Ixii 
LIFE OF WILSON. 
To the Same. 
February 3, 1806. 
“ The enclosed sketch of a letter is submitted for your opi- 
nion, and, if approved, I must request of you the favour to en- 
close it in one of your own to Mr. Jefferson. You see I am 
serious in my design of traversing our southern wildernesses. 
Disappointed in your company, I have no hopes in another’s 
that would add any value to the Ohio tour. I am therefore 
driven to this expedient, and I hope it will succeed. Please to 
let me hear your sentiments on this affair to-morrow morning ; 
and oblige yours, &c.” 
To the Same. 
February 5, 1806. 
‘‘I am infinitely obliged to you, my dear friend, for your 
favourable opinion of me, transmitted to the president. Should 
an engagement be the consequence, I will merit the character 
which you have given of me, or perish in the endeavour to de- 
serve it. Accept my assurances of perpetual affection and es- 
teem. 
“ The letters go off to-morrow.” 
It will be perceived, by the foregoing letters, that the Presi- 
dent of the United States had it in contemplation to despatch 
men of science, for the purpose of exploring the country of the 
Mississippi. Wilson now conceived that a favourable oppor- 
tunity would be afforded him of gratifying a desire, which he 
had long indulged, of visiting those regions, which he was con- 
vinced were rich in the various objects of science; and, parti- 
cularly, where subjects, new and interesting, might be collect- 
ed for his embryo work on the Ornithology of our country. 
He expressed his wishes to Mr. Bartram, who approved of 
them; and the latter cheerfully wrote to his correspondent, Mr. 
Jefferson, stating Wilson’s character and acquirements; and re- 
commending him as one highly qualified to be employed in 
that important national enterprise. This introductory letter, 
endited in the most respectful terms, was accompanied Avith 
