Ixviii 
LIFE OF WILSON. 
Not long after his engagement, he unfolded his mind to Mr. 
Bradford on the subject of his projected Ornithology; and ex- 
hibited such evidence of his talents for a work of that nature, 
that the latter promptly agreed to become the publisher of it, 
and to furnish the requisite funds; and now, for the first time, 
Wilson found those obstructions removed, which had opposed 
his favourite enterprise. 
TO MR. WILSON AT THE FALLS OF NIAGARA. 
Philadelphia, July Sth, 1806. 
“ Dear Sir, 
‘‘ This will be handed to you by Mr. Michaux, a gentleman 
of an amiable character, and a distinguished naturalist, who is 
pursuing his botanical researches through North America, and 
intends visiting the Cataract of Niagara. The kindness 1 re- 
ceived from your family in 1804 makes me desirous that my 
friend, Mr. Michaux, should reside with you during his stay at 
Niagara; and any attention paid to him will be considered as 
done to myself, and suitable acknowledgments made in person 
by me on my arrival at Niagara, which I expect will be early 
next spring. 
“You will be so good as give Mr. Michaux information re- 
specting the late rupture of the rock at the falls, of the burning 
spring above, and point out to him the place of descent to the 
rapids below, with any other information respecting the won- 
derful scenery around you. 
“In the short stay I made, and the unfavourable weather I 
experienced, I was prevented from finishing my intended sketch 
equal to my wishes; but I design to spend several weeks with 
you, and not only take correct drawings, but particular descrip- 
tions of every thing relating to that stupendous Cataract, and 
to publish. a more complete and satisfactory account, and a bet- 
ter representation of it, than has been yet done in the United 
States. * 
* Wilson’s subsequent engag'ements prevented his return to the Falls, in 
conformity with liis wishes; but his sketches were completed by an ai’tist, en- 
