LIFE OF WILSON. 
li 
deep snows, and almost uninhabited forests ; over stupendous moun- 
tains, and down dangerous rivers : passing over, in a course of thir- 
teen hundred miles, as great a variety of men and modes of living, 
as the same extent of country can exhibit in any part of the United 
States — though in this tour I have had every disadvantage of deep 
roads and rough weather ; hurried marches, and many other in- 
conveniences to encounter, — yet so far am I from being satisfied 
with what I have seen, or discouraged by the fatigues which every 
traveller must submit to, that I feel more eager than ever to com- 
mence some more extensive expedition ; where scenes and subjects 
entirely new, and generally unknown, might reward my curiosity ; 
and where perhaps my humble acquisitions might add something 
to the stores of knowledge. For all the hazards and privations in- 
cident to such an undertaking, I feel confident in my own spirit 
and resolution. With no family to enchain my affections ; no ties 
but those of friendship ; and the most ardent love of my adopted 
country — with a constitution which hardens amidst fatigues ; and a 
disposition sociable and open, which can find itself at home by an 
Indian fire in the depth of the woods, as well as in the best apart- 
ment of the civilized ; I have at present a real design of becoming 
a traveller. But I am miserably deficient in many acquirements 
absolutely necessary for such a character. Botany, Mineralogy, 
and Drawing, I most ardently wish to be instructed in, and with 
these I should fear nothing. Can I yet make any progress in Bo- 
tany, sufficient to enable me to be useful ? and what would be the 
most proper way to proceed ? I have many leisure moments that 
should be devoted to this pursuit, provided I could have hopes of 
succeeding. Your opinion on this subject will confer an additional 
obligation on your affectionate friend.” 
It is worthy of remark, that when men of uncommon talents 
conceive any great scheme, they usually overlook those circum- 
stances of minor importance, which ordinary minds would estimate 
