Sully ^ the Painter, 103 



" jfiim 26. Anxious to carry out my project of a visit 

 to Europe — anxious to see my wife before leaving — anx- 

 ious to see my old quarters of Mill Grove — anxious to get 

 more instruction from my kind master, Sully ; and alto- 

 gether unable to settle what course would be the most 

 preferable. I was rejoiced at the progress I made in oil 

 painting, and was overwhelmed with the goodness of 

 Sully, who would receive no recompense for his instruc- 

 tions, and gave me all the possible encouragement which 

 his affectionate heart could dictate. 



" jfuly 1 2. Visited by Mr. Gilpin, who thirty -three 

 years ago discovered the lead ore at Mill Grove. Called 

 on Dr. Harlan, an amiable physician and naturalist, and 

 a member of the Academy of Arts and Sciences. Gave 

 him some of my drawings, and he promised me letters to 

 the Royal Academy of France, and afterwards nominated 

 me for membership to the Academy in Philadelphia. He 

 was one of the best men I have met with in the city, and 

 the very best among the naturalists." 



This was the beginning of a warm friendshiiD between 

 these two good men, which increased with time, and last- 

 ed until the doctor died. At the same time Audubon 

 formed a friendship with Edward Harris, a young orni- 

 thologist of refinement, wealth, and education, who out- 

 lived Audubon, and extended prompt relief to his wife 

 during her distress after her husband's death. When the 

 naturalist was about to leave Philadelphia, Harris pur- 

 chased some of his drawings, and on being offered his 

 picture of the Falls of the Ohio, at a sacrifice, declined 

 the purchase, but as he was saying good-bye, squeezed a 

 hundred-dollar bill into his friend's hand, saying, " Mr. 

 Audubon, accept this from me ; men like you ought not 

 to want for money." 



" I could only express my gratitude by insisting on 

 his receiving the drawings of all my French birds, which 



