Ixx 
life of avilson. 
neither gun nor fishing-taekle ; and paid little or no attention to 
natural objects. He says the navigation of a bateau is perfectly 
easy, and attended with no hazard whatever. One solitary adven- 
turer passed them in a small boat, going from Wheeling to New- 
Orleans. 
“ If, my dear friend, we should be so happy as to go together, 
what would you think of laying our design before Mr. Jefferson, 
with a view to procure his advice, and recommendation to influen- 
tial characters in the route ? Could we procure his approbation and 
patronage, they would secure our success. Perhaps he might sug- 
gest some improvements in our plan. Had we a good companion, 
intimately acquainted with mineralogy, who would submit to our 
economical plan of proceeding, it would certainly enhance the value 
of the expedition. However, this I have no hopes of. 
“I see, by the newspapers, that Mr. Jefferson designs to em- 
ploy persons to explore the shores of the Mississippi the. ensuing 
summer: surely our exertions would promote his wishes. I write 
these particulars that you may give them the consideration they 
deserve; and will call upon you to deliberate furthei on the affair. 
To the Same. 
February 3, 1806. 
“ The enclosed sketch of a letter is submitted for your opin- 
ion, and, if approved, I must request of you the favour to enclose 
it in one of your own to Mr. Jefferson. You see I am serious in 
my design of traversing our southern wildernesses. Disappointed 
in your company, I have no hopes in another’s that would add any 
value to the Ohio tour. I am therefore driven to this expedient, 
and I hope it will succeed. Please to let me hear your sentiments 
on this affair to-morrow morning ; and oblige yours, &c.” 
