xliv LIFE OF WILSON. 



through deep snows, and almost uninhabited forests; over stu- 

 pendous mountains, and down dangerous rivers: passing over, 

 in a course of thirteen hundred miles, as great a variety of men 

 and modes of living, as the same extent of country can exhibit 

 in any part of the United States though in this tour I have 

 had every disadvantage of deep roads and rough weather; hur- 

 ried marches, and many other inconveniences to encounter, 

 yet so far am I from being satisfied with what I have seen, or 

 discouraged by the fatigues which every traveller must submit 

 to, that I feel more eager than ever to commence some more 

 extensive expedition; where scenes and subjects entirely new, 

 and generally unknown, might reward my curiosity; and where 

 perhaps my humble acquisitions might add something to the 

 stores of knowledge. For all the hazards and privations inci- 

 dent to such an undertaking, I feel confident in my own spirit 

 and resolution. With no family to enchain my affections; no 

 ties but those of friendship; and the most ardent love of my 

 adopted country with a constitution which hardens amidst 

 fatigues; and a disposition sociable and open, which can find it- 

 self at home by an Indian fire in the depth of the woods, as 

 well as in the best apartment of the civilized; I have at present 

 a real design of becoming a traveller. But I am miserably de- 

 ficient in many acquirements absolutely necessary for such a 

 character. Botany, Mineralogy, and Drawing, I most ardent- 

 ly wish to be instructed in, and with these I should fear no- 

 thing. Can I yet make any progress in Botany, sufficient to 

 enable me to be useful, and what would be the most proper 

 way to proceed? I have many leisure moments that should be 

 devoted to this pursuit, provided I could have hopes of suc- 

 ceeding. Your opinion on this subject will confer an additional 

 obligation on your affectionate friend. 5 ' 



It is worthy of remark, that when men of uncommon talents 

 conceive any great scheme, they usually overlook those cir- 

 cumstances of minor importance, which ordinary minds would 

 estimate as first deserving attention. Thus Wilson, with an 

 intellect expanded with information, and still grasping at fur- 



