xxvi AUDUBON THE NATURALIST 
1804 
December 15.—Half-interest in “Mill Grove” acquired by 
Francis Dacosta, who begins to exploit its lead mine; he 
also acts as guardian to young Audubon, who becomes 
engaged to Lucy Green Bakewell; quarrel with Dacosta 
follows. 
1805 
January 12-15 (?).—Walks to New York, where Benjamin 
Bakewell supplies him with passage money to France. 
January 18 (about).—Sails on the Hope for Nantes, and ar- 
rives about March 18. 
A year spent at “La Gerbetiére,” in Couéron, where he hunts 
birds with D’Orbigny and makes many drawings, and at 
Nantes, where plans are made for his return, with Ferdi- 
nand Rozier, to America. 
1806 
Enters the French navy at this time, or earlier, but soon with- 
draws. 
March 23.—A business partnership is arranged with Ferdinand 
Rozier, and Articles of Association are signed at Nantes. 
April 12.—Sails with Rozier on the Polly, Captain Sammis, and 
lands in New York on May 26. 
They settle at “Mill Grove” farm, where they remain less than 
four months, meanwhile making unsuccessful attempts to 
operate the lead mine on the property. 
September 15.—Remaining half interest in “Mill Grove” farm 
and mine acquired by Francis Dacosta & Company, condi- 
tionally, the Audubons and Roziers holding a mortgage. 
1806-1807 
Serves as clerk in Benjamin Bakewell’s commission house in 
New York, but continues his studies and drawings of birds, 
and works for Dr. Mitchell’s Museum. 
