Ixxiv 
life of WILSON. 
Whatever might have been the views of the President, who un- 
questionably bore an effective part in scheming and encouraging 
the expeditions commanded by Lewis and Clark, and Pike, there 
can be but one opinion on the insufficiency of that plan of discovei y 
which does not embrace the co-operation of men of letters and sci- 
ence : those whose knowledge will teach them to select what is va- 
luable, and whose learning will enable them to digest it for the ad- 
vantage of others. W^e would not draw an invidious compaiison 
the expeditions above-mentioned, and those under the 
command of Major Long; but we will rest in the hope that, as the 
government iioxv appears to be sensible of the beneficial effects re- 
sulting from a liberal and enlightened policy, it will continue to 
foster that spirit of enterprise which distinguishes some of our citi- 
zens, and which, if properly directed, will redound to the honour 
and glory of our country. 
To MR. WILLIAM DUNCAN. 
Gray^s Ferry ^ Feb. 26, 1806. 
Notwithstanding the great esteem I have for your judge- 
ment, in preference, many times, to my own, yet I believe we are 
both wrong in the proposed affair of Saturday week. I have not 
the smallest ambition of being considered an orator ; and would it 
not, by some, be construed into vanity, or something worse, for me 
to go all the way from this place to deliver a political lecture at 
Milestown ? Politics has begot me so many enemies, both in the 
old and new world, and has done me so little good, that I begin to 
think the less you and I harangue on that subject the better. I do 
not say this from any doubt I have of being able to say something 
on the subject, but much question the policy and prudence of it. 
If you and I attend punctually to the duties of our profession, and 
make our business our pleasure ; and the improvement of our pu- 
