LIFE OF WILSON. x j x 



history, wherein he described his sensations on viewing the 

 first bird that presented itself as he entered the forests of Dela- 

 ware; it was a red-headed woodpecker, which he shot, and 

 considered the most beautiful bird he had ever beheld. 



On his arrival at Philadelphia, he deliberated upon the most 

 eligible mode of obtaining a livelihood, to which the state of 

 his funds urged immediate attention. He made himself known 

 to a countryman of his, Mr. John Aitken, a copper-plate prin- 

 ter, who, on being informed of his destitute situation, gave him 

 employment at this business, at which he continued for a few 

 weeks; but abandoned it for his trade of weaving, having made 

 an engagement with Mr. Joshua Sullivan, who resided on the 

 Penny pack creek, about ten miles north of Philadelphia. 



The confinement of the loom did not agree either with Wil- 

 son's habits or inclinations; and learning that there was consi- 

 derable encouragement afforded to settlers in Virginia, he mi- 

 grated thither, and took up his residence near Shepherd's 

 Town, in that part of the state known by the name of New 

 Virginia.* Here he again found himself necessitated to enr 

 gage in the same sedentary occupation; and soon becoming dis- 

 gusted with the place, he returned to the mansion of his friend, 

 Mr. Sullivan. 



I find from one of his journals, that, in the autumn of the 

 year 1795, he travelled through the north part of the state of 



* The habits of the people with whom Wilson was compelled to asso- 

 ciate, in this section of the state, it should seem, gave him no satisfaction; 

 and the life he led added not a little to the chagrin which he suffered on find- 

 ing himself an alien to those social pleasures which, hitherto, had tended to 

 sweeten his existence. His letters at this period would, no doubt, afford 

 some curious particulars, illustrative of his varied life; but none of them have 

 fallen into my hands. The following extract from some of his manuscript 

 verses will lead to the conclusion that he did not quit Virginia with regret: 



" Farewell to Virginia, to Berkley adieu, 

 Where, like Jacob, our days have been evil and few! 

 So few they seem'd really but one lengthen'd curse; 

 And so bad that the Devil only could have sent worse." 



