ALEXANDER WILSON. 
lxxvii 
In September, 1812, Wilson directed bis steps eastward, 
to visit his subscribers, and increase, if possible, their 
number. During this excursion, he met with the 
following ludicrous adventure : — At Haverhill the good 
people observing a stranger among them, of very inquisitive 
habits, and who evinced particular earnestness in exploring 
the country, came to the sage conclusion, that he was a 
spy from Canada, employed in taking sketches of the 
place, to facilitate British invasion. It was, therefore, 
thought essential to the public safety, that he should be 
apprehended ; and he was accordingly taken into custody : 
but the magistrate before whom he was brought, on being 
made acquainted with his character and pursuits, imme- 
diately dismissed him, with many apologies for the harm- 
less and patriotic mistake. 
In 1812, he was elected a member of the American 
Philosophical Society ; and in the following year, by the 
soon as you find it convenient. The perusal of your first volume 
of Ornithology , lent me by General Wilkinson, has produced in 
me a very great desire of making your acquaintance. 
a I understand from my boy, that you propose going, in a few 
days, to New Orleans, where you will see some small cabinets 
of natural history that may interest you. But, as I presume it 
is your intention to prosecute your inquiries into the interior 
of our country, this cannot be done better than from my house 
as your head-quarters, where every thing will be made con- 
venient to your wishes. My house stands literally in the forest, 
and your beautiful orioles, with other elegant birds, are our 
court-yard companions. 
“ The bearer attends you with a couple of horses, on the 
supposition that it maybe convenient for you to visit us to-day; 
otherwise, he shall wait on you any other day that you shall 
appoint. — I am respectfully, See. William Dunbar. 
u Forest, 26th May , 1810.” 
ee This excellent gentleman,” continues the American bio- 
grapher, “ whose hospitality was thus promptly excited, has 
since paid the debt of nature ; and his grateful guest fondly 
cherished, to the last hour of his existence, the remembrance of 
those happy moments which were passed in his society, and in 
that of his amiable and accomplished family.” 
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