XC11 
LIFE OF 
the enclosed parcel of drawings, the result of every moment of 
leisure and convenience I could obtain. Many of the birds are 
altogether new ; and you will find, along with them, every expla- 
nation necessary for your purpose. 
“ You may rest assured of hearing from me by the first opportu- 
nity after my arrival at Natchez. In the meantime, I receive with 
much pleasure the accounts you give me of the kind inquiries of 
my friends. To me, nothing could be more welcome ; for whether 
journeying in this world, or journeying to that which is to come, 
there is something of desolation and despair in the idea of being 
for ever forgotten in our absence, by those whom we sincerely 
esteem and regard.” 
To Mr Alexander Lawson. 
“ Natchez, Mississippi Ter. 
18 th May , 1810 . 
“ Dear Sir, — About three weeks ago, I wrote to you from 
Nashville, enclosing three sheets of drawings, which I hope you 
have received.* I was, at that time, on the point of setting out for 
St Louis ; but, being detained a week by constant and heavy rains, 
and considering that it would add four hundred miles to my 
journey, and detain me at least a month, and the season being 
already far advanced, and no subscribers to be expected there, I 
abandoned the idea, and prepared for a journey through the wil- 
derness. I was advised by many not to attempt it alone — that 
the Indians were dangerous, the swamps and rivers almost impass- 
able without assistance ; and a thousand other hobgoblins were 
conjured up to dissuade me from going alone. But I weighed all 
these matters in my own mind ; and, attributing a great deal of 
this to vulgar fears and exaggerated reports, I equipt myself for 
the attempt. I rode an excellent horse, on which I could depend. 
I had a loaded pistol in each pocket, a loaded fowling piece belted 
across my shoulders, a pound of gunpowder in my flask, and five 
pounds of shot in my belt. I bought some biscuit and dried beef, 
and, on Friday morning, May 4, I left Nashville. About half a 
These drawings never came to hand Ord. 
