clxx 
life of WILSON. 
rounded by those acquaintance, the observing of whose simple 
manners not only aflforded the most agreeable recreation, but who 
were perpetually contributing to the great undertaking which he 
was earnestly labouring to complete. 
In the month of March, 1812, Wilson was chosen a member 
of the Society of Artists of the United States; but in the spring of 
the succeeding year a greater honour was conferred upon him by 
his being elected a member of the American Philosophical Society 
of Philadelphia. 
To Mr. WILLIAM BARTRAM. 
Philadelphia, Jlp7'il 21, 1813. 
“ My dear friend, 
“ I have been e.xtremely busy these several 
months, my colourists having all left me; sol have been obliged to 
do extra duty this last winter. Next week I shall publish my se- 
venth volume ; and shall send you your copy with the earliest op- 
portunity. I am now engaged with the Dueks, all of which, that I 
am acquainted with, will be comprehended in the eighth volume. 
“ Since I had the pleasure of seeing you, I have hardly left the 
house half an hour ; and I long most ardently to breath once more 
the fresh air of the country, and gaze on the lovely face of Nature. 
Will it be convenient for the favnily to accommodate me (as I shall 
be alone) this summer ? Please to let me know. 
“ I lately received from the celebrated Mr. West a proof im- 
pression of his grand historical picture of the death of Admiral 
Nelson — a present which I highly value. 
“ The Philosophical Society of Philadelphia have done me the 
honour to elect me a member, for which I must certainly, in grati- 
tude, make them a commvmication on some subject, this summer. 
