LIFE OF WILSON. XXi 



1 iguing journey to a pedestrian, who, in the space of twenty- 

 fight days, travelled nearly eight hundred miles. 



The life of Wilson now becomes interesting, as we are ena- 

 bled, by a selection from his letters, to present him to the rea- 

 der as his own biographer. 



TO MR. WM. DUNCAN.* 



Milestown, July 1, 1800. 

 *< Dear Bill, 



" I had the pleasure of yours by the hands of Mr. P. this 

 day; and about fours weeks ago I had another, directed to Mr. 

 Dobson's care, both of which were as welcome to me as any 

 thing, but your own self, could be. I am just as you left me, 

 only my school has been thinner this season than formerly. 



" I have had four letters from home, all of which I have an- 

 swered. Their news are Dull trade provisions most exor- 

 bitantly high R.'s sister dead the Seedhills mill burnt to the 



ground and some other things of less consequence. 



-x- ***** 



" I doubt much if stills could be got up in time to do any 

 thing at the distilling business this winter. Perhaps it might 

 be a safer way to take them up, in the spring, by the Susque- 

 hanna. But if you are determined, and think that we should 

 engage in the business, I shall be able to send them up either 

 way. P. tells me that his two stills cost about forty pounds. 

 I want to hear more decisively from you before I determine. 

 Sooner than live in a country exposed to the ague, I would re- 

 main where I am. 



" 0. comes out to stay with me two months, to learn survey- 

 ing, algebra, &c. I have been employed in several places about 

 this summer to survey, and have acquitted myself with credit, 

 and to my own satisfaction. I should not be afraid to engage 

 in any job with the instruments I have. * * * 



* Mr. Duncan at this time resided upon the farm mentioned above, which 

 was situated in the township of Ovid, Cayugu County, New York. 



