AUDUBON IN LONDON 409 
Audubon to William Swainson 
Lonpon, Wednesday Augt. 13, 1828. 
My pear Mr. Swarnson, 
I reached my lodging in great comfort by the side of your 
amiable Doc" Davie two hours and a half after we shook hands 
—I wish I might say as much of my Journey through Life.—I 
have had sad news from my dear wife this morning, she has posi- 
tively abandoned her coming to England for some indefinite 
time, indeed she says that she looks anxiously for the day when 
tired myself of this country I will return to mine and live al- 
though a humbler (Public) Life, a much happier one—her 
letter has not raised my already despondent spirits in some- 
things and at the very instant I am writing to you it may per- 
haps be well that no instrument is at hand with which a woeful 
sin might be committed—I have laid aside brushes, thoughts of 
painting and all except the ties of friendship—I am miserable 
just now and you must excuse so unpleasant a letter—Would 
you go to Paris with me? I could go with you any day that 
you would be please to mention, I will remain there as long and 
no longer than may suit your callings—I will go with you to 
Rome or anywhere, where something may be done for either of 
our advantage and to drive off my very great uncomfortable- 
ness of thoughts—My two sons are also very much against com- 
ing to England, a land they say where neither freedom or sim- 
plicity of habits exist and altogether uncongenial to their mode 
of life—What am I to do? As aman of the World and a man 
possessed of strong unprejudiced understanding I wish that you 
would advise me.—But now on your account I will change the 
subject—I called on Newman two days ago & to the following 
enquiries he gave me yesterday the following answers 
What the price of 
1% doz best Pure Lake dowards [?] answer 12/— 
y% “ce 66 Carmin: ce 15 20/— 
%“« © UltraMarine ss s 84/— 
Y% “* “ Vermillion F a 6/— 
1%“ “ Terra di Verona a oa 4/— 
