Ixii LIFE OF WILSON. 



To the Same. 



February 3, 1806. 



" The enclosed sketch of a letter is submitted for your opi- 

 nion, and, if approved, I must request of you the favour to en- 

 close it in one of your own to Mr. Jefferson. You see I am 

 serious in my design of traversing our southern wildernesses. 

 Disappointed in your company, I have no hopes in another's 

 that would add any value to the Ohio tour. I am therefore 

 driven to this expedient, and I hope it will succeed. Please to 

 let me hear your sentiments on this affair to-morrow morning ; 

 and oblige yours, &c. " 



To the Same. 



February 5, 1806. 



" I am infinitely obliged to you, my dear friend, for your 

 favourable opinion of me, transmitted to the president. Should 

 an engagement be the consequence, I will merit the character 

 which you have given of me, or perish in the endeavour to de- 

 serve it. Accept my assurances of perpetual affection and es- 

 teem. 



"The letters go off to-morrow. " 



It will be perceived, by the foregoing letters, that the Presi- 

 dent of the United States had it in contemplation to despatch 

 men of science, for the purpose of exploring the country of the 

 Mississippi. Wilson now conceived that a favourable oppor- 

 tunity would be afforded him of gratifying a desire, which he 

 had long indulged, of visiting those regions, which he was con- 

 vinced were rich in the various objects of science; and, parti- 

 cularly, where subjects, new and interesting, might be collect- 

 ed for his embryo work on the Ornithology of our country. 

 He expressed his wishes to Mr. Bartram, who approved of 

 them; and the latter cheerfully wrote to his correspondent, Mr. 

 Jefferson, stating Wilson's character and acquirements; and re- 

 commending him as one highly qualified to be employed in 

 that important national enterprise. This introductory letter, 

 endited in the most respectful terms, was accompanied with 



