LIFE OF WILSON. 



xli 



This excellent gentleman, whose hospitality was thus prompt- 

 ly excited, has since paid the debt of nature ; and his grateful guest 

 fondly cherished to the last hour of his existence the remembrance 

 of those happy moments which were passed in his society, and that 

 of his amiable and accomplished family. 



In September, 1812, Mr. Wilson set olF to the eastward, to 

 visit his subscribers. In a letter to the editor he writes : — " I 

 coasted along the Connecticut river to a place called Haverhill, 

 ten miles from the foot of Moose-hillock, one of the highest of the 

 White Mountains of Newhampshire. I spent the greater part of a 

 day in ascending to the peak of one of these majestic mountains, 

 whence I had the most sublime and astonishing view that was ever 

 afforded me. One immensity of forest lay below, extended on all 

 sides to the farthest verge of the horizon ; while the only promi- 

 nent objects were the columns of smoke from burning woods, that 

 rose from various parts of the earth beneath to the heavens ; for 

 the dav was beautiful and serene.^' 



This excursion was succeeded by rather an unpleasant oc- 

 currence. The good people of Haverhill perceiving a stranger 

 among them of very inquisitive habits ] and who evinced great 

 zeal in exploring the country, sagaciously concluded that he was 

 a spy from Canada, employed in taking sketches of the place, to 

 facilitate the invasion of the enemy. Under these impressions it 

 was thought conducive to the public safety that Mr. Wilson should 

 be apprehended ; and he was accordingly taken into the custody 

 of a magistrate, who, on being made acquainted with his charac- 

 ter, and the nature of his visit, politely dismissed him, with many 

 apologies for the mistake. 



The publication of the Ornithology now progressed as rapidly 

 as a due regard to correctness and elegance would permit. In or- 

 der to become better acquainted with the feathered tribes, and to 

 observe their migrations with more accuracy; as well as to enjoy 

 the important advantages of a rural retirement, Mr. Wilson resi- 



VOL. ix. L 



