cxliv 
LIFE OF WILSON. 
about two hundred and fifty yards wide, and of great depth, boun- 
ded as usual with high precipitous banks, and reached the town of 
Nashville, which towers like a fortress above the river. Here I 
have been busily employed these eight days ; and send you the 
enclosed parcel of drawings, the i*esult of every moment of leisure 
and convenience I could obtain. Many of the birds are altogether 
new ; and you will find along with them every explanation neces- 
sary for your purpose. 
You may rest assured of hearing from me by the first oppor- 
tunity after my arrival at Natchez. In the meantime I receive 
with much pleasure the accounts you give me of the kind inquiries 
of my friends. To me nothing could be more welcome ; for whe- 
ther journeying in this world, or journeying to that which is to 
come, there is something of desolation and despair in the idea of 
being for ever forgotten in our absence, by those whom we sincerely 
esteem and regard.” 
To Mr. ALEXANDER LAWSON. 
Natchez, Mississippi Ter., May I8//2, 1810. 
Dear Sir, 
About three weeks ago I wrote to you from Nash- 
ville, enclosing three sheets of drawings, which I hope you have re- 
ceived.* I was at that time on the point of setting out for St. Lou- 
is ; but being detained a week by constant and heavy rains, and 
considering that it would add four hundred miles to my journey, 
and detain me at least a month ; and the season being already far 
advanced, and no subscribers to be expected there, I abandoned 
the idea, and prepared for a journey through the wilderness. I 
was advised by many not to attempt it alone ; that the Indians 
* These drawings never came to hand. 
