AUDUBON’S A NEID 319 
Again, on the 25th of that month is this entry: 
Since I left Cincinnati I have finished 62 drawings of birds 
and plants, 3 quadrupeds, 2 snakes, fifty portraits of all sorts, 
and the large one of Father Antonio,’ besides giving many 
lessons, and I have made out to send money to my wife suffi- 
cient for her and my Kentucky lads, and to live in humble com- 
fort with only my talents and industry, without one cent to 
begin on. I sent a draft to my wife, and began to live in New 
Orleans with forty-two dollars, health, and much anxiety to 
pursue my plan of collecting all the birds of America. 
The close of the year 1821 found Audubon teaching 
a few pupils at New Orleans, where, he said, his style of 
work and the large prices he received caused him the 
ill will of every artist in the city. The figure which he 
cut in the streets, with his loose dress of nankeen and 
long, flowing locks, made him wish to appear like other 
people, and he was soon able to rejoice in a new suit of 
clothes. Though still in need of work, when he was 
asked to aid in painting a panorama of New Orleans, 
he refused, begrudging the time, saying that he did not 
wish to see any other perspective than that of the last 
of his drawings. 
Having been from home for over a year, Audubon 
now wished to have his family about him again.** His 
Father Antonio de Sedella, popularly known as “Peére Antoine,” 
after 1791 pastor of St. Louis Cathedral; an idol of the people, but 
execrated by historians. 
“This seditious priest is a Father Antoine; he is a great favorite 
of the Louisiana ladies; has married many of them, and christened all 
their children; he is by some citizens esteemed an accomplished hypocrite, 
has great influence with the people of color, and, report says, embraces 
every opportunity to render them discontented under the American Gov- 
ernment.” Ewecutive Journal of Governor Claiborne. See Charles Gayarré, 
History of Louisiana, vol. iv, pp. 154-155 (New Orleans, 1903). 
18 This item occurs in Audubon’s journal for October 25; “Rented a 
house in Dauphine street at seventeen dollars per month, and determined 
to bring my family to New Orleans.” 
