CVl 
LIFE OF WILSON. 
and noble rivers, are passing in rapid succession before my de- 
lighted view, they are not beside me to enjoy the varying 
scenery; but as far as my pen will enable me, I will freely 
share it with them, and remember them affectionately until I 
forget myself. 
“ February 23d. My baggage is on board — I have just to 
despatch this and set off. The weather is fine, and I have no 
doubt of piloting my skiflf in safety to Cincinnati. Farewell ! 
God bless you!” 
TO MR. ALEXANDER LAWSON. 
Lexington., April 4, 1810. 
‘‘ My Dear Sir, 
“ Having now reached the second stage of my bird-catching 
expedition, I willingly sit down to give you some account of 
my adventures and remarks since leaving Pittsburg; by the 
aid of a good map, and your usual stock of patience, you will 
be able to listen to my story, and trace all my wanderings. 
Though generally dissuaded from venturing by myself on so 
long a voyage down the Ohio, in an open skiflT, I considered 
this mode, with all its inconveniences, as the most favourable 
to my researches, and the most suitable to my funds, and I de- 
termined accordingly. Two days before my departure, the 
Alleghany river was one wide torrent of broken ice, and I cal- 
culated on experiencing considerable difficulties on this score. 
My stock of provisions consisted of some biscuit and cheese, 
and a bottle of cordial presented me by a gentleman of Pitts- 
burg; my gun, trunk and great coat, occupied one end of the 
boat; I had a small tin occasionally to bale her, and to take my 
beverage from the Ohio with; and bidding adieu to the smoky 
confines of Pitt, I lanched into the stream, and soon winded 
away among the hills that every where enclose this noble river. 
The weather was warm and serene, and the river like a mir- 
ror, except where floating masses of ice spotted its surface, and 
which required some care to steer clear of; but these to my 
surprise, in less than a day’s sailing, totally disappeared. Far 
