LIFE OF WILSON. 
Ixxvii 
with diffidence, the laborious, and very responsible situation I am 
soon to be placed in, requiring a much more general fund of scien- 
tific knowledge, and stronger powers of mind, than I am possessed 
of ; but all these objections have been overruled, and I am engaged, 
in conjunction with Mr. S. F. Bradford, to conduct the publication. 
In this pursuit I will often solicit your advice, and be happy to 
communicate your observations to posterity. Shut up from the 
sweet scenes of rural nature, so dear to my soul, conceive to your- 
self the pleasures I shall enjoy in sometimes paying a visit to your 
charming Retreat, and you cannot doubt of frequently seeing your 
very sincere friend.” 
Not long after his engagement he unfolded his mind to Mr. 
Bradford on the subject of his projected Ornithology ; and exhibit- 
ed such evidence of his talents for a work of that nature, that the 
latter promptly agreed to become the publisher of it, and to fur- 
nish the requisite funds ; and now for the first time Wilson found 
those obstructions removed which had opposed his favourite enter- 
prise. 
To Mr. WILSON at the Falls of Niagara. 
Philadelphia, July %th, 1806. 
“ Dear Sir, 
“ This will be handed to you by Mr. Michaux, a 
gentleman of an amiable character, and a distinguished naturalist, 
who is pursuing his botanical researches through North America, 
and intends visiting the Cataract of Niagara. The kindness I re- 
ceived from your family in 1804 makes me desirous that my friend, 
Mr. Michaux, should reside with you during his stay at Niagara ; 
and any attention paid to him will be considered as done to myself, 
and suitable acknowledgments made in person by me on my arri- 
val at Niagara, which I expect will be early next spring. 
U 
VOL. IX. 
