CHAPTEE XXXI. 



Eetubn to America^Pikst Episode in Bast Florida. 



On September 3, 1831, Audubon landed in New York. After 

 Bpending a few days with relatives and friends he went to Boston, 

 and was hospitably received by his friends. There he remained 

 but a short time, having resolved to spend the winter in East 

 Florida. 



All the most interesting incidents of what he called a rather 

 unprofitable expedition were woven by Audubon into the striking 

 episodes given in this and subsequent chapters. 



" Soon after landing at St. Augustine, in East Florida, I formed 

 an acquaintance with Dr. Simmons, Dr. Pocher, Judge Smith, 

 the Misses Johnson, and many other individuals, my intercourse 

 with whom was as agreeable as it was beneficial to me. While 

 in this part of the peninsula I followed my usual avocations, 

 although with little success, it being then winter. I had letters 

 from the secretaries of the navy and treasury of the United 

 States, to the commanding officers of vessels of war in the 

 revenue service, directing them to afibrd me any assistance in 

 their power, and the schooner Shark having come to St. Augus- 

 tine, on her way to the St. John's river, I presented my creden- 

 tials to her commander, Lieutenant Piercy, who readily, and 

 with politeness, received me and my assistants on board. We 

 soon after set sail, with a fair breeze. 



" The strict attention to duty on board even this small vessel of 

 war afforded matter of surprise to me. Everything went on with 



