208 John Bachman. 



but always declined. Reserved in manner, and of a 

 temperament so unlike her father's; it was not until 

 several years later, that he discovered how entirely 

 he had misunderstood her character. 



On his return to Charleston, he wrote to Victor 

 Audubon : 



October 31st, 1845. 



We arrived at our own dear home, well, though 

 much fatigued. My good wife is not suffering to- 

 day. 



While at Washington, I worked like a horse 

 among the quadrupeds — Peale assisted me. 



The specimens are here before me, ready to be 

 handled, also the Elk horns — I thank you. 



I see De Kay makes two species of our Northern 

 Grey Squirrel — I think it an extraordinary mistake. 

 The three you figured are in Summer pilage, without 

 hair-like tufts on the back of the ears. My opinion 

 is, that the Squirrels ot the first summer get no tufts 

 the first Winter; but the second Winter the tufts ap- 

 pear, and return alwa3^s. I once obtained in the 

 New York Market, three with tufts in December. I 

 remember too, that when a boy I caught them in 

 traps in Winter, they had tufts ; and in Summer, they 

 were all Grey Squirrels; and I was much puzzled. 

 Now friend, can't you ransack the market for caged 

 squirrels, and examine for yourself? * * * 



It is late, and I am weary, weary. To-mori'ow 1 

 shall finisli this. * * * * 



January 1st, 184(). 



Dear Audubon — As I do not like to disappoint you 



in anything, I send you one of the articles. It is 



about a fair sample of the whole — some please me 



far better — tliere are a dozen superior to this, whilst 



