LIFE OF WILSON. Ixy 



ing the expeditions commanded by Lewis and Clark, and Pike, 

 there can be but one opinion on the insufficiency of that plan of 

 discovery which does not embrace the co-operation of men of 

 letters and science: those whose knowledge will teach them to 

 select what is valuable, and whose learning will enable them 

 to digest it for the advantage of others. We would not draw 

 an invidious comparison between the expeditions above-men- 

 tioned, and those under the command of Major Long; but we 

 will rest in the hope that, as the government now appears to 

 be sensible of the beneficial effects resulting from a liberal and 

 enlightened policy, it will continue to foster that spirit of enter- 

 prise which distinguishes some of our citizens; and which, if 

 properly directed, will redound to the honour and glory of our 

 country. 



TO MR. WILLIAM DUNCAN. 



Gray's Ferry, Feb. 26, 1806. 



"Notwithstanding the great esteem I have for your judg- 

 ment, in preference, many times, to my own, yet I believe we 

 are both wrong in the proposed affair of Saturday week. I have 

 not the smallest ambition of being considered an orator; and 

 would it not, by some, be construed into vanity, or something 

 worse, for me to go all the way from this place to deliver a po- 

 litical lecture at Milestown? Politics has begot me so many 

 enemies, both in the old and new world, and has done me so 

 little good, that I begin to think the less you and I harangue on 

 that subject the better. I do not say this from any doubt I have 

 of being able to say something on the subject, but much ques- 

 tion the policy and prudence of it. If you and I attend punctu- 

 ally to the duties of our profession, and make our business our 

 pleasure; and the improvement of our pupils, with their good 

 government, our chief aim; honour, and respectability, and suc- 

 cess will assuredly attend us, even if we never open our lips on 

 politics. 



" These have been some of my reflections since we parted. 

 I hope you will weigh them in your own mind, and acquiesce 



VOL. i. i 



