LIFE OF WILSON. xlv 
"I see, by the newspapers, that Mr. JeiFerson designs to employ persons to 
explore the shores of the Mississippi the ensuing summer : surely our exer- 
tions would promote his wishes. I write these particulars that you may give 
them the consideration they deserve; and we call upon you to deliberate 
further on the affair. 
To THE Same. 
"February 3d, 1806. 
" The enclosed sketch of a letter is submitted for your opinion, and, if 
approved, I must request of you the favor to enclose it in one of your own to 
Mr. Jefferson. You see I am serious in my design of traversing our southern 
wildernesses. Disappointed in your company, I have no hopes in another's 
that would add any value to the Ohio tour. I am therefore driven to this 
expedient, and I hope it will succeed. Please to let me hear your sentiments 
on this afi'air to-morrow morning; and oblige yours, &c." 
To THE Same. 
"February 5th, 1806. 
" I am infinitely obliged to you, my dear friend, for your favorable opinion 
of me, transmitted to the president. Should an engagement be the conse- 
quence, I will merit the character which you have given of rue, or perish in 
the endeavor to deserve it. Accept my assurances of perpetual affection and 
esteem. 
" The letters go off to-morrow." 
It will be perceived, by the foregoing letters, that the President of the 
United States had it in contemplation to despatch men of science, for the pur- 
pose of exploring the country of the Mississippi. Wilson now conceived that 
a favorable opportunity would be afforded him of gratifying a desire, which he 
had long indulged, of visiting those regions, which he was convinced were rich 
in the various objects of science; and, particularly, where subjects, new and 
interesting, might be collected for his embryo work on the ornithology of our 
country. He expressed his wishes to Mr. Bartram, who approved of them; 
and tlie latter cheerfully wrote to his correspondent, Mr, Jefferson, statirig 
Wilson's character and acquirements; and recommending him as one highly 
qualified to be employed in that important national enterprise. This intro- 
ductory letter, indited in the most respectful terms, was accompanied with an 
application from Wilson himself, which, as a faithful biographer of my friend, 
I here think proper to insert entire : 
To HIS Excellency Thomas Jefferson, 
President of the United States. 
" Sir : 
" Having been engaged, these several years, in collecting materials, and 
furnishing drawings from nature, with the design of publishing a new Orni- 
thology of the United States of America, so deficient in the works of Catesby, 
Edwards, and other Europeans, I have traversed the greater part of our 
northern and eastern districts ; and have collected many birds undescribed by 
