Ixxvi 
LIFE OF WILSON. 
the journey to me. I will proceed in the affair as you may think 
best, notwithstanding my eager wishes, and the disagreeableness of 
my present situation. I write this letter in the schoolhouse — past 
ten at night — L."s folks all gone to roost — the Flying squirrels rat- 
tling in the loft above me, and the cats squalling in the cellar below. 
Wishing you a continuation of that success in teaching, which has 
already done you so much credit, I bid you for the present good- 
night."' 
We now approach that era of Wilson's life, in which we be- 
hold him emerging from the vale of obscurity, and attaining that 
enviable distinction, in the republic of science and letters^ which it 
is the lot of but few to enjoy. 
Mr. Samuel F. Bradford, bookseller, of Philadelphia, being 
about to publish an improved edition of Rees's New Cyclopaedia, 
Wilson was introduced to him as one qualified to superintend the 
work ; and was engaged, at a liberal salary, as assistant editor. 
The articles of agreement are dated the 20th of April, 1806. 
To Mr. WM. BARTRAM. 
Philadelphia^ April 22d, 1806. 
“ My dear friend, 
“I take the liberty of informing you that 
having been importuned to engage as assistant editor of that com- 
prehensive and voluminous work, Rees's New Cyclopaedia, now 
publishing here, and a generous salary offered me, I have now ac- 
cepted of the same, and will commence my new avocation on Mon- 
day next. 
“ This engagement will, I hope, enable me, in more ways than 
one, to proceed in my intended Ornithology, to which all my lei- 
sure moments will be devoted. In the mean time I anticipate, 
