328 LIFE OP AUDUBON. 



execution, is put beyond the means of most individuals. It 

 must depend therefore on public institutions for its chief sale. 

 As it is a national work, and highly creditable to the nation, it 

 appears to me that it is particularly deserving of national 

 patronage. Why cannot the departments of Washington furnish 

 hemselves with copies, to be deposited in their libraries or 

 archives ? Think of these suggestions, and, if you approve of 

 them, act accordingly. 



With the highest esteem and regard, 

 I am, dear sir. 



Yours very truly, 



Washington Irving. 

 Benjamin J. Butlbb, Esq., 

 Attorney-General of the United States, Washington, B.C. 



Tairytown, October 19, 1836. 

 My dear Sie, 



I take pleasure in Introducing to you our distinguished 

 and most meritorious countryman, Mr, J. J. Audubon, whose 

 splendid work on American ornithology must of course be well 

 known to you. That work, while it reflects such great credit oil 

 our country, and contributes so largely to the advancement of 

 one of the most delightful departments of science, is likely, from 

 the extreme expense attendant upon it, to repay but poorly the 

 indefatigable labour of a lifetime. The high price necessarily 

 put on the copies of Mr. Audubon's magnificent work places it 

 beyond the means of the generality of private individuals. It 

 is entitled therefore to the especial countenance of our libraries 

 and various other public institutions. It appears to me, that 

 the different departments in Washington ought each to have a 

 copy deposited in their libraries or archives. Should you be 

 of the same opinion you might be of great advantage in pro- 

 moting such a measure. 



Keference is then made to ■ the assistance rendered to 

 Audubon by the revenue cutters and public vessels, and the 

 letter continues : — 



I trust similar facilities will still be extended to him ; in 

 fact, as his undertakings are of a decidedly national character. 



