2C6 Deane, Letters of Audubon and Baird. LApril 



Baird to Audubon. 



Washington, July 27, 1842. 

 My Dear Mr. Audubon. 



After making several unsuccessful efforts to get a second sight 

 of you day before yesterday, I was obliged to give up the attempt 

 in despair. I went to the Capitol at half past twelve and 

 wandered over the whole building. Library, Senate Chamber and 

 House, without being able to see or hear anything of your 

 excellency. In the evening as in the morning I was again at 

 Fuller's ^ without avail, went up the street, listened a while to the 

 Circus music, came back, you were in bed. 



One thing I wanted to ask you about, was respecting your pro- 

 posed trip next spring. In the first place the expense. The 

 Pennsylvanians have been all so much affected by the derange- 

 ments in the Currency of our state, stocks, banks, etc., that when 

 in former years dollars were thrown away, cents are now carefully 

 looked to. Nothing would delight me more than to go, if I can 

 afford it. Next what preparation would I have to make to fit 

 myself to accompany you. The journey ought to be a sort of 

 " Humboldt & Bonpland " one, for the purpose of increasing the 

 general sum of knowledge in every department of science, physical 

 as well as natural. Will you please write and tell me all about the 

 matter, route &c. If there is anything I can do for you here, do 

 not hesitate to command me. It would require a good many 

 drafts on me to wipe off the heavy load of obligation I am under 

 to you for your kindness to me in New York, by sympathy and 

 assistance in more ways than one. I have influential friends and 

 relations here who, if occasion demands, may forward some of 

 your views. By the by, a gentleman asked me yesterday several 

 particulars about your proposed work, as to time of commence- 

 ment, finishing and probable cost, intimating at the same time an 

 intention of becoming a subscriber. Will you enable me to give 

 him some information on the subject. 



1 The old City Hotel kept by A. Fuller and known as "Fuller's," situated 

 at the northwest corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Fourteenth St., where 

 the Willard Hotel now stands. 



