Ixviil LIFE OF WILSON. 



Not long after his engagement, he unfolded his mind to Mr. 

 Bradford on the subject of his projected Ornithology; and ex- 

 hibited such evidence of his talents for a work of that nature, 

 that the latter promptly agreed to become the publisher of it, 

 and to furnish the requisite funds; and now, for the first time, 

 Wilson found those obstructions removed, which had opposed 

 his favourite enterprise. 



TO MR. WILSON AT THE FALLS OF NIAGARA. 



Philadelphia, July 8th, 1806. 

 " Dear Sir, 



"This will be handed to you by Mr. Michaux, a gentleman 

 of an amiable character, and a distinguished naturalist, who is 

 pursuing his botanical researches through North America, and 

 intends visiting the Cataract of Niagara. The kindness 1 re- 

 ceived from your family in 1804 makes me desirous that my 

 friend, Mr. Michaux, should reside with you during his stay at 

 Niagara; and any attention paid to him will be considered as 

 done to myself, and suitable acknowledgments made in person 

 by me on my arrival at Niagara, which I expect will be early 

 next spring. 



66 You will be so good as give Mr. Michaux information re- 

 specting the late rupture of the rock at the falls, of the burning 

 spring above, and point out to him the place of descent to the 

 rapids below, with any other information respecting the won- 

 derful scenery around you. 



"In the short stay I made, and the unfavourable weather I 

 experienced, I was prevented from finishing my intended sketch 

 equal to my wishes; but I design to spend several weeks with 

 you, and not only take correct drawings, but particular descrip- 

 tions of every thing relating to that stupendous Cataract, and 

 to publish a more complete and satisfactory account, and a bet- 

 ter representation of it, than has been yet done in the United 

 States. * 



* Wilson's subsequent engagements prevented his return to the Falls, in 

 conformity with his wishes; but his sketches were completed by an artist, en- 



