248 John Bachman. 



To Victor G. and John AV. Audubon : 



October oOth. ' 



*' I began this letter a few days ago, but laid it 

 aside. I could not write about quadrupeds. 



Before this reaches you, you will have heard de- 

 tails of our domestic trials; yet if I am not mis- 

 taken all the worst symptoms in L.'s case have 

 lessened. But in this letter I intend to confine 

 myself to the object I have in view, namely, to write 

 about (juadrupeds." 



(Several j^ages of descriptions of the same follow.) 

 The letter closes thus : 



'' Now I have a })roposition to make to you. Just 

 ciome to Charleston with your brushes; bring with 

 you the White Hare from the West, and all speci- 

 mens about which you have a doubt ; come to us 

 during the latter week in Novanber — we shall get 

 tlie Deer. After some labor and trouble I have 

 secured a Bear ; the Otter and Mouse we will have 

 too But what is most important, we shall make 

 arrangements for the completion of the work. 



We could togetlier do more in three weeks, than 

 could otherwise be accomplished in six months. If 

 you would bring the little grandchildren, so much 

 the l^etter ; but, at any rate, bring yourself. I have 

 much to say to you — perhaps, your presence would 

 divert my mind, and help to relieve me from a load 

 of oppression that I am trying to shake off — that 

 the windows of my cliamber might once again be 

 opened. If I could only again fix my mind intently 

 on some one object of pursuit, I think that I would 

 feel better. Come to us — I have a room for you, so 

 has Desel, and Haskell has bought a plantation, 

 only a morning's drive from Charleston. There are 



