xlvi 



LIFE OF WILSON 



cation of an original work of this kind in this country has been 

 attended with difficulties, great, and, it must be confessed, some- 

 times discouraging to the author, whose only reward hitherto has 

 been the favorable opinion of his fellow-citizens, and the pleasure 

 of the pursuit/^ 



" Let but the generous hand of patriotism be stretched forth 

 to assist and cherish the rising arts and literature of our country, 

 and both will most assuredly, and that at no remote period, shoot 

 forth, increase and flourish with a vigor, a splendor and usefulness 

 inferior to no other on earth/' 



We have here an affirmation that the author had labored 

 without reward, except what was conferred by inefficient praise; 

 and an eloquent appeal to the generosity and patriotism of his 

 fellow-citizens. Seven illustrious cities disputed the honor of 

 having given birth to the Prince of Epic song. Philadelphia first 

 beheld that phenomenon the American Ornithology, rising amidst 

 her boasted opulence, to vindicate the claims of a calumniated 

 portion of creation ; and to furnish her literary pride with a sub- 

 ject of exultation for ages to come. Yet duty calls upon us to 

 record a fact, which may cause our native city to feel the glow 

 of shame. Of all her literati, her men of benevolence, taste and 

 riches, seventy only, to the period of the author's decease, had 

 the liberality to countenance him by a subscription, more than 

 half of whom were tradesmen^ artists^ and those of the middle 

 class of society ; whilst the little city of Neworleans, in the short 

 space of seventeen daySj furnished sixty subscribers to the Ame- 

 rican Ornithology! 



Mr. Wilson was possessed of the nicest sense of honor. In 

 all his dealings he was not only scrupulously just, but highly ge- 

 nerous. His veneration for truth was exemplary. His disposition 

 was social and affi^ctionate. His benevolence extensive. He was 

 remarkably temperate in eating and drinking : his love of retire- 

 ment preserving him from the contaminating influence of the con- 



