THORNS ON THE ROSE 71 



random and without any knowledge of his subject, merely 

 wishes to push himself into notice by a blunt denial of my 

 veracity, and would edify & please some of his friends, at the 

 price of my reputation. I think, my dear Mr. Sully, the latter 

 much more applicable, and must belong to the author of the 

 report current in your city. 



I have not read any of the Philadelphia papers since I came 

 to England, and do not know the tone of the attacks upon me, 

 but judging from your friendly letter, I feel assured that the 

 pen that traced them must have been dipped in venom more 

 noxious than that which flows from the j aws of the rattlesnake ! 



To you, my dear Friend, I solemly affirm that however 

 unnatural my observations may appear, they are all facts, 

 without a word of exaggeration. My fate in this instance 

 differs not from that of many others, but believe me, will differ 

 widely from that of the illustrious Bruce; those attacks will 

 not make me die of sorrow! 



With this, my dear Friend, I will close the subject, giving 

 you meanwhile full liberty to use this letter in any manner 

 that may best suit your feelings, and I will now pass on to other 

 things. 



My success in the mother country continues to augment 

 apace. I have many most valuable friends and patrons, and 

 discovered soon after my landing that Science has no par- 

 ticular country. The 5 th. number of my work is now pub- 

 lished, & completes my labor for 1827. During my progress 

 I have often received letters from highly distinguished char- 

 acters, expressive of the highest approbation, & I hope by 

 regular industry to be able to go on with the performance, 

 with credit to myself & benefit to my family. 



I shall leave this town for London in a few days, when I 

 will convey your wishes to Robert Sully, & [when] there I hope 

 to see the picture which you have sent to the Marquis of 

 Wellesley. . . . 



The attack referred to in the letter just quoted was 

 called forth by Audubon's unfortunate paper on the 



