1816.} Alexander Wrison. 413 
himself to say that such a book as mine ought not to be encou- 
raged, as it was not within the reach of the commonality, and 
therefore inconsistent with our republican institutions! By the 
same mode of reasoning, which I did not dispute, I undertook to 
prove him a greater culprit than myself, in erecting a large, elegant, 
three-story brick house, so much beyond the reach of the common- 
ality, as he called them, and consequently grossly contrary to our 
republican institutions. 1 harangued this Solomon of the Bench 
more seriously afterwards, pointing out to him the great influence 
of science on a young nation like ours, and particularly the science 
of natural history, till he began to show such symptoms of intellect 
as to seem ashamed of what he had said.” 
“ March 23.—1 bade adieu to Louisville, to which place I had 
four letters of recommendation, and was taught to expect much of 
every thing there; but neither received one act of civility from 
those to whom 1 was recommended, one subscriber, nor one new 
bird, though I delivered my letters, ransacked the woods repeatedly, 
and visited all the characters likely to subscribe. Science or lite- 
yature has not one friend in this place.” 
April 25.—Breakfasted at Walton’s, 13 miles from Nashville. 
This place is a fine rich hollow, watered by a charming clear creek, 
that never fails. Went up to Madison’s Lick, where I shot three 
paroquets and some small birds. 
April 26.—Set out early, the hospitable landlord, Isaac Walton, 
refusing to take any thing for my fare, or that of my horse, saying, 
« You seem to be travelling for the good of the world, and I cannot, 
Twill not, charge you any thing. Whenever you come this way, 
call and stay with ‘me, you shall be welcome!” This is the first. 
instance of such hospitality which I have met with in the United 
States.” 
“ Wednesday, May 23-—Left Natchez, after procuring 12 
subscribers; and, having received a kind letter of invitation from 
Wm. Dunbar, Esq., I availed myself of his goodness, and rode nine 
miles along the usual road to his house, where, though confined to 
his bed by a severe indisposition, 1 was received with great hospi- 
tality and kindness; had a neat bed-room assigned me, and was 
requested to consider myself as at home during the time I should 
find it convenient to stay in exploring that part of the country.” 
The letter above mentioned, which is now before us, is worthy 
of transcription :— 
« Sir, Forest, May 20, 1810. 
It is very unfortunate that I should be so much indisposed as to 
be confined to my bed-room ; nevertheless, 1 cannot give up the 
idea of having the pleasure of seeing you as soon as you find it 
convenient. The perusal of your first volume of Ornithology, lent 
me by General Wilkinson, has produced in me a very great desire 
of making your acquaintance. 
J understand from my boy that you propose going in a few days 
