LIFE OF WILSON. 
clxv 
Respect yourself, and fear nothing but vice and idleness. If one 
had no other reward for doing one’s duty, but the grateful sensa- 
tions arising therefrom on the retrospection, the recompense would 
be abundant, as these alone are able to bear us up amidst every 
reverse. 
^ ^ ^ ^ 
“ At present I cannot enlarge further, my own mind being 
harassed with difficulties relative to my publication. I have now 
no farther dependence on Murray ; and I mean to make it consist- 
ent both with the fame, and the interest, of Lawson to do his best 
for me. I hope you will continue to let me hear from you, from 
time to time. I anticipate much pleasure from the improvements 
which I have no doubt you will now make in the several necessary 
departments of your business. Wishing you every success in your 
endeavours to excel, I remain, with sincere regard. See.” 
To Mr. F. A. MICHAUX. 
Philadelphia, June Gth^ 1812. 
My dear friend, 
“ I had the pleasure of receiving a letter 
from you dated April 10, 1812; but living at Mr. Bartram’s, I 
have not yet seen Mr. Correa, the gentleman who brought it over, 
I have also had the great satisfaction of examining the plates of 
your four numbers of Forest Trees, which are beautifully execu- 
ted, and I regret most sincerely that my little knowledge of the 
French language* prevents me from perusing, with equal satisfac- 
* Wilson’s ignorance of French was a great disadvantage to him ; and he never ceased 
to regret his want of instruction in a tongue, which is considered not only important to the 
scholar, but indispensable to the naturalist. The number of works, in the various departments 
of Natural History, which France annually produces, is truly astonishing ; and fortunate is that 
student whose acquirements in her language enable him to profit of the knowledge of this illus- 
trious nation. 
2 T 
VOL. IX. 
