferson 



* Wilson was piirticularly anxious to accompany Pike, who commenced his journey 

 from the cantonment on the Missouri, for the sources of the Arkansas, &c., on the 15th 

 Julv, 1806. 



