86 THE HISTORY OP 



raving, to the spasms caused by, the prevalence and the 

 severity of the epidemic. 



On the other ,hand, I was so often cheered on in my 

 labors of love by the kind consideration of a very different 

 sort of patrons, that I did not sink under the persecution 

 of those who would gladly have floored me, could the thing 

 have been readily accomplished. I pocketed the money of 

 my customers, however, bred good fowls, followed up the 

 trade sharply, and found myself sailing easily along, in 

 spite «f the contemptible and small-fry opposition of which 

 I was continually the object. As an agreeable offset to the 

 complaints and murmurings in certain quarters, the follow- 

 ing few letters will tell their own story : 



From Hon. Henry Clay. 



Athland, 1851 



Geo. p. Burnham, Esq., Boston. 



My dear Sir : I duly received your obliging letter, 

 informing me that you had sent by the Erpress of Messrs. 

 Adams & Co. a cage containing four fowls for me, and I 

 postponed acknowledging it until the fate of the fowls 

 should be ascertained. I have now the satisfaction to advise 

 you that they all reached here safely. 



They have been greatly admired, not only for their enor- 

 mous size, but for their fine proportions and beautiful 

 pllimage. I thank you, my dear sir, most cordially, for this 



