LIFE OF WILSON. cxlix 



feelingly, that the spring, which brings joy to every other be- 

 ing, brings sorrow to her, for in winter she is always well. 



" April 25. Breakfasted at Walton's, thirteen miles from 

 Nashville. This place is a fine rich hollow, watered by a charm- 

 ing, clear creek, that never fails. Went up to Madison's Lick, 

 where I shot three paroquets and some small birds. 



66 April 26. Set out early, the hospitable landlord, ISAAC 

 WALTON, refusing to take any thing for my fare, or that of my 

 horse, saying " You seem to be travelling for the good of 

 the world; and I cannot, I will not charge you any thing. 

 Whenever you come this way, call and stay with me, you 

 shall be welcome!" This is the first instance of such* hospi- 

 tality which I have met with in the United States. " 



" Wednesday, May 23. Left Natchez, after procuring 

 twelve subscribers; and having received a kind letter of invi- 

 tation from William Dunbar, Esq., I availed myself of his good- 

 ness, and rode nine miles along the usual road to his house; 

 where, though confined to his bed by a severe indisposition, I 

 was received with great hospitality and kindness; had a neat 

 bed-room assigned me; and was requested to consider myself 

 as at home during the time I should find it convenient to stay 

 in exploring this part of the country. " 



The letter above mentioned, which is now before me, is wor- 

 thy of transcription: 



" Forest, 20th May, 1810. 

 " Sir, 



" It is very unfortunate that I should be so much indisposed 

 as to be confined to my bed-room; nevertheless, I cannot give 

 up the idea of having the pleasure of seeing you as soon as you 

 find it convenient; the perusal of your first volume of Orni- 

 thology, lent me by General Wilkinson, has produced in me a 

 very great desire of making your acquaintance. 



* The editor of Wilson's Poems, in quoting this paragraph, omitted the 

 word such, thereby intending to convey a charge of the want of hospitality 

 in the American character, which our author rarely experienced. Wilson's 

 meaning is sufficiently obvious, without comment. 



