LIFE OF WILSON. 
cxiii 
" This ]\IoDument 
Covers the Eeniains of 
ALEXANDER WILSON, 
Author of the 
AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 
He was born in Renfrewshh-e, Scotlaad, 
On the 6 July, 17G6; 
Emigrated to the United States 
In the Year 1794; 
And Died in Phikidelpliia 
Of tlie Dysentery, 
On the 28 August, 1813, 
Aged 47." 
I shall now offer some brief remarks upon those writings of Wilson, which 
have fallen under my notice; and in the performance of this task, it will 
become my duty to speak of a work, which I had hoped would be permitted 
to lie in oblivion, but which either the indiscreet partiality of friends, or the 
avarice of a publisher, has lately dragged forth to the view of the public. 
From the volume which the author published himself, in the year 1791, and 
which is entitled " Poems, Humorous, Satirical, and Serious," a selection was 
made, and published, in 181 G, at Paisley and at London, under the title of 
" Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect; by Alexander Wilson, Author of 
American Ornithology." When I commenced reading this selection, it was 
my intention to note its beauties and defects; but when I found how greatly 
the latter predominated, it occurred to me that no good could result from a 
critical examination of a work which few would read, which contains nothing 
deserving of applause ; and which, if it has hitherto escaped criticism, it is 
because it has been deemed unworthy of a deliberate investigation. 
The early writings of but few authors are worthy of being read, except for 
the purpose of tracing the progress of the mind. When one surveys the work 
in question with this view, one is astonished to find no indication of that genius 
which is so conspicuous in after-life; a barrenness of invention, a poverty of 
expression, a deficiency of taste and judgment, are its characteristics. 
; The author of the " Biographical Sketch," appended to the Selection"^ above 
* It appears by the advertisement affixed to tliis selection, that it " was made and 
printed under the direction of a rrentloman who lias since paid the debt of nature ;" and 
that "it was his intention to give the life of Wilson." If one were allowed to form a 
conjecture of the abilities of this editor, by tlie judgment displayed in his choice, one 
would have no reason to regret that his task was never accomplished. How he coitld 
admit such productions as "The Wasp's llcvcngc," and the " Verses on the Death of a 
Eavorite Spaniel," one may well inquire. 
That Wilson himself entertained a mean opinion of his boyish publication, I am 
authorized to assert from the circumstance, that, though possessing a copy,, he would 
never allow me to read it, notwithstanding I frequently urged him to grant me this favor. 
An itinerant Scotchman once called upon Wilson's executors, with a request that he 
might be allowed the privilege of printing an edition of his poems, urging, in justifica- 
tion of the proposition, his peculiar fitness, by his knowledge of the Scottish dialect, for 
Vol. I.— II 
