xviii LIFE OF WILSON. 
Avith a diligence and economy almost surpassing belief; the 
whole of his expenses during this period amounting to less than 
one shilling per week. 
All matters being finally arranged, he set out on foot for 
Port Patrick, whence he embarked for Ireland. On reaching 
Belfast it was found that the ship had her complement of pas- 
sengers; but, rather than remain, after so much exertion, Wil- 
son and his companion consented to sleep upon deck, and, con- 
sequently, they were permitted to depart in the ship, which 
sailed about the middle of May, and arrived at Newcastle, in 
the state of Delaware, on the fourteenth of July, 1794. 
We now behold Alexander Wilson in a strange land; with- 
out an acquaintance on whose counsels and hospitality he could 
rely in that state of uncertainty to which, having no particular 
object in view, he Avas of course subjected; without a single 
letter of introduction; and Avith not a shilling in his pocket.* 
But every care was forgotten in his transport at finding him- 
self in the land of freedom. He had often cast a wishful look 
towards the Avestern hemisphere, and his Avarm fancy had sug- 
gested the idea, that among that people only, who maintained 
the doctrine of an equality of rights, could political justice be 
found. He had become indignant at beholding the influence 
of the wealthy converted into the means of oppression ; and had 
imputed the wrongs and sufierings of the poor, 'not to the con- 
dition of society, but to the nature and constitution of the go- 
vernment. He Avas now free; and exulted in his release, as a 
bird rejoices which escapes from the confinement of the cage. 
Impatient to set his foot upon the soil of the NeAv World, he 
landed at the town of Newcastle; and, shouldering his fowling- 
piece, he directed his steps towards Philadelphia, distant about 
thirty-three miles. The writer of this biography has a distinct 
recollection of a conversation with Wilson on this part of his 
* Tills is literally true. The money which bore liis expenses from NeAV- 
castle to Pliiladelphia was boiTOAved of a fellow passenger. The same gene- 
rous friend, whose name Avas Oliver, made him subsequently a loan of cash 
to enable him to travel into Vii'ginia. 
