LIFE OF WILSON. 
Ixxxi.t 
fixed my eyes steadily on his, and observed to him, that he could not be igno- 
rant of the reports circulated about the country relative to this cave. ' I 
suppose,' said I, ' you know what I mean V ' Yes, I understand you,' re- 
turned he, without appearing the least embarrassed, 'that I killed somebody 
and threw them into this cave — I can tell you the whole beginning of that 
damned lie,' said he ; and, without moving from the spot, he detailed to me a 
long story, which would fill half my letter, to little purpose, and which, with 
other particulars, I shall reserve for your amusement when we meet. I asked 
him why he did not get the cave examined by three or four reputable neigh- 
bors, whose report might rescue his character from the suspicion of having 
committed so horrid a crime. He acknowledged it would be well enough to 
do so; but did not seem to think it worth the trouble; and we returned as 
we advanced, walking before with the lights. Whether this man 
be guilty or not of the transaction laid to his charge I know not; but his 
manners and aspect are such as by no means to allay suspicion. 
" After crossing Red river, which is here scarce twenty yards broad, I found 
no more barrens. The timber was large, and the woods fast thickening with 
green leaves. As I entered the state of Tennessee, the face of the country 
became hilly, and even mountainous. After descending an immense declivity, 
and coursing along the rich valley of Manskers creek, where I again met with 
large flocks of paroquets, I stopped at a small tavern, to examine, for three or 
four days, this part of the country. Here I made some interesting additions 
to my stock of new subjects for the Ornithology. On the fourth day I crossed 
the Cumberland, where it is about two hundred and fifty yards wide, and of 
great depth, bounded as usual with high precipitous banks, and reached the 
town of Nashville, which towers like a fortress above the river. Here I have 
been busily employed these eight days ; and send you the enclosed parcel of 
drawings, the result of every moment of leisure and convenience I could 
obtain. Slany of the birds are altogether new; and you will find along with 
them every explanation necessary for your purpose. 
" You may rest assured of hearing from me by the first opportunity after 
my arrival at Natchez. In the mean time I receive with much pleasure the 
accounts you give me of the kind inquiries of my friends. To me nothing 
could be more welcome ; for whether journeying in this world, or journeying 
to that which is to come, there is something of desolation and despair in the 
idea of being for ever forgotten in our absence, by those whom we sincerely 
esteem and regard." 
To Mr. Alexander Lawson. 
Natchez, Mississippi Territory, May 18th, 1810. 
" Dear Sir. 
" About three weeks ago T wrote to you from Nashville, enclosing three 
sheets of drawings, which I hope you have received.* I was at that time oa 
the point of setting out for St Louis ; but being detained a week by constant 
and heavy rains, and considering that it would add four hundred miles to my jour- 
* These drawings never came to hand. 
