LIFE OF WILSON. 
clxix 
tion of the heart,* and want to try whether a short voyage by sea 
will not be beneficial. 
“ In Newengland the rage of war, the virulence of politics, and 
the pursuit of commercial speculations, engross every faculty. 
The voice of Science, and the charms of Nature, unless these last 
present themselves in the form of prize sugars, coffee, or nun, are 
treated with contempt.” 
The excursion to the White Mountains, above mentioned, was 
succeeded by rather an unpleasant occurrence. The good people 
of Haverhill perceiving a stranger among them of very inquisitive 
habits, and who evinced great zeal in exploring the country, saga- 
ciously concluded that he was a spy from Canada, employed in 
taking sketches of the place, to facilitate the invasion of the ene- 
my. Under these impressions it was thought conducive to the 
public safety that Wilson should be apprehended ; and he was ac- 
cordingly taken into the custody of a magistrate, who, on being 
made acquainted with his character, and the nature of his visit, po- 
litely dismissed him, with many apologies for the mistake. 
The publication of the Ornithology now advanced as rapidly 
as a due regard to correctness and elegance would admit. In or- 
der to become better acquainted with the feathered tribes, and to 
observe their migrations with more accuracy, as well as to enjoy 
the important advantages of a rural retirement, Wilson resided 
the better part of the years 1811-12 at the Botanic Garden of his 
friend, Mr. Bartram. There removed from the noise, bustle, and 
interruption of the metropolis, he was enabled to dispose of his 
time to the best advantage ; for when fatigued with close applica- 
tion within doors, to recruit his mind and body he had only to 
cross the threshold of his abode, and he at once found himself sur- 
This distressing disease, so well known to the literary student, Wilson was often afflict- 
ed with. 
VOL. IX. 
2U 
