xliv 
LIFE OF WILSON. 
" Mr. Wilson's affcctionato compliments to Mr. Bartram ; and sends for his 
amusement and correction anotlier proof of his Birds of the United States. 
The coloring being chiefly done last night, must soften criticism a little. Will 
be thankful for my friend's advice and correction. 
" Mr. Wilson wishes his beloved friend a happy new year, and every 
blessing." 
" Saturday, January 4th, 1806." 
These essays in etching,* though creditable to Wilson's ingenuity and per- 
severance, yet by no means afforded satisfaction. He became now convinced 
that the point alone was not sufficient to produce the intended effect; and that 
nothiug short of the accuracy of the yravcr would in anywise correspond to 
his ideas of excellence. But in the art of engraving he had never been in- 
structed ; and he could not command means sufficient to cover the expense of 
the plates even of a single volume, on the magnificent plan which his compre- 
hensive mind had delineated. A prciposition was now made to Mr. Lawson to 
engage in the work, on a joint concern. But there were several objections 
which this gentleman urged, sufficiently weighty, in his opinion, to warrant 
his non-acceptance of the offer. Wilson, finding his schemes thus baffled, 
declared, with solemn emphasis, his resolution of proceeding alone in the 
publication, if it should even cost him his life. "/ shall at least leave," 
continued he, " a small beacon to point out where I perished." 
To Mr. Wm. Bartram. 
"January 27th, 1S06. 
" Being in town on Saturday, I took the opportunity of calling on Mr. 
, who, in 1804, went down the Ohio, with one companion, in a small 
batteau. They sometimes proceeded seventy miles in twenty-four hours, going 
often night and day. They had an awning; and generally slept on board the 
boat, without ever catching cold, or any inconvenience by musquitoes, except 
when in the neighborhood of swamps. He describes the country as exceed- 
ingly beautiful. The object of their journey being trade, they had neither 
gun nor fishing-tackle; and paid little or no attention to natural objects. He 
says the navigation of a batteau is perfectly easy, and attended with no hazard 
whatever. One solitary adventurer passed them in a small boat, going from 
Wheeling to New Orleans. 
" If, my dear friend, we should be so happy as to go together, what would 
you think of laying our design before 3Ir. Jefferson, with a view to procure 
his advice, and recommendation to influential characters in the route ? Could 
we procure his approbation and patronage, they would secure our success. 
Perhaps he might suggest some improvements in our plan. Had we a good 
companion, intimately acquainted with mineralogy, who would submit to our 
economical plan of proceeding, it would certainly enhance the value of the 
expedition. However, this I have no hopes of. 
* The two first plates of the Ornithology are those which the author etched himself. 
The writer of this sketch has in his possession a proof of the first one, which he preserves 
as a relic of no small value. It is inscribed with the author's name. 
