clxii 
LIFE OF WILSON. 
The letter above mentioned, which is now before me, is wor- 
thy of transcription : 
Foi'esty 20th Mays 1810 . 
“ Sir, 
“ It is very unfortunate that I should be so much in- 
disposed as to be confined to my bed-room ; nevertheless, I cannot 
give up the idea of having the pleasure of seeing you as soon as 
you find it convenient ; the perusal of your first volume of Orni- 
thology, lent me by General Wilkinson, has produced in me a very 
great desire of making your acquaintance. 
“ I understand, from my boy, that you propose going in a 
few days to Newox'leans, where you will see some small cabinets 
of natural history that may interest you. But, as I presume it is 
your intention to prosecute your inquiries into the interior of our 
country, this cannot be done better than from my house, as your 
head quarters ; where every thing will be made convenient to your 
wishes. My house stands literally in the forest, and your beautiful 
Orioles, with other elegant birds, are our court-yard companions. 
“ The bearer attends you with a couple of horses, on the sup- 
position that it maybe convenient for you to visit us to-day; other- 
wise he shall wait upon you any other day that you shall appoint. 
“ I am respectfully, &c. 
WILLIAM DUNBAR.” 
This excellent gentleman, whose hospitality was thus prompt- 
ly excited, has since paid the debt of nature; and his grateful guest 
fondly cherished, to the last hour of his existence, the remembrance 
of those happy moments which had been passed in his society, and 
that of his amiable and accomplished family. 
