ALEXANDER WILSON 6l 



home constantly boast of the resources and possibilities of the 

 States. President Jefferson commanded his deep respect and 

 admiration, especially on account of his scientific attainments, and 

 to him he seems to have looked for some assistance in the prosecu- 

 tion of his ornithological studies. He sent him with much diffi- 

 dence drawings of two birds which he had secured on his journey 

 to Niagara and received a very appreciative letter from the presi- 

 dent. Encouraged by this Wilson wrote again just before receiv- 

 ing his editorial appointment and applied for a position on the 

 expedition then being fitted out by the government under Captain 

 Nicolas Pike to explore the sources of the Arkansas River; no 

 attention, however, was paid to his application. 



The idea of publishing the results of his bird studies seems to 

 have taken definite shape in Wilson's mind toward the end of the 

 year 1805, and he at that time was making attempts at etching 

 on copper. Catesby for economy's sake etched his own plates, 

 and Wilson being no better situated financially probably saw no 

 other way to reproduce his drawings. His first efforts which Ord 

 tells us were'plates one and two of the Ornithology were sent to 

 Bartram on November 29, 1805, and January 4, 1806, the latter 

 one accompanied by the following note: "Mr. Wilson's affectionate 

 compliments to Mr. Bartram; and sends for his amusement and 

 correction another proof of his Birds of the United States. The 

 coloring being chiefly done last night, must soften criticism a little. 

 Will be thankful for my friend's advice and correction." In the 

 letter to President Jefferson above alluded to, he clearly states his 

 purpose of publishing as he says, "Having been engaged, these 

 several years, in collecting materials and finishing drawings from 

 Nature, with the design of publishing a new Ornithology of the 

 United States of America, so deficient are the works of Catesby, 

 Edwards, and other Europeans, I have traversed the greater part 

 of our northern and eastern districts; and have collected many 

 birds undescribed by these naturalists. Upwards of one hundred 

 drawings are completed, and two plates in folio already engraved." 



By April, 1807, the propectus was ready, and apparently dissat- 

 isfied with his own efforts he had engaged Alexander Lawson to 



