xlii 
MEMOIR OF 
the long up-pent current of Wilson’s genius had now found 
its natural channel, along which it rushed, no longer to 
be stopped or turned aside. Even that sternest barrier 
in the way of humble merit — poverty — was now over- 
borne by the might of strong determination ; for, at the 
time when the preceding letter was written, the whole 
amount of his funds was only seventy-five cents , or three- 
fourths of a dollar ! 
Being now a confirmed ornithologist, his leisure hours 
were all devoted to that study, and to his own improve- 
ment in drawing and colouring. In the spring of 1805, 
we find him sending copies of twenty-eight drawings of 
the birds to be found in Pennsylvania, or that occasionally 
pass through that country, to his friend, Mr Bartram, 
requesting his criticisms or suggestions for the promotion 
of his plan. In order, if possible, to abridge his labour, 
he applied himself to acquire the art of etching, under 
the instructions of Mr Lawson ; but, though he exerted 
every effort of his enthusiastic mind, his attempts fell 
far short of his own ideas of excellence. He next 
endeavoured to prevail on Mr Lawson to engage in the 
work as a joint concern ; which, however, was declined. 
Finding his schemes thus baffled, Wilson declared, with 
solemn emphasis, his unalterable resolution to proceed 
alone in the undertaking, if it should cost him his life. 
“ I shall at least leave,” continued he, “ a small beacon 
to point out where I perished.” 
About the beginning of the year 1806, intimation was 
given, through the medium of the public press, that the 
President of the United States proposed to despatch 
parties of scientific men to explore the district of Loui- 
siana. This appeared to Wilson a favourable opportu- 
nity for the prosecution of his ornithological researches. 
His hopes and wishes were communicated to Mr Bartram ; 
who not only cordially approved, but immediately wrote 
to Mr Jefferson, the President, with whom he happened 
