Xlvi LIFE OF 



Upwards of one hundred drawings are completed ; and two plates 

 in folio already engraved. But as many beautiful tribes frequent 

 the Ohio, and the extensive country through which it passes, that 

 probably never visit the Atlantic States ; and as faithful representa- 

 tions of these can only be taken from living nature, or from birds 

 newly killed, — I had planned an expedition down that river, from 

 Pittsburg to the Mississippi, thence to New Orleans, and to continue 

 my researches by land in return to Philadelphia. I had engaged, 

 as a companion and assistant, Mr W. Bartram of this place, whose 

 knowledge of botany, as well as zoology, would have enabled me 

 to make the best of the voyage, and to collect many new specimens 

 in both those departments. Sketches of these were to have been 

 taken on the spot ; and the subjects put in a state of preservation, 

 to finish our drawings from, as time would permit. We intended 

 to set out from Pittsburg about the beginning of May; and 

 expected to reach New Orleans in September. 



" But my venerable friend, Mr Bartram, taking into more serious 

 consideration his advanced age, being near seventy, and the weak- 

 ness of his eyesight, and apprehensive of his inability to encounter 

 the fatigues and privations unavoidable in so extensive a tour ; and 

 having, to my extreme regret, and the real loss of science, been 

 induced to decline the journey, I had reluctantly abandoned the 

 enterprise, and all hopes of accomplishing my purpose ; till, hearing 

 that your Excellency had it in contemplation to send travellers 

 this ensuing summer up the Bed River, the Arkansaw, and other 

 tributary streams of the Mississippi, and believing that my services 

 might be of advantage to some of these parties, in promoting your 

 Excellency's design, while the best opportunities would be afforded 

 me of procuring subjects for the work which I have so much at 

 heart, — under these impressions, I beg leave to offer myself for any 

 of those expeditions ; and can be ready at a short notice to attend 

 your Excellency's orders. 



" Accustomed to the hardships of travelling — without a family 

 — and an enthusiast in the pursuit of natural history, I will devote 

 my whole powers to merit your Excellency's approbation; and 

 ardently wish for an opportunity of testifying the sincerity of my 

 professions, and the deep veneration with which I have the honour 

 to be, sir, your obedient servant, Alex. Wilson. 



" Kingsess, Qth Feb. 1806." 



