cvi LIFE OF WILSON. 



and noble rivers, are passing in rapid succession before my de- 

 lighted view, they are not beside me to enjoy the varying 

 scenery; but as far as my pen will enable me, I will freely 

 share it with them, and remember them affectionately until I 

 forget myself. 



" February 23d. My baggage is on board I have just to 

 despatch this and set off. The weather is fine, and I have no 

 doubt of piloting my skiff in safety to Cincinnati. Farewell ! 

 God bless you!" 



TO MR. ALEXANDER LAWSON. 



Lexington, JZpril 4, 1810. 

 " My Dear Sir, 



" Having now reached the second stage of my bird-catching 

 expedition, I willingly sit down to give you some account of 

 my adventures and remarks since leaving Pittsburg; by the 

 aid of a good map, and your usual stock of patience, you will 

 be able to listen to my story, and trace all my wanderings. 

 Though generally dissuaded from venturing by myself on so 

 long a voyage down the Ohio, in an open skiff, I considered 

 this mode, with all its inconveniences, as the most favourable 

 to my researches, and the most suitable to my funds, and I de- 

 termined accordingly. Two days before my departure, the 

 Alleghany river was one wide torrent of broken ice, and I cal- 

 culated on experiencing considerable difficulties on this score. 

 My stock of provisions consisted of some biscuit and cheese, 

 and a bottle of cordial presented me by a gentleman of Pitts- 

 burg; my gun, trunk and great coat, occupied one end of the 

 boat; I had a small tin occasionally to bale her, and to take my 

 beverage from the Ohio with; and bidding adieu to the smoky 

 confines of Pitt, I lanched into the stream, and soon winded 

 away among the hills that every where enclose this noble river. 

 The weather was warm and serene, and the river like a mir- 

 ror, except where floating masses of ice spotted its surface, and 

 which required some* care to steer clear of; but these to my 

 surprise, in less than a day's sailing, totally disappeared. Far 



