LIFE OF WILSON. 
To the Same. 
Fehrtiary 5, 1806, 
“ I am infinitely obliged to you, my dear friend, for your fa- 
vourable opinion of me, transmitted to the president. Should an 
engagement be the consequence, I will mei it the character which 
you have given of me, or perish in the endeavour to deserve it. 
Accept my assurances of perpetual affection and esteem. 
“ The letters go off* to-morrow,” 
It will be perceived, by the foregoing letters, that the Presi- 
dent of the United States had it in contemplation to despatch men 
of science, for the purpose of exploring the country of the Missis- 
sippi. Wilson now eonceived that a favourable opportunity would 
be afforded him of gratifying a desire, which he had long indulged, 
of visiting those regions, which he was convinced were rich in the 
various objects of science; and, particularly, where subjects, new 
and interesting, might be collected for his embryo work on the 
Ornithology of our country. He expressed his wishes to Mr. Bar- 
tram, who approved of them; and the latter cheerfully wrote to his 
correspondent, Mr. Jefferson, stating Wilson’s character and ac- 
quirements; and recommending him as one highly qualified to be 
employed in that important national enterprise. This introductory 
letter, endited in the most respectful terms, was accompanied with 
an application from Wilson himself, which, as a faithful biographer 
of my friend, I here think proper to insert entire : — 
