A Welcome Home. 275 



them up and improve their under staii ding (a pun 



meant.) 



I am just about to start for Washington, to get 



letters from the President for John and I will try 



and see the collection brought back by the exploring 



expedition, including the fiimous Black-tail Deer. I 



am in a great bustle, the ofhce is full of Californians. 

 ^ ^ ^■. ^ ^ ^ ^ 



V. G. A. 



From various unlooked-for causes, the expedition 

 proved a financial failure. Mr. John Audubon, 

 however, drew many lovely views of California, that 

 were afterwards lithographed, and he gained valua- 

 ble information of the country. 



To J. W. Audubon. 



July 13th, 1850. 



Dear John — Hail all hail ! You have come back 

 alive and well, thank God ! Now take courage. I 

 believe you have brought back no gold, but you 

 have brought to us yourself. You have found wife 

 and children safe and well, so be thankful. 



Don't fret, you have gained experience, and will 

 have long yarns to spin. You have youth and 

 health on your side, trust in God, and all will yet be 

 well. You did your best; you exhibited braver}^ 

 and humanity, and experience makes a man wiser 

 and better. 



We are all well. Our little John Bachman is a 

 very interesting chap ; he calls himself '' Dr. BacJi- 

 man;''' he is wilful and full of fun; he amuses me 

 and vexes me by turns ; yet, I confess that I do not 

 feel quite satisfied if he is not sitting at table on his 

 high chair at my side. 



Love and congratulations to all. 



