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 Audubon, directed to New York City. 



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 contemptated 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 around 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 use the brush, I occasionally gave advice generally ; 

 however, after the drawings icere finished. In answer 

 to the question, did siie execute the drawings ? I 

 have only to say, "all thcd she did not do, were done 

 by your humble servant." 



