ALEXANDER WILSON. 
xlvii 
nature, or from birds newly killed, — I had planned an expedition 
down that river, from Pittsburg to the Mississippi, thence to New 
Orleans, and to continue my researches by land in return to Phila- 
delphia. I had engaged, as a companion and assistant, Mr W. 
Bartram of this place, whose knowledge of botany, as well as 
zoology, would have enabled me to make the best of the voyage, 
and to collect many new specimens in both those departments. 
Sketches of these were to have been taken on the spot ; and the 
subjects put in a state of preservation, to finish our drawings from, 
as time would permit. We intended to set out from Pittsburg 
about the beginning of May ; and expected to reach New Orleans 
in September. 
“ But my venerable friend, Mr Bartram, taking into more serious 
consideration his advanced age, being near seventy, and the 
weakness of his eyesight, and apprehensive of his inability to 
encounter the fatigues and privations unavoidable in so extensive 
a tour ; and having, to my extreme regret, and the real loss of 
science, been induced to decline the journey, I had reluctantly 
abandoned the enterprize, and all hopes of accomplishing my 
purpose ; till, hearing that your Excellency had it in contemplation 
to send travellers this ensuing summer up the Red River, the 
Arkansaw, and other tributary streams of the Mississippi, and 
believing that my services might be of advantage to some of these 
parties, in promoting your Excellency’s design, while the best 
opportunities would be afforded me of procuring subjects for the 
work which I have so much at heart, — under these impressions, I 
beg leave to offer myself for any of those expeditions ; and can be 
ready at a short notice to attend your Excellency’s orders. 
“ Accustomed to the hardships of travelling — without a family 
— and an enthusiast in the pursuit of natural history, I will devote 
my whole powers to merit your Excellency’s approbation ; and 
ardently wish for an opportunity of testifying the sincerity of my 
professions, and the deep veneration with which I have the honour 
to be, sir, your obedient servant, Alex. Wilson.” 
“ Kingsess, 6 th Feb. 1806 .” 
Wilson had been previously introduced to Jefferson, and enter- 
tained extravagant ideas of his talents and virtues. Writing to 
