INTRODUCTION. xv 



observed a gentleman on horseback close to our door. He looked 

 at me, came up, inquired if my name was Audubon, and on 

 being answered in the affirmative, instantly leaped from his 

 saddle, shook me most cordially by the hand — there is much to 

 be expressed and understood by a shake of the hand — and ques- 

 tioned me in so kind a manner, that I for a while felt doubtful 

 how to reply. At his urgent desire, I removed to his house, as 

 did my assistants. Suitable apartments were assigned to us, . 

 and once introduced to the lovely and interesting group that 

 composed his family, I seldom passed a day without enjoying 

 their society. Servants, carriages, horses, and dogs, were all at 

 our command, and friends accompanied us to the woods and 

 plantations, and formed parties for water excursions. Before I 

 left Charleston, I was truly sensible of the noble and generous 

 spirit of the hospitable Carolinians. 



Having sailed for the Floridas, we, after some delay, occa- 

 sioned by adverse winds, put into a harbour near St Simon's 

 Island, where I was so fortunate as to meet with Thomas 

 Butler King, Esq. who, after replenishing our provision- 

 stores, subscribed to the " Birds of America." At length we 

 were safely landed at St Augustine, and commenced our inves- 

 tigation. Of my sojourn in Florida, during the winter of 

 1831-32, you will find some account in this volume. Return- 

 ing to Charleston, we passed through Savannah, respecting my 

 short stay in which city you will also find some particulars in 

 the sequel. At Charleston we lived with my friend Bach- 

 man, and continued our occupations. In the beginning of 

 April, through the influence of letters from the Honourable 

 Lewis M'Lean, of the Treasury Department, and the prompt 



