xliv 
LIFE OF WILSON. 
through deep snows, and almost uninhabited forests; over stu- 
pendous mountains, and down dangerous rivers: passing over, 
in a course of thirteen hundred miles, as great a variety of men 
and modes of living, as the same extent of country can exhibit 
in any part of the United States — though in this tour I have 
had every disadvantage of deep roads and rough weather; hur- 
ried marches, and many other inconveniences to encounter, — 
yet so far am I from being satisfied with what I have seen, or 
discouraged by the fatigues which every traveller must submit 
to, that I feel more eager than ever to commence some more 
extensive expedition; where scenes and subjects entirely new, 
and generally unknown, might reward my curiosity; and where 
perhaps my humble acquisitions might add something to the 
stores of knowledge. For all the hazards and privations inci- 
dent to such an undertaking, I feel confident in my own spirit 
and resolution. With no family to enchain my affections; no 
ties but those of friendship; and the most ardent love of my 
adopted country — with a constitution which hardens amidst 
fatigues; and a disposition sociable and open, which can find it- 
self at home by an Indian fire in the depth of the woods, as 
well as in the best apartment of the civilized; I have at present 
a real design of becoming a traveller. But I am miserably de- 
ficient in many acquirements absolutely necessary for such a 
character. Botany, Mineralogy, and Di’awing, I most ardent- 
ly wish to be instructed in, and with these I should fear no- 
thing. Can I yet make any progress in Botany, sufficient to 
enable me to be useful, and what would be the most proper 
way to proceed? I have many leisure moments that should be 
devoted to this pursuit, provided I could have hopes of suc- 
ceeding. Your opinion on this subject will confer an additional 
obligation on your affectionate friend.” 
It is worthy of remark, that when men of uncommon talents 
conceive any great scheme, they usually overlook those cir- 
cumstances of minor importance, which ordinary minds would 
estimate as first deserving attention. Thus Wilson, with an 
intellect expanded with information, and still grasping at fur- 
