86 AI^EXANDER wii^son: poett-naturaust 



knowledge he possesses should die with him. But 

 he has intrusted the business to me, and I have 

 promised him an account of our interview." 



Before leaving Washington Wilson wrote the 

 following letter to the President, which, as far as 

 I have been able to find, is the last one which has 

 been preserved of those exchanged between 

 them. 



"Washington City Deer 24th 1808 

 "Sir 



"The person who is the Bearer of this, has in 

 his possession specimens of Copper Ore found in 

 Orange County, State of Virginia, which he is 

 solicitous to show to the President. Considering 

 this discovery (if the facts be as he states) highly 

 important at this interesting crisis I have advised 

 him to wait on you without delay. 



"I have succeeded, tolerably, among the gen- 

 tlemen here, in procuring subscriptions to my 

 Publication; and leave this place to-day. I shall 

 remit you an account of my interview with Coffer, 

 and am, with consideration of high respect, 



"Sir, 

 "Your obedt Humble Servt 



"Ai^Dx W11.SON." 



Why Jefferson did not answer Wilson's letter 

 in reference to the Pike expedition above referred 

 to is best explained by the supposition that he 

 either never received it or else referred it to Gen- 

 eral Wilkinson, who had entire control of all the 

 arrangements for the expedition of Lieutenant Z. 



