j^i^i-j^uiTiUJN TO THE MISSOURI 241 



competent; but I wish nevertheless to attempt to open the 

 Eyes of naturalists to Riches untold, and facts hitherto untold. 

 The portions of the country through which it is my intention 

 to pass, never having been trodden by white Man previously. 



I have some very strong doubts whether the results of the 

 Antarctic Expedition will be pubHshed for some time yet ; for, 

 alas, our Government has not the means, at present, of pay- 

 ing some half a MUlion of Dollars to produce publications such 

 as they should publish, and connected with the vast stores of 

 Information, collected by so many Scientific Men in no less 

 than Four Years of Constant Toil and privation, and which 

 ought to come to the World of Science at least as brightly as 

 the brightest rays of the Orb of Day during the Mid-summer 

 Solstice. Oh, my dear young friend, that I did possess the 

 wealth of the Emperor of Russia, or of the King of the French ; 

 then, indeed, I would address the Congress of our Country, ask 

 of them to throw open these stores of Natural Curiosities, and 

 Comply with mine every wish to publish, and to Gir^e away Cop- 

 ies of the invaluable Works thus produced to every Scientific 

 Institution throughout our Country, and throughout the 

 World. 



As you however appear desirous to present my thoughts 

 of your capabilities as one of the assistants in that Stupendous 

 undertaking, I send you enclosed what I hope most sincerely 

 may prove beneficial for such purposes. 



Now as you have been kind enough to offer me your services 

 at Washington, I ask you to call upon Mr. Cushing, M. C, of 

 Mass.tts, and to ask him to have the goodness to forward me 

 the Letter promised me by the President of the U. S., for, as 

 I have not yet had it, I somewhat fear that it has been mis- 

 sent. 



Write me at once, and believe me. 



Your friend, John J. Audubon. 



Audubon enclosed with this letter a warm recom- 

 mendation of his friend for the position of curator of 



