LIFE OF WILSON. 
Ixv 
ing the expeditions commanded by Lewis and Clark, and Pike, 
there can be but one opinion on the insufficiency of that plan of 
discovery which does not embrace the co-operation of men of 
letters and science: those whose knowledge will teach them to 
select what is valuable, and whose learning will enable them 
to digest it for the advantage of others. We would not draw 
an invidious comparison between the expeditions above-men- 
tioned, and those under the command of Major Long; but we 
will rest in the hope that, as the government novj appears to 
be sensible of the beneficial effects resulting from a liberal and 
enlightened policy, it will continue to foster that spirit of enter- 
prise which distinguishes some of our citizens; and which, if 
properly directed, will redound to the honour and glory of our 
country. 
TO MR. WILLIAM DUNCAN. 
Gray’s Ferry, Feb. 26 , 1806. 
‘‘Notwithstanding the great esteem T have for your judg- 
ment, in preference, many times, to my own, yet I believe we 
are both wrong in the proposed affair of Saturday week. I have 
not the smallest ambition of being considered an orator; and 
would it not, by some, be construed into vanity, or something 
worse, for me to go all the way from this place to deliver a po- 
litical lecture at Milestown? Politics has begot me so many 
enemies, both in the old and new world, and has done me so 
little good, that I begin to think the less you and I harangue on 
that subject the better. I do not say this from any doubt I have 
of being able to say something on the subject, but much ques- 
tion the policy and prudence of it. If you and I attend punctu- 
ally to the duties of our profession, and make our business our 
pleasure; and the improvement of our pupils, with their good 
government, our chief aim ; honour, and respectability, and suc- 
cess will assuredly attend us, even if we never open our lips on 
polities. 
“ These have been some of my reflections since we parted. 
I hope you will weigh them in your own mind, and acquiesce 
VOL. I. — I 
