xlii 
MEMOIR OF 
the long up-pent current of Wilson’s genius had now fou" 
its natural channel, along which it rushed, no longer 1‘’ 
be stopped or turned aside. Even that sternest barii^ 
in the way of huinhle merit — poverty — was now ovc^ 
borne by the might of strong determination ; for, at th* 
time when the preceding letter was written, the wbol' 
amount of his funds was only seventy-Jiue cents, or thre^ 
fourths of a dollar ! 
Being now a confirmed ornithologist, his leisure ho«’‘ 
were all devoted to that study, and to his own improve' 
ment in drawing and colouring. In the spring of 1B<1^ 
we find him sending copies of twenty-eight drawings tr 
the birds to befoimdin Pennsylvania, or that oecasionaW 
pass through that countiy, to his friend, Mr BartraS* 
requesting his criticisms or suggestions for the promotie*' 
of his plan. In order, if possible, to abridge his laboii* 
he applied himself to acrpiire the art of etching, und^ 
the instructions of Mr Lawson ; hut, though he exertej 
every effort of his enthusiastic mind. Ins attempts 
far short of his own ideas of excellence. He ne<* 
endeavoured to prevail on Mr Lawson to engage in tb* 
work as a joint concern ; which, however, was declined' 
Finding his schemes thus baffled, Wilson declared, wil^ 
solemn emphasis, his un.'dterable resolution to proceed 
alone in the undertaking, if it should cost him his life' 
“ I shall at least leave,” continued he, “ a small beacO** 
to point out where I perished.” 
About the beginning of the year 1806, intimation ui>d 
given, through the medium of the public press, that t¥ 
President of the United States propo.sed to despair^ 
parties of scientific men to explore the district of LoU*' 
siana. This appeared to Wilson a favourable opportd' 
nity for the prosecution of his ornithological researched’ 
His hopes and wishes were communicated to Mr Biu:traB> ' 
who not only cordially approved, but immediately wrol* 
to Mr Jefferson, the President, with whom he happened 
