LIFE OF WILSON. 
cxlix 
feelingly, that the spring, which brings joy to every other be- 
ing, brings sorrow to her, for in winter she is always well. 
April 25 . Breakfasted at Walton’s, thirteen miles from 
Nashville. This place is a fine rich hollow, watered by a charm- 
ing, clear creek, that never fails. Went up to Madison’s Lick, 
where I shot three paroquets and some small birds. 
“ April 26 . Set out early, the hospitable landlord, Isaac 
Walton, refusing to take any thing for my fare, or that of my 
horse, saying — “ You seem to be travelling for the good of 
the world-, and I cannot, I will not charge you any thing. 
Whenever you come this loay, call and stay with me, you 
shall be welcome!” This is the first instance of such* hospi- 
tality which I have met with in the United States.” 
“ Wednesday, May 23 . Left Natchez, after procuring 
twelve subscribers; and having received a kind letter of invi- 
tation from William Dunbar, Esq., I availed myself of his good- 
ness, and rode nine miles along the usual road to his house; 
where, though confined to his bed by a severe indisposition, I 
was received with great hospitality and kindness; had a neat 
bed-room assigned me; and was requested to consider myself 
as at home during the time I should find it convenient to stay 
in exploring this part of the country.” 
The letter above mentioned, which is now before me, is wor- 
thy of transcription: 
“ Forest, 2QthMay, 1810. 
Sir, 
“ It is very unfortunate that I should be so much indisposed 
as to be confined to my bed-room; nevertheless, I cannot give 
up the idea of having the pleasure of seeing you as soon as you 
find it convenient; the perusal of your first volume of Orni- 
thology, lent me by General Wilkinson, has produced in me a 
very great desire of making your acquaintance. 
* The editor of Wilson’s Poems, in quoting tliis pai'agraph, omitted the 
word such, thereby intending to convey a chai'ge of the want of hospitality 
in the American chai'acter, wliich our author rarely experienced. Wilson’s 
meaning is sufficiently obvious, without comment. 
