The Birds of America. 133 



See how I have run on are you not glad that 

 my sheet is filled ? 



Best respects to wife and your son John, in which 

 I am always joined by my family. 



Your friend, J. B. 



TO AtJDUBON, DIRECTED TO NEW YORK ClTY. 



CHARLESTON, March 13th, 1833. 



My dear Audubon : I received your very affection- 

 ate letter a few days ago, informing me of the safe 

 arrival of the box containing Sister Maria's draw- 

 ings, &c. I feel grateful for the expressions of es- 

 teem and friendship which your letter contains 

 allow me to add, that my family and myself receive 

 no letters which are more welcome, and none are 

 read with more avidity than yours. And, now, since 

 there is a probability that our correspondence will, 

 in some degree, be interrupted in consequence of 

 your contemplated visit to the coast of Labrador, a 

 selfish feeling almost induces me to wish that you 

 might change your mind and remain nearer to us. 

 But there is so much interest thrown ai^und one 

 who undertakes a long and dangerous journey or 

 voyage, that he seems to rise in importance, and 

 seems to awaken additional affection, in proportion 

 to his dangers, and the length of his absence. I 

 must then say, in God's name Go, and may success 

 attend you. 



Sister Maria feels grateful to you for your too flat- 

 tering opinion of her efforts. I take it, however, as 

 a compliment to myself, inasmuch as though I did 

 not me the brush, I occasionally gave advice generally ; 

 however, after the drawings were finished. In answer 

 to the question, did she execute the drawings ? I 

 have only to say, "all that slw did not do, were done 

 by your humble servant" 



