LIFE OF WILSON. 
cxvu 
fields here without finding a single bird new to me, or indeed any 
thing but a few Snow-birds and Sparrows. I expect to have some- 
thing interesting to communicate in my next. 
^ ^ ^ Mi 
My friends will please accept through you my best wishes 
and kindest respects ; and I regret that while the grand spectacle 
of mountains, i*egions of expanded forests, glittering towns, and 
noble rivers, are passing in rapid succession before my delighted 
view, they are not beside me to enjoy the varying scenery ; but as 
far as my pen will enable me I will freely share it with them, and 
remember them affectionately until I forget mijself. 
‘^February 23d. My baggage is onboard — I have just to des- 
patch this and set off. The weather is fine, and I have no doubt 
of piloting my skiff in safety to Cincinnati. Farewell! God bless 
you !” 
To Mr. ALEXANDER LAWSON. 
Lexington^ Jlpril 4, 1810. 
My Dear Sir, 
Having now reached the second stage of my 
bird-catching expedition, I willingly sit down to give you some ac- 
count of my adventures and remarks since leaving Pittsburg ; by 
the aid of a good map, and your usual stock of patience, jou will 
be able to listen to my story, and trace all my wanderings. Though 
generally dissuaded from venturing by myself on so long a voyage 
down the Ohio, in an open skiff, I considered this mode, with all 
its inconveniences, as the most favourable to my researches, and 
the most suitable to my funds, and I determined accordingly. Two 
days before my departure the Alleghany river was one wide tor- 
rent of broken ice, and I calculated on experiencing considerable 
difficulties on this score. My stock of provisions consisted of some 
2G 
VOL. IX. 
