CHAPTEE LIII. 



Washihgton — Two Letters of Washington Irving— Inteeview with 

 THE President — Visits to Officials of Congress — Proposed 

 Scientipio Expedition — Dinner with Andrew Jackson. 



On November 8th, Audubon arrived in Washington. Among 

 many other letters of introduction given to people in Wash- 

 ington, and transcribed carefully in the journal, are the two 

 following from Washington Irving. 



Tarrytown, October 19, 1836. 



My dear Sie, 



This letter wiU be handed to you by our distinguished 

 naturalist, Mr. J. J. Audubon. To one so purely devoted as 

 yourself to anything liberal and enlightened, I know I need say 

 nothing in recommendation of Mr. Audubon and his works; he 

 himself will best inform you of his views in visiting Washington, 

 and I am sure you will do anything in your power to promote 

 them. 



He has heretofore received facilities on the part of the govern- 

 ment, ia prosecuting his researches along our coast, by giving 

 him conveyance in our revenue cutters and other public vessels. 

 I trust similar civilities will be extended to him, and that he 

 will receive all aid and countenance in his excursions by land. 



The splendid works of Mr. Audubon, on the sale of which he 

 depends for the remuneration of a life of labour, and for pro- 

 vision for his family, necessarily, from the magnificence of its 



