394 Life of Auduhon. 



TARRYTOWN, October 19, 1836. 

 MY DEAR SIR, 



This letter will be handed to you by our distil* 

 guished naturalist, Mr. J. J. Audubon. To one so pure- 

 ly devoted as yourself to anything liberal and enlightened, 

 I know I need say nothing in recommendation of Audu- 

 bon and his works ; he himself will best inform you o] 

 his views in visiting Washington, and I am sure you will 

 do anything in your power to promote them. 



He has heretofore received facilities on the part of 

 the government, in prosecuting his researches along our 

 coast, by giving him conveyance in our revenue cutters 

 and other public vessels. I trust similar civilities will 

 be extended to him, and that he will receive all aid and 

 countenance in his excursions by land. 



The splendid works of Mr. Audubon, on the sale of which 

 he depends for the remuneration of a life of labor, and for 

 provision for his family, necessarily, from the magnificence 

 of its execution, is put beyond the means of most individ- 

 uals. It must depend therefore on public institutions for 

 its chief sale. As it is a national work, and highly cred- 

 itable to the nation, it appears to me that it is particular- 

 ly deserving of national patronage. Why cannot the de- 

 partments of Washington furnish themselves with copies, 

 to be deposited in their libraries or archives ? Think of 

 these suggestions, and, if you approve of them, act accord- 

 ingly. 



With the highest esteem and regard, 



I am, dear sir, Yours very truly, 



WASHINGTON IRVING. 

 BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, Esq., 

 Attorney-General of the United States, Washington, D. C. 



TARRYTOWN, October, 19, 1836. 



MY DEAR SIR, 



I take pleasure in introducing to you our distin- 

 guished and most meritorious countryman, J. J. Audubon, 



