xlvi 
LIFE OF WILSON. 
ttese naturalists. Upwards of one hundred drawings are comjileted ; and two 
plates in folio already engraved. But as many beautiful tribes frequent the 
Ohio, and tlie extensive country tbrougli which it passes, that [irobably never 
visit the Atlantic states; and as faithful representations of these can be taken only 
from living- Nature, or from birds newly killed ; I had planned an expedition 
down that river, from Pittsburgh to the iMississippi, thence to New Orleans, 
and to continue my researciies by land in return to Philadelphia. I had 
engaged as a companion and assistant jMr. William Bartram, of this place, 
whose knowledge of Botany, as well as Zoology, would have enabled me to 
make the best of the voyage, and to collect many new specimens in both those 
departments. Sketches of these were to have been taken on the spot; and 
the subjects put iu a state of preservation to finish our drawings from, as 
time would permit. We intended to set out from Pittsburgh about the begin- 
ning of May ; and expected tn reach New Orleans in September. 
" But my venerable friend, IMr. Bartram, taking into more serious considera- 
tion his advanced age, being near seventy, and the weakness of his eye-sight; 
and apprehensive of his inability to encounter the fatigues and deprivations 
unavoidable in so extensive a tour ; having, to my extreme regret, and the 
real los.s of science, been induced to decline the journey ; I had reluctantly 
abandoned the enterprise, and all hopes of accomplishing my purpose; till 
hearing that your excellency had it in contemplation to send travellers this 
ensuing summer up the Red River, the Arkansas, and other tributary streams 
of the Mississippi; and believing that my services might be of advantage to 
some of these parties in promoting your excellency's design; while the best 
opportunities would be afforded me oi' procuring subjects for the work which 
I have so much at heart; under these impressions I beg leave to offer myself 
for any of tliese expeditions ; and can be ready at a short notice to attend 
your excellency's orders. 
'•Accustomed to'the hardships of travelling, without a family, and an en- 
thusiast in the pursuit of Natural History, I will devote my whole powers to 
merit your excellency's approbation ; and ardently wish for an opportunity of 
testifying the sincerity of my professions, and the deep veneration with which 
I have the honor to be, 
" Sir, 
" Your ohedieat servant, 
" Alex. Wilson.* 
"KiNGSESs, February 6th, 1806." 
Mr. Jefferson had in his port folio decisive proofs of Wilson's talents as an 
ornithologist, the latter having some time before, as the reader will have ob- 
served, transmitted to his excellency some elegant drawings of birds, accom- 
panied with descriptions. Yet, with these evidences before him, backed with 
the recommeiidation of a discerning and experienced naturalist, Mr. Jefferson 
* Wilson was particularly anxious to accompany Pike, who commenced his journey 
from the cantonment on the Missouri, for the sources of the Arkansas, &c., on the 15th 
July, 1806. 
