18 John BaclihiiUi. 



catcli the beaver and other fur-bearing animals, 

 and I can sell the skins." The plan succeeded; in 

 course of time the books were bought. He loved to 

 tell his grandchildren how he sold his furs and 

 purchased the coveted volumes. 



His mother was proud of her little student. In 

 his reminiscences he tells us, " My mother made 

 room for my treasures, and on very cold, rainy 

 evenings I had a fire in the ' spare room,' where I 

 could study in quiet." 



Very early in life he asked his father to send him 

 to college. He had procured a Latin grammar, and 

 was studying alone. No doubt Pastor Braun was 

 then called upon to direct his Greek and Latin 

 studies; and for recreation he had his few precious 

 books on the Natural Sciences. 



He was strong in body, buoyant of spirit, and 

 hopeful in temperament. \qv\ ready was he to 

 take part in all out-door games that re({uired swift- 

 ness of foot, or accuracy of eye. 



One day a great honor was c(>nferred upon the 

 youth. The United States Exploring Expedition 

 decided to make a visit to the Oneida Lidians. 

 Mr. Knickerbocker required a secretary, and John 

 Bachman was selected to accompany him in that 

 capacity. It was, doubtless, a proud moment for 

 the youth, and certainly must have recalled to his 

 mind his old ancestor, who came from England to 

 America as secretary to William Penn. With the 

 blessing of father and mother he started with the 

 party. 



