Letters of Introduction. 105 



" yuly 31. Engaged in preparations for leaving Phila 

 delphia, wliere I received many letters of introduction 

 Among them are the following : — 



" ' Gilbert Stuart, Esq., 

 "'Dear Sir, 



" ' It is hardly necessary for Mr. Audubon to take 

 credentials for an introduction to you ; the inspection of 

 one of his drawings of birds will be sufficient recommend- 

 ation to your notice. Yet an acquaintance with him of 

 several months enables me to speak of him as a man, and 

 I would consent to forfeit all claims to discernment of 

 character if he does not merit your esteem. 



" ' Sincerely your friend, 



" ' Thomas Sully.' " 



" ' Washington Alston, Esq., 

 "'Dear Sir, 



" ' Mr. Audubon will call on you with this, and will be 

 pleased to show you specimens of his drawings in orni- 

 thology. He is engaged in preparing a work on this sub- 

 ject for publication, which for copiousness and talent 

 bids fair in my estimation to surpass all that has yet been 

 done, at least in this country. I have great esteem for 

 the character of Mr. Audubon, and am pleased to make 

 him known to you, though I should hesitate to give a let- 

 ter of introduction to you in favor of an ordinary person, 

 knowing that your time is precious ; but in the present 

 instance I run no risk of intrusion. I shall always re- 

 member you with affectionate regard. 



'' ' Sincerely your friend, 



"'Thomas Sully.'" 



A letter of similar import was given by Mr. Sully to 

 Colonel Trumbull. 



^^ August I, 1824. I left Philadelphia for New York 

 yesterday at five o'clock, in good health, free from debt 

 5* 



