LIFE OF WILSON. 
Ixxiii 
that among the many thousands who have examined my book, 
and among these were men of the first character for taste and 
literature, I have heard nothing but expressions of the highest 
admiration and esteem. If I have been mistaken in publishing 
a work too good for the country, it is a fault not likely to be 
soon repeated, and will pretty severely correct itself. But what- 
ever may be the result of these matters, I shall not sit down 
with folded hands, whilst any thing can be done to carry my 
point: since God helps them who help themselves. I am fixing 
correspondents in every corner of these northern regions, like 
so many pickets and outposts, so that scarcely a wren or tit 
shall be able to pass along, from York to Canada, but I shall get 
intelligence of it.” 
TO MR. D. H. MILLER. 
Boston, October 12, 1808. 
“ Dear Sir, 
“ I arrived here on Sunday last, after various adventures, the 
particulars of which, as well as the observations I have had lei- 
sure to make upon the passing scenery around me, I shall en- 
deavour, as far as possible, to compress into this letter, for your 
own satisfaction, and that of my friends who may be interested 
for my welfare. My company in the stage coach to New York 
were all unknown to me, except Col. S., who was on his route 
to Fort Oswego, on Lake Ontario, to take command of the 
troops intended to be stationed on that part of the frontier, to 
prevent evasions of the embargo law. The sociable disposition 
and affability of the Colonel made this part of the journey pass 
very agreeably, for both being fond of walking, whenever the 
driver stopped to water, or drink grog, which was generally 
every six or eight miles, we set out on foot, and sometimes got 
on several miles before the coach overhauled us. By this method 
we enjoyed our ride, and with some little saving of horseflesh, 
which I know you will approve of At Princeton I bade my 
fellow travellers good by, as I had to wait upon the reverend 
doctors of the college. I took my book under my arm, put se- 
VOL. I. — K 
