LIFE OF WILSON. Jxxiii 



that among the many thousands who have examined my book, 

 and among these were men of the first character for taste and 

 literature, I have heard nothing but expressions of the highest 

 admiration and esteem. If I have been mistaken in publishing 

 a work too good for the country, it is a fault not likely to be 

 soon repeated, and will pretty severely correct itself. But what- 

 ever may be the result of these matters, I shall not sit down 

 Avith folded hands, whilst any thing can be done to carry my 

 point: since God helps them who help themselves. I am fixing 

 correspondents in every corner of these northern regions, like 

 so many pickets and outposts, so that scarcely a wren or tit 

 shall be able to pass along, from York to Canada, but I shall get 

 intelligence of it." 



TO MR. D. H. MILLER. 



Boston, October 12, 1808. 

 "Dear Sir, 



" I arrived here on Sunday last, after various adventures, the 

 particulars of which, as well as the observations I have had lei- 

 sure to make upon the passing scenery around me, I shall en- 

 deavour, as far as possible, to compress into this letter, for your 

 own satisfaction, and that of my friends who may be interested 

 for my welfare. My company in the stage coach to New York 

 were all unknown to me, except Col. S., who was on his route 

 to Fort Oswego, on Lake Ontario, to take command of the 

 troops intended to be stationed on that part of the frontier, to 

 prevent evasions of the embargo law. The sociable disposition 

 and affability of the Colonel made this part of the journey pass 

 very agreeably, for both being fond of walking, whenever the 

 driver stopped to water, or drink grog, which was generally 

 every six or eight miles, we set out on foot, and sometimes got 

 on several miles before the coach overhauled us. By this method 

 we enjoyed our ride, and with some little saving of horseflesh, 

 which I know you will approve of. At Princeton I bade my 

 fellow travellers good by, as I had to wait upon the reverend 



doctors of the college. I took my book under my arm, put se- 

 VOL. i. K 



