XC LIFE OF 



it would be well enough to do so, but did not seem to think it worth 



the trouble ; and we returned as we advanced, walking before 



with the lights. Whether this man be guilty or not of the transac- 

 tion laid to his charge, I know not ; but his manners and aspect 

 are such as by no means to allay suspicion. 



" After crossing Red River, which is here scarcely twenty yards 

 broad, I found no more barrens. The timber was large, and the 

 woods fast thicking with green leaves. As I entered the state of 

 Tennessee, the face of the country became hilly, and even moun- 

 tainous. After descending an immense declivity, and coursing 

 along the rich valley of Manshas Creek, where I again met with 

 large flocks of paroquets, I stopt at a small tavern to examine, for 

 three or four days, this part of the country. Here I made some 

 interesting additions to my stock of new subjects for the ' Orni- 

 thology.' On the fourth day, I crossed the Cumberland, where it is 

 about two hundred and fifty yards wide, and of great depth, bounded, 

 as usual, by high and precipitous banks, and reached the town of 

 Nashville, which towers like a fortress above the river. Here I 

 have been busily employed these eight days ; and send you the 

 enclosed parcel of drawings, the result of every moment of leisure 

 and convenience I could obtain. Many of the birds are altogether 

 new ; and you will find, along with them, every explanation neces- 

 sary for your purpose. 



"You may rest assured of hearing from me by the first oppor- 

 tunity after my arrival at Natchez. In the meantime, I receive 

 with much pleasure the accounts you give me of the kind inquiries 

 of my friends. To me, nothing could be more welcome ; for 

 whether journeying in this world, or journeying to that which is 

 to come, there is something of desolation and despair in the idea of 

 being for ever forgotten in our absence, by those whom we sincerely 

 esteem and regard." 



To Mr Alexander Lawson. 



" Natchez, Mississippi Ter., 

 ISth May 1810. 



" Dear Sir, — About three weeks ago, I wrote to you from 

 Nashville, enclosing three sheets of drawings, which I hope you 



