2C8 Deane, Letters of Audubon and Baird. \\^^\ 



and 4 o'clock of the afternoon, having been detained at the differ- 

 ent Departments of State where it was my duty to call, preparatory 

 to next coming Great Western Journey. 



Now it proves by your letter that you feel favorably disposed to 

 accompany me on this long-thought-of and contemplated Tour, 

 and wish me to give you some idea of the expenses, attached to 

 such an undertaking ; but to this question I am quite unable to 

 reply at present, although I may do so in a few weeks, and which 

 I shall do, provided you write to me again on the subject. 



I have no very particular desire to embark as deep in the Cause 

 of Science as the great Humboldt has done, and that, simply 

 because I am too poor in pecuniary means and too incompetent; 

 but I wish nevertheless to attempt to open the Eyes of naturalists 

 to Riches untold, and facts hitherto untold. The portions of the 

 country through which it is my intention to pass, never having 

 been trodden by white Man previously. 



I have some very strong doubts whether the results of the 

 Antarctic Expedition will be published for some time yet ; for, 

 alas, our Government has not the means, at present, of paying 

 some half a Million of Dollars to produce publications such as 

 they should publish, and connected with the vast stores of Infor- 

 mation, collected by so many Scientific Men in no less than Four 

 Years of Constant Toil and privation, and which ought to come to 

 the World of Science at least as brightly as the brightest rays of 

 the Orb of Day during the Midsummer Solstice. O, my dear 

 young friend, that I did possess the wealth of the Emperor of 

 Russia, or of the King of the French ; then, indeed, I would 

 address the Congress of our Country, ask of them to throw open 

 these stores of Natural Curiosities, and to Give away Copies of 

 the invaluable Works thus produced to every Scientific Institution 

 throughout our Country and throughout the World. 



As you however appear desirous to present my thoughts of your 

 capabilities as one of the assistants in that Stupendous undertak- 

 ing, I send you enclosed what I hope most sincerely may prove 

 beneficial for such purposes. 



Now as you have been kind enough to offer me your services 

 at Washington, I ask you to call upon Mr. Gushing, M. P., of 

 Massachusetts, and to ask him to have the goodness to forward 



