244 AUDUBON, THE NATURALIST 
swered promptly; since I have heard news of you only by the 
most indirect means, I would be happy if you can give a few 
moments to your friends, if you would count me in their 
number, and would write me from time to time; I left Phila- 
delphia last month with my wife and son; most of this time 
was spent in descending the Ohio, which is at present very low; 
we had the barge and crew of G[en]l. Clark, with the com- 
pany of Mr. R. A. Maupin, and of Mrs. Galt, who had spent 
several months at New York & at Phil?. I shall probably de- 
scend [the river] to New Orleans this autumn with N. Ber- 
thoud ; [all kinds of ] merchandise are extremely scarce and very 
dear, everywhere, but even more is this true of coarse woolens, 
which one does not find at all. 
I have no doubt your lead is selling very well, this article 
having increased considerably [in value] since the war. In the 
latter part of my stay in the East I received a letter from my 
father, and one from your brother; all your family were then 
well, that is, four months ago; your brother is very anxious 
to hear from you; if peace should come at a day not far remote 
(and may it please God that this be so), I hope to get into 
communication with him. 
I have written to him and I urge you to do the same; your 
letters can be delivered, if sent to New York, and from thence 
on the Cartel. My wife is well and [so is] my son; may you 
be the same, and count among the number of your friends him 
who would esteem you always. 
Adieu 
J. AUDUBON. 
[Addressed] Mr’ F. Rozrers 
Mercht 
St Genevieve 
u.L. 
Friendly relations with his former partner in trade 
were occasionally renewed by the naturalist in after life. 
*Boat for the exchange of prisoners of war. 
