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POEMS AND LITERARY PROSE
OF
ALEXANDER WILSON.
VOL. I.-PROSE.
1

ALEXANDER WILSON.
Engraved by W. Alas, after the original by James traw
Alexander Gardner. Paisley
THE
POEMS AND LITERARY PROSE
OF
63361
ALEXANDER WILSON,
こ
​THE AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGIST.
FOR THE FIRST TIME FULLY COLLECTED AND COMPARED WITH THE ORIGINAL AND
EARLY EDITIONS, MSS., ETC.
EDITED,
WITH MEMORIAL - INTRODUCTION, ESSAY, NOTES, ILLUSTRATIONS,
AND GLOSSARY,
BY THE
REV. ALEXANDER B.
GROSART,
Editor of "The Fuller Worthies' Library," &c., &c.
VOL. I.-Prose.
WITH PORTRAIT, ILLUSTRATIONS, &c.
PAISLEY: ALEX. GARDNER.
1876.
f
Preface.
IT is a somewhat remarkable fact that with the exception of Allan
Ramsay, Fergusson, and Burns, none of our Scottish vernacular
poets has been so continuously kept in print' as ALEXANDER
WILSON. Since the publication by himself of the thin volume of
1790, and its re-issue in 1791, there never has been a time when
his Poems were not obtainable through the ordinary channels.
This is more than can be said of DUNBAR, HENRYSON, GAVIN
DOUGLAS, MONTGOMERY, ALEXANDER SCOT, or DRUMMOND, earlier;
or of MESTON, ROSS, SKINNER, MACNEIL, BRUCE, or TANNAHILL,
later, or even more recently of WILLIAM TENNANT, or ROBERT
NICOLL. One must attribute this vitality of interest in Poetry that
is not in itself of the highest, or the greatest work or workmanship
of its Author, to the ever-widening and deepening fame of the
"Ornithology," and to the multiplied Lives of him. As noted in
the Memorial-Introduction (page xvii.) there have been seven full
Lives, besides as many more, and indeed twice as many more, lesser
notices, e. g.:-
1. Account of Life and Writings, prefixed to "Poems": Pais-
ley, 1816: pp. ix.-lxxxii. 12mo. (Chiefly by Thomas
Crichton.)
1.* Biographical Sketches of the late Alexander Wilson.
Communicated in a Series of Letters to a Young Friend:
Paisley, 1819 pp. 88. 8vo. (By Thomas Crichton.
iv.
PREFACE.
2.
Originally published in the Weavers' Magazine and
Literary Companion, Vol. II., Paisley, 1819: pp. 97-107;
145-160; 193-218; 241-72; 286-7.)
Sketch of the Life of Alexander Wilson, Author of the
“American Ornithology." By George Ord, F.L.S., &c. :
Philadelphia, 1828. 8vo. Page cxcix. (Preceded by a
Memoir in the closing volume of the "Ornithology," by
Ord.)
3. Life by Sir William Jardine, Bart., in Vol. I. of his and
Prince Charles L. Bonaparte's edition of the "American
Ornithology (3 vols., 8vo., 1829-36), pp. xlii. -lxxxvi.
**This edition of the "Ornithology" has just been reproduced by Chatto and
Windus. The large paper copies are superb books.
4. Life by the Rev. Dr. William M. Hetherington in Vol. I.
of Professor Jamieson's edition of the "American
Ornithology" (4 vols., 12mo., 1831), pp. xiii.-lxxxvi.
5. Prefixed to the "Poetical Works of Alexander Wilson;
also, his Miscellaneous Prose Writings, Journals, Letters,
Essays, etc., now first collected illustrated by Critical
and Explanatory Notes," where it is described as
Extended Memoir of his Life and Writing." Belfast,
1845; cr. 8vo.; pp. xxxviii. (Anonymous.)
"An
6. The Library of American Biography. Conducted by Jared
Sparks. Vol. II. New York (Harpers), 1851. Life of
Alexander Wilson, by W. B. O. Peabody, pp. 169.
7. Difficulties Overcome: Scenes in the Life of Alexander
Wilson, the Ornithologist. By C. Lucy Brightwell,
author of "Heroes of the Laboratory." London, 1861.
12mo. Pp. iv. and 160.
PREFACE.
V.
In the preparation of the present edition of the Poems, I have,
in every case, reproduced the original text from the editions of
1790 and 1791, and contemporary British and American periodicals
and broad-sheets (e. g., Watty and Meg" and "The Shark, or
Lang Mills Detected," and those of the same group, appeared as
chapbooks or broad-sheets). This recurrence to the Author's own
text has enabled me to correct very many mistakes in every way of
the editions of 1814 and 1816, and onward to 1845, and all. All
honour is due to the good and venerable THOMAS CRICHTON for his
services as Biographer, and in part, Editor of the Poems of 1816.
He cherished the memory of his friend WILSON with peculiar
tenderness; and now, his own is a pleasant one to those who can
still recall him. The 1845 edition was a well-meant effort to give
a complete edition; but its anonymous Editor must have been
scantily furnished, as his errors literally swarm, and are of the
most elementary and illiterate kind. But, however uncritical,
thanks must be tendered for the Belfast edition.
As our
Contents' markings show, there are very considerable
and important additions to the Poems. With reference to
the largest poetical addition, viz.,. "The Spouter," it authen-
ticates itself; but it may be stated that it is No. 13 of the
"List of Pieces written by Mr. Alexander Wilson, now in
Philadelphia," printed in the Paisley Repository, 1810, (No.
21). It was first published in a limited edition in 1847 at
Belfast. Those from the American periodicals and newspapers,
and from the MSS. deposited in the Paisley Museum (in the same
section with "The Spouter"), are nearly wholly new on this side
of the Atlantic. Similar weighty additions will be found to the
Letters, which, chronologically arranged, exhibit for the first
time completely the lights and shadows of their Writer's life and
life-work. The Memorial - Introduction and Essay speak for
vi.
PREFACE.
themselves; so too, the greatly enlarged Glossary and the Notes
and Illustrations. The Portrait is true, not idealised, from the
original of CRAW. The Illustrations of (a) The School-house; (b)
The Swedish Church and Churchyard, showing the Grave-stone;
(c) The fac-simile of Handwriting, earlier and later, must prove
acceptable.
The Essays from the "Ornithology" given in our collection,
have been selected for their literary rather than their scientific
merit. For the scientific, the "Ornithology" itself must be
consulted; but it seemed expedient to include in the Prose
specimens of the literature of the great work. As I write these
words, there reaches me, from America, a fly-leaf Note by WILSON
on a fragment or proof-sheet (apparently) of one of the volumes of
his "Ornithology." As it has never been published, and as it
confirms the tradition of his nicety and carefulness of observation,
it must follow here :-
"On the morning of the 28th of March [1808], I took from the
leaves of a lemon tree in Mr. Bartram's garden a species of Acaris,
vulgarly called Long Legs, Grandady, &c., &c., the body of
which is nearly globular, and the legs, eight in number, from
1 to 3 inches in length,-each having two joints near its middle
part (?) to -inch apart. Their legs, after being torn from the
body of the insect and laid upon paper in a room, were agitated
by sudden and violent motions, which often raised them from the
paper, and they continued in that jerking or palpitating state for
upwards of thirty minutes,-the motion at first being almost
incessant in each, but gradually diminishing, or rather the intervals
between each convulsive agitation increasing from a quarter of a
second to a minute or two; and even after some of them seemed
entirely dead, on being touched a little with the finger, they
seemed to revive, and started about as violent as ever. These
PREFACE.
vii.
convulsive motions, if they may be so called, seemed to originate
in the joints; and what is very singular, each leg, before its final
cessation, seemed to suffer expiring agonies,—starting about more
violent than ever for a second or so, after which, no attempts with
the finger could restore it. To some of these legs, a small
fragment of the body adhered; others had snapt short. The
latter seemed to outlive the former, contrary to what might have
been expected. Whether this extraordinary phenomena was
occasioned by galvanism, electricity, or were the mere convulsive
vibration of the nerves, must be left to the practical Entomologist
to discover and determine. The same experiments I have tried
twice before with this insect with the like effects. Mr. William
Bartram and his niece, Miss Ann Bartram, witnessed the singular
exhibition.
"Aug. 28th, 1808.
"A. WILSON.”
66
Along with the preceding, there came copies of poems by WILSON
from American newspapers. They are-(1). "My Landlady's
Nose," a Song,-Tune, "The Bonnie Muir Hen;" (2). The
Dominie ;" (3). "Prayer addressed to Jove, the God of Thunder,
during the late Hot Weather,”—only the last offering anything
noticeable as compared with our texts. After line 35, "Sweep,
&c.," there comes this hitherto suppressed couplet :-
"Blest by Thee-Thee our bounteous Parent,
Curs'd, laid waste by Pitt the Tyrant,"
in the "
Centinel, Sep. 22, 1801." In the "Centinel of Aug. 24,
1801,” in which "My Landlady's Nose" appeared, there is the
following advertisement :-"If the Person who found a Pocket-
Book which was dropped, last Saturday week, somewhere on the
road from Newark to Orange Dale and Bloomfield, and in which,
viii.
PREFACE.
among other papers, was a Manuscript Copy of the above, will
return it to Mr. Gardner, Hairdresser, in Newark, shall be thank-
fully rewarded.-A. WN.”
I have very cordially to thank various correspondents in Paisley
and Renfrewshire for willing help rendered. I must name Ex-
Provost BROWN and P. C. MACGREGOR, Esq., for loan of “The
Spouter" and the original edition of the "Ornithology,” and Mr.
THOMAS CRICHTON and Mr. ALLAN PARK PATON, Greenock, and
Mr. D. SEMPLE, F.S.A., for the use of Letters and other rarities.
I have also very specially to acknowledge earnest and eager
research on the part of a "Brither Scot" in America,—Mr.
JAMES Grant of Philadelphia,—to whose enthusiasm I am mainly
indebted for the new American materials.
I indulge the hope that this complete and trustworthy collection
of the Poetry and Miscellaneous Prose of WILSON will be welcome.
Anything worth doing at all, however humble, ought to be done
well; and I have striven to do this as well as possible. For a
critical estimate of ALEXANDER WILSON, the Reader is referred to
the Essay in Vol. II. And so I send out the Book.
ALEXANDER B. GROSART.
POSTSCRIPT.
As I finished the preceding Preface, Scribner's Monthly for the
present month (March) arrived; and, glancing through it, I was
arrested by an illustrated paper entitled
'WILSON, THE ORNITHOLOGIST ;
""
by an American writer named "DORSEY GARDNER." It is well-
meant; but its biographical details being slavishly taken from
Ord's Life, continue his blunders of all kinds, and reflect his
PREFACE.
ix.
ignorant verdict on the Poems of WILSON. It is scarcely worth
while exposing these mistakes and stupidities. It is more pleasant
to quote (with intercalated corrections) Mr. Gardner's concluding
estimate of WILSON'S great work,-the more so that recent
American naturalists seem to be somewhat grudging in their
recognition of what the Pioneer American "Ornithologist” did :-
"Thus closed a life," sums up Mr. Gardner, “and a work
which, it is no exaggeration to say, are without a parallel. When
WILSON'S deprivations are borne in mind,—that his early instruc-
tion was scant and contemptible [a mistake, as shown in our
Memorial-Introduction], — that, as a boy, he was put at an
uncongenial occupation, which formed his means of livelihood
through nearly half his days,-that his was a life-long struggle
with difficulties, which only the sheer indomitable resolution of a
man never cheerful or sanguine enabled him to surmount [a second
mistake,—he was pre-eminently 'sanguine,' although dashed with
occasional despondency],—that he was thirty years of age when,
in a strange land, he effected his own education by becoming the
instructor of others,-that he was thirty-three when he began the
study of Ornithology [a third mistake; from his boyhood, the
'birds' were his associates and delight] with scarcely any resources
beyond his own powers of observation, and the practice of
Drawing without any previously-suspected aptitude [a fourth
mistake; seeing that in the Paisley Museum there are drawings
by him before he left Scotland],-that he was forty years old
before an opportunity disclosed itself for the commencement of
his work; forty-two when he first accomplished publication [of
his "Ornithology"]; and only forty-seven when his life was
closed,-it must be admitted that few careers so brief have been
equally productive. His labors were not merely in a field in
which he had to open a new path, but where the steps that had
Ъ
X.
PREFACE.
been taken were false and misleading, and in which there were
but few travellers. His journeys, largely performed on foot,
exceeded ten thousand miles [more probably 15,000]. His work
was unappreciated by those to whom he had the clearest right to
appeal, and patronage was withheld by almost every incumbent
of exalted position [sic]. Nevertheless, though discouraged by
neglect, and hampered not merely by poverty but by the necessity
of succoring those in still deeper need than himself, he both laid
the foundation for the study of Natural History on this continent
and bequeathed to his successors the outlines for its subsequent
development; and he described the habits of American birds
with fidelity to truth, graphic vigor, and a poetical realization of
the beauties of Nature. The contingencies under which he wrote,
and his premature death, left his work fragmentary and disjointed
to this extent that, being compelled to publish as rapidly as he
could procure materials, he was forced to picture his birds without
regard to scientific classification, to put in juxtaposition the most
dissimilar genera, and even to separate the male and female of the
same species. But the re-arrangement which he would, if spared,
himself have effected, has been made by his friend Ord, who
published his materials in posthumous volumes, and by subsequent
editions; and the work was made complete by the four supple-
mentary volumes of Prince Charles Lucien Bonaparte, nephew of
Napoleon. The casual imperfections in his great work-almost
miraculously slight, if we consider the cause of them-in nowise
lessen the example of heroic endurance bequeathed to us by
ALEXANDER WILSON."
Incidentally, Mr. Gardner throws light on that "Governor of
New York," of whom WILSON wrote,-he "turned over a few
pages, looked at a picture or two, asked me my price, and, while
in the act of closing the book, added-'I would not give a hundred
PREFACE.
xi.
dollars for all the birds you intend to describe, even had I them
alive.' He remarks-"WILSON's biographers have exercised an
unmerited forbearance in suppressing the name of this enlightened
ruler, who was DANIEL D. TOMPKINS." I confess I have a
(wicked) pleasure in contributing to the dishonour of this sapient
Tompkins.
The illustrations of Mr. Gardner's paper are—(1) A portrait,—
after a wretched daub early engraved in America, and self-
condemned; (2) Bartram's House in Botanic Gardens, near
Philadelphia,—a charming bit; (3) WILSON'S School-House at
Kingsessing,—similar to our own; (4) “Gloria Dei,” Old Swedish
Church, Philadelphia,-WILSON'S Burial-Place,-so taken as to
hide WILSON's Tombstone.
A. B. G.
CONTENTS OF VOL. I.
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION,
ADDITION TO
-Letter,
POSTSCRIPT,
...
...
...
...
LITERARY PROSE WRITINGS.
JOURNAL AS A PEDLAR, 1789-90,.
LETTERS AND AMERICAN DIARY,
...
PAGE.
xvii.
xlv.-lv.
xlviii.
PAGE.
13
37
**Those with * and † prefixed are printed and edited respectively herein
for the first time.
*LETTER I.-To Mr. David Brodie; April 28, 1788,
* II. -To
""
* III.-To
""
*IV. To
""
V.-To
VI. To Mr. Thos. Crichton; September 20, 1790,
""
VII.-To
*VIII.—To Mr. David Brodie; January 5, 1791,
*VIIIa.—To his Father; January 25, 1791,
*IX.-To Mr. David Brodie; November 23, 1792,
* X.-To
""
XI.-To his Father and Mother; July 25, 1794,
XII. To his Father; August 22, 1798,
* XIII.-To
""
39
Aug. 13, 1788,
41
Dec. 31, 1788, ..
42
April 8, 1789,
45
Nov. 10, 1789,
47
50
...
November 2, 1790,
52
...
55
...
xlv.
...
56
May 21, 1793,
58
59
63
November, 1798,
68
May 25, '99,
...
...
...
***PRNPPEL?: 8
70
70
72
73
75
77
78
79
80
80
+ XIV.—To Mr. Charles Orr; April, 1799,
+XV.-To
""
+XVI.-To Mr. Wm. Duncan; July 1, 1800,
+XVII.-To Mr. Charles Orr; July 21, 1800,
+ XVIII.-To
+ XIX.-To
+XX.-To
+ XXI.-To
+ XXII.-To
† XXIII.-To
""
213
July 23, 1800,
...
August 6, 1800, ..
September 15, 1800,
24th September, 1800,
1st May, 1801,
July 12, 1801,
...
...
xiv.
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
+XXIV.-To Mr. Charles Orr; July 23, 1801,
+ XXV.-To
+XXVI.-To
""
""
+XXVII.—To
+XXVIII.—To
""
+ XXIX.—T
...
...
August 7, 1801,
September 14, 1801,
February 7, 1802,
February 14, 1802,
July 15, 1802,
...
+XXX.—To Mr. William Duncan; October 30, 1802,
+ XXXI.-To Mr. Alexander Duncan; October 31, 1802,
+ XXXII.-To Mr. William Duncan; December 23, 1802,
† XXXIII. -To Mr. Thomas Crichton; 1st June, 1803,
+XXXIV.—To Mr. William Bartram; November 20, 1803,
+XXXV.-To Mr. Alexander Lawson; March 12, 1804,
+XXXVI.-To Mr. William Bartram; March 29, 1804,
March 31, 1804,
+XXXVII.—To
-
82
· 85
87
89
90
91
94
98
100
101
102
102
103
•
105
+XXXVIII.-To
*XXXVIII a.-To
""
May 1st, 1804,
...
107
22nd May, 1804,
xlvi.
...
+XXXIX.-To
June 15th and 16th, 1804,
108
†XL.--To Mr. Alexander Lawson;
August 14th, 1804,
109
†XLI.—To Mr. William Bartram ; September 17, 1804,
110
+XLII.-To
December 15, 1804, ...
112
+XLIII.-To Mr. William Duncan;
December 24th, 1804,
113
""
""
XLIV. To Mr. William Bartram;
XLV. -To
XLVI.-To Mr. William Duncan; February 20, 1805,
+XLVII.-To Mr. William Bartram; March 4, 1805,
+XLVIII.-To Mr. William Duncan; March 26, 1805,
+XLIX.—To Mr. William Bartram; April 18th, 1805,
+L.-To Mr. William Duncan; May 8th, 1805,
LI.-To
+LII.—To
+LII. To his Father; 1st June, 1805,
December 24, 1804, .
115
December 26, 1804, ...
116
117
118
119
122
122
May 31, 1805,
124
126
...
LIII.—To Mr. William Bartram;
July 2, 1805,
127
LIV.-To
LV.-To
+LVI.-To
""
+LVII.-To
+LVIII.-To
November 29, 1805,
January 4th, 1806,
January 27, 1806,
February 3, 1806,
February 5, 1806,
128
128
129
441
130
...
130
+LIX.-To President Jefferson; February 6, 1806,
+LX.-To Mr. William Duncan; February 26, 1806,
+LXI.-To Mr. William Bartram; April 22, 1806,
131
132
134
...
}
1
CONTENTS.
XV.
PAGE.
+LXII.—To Mr. Wilson; July 8, 1806,
*LXIII.-To his Father; August 24, 1806,
+LXIV.-To Mr. William Bartram; 8th April, 1807,
+LXV.-To
†LXVI.-To
""
""
April 29, 1807,
September 21, 1808,
+LXVII.-To a Friend; October, 10, 1808,
+LXVIII.-To Mr. D. H. Millar; October 12, 1808,
October 26, 1808,
†LXIX.-To
""
+LXX.-To Mr. Alexander Lawson; November 3, 1808,
†LXXI.-To Mr. D. H. Miller; December 24, 1808,
135
136
140
141
142
143
...
144
149
151
155
†LXXII.-To
""
†LXXV.-To
†LXXIII.-To
""
†LXXIV.-To Mr. William Bartram; March 5, 1809,
""
†LXXVI.-To his Father; June 15, 1809,
†LXXVII.-To Mr. William Bartram;
February 22, 1809,
March 5, 1809,
157
:
:
162
164
March 8, 1809,
166
168
...
August 4, 1809,
171
†LXXVIII.—To
October 11, 1809,
172
+LXXIX.-To
November 11, 1809,
173
+LXXX.-To Mr. Alexander Lawson; February 22, 1810,
174
†LXXXI.—To
""
tLXXXII.-To
April 4, 1810,
April 28th, 1810,
178
191
...
+LXXXIII.—To Miss Sarah Miller; May 1, 1810,
†LXXXIV.—To Mr. Alexander Lawson; May 18, 1810,
+LXXXV.—To Mr. William Bartram; September 2nd, 1810,
†LXXXVI.—To Mr. William Duncan; February 12th, 1811,
+LXXXVII.—To his Father; 25th February, 1811,
་
...
...
+LXXXVIII.-To Mr. David Wilson; 6th June, 1811,
*LXXXVIIIa.-To George Ord; July 9, 1811,
*LXXXIX.-To his Brother and Sister; October 20, 1811,
+XC.-To Mr. Thomas Crichton; October 28th, 1811,
+XCI.—To a Friend; November 3rd, 1811,
+XCII.-To Mr. F. A. Michaux; June 6th, 1812,
+XCIII.—To his Father; August 10th, 1812,
+XCIV.-To Mr. George Ord; October 13th, 1812,
+XCV.—To Mr. William Bartram; April 21, 1813,
†XCVI.-To
; 6th July, 1813,
...
203
207
222
222
224
226
xlvii.
...
227
229
230
231
...
233
233
235
235
...
xvi.
CONTENTS.
ESSAYS OF "ORNITHOLOGY."
* Those marked with * have not before been reprinted in Great Britain.
ESSAY I.-An Anecdote for a Preface,
...
...
*II.-What the Work is to be,
*III.-Progress of the Work and Appeal,
...
PAGE.
239
240
246
250
253
258
262
...
263
266
*IV.—Of Books of Natural History, and a Request,
*V.-The Progress of the Work: Interest of the Study,
*VI.-Predecessors, and Fellow-Workers, and Difficulties,
*VII. The Land Birds completed,
*VIII.—The Water Birds: The Wonders of Ornithology, .
*IX.-The Author Dead: The Work Left to be Completed,
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
X.-Of the White-Headed or Bald Eagle,
XI. Of the Blue Jay,
...
XII. Of the Carolina Parrot,
...
XIII. Of the Gold-Winged Woodpecker,
...
XIV. Of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker and the Red-
Cockaded Woodpecker,
...
XV. Of the Mottled Owl,
XVI. Of the Robin,
4
XVII. Of the Blue Bird,
XVIII. Of the Ruby-Crowned Wren,
XIX. Of the Indigo Bird,
XX. Of the Cat Bird,
XXI.-Of the Barn Swallow,
THE SOLITARY PHILOSOPHER,
:
:.
:
:
ORATION ON THE POWER AND VALUE OF NATIONAL LIBERTY,
ILLUSTRATIONS.
PORTRAIT (ON STEEL),
SCHOOL-HOUSE,
...
...
SWEDISH CHURCH,
KENTUCKY BOATS,
270
280
287
290
292
294
296
297
298
300
301
302
313
321
frontispiece.
1
...
lv.
xliii.
180

Memorial-Entroduction.
I cannot better begin to tell the story-a pathetic and beautiful,
a noble and rebuking one-of the life of
Alexander Wilson
than by recalling a noticeable fact concerning him, viz., that ex-
clusive of shorter notices in the usual biographical dictionaries and
encyclopædias, and the scientific journals of Great Britain and
America, France and Germany, there have been no fewer
than Seven more or less considerable Lives of him by men of
some mark-certain of them among the foremost-from good
old THOMAS CRICHTON of his native Paisley, to GEORGE ORD
of Philadelphia, and the American Biographies of JARED
SPARKS of Boston, Massachussets, and later, from SIR WILLIAM
JARDINE, in association with the Prince Charles Lucien
Bonaparte, to the REV. DR. WILLIAM M. HETHERINGTON, and
JULES MICHELET in "L'Oseau," and MRS. BRIGHTWELL'S charming
"Difficulties Overcome: Scenes in the Life of Alexander Wilson,"
1861. I record them in the Preface; and of very few men can
the same thing be told. Corresponding with this is the kindred
fact that his memory is as green to-day in and around Paisley and
across the Atlantic as ever: a statue in his "ain toon" and his
grave in the "auld kirkyard" in Philadelphia, a pilgrim-spot for
many year by year, bearing witness to this. More broadly, it is
universally accepted that ALEXANDER WILSON must "for all
time" hold his own in the illustrious roll of those who have in-
C
xviii.
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
creased the FACTS and advanced our higher scientific observation
and induction in the lines of the Instauratio Magna. These initial
statements-not opinions, but certainties-may win interest in him
and his Works from those to whom his name may be new, and help
to convince that ours is no merely national or provincial admira-
tion.
ALEXANDER WILSON was born in what is still known as the Seed-
hills of Paisley, Renfrewshire, on the 6th of July, 1766. The
house, which, until recent times, was proudly pointed out, stood
within sound of the Falls of Cart, the now not very odorous or
romantic river of the town, over and over celebrated in his Poems
and Letters. His father mellowed into a fine example of the older
race of stalwart Seatchmen, living until well on to ninety years.
But in earlier days he seems to have been mixed up with semi-
smuggling through secret distillation by the "wee still," as a kind
of hazardous supplement to his ordinary occupation of a weaver.
A shadow of obscurity lies over the narratives, and there have been
contradictions and re-assertions. I am afraid the balance of evidence
is that old Wilson-then, of course, young-did intermeddle with
illicit whiskey-making. That he speedily disentangled. himself
from it seems most probable; and that ultimately he stood high
in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen as a man of integrity and
large common-sense is unquestionable.*
66
""
His mother was a MARY M'NAB, who had come to Paisley
while a girl from her native place of the "Row," in Dumbarton-
shire—in our generation made famous by one of Scotland's many
* Cf. the Paisley Magazine, 1828, p. 582, (edited by Motherwell, who was care-
ful and trustworthy), and the "Life and Writings of Alexander Wilson," in the
Renfrewshire Magazine for April, 1847, p. 283; also the Memoir in the Belfast
edition of the "Poetical Works," &c., (1845) pp. 326-28. Dr. Hetherington's tes-
timony is explicit: "His father was a man of sober and industrious habits, of
strict honesty, and superior intelligence; highly respected by all who knew him
throughout a very long life," (Memoir, p. xiii.) He died on the 5th of June, 1816,
at the patriarchal age of eighty-eight years, having survived his son about three
years. He came from Campbelltown, in Argyleshire, whither his grandfather had
fled in the time of the persecution of the Covenanters, having been originally
located near Lochwinnoch, in Renfrewshire.
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
xix.
ecclesiastical controversies, wherein the now venerable name of
M'LEOD CAMPBELL was abused. All accounts agree that she was
comely in person, pious after the ancient type of fervid godliness,
and everyway, (in a good sense) a superior person. Unfortunately,
hers was the disastrous beauty of consumption, and she died while
Alexander was a very little lad, of only ten years, leaving her dis-
consolate husband with, at least, three children.* The authenti-
cated tradition is that his parents, especially his mother, intended
that their “Alic" (Alexander)—according to the fine ambition of
devout Scottish " common people,”—should "wag his head i' the
puppit (pulpit) yet,” that is, become a minister of the Gospel.
This was remembered by WILSON in his "Solitary Tutor," as
thus:-
"His parents saw with partial fond delight,
Unfolding genius crown their fostering care;
And talked with tears, of that enrapturing sight,
When, clad in sable gown, with solemn air—
The walls of God's own House should echo back his prayer.
His school was the Grammar School of Paisley; but from after-
data it is clear that his attendance must have been limited and
interrupted, and the whole result imperfect. He came to write
an excellent hand,' and, as a whole, his English style is simple,
natural, and idiomatic, but there are traces to the last of defective
grounding in Grammar, Orthography, &c., &c. His indomitable
perseverance subsequently enabled him to master very many things,
that, under greater advantages, he might have started with; but
seeing that even so late as in America he is found striving to
recover ground in Arithmetic and the like, our conclusion is
warranted. I have used the word 'interrupted' because, like his
gentle young contemporary, MICHAEL BRUCE, of Kinneswood, the
"Sweet-singer" of the "Ode to the Cuckoo," and of the well-
known Paraphrase-" Where high the heavenly temple stands,"
and others of equal worth- he was early sent to be a
"( herd" at
a farm called Bakerfield, not very far from Paisley.
been mythical-accretions to this period of his life
* All the Lives from Crichton, (Senex) onward.
There have
which the
XX..
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
""
on
wording employed falsifies, but that he was the "herd callan
the farm of Bakerfield (not Threepwood) has been verified. I can
accredit the legend that "he was à very careless herd, letting the
kye transgress on the corn, being very often busied with some
book."*
Probably his herd experiences were short; in all likeli-
hood during a single summer only. For in 1779 he was bound
apprentice,' as a Weaver, being then in his thirteenth year. The
original Indenture has been preserved, and claims a place here-
the WILLIAM DUNCAN of the document being his brother-in-law,
through marrying his eldest sister.
Copy of Indenture between William Duncan and Alexander
Wilson + :-
It is Contracted, Agreed, and finally Ended betwixt the partys
following, vizt. :-William Duncan, weaver in Seedhills of Paisley, on
the one part, and Alexander Wilson, son of Alexr. Wilson, weaver
in Seedhills of Paisley, on the other part, in manner following,—That
is to say, the said Alexr. Wilson, junr, with the special advice and
consent of his said father, hereby Becomes Bound apprentice and
servant to the said William Duncan in his art and calling as a weaver,
and that for the space of three years compleat from his Entry thereto,
which is hereby Declared to commence at the date hereof, during
which space the said apprentice as principal, and the said Alexr.
Wilson, his said father, as Cautioner with and for him, Bind and
•
*The Paisley Magazine, as before, pp. 582-3, compared with The Renfrewshire
Magazine, as before, p. 284. As the elder Wilson did not go to reside at Auchin-
bathie until after his son's apprenticeship-an entry of baptism of a son by his
second wife, bearing date 10th July, 1785,-it is evident that the writer in The
Paisley Magazine has been misinformed on places and dates; but the critic in the
Belfast Edition is unwarrantably severe, c. g., granting that the verses assigned to the
'herd' Wilson really belonged to Alexander Tait, still they might well enough have
been obtained by the herd,' circulated, as such things often were, in cheap form
or in manuscript. Intrinsically the verses are not worth contending over, and
certes not at all above Alexander Tait, as The Renfrewshire Magazine insinuates-for
his qucer little volume of 1790 is not without a rough-ready wit, and an odd out-
flashing of real poetic gift.
+ From the original MS. in the Paisley Museum.
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
xxi.
oblige them jointly and severally that he the said Alexr. Wilson, junr.,
shall faithfully and honestly serve and abide with his said master in
his said trade, and shall not absent or desert his said service without
leave asked and given, otherwise he shall pay half a merk Scots for
each day he so absents or deserts his said service, or serve two days
for one in the master's option, and which absent days shall be ascer-
tained by the master's honest word or oath if required, or signed accot.,
in case of death, and that instead of all other proof; and that he shall
duly attend his said service, and obey his said master, in all Lawfull
commands, and do everything in his power for his said master's
Interest and Benefite; For which causes, and on the other part, the
said William Duncan, master, as principal, and John Finlayson, weaver
in Seedhills of Paisley, as Cautioner with and for him, Bind and
oblige them jointly and severally That he the said William Duncan shall
faithfully Teach and instruct his said apprentice in his said trade of a
weaver, and shall do everything in his power to make him skilled and
qualifyed therein, so far as his own Judgement and the apprentice's
capacity will admit of, and for that end shall keep the apprentice at
daily work and furnish him with all necessary Instruments of trade
used and wont, and shall further furnish and entertain the said
apprentice in Bed, Board, Washing, and Cloathing, suitable to his
station, during the space of this Indenture; and Lastly, Both Partys
Bind and oblige them to perform their respective parts of the premises
under the penalty of five pounds sterg., to be paid by the party failzeing
to the other party attour performance. Consenting to the Registration
hereof in the Books of Council and Session, or any other Judges'
Books Competent, That Letters of horning on six days Charge, and
all other execution necessary, may pass herein and Constitute.
"In witness whereof we subscribe these presents wrote upon Stamped
Paper by James Gibson, writer in Paisley, at Paisley, the thirty-first
day of July, seventeen hundred and seventy-nine years.
"Before these Witnesses the said James Gibson and Alex. Wier,
merchant in Paisley.
"ALEX. WIER, Witness.
"JAMES GIBSON, Witness.
"WILLIAM DUNCAN.
“ ALEXANDER WILSON, Junior.
"ALEXR. WILSON.
'JOHN FINLAYSON."
xxii.
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
On the verso of this Indenture WILSON has written under date,
August, 1782, this rhyme-record :-
"Be't kent to a' the warld in rhime,
That wi' right meikle wark and toil,
For three lang years I've ser't my time,
Whiles feasted wi' the hazel oil."
"To a' the warld" was addressed, it is to be feared, to a very
small world' audience in so far as interest in the writer then
went. But "I've ser't my time,"-served-out my three years of
apprenticeship, is evidently promulgated with a sense of relief.
"Whiles feasted wi' the hazel oil" or the birch-rod, is declarative
of needed and enforced discipline while in the house of his brother-
in-law. En passant it may be worth while remarking that his
father having been compelled by the necessity of his circumstances
to seek for feminine superintendence of his household, very soon
re-married one Catherine Brown, a widow, with a family of her
own; and, inasmuch as it has been represented that his step-
mother was unkind to him, and drove' him from his father's
house, be it noted that by the necessities of the Indenture young
Wilson had to reside and be 'boarded' with his master, and that
in his Letters he has nothing but gratitude and kindly remem-
brances to his second-mother, addressing both as "My dear father
and mother." *
6
* GEORGE ORD is to blame as the originator of the misrepresentation of Wilson's
step-mother, and it is not to be wondered at that Dr. Hetherington writes very
earnestly in refutation,-e. g., "The American biographer states, that the unkind
usage of Wilson's stepmother drove him to forsake his paternal roof, and to seek
an asylum in that of his brother-in-law, William Duncan. This is altogether in-
correct. Those who had the means of knowing the truth, agree that she always
treated him with kindness and attention; and Wilson himself uniformly spoke of
her with respect and gratitude. That he did reside in the house of William
Duncan is true; but it was during the term of his apprenticeship; when, if not a
matter of absolute necessity, it was at least one of mutual convenience. The
wandering habits of his earlier years have also been attributed to the harsh treat-
ment experienced at home; but while these may be sufficiently accounted for
otherwise,—as will appear in the course of our narrative,-it is due to the memory
of a deserving woman to rescue her from so groundless an imputation." (P. xv.,
as before.) Sce his Letters also, p. 170.
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
xxiii.
སྐ
Throughout life the Loom was a bondage to WILSON.
He pined
for "Gleniffer Braes" and the 'greenwood,' for 'daundering'
by the Cart, the Calder, and the Garpel and the Kame 'burn'
sides, and listening to the singing of birds; and inheriting from
his dead mother a naturally feeble constitution, the stoop over
'the wabs' must have been trying physically, and otherwise irk-
some. So that it is not at all to be wondered at that, having
finished his apprenticeship in 1782, he continued a weaver ‘by
constraint, not willingly.' The Muses even thus early were
tempting him, and in 1786 there came out that thin octavo which,
for Scotland and Scottish Literature, holds the place of the folio
of 1623 in all Literature-entitled, "Poems, chiefly in the Scottish
Dialect. By ROBERT BURNS. Kilmarnock: Printed by John
Wilson, MDCCLXXXVI."
"It was as vernal-warmth and inspiration to
the pallid weaver-lad; for, like nearly all the weavers of Paisley,
Falstaff's aspiration was his actual, and more :
"I wish I were a weaver, and I could sing psalms or anything."
(King Henry IV., ii. 4.)
I do not doubt that with Kilmarnock so relatively near, ALEXANDER
WILSON speedily found out the inspired "Ayrshire Ploughman ;"
and pleasant proof remains in our recovered poem by him, on see-
ing Burns's portrait in an American edition of the Poems. It is
with the start and involuntary cry of a personal friend, recogniz-
ing one never-to-be-forgotten, that the little, humble but true
tribute begins, e. g. :—
"Yes, it is he! the hapless, well-known Burns,
His look, his air, his very soul exprest;
That heaven-taught Bard, whom weeping Genius mourns,-
For cold in earth his silent relics rest.
Through tears, that ease the anguish of my heart,
I view the faithful image of my friend;
And vainly wish, dear Lawson, that thy art
Could life once more to these lov'd features lend."+
† See our section, "Pocms hitherto uncollected, or for the first time printed :"
Vol. II., pp. 358-59,
xxiv.
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
Touches recognisable here and there in his Poems shew that
from 1782 onward, WILSON was accumulating the materials subse-
quently utilized in his volume of 1790; and we may thus indulge
the "Pleasures of Imagination " over the meeting of the Plough-
man and the Weaver; the former in his 27th, the latter in his 21st
year. Later, WILSON was to have the sweet gladness of hearing
his anonymous "Watty and Meg" ascribed to Robert Burns, and
Robert Burns owning that he should have been glad to have been
its author; and altogether it is a satisfying thing to know that two
such men met, and that the greater and stronger had an elder
brother's welcome for his visitor. *
""
6
From 1782 to 1786 he continued working as a journeyman'
weaver; during which years he resided partly in Paisley, and
partly in Lochwinnoch, and finally in Queensferry (the Queen be-
ing Mary Queen of Scots) near Edinburgh. In Paisley and Loch-
winnoch he was under his father's roof; in Queensferry with his
brother-in-law and former 'master.' The "Groans from the
Loom and kindred verse-complaints touchingly reveal how ex-
tremely uncongenial was his avocation. His descriptive Poems
similarly reveal that he was constantly escaping from the
mephitic atmosphere of the weaving-room into the fields and hills.
As elsewhere shown (in our Essay in Vol. II.), he was all uncon-
sciously 'feeling after' that study that was to give him his world-
renowned name of 'The Ornithologist;' and it is as though a
:-
* Dr. Hetherington, on the authority of P. A. Ramsay, of Paisley, thus writes
of this "Shortly after the publication of Burns's poems, Wilson wrote to him;
objecting to certain of them, on account of their improper tendency. At this time
the two poets were quite unacquainted. Burns returned an answer, that he was
so much accustomed to communications of that description, that he paid no atten-
tion to them; but that, as Wilson was evidently no ordinary man, and also a true
poet, he would, in that instance, depart from the rule; and he then entered into a
vindication of himself and his poems. Shortly afterwards, Wilson went from
Paisley to Ayrshire to visit Burns. On his return he described his interview with
Burns in the most rapturous terms." "Cromek gives a different version of the
incident, and attributes the termination of all intercourse between the two poets
to Wilson's envy of Burns. This being shown to Wilson by one of his American
(Pp.
friends, he rebutted the injurious imputation in the most decided terms.
xxv.-vi., as before.) Our recovered poem on Burns still more confirms Ramsay's
account.
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
XXV.
caged nightingale were given articulate speech to listen to the plaints
and aspirations of this finely strung nature. To many, 'weaving,'
with its splendid wages (then), was everything; to one like
Alexander Wilson it was thraldom and meanness; for month by
month he was indulging his bookish likings, and the hard realism
of his every-day life, could not but be sharp-edged against his
imaginative ideal-as he read and pondered his Shakespeare and
Burns, Pope and Goldsmith, Robert Blair and Beattie, all the
more that his name was appearing now and again in the Poets'
Corner of local newspapers.*
It has been mentioned that his brother-in-law, WILLIAM
DUNCAN, had removed from Paisley to Queensferry, and that
WILSON followed him thither. By-and-bye Duncan resolved to
'travel' through the eastern districts of Scotland as a Pedlar;
and having invited his brother-in-law to accompany him, he
abandoned the loom, and gladly, and full of radiant hope, went
forth in this new, untried capacity. WORDSWORTH has been ridi-
culed for making the central figure of the immortal "Excursion "
a Pedlar—loud laughter, indeed, extinguished the original title of
'The Pedlar '+-but he knew what he was about. For multi-
plied are the proofs that, with the invariable exceptions of never-
do-wells that will force themselves into every employment—the
class of pedlars, or packmen, were peculiarly remarkable for brains
and business capacity, and in Scotland and the border-counties of
Cumberland, Westmoreland, and Lancashire, notable for their
*
The biographers (Ord, &c.) have stated that Wilson contributed Prose and Verse
to the Glasgow Magazine. By the kindness of A. B. M'Gregor, Esq., of Glasgow, I
have had the satisfaction of reading Vol. I. of the Glasgow Magazine.—"Printed by
Ebenezer Millar, 1795,” pp. 287—and this is all that ever was published; and no
Glasgow Magazine preceded it. It was edited by William Marshal, Esq., writer,.
Glasgow: he died about 1810. At the date Wilson was in America. The only notice-
able things in this now excessively scarce book are Burns's, "A man's a man for a’
that" (anonymously) p. 115, and "O wat ye wha's in yon town," headed " By
Robert Burns, (never before published)," p. 155. The latter is interesting, as in
the magazine it celebrates the Poet's own "bonnie Jean," while in the current text
it has been transferred to another.
Sce my edition of the Prose Works of Wordsworth, 3 Vols., 8vo,
d
xxvi.
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
shrewd common-sense, and abundant resources of mother-wit.
Suffice it to name the 'pedlar,' biographers of Donald Cargill, and
Peden, and the rest-Peter Walker, and 'Sandy' Laing earlier,
editor of the Eccentric Magazine, and the later Alexander Laing
of Brechin, known as one of the sweetest as well as the raciest of
minor Scottish minstrels, and John Magee, author of Travels
in North and South; and that large class of stable capitalists,
who, from generation to generation until now, have borne the
name of Scotch Drapers, and than whom to-day, I know not of a
more sterling race of hard-working men. Nor is this other than
we might well anticipate; for from WILSON's period onward, while
communication between the great commercial centres was slow
and difficult, and these centres themselves diminutive compared
with their present gigantic extent, the 'pedlar' or packman, or
chapman—for they were sometimes designated by the one and
sometimes by the other-were all-important to the inland districts.
True, much of the clothing and other necessaries that the most of
families require in country places were 'home' made. Still
many things were needed which could only be had from a town
if not brought to their doors. The Pedlar did bring them. Then
the Press was not that mighty 'fourth estate' it boasts itself now;
when The Times was an insignificant small folio for long, and high-
priced, so that the Pedlar was welcome with his budget of news,
national and family. Neither, once more, was the Post-office the
Briareus-handed, Argus-eyed, almost ubiquitious agency it is in
1875; and thus the Pedlar was often called on to carry 'hidling '
(furtively), all manner of verbal and written communications be-
tween sundered hearts. A very little reflection will make it plain
that the Pedlar then occupied no ordinary vantage-ground.
There were several orders of Pedlars. The first was that of the
'horse' packmen, that is those who travelled the country with
their 'packs' carried by a horse. These were the aristocracy of
the class. The next was the 'foot' packmen, or those who bore
their packs on their own shoulders. Both of these usually dealt
in what was called 'saft ware;' in other words, in clothes of
various kinds. The dealers in 'hard ware' were the travelling
jewellers—a sort of 'gentle' tribe, at least they pretended to be
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
xxvii.
so-and the dealers in cutlery. All carried their wares in a chest
or box, larger or lesser, divided into a great many separate drawers.
Besides these, there was a numerous and less respectable class of
'wallet' men. These traversed out-of-the-way places with a
wallet slung over their shoulders, containing needles and pins and
other trifles, and a stock of penny histories, ballads, &c., and a
basket on their arm, filled with spoons, combs, tapes, pirns,'
sleeve-buttons, and all manner of odds and ends. The last class
were generally accounted interlopers, and often brought disgrace
and a rough reception to the 'respectables' from their misconduct
and thievish and drinking propensities.
6
Throughout Alexander Wilson belonged to the 'foot' Pedlars,
and his "Journal, as a Pedlar," of 1789-90 is a graphic contribu-
tion to an unwritten chapter of our national History; while his
poems of 'The Pack,' 'Apollo and the Pedlar,' 'The Loss of the
Pack,' 'Epistle to a Brother Pedlar,' and the 'Insulted Pedlar,'
and his earlier Letters, give amusing insight into the lights and
shadows, adventures and misadventures, joys and sorrows of this
kind of life. The Journal and Letters,' too, show that wherever
there was any famous historical castle, or other ruin, or birth-place
of some eminent Worthy of the Past, or—characteristically—any
scene of grandeur and beauty, 'pedlar' Wilson is found turning
aside to them. That he combined the solicitation of subscriptions
for an intended volume of Poems with his pedlary, in all likelihood
ranged him with the 'wallet' class; and perchance led to that
occasional 'insulting' treatment which he met with. Be this as
it may, he had too much native independence and unaccommoda-
ting spirit to fall in readily with the humiliations to which very
often the professed Pedlar had to submit; and it seems pretty
clear that no more than at the Loom was Wilson as a Pedlar in a
congenial occupation, save in so far as it bore him out into the
freshening air.
That at this late day the Reader may get a realizing glimpse
of Alexander Wilson as he followed his employment as a Pedlar,
it may be permitted me to give a sketch of the Packman of from
seventy to a hundred years ago-drawn from authoritative sources
and youthful reminiscences of those who had been in the line'
xxviii.
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
of business, and with whom, long ago, it was my delight to talk
and better talk.
:
(
Well-you may suppose that you have before you a stoutish-
made, thick-set man of the middle size, and about middle age, or
under. Looking at him (the Reader must try to actualize our
Pedlar for himself) you take him to be a little bandy-legged.
But it is not so-he only walks wide at the knee- a habit acquired
from carrying a great weight on his back. His face is tanned and
weather-beaten ; but scan it narrowly and you will perceive marks
of sagacity and shrewdness, and a quiet pawkiness' that comes
out or 'bides' in according to the folk who are 'dealin'; for there
is a flexibility of muscle in that face which tells you as plainly as
b's no a bull's fit (as the old 'saw' has it) that it can assume the
look of demure sanctity, solemnity, unction, or the broadest grins
of unrestrained mirth and guffaw. His eye, observe, is bright,
sharp, and penetrative, as his avocation requires; for, need we
say, he has to engage in argubarguin' an' wheedlin' an' fraizin'
with all sorts of characters. His dress
His dress is composed of a stout blue
coat, rather broad (which is now called 'full bottomed,' if we err
not) in the skirts, but not long-in fine, a 'long short-coat' (using
the word substantively, not adjectively). His breeches, or
'breeks,' are of drab corduroy, and scarcely reach above his
haunches; but this is amply compensated by the longitude of his
swan-down waistcoat, which comes down nearly to his thighs. His
sturdy limbs are encased in a pair of home-made stockings, over
which he wears a pair of 'cootikens,' which reach half-way up his
legs. Such is our Pedlar or Packman-as a type of the whole.
On his back is a great bale of goods, square, and neatly strapped in
a pack-sheet, strapped and cross-strapped with leather belts and
buckles; and above this again, and firmly strapped down to the
other, is a much smaller bale of goods, of a kind most in request ;
and to this his 'elwan' is made fast. In his right hand is a
strong walking-stick, with a sharp 'pike' inserted at the lower
end; and with this he not only supports himself in walking, but
fends 'aff' the dogs; for every dog, somehow or other, cnter-
tained a great antipathy to packmen, as Wilson himself has sung :
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
xxix.
"It fires, it boils my vera blude,
And sweats me at ilk pore,
To think how aft I'm putten wud,
When drawing near a door;
Out springs the mastiff through the mud,
Wi' fell Cerberean roar,
And growling, as he really would
Me instantly devour
Alive, that day."
With this staff, too, he can ease his shoulders, by sticking it in the
ground behind him, steadying it with his hand, and then allowing
his pack to rest on the top of it. In his fob--nae wee bits o' waist-
coat-pouches then, no the size o' the mooth o' a cuttie-wran's nest
-is a large, broad watch-nane o' yer egg-shell lukin' whigma-
leeries, but a richt wally ane, that filled the luff (the palm) an' that
could leuk i' the face o' auld carle Time an' say, I'm watchin' ye-
attached to which is a strong steel chain, and to that again are ap-
pended two or three brass seals, one or two small keys, a shell-a
kind o' bonnie strippit buckie-and an old coin, all which hang,
you are to observe, half way down to his knee, where they dangle
from side to side, as he wends slowly owre muir, an' dale, an'
down."
Thus equipped, you have a very plain man before you,
in every respect, no pretence about anything; but you must feel
satisfied, Reader, that he is a man of some means and substance,
and not at all one whom it would be safe to prat wi', or try con-
clusions with in any way, by a novice.
66
The Pedlar, then, is introduced; and having thus, so to say,
shaken hands with him, we must next try to get at the fabric of
the inner man, and so must follow him in the exercise of his
peripatetic avocation. Bearing in mind, accordingly, what-like
our typical Pedlar was, especially the capabilities of his facial
muscles, and also what was said as to the changes in his manner
of speaking according to those he chanced to be dealing with, or
rather they with him, whether selling out of the pack, or whilly-
wain a nicht's shelter and a cog o'brose, an' something till't, or
tellin' a story or singin' a sang.
Bearing these distinctive characteristics of the order in mind,
XXX.
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
let us suppose our Pedlar to approach the house of a well-to-do
farmer or laird, who is rather seriously inclined [mark that!] He
has, then, reached, let it be imagined, in the course of his peregrina-
tions, the "toon (farmhouse) o' (it may be named) Powdrakes.
He has some difficulty, owing to the size of his pack—and that he
is proud of—in entering the door. But no sooner does he reach
the "hallan" than he salutes the inmates in a drawling tone, with
'Peace be to this house, an' hoo's a' the gudefolks o' Powdrakes
the day?" There is heard in answer, "Hech, sirs! sic a stranger!
is that really you, Saunders? Hoo hae ye (pronounced 'ee) been,
man, this lang time? We thocht we had lost ye a'thegither." "I
thank ye, mistress,” answers our friend, "thank ye for speering
sae kindly efter my weelfare. I hae jist been daikerin' on, fechtin'
awa', as usual, wi' a hard, wearifu' sinfu' warl', and my ain eevil
heart, daidlin' frae door to door, an' daein' a' I can to gar the twa
en's meet at the tail o' the year, whilk, blessed be His name (tak-
ing off his bonnet) I hae aye bien enabled to do yet, tho' I canna
lang." "Whan was ye at Glasco, Saunders?" inquires the gude-
man, “They tell, man, that the French is coming owre to herry
us out, stick and stow. What says the Glasco' bodies to that?
an' what ither news hae you in your travels? Troth, gude-
man," returns our Pedlar (and let its policy be noted),
"this
is only my first out-set sin' I was at Glasco', for I ken ye like to
see what's in my pack afore its shown to a' the warl'; but as I was
gaun to say, I wis at Glasco' last ouk (week), and there's naething
but wars and rumours o' wars there, jist as the Haly Beuk o'
God foretells. The hale toon's in arms; naething but trumpetin'
an' drummin' frae mornin' till nicht." (Your mull, Saunders;
and Saunders duly hands his ewe-horn 'mull,' or snuff-box, to
the laird, who, evidently deeply interested, takes an enormous
pinch of his favourite snuff.) Aweel, Sir, jist as I was saying;
at the verra time I was in Tweedledum and M'Twister's warehouse
-ye ken I aye get my gudes frae the best house in a' Glasco'-in
cam twa o' their warehouse bit callans, in their regimentals: aff
gaed the red coat an' on went the black, doun gade the gun an’
up gaed the elwan; and yet they tell me a' this sodgerin' is no
eneugh—the hale kintra maun rise in a march (en masse) they say.”
""
""
(6
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
xxxi.
-gude friens
-(another
"Awfu' times, awfu' times. The Lord's han's heavy upo' the
nation, Saunders," interrupted the gudeman. And Saunders
allows himself to be interrupted, dexterously shifting ground.
"I hard (heard) tae afore I got this length, Sir, that the Reverent
Maister Pechangrane, o' Monthoolie, has gotten a ca' (tho' some
folk winna alloo't to be sae named, but only a preesentation) to the
parish o' Cock-a-lorum, whare I'm jalousin the steepend 'l no be
laigher" [It must be supposed that the Laird of Powdrakes was a
Seceder, either with the Erskine folk or Gillespie]. "An', Sir, as
I cam alang yestern's mornin' somebody or ither tauld me--o0
aye—it was the Laird o' Hasleyshaw's auldest son-
to me Powdrakes, as I sall fin' in the hame-gain
'pawkie' observation; for, notice, the Laird is an elder in the
same Kirk wi' the gudeman o' Powdrakes an if he bocht frae
Saunders, it would not do to sen' him empty-handed frae Pow-
drakes, nor to put it in his power to tell sic a thing: all of which
our gleg-eyed little adventurer knows full well)-
"tauld me, Sir,
that the marriage atween Rab Roughead o' Windy Was', and
Kate Scoure-the-Bent o' Blackdubs, is broken aff. But they
may mak' it up again, for things o' this sort, ye ken, are sune
broken an' sin hail.” "But I'm forgettin' mysel'- -(now comes
business)——————“I maun let you see something you hinna seen the
like o' this ae twalmonth, I'm thinking, ony way.”
"Ye needna
open out your muckle pack, Peter, at onyrate," somewhat gruffly,
says the maister o' the house; for he is touched somehow in the
matter of Rab Roughead, if we might tarry to inquire: "Ye
needna open out the muckle ane for I dinna think we stan in
need o' onything frae it the day. Hoot, gudeman,” quite
unabashed, responds Saunders, say ye're no sure, an' that's a
safe way o' speakin'; wait till ye see. I ken your black coat is a
thocht skuff'd, an' ye'll hae to be afore your betters, ye ken, ero
it be lang, if a' haud richt (glancing at the mistress), an' the
canny oor (hour) to her !-(a baptism in the distance.) Sae when
I was in the warehouse, I laid my han's on a bit black claith-it
was a' that was left o' the wab-the Provost's wab as they ca'd it,
for he took a hale suit aff the fore en' o't by way o' hansel, I was
tauld: sae, says I to mysel', ye maun gang wi' me, ony way; ye're
(6
(6
xxxii.
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION,
the verra thing for a gude frien' o' mine." Then-having all this
time been unstrapping-"There, leuk at that; saw ye e'er a bit
claith wi' a nap on't to be compar'd wi' that? an' sic a body o'
claith tae, as saft an' sappy as a soo's (sow's) lug; nane o' your
shilpit worm wabs that ye could blaw owre the riggin' wi' the win'
o' your host (cough); the verra banes o't will wear agen twa new
coats o' some claith. Come noo, treat yoursel' wi' a coat aff the
Provost's wab-only haud it up atween you an' the licht; the best
Saxon Wast o' Englan', dyed i' the woo', an' made o' the very best
o'stuff. Come noo, seven quarters braid, twa ells an' three nails
o't, will mak' ye baith a coat an' waistcoat, an' a pair o'cootikens
forbye-that's to say, if ye get an honest tailor; but, wae's me,
whare are ye to get an honest tailor? What say ye till't, Laird?"
"I'm no wantin' it ava, man, Saunders," replies the worthy
farmer, "I dinna want it; bit the claith's weel eneuch o' its kind;
a thocht tae my thinkin' slim i' the grip. Forbye, if I wanted a
coat at a', I wad raither hae a bue (blue) ane. What price may ye
be putten on the like o' that, na?" Before answering the question,
Saunders goes on to say-"Noo, gudeman, ye ken weel a black
coat is an article o' dress that nae Christian man sud want-ye can
gang to kirk or market wi't, bridal or burial. Only haud it up to
the licht, an' look at the colour, as black an' glossy as the wing o'
a craw. The minister himsel, honest man, ne'er had the like o't
on his back. Ye'll (ee'l) no grudge me five-an'-twenty shillin's for
the ell o't, an' ye'se get the odd nail to the bargain."
66
Aughteen shillin's! aughteen shillin's, the deil that I sud ban-
the Gude forgie me for doin' sae-aughteen shillin's ne'er bocht
the stuff it's made o'; but as I hae said mony a time ahint your
back, ye're a lucky man to trade wi', sae I reckon I maun let ye
hae't at twa-an'-twenty an' saxpence, but oot o' that I winna mak
it a hair o' my baird tae the faither that begat me." [He was
long dead, but it was Saunders' phrase.] Twenty? Muckle
obleeged to ye; na, na, [folding up the cloth slowly.] I see we
canna deal the day; but if ee winna, anither wull. There noo,
mak it anither shillin' an' a groat, an' ye'll get it, for, as I said afore,
I aye like ee to hansell my pack. Weel-weel, there it is, keep
aff the groat. But I'll sune be a puir man, if I gang on at this rate.”
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
xxxiii.
To the mistress: "Afore I put up my pack, I maun let ee see
a thing ye haena seen the peer o'; it's a sort trysted, tho' (note
the policy, again) by ane ee may hae heard o'. There's a shawl,
mem, hasna the match o't in this pairt o' the parish ony way;
liker a blanket than a shawl for size-made o' the very best
cassimer woo'-a new pattern that only cam' oot the ither day.
Na, mem, that's no the way it's worn. Alloo me. There noo,
only turn roun' an' leuk yersel i' the glass. Dis it no suit her
weel, na, gudeman? (Half aside: 'What need I say that—a weel-
faur'd face sets onything weel.') Ye ken, mem, I'm no tell-tale;
but ye can say, if ye like, that it's for the lady o' Gowanylees;
bit whae'er gets it, it will cost them twa-three pund notes an' a
shillin' ony way; but I canna pairt wi't on ony terms, as I need
never enter the door o' Gowan-confound my lang tongue! Did
ye look at the fringes, mem, they're made o' the best silk."
"Na, I canna tak that for't; I ken whare I'll get mair. Some
folk will be richt vaunty wi' this about their shouthers at the kirk
neist Sunday; an' sae they may, for siller canna aye buy the like
o't."
"Oh dear! but ye're sair on me the day; ye ken
I'm a puir simple body, an' stan' in yer skaith for mony meltiths
o' meat, an' mony a nicht's lodgin'; sae if I gie ye't for twa punds
an' twa shillins, ye maun promise me ye'll no say hoo ye cam by't,
or nae mair need I darken the door o' Gowanylees."
And so the bargain is concluded. Two sales, and a denty
soom' i' the purse, no muckle less than gude aughteen shillin's an'
a groat o' profit; and so Saunders trudges on in his rounds.
But we cannot leave him yet. We have only seen one side, so
to speak. Before we part, let us next suppose Saunders to enter
a house where the family is partly grown up, and where there is
perhaps less restraint than at Powdrakes. The usual salutations
over, and the news discussed, one of the 'dochters' (Jenny,
woman-grown) accosts him with "But, Saunders, whare's the
ribbon ye promised to bring me frae Glasco'? I see you men's a'
alike-fair promisers, but ill performers.' "Ribbon! ye daft
tawpie, I've brocht ee something worth twa ribbons, for (in yer
lug) I gat a kiss to carry ee frae ane ye ken o', an' I'm thinkin'
ye'll fin' it hasna lost in my keepin' ony way.
Sae at ye."
e
A
xxxiv.
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
(6
Off goes Jenny, butt atween the doors, and Saunders straddling
after her is followed by all the youngsters screaming with delight.
It's a part o' Jenny's plan to allow herself to be overtaken; and
Saunders no sooner lays hands upon her than she screams out,
Stop Saund-e-e-è-rs, ye auld sorra, stop, Saunders, oh, Saunders,
oh." During the struggle, Saunders finds the means of pushing
into her hands a letter unperceived by the bairns; and then
declares "if she hasna gotten a' the kiss, the faut's nane o' his.”
She follows him ben scolding him as she can, for her capping-comb
is between her teeth, and she is twisting and putting up her wealth
of yellow hair, while her face, as Saunders himself would say, is
as "red as a nor'-wast mune. The mother now attacks him with
"Fye, Saunders, fye-you an elderly man, an' a married man
atour, rinnin' amang the lasses at this gate." Saunders meets her
as usual with an old proverb-"Oo ay, kissin's cried doon sin' the
shakin' o' hans'," and then strikes up-
"When I was a young man in my prime,
To kiss the lassocks I thocht nae crime."
"but a' that's awa frae me noo. As for Jenny an' me, it's no for
naething the gled whistles (another old proverb hinting at the
letter he had duly delivered during the touzle' frae somebody ;
and which all the while the gudewife jaloused.)
6
"No;
"Naething needed my way, the day, bodies ?"
weel nae ill dune, anither day will do as weel. But I'm gaun to
sort up my pack a wee thing; sae, ee can tak a leuk: it will cost
ye naething. (Again policy.)
"Buy a waistcoat piece,
lad? There's a swandown for ilka-day wear; there's a Camper-
down for jauntin' wi'; there's a mazziel for a kirk waistcoat. But
whaur's my willigoleerie? Ay, come in owre, my bonny doo, an'
buy a gownpiece. See there's a gingham, a brent new pattern,
fast colours, 'll wash weel, the best o' Turkey red-fifteenpence
to ither folk, but fourteen an' a bawbee to you."
wife, ye're daft the day, clean red-wud. Tenpence! Though the
man that made it had baith stolen the yarn an' cheated the
weaver, I couldna sell it at that price; but if ye're for a cheap
article, I can fit ye, altho' I didna think ee war o' the kind that
"Gude-
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
XXXV.
cared for jist cheap things. See there's a gude print at
tenpence, an' there's anither at the same; there's a genty thing
at ninepence, an' there's anither no muckle waur at aught an' a
bawbee." "That silk neepkin, Willie, cost seven an' saxpence in
the shops, but I'se gie ee't for the sax an' sax; it's silk, real Ingy
(Indian). I coft a dizen o' them frae a sailor lad on the spree—
nae duty, ye ken !-that's the hinmost o' them, an' it'll no be lang
wi' me, ony way."
"Thank ye, but I canna tak it.”
Then returning to the 'goon '-" Hoot, it comes nae to muckle
siller a' thegither; fourteen an' a bawbee, did I say? Let me see,
aught ells for the goon, and a quarter for mendin'." (Interrupted.)
•
"Weel man, weel, ye'se get it for the sax, but I'm muckle
the waur o't." (Resuming.) "Whare was I at? Ay; aught ells
is aught shillin's; an' aught tippences is saxteenpence; that mak's
nine an' a groat; an' then there's—but I reckon I maun fling awa’
the bawbees, an' maun gie owre-an'-abune twa-three hanks o'
thread to mak it wi'; but then the quarter—say nine an' saxpence
a' thegither. Whare's my elwan? (To little Willie-Thank ee,
my braw fellow, ye'll be a man afore yer mither yet.)
"What! aucht will buy it in ony shop? I'll mak ye a present o't
if ye get it for aucht an' twa, an' a shillin' to tell't wi’.
Do I no
gang to Glasco on my ain shanks-naig, an' wale my gudes wi' my
ain hans, an' pay them on the nail? Hae I a heavy shop-rent an'
hoose-rent abune my heid? Sae ye see I can undersell the best o'
your shop folks; bit I'll mak it the nine, an' frae that I'll no steer
or pit a sheer in't."
"Na, na, I canna, I really canna
tak it."
'Weel, there it's tae ye, an' I wush (wish) ee
weel tae weer't. Bit min', I maun get a new pair o' gloves at the
waddin'" (marriage).
pursued his way day by day.
And thus Saunders, the Pedlar,
These sketches in homely fashion-and not disdaining our Doric
mother-tongue as required-may aid in vivifying the life of
Alexander Wilson as a Pedlar, and add new meaning and colour-
ing perchance to his 'Journals,' Letters, and related Poems.
Retrospectively, one has a curious feeling in reading the rebuffs
and menial supplicancy of the 'Journals,' in the knowledge that
it was a very steed of the sun that was thus yoked to a dung-cart,
xxxvi.
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
or, unfiguratively, a man of sensitive, strangely refined if also in
elements as strangely coarsened temperament, who was thus
trudging and drudging from door to door. For myself, I regret
as much on the 'fair lady's' own account as Wilson's, that the
Duchess of Buccleugh so frivolously dashed into greyest rain, not
to say sleet, the rainbow of his hopes at the Fair of Dalkeith.*
It has incidentally come out in our narrative that Wilson mingled
the getting of subscribers for an intended volume of Poems with
his 'pack' carrying. He arranged with a fast friend, John
Neilson of Paisley, for the printing, and meanwhile carried a
prospectus. It will be found in the commencement of his
"Journals"; and in the Journals and Letters, there are many
amusing notices of his efforts in seeking to gain names for his
book-as later there are equally grotesque accounts of the way in
which actual subscribers sought to repudiate their former orders.
The volume appeared in 1790. On its somewhat varied and
unequal contents, I speak critically in our Essay on the Life and
Writings. A second edition, with additions and excisions, made
up of unsold copies of the first, followed in 1791. It was discussed
in the weaving-shops and corners o' the streets of Renfrewshire,
and in a humble kind of way the Author became known. The
chief addition in 1791 was "The Laurel Disputed," which, as having
been originally read in the Pantheon, Edinburgh, and published
separately along with a very poor companion-poem by Picken, was
in the mouths of the literary circles of Scotland. The crown of
his work as a Poet, his inimitable "Watty and Meg," than which
Ostade or Teniers has never painted low-life with more cunning
hand, was still to come. It was published early in 1792 as a
penny chap-book without his name, and, as already stated, was
ascribed to Burns. He had given up his 'pack' and returned to
Lochwinnoch and the Loom; and he is found now there and now
in Paisley in a home called 'The Douket,' 'weaving' but chafing
against the yoke. Never very strong physically, it would seem
that he gave way to melancholy, even deep despondency. His
earlier Letters are affecting. He was in sad poverty and hard-
* See the "Journals." Vol. I., p. 25.
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
xxxvii.
ship, and deep melancholy brooded over him. He was 'ill at
ease in himself, and for his down-trodden fellow-countrymen.
Yet he has flashes of dry humour and biting sarcasm. In his
humour, he could even make a jest of his poverty. Thus among
the Paisley Museum unpublished MSS., there is this mock-
petition:
“The humble petition of A. W. humbly sheweth that your
petitioner is, and has been for some time past, grieviously afflicted
with a want of pecunia; the want of which has brought him to
such low circumstances that no person ever experienced but him-
self. He therefore flatters himself that the charitable disposition
which always shows itself in you, on like occasions, will also
distinguish itself in the relief of your poor petitioner, and your
petitioner shall ever pray.
"A. W."
The exercise of that gift of satire which belonged to him involved
him in troubles that all unconsciously were to shape his appointed
destiny. In "The Shark; or Lang Mills Detected," "The
Hollander; or Light Weight," and "Hab's Door; or the Temple
of Terror," there remain specimens of his drastic portraiture of
local self-importances and petty tyrants, who locally wielded a
"little brief authority" hardly and pitilessly. Technically, if not
morally, these, and it is believed others, were adjudged libellous ;
and one result was that Wilson, who manfully avowed their
authorship, was fined heavily, condemned to burn the poems at
the Cross, and, being unable to pay, sent to jail. In those days
when the political atmosphere was surcharged with electricity, and
when to speak what are now truisms of civil and religious freedom
was held to be treason against the monarchy, and treason to the
people an impossibility, such biting sarcasms were perilous. From
facts that result through researches into the character of the
long-forgotten nobodies (or bodies only) concerned, I am not
satisfied that one line of the poems was unwarranted.
The one
condemning thing is that, according to his accusers, Wilson in
sore pecuniary straits had offered to suppress the satires for a
given (small) sum of money. That I, for one, discredit. His
Letter from "Paisley Jail, 21st May, 1793" (Vol. I., pp. 58-9)
gives not one tittle of support to the allegation; yet, is it to
xxxviii.
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
his enduring honour that, when years after in America his brother
brought over these poems as thinking it would please him, he
threw them into the fire unread, saying that if he had followed his
worthy father's counsels they never should have seen the light.*
Be it remembered, he was young and fervid; that the struggle
then as since was an unequal one between capital and labour; that
'property' enforced its rights and eschewed its duties; and that
cooler heads used the young Poet for their own ends. At the very
same period, Robert Burns was 'suspect' from supposed Jacobinic
sympathy with the French Revolution that was thundering over
Europe, and which those who shouted 'God Save the King'
imagined they silenced by stopping their own foolish ears.
William Wordsworth was at work on his "Apology for the French
Revolution: By a Republican,”—that grand Philippic which it has
been my good hap to give to the world for the first time.
It
Wilson looked wistfully across the Atlantic. The sky of Britain
was dark. The 'people' were in extremity of suffering. A vague
terror was in the air. And so, giving reins to an always vivifying
Imagination, he persuaded himself that in the young Republic he
should find himself a freeman, and with new possibilities of win-
ning his way. From an unpublished Manuscript of his life-long
friend, the venerable Thomas Crichton, of Paisley, now before me,
I gladly take an account of the sad yet hopeful away-going.
runs thus :- "Soon after uttering the mournful sentiments of this
poem ["Tears of Great Britain "] our patriotic bard resolved to
bid adieu to his native shores; and that evening, that beautiful
summer evening when I last saw him, is still fresh in my recollec-
tion. At this time he was thoughtful and concerned, and as we
stood by the banks of our favourite river, the Cart, our conversa-
tion was serious and interesting. His determination to leave his
country was, however, fixed, and his views and anticipations of
future prosperity were directed to the shores of Columbia, which
* M'Gavin too lightly accepts the current "evil reports." It were amusing, if
it were not somewhat sad, to read the awe-struck horror and bated breath with
which the Rev. J. B. Dickson, in his Life of Wilson, tells that "he had even
assailed the highest person in the land." Why not, if he deserved it? and who
will say the Georges did not?
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
xxxix.
he considered as the asylum of the unfortunate. While he felt the
regret which every generous and affectionate heart must feel at
parting with (a few) steady friends, he, with firm resolution, was
determined to encounter all the inconvenience and dangers of a
voyage across the Atlantic; and, with little money in his pocket,
he looked forward to more prosperous days on the banks of the
Delaware. Yet with all his pleasing anticipations I can easily
suppose that, when our interesting emigrant took the last look of
the receding shores of his native Isle, he would feel disposed to
address his beloved country in the language of another of Scotia's
bards :-
'Farewell! farewell! dear Caledonia's strand :
Rough though thou be, thou'rt still my native Land.
Exil'd from thee, I seek a foreign shore,
Friends, kindred, country, to behold no more.
On thee, dear native Land, from whence I part,
Rest the best blessings of a broken heart;
Go where I may, nor billows, rocks, nor wind,
Can add of honour to my tortur'd mind.” ”
Perhaps "tortur'd mind" is too strong; but emigration in 1793
was an awful thing to most, and the 'great sea' a mystic and
mysterious world. His Letter from "Philadelphia, July 25th,
1794" (Vol. I., pp. 59-62)—a long and important one, addressed
to his father and 'step' mother, reminds us of the proudly-pro-
phetic words that the 'marvellous boy,' Chatterton, wrote down
to his mother and sisters from London; and yet, under all the
vivacity, there is a distinct consciousness of the need of uttermost
exertion and diligence even in the wonder-land of the new world.
His Letters as now (for the first time) fully brought together and
chronologically arranged tell his life-story unstudiedly and simply.
His fertility of resource and readiness to turn his hand to anything
that offered belongs to our more modern conception of the Yankee
proper. From a chance-job in a copper-plate printer's office to a re-
sumption of 'weaving,' and from a like resumption of the 'pack' to:
acting as Schoolmaster, he comes before us as a man of indomit-
able energy and high-purposed resolve. The last employment,
curiously enough, seems to have been no ordinary success.
He
xl.
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
must have communicated his own enthusiasm to parents and
scholars alike; for he won golden opinions from all, and drew
around him very considerable numbers for the period. His
'School' keeping was also touched with the romance of the "old
old story" of love. Certain of his Letters indicate that in some
way or other his affections had been won by a fair lady," and
that the course of their love did not "" run smooth." Save in his
rather jejune lines to "Lavinia"-recovered by us-
-recovered by us—there is nothing
substantively indicative of the usual poetic ardours toward the
softer sex. His Letters enable us to trace him through various
of the States of the Union. The appointment that went most of
all to determine his future was that of Teacher of a seminary in the
township of Kingess, near Gray's Ferry, on the river Schuylkill,
about four miles from Philadelphia. This brought him into
friendly relations with men capable of appreciating him and of
aiding him in his blind gropings after his predestined work. There
was WILLIAM BARTRAM, the strong-headed, large-hearted, afar-
seeing Botanist and Naturalist, whose gardens are sweetly and
picturesquely sung of in "The Rural Walk ”—another of our re-
covered poems, by Wilson. There was Lawson, the Engraver,
who most willingly seconded his efforts at self-instruction in draw-
ing from nature and etching. There were Libraries, too, whence
books on natural history and travels and voyages were fetched.
It is a life of a noble kind that is thus brought before us-pro-
tracted ardent application to the duties of the School, and at hard-
won leisure hours in ardent pursuit of knowledge in the face of
all difficulties. One Letter opens to us at last the secret of his
destiny. It is a brief scrap to Crichton, and must be given (1st
June, 1803).
"Close application to the duties of my
profession, which I have followed since November, 1795, has
deeply injured my constitution, the more so that my rambling dis-
position was the worst calculated of any one's in the world for the
austere regularity of a teacher's life. I have had many pursuits
since I left Scotland-Mathematics, the German Language, Music,
Drawing, &c., and I AM NOW ABOUT TO MAKE A COLLECTION OF ALL
OUR FINEST BIRDS. Elsewhere-in the Essay before named-I
examine critically, and nevertheless sympathetically, his achieve-
" L
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
xli..
Here it suffices to note
ment as 'The Ornithologist' of America.
that henceforward he devoted himself to his casually-announced
collection of all America's finest birds with a consecration of intellect
and heart, scrutinizing observation and beautiful enthusiasm, that
thrill one across the half-century and more. North and South, East
and West, he journeyed-gun in hand-in forest, brushwood, reeded
swamp, river, lake, mountain, everywhere, with a burning passion
combined with a modest patience of research very wonderful.
Volume I. of this imperishable work appeared in 1808.
Volume
"The
II. followed in 1810. And so on to Volume VIII. in 1814, with the
Editor's sorrowful announcement of the death of "Mr. Wilson;"
although it had been nearly all printed under his own eye, and
announced to friends in Scotland as to be "published in Novem-
ber" (1813). Three months before that he was gone. He died
on the 23rd of August, 1813, in the 48th year of his age.
moment," says his brother, who had a few years previously joined
him in America, "that I heard of his sickness, I went to the city,
and found him speechless: I caught his hand; he seemed to
know me, and that was all. He died next morning at nine
o'clock. + A friend thus told the immediate cause of the final
illness : "While he was sitting in the house of one of his friends,
enjoying the pleasures of conversation, he chanced to see a bird of
a rare species, for one of which he had long been in search. With
his usual enthusiasm he ran out, followed it, swam across a river,
over which it had flown, fired at, killed, and obtained the object
of his eager pursuit; but caught a cold, which, bringing on
dysentery, ended in his death." His remains were deposited in
the burial-ground of the Swedish Church, in the district of South-
wark, Philadelphia. While in good health he had, in a conversa-
tion on death, expressed a wish to be laid in some rural spot where
the birds might sing over his grave. His characteristic wish was
unknown at the time; but although the Swedish Church is in a
business-crowded district, I myself, on paying a pilgrim-visit to
the grave, heard an oriole piping softly and sweetly within a few
yards of it. A plain marble table-monument bears the following
inscription:-
* Vol. I., p. 101.
Hetherington, Ord, and all.
f
Ibid.
xlii.
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
THIS MONUMENT
COVERS THE REMAINS OF
66
ALEXANDER WILSON,
AUTHOR OF THE
AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY."
SCOTLAND,
HE WAS BORN IN RENFREWSHIRE, SCOTI
ON THE 6TH July, 1766;
JULY,
EMIGRATED TO THE UNITED STATES
IN THE YEAR 1794;
AND DIED IN PHILADELPHIA,
OF THE DYSENTERY,
ON THE 23RD AUGUST, 1813,
AGED 47.
It is a pleasure to be able to give an engraving of this memorial
and of the quaint old Church. Nor is it a less pleasure to re-
produce, from a Philadelphia newspaper (of Feb. 28, 1846), a
verse-rendering of his dying wish, which is not without true
poetic touches:-
"In some wild forest shade
Under some spreading oak or waving pine,
Or old elm festooned with the budding vine,
Let me be laid.
In this dim, lonely grot,
No foot intrusive will disturb my dust;
But o'er me songs of the wild birds shall burst,
Cheering the spot.
Not amid charnel stones,
Or coffins, dark and thick with ancient mould,
With tattered pall, and fringe of cankered gold,
May rest my bones;
But let the dewy rose,
The snowdrop and the violet, lend perfume
Above the spot where, in my grassy tomb
I take repose.
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
xliii.
:
Year after year,
Within the silver birch tree o'er me hung,
The chirping wren shall rear her callow young,—
Shall build her dwelling near ;
And at the purple dawn of day,
The lark shall chant a pealing song above,
And the shrill quail shall pipe her song of love
When eve grows dim and gray.
The blackbird and the thrush,
The golden oriole, shall flit around,
And waken with a mellow gust of sound
The forest solemn hush,
Birds from the distant sea
Shall sometimes hither flock on snowy wings,
And soar above my dust in airy rings,
Singing a dirge to me."
1

QUARTLEY
xliv.
MEMORIAL-INTRODUCTION.
སྙ
In
Such are the outward Facts of the Life of Wilson. They will
enable the Reader to pass to his Letters and Home-and-American
Journals with a more informed interest and sympathy.
Volume II. will be found a study of his Life and Writings and
work done, looking more at the inward Facts. Perhaps whoso
turns thither may not go wholly unrewarded. Meanwhile, I am
proud of the opportunity given to add my stone to the 'cairn' of
his bright and stainless, heroic and winsome memory. Scotland
has produced not a few names that are written high up in the
pillared temple of Fame; Wilsons are varied, as in the red story
of the Persecution, gentle yet heroic MARGARET WILSON, 'drowned'
on the level sea-sands, because she would not renounce her Lord
and the truth as she understood it; and onward, cultured and
Apollos-mouthed WILLIAM WILSON, of the great 'Secession'
Church of Perth; and onward still, JOHN WILSON, our own
Christopher North,' of many-sided genius; and the just-gone
JOHN WILSON, of Bombay, a prince among missionary-scholars ;
and lovable PROFESSOR GEORGE WILSON, of the dainty fancy and
mellifluous gift of speech and pen; and his antiquarian brother,
PROFESSOR DANIEL WILSON of Canada: with, in more sequestered
spheres, the WILSONS of Greenock, earlier and later, who sang of
"The Clyde," and the "Pleasures of Piety ;" and not forgetting
GENERAL SIR ROBERT WILSON, one of Wellington's heroes. But
take them all in all, perhaps none of them all has secured a more
unique, as, certainly, none has a more enduring place in the grate-
ful annals of the Old and the New Worlds.
C
"Thus see we, in this native image-light,
No lack, where Art and Nature joynèd be;
Who, therefore, will in idleness delight,
And make not DOING his felicity?
As Earth by him turns wilderness again,
So Nature in him rusts for lack of pain.
Labour and care, then, must familiar be,
Thorough the vigor of men's education;
To give mankind, against necessity,
[painstaking]
ADDITIONS.
xlv.
Protection in some honest occupation;
And all grow undertakers-not a drone :
Both ignorance and idleness unknown.” *
ALEXANDER B. GROSART.
ADDITIONS.
The three following Letters (not having been obtained until
the others had been printed off) are added here,-all hitherto
unpublished. Their headings point out their respective places :-
* LETTER VIII. a
Weather has hindered a visit, also sadness-"little Peggy's misfortune"-a remedy
-Dr. Cleland-health-good wishes-from Williamsburgh, near Paisley.
To his Father.
Williamsburgh, Jan. 25, 1791.
DEAR FATHER,
I am very sorry that the uncommon coarseness of the
weather, and a perplexity of affairs, has entirely prevented me
from coming out to see you. I was determined, Sunday was a
week, to have paid you a visit, but was taken badly, and scarcely
able to move for four days, by running, one stormy night, from
Paisley to Glasgow and home again, without intermission, on a
particular affair. I was much concerned, on coming from the east
country, to hear of little Peggy's misfortune. I have spoken to
several persons who have experienced the like disorder, and have
been perfectly recovered by the simple means of a cold bath,
rubbing, and exercise. I would sincerely advise you to disregard
the foolish prescriptions that every old wife is ready enough, on
occasions of this kind, to recommend. The simplest remedies
are always the most successful, and, considering her age, I have
great hope of her recovery. When in Paisley, I shall speak to
* Works of Fulke Greville, Lord Brooke, by me. 4 vols. Vol. I.,p. 135 (“ Of
Commerce").
xlvi.
ADDITIONS.
Dr. Cleland, with whom I am acquainted, and what in that case
he prescribes or advises shall cost you nothing. I am happy to
hear that you are both in health yourselves. When blest with
this invaluable treasure every enjoyment has a sweeter relish, and
the ills of life are more easily supported, but deprived of health,
the greatest dainties disgust, and the slightest misfortunes sink
us in despondency. As soon as the weather will permit, I hope
to see you, but as I am not yet quite strong, I am unwilling to
venture out amid such weather. However, I wish you the com-
fort of the season, a prosperous new year, and more happiness
than at present seems to attend you. This is the sincere wish of
Your affectionate Son,
* LETTER XXXVIII. a
Attack of Bees-playful sympathy-gifts sent.
TO WILLIAM BARTRAM.
Union School, 22nd May, 1804.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
A. WILSON.
I truly sympathise, though not without a smile, at
the undeserved treatment you have experienced from your colony.
Recollection of the horrible fate of their fathers smothered with
sulphur, or perhaps a presentiment of what awaits themselves,
might have urged them to this outrage; but had they known you,
my dear friend, as well as I do, they would have distilled their
honey into your lips instead of poison, and circled around you,
humming grateful acknowledgments to their benevolent benefactor
who spreads such a luxuriance of blossoms for their benefit.
Accept my thanks for the trouble I put you to yesterday.
Mrs. Leech requests me to send Miss Bartram two birds, and
thinks they would look best drawn so that the pictures may hang
their length horizontally.
I send a small scroll of drawing paper for Miss Nancy. She will
oblige me by accepting it; and as soon as I get some letter paper
worthy your acceptance, which will be to-morrow, I shall be happy
of the opportunity of supplying you. There are some observations
ADDITIONS.
xlvii.
in your last which I would remark on, but am hurried at the
present moment.
Farewell.
Yours sincerely,
ALEX. WILSON.
It is to be regretted that Ord mutilated the Letters of Wilson,
and that, as a consequence, many have to be published imper-
fectly. By the kindness of Mr. James Grant, as before, I have
received complete and faithful copies of three letters given by
Ord; and it is thought worth while to fill in the blanks, &c.
(1) Letter xlix.: April 18th, 1805. It commences
My Dear
Sir," and ends "I am, with esteem, your ever affectionate Friend,
ALEX. WILSON." In line 3, it is 'who,' not 'which' (a charac-
teristic difference); and in line 7, after "heart," follows the
further tribute to Bartram-" and the meekness of his many
virtues, who, like his own humble rose-bushes, contents himself
with the sheltered scene of rural retirement,—diffusing to his
friends a pleasing serenity by the mildness of his manner. (2)
Letter lvi.: January 27, 1806. It commences "My Dear Friend,"
and ends "Am, as ever, yours truly, ALEX. WILSON." In line 2,
the blank is "Ronaldson, Typefounder ;" and after
(6 Ohio,"
comes "to St. Louis," and thereafter reads
"where they
purchased a quantity of lead, and returned by sea." In line 10,
after "natural objects," there is added-"but the general
scenery."
""
* LETTER LXXXVIII. a
Introduction to Orr of Major Carr-city and country.
To GEORGE ORD.
Bartram's Gardens, July 9th, 1811.
DEAR SIR,
My friend Major Carr, the bearer of this, is desirous of
conversing with you on the subject of Hemp,-of which he has at
present a large and very promising field; and I feel happy in
1
xlviii.
ADDITIONS.
introducing him to your acquaintance, as I know you will be
mutually pleased with each other. I hope you are preparing me
some notes on the Purple Martin; if not, I shall be sadly dis-
appointed. My 4th Vol. is printed; but the engraver has not
yet finished with the two last plates. I am arranging things
better for the 5th, which I hope to be able to publish in four
months after the present.
Knowing the charms that the City presents at this season, it
would be a mere waste of words to invite you to the Country,
particularly to such a place as this, and to such a person; but
Heaven bless you. So prays yours,
ALEX. WILSON.
POSTSCRIPT.-Having just received from the United States, copy
of a Letter written by Dr. John W. Francis of Newport, Rhode
Island,--which appeared in the New York Mirror of February 21st,
1835, containing personal reminiscences of Wilson, I am glad
that I am able to give it a place here. Somewhat old-fashioned
in its style, as in its orthography, it is nevertheless too matterful
to be neglected :—
"NEWPORT, September 8th, 1834.
"It was my happiness to be personally acquainted with
Alexander Wilson. The first time I saw him was in the latter
part of October, 1808. He had just completed his first volume
of his 'Ornithology,' and had come to New York to solicit
subscribers. The slender countenance he received to aid him in
his vast undertaking, was somewhat depressing to his feelings.
He stated briefly the great efforts he had made the better to
justify his application for subscriptions. 'I determined,' said he,
'to let the publick see a perfect specimen of my work before I
sought their pecuniary support, and I carry my volume with me.
I shall not abandon my design, however lukewarm it may be
looked upon; but cherish the hope that there is, in this widely
extended and affluent country, a number of the admirers of
Nature sufficient to sustain me in my enterprise. What pains
me,' he farther remarked, 'is the indifference with which works
in Natural History are often regarded by men of cultivated
understanding and rank in life. I have just returned to your city
ADDITIONS.
xlix.
after a visit to Staten Island, to submit my volume to your
governour. He turned over a few pages, looked at a picture or
two, asked me my price, and, while in the act of closing the book,
added-'I would not give a hundred dollars for all the birds you
intend to describe, even had I them alive.' Occurrences such as
these distress me; but I shall not lack ardour in my efforts.'-
This little incident, I confess to you, it was sufficiently mortifying
to hear. Moreover, the governour of the State of New York is
always presumed to be an enlightened character. By Charter,
he is a member of the Board of Regents,-a body constitutionally
created,—who direct and control the intellectual pursuits of an
Empire State. Wilson, in his subsequent visits to New York,
seemed to be in better spirits, both on account of the patronage
he had received and the progress he had made in his work. He
seized the moments of leisure he had in closely examining books
in Natural Science in different libraries to which he could obtain
a ready access. The American Museum, which had now been
well fitted up, was, however, his most gratifying resort. Scudder,
the founder of this institution, was indeed a rough diamond; but
few could surpass his enthusiasm in studying the Volume of
Nature, as he termed every subject in Natural History. Wilson
was loud in his praises of the preservative talents of this artiste
of materials in Natural Science; but on that day, we had not the
experience and results of Waterton before us. Few greetings
could be more joyous than that of these men, great as was the
disparity in their scientifick knowledge and intellectual culture.
"Scudder remarked-'I have many curiosities here, Mr. Wilson,
but I myself am the greatest one in the collection.' Scudder
continued and stated the trials he had passed amid rocks and
glens; referred to the time when he carried his museum on his
back; and exulted at the success which thus far crowned him.
He believed that a taste for Nature's works was more diffused.
He said he had travelled thousands of miles in order to bring
various objects of Natural Science together worthy of study. All
this was listened to by Wilson with feelings of great gratification;
but when the Museum-man added-'Yet notwithstanding all, and
my success so far, I still find that the Witch of Endor and Poti-
g
1.
ADDITIONS.
!
6
phar's Wife bring me ten dollars where my Natural History does
one.' The Ornithological Biographer, filled with emotion and
changing countenance, gave utterance to a vehement expression
on the listlessness of man in contemplating the harmony of
Nature; and while recounting his pedestrian excursions through
our extensive country, gave vent in a philipick against closet-
naturalists and sedentary travellers. He seemed to have as great
dislike to this last-named class of beings as ever our old friend,
Dr. Williamson, cherished. It was during one of these, his
later excursions to the city, that Wilson waited upon our mutual
friend, Dr. Mitchill, whose fame had now extended far beyond the
Grampian Hills' or the chalky cliffs of Dover. Wilson found
the doctor in his study. He had, about this time, commenced his
investigations of the qualities and numbers of fishes in the waters
of New York. Surrounded by his cabinets of conchology and
mineralogy, and with his room still farther enriched with
collections of Indian tomahawks and antiquities, and dresses of
the inhabitants of the South Seas, the doctor poured out of the
immense treasures of his prompt memory, and gave ingenious
illustrations on divers topicks for the mental gratification of
Wilson. The meeting was highly satisfactory to both. The
ornithologist found the amiable and benevolent philosopher the
most accessible of mortals, expert in disquisition whatever the
subject-a monad or the Niagara; and no less ready at the com-
position of songs for the nursery than in expounding his beautiful
theory of the heavens. 'You have sojourned largely through
our country, Mr. Wilson,' says Dr. Mitchill. 'I no longer
travel, travellers come to me.' The result of this interview was
a promise on the part of the doctor to furnish Wilson with the
history of the pinnated grouse of Long Island, in relation to which
such a mass of foreign ignorance has been displayed. How well
he complied therewith, is known to all who have read his
admirable letter in the Ornithology.' We have strong reasons
to infer that Wilson was greatly disappointed at the state of
society and the condition of literature in America, so far at least
as they might be associated with the encouragement of his designs.
He had abruptly left his own country the victim of indiscretion,
6
ADDITIONS.
li.
1
if not of persecution. He was tinctured with the political excite-
-ments of the times of 1790-94, and sought abroad what he deemed
not within his reach at home. His whole life,-from its early
dawn to its unexpected close,—was a perpetual struggle. Brad-
ford was indeed his friend; and the venerable horticulturist near
Philadelphia, William Bartram, delighted to speak of him to the
passing traveller. His firmest resolves were often suddenly
abandoned, and as often re-resolved. He was of the genus
irritabile, and suffered at times from what is occasionally termed
a constitutional morbidness. But this itself, doubtless, added to
the intensity of his devotion to his sublime pursuits. When men
of power and place were indifferent to his glorious plans of
Natural Science, he sometimes betrayed a consciousness of the
supremacy of his studies and of his own mental superiority.
Hence, Republican as he was, he could not brook the frigid apathy
of our Republican governour.
"An instructive parallel might be drawn between Wilson and
Michaux, the younger. All who knew the latter, remember with
admiration his personal intrepidity and hardihood. Like Wilson,
he had in reality abided 'the pelting of the pitiless storm.'
Nothing but unintermitting efforts, under the most discouraging
circumstances, enabled him to complete his 'History of American
Forest Trees.' Michaux, like Wilson, sustained himself under
every social privation, and became a tenant of the woods,—scarcely
for weeks, months, nay, seasons, participating of the shelter of the
domestick roof and the comforts of the culinary fire. He was,
moreover, often so outré in his appearance, from necessity and
habit, as rarely perhaps to command the civilities of refined life,—
the metamorphoses of Masouvre being, at times, almost outdone
by the peculiarities of his outward attire. But the materials of
his Sylva having, at length, been brought together from every
quarter of our widely-spread country, he repaired with them to
Paris; and there, under the patronage of the savans of that
metropolis, gave to the world his elegant volumes. He still lives
near the Sorbonne, blessed with the remnant of a good consti-
tution, at comfortable ease, enjoying the national bounty willingly
granted him for his services, and the students of Nature greet him
lii.
ADDITIONS.
as one of their choicest associates. All who visit the Jardin des
Plantes will learn how much he has enriched it, and behold the
platauus and the bignoxia associated as neighbours, though of
distant climes, in amicable rivalry with the lordly Adansonia. He
has effectively benefited the Arts and rural affairs. He points to
the furniture around his dwelling, as examples of the beautiful
adaptation of the products of our native woods to the elegancies
of the dining-room and the boudoir. He loves America. It was
the theatre of his reputation, and her forests yield the loveliest
and the loftiest trees. Poor Wilson, on the contrary, with all his
high and ennobling aspirations, was ever subjected to the caprices
of indigence and want. With the contemplative eye of philosophy,
he enjoyed the luxury of interrogating Nature in the most
attractive of her forms of animated existence; and he saw, in
prospective, the accomplishment of his disinterested designs. But
sickness invades him with his unfinished labours before him; and
in his premature death, we have a striking illustration of the
uncertainty of all human things.
“Exalted as all will pronounce the contributions of Michaux
the younger, I think that you should view the subject in another
bearing when considering the relative merits of the author of the
'Forest Trees' and of the 'American Ornithology.' Michaux
cannot fairly be looked upon as a pioneer in his vocation. Not a
few eminent arboriculturists had long ago given some account of
the richness of our forests. Since the time of the Swede, Kalm,
Wangenheim had penetrated the various parts of our country the
better to understand aright the capabilities of the North American
trees for transplanting and propagating in Germany; and
had dedicated to his sovereign, the King of Prussia, his large
folio, with numerous plates. His drawings, I understand, were
made by himself; and when we consider the professional capacity
to which he was restricted during our revolutionary war, it is
almost marvellous what he effected.. The ingenious Masson and
the unfortunate Dombey had also touched our shores; and
Michaux, the father, having explored the North American regions
for a period of more than twelve years, had illustrated in folio, in
a manner corresponding to his subject, the oaks of North America.
ADDITIONS.
liii.
These, then, with John and William Bartram and others, had
somewhat opened the field for subsequent and better-qualified
observers; and Michaux has deservedly secured the triumph.
"How different is the fact as regards that department in which
Wilson excelled. Excluding the labours of Catesby in a limited
district, with the exception of a casual notice here and there, and
the imperfect catalogue of birds by Mr. Jefferson, hardly a correct
observation in Ornithology is to be found prior to the appearance
of Wilson. The most improved works in our Natural History
abounded in narratives of the incantations of the serpent, the
sub-terrene hybernations of the swallow, and a thousand other
absurd stories touching the economy of animals, which, from the
plausibility with which they were sustained, caused philosophy
itself to be debased by its evidence in such asinine hypotheses.
Our birds were songless and without plumage, and the forebodings
of the raven was our only melody. In this state of doubt and
ignorance, like the dauntless mariner on unknown seas without
chart or compass, Wilson appears. With the force of genius, he
becomes an original explorer of untrodden wilds of vast extent
and peril,
Shade and sunshine are alike to him. His pursuit is
his happiness. With a diligence surpassing commendation, he
enlarges the boundaries of human knowledge; and with the
simplicity of truth, elevates American Ornithology to the certainty
of a Science and worthy the cultivation of the highest intellect.
"You will pardon me if, before I conclude, I record one or two
circumstances concerning Wilson's reputation abroad. I allude
to the popular and exalted renown he attained almost immediately
after the completion of the 'Ornithology,' by Mr. Ord, his
estimable friend, who published his biography. The works of
Wilson had indeed received, from the American press, a few
literary notices during the progress of its publication. Governor
Clinton had written one or two friendly critiques, and with his
wonted earnestness for the promotion of the Science; and Wilson
was gratified that he enjoyed the consideration of a character
so conspicuous. But with his transatlantick countrymen, his
memory became an object of deep interest. Paisley, his birth-
place, had long known him as the author of 'Watty and Meg,'—
liv.
ADDITIONS. ·
6
•
a popular ballad,-which I recollect, in my early schoolboy days, to
have been echoed in our streets. I believe he was also the writer
of some pathetick verses on the loss of a lovely boy by drowning,
entitled 'Pale Wanderer of the Silent Night'—a production not
alluded to in any notice of his Muse that I have seen. Within
a year or two after his work was finished, his countrymen at
Paisley were urgent in their inquiries of American travellers
concerning him and his great production. 'You must allow,
after all,' said they, that you are indebted to a Scotchman for
the true account of the Birds of America. He was our townsman,
and it gratifys us to learn any particulars of him. Near this
place, he was once a faithful weaver among us; and 'Watty and
Meg' pleases us even now.' Perhaps these expressions of popular
feeling struck me with the greater force, inasmuch as an occurrence
of a somewhat different complexion took place a day or two before.
Encountering a Highland lad who was discoursing sweet musick
to a song of Burns, I expressed my pleasure by remarking we had
no such poetry by American bards. 'You have not produced
Burns,' replied he; 'but you have produced a greater man than
all Scotland has-Doctor Franklin. He taught the way to make
money.'
"When the Dukes John and Charles of Austria attended a
converzatione at Sir Joseph Banks in 1816, the royal visitors
expressed a desire to examine the library and vast collections in
Natural Science of the venerable President of the Royal Society.
'I have nothing worthy of your especial examination,' said Sir
Joseph, 'except the American Ornithology' of Wilson;' and
farther inquiries were dropped upon the inspection of this extra-
ordinary work. 'Our Radcliff Library is deficient,' observed Dr.
Williams, the Regius Professor of Botany. 'We have had no
opportunity of procuring the 'American Ornithology' by Wilson.
We learn the work is terminated, and it is remarkable that no
Edinburgh or Quarterly has taken notice of it. In what way can
we soonest obtain a copy from your country.'
"Thus the sod has scarcely covered the grave of the lamented
Wilson, ere his matchless efforts, as Nature's historian, were the
theme of popular and scientifick admirers in regions far remote
ADDITIONS.
lv.
and distant from each other. While, therefore, his earthly
remains have commingled with their kindred dust,-like the
delightful solo of that chief of song, the Mocking-Bird, whose
vocal powers amidst the fragrant magnolia he has so eloquently
described as unrivalled, his own surpassing labours will ever
command the admiration of the disciples of Nature in every part
of the habitable globe.
'But I am fearful of enlarging this epistle, and hasten to assure
you of my sincere esteem and regard,
'JOHN W. FRANCIS."
It is with very special pleasure I am enabled to give here an
engraving (after a photograph) of the humble Schoolhouse within
which Wilson, for many years, taught and dwelt. I have reason
to believe that it has never before been engraved.
situated within the shadow of Philadelphia.—G.
It is now

NEMA
I.—Journal as a Pedlar.
1789-90.
!
NOTE.
For the biographic interest and value of this 'Journal'see our
Memorial-Introduction and Essay.-G.

Miscellaneous Prose Writings.
I.-JOURNAL.
Before the reader enter upon the following sheets, I think it necessary to
inform him, that, signifying some time ago to an intimate friend, an intention I
had of traversing the eastern parts of Scotland, he entreated me to keep a Journal ;
which, by way of amusement, and to comply with his request, I did, by com-
mitting to paper each night, the most remarkable occurrences of the day, inter-
spersed with such des ·riptions of places, through which I passed, as the shortness
of my siny would allow. On my return, a number of acquaintances having
examined the scroll, expressed their approbation of it, and requested me to
publish it along with the poetical pieces. With their solicitations I have now
ventured to comply, in hopes that the perusal of it may be a relaxation to the
reader; and while the novelty of the incidents entertain, the truth of them may
perhaps not be uninstructive.
Edinburgh, Sept. 17, 1789.
As youth is the most favourable time to establish a man's good
fortune in the world; and as his success in life depends in a great
measure, on his prudent endeavours and unwearied perseverance,
I have resolved to make one bold push for the united interests of
Pack and Poems. Nor can any one justly blame me for it, since
experience has now convinced me, that the merit I am possessed
of (which is certainly considerable) might lie for ever buried in
obscurity, without such an attempt. I have therefore fitted up a
proper budget, consisting of silks, muslins, prints, &c., &c., for
the accommodation of those good people who may prove my
customers, with a sufficient quantity of Proposals for my poetical
friends; and to prevent those tedious harangues, which otherwi
I would be obliged to deliver at every threshold, I have accor

4
MISCELLANEOUS PROSE WRITINGS.
to the custom of the more polite pedlars, committed the contents
of my Pack to a hand-bill, though in a style somewhat remote
from any I have yet seen :-
ADVERTISEMENT EXTRAORDINARY.
FAIR Ladies, I pray for one moment to stay,
Until with submission, I tell you,
What muslins so curious, for uses so various,
A Poet has here brought to sell you.
Here's handkerchiefs charming, book-muslin like ermine,
Brocaded, strip'd, corded, and check'd;
Sweet Venus they say, on Cupid's birth-day,
In British-made muslins was deck'd.
If these can't content ye, here's muslins in plenty,
From one shilling up to a dozen ;
That Juno might wear, and more beauteous appear,
When she means the old Thund'rer to cozen.
Here are fine jacconets, of numberless sets,
With spotted and spriggèd festoons;
And lovely tambours, with elegant flow'rs,
For bonnets, cloaks, aprons, or gowns.
Now, ye Fair, if ye choose any piece to peruse,
With pleasure I'll instantly show it;
If the Pedlar should fail to be favour'd with sale,
Then I hope you'll encourage the Poet.
SEPT. 18.-Departed from Edinburgh, designing to cross over
to Fifeshire; changed my resolutions, and proceeded forward to
Musselburgh, beneath a most oppressive load. Arrived at this
place late in the evening.-MUSSELBURGH (so called from the
vast quantities of mussels that are found along the shore) is a small,
though a neat town, six miles east from Edinburgh, stretching
along the Frith of Forth, which, at this place, may be ten or
twelve miles broad. The streets are wide and well paved; its in-
habitants numerous, a great many of whom are butchers, which
appears by the numberless carcases of sheep, calves, cows, &c.,
that are to be seen suspended in rows at almost every door.
dinburgh is their market, to which, every morning, their stores
conveyed. This day saw several troops of dragoons reviewed,
made a formidable appearance, on an extensive level green,

MISCELLANEOUS PROSE WRITINGS.
5
that spreads along the shore, where the game of golph is much
practised by parties of gentlemen; and is, in my opinion, a more
healthy than entertaining amusement.
""
some
SEPT. 19.-I have this day collected a few subscriptions.
Encountered in my excursions through the town, with a son of
the Muses, who, on looking over the Proposals and specimen,
snarled at some expression that displeased him. I, in defence,
mentioned a similar phrase which Thomson had used.
"Aye,
aye," said he, "Thomson's was poetry, but this is none;" and
then, after a little meditation and muttering to himself, he
altered the line, which I, to humour him, confessed to be a
beautiful amendment. Pleased with this, he set down his own
"D-n me !
name, and, smiling, said,
I'll procure
subscribers for you.' In the course of our conversation, he told
me that he had finished several pieces; among the rest, two
farces, and an English translation of the Gentle Shepherd.'
This day an old lady, whom I had importuned in vain to add to
the list of subscribers, gave me a solemn advice, that as I was but
a young author and unacquainted with the world, not to spend
the money I might make, on women and wine.
"I am
exceedingly obliged to you, Madam," returned I, "for the advice
you are pleased to give me; but if I meet with no better
encouragement from the world than I have received from your
ladyship, I believe your good counsel will be superfluous.
>>
Another gentleman's mansion I was approaching when the
owner appeared, whom I saluted, presenting him the Proposals.
He stared at the paper some moments, as if it had been a
monster; then, with a contemptuous sneer, exclaimed, "O
Ch-st! I'll have nothing to do with it—some d-ned stuff or
other." I met also with a school-master, who seemed to be a son
of Bacchus, Learning, and Snuff; for after
for after several good
observations on the specimen and an enormous draught of snuff,
he declared he would most certainly take a copy.
remember," says he, "by Jupiter, we,-we,—will offer up one half
of its price at the shrine of Bacchus."
"But,
SEPT. 21.-FISHER-ROW. This place is separated from
Musselburgh only by a river, over which is a wooden bridge,
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three feet broad and near one hundred and fifty long; the
breadth of the channel being occasioned by the flowing of the sea.
The inhabitants of this place are mostly fishers, from whom the
town takes its name. While I staid here, a very melancholy
accident happened at a place called Roslin, some miles up the
river. A newly married couple had been on a visit to a friend's
house, where they staid till the night was far advanced. In
coming home they had the river to cross, over which went a
feeble wooden bridge, railed only at one side. The night being
dark and stormy, the bridge but narrow, and the river swelled by
the rains, her husband desired her to hold by his coat while he
went before; which she accordingly attempted to do, but missing
her step, plunged headlong into the current. The husband,
imagining that he did not feel her behind him, and unable to hear
for the noise which the wind made among the trees, turned
quickly about, and ran to the other end of the bridge, thinking
she had staid behind; but not finding her there, he called her by
name, as loud and as long as he could, "Peggy! Peggy !" but,
alas! Peggy was gone, never more to return. The unhappy
man went home in a case not to be described, and was seized
with a fever, which, in a short time, rendered him delirious.
Next day the corpse of this unfortunate young woman was found
near Fisher-row harbour, where the river discharges itself into
the sea, stripped of everything of value. The body was opened
by the surgeons, when it was found that she was six months
advanced in her pregnancy. The child and its mother I saw both
decently interred by her friends next day.
While I was traversing from house to house, I was told, by al-
most every body, of a taylor, a great Poet, who, as the women
and fishers informed me, could make a poem of any thing. Curi-
ous to see this prodigy of wit, I sought out his hut, and found it.
On my entrance, I perceived a little shrunk creature, perched,
cross-legged, on a table, making his head and hand keep time with
one another. I boldly entered, and asked what he would buy.
Nothing," says he. "Have you any strong gray thread ?" I
told him I was sorry that I had none. Any needles or thim-
bles ?” “I am just out of them at present." "Then,” replied he,
("
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7
""
""
"Did
"you have nothing for me. "No! perhaps I may have some-
thing to suit you for all that." "No, no," returned he, and fell
a-whistling. Here a pause ensued. At length, said I, “you are
certainly acquainted with the rules of composition, friend, or you
would not whistle that tune so justly.' Composition!" said he.
"Do you know what composition is ?” "Not I; but I have
heard poets and fiddlers, when speaking of a song or tune, call it
composition. "You are not far wrong," continued he.
you ever read any poetry ?" "Yes, I have read the Wife of Beith,
and ballads, and the Psalms, and many others."
"And do you
understand them ? "Excellently,” replied I, "and I [am] de-
lighted to read metre." "Lay down your pack for a moment, then,”
says he, nimbly sliding from the table, "I'll show you something
curious. You'll perhaps not have heard of me, but I am a bit of
a poet; I make verses myself sometimes.” Hereupon pulling out
the drawer of an old chest, and rustling some time among a parcel
of papers, he presented me with a printed piece, entitled-King
Crispianus' March through Fisher-row,-which I read aloud with
seeming rapture; though, at the same time, I could scarce
suppress a continued succession of yawnings, while the exulting
author stared steadfastly in my face the whole time; and seeing
me admire the first so much, tortured me with a second, and a
third, all equally sublime. I now began to interrogate him as to
his knowledge of poetry, and found him entirely ignorant of
every thing save rhyme. Happening to ask him if ever he had
read any of Pope or Milton's pieces, he told me he never had, for
he did not understand one word of Latin. I showed him my
Proposals, asked him to subscribe, and said I knew the author.
He read part of them with excessive laughter, declared that the
author was certainly a learned fellow, and that he would chear-
fully subscribe, but his wife was such a devil, that if she knew of
him doing any thing without her approbation, there would be no
peace in the house for months to come : And by the bye,” says
he, we are most dismally poor. I assure you there has been no-
thing with us this many a day, but potatoes and herring. I told
him that poverty was the characteristic of a poet,
"You are
right,” says he, "and for that very reason I am proud of being
(6
""
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35
poor.' I left this votary of rhyme, and went through the rest of
the town, meeting with no other adventure worthy of being re-
membered.
SEPT. 22.—Left this place, and proceeded eastwards about three
miles, to Prestonpans. This town is larger but not so regular as
the last, neither are the houses so good, but rather ruinous; the
streets on account of the numerous salt-pans, black and narrow,
and the buildings, if so they may be called, dismally exhibiting
the effects of Time's all-devouring jaws, tottering on the brink of
dissolution, and threatening every gale of wind to be the eternal
residences of their possessors. About a mile to the southward of
this, the battle of Prestonpans was fought, where the gallant
Colonel Gardiner fell, whose house stands near the place of action.
Leaving this place, with little success, I pursued my way east-
ward, passing a little village on the shore, called Cockenzie, com-
posed chiefly of salt-pans and the workmen's huts. Five miles
farther east, I came to another village called Aberlady. Here I
propose to spend the night and moralize on the toils and disap-
pointments of the day.
SEPT. 23.—Rose by day-break, and proceeded on my pilgrimage.
The country for about three miles to the east of this, along the
shore, is a sandy level, interspersed with little hillocks, and in-
habited by innumerable swarms of rabbits, under the dominion of
an old weaver, whose sole prerogative and occupation it is, in the
winter season, to apprehend, execute, and dispose of them to the
best advantage.
Entered about nine o'clock the town of North-Berwick, a sea-
port, situated at the extremity of a long sandy bay. About half-
a-mile south from this, a high hill rises, named North-Berwick-
Law, and is seen at a vast distance both by sea and land.
With much difficulty I reached its top, on which is erected the
two jaw-bones of a whale, and over them a pendant streams in
the wind. The view from this is really beautiful; the wide
German ocean spreading in the east far as the eye can reach.
The county of Fife and wild enormous ranges of mountains to the
north, while the Frith of Forth stretching to the west, lies spotted
with rocks, ships, and small islands. After satisfying my curiosity,
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descend to North-Berwick, where I intend to repose for this
night.
66
As
SEPT. 24.—Left this place, and continued eastwards, passing
along a very steep and rocky shore, till I came to a place called
Comly-bay, where a few solitary fishermen live. At the eastern
extremity of this bay, the shore rises so high that I was forced
to take to hands and feet, and climb for a considerable way, till I
reached the summit of it. Here I had a near and an agreeable
view of the Bass, a large rock, almost circular, rising out of the
sea to the dreadful height of 600 feet, and distant from the shore
about a mile, giving the spectator an awful idea of its Almighty
Founder, Who weigheth the mountains in scales, and the hills
in a balance ;" who by one word raiseth into existence this vast
universe, with all these unwieldy rocks; and Who will, when His
almighty goodness shall think fit, with one word, command them
to their primitive nothing. The ruins of an old castle are still to
be seen on its south side, which was formerly used as a place of
confinement to many of the persecuted Presbyterians. Prodigious
numbers of Solan geese build among the cliffs of the rock. The
method used to catch their young is somewhat dangerous.
soon as it is perceived that the young are arrived at their proper
bigness, which they do ere capable of flying (this happens gener-
ally about the middle of July), then the climber has a rope fixed
round his middle with a feather pillow bound on his breast, to
prevent sharp pointed crags from wounding him in his ascent or
descent. Being thus secured, he is let down over the verge of the
rock, till he come to the nests of the geese, while flying and
screaming around him in vast multitudes and of nameless kinds,
deploring the loss of their unfortunate young. A considerable
number of boats are stationed below, ready to receive the fowls,
as soon as he drives them from their holes. This is easily effected.
The birds unable to support themselves, and falling from such a
height, are so stunned, that before they can recover themselves,
they are snatched from the sea and secured. This method they
yearly repeat, sending those caught to Edinburgh, where they are
generally sold at two shillings and two shillings and sixpence each.
The climber, who, at this season, resides constantly on the island,
B
L
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C
has a little hut built, where he sells liquor, bread, cheese, &c.,
for the accommodation of those sportsmen who visit the rock
for the diversion of shooting. The shore all along here is exceed-
ingly high and rugged, while a ceaseless surf rolls impetuously
among the precipitated fragments below. Proceeding a mile
further east, I came to the remains of an old fortification, known
by the name of Tamtallan. It is built on the verge of a high shore
overhanging the sea, nearly opposite to the Bars, and distant
from it a long mile, composed of three towers, about sixty paces
from each other, and joined by a strong high wall, all seemingly
whole, except the west tower, which hangs in ruins. I measured
the wall, and found it in many places more than ten feet thick, and
strongly cemented. The whole building is about six storeys, quite
inaccessible towards the sea, and seems to have been deeply
trenched toward the land. This place and the Bass, are both the
property of Sir Hugh Dalrymple of Leuchie, proprietor of a large
estate in this country, of that name, and superior of the town of
North-Berwick.
Having sufficiently examined this ancient structure, I proceeded
forwards, and night coming on, arrived at a small village called
Whitekirk, and obtained lodgings in a little ale-house. While I
sat conversing with the landlord, he told me the following story
that happened to a family in the neighbourhood, which, as it
exhibits a remarkable occurrence of Providence, I shall relate.
About six months ago, the master of the house, who was by trade
a fisher, fell sick, and continued in a lingering way until about
three weeks ago, when his distemper growing worse, increased to
that degree, that all hopes of recovery were gone. In these cir-
cumstances he prepared himself for his dissolution, in a manner
that became a Christian, and agreeable to the character he had
all along been distinguished by when in health and vigour. Mean-
time his wife was pregnant and drew near the time of her delivery,
and it gave the poor man no small uneasiness to think that he
should not see his last offspring; and it was one of his fervent
petitions to Heaven, that he might be spared until that time.
Some short time after this, he grew extremely ill, and all his rela-
tions were called in to take their last farewell. While they stood
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11
round his bed expecting his immediate departure, his wife was
taken suddenly ill, and, in less than an hour was delivered of
twins, which the dying man no sooner understood, than he made
signs to them to send for the minister, who accordingly, in a short
time came. He then attempted to rise in the bed, but his strength
was exhausted. Hereupon one of his daughters went up to the
bed behind him, and supported his hands, until he held up both
the children, first one and then the other. Then kissing them
both, delivered them over to their mother, and reclining his head
softly on the pillow, expired.
SEPT. 23.-Set forward on my way to Dunbar, seeing little by the
way worthy of notice, only now and then two whale jaw-bones erected
at the entrance to some distinguished farm-houses, the thick end
fixed in the ground and the two points meeting at top, forming a
kind of arch, capable of letting the highest coach or loaded cart pass
thro'; being generally from sixteen to eighteen feet in height.
Passed this day several elegant farm-houses, the politeness of
whose inhabitants claims little of my praise; who, taking them
in general, are so lost to humanity and discretion, that when a
poor pedlar approaches their sacred mansions, engages and
vanquishes a surly tyger-like mastiff (who guards the door, and
bears his master's hospitality in his countenance), and even forces
his way to the kitchen, he is no sooner in, than, as if they were
afraid that he brought the pestilence along with him, he is huffed
out, and the door clapt behind him. Such are the effects of pride
and luxury; such the effects that wealth and independence
produce in the dispositions of the illiterate and the uncultivated.
On the other hand, the poor cottager welcomes you into his little
hut, invites you to sit down, and even presses you to partake of
his homely fare, seeming happy to have it in his power to be
hospitable to a stranger. Met with nobody this day but had
more books than they made a good use of.
SEPT. 24.—This morning rose early to take a view of the town
(Dunbar), which is pretty large; the main street broad, and
running from north to south, contains the only buildings of any
note. The Provost's house closes the view at the north end,
fronted with a row of trees, making a very neat appearance.
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Several narrow lanes lead down to the shore, chiefly possessed by
fishers. At the west end of the harbour they have lately built a
battery of stone, in the form of a half-moon, mounting seventeen
twelve-pounders. This is the effect of Paul Jones's appearance
in the Frith last war, who came so near this place with some of
his ships, as to demolish some of the chimney tops, and put the
inhabitants in a terrible consternation. They are also building a
new pier from the battery, which will certainly be attended with
a vast expence, and even without affording general content. A
little to the west of this are still to be seen the ruins of the castle
of Dunbar, built on a rock that juts into the sea, hollowed with
gloomy caves, through which, in a storm, the waves roar horribly;
which, joined to the ruins above, forms a most dismal appearance.
SEPT. 25.—Having done some little business in this place, and
there being no other towns to the east or south, for a considerable
way, have bargained with the master of a sloop, with whom I
intend to embark for Burntisland, in Fifeshire, a town about
thirty miles from this, and almost opposite to Edinburgh.
SEPT. 26.-Went on board early this morning for Burntisland,
with a good gale astern; passed the Bass, and several other small
islands, and landed at Burntisland, after a pleasant passage of
six hours.
SEPT. 28.-BURNTISLAND. In this place the lover of ruins
would be highly entertained, when whole streets are to be seen in
solitary desolation. They have an excellent harbour here, to
which, in a hard gale of easterly wind, the shipping in Leith-roads
repair. Some time ago a thick-silk manufactory was established
here, and seemed for a while to prosper, but on account of some
differences arising among the partners, has now dwindled to a
name. About a mile to the westward of this is a petrifying
spring, which I had the curiosity to visit. The water is hard and
well tasted; and all along the shore, for the space of a quarter of
a mile, are to be seen the produce of the spring: rocks hang
frightfully tottering over one another, where the different courses
of the stream has been before. In some places I found the stone
forming, resembling those pendicles of ice that hang by the house
eaves. This is used as a watering-place by the ships of war lying
MISCELLANEOUS PROSE WRITINGS.
13
in the roads, and other vessels outward bound. This town being
nearly opposite to Leith, a passage-boat goes from this every day,
save Sunday, and even then, if encouragement offers. The water
is seven miles broad, and a single passenger pays sixpence. A
pretty large sugar-work is also on foot here, seemingly to thrive.
This evening, went down and took a view of a strange vessel,
called the EXPERIMENT, launched from the sands of Leith, built
on an entire new construction, and has been in this harbour these
twelve months; measuring about one hundred feet in length,
being almost two distinct vessels under one deck, but with two
keels, two rudders, and five masts, and seems to have been the
monstrous production of some mathematician's delirious peri-
cranium. It was built at a vast expence, and without any visible
intention or use, but that of an experiment.
SEPT. 29.-Went two miles along the shore, eastward, to King-
horn. On my way visited a famous Spa well, whose waters are
deservedly esteemed by people languishing under a consumption.
The flow of water is but small, seeping out from a cleft rock,
which rises above it thirty or forty feet. On spring-tides the sea
flows nearly up to the well, beside which is a convenient seat cut
out from the rock, where you can sit and receive the water in a
vessel from the spring, and near that a large cave enters the rocks,
where you may be secured from the storm; so that here is at once
shelter for the traveller, drink for the thirsty, a seat for the weary,
and health for the sick, all from the rough but bounteous hand of
nature. About half a mile to the westward of this, on the shore
which hangs gloomily above the sea, is the place where Alexander
III. was killed by a fall from his horse, while on a hunting party;
which place still retains the name of "The king's wud en'."
Kinghorn is but a small place; its inhabitants subsisting chiefly
by the passage, which is the most frequented on the Frith, a con-
siderable number of boats still passing and repassing to and from
the Petty-cur, a harbour about half a mile west from the town.
In a large boat the passenger pays sixpence; in a pinnace, which
is most convenient in a smooth sea, tenpence. The town is com-
posed of an irregular assemblage of poor, low, ruinous, tile-covered
huts; but if miserable without, still more so within; almost every
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house being so dark, black, and dirty, that I wrong them not to
style each the cave of misery and desolation. The inhabitants are
almost all boatmen, and their whole commerce being with
strangers, whom perhaps they may never see again, makes them
avaricious, and always on the catch. If a stranger comes to town
at night, intending to go over next morning, he is taken into a
lodging. One boatman comes in, sits down, promises to call you
in the morning, assists you to circulate the liquor, and after a
great deal of loquacity, departs. In a little another enters, and
informs you that the fellow who had just now left you, goes not
over at all; but that he goes, and for a glass of gin he will awake
you and take you along with him. Willing to be up in time, you
generously treat him. According to promise, you are awakened
on the morning, and assured that you have time enough to take
breakfast, in the middle of which hoarse roarings alarm you, that
the boat is just going off. You start up, call for your bill, the
landlord appears, charges you like a nobleman—there is no time
for scrupling—you are hurried away by the boatman on the one
hand, and genteelly extorted by the landlord on the other, who
pockets his money, and bids you haste lest you lose your passage;
and perhaps after all, when you get on board, you are detained
an hour or more by the sailors waiting for more passengers.
Such, and a thousand more mean tricks, are practised on the
unsuspecting stranger, and all under a show of the most extreme
kindness. While here I inquired for Pattie Birnie, the famous
fiddler, and was told a great many anecdotes of him, by some of
the old people who remember to have seen him. I applied to a
literary character in this town, with a subscription-paper, but he
told me he did not find himself inclined to meddle with it, saying,
I should apply my talents to prose-writing, for he doubted much
if I would meet with great encouragement in the poetical branch,
so many good poets having transmitted us pieces inimitable by
succeeding ages. I told him if we never attempted to rival them,
we made them seemingly inimitable indeed; but when young
genius, fired with the love of that applause which former poets
had met with, strove to attract the observation of the world and
soar above their progenitors, I should imagine they merited
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15
encouragement for having spirit enough to make the attempt. He
said it was ambition to make such attempts, and to encourage
ambition was not right; and ere I could return an answer, he
slipt to his room, while I came away, cursing his stupidity. To
several others I have applied, but they know not what poetry is,
so cannot, as they said, subscribe. Returned back to Burntisland
after sunset.
SEPT. 30. This morning a sloop foundered a mile of the shore,
in attempting to get into the harbour. The cries of her unhappy
men alarmed the crew of a cutter lying at a small distance, who
perceived two persons clinging by the mast.
A boat was
immediately sent off to their relief, but though she rowed several
times round the wreck, could discover no appearance of man or
boy. Sudden indeed are the transitions from time to eternity, yet
awful and important the change! How happy, how unspeakably
happy they, who are prepared for such a warning! Who through
the jaws of death are received into never-ceasing joy and incon-
ceivable delight! But alas! how deplorable the situation of those,
who in such extremities, by the brittle thread of life, hang over an
eternal world of woe! To them death stares in ten thousand
despairing forms, to them death is unutterable horror, and to them
how precious would be one hour, or one moment.
OCT 1.—This being the day set apart for electing the magistrates
of a neighbouring town, the whole council, consisting of a parcel
of weavers, shoemakers, tailors, &c., assembled. After the elec-
tion, they adjourned to a public-house to dine, where the jolly
god Bacchus, or his representative, aquavitæ, raised such an up-
roar in their brains, that tables were levelled, chairs broken, bowls
dashed to pieces, and stoups and glasses flew thro' the room with
such rapidity, as threatened destruction to whatever they en-
countered; and one taylor, in particular, forgetting himself so
much as to believe he was provost, began to exercise his authority
in loud commands to silence, until he should address them.
his endeavours to obtain silence proving vain, he dealt the wand of
justice around him with such mettle and impartiality, that
roused to vengeance, the whole assembly began, like the Philis-
tines of old, to cudgeling one another. Mars swelled the horrid
All
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scene, while Discord clapt her sooty wings over them. Broken
heads, shins, and noses, brought many a one to the floor, where
they weltered, if not among their own blood, among their own
p-s, till sleep arrested the weary warriors in many a drousy
attitude.
་
- OCT. 2.—I have this day, I believe, measured the height of a
hundred stairs, and explored the recesses of twice that number of
miserable habitations; and what have I gained by it? Only two
shillings of worldly pelf, but an invaluable treasure of observation.
In this elegant dome, wrapt up in glittering silks, and stretched
on the downy sofa, recline the fair daughters of wealth and
indolence. The ample mirror, flowery floor, and magnificent
couch, their surrounding attendants, while suspended in his wiry
habitation above, the shrill-pip'd canary warbles to enchanting
echoes. Within the confines of that smoky hovel, hung round
with squadrons of his brother artists, the pale-fac'd weaver plies
the resounding lay, or launches the melancholy, murmuring
shuttle. Lifting this simple latch, and stooping for entrance to
the miserable hut, there sits Poverty and ever-moaning Disease,
clothed in dunghill-rags, and ever shivering over the fireless
chimney. Ascending this stair, the voice of joy bursts on my ear.
The bridegroom and bride, surrounded by their jocund companions,
circle the sparkling glass and humorous joke, or join in the
raptures of the noisy dance, the squeaking fiddle breaking through
the general uproar in sudden intervals, while the bounding floor
groans beneath its unruly load. Leaving these happy mortals,
and ushering into this silent mansion, a more solemn, a striking
object presents itself to my view. The windows, the furniture,
and every thing that could lend one cheerful thought, are hung in
solemn white, and there, stretch'd pale and lifeless, lies the awful
corpse; while a few weeping friends sit black and solitary near the
breathless clay. In this other place, the fearless sons of Bacchus
extend their brazen throats in shouts like bursting thunder, to the
praise of their gorgeous chief. Opening this door, the lonely
matron explores for consolation her Bible; and in this house the
wife brawls, the children shriek, and the poor husband bids me
In
depart, lest his termagant's fury should vent itself on me.
MISCELLANEOUS PROSE WRITINGS.
17
short, such an inconceivable variety occurs to my observation in
real life, that would were they moralized upon, convey more
maxims of wisdom, and give a juster knowledge of mankind, than
whole volumes of lives and adventures, that perhaps never had a
being, except in the prolific brains of their fantastic authors.
The foregoing Journal relates only to the collecting of subscribers; what follows is
a short Narrative of the reception he afterwards met with from these gentlemen,
and is inserted here to gratify the wishes of almost all the encouragers of this
edition, to whom the Author returns his most sincere and grateful acknow-
ledgments.
THAT frequent reflections and prudent remarks on the daily
occurrences of life, are not only exceedingly useful, but highly
necessary, for conducting us safely thro' the wiles of the world, is
a truth long since avowed, and which none but fools, or those
destitute of common sense, have ever dared to deny. In the
hurry and heat of affairs, we are apt to be deluded by cunning, or
flattered by hypocrisy, blinded by the fire and turbulence of
passion, or imposed on through the softness of unsuspecting
simplicity; but in our retired moments, a calm retrospect of
transactions, displays things to our view as they really are; shews
us where we have erred and where suffered, convicts us of our
folly, applauds us for our prudence and stings us with remorse, or
sheds a gleam of joy over our minds at the remembrance of past
actions.
Nor is a just knowledge of mankind less necessary for our
spiritual as well as temporal interest. Seduced by the fair smiles
and deep-laid schemes of men, we fall a prey to their avarice and
cruelty; and captivated by the outward glare and superficial
glitter of the pleasures, vanity and ambition of this world, we
forget our only true good, and rivet ourselves to earth and its
deceiving allurements. A thorough knowledge of mankind, on
the other hand, is of infinite benefit. We see through their
schemes, and easily guard against their wiles; we know the folly
of being too sanguine in our hopes, and can easily compute how
far interest, ambition, pride and prejudice, preponderate against
all the other nobler passions of the soul. This takes the sting
from neglect, and makes disappointment tolerable. Convinced,
C
18
MISCELLANEOUS PROSE WRITINGS.
by the experience of ourselves and others, of the madness and
unsatisfying delights of all sublunary pleasures, we can look with
contempt on them all, labouring for those whose stability is eternal.
But how, it may be asked, is a thorough knowledge of mankind
to be obtained? Not from the romantic pages of our novels and
adventures. These volatile pieces show us rather what is possible
might be, than what really exists. The knowledge of the world
can no more be learned from them, than the appearance of New
Holland could be known by surveying some imaginary landscape.
We might there see the mountains, ocean, woods and rivers
depicted with never so much art, yet, were a mariner to set out in
hopes of meeting the same prospect there, and steer by this
pretended chart, I fear he would make but a sorry voyage. So
fares it with the man, who full of the enthusiastic notions of life
he has imbibed from these wonderful productions, rushes into the
world. What a train of unforeseen misfortunes has he to
encounter! and what complicated miseries does he involve him-
self in! till sober experience opens his eyes, and sets him on his
guard against their fraud. It is, therefore, by personal intercourse
with the world, that its true character can be known; and as my
employment affords me advantages of this kind that few others
enjoy, I shall here relate a few facts that occurred to me in the
course of several days' peregrination, on my first commencing
Author.
Having furnished my budget with what necessary articles might
be required, equipt with a short oaken plant, I yielded my
shoulders to the load, and by day-break left the confines of our
ancient Metropolis.
The morning was mild, clear and inviting. A gentle shower,
which had fallen amid the stillness of night, besprinkled the fields
and adjoining meadows, exposing them to the eye clad with
brightest green and glittering with unnumbered globes of dew.
Nature seemed to smile on my intended expedition. I hailed the
happy omen, and with a heart light as the lark that hovered over
my head, I passed the foot of Salisbury Rocks, and, directing my
course towards Dalkeith, launched among the first farms and
cottages that offered, The country here is rich and uncommonly
MISCELLANEOUS PROSE WRITINGS.
19
fertile, producing an early crop, and amply repaying the husband-
man's toil with a plentiful return. A few rocky eminences rise,
crowned with clusters of firs, which by no means offend the eye,
but afford a striking contrast between the level and the rugged,
the blessed and the bare. Upon the top of one of these heights
stands the castle of Craig Millar, where Mary Queen of Scots was
some time confined. It now lies in solitary ruins.
It now lies in solitary ruins. Two miles to
the southward is the beautiful estate of Rockville, surrounded by
most romantic pleasure-grounds; and all along, on every hand,
the most beautiful prospects presented themselves to the view, till
I reached Dalkeith, where I took up lodging in an old jolly
widow's, whose house I understood, was the general resort of
travellers. At first sight of my lusty hostess I was prepossessed
in her favour. Her height was something more than that of the
common size, but seemingly diminished by her enormous corpul-
ence. Her eyes were piercing, and bespoke a mind not un-
acquainted with the world; she spoke with a masculine sharpness,
and when interrupted in her discourse with the queries of the
servant-maid, or displeased with any of her proceedings, would
raise her voice, and pour forth such a flood of exclamations and
abuse, as would have puzzled the powers of Dunbar or any of his
cotemporary rivals even to imitate. This done, the exhausted
matron would resume her story with all the serene composure of
tranquility, wiping the oily drops from her face, and wondering at
the warmness of the weather. In the course of these long-winded
narratives, she generally held forth on the many losses she had
met with, the hardships, difficulties, and almost impossibilities
she had encountered and overcome, interspersing all with
anecdotes of her own wanton humour and activity, at which she
would burst out into the most extravagant fits of laughter, till
interrupted by a vehement attack of the cough. Sometimes too, she
would entertain me with a detail of the adventures she had been
engaged in, when in the flush of youth and beauty; her amours
and courtships, the love such and such a one bare her, "who is
now in the dust," and the many stratagems she had used with
these enamoured gallants; but as this was a theme inexhaustible
(at least to her sex), often without a period, and almost always
20
MISCELLANEOUS PROSE WRITINGS.
""
uninteresting, I strove, when I found her entering on this subject,
to divert her imagination to some other; for, as the honest coun-
tryman, when he heard the parson divide his text into one
hundred and sixty three heads and branches, rose hastily to his
feet, and being asked what he meant, "I am going home," says
he, "for my night-cap, for I find we must stay here till morning,'
so, when you hear a female enter into a relation of her love-
intrigues, you may prepare, if no effectual interruption occurs, for
the horrors of a two hours' tedious recital. After repaying my
officious landlady with a glass of brandy for her marvellous
memoirs, I retired to bed, and, early next morning, rose to take a
view of the town. Dalkeith is situated in a fruitful country, six
miles south from Edinburgh, on a rising ground, between the
two rivers north and south Esk; these joining a little below the
town, and running north-east for three or four miles, fall into the
sea between Musselburgh and Fisher-row. The town, though not
large, is neat, the streets wide, and the front houses, in general,
genteel. The main street, which runs from east to west, is
terminated on the east by the gate leading to the Duke of Buc-
cleuch's palace, whose eldest son inherits the title of Earl of
Dalkeith. The inhabitants yearly celebrate the Duke's birth-day
by a numerous procession of the trades through the town, ringing
of bells, &c., &c. Their weekly market is held on Thursday,
when immense quantities of oat-meal pour in from the south, at
the distance of 20 or 30 miles, is sold to extensive dealers, and
immediately despatched to Edinburgh and the west country.
Their Established church, is a black, ruinous pile of Gothic archi-
tecture, inelegant in itself, unwholesome to its frequenters, and a
disgrace to the town. They have likewise four other places of
public worship, viz., a Burgher, Antiburgher, Methodist and
Relief meeting-house. The people are in general, poor, laborious
and illiterate, nor are their morals, especially those of the fair sex,
much assisted by their intercourse with the dragoons, three or
four troop of whom generally reside here, for the conveniency of
oats and pasturage.
When we are highly elevated on the wings of hope, if baulked
in our designs or deprived of our expectations, we sink the deeper
MISCELLANEOUS PROSE WRITINGS.
21
J
2
in despondence. This was partly the case with me, in regard to
this place. I had looked round on the elegant buildings, valuable
shops, and genteel company that surrounded me, and silently said
to myself, Surely in this place, unhackneyed with new publica-
tions, where there seems to be so many people of taste, and where
the appearance of an author disposing of his own works may seem
a novelty, surely in such a place as this, I cannot fail of success.
Big with these enthusiastic hopes, I put a volume in my pocket
and went immediately to the shop of a bookseller, the only one in
town. I found him dozing over some old tattered papers (perhaps
the MSS. of some forlorn and pennyless author), explained to
him my business, showed him the book, and wished to know if he
would purchase a few copies, or recommend me to any literary
characters in town, whose inclination led them to the study of
poetry. He took the book carelessly from me, whirled over the
leaves again and again, enquired the price, and, in a tone that
bespoke the meanness of his soul, told me he would take one of
them at half-price. That, though he scarcely believed ever it
would sell, yet, he would be so far good to me as take one of them
on these terms. This was delivered with an air that seemed to
display the greatness of his generosity, and to require my thanks
in return. I eyed the avaricious wretch for a moment with a smile
of contempt, and asked if he was really sincere in what he said.
Protesting upon his honour that he was, and that he would
meddle with them on no other conditions, I thanked him for his
mighty kindness, and left his shop with a hearty scorn for his
narrowness of soul. The next I made my addresses to, was a
certain pedagogue, disabled of one leg, who, hopping up to me,
enquired with a strange stare and impudence of look, what I
wanted with him? This I explained as briefly as I could, and
putting the book into his hand, desired he would be pleased to
take a look of it. He took the poems-perused them for a few
moments, but on observing his wife approaching, gave me them
back hastily, and saying he had no use for any of these things,
hirpled into his noisy hut again.
The reception I met with from these and the greatest part to
whom I applied, dispirited me so much, that, sunk in despondence,
22
MISCELLANEOUS PROSE WRITINGS.
I stole to my lodgings, and there sat, sadly ruminating on the
unpromising face of my affairs. I had ransacked the whole town.
for traffic, in vain; I had solicited the encouragement of the
literary part of it with equal success; and when I directed my
course to the palace, hopeful that I might there be more fortunate,
I was repulsed by the porter, who assured me, that none of my
occupation were allowed admittance. This I afterwards found
out to be false. However, I had still one project, which, whatever
the event might be, I was determined to put in execution. I had
heard much said (and I believe justly) in praise of her Grace, the
Duchess. I had heard her kindness, bounty and generosity
exalted to the heavens. Scarce a poor inhabitant but gave me
some affecting account of her sympathy, and produced to my view
the effects of her charity, while the tears of gratitude glittered in
their eye. Roused by these considerations, and animated with
fresh hopes by the amiable character of this dignified personage, I
at once resolved to remit her an address, representing, in the
most modest terms, my solitary situation, little doubting but her
unbounded generosity would extend itself to an unfortunate
author.
With these resolutions, I took the pen, and wrote the following
address.
To Her Grace, the Duchess of—
MADAM,-The person who has the honour of presenting the
inclosed poetical hand-bill, humbly begs your gracious acceptance
and perusal. The goods which it enumerates, your humble servant
carries along with him, that he may, by their means, have an
easier opportunity of soliciting the favour of the literary world,
for a volume of poems he has just now published. May it there-
fore please your Grace, to allow, for once, a young poet to spread
his elegant assortment at your feet-to entreat your acceptance of
a copy of his poetical performances, and your pardon for this
intrusion, which will for ever bind him,
Madam,
Your, &c., &c.
This I sealed, and with a trifle bribed the porter to get it con-
MISCELLANEOUS PROSE WRITINGS.
23
veyed safely to her Grace. The janitor's frozen features softened
at the appearance of the specie; he assured me of his best endea-
vours to assist me, and desired I would call about the evening,
when without doubt I would be introduced.
The evening arrived, and I punctually attended. We met, and
the sum of his intelligence was this, that he had got it delivered
into the Duchess' own hand, but no answer had as yet appeared ;
that, however, he had been, and still would be, indefatigable in
my interest, and intreated me to call to-morrow morning. This I
promised to do, although I had already, in my own mind, inter-
preted her Grace's silence as a too plain answer, that once more
dismissed my hopes.
I passed the rest of the evening in observing the bustle and
preparations every one was making for the Fair, which was to
commence next day; and alighting on an acquaintance, a native of
the town, whom I had formerly seen in the west country, we
retired to an adjoining public-house, where we might have a pint
and a little chat to pass the evening. Here he informed me that
the ensuing market continued for three days, and to encourage
pedlars and other dealers to attend, the Duchess herself made it a
rule every year to take a walk through the Fair and purchase some
little article from each, and that to-morrow's afternoon she would,
according to her usual custom, appear in the market for that
purpose. Of this intimation I meant to make some use, and
resolved, that if no answer arrived prior to that time, to watch the
offered opportunity, and make my address to her Grace in person.
Fixt in this determination, I came home and ascended to my
room, there to lose for a while, the remembrance of my cares in
the downy arms of repose. As soon as the first glimpses of dawn
peeped into my chamber, I rose and took a short walk to the fields,
to enjoy the serenity of the morn and the richness of the prospect
that every where surrounded me. There is something in the mild,
agreeable period of a summer's morning, peculiarly pleasing to
persons of a contemplative disposition. In that delightful season
of dewy serenity, the mind is disengaged from the tumultuous
cares and uproars of life, her action renewed, and her powers
invigorated by the refreshing influence of sleep.
The balmy
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fragrance that perfumes the air; the promiscuous notes of the
feathered tribes, that, warbled in simple harmony from the
branches, steal on the ear; the brook glittering as it murmurs
along beneath the early rays; the artless whistling of the distant
ploughman, and the universal smile that all nature wears around,
conveys a secret, serene joy, a blissful tranquillity, that imagination
wants language to describe. The soul is then, as it were, half
relieved of her corporeal load. Contemplation gazes undisturbed,
and Fancy, exulting Fancy, is for ever on the wing.
Then it is, that the poor, fortuneless favourites of genius steal
forth amid the dewy solitudes, to admire the astonishing wonders
of nature, to give a loose to the excursive faculties of imagination,
and to enjoy the transporting pleasures that arise from those
sublime and delightful studies; pleasures, that the grovelling
sons of interest and grubs of this world, know as little of and are
as incapable of enjoying, as those miserable spirits who are doomed
to perpetual darkness, can the glorious regions and eternal delights
of paradise.
The day was now advancing, and the country people from every
quarter were thronging to the Fair. The road seemed to move
with black cattle; whole flocks of sheep successively advanced to
the town, and about mid-day the streets were all bustle and com-
motion. The rustics in hodden-gray stalked through the general
hubbub, devouring with their eyes the wonderful curiosities that
were exposed to view on the chapman's stalls, which now lined
both sides of the streets for a considerable length.
Universal uproar prevailed everywhere among the tumultuous
crowds; drums beating, pipes sounding, fiddlers playing in ex-
pectation of engagements, and all the other confusion that on like
occasions every where prevail. On this hand was shouted, "Here's
the rare gingerbread "—on the other, "Aberdeen new almanacks"
-“A full, true and particular account of a barbarous bloody
and inhuman”.
"Cast your eye a little farther, there you have
a grand view of the"-"Now's the time to try your luck; one in
who makes two." These, and other exclamations were distin-
guishable, the rest was all indistinct rumour and confusion. The
town now exhibited the appearance of trade, and merchandizing
MISCELLANEOUS PROSE WRITINGS.
25
was carried on with spirit. Meanwhile, my comrade and I had
hung our room with shawls, silk handkerchiefs, muslins, printed
cloth, ribbons, and a profusion of other gaudy finery, which, on the
whole, made no inconsiderable appearance. We had erected shelfs
round the room for the bulk of our goods, and from a large window
that fronted the street, displayed a magnificent flag, composed of
some elegant shawls, muslins, &c., elevated on a pole, and under-
neath on a sheet of pasteboard, was painted in conspicuous
characters, "A Sale of Muslins and Prints.
""
While we were thus busied in exposing and disposing of our
wares, happening to throw my eye to the window, I observed a
group of gazing country folks encircling some ladies of distinction,
and was immediately told by one of my customers, that it was the
Duchess. I flew down stairs, mingled with the crowd, and found
her Grace officiously engaged in receiving some silver trinkets she
had purchased from an old chapman, who seemed to treat her
with the utmost deference, and as she left his stall, making a most
drmissive and ridiculous bow, he turned to the byestanders, and
bunking the money in his hand, gave them a look, so expressive
of extreme joy and secret rapture, that excited the mirth of all
around. Had Hogarth been there, to have arrested the features
and made them his own, his piece might have formed an ever-
lasting fund of laughter. At this instant I pressed through the
crowd, and respectfully approaching, informed her that I was the
person who had sent her Grace the letter last night. She paused
for a few moments, and then inquired if I had any goods in the
Fair. I replied in the affirmative, and, pointing to the flag, told
her I had a beautiful and elegant assortment of muslins within
that room, where I would be happy to be honoured with her
Grace's presence.
She paused again for a moment, and saying in
a tone that pierced me to the soul, "I don't want any of these
things," turned with her attendants to the next stall. You whose
souls are susceptible of the finest feelings, who are elevated to
rapture with the least dawnings of hope, and sunk in despondence
by the slightest thwarting of your expectations, think what I felt
on this occasion.
With a mixture of grief and indignation struggling in my
D
26
MISCELLANEOUS PROSE WRITINGS.
breast, I returned to the sale-room, and leaving my comrade for a
short time to manage affairs himself, retired to a corner of the
room, where, having pondered a while on this fresh disappointment,
I started to myself, resolved to think no more of the matter.
During the rest of the time we staid here, nothing interesting
happened. As soon as the Fair was finished, we made up our
budgets, and taking separate courses, agreed to meet at night in
Musselburgh, which lies on the shore, about three miles distant.
In this day's excursion I met with little worthy remarking, and
found but indifferent sale for my goods. Though in the bosom of
a rich and luxuriant country, yet the houses were but thinly
scattered, and those few I met with, were either miserable hovels,
or lordly farms; their possessors deprest with hard labour and
poverty, or rendered haughty by pride, luxury, and absolute
power over their vassals. The farms here being portioned out
in large tracts, the poor peasant must be the farmer's slave, or
remove to the town; and I have often observed among them a
spiritless resignation to their drudgeries and mean servitude.
Almost unconscious that they were born for any other thing,
to be perpetual servants, from father to son and from mother to
daughter, they struggle with want, and rear up their offspring in
the service of their insolent superiors.
t
I am very far from affirming that these poor people are less
happy than their opulent masters, whose houses exhibit a con-
tinual scene of extravagant feasting and other luxuries, copied
from the laudable fashions of the great, those patterns of prudence
and leaders of mankind. I am persuaded, that the humble,
parsimonious peasant, eats his simple meal with as much satis-
faction, rises refreshed from his few hours of sleep with as much
cheerfulness, and experiences more real happiness, peace of mind,
and bodily health, than those overgorged superiors, who treat
their dependents as slaves, and look down on them as beings made
of an inferior mould. Yet I cannot forbear regretting, that the
pernicious and increasing custom of extensive farms, is not
abolished, and a lesser portion of land allotted to each; by which
means, the extremities of want and luxury would be equally
avoided, the poor put on a footing to do something for themselves
MISCELLANEOUS PROSE WRITINGS.
27
and offspring, and the country, more honestly supplied with its
own product, than it is at this present day.
About the dusk of the evening I entered Musselburgh, and pro-
ceeding to the appointed rendezvous, found my comrade newly
arrived, whose success, by the smiles that sat on his face, I under-
stood to have been equal to his wishes. Having ate nothing since
the morning (for the country people are becoming too fashionable,
to affront a pedlar by offering him victuals), we ordered our land-
lady to make ready some eatables, and sat down to dinner with an
appetite that gave double relish to our small but refreshing
repast.
I had, when in this town, about nine months before, obtained
subscriptions from several people of the place, and as our stay was
intended to be short, I took a few copies along with me, and set
out in search of some of those gentlemen, whose promises I had
been persuaded positively to depend on. The first I found out,
was a little, hunch-backed dominie, who had formerly professed
a singular esteem for me, and had not only subscribed himself,
but also, cheerfully engaged to procure me a numerous list among
his friends. That the reader may have a better idea of this
important teacher, I shall beg leave to represent him here, to his
eye, as he exactly appeared to mine. His height was something
less than that of an ordinary walking staff. His head (which far
exceeded the proportion of his bulk, and seemed to be,
"Of more
than mortal size") was fixed between two huge eminencies, the
one jutting out before and the other heaped up behind like a
mountain. His eyes were large, and rolled for ever with a kind
of jealous pride and self-importance, on all around him. The rest
of his figure was spun out into a pair of legs and thighs, that,
extended outwards on each side, supported his shapeless frame,
like the long feet of a clerk's writing-stool. This strange pheno-
menon, gazing up to my face for a considerable time, declared he
had never seen me in his life-time before.
I mentioned some circumstances in our last conversation,
namely, the proposed publication and subscription paper, with some
other particulars; and with difficulty brought the affair to his
remembrance, which, he said, "Was like a dream to him.”
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MISCELLANEOUS PROSE WRITINGS.
Having surveyed the book for some time, he enquired the price,
and being told it, returned the copy immediately, saying, he would
take none of it at that price. I replied, that the price was no
more than what was signified in the Proposals. This he flatly
denied; on which, pulling out a copy of the conditions, "I'll take
it on no conditions," said the impertinent dwarf.
"What!'
replied I, "did you not subscribe for the book !” "It might be
so," said he, "but show me my name ! No law can oblige me to
take it unless you can show me my hand-write." I told him, that
I trusted as much to people's honour as their formal subscription,
and reminded him of putting the paper to which he had subscribed
in his pocket, with a kind promise of doing something for the
author. It was in vain that I endeavoured to expostulate the
matter with him; his wife joined him, exclaiming, that they knew
better how their money came, than to throw it away on nonsense;
and the deformed creature itself, continually squeaked out, "Shew
me my name! shew me my name! No law can oblige me, sir,
unless you shew me my individual hand-write." Although I was
secretly exasperated at this diminutive wretch, yet I concealed my
indignation, and telling him, that Nature had indeed been very
unkind to him, in giving him a crazy body with such an insignificant
soul, left the house immediately. I proceeded next to another, of
the same tribe, who had promised to take a copy, with this proviso,
that I should sacrifice one-half of its price with him at the shrine
of Bacchus. I found him at home, and was civilly received. He
looked over the book some time, but told me with an honest
frankness, I had taken him in a wrong time, and hoped that I
would not interpret his inability to a want of willingness to take
the poems. Poverty, he said, had frozen up his pockets, and
effectually prevented him from performing his engagement, but if
at any future period I had occasion to pass that way, he begged
that I would not neglect to call. I promised to do so, and again
proceeded to another quarter of the town. To relate all the
different receptions, and describe the various characters I met with
in this place, would be tedious, and perhaps uninteresting. By
some I was treated with the most extreme kindness; others had
entirely forgot the affair, and the greatest part, either could or
MISCELLANEOUS PROSE WRITINGS.
29
would not, accept of it. Tired of this fruitless expedition and sick
of their mean excuses, I returned to my lodgings, and concealing
the nature of my success from my comrade, joined in the mirth
that seemed to circle round the hearth.
My companion had been sitting alone by the kitchen fire, over a
solitary bottle, when a little, old, decent-dressed man entered, who
was soon followed by his spouse, and both were invited to a share
of his bottle. This, after some few apologies, was accepted, and
they diffidently sat down. In a simple, open manner the old man
told him, that he was a weaver in the town; that it was not his
usual custom to frequent public-houses, but at very rare times.
"This woman and I," continued he, "have lived man and wife,
upwards of forty years together, and it has been our custom, on
the Tuesday's night after our Occasion, to be hearty over a pint ;
and, indeed, sir, when folks come to our time of life, they are
much the better of a little; and a simple bottle at a time, you
know, can do nobody harm." My comrade readily agreed with
his sentiments, and in the midst of much chit-chat, the cann was
cheerfully circling when I entered and joined the company. As
the liquor began to ascend to our friend's upper flat, he forgot the
reserve and diffidence that at first so much embarassed him, and
jocosely entertained us with the transactions of his youth. These
anecdotes, silly and unimportant as they were, were yet related
with such an ignorant simplicity, and bespoke such undebauched
innocence of manners, (a quality too rarely to be met with in an
old man) that I listened, or rather gazed on the harmless creature,
with uncommon delight. "Gentlemen," said he, "you are
acquaint with the world, what news do you hear about this time?
Think ye, will we have any fighting or no?"—"The last expresses
bring bad news,” replied my companion, "the Dutch have landed
a large army on Holland, and taken possession of it.”
"Say you
so! (said he with great concern) that is bad news indeed. That
puts a stop to all! If the Dutch have really taken Holland, I
doubt we're all over, for Holland had sworn to be on our side."
Such was this reverend sire's knowledge of the world, and I believe
it were much to the temporal and spiritual peace and interest of
some modern politicians, that they knew no more. My comrade
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now entreated that he would favour us with a song.
"As for
songs," said he, "I can sing none; but if any here would assist
me, we'll try to have a Psalm tune; it is the far sweetest of all
music." To this we all immediately agreed, and our groggy old
dad giving out the words, "O mother dear Jerusalem," raised the
Martyrs, but in such a style, with such a profusion of graces, and
melancholy of tone, solemnity of look, and distortion of features,
as made the whole company burst out into an universal roar of
laughter, his spouse alone excepted, who, while the tune went on,
seemed wrapt up in all the enthusiasm of devotion.
Having amused ourselves to a late hour with this simple, honest
couple, and sent them staggering home in the greatest good
humour, we retired to our room, there to forget the toils of the
day in sleep. Next morning, as soon as breakfast was over, I
prepared to traverse the town, and marking out with my eye a few
of the most genteel houses, proceeded to business. On the east
end of this town, in a retired and most agreeable situation, stands
the celebrated Pinky-house, the seat of the Honourable Sir
Archibald Hope. As his lady desired me to send her a copy, as
soon as published, I set out without delay for the house, where I
was kindly received, and generously encouraged. This was adding
fire to my fancy, and vigour to my resolution; I returned her
ladyship my sincere acknowledgments, and, though in the course
of my future applications that day, I met with a greater number
of insolent rebuffs than usual, yet, the consideration of the success
I had been honoured with in the morning, made me overlook them
all. When we are once conscious of enjoying the kind wishes and
approbation of the wise and good, the neglect of fools and the
scandal of the world, make but a slight impression on the mind.
Persuaded of their applause, we rise above the malice of envy,
and support the pressure of misfortunes with an undaunted
fortitude and magnanimity of soul. This I call true fame, at once
the inspiration and ample reward of every noble action. All else,
is but empty contemptible babbling; the breath of fools, the noisy
shoutings of an undiscerning mob, and the certain destroyer of
that invaluable blessing, peace of mind. At evening as I was
about to return home, remembering of having lent an innkeeper
MISCELLANEOUS PROSE WRITINGS.
31
of the town a volume of my poems the preceding night, that he
might have some idea of the merits of the book before purchasing
it, I immediately paid him a visit, and asked how he was pleased
with the pieces. 'By God," said he, they're clever, d-ned
clever, but I incline more to the historical way, such as Gold-
smith's Scots History, the Inquest of Peru, and things of that
kind, else I would cheerfully take a copy.
The book is cheap,"
A
continued he, turning it round and round, "perfectly cheap.
gentleman from England, who stayed here all summer, and went
away only about two weeks ago, had the biggest cargo of books
that ever I laid my eyes on. Had you been but so lucky as to
have come here then-by G-d he would have bought a whole
trunk-full from you!" The experience I had of the world made
me soon see through this silly evasion, and but little regret my
want of acquaintance with this wonderful literary hero; yet I
could not help smiling at his harangue, and enquiring when the
gentleman would return, told him not to neglect writing to me as
soon as he arrived, and putting the poems in my pocket, went
directly home. And now, having done all the business we could
in this place, and directed the bulk of our goods to Haddington,
we called our landlady and discharged the bill, in order to be ready
for setting out at an early hour next day. Before concluding my
account of this town, I might here mention some gentlemen,
whose generosity I experienced, and likewise present the reader
with a sketch of some characters, whose insults, pride, and stu-
pidity, I bore with; but as the former of these will, I hope, accept
of this general acknowledgment, and as the latter are of a class too
despicable for notice, I decline saying any more. Some of them,
I am convinced, suffer at present the effects of their own folly, and
by their wretched poetical attempts and translations, have exposed
to the world their miserable taste and enormous ignorance.
The morning was spreading gray in the east, the air mild and
still, and the sun a little above the horizon, when, laden with our
respective budgets, my companion and I departed from Mussel-
burgh, and with our face to the east, plodded along the shore.
Here we had leisure to survey and opportunity to contemplate the
vast prospect that surrounded us. The Frith of Forth, which
32
MISCELLANEOUS PROSE WRITINGS.
divides east Lothian from Fifeshire, is, here, about ten miles over;
and we could plainly discover the long train of towns that stretch
along the opposite coast. The sea was smooth as glass, and inter-
spersed with a considerable number of large vessels, moving lazily
along on the tide, while their white canvass glittered in the sun.
The sea-fowl clamoured from every quarter, and a vast number of
fishing-boats from different places, were scattered about a mile
from the shore, intent at their occupation. Behind us, Arthur's
Seat rose towering to the heavens. To the west and north, was
seen the mountains of Fife, and to the east the most conspicuous
were North-Berwick-Law and the Bass, rising a little above the
mainland. The melody of birds on the one hand, the solemn
sounding of the sea along the pebbly shore on the other, joined to
the wide watery prospect that spread before us, formed a most
enchanting entertainment, that at once delighted the eye, charmed
the ear, and conveyed a tide of rapture to the whole soul. We
proceeded forward in this manner for about a mile, when turning
to the right hand we ascended a steep hill and directed our steps
The land
to every hut and human abode that came within ken.
here is high, commanding a still more extensive view of the Frith,
and the rich fertile country around; adorned at little distances
with some not inelegant country seats, surrounded with clusters
of pine plantings and huge army oaks, and green pleasure-grounds
which serve as pasturage to some fine flocks of sheep, cows, and
oxen. As the day began to decline in the west, we descended to
Prestonpans, a black uncomfortable town on the shore; and about
three miles distant from Musselburgh. Here I made a few efforts
to recommend myself and wares to some of the principal inhabi-
tants, but without success; and seeing neither the appearance of
sale, nor the prospect of finding common accommodation for the
night, we left its smoky confines, that seemed to be overlaid with
eternal showers of soot, and travelling for about two miles to the
south, through those fields once stained with the blood and strewed
with the carcasses of our contesting countrymen, we reached
Tranent, where, after an hour's fruitless search for lodgings, we
were at last directed to the house of an honest Northumbrian,
who kept a little genteel public-house, and were treated with a
MISCELLANEOUS PROSE WRITINGS.
33
generous and cheerful hospitality. The table was spread with ex-
cellent provision, the beer went freely round, and an old travelling
fiddler who sat by the fire, in recompence for the few draughts he
had drunk, tuned his instrument, and entertained us with a mix-
ture of murdered sounds and squeaking discords.
There is no species of pleasure more generally pleasing, or made
more welcome to the human heart, than flattery. Flattery is the
food of vanity, and vanity is the daughter of ignorance. To know
ourselves, is the only method to exclude vanity and the certain
way to despise flattery. Yet such is the frailty of our nature, that
the minds of the wisest, as well as those of the most foolish, are
apt at certain times, to be swelled by a secret pride and conscious
belief of a worth and importance, beyond what they really possess.
These ideas privately indulged, are not without their doubts; but
when persons are once applauded to the skies for those rare quali-
ties, and celebrated for the express excellencies which they long
supposed themselves possessed of, their doubts instantly disappear,
their pride rises confirmed of its master's mighty importance, and
the flatterer is hugged as their noblest friend,—one who has at length
ventured to tell the truth; whose candour and penetration can
justly discern and honestly display the brilliancy of their merits.
With a full doze of this inspiring potion we treated our inimitable
musician, and by extolling the loudness of his fiddle, the agility
with which he played, the almost innumerable multitudes of his
tunes, and in short, every other quality that belonged to a good
performer, we kept him scratching among the strings, till a pro-
fusion of sweat streamed from every quarter of his countenance,
and the tolling of the town bell summoned us to bed. Next morn-
ing we rose to take a view of the town, and seeing it to be but
trifling, composed for the most part of mean houses, occupied by
labourers and some weavers (who in this part of the country are
wretchedly poor), we resumed our budgets, and proceeded east-
ward to Haddington, keeping the highway, sometimes on this
hand, sometimes on that, according as the situation of the farm-
houses lay. As we were thus tacking from place to place, a white
house, that crowned the top of a neighbouring hill about half a
mile from the road, caught my eye, and as its outward appearance
E
34
MISCELLANEOUS PROSE WRITINGS.
seemed to indicate better within, I steered directly for the glitter-
ing mansion. On my arrival, without stopping to knock (a cere-
mony never practised by pedlars, except when absolute necessity
requires), I entered a spacious kitchen, where a large fire
flamed in the chimney, over which an enormous pot raged with
the heat, while a couple of cats basked on the hearth. All around
wore the appearance of sumptuous plenty, but human creature I
neither saw nor heard. Tired with clambering up the steep, I
threw down my budget on the top of an old trunk, and sat down
expecting that some of the family would soon appear. I had not
been long seated, when an overgrown mastiff entered from another
door, and, eyeing me with a look of fury, passed and repassed
several times, then stretching himself on the floor, fixed his red
eye-balls with a grim, sulky jealousy, broad in my face. I had
rested for upwards of a quarter of an hour without any person mak-
ing their appearance. Having little time to lose, I determined to
stay no longer, and rose, with an intention of lifting my load. At
this moment, the furious animal sprung forwards, and with a most
infernal growl, seized me by the breast, and drove me against the
partition ! — Stunned as I was at this unexpected salute, I
endeavoured by soft and soothing phrases, to get from his un-
gracious embrace, but I soothed in vain; he was proof against all
the arts of flattery, which seemed rather to inflame his rage than
soften him to peace. Meantime I burned with fury to be dis-
engaged, and, had a large knife, which lay on the board, been
within reach, I had most certainly plunged it into his entrails, and
freed myself from this ferocious animal; but I was pinned to the
wall, and to move was death. In this situation, I stood for some
time, when an old lady entered, and seeing two such figures, in
such a position, started back, and stood for a few moments, fixed
in astonishment. I briefly explained the circumstances to her,
and desired her to call down the dog; this she instantly did, and
delivered me from one of the most disagreeable companions I
ever had in my life. Meantime, the servants entering, she
severely reprimanded them for leaving the kitchen; and relating
the affair, a general laugh commenced, in which, being now out of
danger, I heartily joined, resolved for the future to take care,
MISCELLANEOUS PROSE WRITINGS.
35
when and where, I parted with my budget.
Whether this
humorous accident had opened their hearts, or that they really stood
in need of these articles, I know not, but an uncommon spirit for
purchasing seemed to prevail; my wares were tossed out on a large
table, a group soon assembled, and for upwards of two hours, I
was closely engaged cutting, measuring, and pocketing the cash;
while the old matron, herself, hearing I was an author, liberally
purchased a copy of my poems. After which the servants began,
with no less spirit; so that, betwixt the success of my sale and
the enjoyment of a plentiful dinner, I had almost forgot the
horror of the mastiff's growls, when I gratefully left the house,
gained the highway, and in a short time joined my companion.

1
1


II.-Letters and American Letter-
Journals in America.
NOTE.
For the sources of this greatly-enlarged collection of the Letters
and American Letter-Journals of Wilson,-a considerable number of
the former being here first printed or first brought together,— see the
Preface. The whole are arranged chronologically. The main things of
each Letter are placed at the head successively. A star [*] denotes
those first printed here: a dagger [+] those hitherto unedited: those
unmarked, have been previously collected.-G.

Getters.
+
* LETTER I.
'A poor inconsiderate mortal'-varied scenes and parts-unsoothed grief-
a glimpse of the setting sun to the traveller-'sailor's' last look-the
past 'harmony and love,' except visits of a certain tattered dame ’—
a 'packman'-Kennedy, Picken, and author of song of 'Bannockburn '—-
good wishes-Verse.
To Mr. DAVID BRODIE, Schoolmaster,
Quarrelton, near Paisley.
April 23, 1788.
DEAR FRIEND,
A poor inconsiderate mortal once known to you, but
alas! long since lost from you amidst the hurry and bustle of life,
here takes the liberty of enquiring after your welfare. Many
a scene has he passed through, and many a part has he acted;
yet in all his lonely hours, you presented yourself to his ken. And
did that soothe his grief or heighten his pleasure? No; alas,
no more than the last brief glimpse of the setting sun gives to the
traveller when he is himself just about to be benighted in some
lonely desert, and hears already the dismal howls and growls
of ferocious animals surrounding him; or as the weeping
40
LETTERS.
.
sailor, when he takes his last long look of his native shore which
contains all he holds dear. With what anguish do I reflect on
past scenes, where all was harmony and love, except for a few
visits that your humble servant had the dishonour of receiving
from a certain tattered dame, whom, however, he did not much
regard, but often laughed her out of countenance. Oh! happy,
happy seasons, ne'er shall ye return! and where and what have
you left me ? Why, nothing but a Poor Packman ! Nay,
stare not, my friend; nothing more or less, I assure you, is
the personage that thus makes bold to address you. Here I
should pause and stop, and let you ponder and wonder and laugh;
but I will not, for I have more to tell you. Know then, that last
week I passed almost a whole night in company with three
poets. One was James Kennedy, Ebenezer Picken—who is
publishing his works, and the last and most glorious was the
immortal author of that well-known ballad, "The Battle of
Bannockburn," "From the Ocean, &c." Blessed meeting! Never
did I spend such a night all my life. Oh, I was all fire! oh, I
was all spirit! I had the honour of being highly complimented
by 'Bannockburn' for a poem which I wrote in praise of his
sublime song. Perhaps I may have the pleasure of sending a
copy of it, if you please to answer my letter, with several other
pieces which I have beside me. I have sent you here a few verses
on a trifling circumstance, but the thoughts resemble a spider—
she spins a very extensive work from a small compass. Dear Sir,
you will favour me with a letter on receiving this, I shall regard
it [as] one of the greatest honours you ever did me. I have now a
more deep regard for the Muse than ever. I have opportunity,
and my views are more expanded than when I sung on the loom.
Mr. Kennedy desires to be remembered to you. I would write
more to you, but perhaps I disturb you. If I have said
anything amiss, pardon me. I know there are a great many
wrong-spelt words, which you will please look over.
may long be happy in your noisy mansion to hammer wisdom
through the dark walls of the blockheads' skulls; to teach the
young ideas how to shoot; to pour instruction over the opening
if
That you
LETTERS.
41
mind; to be a terror to evil-doers, and a praise to well-doers, is
the sincere wish of
SIR,
Your humble Servant,
ALEXANDER WILSON.
P.S.-Please direct to the care of Alex. Leishman, West End
of Falkirk, where I will be for three weeks to come.
EDINBURGH, April 28, 1788.
Dear Friend and patron of my Muse's song,
All she attempts does unto you belong;
Vouchsafe the thanks she thus most grateful pays.
Inspired by you she shot her infant rays,
Dawn'd to the light, and glory'd in your praise ;
But cursed Fortune that still frowning slut,
Rent us asunder from our peaceful hut.
O happy dwelling! where my willing pen
Drew scenes of horror, or deceits of men,-
In your kind face I saw encore or hiss,
Each smile was rapture, and each laugh was bliss.
P.S.-If you should wonder at this short address,
Read the first letters of these lines, and guess.
[An acrostic-D-A-V-I-D B-R-O-D-I-E.]
* LETTER II.
Apology in mock-heroics for not sending a Book-Thomas Wotherspoon-peruse
the MS. with the eye of a friend and a critic '-Verses.
To the Same.
August 13, 1788.
RESPECTED SIR,
I am very much ashamed to think I have used you
so mean and dishonourably, after promising to leave the book;
but
F
42
LETTERS.
O place it not to blank regard,
Or disrespect insist;
Ye ken yoursel' my hapless weird,-
The frail, the faithless chest!!
I have at length sent it to be conveyed to you from Paisley by
Thomas Wotherspoon. Mr. James Kennedy has his compliments
to you. As for the little book, if you take the trouble to peruse
it, let it be with the joint eye of a friend and critic. I shall take
it very kindly to hear your objections. I could have sent you
another, but let this suffice for the present-as perhaps you have
little time to spare.
Now, though I did my promise break,
An' gart you on my truth reflect;
Believe me, sir, with true respect,
Though undeservin',
While I can lift a pen or snek,
You humble servin'.
EDINBURGH, August 13, 1788.
ALEXANDER WILSON.
* LETTER III.
Out as a 'Packman' (Pedlar)-In an Inn at St. Andrews-The year departing—
Silence and solitude-'Holy' inferences and admonitions kept back-
Despondency-Self-Blame-Remembrance-Farewell-A Visit announced-
Verse and Prose.
To the Same.
Written on the last day, and last hour of that last day,
December 31, 1788.
Far distant, in an inn's third storey rear'd,——
The sheet beneath a glimmering taper spread,-
Along the shadowy walls no sound is heard,
Save Time's slow, constant, momentary tread.
Here lone I sit; and will you, sir, excuse
My midnight theme, while (feebly as she can)
Inspiring silence bids, the serious Muse
Survey the transient bliss pursued by Man.
LETTERS.
43
Deluded Man, for him Spring paints the fields;
For him, warm Summer rears the rip'ning grain ;
He grasps the bounty that rich Autumn yields,
And counts those trifles as essential gain.
For him, yes, sure, for him those mercies flow!
Yet, why so passing, why so fleet their stay?
To teach blind mortals what they first should know,
That all is transient as the fleeting day.
Short is the period since green smil'd the wood,
And flowers ambrosial bath'd my morning path;
Sweet was the murmuring of the silver flood,
And glad the bee roam'd o'er the empurpled heath!
With conscious joy, I hail'd the rosy scene;
I joined the music of the woodlan' throng,
Stretch'd on the hazel bank, or sunny plain,
Where answering echo warbl'd all day long.
Delightful time! but, ah, how short its stay!
Stript were the foliage from each flower, each tree,-
Grim tyrant Winter vail'd the joyless day,
And rear'd imperious o'er the hail-beat lea.
Where now the fragrance of the howling wood,
And what the pleasures we from morn can taste;
The snow-clad banks, the big brown roaring flood,
The bleak wind whistling o'er the drifted waste.
'Tis thus, dear sir, in Life's delusive dream ;—
We fondly sport till Youth's gay act is o'er,
Till Age, till Death, steal on in sullen stream,
And worldly bubbles charm the soul no more.
Passing by a whole cart-load of holy inferences which I had
drawn from these considerations, also overleaping the long train
of admonitions resulting from these inferences, let me tell you that
nothing but the hopes I have that you entertain most magnificent
ideas of my poems, (part of which I guess by your expressive
silence,) would have induced me to have racked my brain at such
a rate, and sitten in such an uncomfortable situation, to give you
a rhyme narration,-a hint of which uncomfortable seat you have
44
LETTERS.
in the following verses, which I am obliged to give you just as
they are broken off from the cluster of a long prayer which I had
inserted, but which, on account of its enormous weight and vast
extent, I omit and expunge:
But, sir, forgive the wandering of the Muse.
To you, again, her sadd'ning strain she'll turn;
To you, to ask (and oh! remit the news)
Why thus, with silence, all my warmth return ?
It is because-but, hark !—the tempest blows
Loud. O'er my fireless dome it wildly heaves !
The wintry drop, prone from my drooping nose,
Hangs dangling, limpid as the brain it leaves.
The frowning Muse has fled the frozen frame,-
The voice of Riot strikes my list'ning ear,
In sinking, mounting-sad, inconstant flame-
My candle's ending with the ending year.
Here you may perhaps stare up, and exclaim-" Why, what does
the fellow mean? If he sat pining in that deplorable case, was it
not his own fault? Was there no liquor in the house?" Aye;
but my friend you don't consider that drinking is destructive to
reason, and reason, in her purest state, is requisite when I write
to you. And, moreover, drinking is the bane of frugality, and
frugality is one of the essentials of a pedlar, and I am a pedlar;
so you see no wonder I suffered patiently, when I suffered rightly.
But to conclude-
Dear sir, adieu! may success, health, and peace,
Crown your each year, and every labour too;
And, sure, if virtuous worth claims human praise,
Fate yet in keeping holds a wreath for you.
Fraught with fresh blessings be this coming year;
And should some period of its fav'ring reign
Admit the pedlar's joy, he'll homeward steer,
And hail your mansion and his friend again.
I am,
RESPECTED SIR,
Yours,
St. Andrews, Dec. 31, 1788.
ALEXANDER WILSON.
LETTERS.
45
C
* LETTER IV.
Confidence from past approbation-Manuscripts sent for perusal and 'severe'
criticism-Spelling and handwriting 'if it be legible' to be excused-
Genius often appears in rags'-more 'Pieces' ready-A Volume con-
templated-disappointed of a letter-The school and pre-occupation no
excuse for forgetting the Pedlar'-A poetical fable- The future un-
certain-Papers destroyed.
To the Same.
April 8, 1789.
DEAR SIR,
Presuming on the approbation you have been pleased often
to honour my small performances with, I have here sent for your
perusal a collection of the most noticeable that I have at present
by me, requesting it as a most singular favour, that you would
examine them with the severity of a discerning critic-without
mercy; or rather, in mercy, exposing what you deem improper
or unharmonious,—as no doubt, in spite of my studied particular
care, numbers of such have escaped me. Wrong spelling, or a
word or two neglected, I hope you will rectify. Such oversights
are not strangers to the most careful. As to the penmanship in
which they appear, say nothing about it. If you can read it,
that's all I want; if not, I will join with you in calling it truly
wretched. What of that? Genius often appears in rags, beauty
in a hut; and why may not you disregard the garb when the
author has alas! no better to give them? but I know you will.
I believe I may have as many pieces as finish the book, with
some themes only in view yet; and should you approve of it, I
would soon curse the world with another poetical volume; but
Vanity, hence !
I have this some time fondly expected a letter from you; but
have been disappointed. Involved amid the ceaseless murmur
of a school, and your mind employed in hearing petitions, distri-
buting learning and justice, stilling external commotions, and
spreading a venerable awe over your tumultuous subjects, is a
task superior to thousands, and adequate to great parts. No
wonder, then, amid your political operations, you forget the
46
LETTERS.
Pedlar (removed to a distant country),-despicable as the vanities
he deals in. However, don't imagine I reflect on you. You know
me too well for to think that; and I hope you will excuse the
freedom I have taken, imputing it to that principle of impudence
that every packman is essentially vested with. If after perusing
the miscellany, they merit your praise, how will I exult! but as
I am prepared for the worst, I shall be bold enough to read my
fate in the following fable, which, as I have a little leisure at
present, I relate for the sake of the striking likeness of the
principle character to it of a certain pedantic genius well known
to you :-
A Monkey who, in leisure hours,
Was wondrous fond of herbs and flowers
(For once he wore a gardener's chain,
But 'scaped safe to his woods again),
Chose out a spot to show his parts.
Scratches the soil,-the flower inserts;
There stuck the rose,
There placed the pink,
With various blooms filled every chink.
Around him stole the mimic crew,
Amused at the appearance new ;
The shrubs surveyed,
The nodding flowers;
And, struck with wonder at his powers,
Pronounced him. with applauding gape,
A most expert, ingenious ape,
"Knew humans what you thus inherit,
Unbounded gifts would crown your merit."
He proudly bowed,
Approved their taste,
And for the town prepares in haste.
A bee who flew from bloom to bloom
In vain, for food, thus fixed his doom ;-
"What mighty fool! what senseless ass !
Has laid these gaudy nothings thus?
Stalks placed in bloom,
Shrubs fixed for fruit,
And each without a trunk or root.
Fool that I was to ramble here,
I merit just the whole hives' sneer;
For they who patronise a fool,
Are meanest mankind's meanest tool."
LETTERS.
47
He spoke,-the burning noontide came,-
They withering shrunk, and sunk his fame.
If such be my fate, "I'll break my reed, and never whistle
mair."
I have sent you here a printed piece of a friend's, with a motto
on the title page from the pen of the illustrious Alex, which I had
inexpressible rapture of seeing in the News!!
DEAR SIR,-I hope you will, in a short time, remit a few lines.
to me by Thomas Wotherspoon, or by the direction you have,
as I don't" know what a day may bring forth,"-some un-
avoidable misfortunes beginning to blacken over my head, and
looking melancholy enough, yet for all that, it glads me to be
your humble servant,
EDINBURGH, April 8, 1789.
ALEXANDER WILSON.
P.S.-I have no other copy of the Essays
you, having committed them to the flames.
save the one I sent
Some of the pieces
are not finished for want of time, not for a want of materials.
LETTER V.
Despondency-Poets of 'fine feelings'-Encouragement given-perhaps better to
remain a 'Weaver' only-nevertheless, the Muse a comforter-A 'Packman'
not respected-Poems need correction-Lochwinnoch' and M'Dowall.
To the Same.
EDINBURGH, Nov. 10th, 1789.
DEAR SIR,
Among the many and dismal ingredients that embitter the
cup of life, none affect the feelings or distress the spirit, as deeply
as despondence. She is the daughter of disappointed hope, and the
mother of gloomy despair, the source of every misery, and the
channel to eternal ruin. Happy, thrice happy the man, whose
48
LETTERS:
breast is fortified against her insinuations, and towers above
her tyranny.
But, alas! what heart has not sunk beneath
her melancholy frowns! To be snatched from the yawning jaws of
ruin, raised on the wings of hope to the delightful fields of bliss
and felicity—to have the enchanting prospect before us, or within
our grasp, and in these flattering circumstances to be cruelly in-
sulted, and unmercifully precipitated down the unfathomable
gulph, is what would bring a sigh from the most insensible and
hardened wretch in the universe. How much more then must it
agonize that individual who trembles at the least prospect of dis-
order or misfortune. In every age the poet has been allowed to
be possessed of finer feelings, and quicker sensations than the bulk
of mankind. To him joy is rapture, and sorrow despair; the least
beam of hope brightens, and the slightest shades horrify his tu-
multuous soul? Imagination points out the approaching storm,
and anticipates that wretchedness which it thinks is impossible to
be avoided. If such their state, may Heaven guard me from
the wretched tribe. But what do I say? I have been hurried on
by the irresistible tide of inclination until now, and at this
moment I find myself enrolled among those very wretches, and a
sharer of these express torments at which I start. Oh, my friend!
why did you awake that spark of genius, which has now overspread
my soul? Your smile called it to existence, and your approbation
inspired its gathering flame. How greedily did I devour the
tempting bait. Every look of applause lifted me a stage, till I
gained the highest pinnacle of Hope and Expectation; and how
dreadful my fall! Happy would I have been, had I scorned the
offered incense of praise, and been deaf, resolutely deaf, to the
bewitching accents; then had I still been buried in the dark
cobweb recesses of some solitary hut, launching the murmuring
shuttle, or guiding the slender thread; all my care a trifle to
satisfy my landlady, and all my joy John's* grim-like smile; and
my highest hope, a good web. Transporting thought, 'delightful
period.' These were the times of joy and plenty, the reign of
uninterrupted content. Were they? Ha! where is my mistaken
* A well-known manufacturer in Paisley.
LETTERS.
49
fancy running? "The reign of content, the times of plenty."
Conscience denies the lying assertion, and experience shakes her
expressive head. She says no such times were they. Toil was
thy abhorrence. Want hovered over thy loom, and poverty
stalked with thee as thy shadow. True, my faithful guide,-true
is your accusation. I own I grovelled in obscurity, no hopes to
inspire, nor muse to soothe my struggling breast, till you, my
dear friend, saw the glimmering spark, blew it to a flame, and
rescued the buried muse from oblivion. How often has she soothed
my troubled mind, and enabled me to breathe forth my melan-
choly plaints, dissolved me to joy, or swelled me to rapture; and
shall I blame you for this? No, my dear sir, your name inspires
her theme, and her best services shall be at your feet.
w
Since I left Paisley, I have met with some encouragement, but
I assure you, sir, that my occupation is greatly against my success
in collecting subscribers. A Packman is a character which none
esteem, and almost every one despises. The idea which people of
all ranks entertain of them is, that they are mean-spirited,
loquacious liars, cunning and illiterate, watching every oppor-
tunity, and using every low and mean art within their power to
cheat. When any one applies a genteel person, pretending to
be a poet, he is treated with ridicule and contempt; and even
though he should produce a specimen, it is either thrown back
again, without being thought worthy of perusal, or else read with
prejudice. I find also that a poet's fame is his wealth. Of this
the booksellers to whom I applied with proposals have complained,
saying “it was a pity I was not better known." I think there-
fore it will be my best scheme to collect the manuscripts in an
orderly manner, and send them to some gentleman for correction.
Since I saw you, I have finished several pieces in English verse,
particularly a poem entitled "Lochwinnoch," in which I hope I
have drawn the character of Mr. M'D. so as to please you, and
perhaps himself, yet after all you cannot conceive the difficulties
which at present involve,
DEAR SIR,
Your humble Servant,
ALEXANDER WILSON.
Ꮐ
50
LETTERS.
LETTER VI.
In adversity and dejection-Health failing-Future dark and sad-Death a
terror.
*To Mr. THOMAS CRICHTON.
September 20th, 1790 :
Tower of Athenbathy.
DEAR FRIEND,
It undoubtedly requires a greater degree of fortitude,
and a firmer constitution for a feeling mind to struggle with
adversity, than is often their lot. Under the pressure of virtuous
misfortunes, thousands pine in secret till disease settles on their
frame, and consumes the little of life they have left, while others
are unhappy only in the eyes of the world. Blessed with hearts
unsusceptible of feeling the past, or fearing the future, they only
endure the present sufferings, which hope dissipates with endear-
ing smiles and ceaseless promises. A sensibility under misfortune
gives every new distress innumerable stings, but when once
hope takes her residence in the heart, their numbers diminish,
their terrors disappear, and, though under real suffering for the
present, we forget them in the anticipation of future scenes of
approaching happiness.
Such, my dear sir, are the thoughts that for ever revolve
through my breast-such the melancholy reflections of one lost to
every beam of hope,—and such, amid the most dismal, the .most
complicated horrors of distress! Driven by poverty and disease to
the solitudes of retirement, at the same period when the flush of
youth, the thirst of fame, the expected applause of the world, and
the charms of ambition, welcomed him to the field. Had I but
one hope more left of enjoying life and health, methinks I could
cheerfully suffer the miseries that now surround me; but, alas, I feel
my body decay daily, my spirits and strength continually decrease,
and something within tells me that dissolution,-dreadful dis-
solution,-is not far distant. No heart can conceive the terrors
*This letter is written on a leaf torn from a ruled account book.—G.
LETTERS.
51
of those who tremble under the apprehension of death. This
increases their love of life, and every new advance of the king of
terrors overwhelms them with despair. How hard, how difficult,
how happy to prepare for eternity; and yet how dreadful to live
or to die unprepared. Oh! that I were enabled to make it my
study to interest myself in his favour, who has the keys of Hell
and of Death. Then all the vanities of life would appear what
they really are, and the shades of death would brighten up a
glorious path to everlasting mansions of felicity.
My dear sir, you will no doubt be surprised to hear me talk in
this manner, but are not you more surprised that you found me
so long a stranger to these things? They are the sincere effusions
of my soul, and I hope that through the Divine aid they shall be
my future delight, whether health shall again return, or Death
has lifted the commissioned dart.
My health is in a very declining state. The surgeon believes
my disease to be an inflammation of the lungs. I intend to stay
some time longer in the country, and to hear from you would be
acceptable to the unfortunate
ALEXANDER WILSON.
P.S.-Excuse this shift for want of paper, and direct to me,
care of William Ewing, innkeeper, Lochwinnoch, who will get
your letter conveyed to me, or write by the bearer, who returns
to-morrow.
ANSWER OF MR. THOMAS CRICHTON.
PAISLEY, September, 1790.
DEAR SIR,
sorrows.
I received your letter, and am sorry to observe it spread over with such
a melancholy gloom. Every sentence bespeaks a mind pierced through with many
Of all with whom I have been acquainted, I have never met with one
more susceptible of painful feeling under the calamities of life than you are. I
must acknowledge that your present situation is truly pitiable, and I can assure
you that you have my sympathetic condolence. Poverty and disease, and all the
painful sentiments that must arise in a mind so feeling as yours, present me with
the most complicated scene of human woe. How different your situation now,
from what it lately was, when in health and high-raised hopes, you anticipated
the plaudits of fame on the ushering of your lato publication into the world! How
high your expectations, and how have they been disappointed! But what though
you had been advanced to the highest pinnacle of the temple of Fame, would the
52
LETTERS.
1
distinguished_elevation have made you happy? The experience of thousands
answer, No: Reason and Religion join with united voice in telling us, that
"Too low they build, who build beneath the skies.
I shuddered when I read the description you gave me of your present state-that
you are "lost to every beam of hope, and sunk amid the most dismal, the most
complicated horrors of distress." Sorry indeed would I be to increase the tide of
misery that now overwhelms you, by any further reflections on this disagreeable
subject. I would rather act the part of a kind physician, in pointing out the only
medicine that can heal your wounded mind. To know that you are diseased, is to
me a favourable symptom of your approaching cure. You seem to be sensible that
in the days of bodily health and vigour, you neglected the most important con-
cerns of eternity; and I am happy to observe that, when the clouds of adversity
are darkly hovering over your head, you are convinced that an interest in the
favour of HIM who hath the keys of hell and of death, is the one thing needful,
and that you are not left to seek consolation in your present affliction from the
gloomy principles of infidelity, as many have done in your circumstances. My
dear friend, what a miserable creature is man, when destitute of religion! If I
rightly recollect, in the last conversation I had with you, I compared him to a
vessel without a rudder tossed to and fro upon the stormy ocean.

LETTER VII.
Miseries on the increase-As a traveller in a wood, 'turned aside' from the
beaten road'-Poverty and debts-Fame-Poetry a disappointment and
snare-Hope shall not entice-The Volume of 1790-Kindness of his Publisher,
'Neilson-Resident in Edinburgh-A Journey with Mr.
To the Same.
HADDINGTON, 2nd November, 1790.
DEAR FRIEND,
no success.
I have no doubt but by this time you are anxious to
hear what has become of me; and as I am at present disengaged,
and have experienced much of your sympathy, I shall not think
my time altogether lost to inform you of my situation-not that I
can cheerfully assure you that all my miseries are sunk in oblivion,
and all my sorrows vanished like a vision. No, alas! that happy
period, that long-looked-for time has not yet arrived, but my
miseries seem lengthening with life. I look upon myself as a
traveller who, fond of variety, has left the beaten track to explore
the recesses of some wood, whose tempting borders had drawn
him from his way. Eager to contemplate the surrounding scenes,
and captivated by the gaudy flowers that everywhere bend beneath
his feet, he wanders on, forgetful of his journey, hunts through
every new thicket, rushes through the thickening shade, till at
LETTERS.
53
length he finds himself involved amid a labyrinth of perplexing
branches, and harassing brambles. Forward, ten thousand dis-
tresses present themselves, and backward, he is unable to trace the
path. Night approaches, the tempest roars among the trees, and
the relentless savages of the forest howl around the distressed
wretch, who now too late sees his folly, and reflects with a tear on
those happy times when he cheerfully pursued his journey.
In this poetical wood, I am at this moment lost. There, the
brambles and briars of poverty harass, and there is heard the growl
of creditors. O that I could roll back the tide of time, and place
myself in the same circumstances I was a few years ago. Then all
the charms of Fame, the insinuations of ambition, the applause,
renown, and admiration of the world, would in vain display their
united glories to tempt me to one line of verse. But you will
perhaps say, Why do you not adopt this laudable design, and put
it in immediate design? Alas! sir, I fear I cannot, and this
alone makes me to tremble. From repeated experience, I can
here solemnly declare, that I have found poetry, however pleasing
and delightful for the present moment, to be productive of name-
less miseries, and in reality the source of all my sorrows. It has
consumed much of my fleeting time that might have been employed
to unspeakably better purposes in actions and necessary designs,
that would have secured me the esteem of my friends, and con-
veyed pleasure in the reflection. By diverting my mind from the
essential interests of life, it has plunged me into the depths of
poverty, there solitary to languish, pained by the bitter reflection
of being my own destroyer. In a word, it has sunk me in sickness,
in debt, in disappointment, and in all the gloom of despondence;
has embittered the comforts of life, and veiled from my view all
the hopes of religion. And shall I still attend its dictates? Shall
I nourish this deluding, this murdering enchantress, in my bosom?
No, Heaven forbid. The smiles, the promises of Hope, shall
never again deceive me, since all these once-expected laurels of
fame and honour, and the treasures of wealth, are as distant from
my view as ever. Let me, therefore, learn to despise them all;
for what are all their glories but shadows, bubbles, and poisonous
potions that corrupt the heart, disorder the judgment, and con-
54
LETTERS.
tinually blast, and for ever banish that inestimable and best of
blessings, peace of mind.—But where am I going? I sat down to
give you an account of my present situation, but have distressed
you with a melancholy detail of my past misfortunes. Pardon the
digression, my dear friend, and consider that it is to the friend
alone, that the burthened heart ventures to pour forth its sorrows.
You know the little success I received in Paisley made me to
tremble to think in what manner I should reveal my unfortunate
circumstances to Mr. N To leave the place without making
any apology for the past, or explanation of the method I intended
to follow for the future, would, I considered, justly expose me to
his displeasure and suspicion, and also be highly ungrateful in
return for all that kindness he had all along shown me. I there-
fore went and explained matters as they stood, with the deepest
regret for being unable to give him any money arising from the
few copies I had sold. His goodness I shall never forget. He
freely excused me on account of the circumstances in which I had
been placed; but recommended it to me to be industrious in
getting the rest disposed of, and that from whatever place I sent
for copies, he would remit them, This was kind, exceeding kind,
but alas! where was I to dispose of them? However, necessity
urging, I gave my landlord one guinea, and an account, which I
hope, by this time, has produced him another; and taking leave
of all my friends, departed from the confines of that town where,
in the short space of seven months, I had experienced all the
combined horrors of sickness, poverty, and despondence. In two
days I arrived at Edinburgh, and immediately paid Mr.
visit. Unwilling to be looked upon as a burthensome guest, I
hired a small room in the other end of the town, and five or six
times a-day (by desire) attended this elevated gentleman's Levee.
To give you a particular account of the distant and strange recep-
tion I met with from this quarter, would be unnecessary. After
staying two weeks, Mr. all on a sudden told me that he
meant to take a jaunt through part of Scotland with goods, and
invited me to assist him. To this I immediately consented, in
expectation of selling my books. We have already been in Dal-
keith, Musselburgh, Prestonpans, and are come to this place, and
а
LETTERS.
55
although I have used every scheme I could invent, none seem to
regard the author or to encourage his performance. How long I
will continue in this state is uncertain. When at leisure write
me, and you shall not fail in return to hear from the most unfor-
tunate of poets, pedlars, and men, who, notwithstanding, is with
the most sincere esteem,
Your affectionate Friend, while
ALEXANDER WILSON.
* LETTER VIII.
Present situation would evoke perchance 'mirth' and perchance 'sorrow'-
Garrets, duns, etc.-poetical misery-Must renounce the Muse-toil or
starve-Narrative enclosed (Journals).
To Mr. DAVID BRODIE.
January 5, 1791.
SIR,
Were you to see the situation in which I am while
writing this letter, I can't for my life say whether mirth or
sorrow would be most predominant in your mind; whether a burst
of uncommon laughter would convulse your nerves, or the tear
of pity steal from your cheek. All the stories you have read
of garrets, tatters, unmerciful duns, lank hunger, and poetical
misery, are all sadly realised in me. The neglect of an unreward-
ing world has blasted all those airy hopes that once smiled so
promisingly, and I find the decree of my fate running thus—
Renounce poetry and all its distracting notions, descend to the
labourer's vale of life, there attend the dictates of prudence, and
toil or starve. The enclosed narrative I send you for your amuse-
ment, as a small return for the kindness you have often showed
Your humble Servant,
A. WILSON.
56
LETTERS.
* LETTER IX.
Leisure moments for a Letter-left Paisley for Glasgow and thence to Falkirk-
Picken. 'received' me kindly, and. 'presented' me to his wife, 'a decent
enough woman'-Picken engaged at Carron-Proceeded to Callander, on
the 'border of the Highlands'-Thoughts of remaining there—On the third
day 'gave it up-The Schoolmasters of Callander, sketches of them--In
Edinburgh- Last half-crown-In the Pantheon.
•
To the Same.
23rd November, 1792.
DEAR SIR,
As a few leisure moments at present are at my disposal,
I willingly devote them to your service; and as anything that
relates to those we esteem never fails to interest, I hope, on
receival of this, you will oblige me in your turn. I left Paisley
on Thursday's night, slept in Glasgow, and next morning travelled
to Falkirk, where I was kindly received by Picken, who presented
me to his wife,—a decent enough woman,—and prevailed on me to
stay till Monday. I was agreeably informed that he had engaged
to go to Carron (about a mile distant), there to enjoy a yearly
salary of £50, for the trouble of teaching the English, French, and
Latin Languages, Writing, and Arithmetic. For this purpose,
they have built him a little genteel kitchen, with a parlour and
two bedrooms, a closet, greatly enlarged the schoolhouse, and
promised to do their utmost for him. I have not a doubt but
Picken may please them; he has so much of the tongue, and such
a quantity of the pedant in him, that what little abilities he
possesses, will appear to the vulgar ten times greater than what
they really are. It was fortunate this place started, as he told
me he was in danger of starving in Falkirk. He was to remove
Monday was eight days. From Falkirk, I went to Callander—a
town on the border of the Highlands, about twenty-eight miles
distant. I was half resolved to stay here, and study Arithmetic ;
and for this end, sent for the town-schoolmaster. (I should have
informed you that there is a large Academy here under the
LETTERS.
57
inspection of Mr. Robertson, the minister, and patronised by
Drummond of Perth). Well, he came, and I told him my inten-
tion. “Very well,” says he, "you can come whenever it is
agreeable.” I had a little money with me, and I foolishly believed
it would serve me till I should make considerable proficiency in
arithmetic. I accordingly went, purchased a slate, and set
seriously about it. Two days elapsed,-I persevered; but the
third, I gave it up. I began to consider the costs, which would
soon have consumed my little all; so paid my lodgings, and
decamped. I reached Stirling about 7 at night, and went forward
to St. Ninians, where I lodged all night. I set out for Edinburgh
next morning, where I arrived about twilight.
There are two teachers in the school at Callander,—one teaches
Latin and French, the other English, Writing, and Arithmetic.
As for the first, I am not a proper judge of his merits, further
than that he seemed totally devoid of all sentiments of humanity
in correcting. The latter surprised me very much, and must un-
doubtedly be a genius, as he teaches a language he has not yet
learned to speak (being a Highlander), and writes about as well as
your humble servant did in our Gordon-lonian cell. Upon the
whole, I found them a couple of morose, unsociable Highland
pedants,—sullen, because they had nothing to say; and reserved,
because they were afraid of exposing their mighty ignorance.
Indeed, it is all one to the minister what sort of men they may be,
as the longer their pupils are in finishing their learning, the
longer they are his boarders, -thirteen or fourteen of them at
least; and this consideration, without doubt, makes the reverend
rogue wink at their shallowness.
At Edinburgh, I passed several days without having [MS. torn
and mutilated] enough to determine on anything. At length the
[MS. mutilated] of my last half-crown raised me from my lethargy,
and I am now earning more in a sphere which you shall be made
acquainted with hereafter. The only thing left for me to tell you
is, that on Thursday I went to the Pantheon, resolved to deliver
my sentiments on the night's debate. The house was uncommonly
crowded. In the course of debating, a long and languid pause
occurred. I seized the wished-for opportunity; and with a
H
58
LETTERS.
melancholy phiz, delivered the enclosed speech, and was crowned
with the most unbounded applause.
I am,
DEAR SIR,
Yours sincerely,
ALEXANDER WILSON.
P.S.-Direct to the care of Mr. James Kennedy, manufacturer,
at the High School, Cannongate, Edinburgh.
* LETTER X.
In 'Jail'-thanks for a 'token' of friendship-gloom and wretchedness of a
Prison-'unable to pay' the sum awarded, £12 13s. 6d.-Oath made-' Mr.
Sharp resolved to punish'-'I shall know, after a little,' what is to be the
outcome.
To the Same,
At Mr. Campbell's Mill, Johnstone :
Paisley Jail, 21st May, 1793.
DEAR SIR,
When I last wrote you, nothing but absolute necessity
would have prevailed on me to make the requisition I then did,
and sorry I was that that necessity should ever had cause to
exist. I sincerely thank you, sir, for the token of friendship
which you sent me, which I will repay as soon as Providence shall
open the door for my release from this new scene of misery, this
assemblage of wretches and wretchedness; where the rumbling
of bolts, the hoarse exclamations of the jailor, the sighs and sallow
countenances of the prisoners, and the general gloom of the place
require all the exertions of resolution to be cheerful and resigned
to the will of fate, particularly those who have no prospect or
expectation of liberty. Being perfectly unable to pay the sum
awarded against me, which is in toto £12 13s. 6d., I yesterday
gave oath accordingly, and had the comfort to be told that Mr.
LETTERS.
59
Sharp was resolved to punish me though it should cost him a little
money. However, I shall know after a little more confinement of
two days or so. Meantime, to have a line or two from you would
be an additional favour to,
DEAR SIR,
Your obliged servant,
A. WILSON.
PAISLEY JAIL, 21st May, 1793.
LETTER XI.
'At length in America' and his nephew William Duncan-The ship 'Swift'-did
not write to save from anxiety, but fears he mistook-350 passengers
very sick-Spoke' Caledonia-An Irish Patriot Dr. Reynolds' found on
board--'Islands' of Ice [Icebergs]-A great Storm-A seaman overboard-
Land in sight-Reedy Island-Passenger drowned-arrived at Newcastle-
walked to Wilmington-on to Philadelphia-Weather extremely hot-
'Provisions' high-priced-In the Woods-James Robertson-Home message
to his Father and Mother.
To his Father and Mother.
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES, July 25, 1794.
DEAR FATHER AND MOTHER,
You will see by this letter that I am at length in
America, as is also my nephew, William Duncan-both in good
health. We sailed in the ship "Swift," from Belfast Loch, on
Friday the 23d of May, about six in the morning, at which time I
would have wrote you; but, hoping we would have a speedy pass-
age, and feeling for the anxiety I feared you might be under in
knowing we were at sea, I purposely omitted writing till our
arrival in America. I fear that by this conduct I have given you
more unhappiness than I am aware of; if I have, I hope you will
forgive me, for I intended otherwise. We had 350 passengers-a
mixed multitude of men, women, and children. Each berth
between decks was made to hold them all, with scarce a foot for
each. At first sight I own, it appeared to me almost impossible
that one half of them could survive; but, on looking around, and
60
LETTERS.
:
seeing some whom I thought not much stouter than myself, I
thought I might have a chance as well as the rest or some of them.
I asked Willy if he was willing, and he saying he was, we went up
to Belfast immediately for our clothes; and in two days after we
got on board, she sailed. We were very sick four days, but soon
recovered; and having a good, steady, fair breeze for near a fort-
night, had hopes of having an excellent voyage. On the third
day, and just as we lost sight of land, we spoke the Caledonia of
Greenock, a letter of marque, bound for the Bay of Fundy; on
Monday following, Dr. Reynolds, who was tried and condemned
by the Irish House of Lords, was discovered to be on board, and
treated all the passengers and crew with rum-grog, which we
drank to the confusion of despots, and the prosperity of liberty
all the world over. Till the 17th of June we had pretty good
weather, and only buried an old woman and two children. On
the 18th, we fell in with an amazing number of islands of ice; I
counted at one time thirty-four in sight, some of whom that we
nearly passed were more than twice as high as our main-top gallant
mast-head, and of great extent; we continued passing among
them, with a good breeze, for two days, during which time we ran
at least five knots an hour. On the 20th we had a storm of wind,
rain, thunder, and lightning, beyond anything I had ever wit-
nessed. Next day a seaman dropped overboard; and, though he
swam well and made for the ship, yet the sea running high, and
his clothes getting wet he perished within six yards of a hen-coop,
which he had thrown over to him, On the 11th July we could
plainly perceive land from the mast-head; but a terrible gale of
wind blowing all night from the shore, it was Sunday before we
had again the satisfaction of seeing it, scarcely perceptible through
the fog; but a pilot coming on board, and the sun rising, we
found ourselves within the Capes of the Delaware-the shore on
land having the appearance of being quite flat, and only a complete
forest of trees. About seven at night, having had a good breeze
all day, we cast anchor at a place called Reedy Island, where one
of the cabin passengers, and the first man who leapt ashore in the
long-boat, was drowned in returning to the ship. We arrived at
Newcastle the next day about mid-day, where we were all as

LETTERS.
61
happy as mortals could be; and being told that Wilmington was
only five miles up the river, we set out on foot through a flat woody
country, that looked in every respect like a new world to us, from
the great profusion of fruit that everywhere overhung our heads,
the strange birds, shrubs, &c., and came at length to Wilmington,
which lies on the side of a hill, about a mile from the Delaware,
and may be about as large as Renfrew, or perhaps larger. We could
hear of no employment here in our business, though I saw two
silk looms going, and some jennies preparing for establishing some
manufactory of cotton cloth; but they proceed with so little
spirit that I believe it may be some years before half a dozen of
looms can be employed. From Wilmington we proceeded to Phil-
adelphia, twenty-nine miles distant, where very little of the ground
is cleared; the only houses we saw were made of large logs of
wood, laid one over another; and what crops we could see, con-
sisted of Indian corn, potatoes, and some excellent oats. We
made free to go into a good many farm-houses on the road, but
saw none of that kindness and hospitality so often told of them.
We met with three weavers by the way, who live very quiet, and
well enough, but had no place for any of us. At length we came
within sight of Philadelphia, which lies something like Glasgow,
but on a much flatter piece of ground, extending in breadth along
the Delaware for near three miles. Here we made a more vigor-
ous search than ever for weavers, and found, to our astonishment,
that, though the city contains between forty and fifty thousand
people, there is not twenty weavers among the whole, and these
had no conveniences for journeymen, nor seemed to wish for any :
so after we had spent every farthing we had, and saw no hopes of
anything being done that way, we took the first offer of employ-
ment we could find, and have continued so since.
The weather here is so extremely hot, that even though writing
in an open room, and dressed-according to the custom-in
nothing but thin trowsers and waistcoat, and though it is near
eleven at night, I am wet with sweat. Judge, then, what it must
be at noon, with all kinds of tradesmen that come to this country :
none with less encouragement than weavers; and those of that
trade would do well to consider first how they would agree with
62
LETTERS.
the spade or wheelbarrow under the almost intolerable heat of a
scorching sun. I fear many of them never think of these.
Necessities of life are here very high, owing to the vast number
of emigrants from St. Domingo and France. Flour, though you
will scarce believe it, is near double the price to what it is in
Scotland; beef, ninepence of their currency, which is about six-
pence of ours; shoes, two dollars; and boarding in the most
moderate houses, two dollars and a-half; while house-rents are
most exorbitantly high. I was told yesterday, by a person who
had come immediately from Washington, that that city does not
contain above two dozen of houses, and if it come not faster on
than they have done, it won't contain a thousand inhabitants these
twenty years. As we passed through the woods on our way to
Philadelphia, I did not observe one bird such as those in Scotland,
but all much richer in colour. We saw a great number of
squirrels, snakes about a yard long, and some red birds, several
of which I shot for our curiosity.
.
Let John Findlayson know that I dined with his brother-in-law,
James Robertson, and spent three hours in the woods with him
near his own house. I was sorry there were some things I could
not inform him of, but he will hear from himself soon. He lives
in a very agreeable place, not far from where I was directed to
seek him; keeps a cow, and has a decent family of children, the
oldest girl may be about thirteen or more. He is very fond that one
of us should come and work with him, as he has three looms and
only one hand beside himself, and I believe Willy will go there
next week. I offer my best wishes to Thomas Wotherspoon and
wife, and would write to him, but the ship sails early to-morrow.
I have wrote to both my brothers-in-law, and I hope you will
write me as soon as possible, as I am uneasy to hear if you are
both well, or if you have lately heard any word from Rob, as it
is reported here that Howe and the French fleet have had an
engagement. I am sorry I have so little room.-I beg once more
you will write to me soon, and direct to the care of Mr. William
Young, Bookseller, Chesnut Street, Philadelphia. And wishing
you both as much happiness as this world can afford,
I remain, your affectionate Son,
ALEXANDER WILSON.
LETTERS.
63
LETTER XII.
No letters from 'home'-season unwholesome and sultry-yellow fever epidemic
in Philadelphia-war threatened by the French Directory'-great prepara-
tions being made for it-crops a failure-for 'three years' boarded with a
German family.
To his Father.
Milestown, Bristol Township, Philadelphia County,
DEAR FATHER,
August 22, 1798.
If I were to judge of my friends in Scotland by their
cold silence to all my letters these two years, I might perhaps
wrong them, but I will be more generous with them, and conclude
that they have all wrote me ten or twelve times a-piece, and all
miscarried; so now we are on good terms again, and I shall write
this with as real good will to their amusement as if I had received
them all. This is the most unwholesome and sultry season in the
western woody world. For two months the heat has been intense,
the thermometer at noon in the shade always above 90, sometimes
96, and at one time 101, which is three degrees above blood-heat.
The consequence has been that the Yellow Fever-that American
pestilence has broke out in Philadelphia with great mortality,
and the inhabitants are flying to the country in all directions.
But a still worse scourge is likely to fall on us soon-that
monstrous mother of almost every human evil-War. The French
Directory, by their dishonourable conduct towards us, have
utterly lost the esteem and good wishes of the Americans, and
have, by their threatenings, raised such a spirit of union and
military order among all our citizens, and such a contempt for
the French rulers, that nothing but their return to the principles
of justice and true liberty, and restoration of our plundered pro-
perty, will ever do away. Ships of war are building in every
seaport, and every merchant vessel is armed. We can raise in
two days an army of two hundred thousand foot and cavalry,
and our internal resources of provisions, arms, and ammunition
are inexhaustible. Yet I sincerely deplore the coming calamity.
64
LETTERS.
Gainers or losers, the effects of war are ruinous. It corrupts the
morals of youth, and disseminates every species of vice over the
countries wherever it goes. But indeed it is needless to spend the
little time we have in thinking on the badness of the times, for I
am persuaded while the world remains there will be tyrants and
freemen, reformers and revolutionists, peace and war, till the end
of time; and he is only the wise and happy man who, in following
a peaceful employment through private life, intermeddles with
politics as little as possible. Provisions have fallen greatly here
within these twelve months, so have the wages of labour. Our
crops of wheat almost universally failed, owing to the Hessian
fly, and in many places the buck-wheat and clover have been
stripped and eat up by the grasshoppers; a circumstance never
remembered to have happened, and looked on by the country
people as an omen of some great calamity. I hope, however, that
the greatest will be in the loss of grain. I walked through a field
last evening, where at every step they rose in thousands.
The family where I have boarded in nearly these three years,
and two-thirds of the inhabitants, are Germans; a hardy, sober,
industrious, and penurious race of people, lovers of money, and
haters of Irishmen-the very sound of an Irishman's voice will
make a Dutchman draw down his eyebrows, gather up his pockets,
and shrink into himself like a tortoise. Their religion is a
mixture of Presbyterianism, Universalism, and Catholic; very
ignorant of books, and very superstitious; firm believers in
astrology and necromancy. Many of them will neither kill a
steer, let blood, cut hair, or draw a tooth, but in a particular
time of the moon. All their cures are performed by charms and
spells, and the greatest confidence is placed on the most ridiculous
forms, words, and gibberish. I thought that the Highlands of
Scotland might challenge any place on earth for witches, ghosts,
and supernatural agency, but those of our neighbourhood are
ten times more knowing, more numerous, and more obliging.
Before I could converse with them in their own language, or read
their books, I could not have believed them or any people so
credulous, but I have read in some of their books such stuff as
would make the gravest philosopher on earth laugh at their
LETTERS.
65
notions. However, they are sober and very punctual in their
payments, and have of late begun to be very careful in educating
their children in the English language, and I have always
experienced much kindness and esteem from them.
I should be happy, dear parents, to hear from you, and how
my brother and sisters are. I hope David will be a good lad, and
take his father's advice in every difficulty. If he does, I can tell
him he will never repent it. If he does not, he may regret it
bitterly with tears. This is the advice of a brother with whom
he has not yet had time to be much acquainted, but who loves
him sincerely. I should wish also that he would endeavour to
improve himself in some useful parts of learning, to read books of
information and taste, without which a man in any country is but
a clodpole; but beyond every thing else, let him indulge the
deepest gratitude to God, and affectionate respect for his parents.
I have thought it my duty, David, to recommend these amiable
virtues to you, because I am your brother, and very probably may
never see you. In the experience I have had among mankind, I
can assure you that such conduct will secure you many friends,
and support you under your misfortunes; for if you live you must
meet with them-they are the lot of life.
Billy and Isabel were both well four days ago; he is mowing,
and Isabel has gone to the country with Mr. Dobson's family, till
the sickness be over.
I have observed that William Duncan has a strong desire to
come to America, and I don't wonder at it, while so many of his
children are here. Were I persuaded that my sister and him
could reconcile their minds to be for ever removed from their
native country, placed in a country where the language, customs,
and employment were totally different, where a labourer who
works under a broiling sun will perspire at the rate of two pints
an hour; I have seen Billy myself, while a-mowing, take off his
shirt and wring it every two hours, I say where the language, the
customs, and every thing that they had been so long accustomed
to think right, would be laughed at, and they themselves looked
on as unknown, and perhaps suspected strangers.-If they can
reconcile themselves to these things, the great expense, and the
I
66
LETTERS.
uncertainty of the climate agreeing with their constitutions (for it
has been, I fear, fatal to mine), I shall not advise them against it.
I hope that they will not look upon this as unkind in me. What-
ever others may think, I have spoken my opinion most openly,
and beg they will think on it. There is no employment that
would suit him here so well as weaving, and having a cow for his
family, or land sufficient to raise his bread, thirty or forty miles
from Philadelphia; and if he and my sister are resolved to attempt
it, I doubt not but with health the boys and him might do very
well. He, as well as my sister, will find two great assistants in
their son and daughter, and nothing will be more rejoicing to me
than to see them once more, and to give them all the assistance in
my power.
Dear parents, I request once more that you will write unto me
by the earliest opportunity, that you will tell my old comrade,
Thomas Wotherspoon, that I should be most happy to hear from
him and Jean; and remember me to William Duncan and John
Bell, and to Mall and Jean,-to William M'Gavin and John
Wright, my old bed-fellow, (I hear he has got a better one now)—
to John M'Arthur, to whom I have frequently wrote, without one
line in return since Sept., '96,-to William Greenlees and Effy,—
most heartily to John Black and James Frazer; James minds me
of one of the priests-he is continually preaching up the glories of
this new world to his neighbours, and sending them a-packing like
so many pilgrims, but you'll never catch James on that journey
himself. When did you hear from Robert Urie and Bell? I have
heard nothing of either of the two since the action of the 1st
June, '96. James Robb is well. Mr. Orr, of King's Street,
writing-master, is well. I never could get the least intimation of
the gentleman Mr. M'Gavin enquires for. I have not heard from
James or William Mitchell these ten months. . James Robertson
and family are all well.
I refer you for our political intelligence to your own newspapers.
I am sorry to see such anarchy and bloodshed in Ireland. From
Scotland I hear nothing. I have not seen it mentioned in the
papers since the affair of Tranent. Every fresh piece of news
from England is published here the moment it arrives, and flies
from town to town with the rapidity of lightning; we have some-
LETTERS.
67
times news here in five weeks, and often in six from England, but
all correspondence with France is suspended. Our frigates and sloops
of war are at present out cruising in search of French privateers,
but I have not heard of any prizes they have made except one.
Our President, John Adams, is very popular at present. Washing-
ton has accepted the commission of commander-in-chief, and they
talk of him with enthusiasm as equal to any army of 100,000 !
This has always been the way of the people in all countries, and
of those whom they have idolized, angels or devils—the saviours
of their countrymen or arch-traitors. Who would pass one anxi-
ous thought for the possession of such precarious popularity? I
don't believe that Washington is one jot happier than I am, or
than any poor man may be if he pleases.
I must now bid you farewell, as my paper is almost done.
May Providence continue to bless you with health, peace, and
content, and when the tragic-comic scene of life is over, may all
meet in regions of bliss and immortality.
I am, till death,
DEAR FATHER,
Your truly affectionate son,
ALEXANDER WILSON.*
* The persons mentioned in this letter were friends and relatives of the poet.
Billy-his nephew; John Bell, William Duncan, and John Wright, his brothers-in-
law. The latter two, with their families, went to America. Thomas Wotherspoon,
William Mitchell, and Charles Orr, writing-master, were friends, and to each of
them Wilson addressed Epistles (see Poems). M'Gavin, the author of the "Pro-
testant," was likewise an intimate friend of the poet.-G.
68
LETTERS.
*LETTER XIII.
The country-" come and see "-peace with France possible-prosperity of the
United States-a grand future and destiny-Great Britain and Greece and
Rome to be displaced-home messages. Postscript: Yellow fever in
Philadelphia — appearance of the city-returning health-Duncan-in-
tended purchase of land in State of New York-description-satisfaction-
Bill.
To his Father,
November, 1798.
I have in my former letters given so many particulars re-
specting this country that I think anything more on the subject
would be superfluous. "Come and see " is now my motto.
It is probable that peace may still be preserved here yet. The
French Directory have made professions to that purpose to us, and
it is neither the interest nor inclination of Americans to declare
offensive war against any nation. There is universal peace along
our whole frontiers with the Indian tribes, and the Cherokees
have lately, for certain considerations, ceded to the United States
upwards of 800,000 acres of land. This country, notwithstanding
the ravages of the French and yellow fever, is rapidly advancing
in power, population, and prosperity. Our boundary is continually
extending towards the West, and may yet, after some ages,
include those vast unexplored regions that lie between us and the
Western Ocean. Men of all nations, and all persuasions and pro-
fessions find here an asylum from the narrow-hearted illiberal
persecutions of their own Governments, and bring with them
[worn out] respective countries. So that
it is not impossible that when Great Britain and the former en-
lightened countries of Greece [and Rome] will have degenerated
into [their] ancient barbarism and ignorance, this will be the
* The original of this letter is in my own possession. It is much worn and
tattered, so that places are inevitably left unfilled in, and certain words conjectu-
rally given. The end of the long postscript is carried over to the top of the first
page, leaving no room for the usual commencement 'Dear Father' or the like.--G.
LETTERS.
69
theatre of arts and
empire in the world.
science; the most populous and powerful
My kind wishes, dear father, once more for
your welfare and happiness, and that of your family and all en-
quiring friends; farewell.
ALEXANDER WILSON.
November 20th.-Since writing the within, this unfortunate city
has been dreadfully afflicted. 4000 inhabitants have fallen
victims to the yellow fever. The population of Philadelphia is
calculated at 65,000 souls, and five weeks ago there were not more
than 8000 in the city. You might stand half-an-hour at the most
public square at mid-day, without seeing or hearing a human
being, except the drivers of the dead-carts; but, thank God, health
is again restored, and the city looks as gay and as busy as ever.
Isabell and William are both in good health, as well as myself.
William and I have these two years been planning out the pur-
chase of a piece of land in some healthy and fertile part of the
country, convenient to a market for the disposal of produce. In
the State of New York there is a tract of perhaps the richest land
in the United States, situated about 270 miles to the north, or
north and by west of Philadelphia, lying between the Senica and
Cayuga Lakes, about 40 miles long and 6 to [worn out], and be-
ginning to be well settled. After consulting together, about two
months ago, William set out on foot to see the country and learn
further particulars. He travelled it in eight days, and remained
there nearly a week. The soil is rich beyond any land he had
ever seen, and the situation exceeding healthy; and for game of
all sorts remarkable, both of deer, bear, turkeys, and water-fowl
in incredible numbers. The best of the land can be purchased
for 5 dollars an acre, [worn out]. .
advantage
probably in a few years be flourishing settlements. We have,
therefore, come to the determination of purchasing 150 acres on
the borders of Senica Lake, and removing there in the Spring;
where, in a few years, if health still continue, we shall make the
woods give place to fields of pasture and plenty, and see our little
stock improving and multiplying around us, far from the noise
and tumults of the world. Can there be a more independent life
•
70
LETTERS.
than this? Every individual that has gone there has prospered
and nothing is wanting on our part to do so likewise, but perse-
verance. Had John Bell not been irresolute, he might have
[joined] us, and even yet it is not too late; but if he is still doubt-
ful or afraid I shall advise him no more.
+ LETTER XIV.
Orders for 'a stile of brass '-a 'dial' finished-a letter from nephew.”
To Mr. CHARLES ORR.
DEAR SIR,
April, 1799.
Will you please to call at Mr. Biggs, mathematical instru-
ment maker, No. 81 Front street, and employ him to make me
a stile of brass 1-6th of an inch thick, exactly corresponding with
the enclosed pattern. I suppose he may be able to finish it before
Mr.
leaves town, and who will pay you. I finished the
other dial completely to my mind, and employed a clumsy black-
smith to make me a stile, who ruined the whole marble in driving
it in, and I broke it to pieces. If Biggs cannot finish it in time,
I shall wait until you find an opportunity of sending it, or shall
bring it out yourself. I had a letter from my nephew, dated Ap.
28, at which time he was in excellent health, sweeping away and
burning down the woods. I am
+ LETTER XV.
A visit' much wished-a sense of injury-a cordial welcome to pleasant scenes
promised.
To the Same.
At Mr. Dobson's Book Store,
Second Street between Market and Chesnut Street,
SIR,
Milestown, May 25, '99.
Considering the short distance between this and Philadel-
phia, the many pressing invitations you have received to come and
LETTERS.
71
see me, and the friendship and respect I most sincerely declare I
have for you, it is matter of regret to me that you seem insensible
to them all, nor ever do me the pleasure of one visit. Have I
injured you? Am I unworthy your acquaintance ?
Are you
afraid of contaminating yourself with the rusticity of my manners
and address? I have lived, to be sure, five years in the woods,
pursuing a business the most apt of any to render peevish and
pedantic the best disposition in the world, and it were vain indeed
in me to hope that I had escaped without a touch of both the one
and the other; but what of that? Have not we all our failings
and vanities? and ought we not rather to smile at and forgive,
than to be too sensible and feeling on these occasions? Come out,
Mr. Orr, and see me; you shall find an open and frank hospitality
such as my brother or best friend would receive. The sight of the
green meadows, the singing of birds, the fragrance of flowers and
blossoms, and the conversation of myself and the rest of our clod-
hoppers, will be an excellent contrast to the burning streets, the
growling oyster men, the stinking sewers and polite company of
Philadelphia. You will receive from the bearer the money you
paid for me to the mathematical instrument maker, with my
thanks for your trouble; and if you are determined never to visit
me, your good disposition, I hope, will not refuse to let me know
by letter what I have done to deserve such neglect and contempt,
that I may correct myself for the future, if I have done amiss.
I believe this is the first letter I ever wrote to you. You used
to visit me,—perhaps I seemed sorry to see you and happy when
you went away. If so, may every soul that I visit spit in my
face and kick me from their company. If otherwise (which your
own heart must testify) may every friend I love receive me with
as sincere pleasure as Wilson has received and would receive Orr.
I am with respect,
SIR,
Your obedient Servant,
ALEXANDER WILSON.
72
LETTERS.
+ LETTER XVI.
Letters very welcome-School thinner'- age-'surveying' of land--'S. continues
to increase in bulk'-a sister's death very composedly received by a brother
any other news that's curious?
To Mr. Wм. DUNCAN.*
Milestown, July 1, 1800.
DEAR BILL,
">
I had the pleasure of yours by the hands of Mr. P. this
day; and about four weeks ago I had another, directed to Mr.
Dobson's care, both of which were as welcome to me as any thing,
but your own self could be. I am just as you left me, only my
school has been thinner this season than formerly.
I have had four letters from home, all of which I have answered.
Their news are-Dull trade-provisions most exorbitantly high—
R.'s sister dead-the Seedhills mill burnt to the ground—and
some other things of less consequence.
I doubt much if stills could be got up in time to do any thing
at the distilling business this winter. Perhaps it might be a safer
way to take them up, in the spring, by the Susquehanna. But if
you are determined, and think that we should engage in the busi-
ness, I shall be able to send them up either way. P. tells me that
his two stills cost about forty pounds. I want to hear more deci-
sively from you before I determine. Sooner than live in a country
exposed to the ague, I would remain where I am.
O. comes out to stay with me two months, to learn surveying,
algebra, &c. I have been employed in several places about this
summer to survey, and have acquited myself with credit, and to
my own satisfaction. I should not be afraid to engage in any job
with the instruments I have.
S. continues to increase in bulk, money and respectability; a
continual current of elevenpenny bits pouring in, and but few run-
ning out.
We are very anxious to hear how you got up; and well pleased
that you played the Horse Jockey so luckily. If you are fixed in
LETTERS.
73
the design of distilling, you will write me, by the first opportunity,
before winter sets in, so that I may arrange matters in time."
+
I have got the schoolhouse enlarged, by contributions among the
neighbours. In summer the school is, in reality, not much; but
in winter, I shall be able to teach with both pleasure and profit.
When I told R. of his sister's death, "I expected so," said
Jamie, "any
any other news that's curious?" So completely does
long absence blunt the strongest feelings of affection and friend-
ship. May it never be so with you and me, if we should never
meet again. On my part it is impossible, except God in his wrath,
should deprive me of my present soul, and animate me with some
other.
+ LETTER XVII.
C
Pleasure of epistolary correspondence and artificial conversation' with advantages
---exchange of letters urged-' economy and frugality.'
To Mr. CHARLES ORR, Philomath.
Milestown, Monday noon, July 21, 1800.
DEAR SIR,
You and I have often conversed together on the use and
pleasure of epistolary correspondence, which is, in fact, nothing .
more than artificial conversation; with this advantage, that we are
in no danger of being interrupted by the person we are in conver-
sation with, and are always certain to be listened to; whereas in
verbal conversation it often happens that, through impatience to
give vent to the ideas that strike us while our friend is speaking,
or from something advanced by him that we think absurd, we can
hardly hear him out, and so the dispute becomes a mere battle of
words, and instead of producing pleasure or conviction to either
party, begets ill-will and bigoted obstinacy of opinion. Now, Mr.
Orr, as you and I are both lovers of truth—as we are subject to
* Duncan at this time resided upon the farm mentioned above, which was
situated in the township of Ovid, Cayuga County, New York.—G.
K
}
'
74
LETTERS.
the failings of human nature as well as others, and as we are both
capable of giving and receiving information and advice to each
other—why may we not avail ourselves of the advantages that
this method of communicating holds out? I, for my part, have
many things to enquire of you, of which at different times I form
very different opinions, and at other times can form no distinct
decided opinion at all. Sometimes they appear dark and impene-
trable; sometimes I think I see a little better into them; now I
see them as plain as broad day, and again they are as dark to me
as midnight. In short, the moon puts not on more variety of
appearance to the eye than many subjects do to my apprehension,
and yet in themselves they still remain the same.
I have also many things of a more interesting and secret nature
which I will in confidence entrust to your examination, that may
at least afford you matter of diversion to laugh at, and an oppor-
tunity of laughing me out of them likewise.
I have nothing more at heart at present than the propriety of
pursuing a plan of economy, and of observing the strictest
frugality for the future in all my proceedings. Tell me if you
think my resolutions laudable, and what advantages I may expect
to reap from a rigid adherence to them. You see I have only
scrawled this hasty preparatory billet. Do you the same.
the matter, not the manner, I care for.
I am, with sincerity,
Yours affectionately,
It is
Monday noon, July 21, 1800.
ALEXANDER WILSON.
LETTERS.
75
† LETTER XVIII.
Moods--a pretty handsome compliment'-Nature-birds and beasts-celibacy,
Is it not criminal?
To the Same.
Milestown, July 23, 1800.
DEAR SIR,
We don't always feel in a mood for conversation. Just
so it is in writing. Sometimes the sprightly ideas flow out
irresistibly. At other times we sit scratching our stupified
noddles for some dull idea, which is dragged out like a thief to
the gallows. This is the situation at this time with my peri-
cranium. You will therefore forgive me if I trouble you no
farther than just to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 21st.
I congratulate you, sir, on the specimen of epistolary correspon-
dence with which you honoured me on Monday. The sentiments
are just, well expressed, and perfectly correspond with my own.
And that, you know, is a pretty handsome compliment from one
like me, who thinks so much of my own self, my own performances,
and my own opinions.
I troubled you yesterday with the subject of Frugality-that
letter of Tuesday the 22nd has perhaps been lost-I shall now
ask your opinion on a still more interesting subject, and shall
first relate the circumstances that impressed this subject so
strongly on my mind.
It was about the middle of last May, one morning in taking my
usual rounds, I was delighted with the luxuriance of nature that
everywhere smiled around me. The trees were covered with
blossoms, enclosing the infant fruit that was, at some future day,
to give existence to others. The birds, in pairs, were busily engaged
preparing their nests to accommodate their little offspring. The colt
pranced by the side of its dam; the bleating of lambs was heard
from every farm; and insects, in thousands, were preparing to
usher their multitudes into being. In short, all nature, every
living thing around me, seemed cheerfully engaged in fulfilling
that great command, "Multiply and replenish the earth," ex-
cepting myself. I stood like a blank in this interesting scene,
76
LETTERS.
1
like a note of discord in this universal harmony of love and self-
propagation; everything I saw seemed to reproach me as an un-
social wretch separated from the great chain of nature, and living
only for myself. No endearing female regarded me as her other
self, no infant called me its father, I was like a dead tree in the
midst of a green forest, or like a blasted ear amidst the yellow
harvest. Full of these mortifying reflections, I wandered home-
wards, and entered my lodging; there my landlord and his ami-
able spouse were playing with their children and smiling on each
other with looks of mutual affection and parental pride.
"O
despicable wretch," said I to myself, 'what is all thy learning,
books, or boasted acquisitions, to a companion like that, or inno-
cents like these whom thou could'st call thine own? By all that's
good," cry'd I, "I shall share these pleasures though ten
thousand unseen distresses lurk among them."
To you, Mr. Orr, who know me so well, it is unnecessary to
ádd that these resolutions were soon forgot in study and aban-
doned for some algebraic solution or mathematical pursuit. But
I have to ask you, is it not criminal to persist in a state of
celibacy? And how comes it, that those whom science allures in
her train, and whose hearts are most susceptible of the finer
feelings of the soul, are so forgetful of this first and most exquisite
of all human enjoyments, the enjoyment of a virtuous wife and
little innocents in whom they can trace their own features blended
together?
I beg pardon for detaining you so long. I have been uninten-
tionally led away into a train of speculation which I only intended
to hint at, and which all I can say in their favour is that they are
absolutely sincere.
Excuse all blunders, and believe me to be with great regard,
yours sincerely,
ALEXANDER WILSON.
Wednesday, July 23, 1800.
LETTERS.
77
+ LETTER XIX.
A frolicsome address-time precious-how a day was spent-'Mr. Sterne.'
To the Same.
Professor of Astronomy, Mathematics, Algebra, Geography,
History, Poetry, Criticism, &c., &c., and Practical
Astronomy.
On the School Green, Milestown, August 6, 1800.
DEAR SIR,
Time has always been accounted among wise men the
most precious gift of God to man; and has been, generally
speaking, received and used as the most worthless and despicable.
O ungrateful return for such invaluable bounty! But let us, my
friend, profit by our past prodigality and husband well this
precious commodity; who knows how soon it may be taken from
us!
I have been led to these reflections by a retrospect of this day.
Rose half an hour before day. Sauntered abroad, surveying the
appearance of the fields, and contemplating the progressive
advances of morning, the appearance of the moon, &c., without
suggesting or having suggested one sentiment of grateful adora-
tion to the great Architect of the Universe, without learning one
truth that I was before ignorant of. Wrought one solitary
problem before breakfast, composed eight lines of rhyme at noon,
and am now writing these observations near evening. Thus
fourteen hours have passed almost unimproved away, and thus
have thousands of precious hours so perished! Not one prayer
said, not one thought of matrimony entered my mind. An old
bachelor, verging to the gloomy regions of celibacy and old age,
and clusters of dimple-cheeked, soft-eyed females in every log
hut around, and sighing for a husband. O shame! By the Im-
mortal gods, time and youth and opportunities were not given to
be so thrown away. We must improve time. We must make
advances in some one or all of these important duties, which, Mr.
Sterne says, devoid of, a human being is undeserving the name
78
LETTERS.
Man. That is, to write a book, plant a tree, beget a child (I
ought to have said marry a wife first), build a house, and learn
something every day that he did not before know. Without this
done, Sterne won't allow us to lay claim even to the name of Man.
But while I am thus reprobating the waste of time, I am guilty of
a double crime this moment, in losing my own time to write, what
perhaps you will consider also lost time in reading.
Excuse blunders.—I am, my dear friend, yours sincerely,
ALEXANDER WILSON.
Milestown Monastery, August 6, 1800.
"
+ LETTER XX.
The Trustees of the School'-in ill health-' once more the dominie.'
To the Same.
Care of Mr. Dobson, Bookseller,
Second Street between Market and Chesnut Street, Philadelphia:
Milestown, Sept. 15, 1800.
DEAR SIR,
The day on which the Trustees were to meet arrived,
but I said not a word to either of them, partly through shame and
partly through pride. About five in the evening they assembled,
accompanied by a candidate for the school; a very genteel young
man. They spoke of me looking much better than I did a few
days before. I talked with the candidate about the average
income of the school, which he had been told was at least fifty
scholars a quarter. I told him what it had nearly averaged me,
which never amounted to forty, one quarter with another. His
own school contained at present forty-five, with a good dwelling-
house. The Trustees said that I looked so well that, perhaps
with a few days' more relaxation, I might be able to begin again
myself. I told them that I had twice given up the school from
the same reason, want of health, and if they could suit themselves
with a person with a constitution better fitted to encounter the
hard duties of a school, I was satisfied, but I was sorry still to
part with them. I was attached to the children and to the people,
LETTERS.
79
and, if they would allow me one week more to ramble about, I
would once more engage, though I should die in their service.
My request was immediately acceded to, and I am once more the
dominie of Milestown school.
I am most sincerely yours,
ALEXANDER WILSON.
+ LETTER XXI.
'Mutual agreement' to correspond-School as before-' debating' society-riding.
To the Same,
Milestown, 24th September, 1800.
DEAR SIR,
I take the opportunity of Mr. -'s going to town to
write you a few lines by way of refreshing your memory, as I am
afraid that you have forgot the mutual agreement we made, to
correspond as often as convenient. I have begun the old way
again, have about 30 scholars, which number may increase to 40
before the quarter is concluded. I study none, and take my
morning and evening ramble regularly. Our debating society
commences again on Saturday first. The proposed question—“Is
the cultivation of the vine an object worthy the attention of the
American farmer?"-will produce I think an agreeable debate. I
am anxious to hear from you. Do you spend any of your leisure
hours with the puzzling chaps, algebra, trigonometry, &c., or are
you wholly absorbed in the study of mechanics? You must write
me particularly. I think I shall take a ride 15 or 20 miles on
Saturday. I find riding agrees better with me than any other
exercise. I always feel cheerful after it, and can eat confoundedly.
Have you made any new discoveries in the Heaven above, or the
earth beneath, with your telescope or microscope? I expect to
hear from Billy in less than a week, as two persons have gone up
more than three weeks ago. Do not forget to write.
Your sincere and affectionate friend,
ALEX. WILSON.
Milestown, September 24, 1800.
80
LETTERS.
+ LETTER XXII.
'Orations' received-almost 'distracted'—tragi-comedy of love.
To the Same, Writing Master,
Dock Street, Philadelphia: 1st May, 1801.
MY DEAR SIR,
I have received all the Orations. I am indeed
much obliged to your friendship, and request that you would
come out this evening and stay with me till Sunday evening. I
have matters to lay before you that have almost distracted me.
Do come. I shall be so much obliged. Your friendship and
counsel may be of the utmost service to me. I shall not remain
here long. It is impossible I can. I have now no friend but
yourself, and one whose friendship has involved us both in ruin or
threatens to do so. You will find me in the schoolhouse.
I am, most affectionately yours,
May 1st, 1801.
ALEX. WILSON.
† LETTER XXIII.
Circumstances pecuniarily wretched schools -'drunken' teachers present
School taken from absolute necessity-'lost all relish for this country'-
must return to try old Scotia once more.'
To the Same.
Care of Mr. Dobson, Bookseller, Philadelphia.
Bloomfield, near Newark, N. Jersey, July 12th, 1801.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
If this letter reach you it will inform you that
I keep school at 12s. per quarter, York currency, with 35
scholars, and pay 12s. per week for board, and 4s. additional for
washing, and 4s. per week for my horse. After I parted with
the Quakers not coming to any agreement about engaging
me, I left Wrightstown and steered for New York through a
country entirely unknown to me, visited many wretched hovels of
,
LETTERS.
81
schools by the way; in four days reached York, and from every
I received the most disagreeable
had by too great a fondness
person who knew the
accounts of them, viz., that
for gaming and sometimes taking his scholars with him, entirely
ruined his reputation and lost his business, and from his own
mouth I learned that he expected jail every day for debts to a con-
siderable amount. And
is lost for every good purpose in
this world and abandoned to the most shameful and excessive
drinking, swearing, and wretched company. He called on me
last Thursday morning in company with a hocus pocus man for
whom he plays the clarionet. New York swarms with newly im-
ported Irishmen of all descriptions, clerks, schoolmasters, &c.
The city is very sickly;
and all the rest to whom I spoke
Mr.
and is now
I staid only
out except
of you believed that your labour here would be even more unsuc-
cessful than in Philadelphia, and related so many stories
to that purpose that I was quite discouraged.
attempted it there, but was obliged to remove,
in Boston wandering through the streets insane.
one night in York, and being completely run
about 3 11-penny bits, I took the first school from absolute
necessity, that I could find. I live six miles north from Newark
and twelve miles from New York, in a settlement of canting,
preaching, praying, and sniveling ignorant Presbyterians. They
pay their minister 250 pounds a year for preaching twice a week,
and their teacher 40 dollars a quarter for the most spirit-sinking
laborious work, six, I may say twelve times weekly. I have no com-
pany, and live unknowing and unknown. I have lost all relish
for this country, and, if Heaven spares me, I shall soon see the
shores of old Caledonia. How happy I should be to have you
beside me.
I am exceedingly uneasy to hear from you. Dear
Orr, make no rash engagements that may bind you for ever to
this unworthy soil. I shall arrange all my affairs with Billy as
expeditiously as I can. In the meantime I request you, my dear
friend, to oblige me in one thing if you wish me well. Go out on
Saturday to -'s and try to get intelligence how Mr.
family comes on, without letting any one know that you have
heard from me. Get all the particulars you can, what is said of
L
-'s
82
LETTERS.
me, and how Mrs.
is, and every other information, and
write me fully. I assure you I am very wretched, and this would
give me the greatest satisfaction.
will tell you every-
thing, but mention nothing of me to anybody on any account.
Conceal nothing that you hear, but inform me of everything.
My dear friend, I beg you would oblige me in this. I am very
miserable on this unfortunate account. I shall write you more
fully on a variety of things I have to inform you of next week or
as soon as I hear from you. Direct as above dated. I shall try
to get information from a friend in Albany how matters would do
there.
I am, most sincerely, your affectionate Friend while
ALEX. WILSON.
P.S.-
got the letter I wrote, but was so swallowed up
in extravagance, I suppose, that he never replied to it.
Let us contrive a plan to leave this country and try old Scotia
once more in company.
The bones of a mammoth or some gigantic animal are digging
up here, of which I shall send the particulars in my next. I shall
superintend the whole process.
+ LETTER XXIV.
'How blessed to have a friend'-his 'sweetheart' and evil-reports-fossils-
Falls at Paterson-the 'schoolhouse' furniture-a witch-superstition.
To the Same.
Care of Mr. Dobson, Bookseller, Philadelphia.
Bloomfield, July 23, 1801.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
I received yours last evening. O how blessed
it is to have one friend on whose affection, in the day of
adversity, we can confide! As to the reports circulated in the
neighbourhood of Milestown, were I alone the subject of them
they would never disturb me, but she who loved me dearer than
LETTERS.
83
·
was on the threshold of the jail.
her own soul, whose image is for ever with me, whose heart is
brok en for her friendship to me, she must bear all with not one
friend to whom she dare unbosoin her sorrows. Of all the events
of my life nothing gives me such inexpressible misery as this.
my dear friend, if you can hear anything of her real situation,
and whatever it be disgnise nothing to me. Take a walk up to
's perhaps she has called lately there, and go out to
-'s on Saturday if possible. Let nobody whatever know
that you have heard anything of me. In my last I told you
He has now passed the
threshold and is fairly cag'd.
is traversing the country
with a hocus-pocus man in a poor scurvy plight playing the
clarionet. The gentlemen who discovered the bones of which I
spoke is a Mr. Kenzie, who was sinking a well for his paper mill
in a swamp supposed formerly to have been the bed of a small
creek that runs near. Six feet from the surface, under a stratum
of sand 4 inches deep, they found several bones apparently be-
longing to the tail, 6 inches in breadth, with part of a leg-bone
measuring upwards of 7 inches diameter at the joint, part of a rib
4 feet long, and many fragments in a decayed state. For want
of hands no further search has yet been made, but it is intended
to obtain the head and teeth if possible. The greatest curiosity
in this State is the Falls of Paterson, where the river, which
is about 40 yards broad, flows along a bed of solid rock.
A sudden earthquake or some great convulsion has split
this rock asunder across the whole breadth of the river, 6 or 8
feet apart and upwards of 70 deep, down which the whole river
roars with a noise like thunder. This place is but 8 miles distant,
and I went alone on Saturday to see it. The cotton works are
completely deserted. I looked in at the weaving shops and saw
nothing but hens roosting on the breast beams, and everything
desolate. While I was in York a teacher there offered me his
school-room, benches, &c., with all the scholars, amounting to 40
or 45, for 60 dollars cash, as he wished to decline the business.
It is needless to add that I declined the honour of the bargain.
The school-house in which I teach is situated at the extremity of
a spacious level plain of sand thinly covered with grass. In the
84
LETTERS.
centre of this plain stands a newly erected stone meeting-house,
80 feet by 60, which forms a striking contrast with my sanctum
sanctorum, which has been framed of logs some 100 years ago,
and looks like an old sentry box. The scholars have been ac-
customed to great liberties by their former teacher. They used to
put stones in his pocket, &c., &c. I was told that the people did
not like to have their children punished, but I began with such a
system of terror as soon established my authority most effectually.
I succeed in teaching them to read, and I care for none of their
objections. The following anecdote will give you an idea of the
people's character. A man was taken sick a few weeks ago and
got deranged. It was universally said that he was bewitched by
an old woman who lived adjoining. This was the opinion of the
Dutch doctor who attended him, and at whose request a warrant
was procured from the Justice for bringing the witch before the
sick man, who, after tearing the old woman's flesh with his nails
till the blood came, sent her home and afterwards recovered.
This is a fact. The Justice who granted the warrant went
through among the people with me. I intend to visit the poor
woman myself and publish it to the world in the Newark news-
papers for the amusement of the enlightened people of New Jer-
sey. My dear Orr, I trust to your friendship for the intelligence
I mentioned; write me fully as I will you on receipt.
I left my
great-coat with a Mr.
lodged.
in Wrightstown, where
and I
will tell you his name. I wish you would write
know anything of the matter. I left
for it without letting
it in the stable. I owed him nothing. I shall be much obliged if
you drop a line to him that it may be sent to Philadelphia, and
this will be your warrant. Farewell. I shall write more fully
next time.
Yours most sincerely,
ALEX. WILSON.
LETTERS.
85
+ LETTER XXV.
Love-troubles-School increases-a copper mine near-local superstition, 'seventh
son'-enforced 'grace' asking-uncongenial situation-verses.
To the Same.
Bloomfield, August 7, 1801.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
I received yours yesterday. I entreat you keep
me on the rack no longer. Can you not spare one day to oblige
me so much? Ccllect every information you can, but drop
not a hint that you know anything of me. If it were possible you
could see her or any one who had, it would be an unspeakable
satisfaction to me. My dear Orr, the world is lost for ever to me
and I to the world. No time nor distance can ever banish her
image from my mind. It is for ever present with me, and my
heart is broken with the most melancholy reflexions. Whatever
you may think of me, my dear friend, do not refuse me this
favour to know how she is. Were your situation mine, I declare
from the bottom of my soul I would hazard everything to oblige
you. I leave the management of it to yourself. But do not
forget me.
's debts amount, as I have been informed, to
two or three hundred pounds.
is weaving in an old cellar
at Elizabeth Town. My school increases; it is now 40. I have
done nothing yet toward visiting the supposed witch. Some day
soon I shall make it my business. There is a copper mine about
300 yards from my school-house which was lately wrought and
many tuns of ore obtained from it. It is now neglected.
Among the other effects of superstition here there lives just beside
me a man who, being the seventh son, has power to cure the most
inveterate 'king's evil' by simply laying his hands on it. He has
had three patients since my coming, and tells me he has cured
hundreds. He says he can feel the disorder ascending his arms,
and commonly is indisposed while performing a cure on his
patients. They have come 100 miles to him. He is now a man
of forty-five, and has practised this 'laying on of hands' since he
was a boy. The people with whom I live are the veriest zealots
86
LETTERS.
in religion, in praying, singing psalms and hymns. I was urged to
ask blessing at table the first day and refused, but was insisted on
till through mere shame I was obliged to perform, and am obliged
to officiate every evening. God forgive me, for my heart is as
distant from my lips then as from you to me. I consider it a
monstrous hardship. I read the few lines of poetry you sent me
to the old fellow, who wanted me to find out a tune for them that
he might have the godly comfort of singing them by way of hymn,
which shall certainly be done. As for myself, I have recourse to
a thousand expedients to unburden my mind. I am really
sometimes almost distracted on seeing how and where I am
situated. Sometimes I try to turn it over to diversion, as in the
following verses which I wrote this morning, and enclose without
preface or apology, as you know my situation :—
;
Here ox-headed Ignorance gapes and is courted,
And curst Superstition with visage distorted ;
Sweet Science and Truth, while these monsters they cherish,
Like the Babes in the Wood are abandoned to perish.
Here ten times a day they are hymning and praying,
And glory to God' most religious paying;
Should Misery implore-that's a quite different story.
They lock up the cash-but to God give the glory.
Young Venus ne'er lent to our females her graces,
Like a duck's is their gait, like old pumpkins their faces;
No heart-winning looks to decoy or to charm us,
Their teeth like corruption,-their breath, O enormous!
Here old wither'd witches crawl round ev'ry cabin,
And butter from churns are eternally grabbing;
Ghosts, wizards, seventh sons, too, to cure the king's evil,
One touch of their hand-and 'tis gone to the Devil.
Here the grim man of God, with a voice like a trumpet,
His pulpit each Sunday bestampt and bethumpet;
On all but his own pours damnation and ruin,
And heaves them to Satan for roasting and stewing.
There lonely and sad in his centry box standing,
The windows unglazed,
A wretched exile murmurs A. B. C. grieving,
In sounds slow and solemn from morning to even.
LETTERS.
87
Before you write, take a walk up to
Forgive me, my dear
The more of mankind
's as if to enquire for
me, and try if you can get any information there. I know that
she used sometimes to go and see her.
friend, if in anything I have offended you.
I see, the more sincerely I value your friendship, and trust it
shall only dissolve when time to me shall be no longer.
ALEX. WILSON.
+ LETTER XXVI.
No answer to his letter-a 'poor old Scotchman'-living secluded-could not 'a
bold push' be made together?-a French gentleman from St. Domingo-
contributions to 'Newark Centinel '-sleep.
To the Same.
Care of Mr. Dobson, Bookseller, Philadelphia.
Bloomfield, September 14, 1801.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
The last letter I wrote you I fondly thought would
be answered, but I have waited now three weeks in vain.
It was
directed to you at M'Phail's China Store, Dock Street. I conjure
you, my dear friend, by all that friendship which I always
flattered myself you had for me that you will write me on receipt
of this.
-'s father arrived here last week from Scotland and
found his two sons, one in drunkenness and poverty, the other in
a jail. Think with yourself what were the feelings of the poor old
man on this occasion.
is since liberated. I remain here
perfectly secluded from the world. Your letters were all my com-
pany and amusement, but you have deprived me of even that.
As I have now no hopes of ever being in Philadelphia, I ask it as
a last favour that you would go out to the house where I lodged
and request them to bring my trunk into Philadelphia that you
may send it to me to New York. If my nephew has written me
it will be in Mr. M'Innes', where I wish you would enquire. I
again implore you to let me know how the family I mentioned are
doing. You promised you would, and I shall take it as the
88
LETTERS.
utmost kindness. Orr, I wish it were possible for you and I to
unite our talents and exertions as we have often thought of doing.
Would it not do by making a bold push? I can engage the
reading, grammatical, and what other parts we should agree on—
you the rest.
I will with pleasure join you if you are willing, for
if I must teach I will strain every effort to make something of it.
This would be the best moment to attempt it. Think on the
business, and I shall dispose of my horse, and unite with you to
rise or fall together. There are hardly two on earth better
acquainted with each other, and I think in conscience, without
boasting of myself or flattering you, that we would do well. It is
want of confidence alone that has kept us from both fame and
fortune in our respective pursuits. At all events, write me per
return of post. A French gentleman from St. Domingo has been
with me to-day from Newark to teach him English. He is
almost unintelligible. I have amused myself since I came here
with writing detached pieces of poetry for the Newark Centinel,
and have grown into some repute with the editor and his readers.
A song entitled 'My Landlady's Nose' has been reprinted in a
New York paper, and in a periodical publication called the
Museum. Please to let the circumstances of the
fined to your own breast. You may let
gentleman's arrival. Once more I ask you to oblige me with an
answer to this, and to excuse the hurried way in which it has been
scribbled. In return for your next, I will send you something
more entertaining. I am so uneasy to know how you come on,
that I am every night conversing with you in my sleep.
-'s be con-
know of the old
I am, my dear Friend, yours most sincerely,
ALEXANDER WILSON.
LETTERS.
89
+ LETTER XXVII.
A cloud on the friendship of Wilson and Orr, but the next Letter-in a week—
shews it passed away.
To the Same.
Philadelphia, February 7, 1802.
Mr. ORR,
I have no faults to reproach you with. If I had, a
consciousness of the number of my own would justly impose
silence on me.
My disposition is to love those who love me with
all the warmth of enthusiasm, but to feel with the keenest sensi-
bility the smallest appearance of neglect or contempt from those
I regard. Of your friendship I have a thousand times been truly
proud, have boasted of your intimacy with me and your pro-
fessional abilities, almost wherever I went. I have poured out my
soul into your bosom.. If I have met or only supposed that I
have, in the moments of anxiety and deep mental perturbation,
met with cold indifference from the only quarter where I expected
the sweets of friendship, they little know my heart who would
expect it to make no impression on me. But Mr. Orr, you can
never make me your enemy, and alas! I have friendship for no
one. Distress preys continually on my mind. I have no friend,
I ask for none. No friend on earth can ever remove my source
of misery, and my acquaintance with you would but distress you.
I wish you every happiness possible, and I doubt not but much
is reserved for you. Above all I wish you to banish from your
mind all suspicions of disesteem. I entertain none. I know
there are people who are happy in insinuating their ideas to you,
but I regard their love or hatred with equal indifference. I think
so much necessary as explanation, but no more. You shall always
share the good wishes and regard of
M
ALEXANDER WILSON.
90
LETTERS.
+ LETTER XXVIII.
'Cannot part-friendship like a re-united love-removing to Gray's Ferry School-
better prospects.
To the Same.
Philadelphia, February 14, 1802.
DEAR SIR,
It is too much. I cannot part from you after what you
have said. I renounce with pleasure every harsh thought I
hastily entertained of you. From this moment let all past
grievances be eternally forgotten. For myself, I give them to the
winds. I know the value of a friend, and of such a friend, too
well, to hope ever again for another on losing you. What is the
world to that solitary being whose happiness only glads his own
bosom and who weeps neglected? Its joys to such an insulated
wretch are tasteless, its sad reverses almost insupportable. Friend-
ship sweetens the most common occurrences of life, multiplies all
our pleasures, lightens all our losses. When the sun of our
prosperity sinks even in the deepest midnight of misfortune
friendship sheds its cheering radiance around the unhappy
wanderer, fills his heart with serenity, and points to happier
prospects. I hope, my dear sir, you will excuse the melancholy
turn my letter has taken. I cannot help it. It is always so, this
some time. I never spent ten weeks more unhappy than these
have been, and it will be some time before my mind recovers
itself. Past hopes, present difficulties, and a gloomy futurity,
have almost deranged my ideas, and too deeply affected me. The
conduct and conversation of those who perhaps think me a
dependant for residence is such that my spirit can never assimilate
with. Amidst all these, your friendship returns to me once more
like the blessed beams of heaven after a night of clouds and
darkness. Let us now, dear sir, mutually forgive and henceforth
enjoy the sweet interchange of conversation and unreserved socia-
bility. Rocks and islands may separate for a while the stream
that has long been united, but these past, the congenial waters
will again meet, mingle, and be blended together. A small
LETTERS.
91
accident may break a bone, but once judiciously reunited it is
stronger than ever; so be our friendship. I shall leave this at your
lodgings to-night, and to-morrow evening after nine shall call on
you and take a walk together. On the 25th of this month I
remove to the schoolhouse beyond Gray's Ferry to succeed the
present teacher there. I shall recommence that painful profession
once more with the same gloomy sullen resignation that a prisoner
re-enters his dungeon or a malefactor mounts the scaffold; fate
urges him, necessity me. The agreement between us is, they
engage to make the school equal to 100 dollars per quarter, but
not more than 50 are to be admitted. The present pedagogue is
a noisy, outrageous fat old captain of a ship, who has taught these
ten years in different places. You may hear him bawling 300
yards off. The boys seem to pay as little regard to it as ducks to
the rumbling of a stream under them. I shall have many diffi-
culties to overcome in establishing my own rules and authority.
But perseverance overcometh all things.
I am, with sincere esteem,
Your still affectionate Friend,
ALEX. WILSON.
P.S.-Your coming up this afternoon has altered my resolution
of not calling on you till to-morrow evening. Let it be this after-
noon or evening. I am a little engaged till then.
A. W.
+ LETTER XXIX.
From 'Gray's Ferry'-'harp new strung'-an 'irresistible desire to attempt some
Scots pastorals' and win fame.
To the Same.
At Mr. Dixon's, Dock Street, Philadelphia.
Gray's Ferry, July 15, 1802.
MY WORTHY FRIEND,
I expected you all last Sunday, and walked out
towards the ferry several times to meet you. I hope you were
entertained more to your satisfaction than you could have been in
the company of an insignificant country dominie rendered peevish
92
LETTERS.
L-
and melancholy by the daily cares and confinement of a most
consuming employment. However, as I once told you before, I
have a variety of resources in times of irritation and perplexity,
but in none have I found consolation, such as to banish every
pedantic pesteration, as in renewing my old pursuit of the Muses.
My harp is new strung, and my soul glows with more ardour than
ever to emulate those immortal bards who have gone before me. I
have transcribed a variety of old pieces that have never been
published, at least not in my book, which gave me the most exquisite
sensations, not from their excellence, but by recalling ideas, and
interesting ones too, that have been, I may say, forgotten ever
since my arrival in America. I have also collected all my pro-
ductions since '94; these I intend to polish and improve occasion-
ally, and to add to them all those contained in my last edition
which I think meritorious, and to copy the whole when corrected
to my mind in one volume. I have an irresistible desire, which
seems to come from inspiration alone, to attempt some Scots
pastorals descriptive of the customs and rural manners of our
native country, interspersed with scenes of humour, love, and
tenderness. In Burns, Ferguson, Ramsay, and all our Scottish
songs, these are the charms that captivate every heart. I believe
a Scotsman better fitted for descriptions of rural scenes than those
of any other nation on earth. His country affords the most
picturesque and striking scenery; his heart and imagination warm
and animated, strong and rapid in its conceptions, its attachments,
and even prejudices, his taste is highly improved by the number-
less pathetic ballads and songs handed down from generation to
generation. There is not an ignorant ploughman in Scotland but
who has a better taste and relish for a pastoral, particularly if
interwoven with a love intrigue, than most of the pretended
literati of America. Where is the country that has ever equalled
Scotland in the genuine effusion of the pastoral muse, or where
so many tears of joy, sympathy, and admiration have been shed
by the humblest peasants over her bewitching strains? Had
Thomson not possessed this ardent spirit of enthusiasm his
Seasons would never have seen that immortality to which they are
so justly entitled; but he was a Scotsman and glow'd with all
!
-
LETTERS.
93
•
their energy of enthusiasm while ranging o'er the beauties of
nature. But both Thomson and Burns, Ramsay and Ferguson,
with all who have yet followed them, have left a thousand themes
unsung, equally interesting with the best of their descriptions, a
thousand pictures of rustic felicity that will yet be pourtrayed by
the striking pencil of some future genius. My heart swells, my
soul rises to an elevation I cannot express, to think I may yet
produce some of these glowing wilds of rural scenery-some new
Paties, Rogers, Glauds, and Simons, that will rank with these
favourites of my country when their author has mixed with his
kindred clay;
that my name will be familiar in farms and
cottages, in circles of taste and at scenes of merriment five
hundred years hence, when the statues of bloody ambition are
mouldered and forgotten. By heavens! the idea is transporting,
and such a recompense is worth all the misfortunes, penury, and
deprivations here that the most wretched sons of science have ever
suffered. But I beg pardon for occupying so much of your time.
Come out on Saturday or Sunday morning. Leave that cursed
town at least one day. It is the most striking emblem of purga-
tory, at least to me, that exists. No poor soul is happier to
escape from Bridewell than I to smell the fresh air and gaze over
the green fields after a day or two's residence in Philadelphia,
were it not attended by the regret of parting from my friend,
whose obliged and unalterable brother I am while
ALEX. WILSON.
i Emerson
94
LETTERS.
+ LETTER XXX.
Home news-Scotland in a 'dismal' state, 1800-sorry 'accommodations are so
few '-yellow fever prevalent-dissuades from a journey 'next Spring'-
farming-a visit promised-education of the children-make 'home'
comfortable-intention and wishes of relatives in Scotland-the future
hopeful. ?
To Mr. WILLIAM DUNCAN.
Gray's Ferry, October 30, 1802.
DEAR BILLY,
I was favoured with your despatches a few hours ago,
through the kindness of Colonel Sullivan, who called on me for
that purpose. I have read and re-read, over and over again, their
contents; and shall devote the remainder of this evening, to reply
to you, and the rest of the family, now joint tenants of the woods.
By the arrival of John F. here, in August last, I received one
letter from my brother David, one from Thomas W. and one for
Alexander from David Wilson; and last week another packet
arrived from Belfast, containing one letter from your father to
myself; and to your mother, brother and brother-in-law, and
yourself, one each, all of which I have herewith sent, and hope
they may amuse a leisure hour. F. has been wofully disappointed
in the expectations he had formed of his uncle. Instead of being
able to assist him, he found him in the depth of poverty, and
fast sinking under a severe fever. Probably the arrival of a re-
lation contributed to his recovery; he is now able to crawl about.
F. has had one child born and buried since his arrival. He weaves
with Robertson, but neither likes the situation nor employment.
He is a stout, active and ingenious fellow, can turn his hand to al-
most any thing, and wishes as eagerly to get up to the lakes as
ever a saint longed-to get to heaven. He gives a most dismal
description of the situation of the poor people of Scotland in
1800.
Your letters, so long expected, have at length relieved me from
LETTERS.
95
much anxiety. I am very sorry that your accommodations are
so few, for my sister's sake, and the children's; a fire-place and
comfortable house for the winter must, if possible, be got up with-
out delay. If masons are not to be had, I would attempt to raise
a temporary one myself, I mean a fire-place-but surely they may
be had, and lime and stones are also attainable by dint of industry.
These observations are made not from any doubts of your doing
every thing in your power to make your mother as comfortable as
possible, and as your means will enable you, but from a solicitude
for a sister's health, who has sustained more distress than usual.
I know the rude appearance of the country, and the want of many
usual conveniences, will for some time affect her spirits; let it be
your pleasure and study to banish these melancholy moments
from her as much as possible. Whatever inconveniences they
may for a while experience, it was well they left this devoted city.
The fever, that yellow genius of destruction, has sent many poor
mortals to their long homes since you departed; and the gentle-
man who officiates as steward to the Hospital informed me yester-
day evening that it rages worse this week than at any former
period this season, though the physicians have ceased reporting.
Every kind of business has been at a stand these three months,
but the business of death.
You intimate your design of coming down next Spring. Alex-
ander seems to have the same intention. How this will be done,
consistent with providing for the family, is not so clear to me.
Let me give my counsel on the subject. You will see by your
father's letters that he cannot be expected before next July, or
August perhaps, a time when you must of necessity be at home.
Your coming down, considering loss of time and expenses, and cal-
culating what you might do on the farm, or at the loom, or at other
jobs, would not clear you more than twenty dollars difference, un-
less you intended to remain here five or six months, in which time
much might be done by you and Alexander on the place. I am
sorry he has been so soon discouraged with farming. Were my
strength but equal to my spirit, I would abandon my school for
ever for such an employment. Habit will reconcile him to all
difficulties. It is more healthy, more independent and agreeable,
than to be cooped up in a subterraneous dungeon, surrounded by
96
LETTERS.
gloomy damp, and breathing an unwholesome air from morning
to night, shut out from Nature's fairest scenes and the pure air
of heaven. When necessity demands such a seclusion, it is noble
to obey; but when we are left to choice, who would bury them-
selves alive? It is only in Winter that I would recommend the
loom to both of you. In the month of March next I shall, if well,
be able to command two hundred dollars cash once more. Nothing
stands between me and this but health, and that I hope will
continue at least till then. You may then direct as to the dis-
posal of this money-I shall freely and cheerfully yield the whole
to your management. Another quarter will enable me to settle
John M.'s account, about the time it will be due; and, instead of
wandering in search of employment five or six hundred miles for
a few dollars, I would beg of you both to unite in putting the
place and house in as good order as possible. But Alexander can
get nothing but wheat and butter for this hagging and slashing!
Never mind, my dear namesake, put up awhile with the rough
fare and rough clothing of the country. Let us only get the place
in good order, and you shall be no loser by it. Next Summer I
will assuredly come up along with your father and George, if he
comes as I expect he will, and every thing shall flourish.
My dear friend and nephew, I wish you could find a leisure
hour in the evening to give the children, particularly Mary, some
instruction in reading, and Alexander in writing and accounts.
Don't be discouraged though they make but slow progress in both,
but persevere a little every evening. I think you can hardly
employ an hour at night to better purpose. And make James
read every convenient opportunity. If I live to come up beside
you, I shall take that burden off your shoulders. Be the constant
friend and counsellor of your little colony, to assist them in their
difficulties, encourage them in their despondencies, to make them
as happy as circumstances will enable you. A mother, brothers,
and sisters, in a foreign country, looking up to you as their best
friend and supporter, places you in a dignified point of view. The
future remembrance of your kind duty to them now, will, in the
hour of your own distress, be as a healing angel of peace to your
mind. Do every thing possible to make your house comfortable-
LETTERS.
97
fortify the garrison in every point-stop every crevice that may
let in that chilling devil, the roaring blustering northwest-heap
up fires big enough for an Indian war-feast-keep the flour-barrel
full-bake loaves like Hamles' Head*-make the loom thunder,
and the pot boil; and your snug little cabin re-echo nothing but
sounds of domestic felicity. I will write you the moment I hear
of George. I shall do every thing I have said to you, and never
lose sight of the eighteenth of March; for which I shall keep
night - school this Winter, and retain every farthing but what
necessity requires-depend upon me. These are the outlines of
my plan. If health stand it, all will be well; if not, we cannot
help it. Ruminate on all this, and consult together. If you still
think of coming down, I hope you would not hesitate for a
moment to make my neighbourhood your home. If you come I
shall be happy to have you once more beside me.
If you resolve
to stay on the farm, and put things in order as far as possible, I
will think you have done what you thought best. But I forget
that my paper is done.
:
Robb, Orr, &c., have escaped as yet from the pestilence; but
Robb's three children have all had the ague. Rabby Rowan has
gone to Davie's Locker at last he died in the West Indies. My
brother David talks of coming to America, and my father, poor
old man, would be happy to be with you, rough and uncomfortable
as your situation at present is. As soon as I finish this, I shall
write to your mother and Alexander. There is a letter for John
M., which he is requested to answer by his father-in-law. I hope
John will set a firm resolute heart to the undertaking, and plant a
posterity in that rich, western country, to perpetuate his name
for ever.
Thousands here would rejoice to be in his situation.
How happy may you live thus united together in a free and
plentiful country, after so many years of painful separation, where
the bare necessaries of life were all that incessant drudgery could
procure, and even that but barely. Should even sickness visit
*
The name of a rock which stood in the river Cart near Wilson's birth-place in
Seedhills, Paisley.-G.
N
98
LETTERS.
you, which God forbid, each of you is surrounded by almost all
the friends in the world, to nurse you, and pity and console you ;
and surely it is not the least sad comfort of a deathbed, to be
attended by affectionate relatives. Write me positively by post,
two or three times. My best love to my sister, to Isabella,
Alexander, John, the two Maries, James, Jenny, little Annie.
God Almighty bless you all.
Your ever affectionate Friend,
ALEX. WILSON.
+ LETTER XXXI.
In good spirits—'no place without inconveniences'- 'don't despise hagging down
trees-farming-health-weave in Winter, &c.
To Mr. ALEXANDER DUNCAN.
October 31, 1802.
DEAR ALEXANDER,
I have laughed on every perusal of your letter. I
have now deciphered the whole, except the blots, but I fancy they
are only by the way of half mourning for your doleful captivity in
the backwoods, where there is nothing but wheat and butter,
eggs and gammon, for hagging down trees. Deplorable! what
must be done? It is a good place, you say, for a man who has a
parcel of weans!
But forgive this joking. I thank you, most heartily, for this
your first letter to me; and I hope you will follow it up with many
more. I shall always reply to them with real pleasure. I am
glad that your chief objection to the country is want of money.
No place is witnout its inconveniences. Want of the necessaries
of life would be a much greater grievance. If you can, in your
present situation, procure sufficient of these, though attended with
particular disadvantages, I would recommend you to persevere
where you are. I would wish you and William to give your joint
labours to putting the place in as good order as possible. A farm
LETTERS.
99
of such land, in good cultivation, is highly valuable. It will repay
all the labour bestowed upon it a hundred-fold; and contains
within it all the powers of plenty and independence. These it
only requires industry to bring forth, and a small stock of money
to begin with. The money I doubt not of being able to procure,
next Summer, for a year or two, on interest, independent of two
hundred dollars of my own, which I hope to possess on or before
the middle of March next. C. S. is very much attached to both
your brother and me; and has the means in his power to assist
us- and I know he will. In the meantime, if you and William
unite in the undertaking, I promise you, as far as I am concerned,
to make it the best plan you could pursue.
Don't
Accustom yourself, as much as you can, to working out.
despise hayging down trees. It is hard work, no doubt; but
taken moderately, it strengthens the whole sinews, and is a manly
and independent employment. An old weaver is a poor, emaciated,
helpless being, shivering over rotten yarn, and groaning over his
empty flour barrel. An old farmer sits in his arm chair before his
jolly fire, while his joists are crowded with hung beef and
gammons, and the bounties of Heaven are pouring into his barns.
Even the article of health is a consideration sufficient to make a
young man prefer the labours of the field: for health is certainly
the first enjoyment of human life. But perhaps weaving holds
out advantages that farming does not. Then blend the two
together; weave in the depth of Winter, and work out the rest of
the year.
We will have it in our power, before next Winter, to
have a shop, looms, &c., provided. Consider all I have said, and
if I have a wrong view of the subject, form your own plans, and
write me without delay.
UsrM
100
LETTERS.
+ LETTER XXXII.
Unexpected visitors-better circumstances-Robert Burns and the 'muse'-
advices for the children, &c.
To Mr. WILLIAM DUNCAN.
Gray's Ferry, December 23, 1802.
The two Mr. Purdies popped into my school, this after-
noon, as unexpected as they were welcome,with news from the pro-
mised land. I shall detain them with me all night, on purpose to
have an opportunity of writing you a few lines. I am glad you are
all well. I hope that this is the last devilish slough of despond
which you will have to struggle in for some time. I will do all
that I said to you, in my last, by the middle of March; so let
care and sorrow be forgotten; and industry, hope, good-humour
and economy, be your bosom friends.
*
*
*
*
*
*
I succeed tolerably well; and seem to gain in the esteem of the
people about. I am glad of it, because I hope it will put it in my
power to clear the road a little before you, and banish despon-
dency from the heart of my dearest friend. Be assured that I
will ever as cheerfully contribute to your relief in difficulties, as I
will rejoice with you in prosperity. But we have nothing to fear.
One hundred bushels of wheat, to be sure, is no great marketing;
but has it not been expended in the support of a mother, and
infant brothers and sisters, thrown upon your bounty in a foreign
country? Robert Burns, when the mice nibbled away his corn,
said:
"I'll get a blessin' wi' the lave,
And never miss 't."
Where he expected one, you may a thousand. Robin, by his own
confession, ploughed up his mice out of ha' and hame. You have
built for your little wanderers a cozie bield, where none dare molest
them. There is more true greatness in the affectionate exertions
which you have made for their subsistence and support, than the
bloody catalogue of heroes can boast of. Your own heart will
speak peace and satisfaction to you, to the last moment of your
LETTERS.
101
life, for every anxiety you felt on their account. Colonel Sullivan
talks with pride and affection of you.
I wish Alexander had written me a few lines of the old German
text. I laugh every time I look at his last letter: its a perfect
antidote against the spleen. Well, Alexander, which is the best
fun, handling the shuttle, or the ax? When John M. comes
down, write me largely. And, dear sister, let me hear from you
also. * *
I would beg leave to suggest to you the propriety of teaching
the children to behave with good manners, and dutiful respect to
yourself, each other, and every body.
You must excuse me for any thing I may have said amiss, or
any thing I may have omitted to mention.
I am, with sincere attachment,
Your affectionate Friend,
+ LETTER XXXIII.
ALEX. WILSON.
Various and arduous occupations as a teacher.
To Mr. THOMAS CRICHTON.
1st June, 1803.
Close application to the duties of my profession, which I
have followed since November, 1795, has deeply injured my consti-
tution, the more so that my rambling disposition was the worst
calculated of anyone's in the world for the austere regularity of a
teacher's life. I have had many pursuits since I left Scotland—
Mathematics, the German Language, Music, Drawing, &c., and I
am now about to make a collection of all our finest birds,
LETTERS.
102
+ LETTER XXXIV.
Flower-drawings--professional avocations hinder more progress.
To Mr. WILLIAM BARTRAM.
November 20, 1803.
I have attempted two of those prints which Miss Nancy* so
obligingly, and with so much honour to her own taste, selected
for me.
I was quite delighted with the anemone, but fear I
have made but bungling work of it. Such as they are I send
them for your inspection and opinion; neither of them is quite
finished. For your kind advice towards my improvement, I
return my most grateful acknowledgments.
The duties of my profession will not admit me to apply to this
study with the assiduity and perseverance I could wish. Chief
part of what I do is sketched by candle-light; and for this I am
obliged to sacrifice the pleasures of social life, and the agreeable
moments which I might enjoy in company with you and your
amiable friend. I shall finish the other some time this week;
and shall be happy if what I have done merit your approbation.
ނ
+ LETTER XXXV.
'Pedagoguings earnestly bent on pursuing my plan of making a collection of
all the birds in this part of North America '-Quixotic, but to be done.
To. Mr. ALEXANDER LAWSON.
March 12, 1804.
I dare say you begin to think me very ungenerous and un-
friendly in not seeing you for so long a time. I will simply state
the cause, and I know you will excuse me. Six days in one week
I have no more time than just to swallow my meals, and return
* Mr. Wm. Bartram's niece, who married Col. Carr.—G.
LETTERS.
103
to my Sanctum Sanctorum. Five days of the following week are
occupied in the same routine of pedagoguing matters; and the
other two are sacrificed to that itch for drawing, which I caught
from your honourable self. I never was more wishful to spend
an afternoon with you. In three weeks I shall have a few days'
vacancy, and mean to be in town chief part of the time. I am
most earnestly bent on pursuing my plan of making a collection
of all the birds in this part of North America. Now I don't want
you to throw cold water, as Shakspeare says, on this notion,
Quixotic as it may appear. I have been so long accustomed to
the building of airy castles and brain windmills, that it has
become one of my earthly comforts, a sort of a rough bone, that
amuses me when sated with the dull drudgery of life.
+ LETTER XXXVI.
Sympathy-hurry of a crowded school'-'attempts at some of our indigenous
birds' collection of 'native birds' enlarged-Nature.
To Mr. WILLIAM BARTRAM.
March 29, 1804.
Three months have passed away since I had the pleasure of
seeing you; and three dark and heavy months they have been to
your family. My heart has shared in your distress, and sincerely
sympathises with you for the loss you have sustained. But Time,
the great curer of every grief, will gradually heal those wounds
Misfortune has inflicted; and many years of tranquillity and
happiness are, I sincerely hope, reserved for you.
I have been prevented from seeing you so long by the hurry of
a crowded school, which occupied all my hours of daylight, and
frequently half the others. The next quarter will leave me time
enough; and, as there is no man living in whose company I have
more real satisfaction, I hope you will pardon me if I now and
then steal a little of your leisure.
104
LETTERS.
I send for your amusement a few attempts at some of our indi-
genous birds, hoping that your good nature will excuse their
deficiencies, while you point them out to me. I intended to be
the bearer of them myself, but having so many little accounts to
draw up before to-morrow, I am compelled to plead this as my
excuse. I am almost ashamed to send you these drawings; but
I knew your generous disposition will induce you to encourage
one in whom you perceive a sincere and eager wish to do well.
They were chiefly coloured by candle-light.
I have now got my collection of native birds considerably
enlarged; and shall endeavour, if possible, to obtain all the
smaller ones this summer. Be pleased to mark on the drawings,
with a pencil, the names of each bird, as, except three or four, I
do not know them. I shall be extremely obliged to you for every
hint that will assist me in this agreeable amusement.
I am very anxious to see the performances of your fair pupil ;
and beg you would assure her from me that any of the birds I
have are heartily at her service. Surely Nature is preferable, to
copy after, to the works of the best masters, though perhaps more
difficult; for I declare that the face of an owl, and the back of a lark,
have put me to a nonplus; and if Miss Nancy will be so obliging
as to try her hand on the last mentioned, I will furnish her with
one in good order, and will copy her drawing with the greatest
pleasure; having spent almost a week on two different ones, and
afterwards destroyed them both, and got nearly in the slough of
despond..
LETTERS.
105
+ LETTER XXXVII.
Renewed thanks-afflictions of the good-'pencil of Nature'-'schemes of
speculation' of others-himself 'entranced' over the plumage of a lark,
&c.—odd and varied 'specimens' sent him-pathetic notice of a mouse.
To the Same.
Kingsessing, March 31, 1804.
I take the first few moments I have had since
receiving your letter, to thank you for your obliging attention to my
little attempts at drawing; and for the very affectionate expressions
of esteem with which you honour me.
But sorry I am, indeed,
that afflictions so severe, as those you mention, should fall where
so much worth and sensibility reside, while the profligate, the
unthinking and unfeeling, so frequently pass through life,
strangers to sickness, adversity, or suffering. But God visits
those with distress whose enjoyments He wishes to render more
exquisite. The storms of affliction do not last for ever; and
sweet is the serene air, and warm sunshine, after a day of darkness
and tempest. Our friend has, indeed, passed away, in the bloom
of youth and expectation; but nothing has happened but what
almost every day's experience teaches us to expect. How many
millions of beautiful flowers have flourished and faded under
your eye; and how often has the whole profusion of blossoms,
the hopes of a whole year, been blasted by an untimely frost.
He has gone only a little before us; we must soon follow; but
while the feelings of nature cannot be repressed, it is our duty
to bow with humble resignation to the decisions of the great
Father of all, rather receiving with gratitude the blessings He is
pleased to bestow, than repining at the loss he thinks proper to
take from us. But allow me, my dear friend, to withdraw your
thoughts from so melancholy a subject, since the best way to
avoid the force of any overpowering passion, is to turn its direc-
tion another way.
That lovely season is now approaching, when the garden,
woods and fields, will again display their foliage and flowers.
О
106
LETTERS.
by that
Every day we may expect strangers, flocking from the south, to
fill our woods with harmony. The pencil of Nature is now at
work, and outlines, tints, and gradations of lights and shades,
that baffle all description, will soon be spread before us
great Master, our most benevolent Friend and Father. Let us
cheerfully participate in the feast he is preparing for all our
senses. Let us survey those millions of green strangers, just
peeping into day, as so many happy messengers come to proclaim
the power and munificence of the Creator. I confess that I was
always an enthusiast in my admiration of the rural scenery of
Nature; but, since your example and encouragement have set
me to attempt to imitate her productions, I see new beauties in
every bird, plant, or flower, I contemplate; and find my ideas of
the incomprehensible First Cause still more exalted, the more
minutely I examine His work.
I sometimes smile to think that while others are immersed in
deep schemes of speculation and aggrandizement-in building
towns and purchasing plantations, I am entranced in contempla-
tion over the plumage of a lark, or gazing like a despairing lover,
on the lineaments of an owl. While others are hoarding up their
bags of money, without the power of enjoying it, I am collecting,
without injuring my conscience, or wounding my peace of mind,
those beautiful specimens of Nature's works that are for ever
pleasing. I have had live crows, hawks, and owls-opossums,
squirrels, snakes, lizards, &c., so that my room has sometimes
reminded me of Noah's ark; but Noah had a wife in one corner
of it, and in this particular our parallel does not altogether tally.
I receive every subject of natural history that is brought to me,
and though they do not march into my ark from all quarters, as
they did that of our great ancestor, yet I find means, by the dis-
tribution of a few five-penny bits, to make them find the way fast
enough. A boy, not long ago, brought me a large basket full of
crows. I expect his next load will be bull-frogs, if I don't soon
issue orders to the contrary. One of my boys caught a mouse in
school, a few days ago, and directly marched up to me with his
prisoner. I set about drawing it that same evening, and all the
while the pantings of its little heart showed it to be in the most
LETTERS.
107
extreme agonies of fear. I had intended to kill it, in order to fix
it in the claws of a stuffed owl, but happening to spill a few drops
of water near where it was tied, it lapped it up with such eager-
ness and looked in my face with such an eye of supplicating terror,
as perfectly overcame me. I immediately untied it, and restored
it to life and liberty. The agonies of the prisoner at the stake,
while the fire and instruments of torment are preparing, could
not be more severe than the sufferings of that poor mouse; and,
insignificant as the object was, I felt at that moment the sweet
sensations that mercy leaves on the mind when she triumphs over
cruelty.
My dear friend, you see I take the liberty of an old acquain-
tance with you, in thus trifling with your time. You have al-
ready raised me out of the slough of despond, by the hopes of
your agreeable conversation, and that of your amiable pupil.
Nobody, I am sure, rejoices more in her acquisition of the beau-
tiful accomplishments of drawing than myself. I hope she will
persevere. I am persuaded that any pains you bestow upon her
will be rewarded beyond your expectations. Besides, it will be
a new link in that chain of friendship and consanguinity by which
you are already united; though I fear it will be a powerful addi-
tion' to that attraction which was fully sufficient before, to make
even a virtuoso quit his owls and opposums, and think of some-
thing else.
ALEXANDER WILSON.
+ LETTER XXXVIII.
'A few more imitations of birds'-even poetry neglected for this bewitching
amusement-humming-birds and flowers.
To the Same.
May 1st, 1804.
I send you a few more imitations of birds for
your opinion, which I value beyond that of anybody else, though I am
108
LETTERS.
seriously apprehensive that I am troublesome. These are the last I
shall draw for some time, as the employment consumes every leisure
moment, leaving nothing for friendship, or those rural recreations
which I so much delight in. Even poetry, whose heavenly en-
thusiasm I used to glory in, can hardly ever find me at home, so
much has this bewitching amusement engrossed all my senses.
:
Please to send me the names of the birds. I wish to draw a
small flower, in order to represent the Humming-bird in the act
of feeding will you be so good as to send me one suitable, and
not too large? The legs and feet of some are unfinished; they
are all miserably imperfect, but your generous candour I know to
be beyond all their defects.
ALEXANDER WILSON.
+ LETTER XXXIX.
'Our little journey'-put off the 'jaunt' -verses.
To the Same,
June, 15th and 16th, 1804.
I have arranged my business for our little journey; and, if
to-morrow be fair, I shall have the chaise ready for you at any
time in the morning, say seven o'clock. Or if you think any
other hour more suitable, please to let me know by the bearer,
and I shall make it answerable to me.
I believe we had better put off our intended jaunt until some
more auspicious day.
Clouds, from Eastern regions driven,
Still obscure the gloomy skies;
Let us yield, since angry Heaven
Frowns upon our enterprise.
Haply some unseen disaster
Hung impending o'er our way;
Which our kind Almighty Master
Saw, and sought us thus to stay.
LETTERS.
109
By and by, when fair Aurora
Bids the drowsy fogs to fly,
And the glorious god of Flora
Rises in a cloudless sky;
Then, in whirling chariot seated,
With my friend I'll gladly go:
With his converse richly treated-
Happy to be honoured so.
LETTER XL.
ALEX. WILSON.
'The Solitary Tutor' sent to the Literary Magazine.'
To Mr. Alexander Lawson.
August 14th, 1804.
DEAR SIR,
Enclosed is a copy of the "Solitary Tutor," which
I should like to see in the "Literary Magazine" of this
month, along with the other poem which I sent the editor last
week. Wishing, for my future benefit, to call the public atten-
tion to these pieces, if, in the editor's opinion, they should seem
worthy of it, I must request the favour of you to converse with
him on this subject. You know the numerous pieces I am in pos-
session of, would put it in my power to support tolerably well any
recommendation he might bestow on these; and while they would
not, I trust, disgrace the pages of his valuable publication, they
might serve as my introduction to the literary world, and as” a
sort of inspiration to some future and more finished attempts.
Knowing that you will freely pardon the quantum of vanity that
suggests these hints.
I remain, with real regard, &c.,
ALEXANDER WILSON.
110
LETTERS.
+ LETTER XLI.
Pinkerton's geography-criticisms of 'only thirty-four pages allotted to the whole
United States'-'miserably disappointed' by the 'account of the natural
history'-absurdities about 'pork' and 'eels'-Scotland.
To Mr. William Bartram,
Union School, September 17, 1804.
The second volume of Pinkerton's Geography
has at length made its appearance; and I take the freedom of trans-
mitting it, and the Atlas, for your amusement. To condemn so exten-
sive a work before a re-perusal, or without taking into consideration
all the difficulties that were to be surmounted, is, perhaps, not
altogether fair. Yet we almost always form our judgment from the
first impressions, and this judgment is very seldom relinquished.
You will, therefore, excuse me if I give you some of the impres-
sions made on myself by a cursory perusal.
Taking it all in all, it is certainly the best treatise on the
subject hitherto published; though had the author extended his
plan, and, instead of two, given us four volumes, it would not
frequently have laid him under the necessity of disappointing his
reader by the bare mention of things that required greater illus-
tration; and of compressing the natural history of whole regions
into half a page. Only thirty-four pages allotted to the whole
United States! This is brevity with a vengeance.
I had indeed
expected from the exertions of Dr. Barton, as complete an
account of the natural history of this part of the world as his
means of information, and the limits of the work, would admit.
I have been miserably disappointed; and you will pardon me
when I say that his omitting entirely the least reference to your
researches in Botany and Zoology, and seeming so solicitous
to let us know of his own productions, bespeak a narrowness of
mind, and self-consequence, which are truly despicable. Every
one acquainted with you both, would have confidently trusted that
he would rejoice in the opportunity of making the world better
acquainted with a man whose works show such a minute and in-
LETTERS.
111
timate knowledge of these subjects; and from whom he had re-
ceived so much information. But no—not even the slightest allu-
sion, lest posterity might discover that there existed, at this time,
in the United States, a Naturalist of information superior to his.
My dear sir, I am a Scotchman, and don't love my friends with
that cold selfish prudence which I see in some; and if I offend in
thus speaking from the fulness of my heart, I know you will for-
give me.
Pinkerton has, indeed, furnished us with many curious parti-
culars unknown, or, at least, unnoticed, by all former geographers;
and also with other items long since exploded as fabulous and ridi-
culous; such is his account of the Upas or poisonous tree; and of
children having been lost in some of our American swamps, and
of being seen many years afterwards, in a wild savage state! But
he very gravely tells his readers that the people of Scotland eat
little or no pork from a prejudice which they entertain against
swine, the Devil having taken possession of some of them two
thousand years ago! What an enlightened people these Scots
must be; and what a delicate taste they must be possessed of!
Yet I have traversed nearly three-fourths of that country, and
mixed much with the common people, and never heard of such an
objection before. Had the learned author told his readers that,
until late years, Scotland, though abounding in rich pastures, even
to its mountain tops, was yet but poorly productive in grain, fruit,
&c., the usual food of hogs, and that on this account innumerable
herds of sheep, horses, and cattle, were raised, and but very little
pork, he would then have stated the simple facts; and not sub-
jected himself to the laughter of every native of that part of
Britain.
As to the pretended antipathy of the Scots to eels, because
they resemble snakes, it is equally ridiculous and improbable
ninety-nine out of a hundred of the natives never saw a snake
in their lives. The fact is, it is as usual to eat eels in Scotland,
where they can be got, as it is in America; and although I have
frequently heard such objections made to the eating of eels here,
where snakes are so common, yet I do not remember to have
heard the comparison made in Scotland. I have taken notice of
112
LETTERS.
these two observations of his, because they are applied generally
to the Scots, making them appear a weak squeamish-stomached
set of beings, infected with all the prejudices and antipathies of
children.
These are some of my objections to this work, which, how-
ever, in other respects, does honour to the talents, learning, and
industry of the compiler.
+ LETTER XLII.
Snug at home' and the retrospect of journeyings not pleasant, yet ready to
commence a more extensive expedition '-no ties to hinder-deficiencies.
To Mr. William Bartram.
Gray's Ferry, December 15, 1804.
Though now snug at home, looking back in recollection on
the long, circuitous, journey which I have at length finished,
through deep snows, and almost uninhabited forests; over stu-
pendous mountains, and down dangerous rivers; passing over, in
a course of thirteen hundred miles, as great a variety of men and
modes of living, as the same extent of country can exhibit in any
part of the United States-though in this tour I have had every
disadvantage of deep roads and rough weather; hurried marches,
and many other inconveniences to encounter,-yet so far am I
from being satisfied with what I have seen, or discouraged by the
fatigues which every traveller must submit to, that I feel more
eager than ever to commence some more extensive expedition;
where scenes and subjects entirely new, and generally unknown,
might reward my curiosity; and where perhaps my humble
acquisitions might add something to the stores of knowledge.
For all the hazards and privations incident to such an
undertaking, I feel confident in my own spirit and resolu-
tion. With no family to enchain my affections, no ties but
those of friendship, and the most ardent love of my adopted
country; with a constitution which hardens amidst fatigues,
and a disposition sociable and open, which can find itself at home
by an Indian fire in the depth of the woods, as well as in the
LETTERS.
113
best apartment of the civilised [world], I have at present a real
design of becoming a traveller. But I am miserably deficient in
many acquirements absolutely necessary for such a character.
Botany, Mineralogy, and Drawing, I most ardently wish to be in-
structed in, and with these I should fear nothing.
Can I yet
make any progress in Botany, sufficient to enable me to be use-
ful, and what would be the most proper way to proceed? I have
many leisure moments that should be devoted to this pursuit,
provided I could have hopes of succeeding. Your opinion on this
subject will confer an additional obligation on your affectionate
friend.
+ LETTER XLIII.
The school-recent 'journeys'-among the coffee-coloured' tribes-a 'new' bird-
'mud holes' and darkness-' boots' reduced to legs and upper leathers.'
To Mr. WM. DUNCAN.
Gray's Ferry, Dec. 24th, 1804.
You have no doubt looked for this letter long ago, but
I wanted to see how matters would finally settle with respect to my
school before I wrote; they remain, however, as uncertain as
before; and this quarter will do little more than defray my board
and firewood. Comfortable intelligence truly, methinks I hear
you say; but no matter.
I shall begin where you and I left off our story, viz., at Aurora,
on the shores of the Cayuga. The evening of that day, Isaac and
I lodged at the outlet of Owasco Lake, on the turnpike, seven or
eight miles from Cayuga bridge; we waded into the stream,
washed our boots and pantaloons, and walked up to a con-
temptible dram-shop, where, taking possession of one side of the
fire we sat, deafened with the noise and hubbub of a parcel of
drunk tradesmen. At five next morning we started; it had
frozen, and the road was in many places deep and slippery. I
insensibly got into a hard step of walking; Isaac kept groaning a
rod or so behind, though I carried his gun.
We set off
P
114
LETTERS.
again, and we stopped at the outlet of Skaneateles Lake, ate some
pork-blubber and bread, and departed. At about two in the
afternoon we passed Onondaga Hollow, and lodged in Manlius
Square, a village of thirty houses, that have risen like mushrooms
in two or three years, having walked this day thirty-four miles.
On the morning of the 22d we started as usual by five-road
rough-and Isaac grunting and lagging behind. This day we
were joined by another young traveller, returning home to his
father's on the Mohawk; he had a pocket bottle, and made fre-
quent and long applications of it to his lips. The road this day
bad, and the snow deeper than before. Passing through Oneida
Castle, I visited every house within three hundred yards of the
road, and chatted to the copper-coloured tribe. In the evening
we lodged at Lard's tavern, within eleven miles of Utica, the
roads deplorably bad, and Isaac and his disconsolate companion
groaning at every step behind me, so that, as drummers do in
battle, I was frequently obliged to keep before, and sing some
lively ditty, to drown the sound of their ohs!" and ahs!"
and "O Lords!" The road for fifteen or twenty miles was knee
deep of mud. We entered Utica at nine the next morning. This
place is three times larger than it was four years ago; and from
Oneida to Utica is almost an entire continued village. This
evening we lodged on the east side of the Mohawk, fifteen miles
below Utica, near which I shot a bird of the size of a Mocking-
bird, which proves to be one never yet described by naturalists.
I have it here in excellent order. From the town called Her-
kimer we set off through deep mud and some snow; and about
mid-day, between East and West Canada Creeks, I shot three
birds of the Jay kind, all of one species, which appears to be un-
described. Mr. Bartram is greatly pleased at the discovery; and
I have saved two of them in tolerable condition. Below the
Little Falls the road was excessively bad, and Isaac was almost in
despair, in spite of all I could do to encourage him. We walked
this day twenty-four miles; and early on the 25th started off
again through deep mud, till we came within fifteen miles of
Schenectady, when a boat coming down the river, Isaac expressed
a wish to get on board. I walked six miles afterwards by myself,
LETTERS.
115.
till it got so dark that I could hardly rescue myself from the mud-
holes. The next morning I entered Schenectady, but Isaac did
not arrive in the boat till noon. Here we took the stage-coach
for Albany, the roads being excessively bad, and arrived there in
the evening. After spending two days in Albany, we departed in
a sloop, and reached New York on Saturday, at noon, the first of
December. My boots were now reduced to legs and upper
leathers, and my pantaloons in a sad plight. Twelve dollars were
expended on these two articles.
On Friday, the 7th December, I reached Gray's Ferry, having
walked forty-seven miles that day. I was absent two months on
this journey, and I traversed in that time upwards of twelve
hundred miles.
The evening of my arrival I went to L--h's, whose wife had
got twins, a boy and a girl. The boy was called after me; this
honour took six dollars more from me. After paying for a cord of
wood, I was left with only three-quarters of a dollar.
LETTER XLIV.
Dr. Barton-Niagara-' American crow '-Bartram, senr.-Choctaw bonepickers.
To Mr. Wм. Bartram,
Union School, Dec. 24, 1804.
I have perused Dr. Barton's publication,* and return it
with many thanks for the agreeable and unexpected treat it has
afforded me. The description of the Falls of Niagara is, in some
places a faint, though just, delineation of that stupendous
cataract. But many interesting particulars are omitted; and
much of the writer's reasoning on the improbability of the wear-
ing away of the precipice, and consequent recession of the Falls,
seems contradicted by every appearance there; and many other
assertions are incorrect. Yet on such a subject, everything, how-
ever trifling, seems to attract attention: the reader's imagination
supplying him with scenery in abundance, even amidst the feeble-
ness and barrenness of the meanest writer's description.
*The Philadelphia Medical and Physical Journal, vol. 1.
116
LETTERS.
After this article, I was most agreeably amused with "Anec-
dotes of an American Crow," written in such a pleasing style of
playful humour as I have seldom seen surpassed, and forming a
perfect antidote against the spleen; abounding at the same time
with observations and reflections not unworthy of a philosopher.
The sketch of your father's life, with the extracts from his
letters, I read with much pleasure. They will remain lasting
monuments of the worth and respectability of the father, as well
as of the filial affection of the son.
The description of the Choctaw Bonepickers is a picture so
horrible, that I think nothing can exceed it. Many other pieces in
this work are new and interesting. It cannot fail to promote the
knowledge of natural history, and deserves on this account every.
support and encouragement.
F
LETTER XLV.
The Literary Magazine'-Falls of Niagara-'many large rocks that used formerly
to appear
now swept away.'
To the Same,
Dec. 26, 1804.
. I send for your amusement the "Literary Magazine” for
September, in which you will find a well written, and, except in a
few places, a correct description of the great Falls of Niagara. I
yesterday saw a drawing of them, taken in 1768, and observe that
many large rocks, that used formerly to appear in the rapids above
the Horseshoe falls, are now swept away; and the form of the
curve considerably altered, the consequence of its gradual retro-
gression. I hope this account will entertain you, as I think it by
far the most complete I have yet seen.
LETTERS.
117
LETTER XLVI.
A former letter unposted-hard struggles-' families
tion 'The Foresters' much enlarged.
in a state of starva-
To Mr. WM. DUNCAN.
Kingsessing, February 20, 1805.
I received yours of January 1, and wrote immedi-
ately; but partly through negligence, and partly through accident,
it has not been put into the post-office; and I now sit down to
give you some additional particulars.
This winter has been entirely lost to me, as well as
to yourself. I shall on the twelfth of next month be scarcely able
to collect a sufficiency to pay my board, having not more than
twenty-seven scholars. Five or six families, who used to send me
their children, have been almost in a state of starvation. The
rivers Schuylkill and Delaware are still shut, and waggons are
passing and repassing at this moment upon the ice.
The solitary hours of this winter I have employed in com-
pleting the poem which I originally intended for a description of
our first journey to Ovid. It is now so altered as to bear little
resemblance to the original; and I have named it the Foresters.
It begins with a description of the Fall or Indian Summer, and
relates minutely our peregrinations and adventures until our
arrival at Catherine Landing, occupying ten hundred and thirty
lines.
The remainder will occupy nearly as much; and as I shall,
if ever I publish it, insert numerous notes, I should be glad if,
while you are on the spot, you would collect every interesting
anecdote you can of the country, and of the places which we passed
through. Hunting stories, &c., peculiar to the [Indians] would
be acceptable. I should be extremely glad to spend one afternoon
with you for the benefit of your criticisms. I lent the poem to Mr.
our senator, who seems to think it worth reading; and
has expressed many flattering compliments on my labours ;
118
LETTERS.
but I don't value either of their opinions half as much as I
would yours. I have bestowed more pains upon this than I ever
did upon any former poem; and if it contain nothing really good,
I shall for every despair of producing any other that will.
+ LETTER XLVII.
Re-election of Jefferson as President-high praise of-two birds from the Mohawk.
To Mr. WM. BARTRAM.
March 4, 1805.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
This day the heart of every Republican, of every
good man within the immense limits of our happy country, will
leap with joy.
The re-appointment and continuance of our beloved Jefferson
to superintend our national concerns, is one of those distinguished
blessings whose beneficent effects extend to posterity; and whose
value our hearts may feel, but can never express.
I congratulate with you, my dear friend, on this happy event.
The enlightened philosopher,—the distinguished naturalist,—the
first statesman on earth,—the friend, the ornament of science, is
the father of our country, the faithful guardian of our liberties.
May the precious fruits of such pre-eminent talents long, long be
ours; and the grateful effusions of millions of freemen, at a far
distant period, follow their aged and honoured patriot to the
peaceful tomb.
I am at present engaged in drawing the two birds which I
brought from the Mohawk; and, if I can finish them to your
approbation, I intend to transmit them to our excellent President,
as the child of an amiable parent presents to its affectionate father
some little token of its esteem.
LETTERS.
119
+ LETTER XLVIII.
Letters received and answered-not to 'part with the place to disadvantage
school'thin'-intended to leave, but a great effort made, so he remained-
no tidings from Scotland-The Foresters '-the two 'nondescript' birds-
letters to Jefferson-suffering 'poor' in Philadelphia-keep a diary,' and
⚫ remember me as you wander through your woody solitudes.'
To Mr. WM. DUNCAN.
Gray's Ferry, March 26, 1805.
I received your letter of January 1, sometime about
the beginning of February, and wrote the same evening very fully ;
but have heard nothing in return. Col. S. desires me to tell you
to be in no uneasiness, nor part with the place to a disadvantage on
his account. His son has been with me since January. I told
you in my last of the thinness of my school: it produced me the
last quarter only twenty-six scholars; and the sum of fifteen
dollars was all the money I could raise from them at the end of
the term. I immediately called the trustees together, and,
stating the affair to them, proposed giving up the school. Two
of them on the spot offered to subscribe between them one
hundred dollars a-year rather than permit me to go; and it was
agreed to call a meeting of the people: the result was honourable
to me, for forty-eight scholars were instantly subscribed for; so
that the ensuing six months my school will be worth pretty near
two hundred dollars. So much for my affairs.
I have never had a scrap from Scotland since last summer; but
I am much more anxious to hear from you. I hope you have
weathered this terrible winter; and that your heart and limbs
are as sound as ever. I also most devoutly wish that matters
could be managed so that we could be together. This farm must
either be sold or let; it must not for ever be a great gulf between
us. I have spent most of my leisure hours this winter in writing
the "Foresters," a poem descriptive of our journey. I have
brought it up only to my shooting expedition at the head of the
Seneca Lake, and it amounts already to twelve hundred lines. I
hope that when you and I meet, it will afford you more pleasure
120
LETTERS.
than any of my productions has ever done. The two nondescript
birds which I killed on the Mohawk, attracted the notice of
several naturalists about Philadelphia. On the 4th of March, I
set to work upon a large sheet of fine drawing paper, and in ten
days I finished two faithful drawings of them, far superior to any
that I had before. In the background, I represented a view of
the Falls of Niagara, with the woods wrought in as finely as I
possibly could do. Mr. Lawson was highly pleased with it, and
Mr. Bartram was even more so. I then wrote a letter to that
best of men, Mr. Jefferson, which Mr. Bartram enclosed in one of
his, (both of which, at least copies of them, I shall show you when
we meet,) and sent off the whole, carefully rolled up, by the mail
on the 20th inst. to Monticello, in Virginia. The Jay I presented
to Mr. Peale, at his request; and it is now in the Museum. I
have done but few other drawings, being so intent on the poem.
I hope if you find any curious birds, you will attempt to preserve
them, or at least their skins; if a small bird be carefully skinned,
it can easily be set up at any time. I still intend to complete my
collection of drawings; but the last will be by far the best.
The poor of Philadelphia have suffered extremely this winter,
the river having been frozen up for more than two months, yet
the ice went away without doing any damage. I must again
request that you and Alexander would collect the skins of as
many birds as you have not seen here.
The process
of skinning the birds may amuse you; and your collections will
be exceedingly agreeable to me. In the meantime, never lose
sight of getting rid of the troublesome farm, if it can be done with
advantage, so that we may once more be together; and write to
me frequently.
I have now nothing more to say, but to give my affectionate
compliments to your mother and all the family, and to wish you
every comfort that the state of society you are in can afford.
With the great volume of Nature before you, you can never,
while in health, be without amusement. Keep a diary of every
* One of these birds was the Canada Jay (Am. Orn., vol. 3, p. 33, ed. 1st), which
was known to naturalists.-Ord.
LETTERS.
121
thing you meet with that is curious.
Look out, now and then,
for natural curiosities as you traverse your farm; and remember
me as you wander through your woody solitudes.
From JEFFERSON.
April 7, 1805.
SIR,
ANSWER OF THE PRESIDENT.
I received here yesterday your favour of March 18, with the elegant
drawings of the new birds you found on your tour to Niagara, for which I pray you
to accept my thanks. The Jay is quite unknown to me. From my observations
while in Europe on the birds and quadrupeds of that quarter, I am of opinion there
is not in our continent a single bird or quadruped which is not sufficiently unlike
all the members of its family there to be considered as specifically different. On
this general observation I conclude with confidence that your Jay is not a Euro-
pean bird.
The first bird on the same sheet I judge to be a Muscicapa from its bill, as well as
from the following circumstance. Two or three days before my arrival here a
neighbour killed a bird, unknown to him, and never before seen here, as far as he
could learn. It was brought to me soon after I arrived, but in the dusk of the
evening, and so putrid, that it could not be approached but with disgust. But I
retain a sufficiently exact idea of its form and colours to be satisfied it is the same
with yours. The only difference I find in yours is that the white on the back is
not so pure, and that the one I saw had a little of a crest. Your figure, compared
with the white-bellied Gobe-mouche, 8 Buff. 342, Pl. enlum. 566, shows a near rela-
tion.
Buffon's is dark on the back.
As you are curious in birds, there is one well worthy your attention, to be found,
or rather heard, in every part of America, and yet scarcely ever to be seen; it is in
all the forests from Spring to Fall, and never but on the tops of the tallest trees,
from which it perpetually serenades us with some of the sweetest notes, and as
clear as those of the nightingale. I have followed it for miles without ever, but
once, getting a good view of it. It is of the size and make of the Mocking-bird,
lightly thrush-coloured on the back, and a grayish-white on the breast and belly.
Mr. Randolph, my son-in-law, was in possession of one which had been shot by a
neighbour. He pronounces this also a Muscicapa, and I think it much resembling
the Moucherolle de la Martinique, 8 Buffon, 374, Pl. enlum. 568. As it abounds in all
the neighbourhood of Philadelphia, you may perhaps by patience and perseverance
(of which much will be requisite) get a sight, if not a possession, of it. I have for
twenty years interested the young sportsmen of my neighbourhood to shoot me
one: but as yet without success. Accept my salutations and assurances of respect.
TH. JEFFERSON.
122
LETTERS.
+ LETTER XLIX.
Letter of President Jefferson-'jay, entirely new 'a 'very strange bird' to be
looked for.
To Mr. WILLIAM BARTRAM.
April 18th, 1805.
By Mr. Jefferson's condescending and very intelligent
letter to me, which I enclose for your perusal, it appears that our
Jay is an entirely new, or rather undescribed bird, which met me
on the banks of the Mohawk, to do me the honour of ushering him
to the world. This duty I have conscientiously discharged, by in-
troducing him to two naturalists: the one endeared to me and every
lover of science by the benevolence of his heart; and the other
ordained by heaven to move in a distinguished orbit-an honour
to the human race-the patron of science, and best hope of republi-
cans! I say that no bird, since Noah's days, could boast of such
distinguished honour.
Mr Jefferson speaks of a very strange bird. Please let we know
what he is. I shall be on the look-out, and he must be a sly
fellow if he escape me. I shall watch his motions and the sound
of his serenade pretty closely, to be able to transmit to our
worthy President a faithful sketch of a bird which he has been so
long curious to possess.
<
+ LETTER L.
The plantation increasing in value '-living as a
mere hermit'-letter from
Jefferson-a 'strange' bird is still sought for-were I able I would under-
take another journey.'
To Mr. WM. DUNCAN.
-Gray's Ferry, May 8th, 1805.
I am glad to understand that the plantation is increasing so fast
in value, but more so that it is not either sold or otherwise dis-
posed of at the low rate at which we would have once thrown it
LETTERS.
123
away; yet it is the perpetual cause of separating us, which I am
very sorry for I am living a mere hermit, not spending one
farthing, to see if I possibly can reimburse
who I can see
is not so courteous and affable as formerly. I hope to be able to
pay him one hundred dollars, with interest, next October, and the
remaindex in the Spring. We shall then be clear of the world,
and I don't care how many privations I suffer to effect that.
associate with nobody; spend my leisure hours in drawing,
wandering through the woods, or playing upon the violin.

-X
I
I informed you in my last of sending Mr. Jefferson drawings of
the Falls, and some birds, which I found on the Mohawk, and
which it seems have never been taken notice of by any naturalist.
He returned me a very kind and agreeable letter, from Monticello,
expressing many obligations for the drawings, which he was highly
pleased with; and describing to me a bird, which he is very de-
sirous of possessing, having interested the young sportsmen of his
neighbourhood, he says, these twenty years, to shoot him one,
without success.
It is of the size and make of the Mocking-bird,
lightly thrush-coloured on the back, and grayish-white on the
breast; is never heard but from the tops of the tallest trees, whence
it continually serenades us with some of the sweetest notes, and as
clear as those of the nightingale. Mr. Bartram can give no account
of this bird, except it be the Wood Robin, which I don't think it
is; for Mr. Jefferson says, “it is scarcely ever to be seen;” and “I
have followed it for miles without ever, but once, getting a good
view of it." I have been on the look-out ever since, but in vain.
If you can hear of such a bird, let me know. I wish you also to
look for the new bird which I discovered. It is of the size of the
Blue Jay; and is of that genus—of a dull lead colour on the back
the forehead white-black on the back of the neck-the breast
and belly a dirty, or brownish white, with a white ring round its
neck—its legs and bill exactly the Jay's. Pray inquire respect-
ing it, and any other new bird. If they could be conveyed to me,
drawings of them, presented to the same dignified character, might
open the road to a better acquaintance, and something better
might follow. Alexander and you, will, I hope, be on the look-
out with the gun, and kill every bird that comes in your way; and

124
LETTERS.
keep written descriptions, or the skins, if possible, of those you
don't know. Were I able, I would undertake another journey up to
you through the woods, while the birds are abundant; and noth-
ing would give me so much pleasure as to make another extensive
tour with you for this purpose; for I am persuaded that there are
many species yet undescribed; and Mr. Jefferson is anxious to
replenish his museum with the rare productions of his country.
LETTER LI.
'Finishing a Hanging-bird' when a welcome letter reached-a 'social crack'--the
'land business'-conduct approved-School and schooling-the President and
his bird-the 'Foresters'-the 'Rural Walk' and the 'Solitary Tutor'-'cut a
pretty ragged appearance'
To the Same.
Gray's Ferry, May 31, 1805.
Yesterday evening I was finishing a Hanging-bird in my
silent mansion, musing upon a certain affair, when Mr. L. popped
his head in at the window, with a letter. I instantly laid down
my pencil, and enjoyed a social crack with my distant friend; and
was heartily and truly pleased with the upshot. In everything
relative to this land business, you have acted amidst difficulties
and discouragements with prudence and discretion. In refusing
to engage with you acted well; and I doubt not but you
will be equally circumspect in making a transfer of the property,
so that the Yankee will not be able, even if he were willing, to
take you in. More than half of the roguery of one-half of man-
kind is owing to the simplicity of the other half. You have my
hearty concurrence in the whole affair, for I impatiently wish you
beside me, not only to enjoy your society and friendshie, but to
open to you the book of knowledge, and enable you, in your turn,
to teach it to others. In plain language, I wish
In plain language, I wish you to prosecute
on be found,
studies with me a few months; a school will soon
and you can then pursue them without expense, and I trust with
pleasure. The business has indeed its cares, but affords leisure
for many amusements; and is decent and reputable when properly
discharged. I am living in solitude; spending nothing; diligently
your
}
LETTERS.
125
attendingto the duties of the day; and filling up every leisure
momentwith drawing and music. I have bought no clothes, nor
shall I his Summer; therefore if you settle the matter with
as youave agreed, we can discharge our obligations to
and b in a state to go on with your studies for at least six months.
Mr. was here yesterday, and expressed many acknowledg-
mess for the rapid progress is making, for indeed I have
errted myself to pay my obligations to the father by my atten-
tions to the son.
I wrote you respecting the letter I had from the President. I
have never been able to get a sight of the bird he mentions. I
hope you will not neglect to bring your gun with you, and look
out as you come along.
I have done no more to the Foresters. The journey is
brought up to my expedition upon the Seneca Lake. I am much
in want of notes of the first settlement, and present state, of the
different places that we passed, as we went up the Susquehannah;
every thing of this kind, with hunting anecdotes, &c., I wish
you to collect on your way down. The remainder of the poem
will, I hope, be superior to what is already written, the scenery
and incidents being more interesting; and will extend to at least
another fifteen hundred lines, which will make in all about three
thousand.* The notes will swell it to a tolerable size.
The Rural Walk, which I published last summer in the
Literary Magazine has been lately republished in the Port Folio+
* After many inquiries, and unwearied research, it turned out that this invisible
musician was no other than the Wood Robin, a bird which, if sought for in those
places which it affects, may be seen every hour of the day. Its favourite haunts
Wilson has beautifully described in its history; but so far from being found always
on the tops of the tallest trees," it is seldom seen in such places, but seems to pre-
fer the horizontal branches, at no great height, especially when piping its exquisitely
melodious song. One of its names, the Ground Robin, is derived from the circum-
stance of its being frequently seen upon the ground. Its song consists of several dis-
tinct parts, at the conclusion of each of which it commonly flies a few feet, and rests
just long enough to continue the strain. A person unacquainted with these par-
ticulars, would suppose that he heard several birds, in various quarters, responding
to each other, and would find it hard to believe that the whole was the performance
of one.—Ord.
† For April 27, 1805.—Ord.
126
LETTERS.
with
many commendations on its beauties. The Solitry Tutor
met with much approbation. But I reserve my best forts för
the remainder of the Foresters.
I have not mentioned anything of the sale of the lai, nor
shall I until the business is finally concluded. I shall expet to,
hear from you at least twice yet before you arrive; and I ope
you will make no unnecessary delay in returning. As you cț a
pretty ragged appearance at present, and want somethingto
laugh at, suppose you set your muse to work upon your katte-
demalian dishabille. The former neatness of your garb, con-
trasted with the present squalidness, would make a capital sub-
ject for a song, not forgetting the causes. But you are in the
dress of the people you live among; you are therefore in char-
acter. B. had a hat on when I was up in your quarter, the rim
of which had been eaten off, close to his head, by the rats, or
perhaps, cut off to make soles to his shoes; yet it was so common
as to escape observation. I saw another fellow, too, at the
tavern, who had pieces cut out of his behind, like a swallow's
tail.
To his Father.
1st June, 1805.
+ LETTER LII.
Good-wishes to Father-old age anticipated.
I have nothing more to say but to wish you all the
comforts that your great age, and respectable and industrious life,
truly merit. In my conduct toward you, I may have erred, but my
heart has ever preserved the most affectionate veneration for you,
and I think on you frequently with tears. In a few years, if I
live so long, I shall be placed in your situation, looking back on
the giddy vanities of human life, and all my consolations in the
hopes of a happy futurity..
* This poem, as published in the Port Folio, contains two thousand two hundred
and eighteen lines. It is illustrated with four plates, two of which were engraved by
George Cooke of London.-Ord,
1
LETTERS.
127
LETTER LIII.
'Collection of drawings of the birds to be found in Pennyslvania-criticism invited
-honour of his friendship.
To Mr. WILLIAM BARTRAM.
Union School, July 2, 1805.
I dare say you will smile at my presumption, when I tell
you that I have seriously begun to make a collection of drawings
of the birds to be found in Pennsylvania, or that occasionally pass
through it: twenty-eight, as the beginning, I send for your
opinion. They are, I hope, inferior to what I shall produce,
though as close copies of the originals as I could make. One or
two of these I cannot find either in your nomenclature, or among
the seven volumes of Edwards. I have never been able to find
the bird Mr. Jefferson speaks of, and begin to think that it must
be the Wood Robin, though it seems strange that he should re-
present it as so hard to be seen. Any hint for promoting my plan,
or enabling me to execute better, I will receive from you with much
pleasure. I have resigned every other amusement, except read-
ing and fiddling, for this design, which I shall not give up with-
out making a fair trial.
Criticise these, my dear friend, without fear of offending me
—this will instruct, but not discourage me. For there is not
among all our naturalists one who knows so well what they are,
and how they ought to be represented. In the mean time accept
of my best wishes for your happiness-wishes as sincere as ever
one human being breathed for another. To your advice and en-
couraging encomiums I am indebted for these few specimens, and
for all that will follow. They may yet tell posterity that I was
honoured with your friendship, and that to your inspiration they
owe their existence.

128
LETTERS.
LETTER LIV.
'Attempts' at etching-all anxie
To the same.
November 29, 1805.
; I have been amusing myself this some time in attempting
to etch; and now send you a proof-sheet of my first perfori alice in
this way. Be so good as communicate to me your own corrections,
and those of your young friend and pupil. I will receive thein as
a very kind and particular favour. The drawings which I also
send, that you may compare them together, were done from birds
in full plumage, and in the best order. My next attempt in etch-
ing will perhaps be better, everything being new to me in this.
I will send you the first impression I receive after I finish the
plate.
LETTER LV.
'Another proof' — enthusiasm and modesty.
To the Same.
Saturday, January 4th, 1806.
'.
Mr. Wilson's affectionate compliments to Mr. Bartram; and
sends for his amusement and correction another proof of his Birds
of the United States. The colouring being chiefly done last night,
must soften criticism a little. Will be thankful for my friend's
advice and correction.*
* The two first plates of the Ornithology are those which the author etched
himself. The writer of this sketch has in his possession a proof of the first one,
It is inscribed with the author's
which he preserves as a relic of no small value.
name.-Ord.
LETTERS.
129
• Mr.
+ LETTER LVI.
who in 1804 went down to Ohio
in a small 'bateau'-in-
C
tended similar 'journey'-the President-exploration of the shores of the
Mississippi.'
To the Same.
January 27, 1806.
"
Being in town on Saturday, I took the opportunity of
calling on Mr.
who, in 1804, went down the Ohio, with
one companion, in a small bateau. They sometimes proceeded
seventy miles in twenty-four hours, going often night and day.
They had an awning; and generally slept on board the boat,
without ever catching cold, or any inconvenience by moschetoes,
except when in the neighbourhood of swamps. He describes
the country as exceedingly beautiful. The object of their journey
being trade, they had neither gun nor fishing-tackle; and paid
little or no attention to natural objects. He says the navigation
of a bateau is perfectly easy, and attended with no hazard what-
One solitary adventurer passed them in a small boat, going
from Wheeling to New Orleans.
ever.
If, my dear friend, we should be so happy as to go toge-
ther, what would you think of laying our design before Mr.
Jefferson, with a view to procure his advice, and recommenda-
tion to influential characters in the route? Could we procure
his approbation and patronage, they would secure our success.
Perhaps he might suggest some improvements in our plan. Had
we a good companion, intimately acquainted with mineralogy, who
would submit to our economical plan of proceeding, it would cer-
tainly enhance the value of the expedition. However, this I have
no hopes of.
I see, by the newspapers, that Mr. Jefferson designs to em-
ploy persons to explore the shores of the Mississippi the ensuing
Summer: surely our exertions would promote his wishes. I
write these particulars that you may give them the consideration
they deserve; and will call upon you to deliberate further on the
affair.
R
130
LETTERS.
+ LETTER LVII.
Sketch of a letter to President Jefferson- 'serious in my design of traversing our
southern wilderness.'
To the Same.
February 3, 1806.
The enclosed sketch of a letter is submitted for your
opinion, and, if approved, I must request of you the favour to
enclose it in one of your own to Mr. Jefferson. You see I am
serious in my design of traversing our southern wildernesses.
Disappointed in your company, I have no hopes in another's that
would add any value to the Ohio tour. I am therefore driven to
this expedient, and I hope it will succeed. Please to let me hear
your sentiments on this affair to-morrow morning; and oblige
yours, &c.
+ LETTER LVIII.
'Infinitely obliged' for 'favourable opinion' sent to the President-'I will
merit the character
or perish,' &c.
To the Same.
February 5, 1806.
I am infinitely obliged to you, my dear friend, for your
favourable opinion of me, transmitted to the President. Should
an engagement be the consequence, I will merit the character
which you have given of me, or perish in the endeavour to de-
serve it. Accept my assurances of perpetual affection and es-
teem.
The letters go off to-morrow.
LETTERS.
131
+ LETTER LIX.
Engaged 'these several years in collecting materials and finishing drawings from
Nature, with the design of publishing a new Ornithology of the United
States of America'-seeks employment on the Government expedition.
To President JEFFERSON.
Kingsessing, February 6, 1806.
SIR,
Having been engaged, these several years, in collect-
ing materials, and finishing drawings from Nature, with the de-
sign of publishing a new Ornithology of the United States of
America, so deficient in the works of Catesby, Edwards, and other
Europeans, I have traversed the greater part of our northern and
eastern districts; and have collected many birds undescribed by
these naturalists. Upwards of one hundred drawings are com-
pleted; and two plates in folio already engraved. But as many
beautiful tribes frequent the Ohio, and the extensive country
through which it passes, that probably never visit the Atlantic
States; and as faithful representations of these can be taken only
from living nature, or from birds newly killed; I have 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 Philadelphia. I had engaged as a companion and assistant
Mr. William 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 these depart-
ments. Sketches of these were to have been taken on the spot;
and the subjects put in a state of preservation to finish our draw-
ings 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 eye-sight; and apprehensive of his inability
to encounter the fatigues and deprivations unavoidable in so ex-
tensive a tour; having, to my extreme regret, and the real loss of
science, been induced to decline the journey, I had reluctantly
132
LETTERS.
abandoned the enterprise, and all hopes of accomplishing my pur-
pose; till hearing that your Excellency had it in contemplation to
send travellers this ensuing Summer up the Red River, the Arkan-
saw, and other tributary streams of the Mississippi; and believ-
ing 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 these 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,
ALEXANDER WILSON.*
+ LETTER LX.
<
'Not the smallest ambition of being considered an orator'-politics 'beget many
enemies in the old and new world '-will not take part in the debate,' but
'recite' a speech in the woods'-no answer from the President-late at
night.
To Mr. WM. DUNCAN.
Gray's Ferry, Feb. 26, 1806.
Notwithstanding the great esteem I have for your
judgment, in preference, many times, to my own, yet I believe
we are both wrong in the proposed affair of Saturday week. I have
not the smallest ambition of being considered an orator; and would
it not, by some, be construed into vanity, or something worse, for
* Wilson was particularly anxious to accompany Pike, who commenced his
journey from the cantonment in the Missouri for the sources of the Arkansaw,
&c. on the 15th July, 1806. -- Ord,
LETTERS.
133
me to go all the way from this place to deliver a political lecture
at Milestown? Politics has begot me so many enemies, both in
the old and new world, and has done me so little good, that I
begin to think the less you and I harangue on that subject the
better. I do not say this from any doubt I have of being able to
say something on the subject, but much question the policy and
prudence of it. If you and I attend punctually to the duties of
our profession, and make our business our pleasure,—and the
improvement of our pupils, with their good government, our chief
aim,-honour and respectability, and success, will assuredly attend
us, even if we never open-our lips on politics.
These have been some of my reflections since we parted. I
hope you will weigh them in your own mind, and acquiesce in my
resolution of not interfering in the debate on Saturday, as we
talked of. At the same time, I am really pleased to see the
improvement the practice has produced in you, and would by no
means wish to dissuade you from amusing and exercising your
mind in this manner; because I know that your moderation in
sentiment and conduct will always preserve you from ill will on
any of these scores. But as it could add nothing to my fame,
and as they have all heard me often enough on different subjects
about Milestown, and as it would raise no new friends to you, but
might open old sores in some of your present friends, I hope you
will agree with me that it will be prudent to decline the affair.
And as you have never heard me deliver any of my own composi-
tions in this way, I will commit a speech to memory which I
delivered at Milestown in the winter of 1800, and pronounce it to
you when we are by ourselves in the woods, where we can offend
nobody.
I have heard nothing from Washington yet, and I begin to think
that either Mr. Jefferson expects a brush with the Spaniards, or
has not received our letters; otherwise, he would never act so
unpolitely to one for whom he has so much esteem as for Mr.
Bartram. No hurry of business could excuse it. But if affairs are
not likely to be settled with Spain, very probably the design of
sending parties through Louisiana will be suspended. Indeed, I
begin to think that if I should not be engaged by Mr. Jefferson, a
134
LETTERS.
journey by myself, and at my own expense, at a time too when
we are just getting our heads above water, as one may say, would
not be altogether good policy. Perhaps in another year we might
be able, without so much injury, to make a tour together through
part of the south-west countries, which would double all the
pleasures of the journey to me. I will proceed in the affair as
you may think best, notwithstanding my eager wishes and the
disagreeableness of my present situation. I write this letter in
the schoolhouse-past ten at night-L.'s folks all gone to roost-
the flying squirrels rattling in the loft above me, and the cats
squalling in the cellar below. Wishing you a continuation of that
success in teaching which has already done you so much credit, I
bid you for the present good-night.
+ LETTER LXI.
'Assistant editor of Rees's New Cyclopædia '-modest self-estimate-shut up
from the sweet scenes of rural nature.'
To Mr. WILLIAM BARTRAM.
Philadelphia, April 22, 1806.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
I take the liberty of informing you that, having
been importuned to engage as assistant editor of that compre-
hensive and voluminous work, Rees's New Cyclopædia, now
publishing here, and a generous salary offered me, I have now
accepted of the same, and will commence my new avocation on
Monday next.
This engagement will, I hope, enable me in more ways than
one to proceed in my intended Ornithology, to which all my
leisure moments will be devoted. In the meantime, I anticipate,
with diffidence, the laborious and very responsible situation I am
soon to be placed in, requiring a much more general fund of scientific
knowledge and stronger powers of mind than I am possessed of;
but all these objections have been overruled, and I am engaged,
in conjunction with Mr. S. F. Bradford, to conduct the publica-
tion. In this pursuit I will often solicit your advice, and be
LETTERS.
135
happy to communicate your observations to posterity. Shut up
from the sweet scenes of rural nature, so dear to my soul, con-
ceive to yourself the pleasures I shall enjoy in sometimes paying
a visit to your charming Retreat, and you cannot doubt of
frequently seeing your very sincere friend.
+ LETTER LXII.
Introduction of Mr. Michaux '-the Falls of Niagara-drawings.
To Mr. WILSON at the Falls of Niagara.
Philadelphia, July 8, 1806.
DEAR SIR,
This will be handed to you by Mr. Michaux, a gentleman
of an amiable character, and a distinguished naturalist, who is
pursuing his botanical researches through North America, and
intends visiting the Cataract of Niagara. The kindness I received
from your family in 1804 makes me desirous that my friend, Mr.
Michaux, should reside with you during his stay at Niagara; and
any attention paid to him will be considered as done to myself,
and suitable acknowledgments made in person by me on my
arrival at Niagara, which I expect will be early next Spring.
You will be so good as give Mr. Michaux information respecting
the late rupture of the rock at the Falls, of the burning spring
above, and point out to him the place of descent to the Rapids
below, with any other information respecting the wonderful
scenery around you.
In the short stay I made, and the unfavourable weather I
experienced, I was prevented from finishing my intended sketch
equal to my wishes; but I design to spend several weeks with
you, and not only take correct drawings, but particular descrip-
tions of every thing relating to that stupendous Cataract, and to
publish a more complete and satisfactory account, and a better
representation of it, than has been yet done in the United States.*
* Wilson's subsequent engagements prevented his return to the Falls, in con-
formity with his wishes; but his sketches were completed by an artist, engraved
by George Cooke of London, and illustrate his poem of the "Foresters," which
136
LETTERS.
I had a rough journey home through the Genessee country,
which was covered with snow to the depth of fifteen inches, and
continued so all the way to Albany. If you know of any gentle-
men in your neighbourhood acquainted with botany, be so good
as introduce Mr. Michaux to them.
* LETTER LXIII.
Home-news rarely sent, as if 'some interdiction were laid by your government on
correspondence to America'-School given up after ten years-engaged by
Messrs. Bradford on Rees's Cyclopædia-additions and selections for
America-salary 900 dollars-sad change from country to town-yellow
fever-independence--a water melon-cucumbers, &c.-Finlayson-pinks—
Paisley-sister-Ovid-James-William Duncan-Milestown School-news
of friends and countrymen-Charles Orr-Miss Robb-other friends-fires-
anxious for tidings from home-intended emigration, advice on-longing to
revisit Paisley-remembrances-letters promised and expected.
To his Father.
Philadelphia, August 24, 1806.
MY DEAR FATHER,
I hear so seldom from you and from Scotland, my
native country, that it would seem as if some interdiction were
laid by your Government on correspondence to America, this
being the second letter since I received yours. On the 1st April
last, I resigned a very troublesome business. After teaching
nearly ten years, I was engaged by Messrs. Bradford & Co.,
booksellers in this city, to officiate as assistant editor of a very
elegant edition of Rees's New Cyclopædia, to be comprehended
in 22 quarto volumes, which they are now publishing, and which,
in point of printing, engravings, &c., will, I doubt not, fully
equal the original. My business consists in reading the work
previous to its going to press, and making additions and selections,
to render the articles respecting America more full and interest-
was published in the Port Folio. These well-engraved views, which are two in
number, convey a good idea of the famous Cataract; the "Great Pitch," in
particular, is admirably represented.-Ord.
LETTERS.
137
ing, to correct the sheets as they come from the press, visit the
engravers, &c., &c., for which I am to be paid a salary of 900
dollars per annum. Having been so long accustomed to reside
in the country, and particularly delighted with its rural charms,
I felt considerable regret to exchange it for the confines of a
crowded city, where the inhabitants are almost yearly put to the
route by that terrible scourge, Yellow Fever; but where
judgment approves habit, Science reconciles us to almost any
change, and, though I occasionally visit the country with a kind
of enthusiasın, I am yet satisfied to sacrifice even this pleasure
for the hope of independence. This city is as healthy at present
as in winter, and all fear of a visit from the fever this season is
over. Everything is in abundance, particularly fruits and
vegetables. A water melon that measured 13 inches in diameter
by 20 inches, and weighed upwards of thirty pounds, was pur-
chased by the lady of the house where I board for nine cents, or
about fivepence of British money. Cucumbers have been actually
sold for less than sixpence (British) per bushel; and peaches,
apples, pears, &c., are also extremely cheap. These, in this
country, form part of the necessaries of life. Flour rates about
seven-and-a-half dollars per bushel. I heard from John Finlayson
on Sunday last that all the family were well; and I had the
pleasure of receiving from him about six weeks ago some of the
finest pinks I ever saw, and which were greatly admired by our
American florists here. I did not omit this opportunity of raising
their admiration of the flora of my native country, by assuring
them that these were but specimens of the inferior sort, and far
surpassed by others of larger size and richer colour, which the
gardens of a little village called the Seedhills of Paisley produces
in the greatest luxuriance. I heard a few weeks ago from my
sister Mary, who resides with her three youngest children in
Ovid. James, who is now thirteen or fourteen, supports his
mother, and she writes me that she lives very comfortably. All
the rest are in or near this city. William, by indefatigable appli-
cation, has acquired a good education, is well versed in
mathematics, and writes very superior to what I have ever been
able to do. He has been engaged since October as teacher of the
S
138
LETTERS.
Milestown School where I resided so long, and he has attained the
character of an excellent teacher and worthy man, which he truly
merits. He will write to you soon himself; at least, he pro-
mised so to me when I saw him last. His brother lives in the
neighbourhood and follows the weaving, and goes occasionally to
school to his brother, as I am extremely anxious he should rise
above his present humble drudgery. We hear nothing of their
father. His conduct furnishes an instance of parental depravity
unexampled by anything I have known or read of, in rearing a
most promising family, transporting them to a foreign country,
and leaving them there to perish, while he himself cohabits with
guilt, poverty, and infamy in Ireland. But I have no doubt the
lash of remorse has already severely punished his unparalelled
inhumanity, and I wish never to see him. If you know where
Mr. Charles Orr is, or have an opportunity of seeing him, I wish
you would inform him of the following particulars, viz., that Miss
Mary Robb is married to Captain Campbell; that poor Briden,
the compositor, has been struck with the palsy; that Mr. Todd
and Mr.
his old landlord, died of the yellow fever; and
that the whole of the beautiful range of buildings where he lived
in Dock Street have been destroyed by fire; that Logan, the
stonecutter, died of a consumption; that Edwin and Lawson, the
engineers, are both married; that I boarded at the very house
where I parted from him on his return to Britain. These circum-
stances, though uninteresting to you, will be otherwise to him ;
and I know of no other way of communicating them, as he has
never written me, and as I have no idea of where he is, or whether
he be alive or dead. I am extremely anxious to hear from you,
and David, I hope, will not neglect to write, particularly on the
receipt of this. I had promised myself much pleasure from
David's correspondence, but neither he or any of my relatives
You could not
have written me these two years except yourself.
oblige me more than inform me of the changes that have taken
place among my old acquaintances in Paisley and the Seedhills,
Next to the
and the state and improvements of my native town.
welfare of yourself and my step-mother, these particulars would be
extremely agreeable. Several of my old friends, I understand,
LETTERS.
139
have been talking of coming to America, but wish persuasion and
advice from those on this side of the Atlantic. But this is a
matter of so much delicacy, that those who have once done it
effectually will seldom do it again. And yet I do not know a
single industrious Scotsman in the country but is in much better
circumstances than he ever experienced in Britain. The mischief
is, they have generally difficulties to surmount on their first
arrival, which, together with the prepossession in favour of their
native country and its habits, customs, &c., so natural to many,
contribute to embitter their enjoyments, and make them feel
little gratitude to those by whose persuasion they left their homes.
There are some exceptions, however, and the best way is for every
man to make such a matter of conscience for himself. Nothing
could give me more pleasure than to spend a few weeks in
Paisley, where, however, I fear I would find time, death, absence,
&c., had made me a greater stranger and less known than in Phila-
delphia. Please to present my affectionate compliments to my
brother David, to Thomas Wotherspoon, to John Bell and Duncan
Wright, and to sister Peggy, Jean, and Janet, and particularly to
my step-mother. I am happy to hear that William Urie is doing
so well, and settled so near you. He and I might meet at the
Cross of Paisley, I am persuaded, and not have the least recollec-
tion of each other. What havoc time, war, oppression, &c., &c.,
makes on mankind
and depriving them of what con-
stitutes the sweetest enjoyments of human life-the social inter-
course of true-loved friends, parents, and relations. You may
calculate on soon hearing from me again more particularly, which
nothing shall prevent me from but want of health. Business
requires my close and constant attendance. I keep little or no
company, and to hear from my aged father will be to me the
greatest happiness. Please to direct to the care of Mr. Samuel
F. Bradford, bookseller, Third Street, Philadelphia.
I remain,
MY DEAR FATHER,
Your very affectionate Son,
ALEXANDER WILSON.
140
LETTERS.
† LETTER LXIV.
'Proof-sheet' of prospectus of the Ornithology-in pursuit of birds-mischances
and unsuccess-a' profuse perspiration.'
To Mr. WM. BARTRAM.
PHILADELPHIA, 8th April, 1807.
Enclosed is a proof-sheet of our prospectus; as soon as
the impressions are thrown off on fine paper, I will transmit one for
Mr. L. This afternoon Mr. Lawson is to have one of the plates
completely finished; and I am going to set the copper-plate printer at
work to print each bird in its natural colours, which will be a great
advantage in colouring, as the black ink will not then stain the
fine tints. We mean to bind in the prospectus at the end of the
next half volume, for which purpose twenty-five hundred copies
are to be thrown off; and an agent will be appointed in every
town in the Union. The prospectus will also be printed in all the
newspapers, and everything done to promote the undertaking.
I hope you have made a beginning, and have already a collec-
tion of heads, bills, and claws, delineated. If this work should
go on, it will be a five years' affair; and may open the way to
something more extensive; for which reason I am anxious to have
you with me to share the harvest.
I started this morning, by peep of day, with my gun, for the
purpose of shooting a nuthatch. After jumping a hundred fences,
and getting over the ancles in mud, (for I had put on my shoes
for lightness), I found myself almost at the junction of the
Schuylkill and Delaware, without success, there being hardly half
an acre of woodland in the whole neck; and the nuthatch generally
frequents large-timbered woods. I returned home at eight o'clock,
after getting completely wet, and in a profuse perspiration, which,
contrary to the maxims of the doctors, has done me a great deal
of good; and I intend to repeat the dose, except that I shall leave
out the ingredient of the wet feet, if otherwise convenient. Were
I to prescribe such a remedy to Lawson, he would be ready to think
LETTERS.
141
me mad.
Moderate, nay, even pretty severe exercise, is the best
medicine in the world for sedentary people, and ought not to be
neglected on any account.
+ LETTER LXV.
Approval of 'intended publication of American Ornithology'-' specific names' of
birds-greetings and recollections of 'your little Paradise'-constant 'among
musty books.'
To the Same.
Philadelphia, April 29, 1807.
MY DEAR SIR,
The receipt of yours of the 11th inst. in which you ap-
prove of my intended publication of American Ornithology, gave
me much satisfaction; and your promise of befriending me in the
arduous attempt commands my unfeigned gratitude. From the
opportunities I have lately had, of examining into the works of
Americans, who have treated of this part of our natural history, I
am satisfied that none of them have bestowed such minute atten-
tion on the subject as you yourself have done. Indeed, they have
done little more than copied your nomenclature and observations,
and referred to your authority. To have you, therefore, to con-
sult with in the course of this great publication I consider a most
happy and even auspicious circumstance; and I hope you will, on
all occasions, be a rigid censor, and kind monitor, whenever you
find me deviating from the beauties of nature, or the truth of de-
scription.
The more I read and reflect upon the subject, the more dissa-
tisfied I am with the specific names which have been used by al-
most every writer. A name should, if possible, be expressive of
some peculiarity in colour, conformation, or habit; if it will
equally apply to two different species, it is certainly an improper
one. Is migratorius an epithet peculiarly applicable to the robin?
Is it not equally so to almost every species of turdus we have ?
Europea has been applied by Pennant to our large sitta or nut-
142
LETTERS.
hatch, which is certainly a different species from the European,
the latter being destitute of the black head, neck, and shoulders
of ours.
Latham calls it carolinensis, but it is as much an inhabi-
tant of Pennsylvania and New York as Carolina. The small red-
bellied sitta is called canadensis by Latham, a name equally objec-
tionable with the other. Turdus minor seems also improper; in
short I consider this part of the business as peculiarly perplexing;
and I beg to have your opinion on the matter, particularly with
respect to the birds I have mentioned, whether I shall hazard a
new nomenclature, or, by copying, sanction what I do not ap-
prove of.
I hope you are in good health, enjoying in your little Paradise
the advances of the Spring, shedding leaves, buds and blossoms,
around her; and bringing in her train choirs of the sweetest song-
sters that earth can boast of; while every zephyr that plays around
you breathes fragrance, Ah! how different my situation in this
delightful season, immured among musty books, and compelled
to forego the harmony of the woods for the everlasting din of the
city; the very face of the blessed heavens involved in soot, and
interrupted by walls and chimney-tops. But if I don't launch out
into the woods and fields oftener than I have done these twelve-
months, may I be transformed into a street musician.
+ LETTER LXVI.
'Setting out' for the Eastern States-prospectus and subscribers.
To the Same.
Philadelphia, Sept. 21, 1808.
In a few minutes I set out for the Eastern States,
through Boston to Maine, and back through the State of Vermont,
in search of birds and subscribers. I regret that I have not been
able to spend an evening with you before my departure. But I .
shall have a better stock of adventures to relate after my return.
I send a copy of the prospectus, and my best wishes for the happi-
ness of the whole family. I leave my horse behind, and go by the
LETTERS.
143
stage coach, as being the least troublesome. I hope to make dis-
coveries in my tour, the least agreeable of which will, I fear, be—
that I have bestowed a great deal of labour and expense to little
purpose. But all these things will not prevent me from enjoying,
as I pass along, the glorious face of Nature, and her admirable
productions, while I have eyes to see, and taste and judgment to
appreciate them.
+ LETTER LXVII.
'Avoided saying anything either good or bad as to encouragement I have met with '
'I shall not sit down with folded hands.'
To a Friend.
Boston, October 10, 1808.
I have purposely avoided saying anything either good
or bad, on the encouragement I have met with. I shall only say,
that among the many thousands who have examined my book, and
among these were men of the first character for taste and litera-
ture, I have heard nothing but expressions of the highest admira-
tion and esteem. If
If I have been mistaken in publishing a work
too good for the country, it is a fault not likely to be soon re-
peated, and will pretty severely correct itself. But whatever may
be the result of these matters, I shall not sit down with folded
hands, whilst anything can be done to carry my point: since God
helps them who help themselves. I am fixing correspondents
in every corner of these northern regions, like so many pickets
and outposts, so that scarcely a wren or tit shall be able to pass
along, from New York to Canada, but I shall get intelligence of
it..
144
LETTERS.
+ LETTER LXVIII.
Various adventures-Colonel S. in 'stage-coach'-' enjoyed ride'-' good-bye' at
Princeton--Drs Smith and M'Lean-Elizabethtown-Newark-New York-
subscriptions for the 'Ornithology'-'Columbia' College-a fellow-countryman
--Newhaven by a packet-Hellgate 'a place I had no intention of calling at in
my tour' -the Sunday of New England-'wooden spires' infested with wood-
peckers' formerly-Literati-Middleton-'muster-day' and a Fair-Mr. A.
useful-Hartford-noticed in the newspapers-landscape-Meeting-houses-
'town' and 'township'-Schools' poor-Lawyers 'swarm'-' steady habits' v.
'laziness'-Boston-'Bunker's Hill'-' pillar of bricks' the memento.
To Mr. D. H. MILLAR.
Boston, October 12, 1808.
DEAR SIR,
I arrived here on Sunday last, after various adventures,
the particulars of which, as well as the observations I have had
leisure to make upon the passing scenery around me, I shall en-
deavour, as far as possible, to compress into this letter, for your
own satisfaction, and that of my friends who may be interested
for my welfare. My company in the stage coach to New York
were all unknown to me, except Col. S., who was on his route
to Fort Oswego, on Lake Ontario, to take command of the troops
intended to be stationed on that part of the frontier, to pre-
vent evasions of the embargo law. The sociable disposition
and affability of the Colonel made this part of the journey
pass very agreeably, for both being fond of walking, whenever the
driver stopped to water, or drink grog, which was generally every
six or eight miles, we set out on foot, and sometimes got on several
miles before the coach overhauled us. By this method we enjoyed
our ride, and with some little saving of horseflesh, which I know
you will approve of. At Princeton I bade my fellow travellers
good bye, as I had to wait upon the reverend doctors of the college.
I took my book under my arm, put several copies of the prospectus
1
LETTERS.
145
into my pocket, and walked up to this spacious sanctuary of liter-
ature. I could amuse you with some of my reflections on this occa-
sion, but room will not permit. Dr. Smith, the president, and Dr.
M'Lean, Professor of Natural History, were the only two I found
at home. The latter invited me to tea, and both were much
pleased and surprised with the appearance of the work. I expected
to receive some valuable information from M'Lean, on the orni-
thology of the country, but I soon found, to my astonishment,
that he scarcely knew a sparrow from a woodpecker.
At his par-
ticular request, I left a specimen of the plates with him; and from
what passed between us, I have hopes that he will pay more atten-
tion to this department of his profession than he has hitherto
done. I visited several other literary characters; and, at about
half-past eight the Pilot coming up, I took my passage in it to
New Brunswick, which we reached at midnight, and where I
immediately went to bed.
The next morning was spent in visiting the few gentlemen who
were likely to patronise my undertaking. I had another task of
the same kind at Elizabethtown; and, without tiring you with
details that would fill a volume, I shall only say that I reached
Newark that day, having gratified the curiosity, and feasted the
eyes, of a great number of people, who repaid me with the most
extravagant compliments, which I would have very willingly ex-
changed for a few simple subscriptions. I spent nearly the whole
of Saturday in Newark, where my book attracted as many starers
as a bear or a mammoth would have done; and I arrived in New
York the same evening. The next day I wrote a number of
letters, enclosing copies of the prospectus, to different gentlemen
in town. In the afternoon of Tuesday I took my book, and waited
on each of these gentlemen to whom I had written the preceding
day. Among these I found some friends, but more admirers.
The professors of Columbia College expressed much esteem for
my performance. The professor of languages, being a Scotchman,
and also a Wilson, seemed to feel all the pride of national parti-
ality so common to his countrymen; and would have done me
any favour in his power. I spent the whole of this week travers-
ing the streets, from one particular house to another, till, I believe,
Τ
Uor M
146
LETTERS.
I became almost as well known as the public crier, or the clerk of
the market, for I could frequently perceive gentlemen point me
out to others as I passed with my book under my arm.
On Sunday morning, October 2, I went on board a packet for
New Haven, distant about ninety miles. The wind was favour-
able, and carried us rapidly through Hellgate, (a place I had no
intention of calling at in my tour) on the other side of which we
found upwards of sixty vessels beating up for a passage. The
Sound here, between Long Island and the main, is narrowed to
less than half a mile, and filled with small islands, and enormous
rocks under water, among which the tide roars and boils violently,
and has proved fatal to many a seaman. At high water it is
nearly as smooth as any other place, and can then be safely
passed. The country, on the New York side, is ornamented with
handsome villas, painted white, and surrounded by great num-
bers of Lombardy poplars. The breeze increasing to a gale, in
eight hours from the time we set sail the high red-fronted moun-
tain of New Haven rose to our view. In two hours more we
landed; and, by the stillness and solemnity of the streets, recol-
lected we were in New England, and that it was Sunday, which
latter circumstance had been almost forgotten on board the packet-
boat.
This town is situated upon a sandy plain; and the streets are
shaded with elm trees and poplars. In a large park or common,
covered with grass, and crossed by two streets, and several foot
paths, stand the church, the State house and college buildings,
which last are one hundred and eighty yards in front. From
these structures rise four or five wooden spires, which, in former
time, as one of the professors informed me, were so infested by
woodpeckers, which bored them in all directions, that to preserve
their steeple from destruction, it became necessary to set
people, with guns, to watch and shoot these invaders of the sanc-
tuary. Just about the town the pasture-fields and corn look well,
but a few miles off, the country is poor and ill cultivated.
The literati of New Haven received me with politeness and re-
spect; and after making my usual rounds, which occupied a day
and a half, I set off for Middletown, twenty-two miles distant.
Med
LETTERS.
147
The country through which I passed was generally flat and sandy
-in some places whole fields were entirely covered with sand, not
a blade of vegetation to be seen, like some parts of New Jersey.
Round Middletown, however, the country is really beautiful-the
soil rich; and here I first saw the river Connecticut, stretching
along the east side of the town, which consists of one very broad
street, with rows of elms on each side. On entering I found the
streets filled with troops, it being muster-day; and I counted
two hundred and fifty horse, and six hundred foot, all in uniform.
The sides of the street were chocked up with waggons, carts, and
wheel-barrows, filled with bread, roast beef, fowls, cheese, liquors,
barrels of cider, and rum bottles. Some were singing out,
"Here's the best brand you ever put into your head!" others in
dozens shouting, "Here's the round and sound gingerbread! most
capital gingerbread!" In one place I observed a row of twenty
or thirty country girls, drawn up with their backs to a fence, and
two young fellows supplying them with rolls of bread from a
neighbouring stall, which they ate with a hearty appetite, keeping
nearly as good time with their grinders, as the militia did with their
muskets. In another place the crowd had formed a ring, within
which they danced to the catgut scrapings of an old negro. The
spectators looked on with as much gravity as if they were listening
to a sermon; and the dancers laboured with such seriousness, that
it seemed more like a penance imposed on the poor devils, for past
sins, than mere amusement.
I waited on a Mr. A. of this town; and by him I was intro-
duced to several others. He also furnished me with a good deal
of information respecting the birds of New England. He is a
great sportsman-a man of fortune and education-and has a con-
siderable number of stuffed birds, some of which he gave me, be-
sides letters to several gentlemen of influence in Boston. I en-
deavoured to recompense him in the best manner I could, and
again pursued my route to the north-east. The country between
this and Hartford is extremely beautiful, much resembling that
between Philadelphia and Frankford. The road is a hard
sandy soil; and in one place I had an immense prospect of the
surrounding country, nearly equal to that which we saw returning
148
LETTERS.
from Easton, but less covered with woods. On reaching Hartford,
I waited on Mr. G., a member of Congress, who recommended me
to several others, particularly a Mr. W., a gentleman of taste and
fortune, who was extremely obliging. The publisher of a news-
paper here expressed the highest admiration of the work, and has
since paid many handsome compliments to it in his publication, as
three other editors did in New York. This is a species of cur-
rency that will neither purchase plates, nor pay the printer; but,
nevertheless, it is gratifying to the vanity of an author-when
nothing better can be got. My journey from Hartford to Boston,
through Springfield, Worcester, &c., one hundred and twenty-
From
eight miles, it is impossible for me to detail at this time.
the time I entered Massachusetts until within ten miles of Boston,
which distance is nearly two-thirds the length of the whole State,
I took notice that the principal features of the country were stony
mountains, rocky pasture fields, and hills and swamps adorned
with pines. The fences, in every direction, are composed of
strong stones; and, unless a few straggling, self-planted, stunted
apple trees, overgrown with moss, deserve the name, there is
hardly an orchard to be seen in ten miles. Every six or eight
miles you come to a meeting-house, painted white, with a spire.
I could perceive little difference in the form or elevation of their
steeples.
The people here make no distinction between town and township;
and travellers frequently asked the driver of the stagecoach,
"What town are we now in?" when perhaps we were upon the
top of a miserable barren mountain, several miles from a house.
It is in vain to reason with the people on the impropriety of this-
custom makes every absurdity proper. There is scarcely any cur-
rency in this country but paper, and I solemnly declare that I do
not recollect having seen one hard dollar since I left New York.
Bills even of twenty-five-cents, of a hundred different banks,
whose very names one has never heard of before, are continually
in circulation. I say nothing of the jargon which prevails in the
country. Their boasted schools, if I may judge by the state of
their school-houses, are no better than our own.
Lawyers swarm in every town, like locusts; almost every door
LETTERS.
149
has the word Office painted over it, which, like the web of a spider,
points out the place where the spoiler lurks for his prey. There is
little or no improvement in agriculture; in fifty miles I did not
observe a single grain or stubble field, though the country has
been cleared and settled these one hundred and fifty years. In
short, the steady habits of a great portion of the inhabitants of
those parts of New England through which I pass, to be
laziness, law bickerings, and
A man here is as much
ashamed of being seen walking the streets on Sunday, unless in
going and returning from church, as many would be of being seen
going to a
•
As you approach Boston the country improves in its appear-
ance; the stone fences give place to those of posts and rails; the
road becomes wide and spacious; and everything announces a
better degree of refinement and civilization. It was dark when
I entered Boston, of which I shall give you some account in my
next. I have visited the celebrated Bunker's Hill, and no devout
pilgrim ever approached the sacred tomb of his holy prophet with
more awful enthusiasm, and profound veneration, than I felt in
tracing the grass-grown intrenchments of this hallowed spot, made
immortal by the bravery of those heroes who defended it, whose
ashes are now mingled with its soil, and of whom a mean, beggarly
pillar of bricks is all the memento.
+ LETTER LXIX.
Visit to Boston-secretary to John Adams-Bunker's Hill-veterans-University at
Cambridge-Boston-description-Salem-New Hampshire- Maine-lorn scenery
-Albany-O's and Ah's.
To the Same,
Windsor, Vermont, October 26, 1808.
DEAR SIR,
7
I wrote you two or three weeks ago from Boston, where I
spent about a week. A Mr. S., formerly private secretary to John
150
LETTERS.
Adams, introduced me to many of the first rank in the place,
whose influence procured me an acquaintance with others; and I
journied through the streets of Boston with my book, as I did at
New York and other places, visiting all the literary characters I
could find access to.
I spent one morning examining Bunker's Hill, accompanied by
Lieutenant Miller and Sergeant Carter, two old soldiers of the
revolution, who were both in that celebrated battle, and who
pointed out to me a great number of interesting places. The
brother of General Warren, who is a respectable physician of
Boston, became very much my friend, and related to me many
other matters respecting the engagement.
I visited the University at Cambridge, where there is a fine
library, but the most tumultuous set of students I ever saw.
From the top of Bunker's Hill, Boston, Charlestown, the ocean,
islands, and adjacent country, form the most beautifully varied
prospect I ever beheld.
The streets of Boston are a perfect labyrinth. The markets are
dirty; the fish market is so filthy that I will not disgust you by `a
description of it. Wherever you walk, you hear the most hideous
howling, as if some miserable wretch were expiring on the wheel
at every corner; this, however, is nothing but the draymen
shouting to their horses. Their drays are twenty-eight feet long,
drawn by two horses, and carry ten barrels of flour. From Boston
I set out for Salem, the country between swampy, and in some
places the most barren, rocky, and desolate in nature. Salem is a
neat little town. The wharves were crowded with vessels. One
wharf here is twenty hundred and twenty-two feet long. I stayed
here two days, and again set off for Newburyport, through a rocky,
uncultivated, sterile country.
*
*
*
of
*
I travelled on through New Hampshire, stopping at every place
where I was likely to do any business; and went as far east as
Portland in Maine, where I staid three days, and the Supreme
Court being then sitting, I had an opportunity of seeing and con-
versing with people from the remotest boundaries of the United
States in this quarter, and received much interesting information
LETTERS.
151
(C
grinned horribly.”
me to Dartmouth
from them in regard to the birds that frequent these northern
regions. From Portland I directed my course across the country,
among dreary savage glens, and mountains covered with pines and
hemlocks, amid whose black and half-burnt trunks the everlasting
rocks and stones, that cover this country,
One hundred and fifty-seven miles brought
College, Newhampshire, on the Vermont line.
addresses to the reverend fathers of literature, and met with a
kind and obliging reception. Dr. Wheelock, the president, made
me eat at his table, and the professors vied with each other to
oblige me.
Here I paid my
I expect to be in Albany in five days, and if the Legislature be
sitting, I shall be detained perhaps three days there. In eight
days more I hope to be in Philadelphia. I have laboured with the
zeal of a knight errant in exhibiting this book of mine, wherever
I went, travelling with it, like a beggar with his bantling, from
town to town, and from one country to another. I have been
loaded with praises-with compliments and kindnesses-shaken
almost to pieces in stage coaches; have wandered among strangers,
hearing the O's and Ah's, and telling the same story a thousand
times over-and for what? Ay, that's it! You are very anxious
to know, and you shall know the whole when I reach Philadelphia.
+ LETTER LXX.
Literary pilgrimage-compliments 'chiefly due to the taste and skill of the
engraver'-the only objection 'has been the sum of one hundred and
twenty dollars-only 'forty-one' names obtained-visit to Thomas Paine-
like Bardolph'-'Yankees rather lowered in my esteem'-'two hundred
years behind Pennsylvania'-Boston, 'long wooden bridges '--Bunker's
Hill neglected -three hours' spent with two veterans - Maine - the
Atlantic-song of 'Freedom and Peace '-Vermont-plans.
To Mr. ALEXANDER LAWSON.
Albany, November 3, 1808.
DEAR SIR,
Having a few leisure moments at disposal, I will
devote them to your service in giving you a sketch of some cir-
152
LETTERS.
cumstances in my long literary pilgrimage, not mentioned in my
letters to Mr. Miller. And in the first place, I ought to thank
you for the thousands of compliments I have received for my
birds, from persons of all descriptions, which were chiefly due
to the taste and skill of the engraver. In short, the book, in all
its parts, so far exceeds the ideas and expectations of the first
literary characters in the eastern section of the United States, as
to command their admiration and respect. The only objection
has been the sum of one hundred and twenty dollars, which, in
innumerable instances, has risen like an evil genius between me
and my hopes. Yet I doubt not but when those copies subscribed
for are delivered, and the book a little better known, the whole
number will be disposed of, and perhaps encouragement given to
go on with the rest. To effect this, to me, most desirable object,
I have encountered the fatigues of a long, circuitous, and expen-
sive journey, with a zeal that has increased with increasing
difficulties; and sorry am I to say that the whole number of sub-
scribers which I have obtained amounts only to forty-one.
While in New York I had the curiosity to call on the celebrated
author of the "Rights of Man." He lives in Greenwich, a short
way from the city. In the only decent apartment of a small indif-
ferent-looking frame house, I found this extraordinary man,
sitting wrapt in a night gown, the table before him covered with
newspapers, with pen and ink beside him. Paine's face would
have excellently suited the character of Bardolph; but the pene-
tration and intelligence of his eye bespeak the man of genius, and
of the world. He complained to me of his inability to walk, an
exercise he was formerly fond of ;-he examined my book, leaf by
leaf, with great attention-desired me to put down his name as a
subscriber, and, after inquiring particularly for Mr. P. and Mr.
B., wished to be remembered to both.
My journey through almost the whole of New England has
rather lowered the Yankees in my esteem. Except a few neat
academies, I found their schoolhouses equally ruinous and deserted
with ours- -fields covered with stones-stone fences-scrubby oaks
and pine trees-wretched orchards-scarcely one grain field in
twenty miles-the taverns along the road dirty, and filled with
LETTERS.
153
loungers, brawling about law suits and politics-the people snap-
pish, and extortioners, lazy, and two hundred years behind the
Pennsylvanians in agricultural improvements. I traversed the
country bordering the river Connecticut for nearly two hundred
miles. Mountains rose on either side, sometimes three, six, or
eight miles apart, the space between almost altogether alluvial ;
the plains fertile, but not half cultivated. From some projecting
headlands I had immense prospects of the surrounding countries,
every where clothed in pine, hemlock, and scrubby oak.
It was late in the evening when I entered Boston, and, whirling
through the narrow, lighted streets, or rather lanes, I could form
but a very imperfect idea of the town. Early the next morning,
resolved to see where I was, I sought out the way to Beacon Hill,
the highest part of the town, and whence you look down on the
roofs of the houses-the bay interspersed with islands-the ocean
-the surrounding country, and distant mountains of New Hamp-
shire; but the most singular objects are the long wooden bridges,
of which there are five or six, some of them three-quarters of a
mile long, uniting the towns of Boston and Charlestown with each
other, and with the main land. I looked round with an eager eye
for the eminence so justly celebrated in the history of the revolu-
tion of the United States, Bunker's Hill, but I could see nothing
that I could think deserving of the name, till a gentleman, who stood
by, pointed out a white monument upon a height beyond Charles-
town, which he said was the place. I explored my way thither,
without paying much attention to other passing objects; and, in
tracing the streets of Charlestown, was astonished and hurt at
the indifference with which the inhabitants directed me to the
place. I inquired if there were any person still living here who
had been in the battle, and I was directed to a Mr. Miller, who
was a lieutenant in this memorable affair. He is a man of about
sixty-stout, remarkably fresh coloured, with a benign and manly
countenance. I introduced myself without ceremony-shook his
hand with sincere cordiality, and said, with some warmth, that I
was proud of the honour of meeting with one of the heroes of
Bunker's Hill - the first unconquerable champions of their
country. He looked at me, pressed my hand in his, and his tears
154
LETTERS.
•
instantly glistened in his eyes, which as instantly called up
corresponding ones in my own. In our way to the place, he called
on a Mr. Carter, who, he said, was also in the action, and might
recollect some circumstances which he had forgotten. With these
two veterans I spent three hours, the most interesting to me of
any of my life. As they pointed out to me the route of the
British-the American entrenchments-the place where the
greatest slaughter was made-the spot where Warren fell, and
where he was thrown amid heaps of the dead, I felt as though I
could have encountered a whole battalion myself in the same
glorious cause. The old soldiers were highly delighted with my
enthusiasm; we drank a glass of wine to the memory of the illus-
trious dead, and parted almost with regret.
From Boston to Portland, in the District of Maine, you are
almost always in the neighbourhood, or within sight of, the
Atlantic. The country may be called a mere skeleton of rocks,
and fields of sand, in many places entirely destitute of wood,
except a few low scrubby junipers, in others covered with pines of
a diminutive growth. On entering the tavern in Portland, I took
up the newspaper of the day, in which I found my song of Free-
dom and Peace, which I afterwards heard read before a numerous
company (for the Supreme Court was sitting), with great emphasis,
as a most excellent song; but I said nothing on the subject.
From Portland I steered across the country for the northern
parts of Vermont, among barren, savage, pine-covered mountains,
through regions where Nature and art have done infinitely less to
make it a fit residence for man than any country I ever traversed.
Among these dreary tracts I found winter had already commenced,
and the snow several inches deep. I called at Dartmouth College,
the president of which, as well as of all I visited in New England,
subscribed. Though sick with a severe cold, and great fatigue, I
continued my route to this place, passing and calling at great num-
bers of small towns in my way.
The Legislature is at present in session-the newspapers have
to-day taken notice of my book, and inserted my advertisement-
I shall call on the principal people-employ an agent among some
of the booksellers in Albany, and return home by New York.
LETTERS.
155
+ LETTER LXXI.
Washington-Baltimore-Annapolis, 'Houses of the Legislature '-no subscribers-
'pursued route through the tobacco fields, sloughs and swamps'-negroes
very numerous and most wretchedly clad,' but most civil-Washington,
sketch of 'one brick house' building-'the President received me very
kindly' a 'letter to a gentleman in Virginia'--Georgetown and Alexandria.
To Mr. D. H. MILLER.
Washington City, December 24, 1808.
DEAR SIR,
I sit down, before leaving this place, to give you a few
particulars of my expedition. I spent nearly a week in Balti-
more, with -tolerable success, having procured sixteen subscribers
there. In Annapolis, I passed my book through both Houses of
the Legislature: the wise men of Maryland stared and gaped,
from bench to bench; but having never heard of such a thing as
one hundred and twenty dollars for a book, the ayes for subscrib-
ing were none; and so it was unanimously determined in the
negative. Nowise discouraged by this sage decision, I pursued
my route through the tobacco fields, sloughs and swamps, of this
illiterate corner of the State, to Washington, distant thirty-eight
miles; and in my way opened fifty-five gates. I was forewarned
that I should meet with many of these embarassments, and I
opened twenty-two of them with all the patience and philosophy
I could muster; but when I still found them coming thicker and
faster, my patience and philosophy both abandoned me, and I
saluted every new gate (which obliged me to plunge into the mud
to open it) with perhaps less Christian resignation than I ought to
have done. The negroes there are very numerous, and most
wretchedly clad: their whole covering, in many instances, assumes
the appearance of neither coat, waistcoat, nor breeches, but a
motley mass of coarse, dirty woollen rags, of various colours,
gathered up about them. When I stopped at some of the negro
huts to inquire the road, both men and women huddled up their
filthy bundles of rags around them, with both arms, in order to
cover their nakedness, and came out, very civilly, to show me the
way.
2
156
LETTERS.
I cannot pretend, within the bounds of a letter, to give you a
complete description of Washington. It consists of a great extent
of confined commons, one-half of which is nearly level, and little
higher than the Potomac; the other parts, on which the Capitol
and President's house are built, are high and commanding. The
site is much better than I expected to find it; and is certainly a
noble place for a great metropolis. I saw one brick house building,
which is the only improvement, of that kind, going on at present.
The taverns and boarding houses here are crowded with an odd
assemblage of characters. Fat placemen, expectants, contractors,
petitioner's, office-hunters, lumber-dealers, salt-manufacturers,
and numerous other adventurers. Among the rest are deputations
from different Indian nations, along our distant frontiers, who are
come hither to receive their last alms from the President, previous
to his retirement.
The President received me very kindly. I asked for nobody to
introduce me, but merely sent him in a line that I was there;
when he ordered me to be immediately admitted. He has given
me a letter to a gentleman in Virginia, who is to introduce me to
a person there, who, Mr. Jefferson says, has spent his whole life
in studying the manners of our birds; and from whom I am to
receive a world of facts and observations. The President
intended to send for this person himself, and to take down, from
his mouth, what he knows on the subject; thinking it a pity, as
he says, that the knowledge he possesses should die with him.
But he has entrusted the business to me, and I have promised
him an account of our interview.
All the subscribers I have gleaned here amount to seventeen.
I shall set off, on finishing this letter, to Georgetown and
Alexandria. I will write you, or some of my friends, from
Richmond.
LETTERS.
157
† LETTER LXXII.
Still journeying-Norfolk-'news-carriers delivered his papers from a boat, while
he poled along through the mire '-' a flat pine-covered country from Norfolk
to Suffolk-bilious fevers'-Jerusalem-'conveyed in a boat termed a flat'
swamps and ice-North Caroline 'hogs,' &c.—' toddy' universal-turpen-
tine-taverns 'most desolate and beggarly '-' river Taw''shad fishery'-
Wilmington-'general features' of North Caroline-alligators and a dog-
Wackamaw-'something better than 600 head of blacks'-'horse sold' by
exchange-a bad bargain-Charlestown-sketch of-going onward.
To the Same.'
Charleston, February 22, 1809.
DEAR SIR,
I have passed through a considerable extent of country
since I wrote you last; and met with a variety of adventures,
some of which may perhaps amuse you. Norfolk turned out
better than I expected. I left that place on one of the coldest
mornings I have experienced since leaving Philadelphia.
I mentioned to you in my last that the streets of Norfolk
were in a most disgraceful state; but I was informed that some time
before they had been much worse; that at one time the news-
carrier delivered his papers from a boat which he poled along
through the mire; and that a party of sailors, having nothing
better to do, actually launched a ship's long-boat into the streets,
rowing along with four oars through the mud, while one stood at
the bow, heaving the lead, and singing out the depth.
I passed through a flat, pine covered country, from Norfolk to
Suffolk, twenty-four miles distant, and lodged in the way in the
house of a planter, who informed me that every year, in August
and September, almost all his family are laid up with the bilious
fever; that at one time forty of his people were sick; and that of
thirteen children only three were living. Two of these, with their
mother, appeared likely not to be long tenants of this world.
Thirty miles farther, I came to a small place on the river Nottaway,
1
158
LETTERS.
called Jerusalem. Here I found the river swelled to such an
extraordinary height that the oldest inhabitant had never seen
the like. After passing along the bridge, I was conveyed in a
boat termed a flat a mile and three-quarters through the woods,
where the torrent sweeping along in many places rendered this
sort of navigation rather disagreeable. I proceeded on my
journey, passing through solitary pine woods, perpetually inter-
rupted by swamps that covered the road with water two and three
feet deep, frequently half a mile at a time, looking like a long
river or pond. These in the afternoon were surmountable; but
the weather being exceedingly severe, they were covered every
morning with a sheet of ice, from half an inch to an inch thick,
that cut my horse's legs and breast. After passing a bridge, I
had many times to wade, and twice to swim my horse, to get to
the shore. I attempted to cross the Roanoke at three different
ferries, thirty-five miles apart, and at last succeeded at a place
about fifteen miles below Halifax. A violent snow storm made
the roads still more execrable.
The productions of these parts of North Carolina are hogs, tur-
pentine, tar, and apple brandy. A tumbler of toddy is usually
the morning's beverage of the inhabitants, as soon as they get out
of bed. So universal is the practice, that the first thing you find
them engaged in, after rising, is preparing the brandy toddy.
You can scarcely meet a man whose lips are not parched and
chopped or blistered with drinking this poison. Those who do
not drink it, they say, are sure of the ague. I, however, escaped.
The pine woods have a singular appearance, every tree being strip-
ped, on one or more sides, of the bark, for six or seven feet up.
The turpentine covers these parts in thick masses. I saw the
people, in different parts of the woods, mounted on benches, chop-
ping down the sides of the trees; leaving a trough or box in the
tree for the turpentine to run into. Of hogs they have immense
multitudes; one person will sometimes own five hundred. The
leaders have bells round their necks; and every drove knows its
particular call, whether it be a conch-shell, or the bawling of a
negro, though half a mile off. Their owners will sometimes drive
them for four or five days to a market, without once feeding them,
LETTERS.
159
The taverns are the most desolate and beggarly imaginable:
bare, bleak, and dirty walls;-one or two old broken chairs, and
a bench, form all the furniture. The white females seldom make
their appearance; and every thing must be transacted through the
medium of negroes. At supper, you sit down to a meal, the very
sight of which is sufficient to deaden the most eager appetite; and
you are surrounded by half-a-dozen dirty, half-naked blacks, male
and female, whom any man of common scent might smell a quar-
ter of a mile off. The house itself is raised upon props, four or
five feet; and the space below is left open for the hogs, with whose
charming vocal performance the wearied traveller is serenaded the
whole night long, till he is forced to curse the hogs, the house,
and every thing about it.
I crossed the river Taw at Washington, for Newbern, which
stands upon a sandy plain, between the rivers Trent and Neuse,
both of which abound with alligators. Here I found the shad
fishery begun, on the 5th instant; and wished to have some of you
with me to assist in dissecting some of the finest shad I ever saw.
Thence to Wilmington was my next stage, one hundred miles,
with only one house for the accommodation of travellers on the
road; two landlords having been broken up with the fever.
The general features of North Carolina, where I crossed it, are
immense, solitary, pine savannas, through which the road winds
among stagnant ponds, swarming with alligators; dark, sluggish
creeks, of the colour of brandy, over which are thrown high
wooden bridges, without railings, and so crazy and rotten as not
only to alarm one's horse, but also the rider, and to make it a
matter of thanksgiving with both when they get fairly over, with-
out going through; enormous cypress swamps, which, to a
stranger, have a striking, desolate, and ruinous appearance.
Picture to yourself a forest of prodigious trees, rising, as thick as
as they can grow, from a vast flat and impenetrable morass,
covered for ten feet from the ground with reeds. The leafless
limbs of the cypresses are clothed with an extraordinary kind of
moss (Tillandsia usneoides), from two to ten feet long, in such
quantities that fifty men could conceal themselves in one tree.
Nothing in this country struck me with such surprise as the pros-
160
LETTERS.
pect of several thousand acres of such timber, loaded, as it were,
with many million tons of tow, waving in the wind. I attempted
to penetrate several of these swamps, with my gun, in search of
something new; but, except in some chance places, I found it
altogether impracticable. I coasted along their borders, however,
in many places, and was surprised at the great profusion of ever-
greens, of numberless sorts; and a variety of berries that I knew
nothing of. Here I found multitudes of birds that never winter
with us in Pennsylvania, living in abundance. Though the
people told me that the alligators are so numerous as to destroy
many of their pigs, calves, dogs, &c., yet I have never been
enabled to get my eye on one, though I have been several times
in search of them with my gun. In Georgia, they tell me, they
are ten times more numerous; but I expect some sport among
them. I saw a dog at the river Santee, who swims across when
he pleases, in defiance of these voracious animals; when he hears
them behind him, he wheels round, and attacks them, often seiz-
ing them by the snout. They generally retreat, and he pursues
his route again, serving every one that attacks him in the same
manner. He belongs to the boatman; and, when left behind,
always takes to the water.
:
As to the character of the North Carolinians, were I to judge of
it by the specimens which I met with in taverns, I should pro-
nounce them to be the most ignorant, debased, indolent and dis-
sipated, portion of the Union. But I became acquainted with a
few such noble exceptions, that, for their sakes, I am willing to
believe they are all better than they seemed to be.
Wilmington contains about three thousand souls; and yet there
is not one cultivated field within several miles of it. The whole
country, on this side of the river, is a mass of sand, into which
you sink up to the ankles; and hardly a blade of grass is to be
All about is pine barrens.
seen.
From Wilmington I rode through solitary pine savannas, and
cypress swamps, as before; sometimes thirty miles without seeing
a hut, or human being. On arriving at the Wackamaw, Pedee,
and Black river, I made long zigzags among the rich nabobs, who
live on their rice plantations, amidst large villages of negro huts.
LETTERS.
161
One of these gentlemen told me that he had "something better
than six hundred head of blacks!" These excursions detained me
greatly. The roads to the Plantations were so long, so difficult to
find, and so bad, and the hospitality of the Planters was such,
that I could scarcely get away again. I ought to have told you
that the deep sands of South Carolina had so worn out my horse,
that, with all my care, I found he would give up. Chance led me
to the house of a planter, named V., about forty miles north of
the river Wackamaw, where I proposed to bargain with him, and
to give up my young blood horse for another in exchange; giving
him at least as good a character as he deserved. He asked twenty
dollars to boot, and I thirty. We parted, but I could perceive that
he had taken a liking to my steed; so I went on. He followed
me to the sea beach, about three miles, under pretence of pointing
out to me the road; and there, on the sands, amidst the roar of
the Atlantic, we finally bargained; and I found myself in possession
of a large, well formed and elegant, sorrel horse, that ran off with
me at
a canter for fifteen miles along the sea shore; and tra-
velled the same day forty-two miles, with nothing but a few mouth-
fuls of rice straw, which I got from a negro. If you have ever
seen the rushes with which carpenters sometimes smooth their
work, you may form some idea of the common fare of the South
Carolina horse. I found now that I had got a very devil before
my chair; the least sound of the whip made him spring half a rod
at a leap; no road, however long or heavy, could tame him. Two
or three times he had nearly broke my neck, and chair to boot ;
and at Georgetown ferry he threw one of the boatmen into the
river. But he is an excellent traveller, and for that one quality I
forgave him all his sins, only keeping a close rein, and a sharp
look out.
I should now give you some account of Charleston, with the
streets of which I am as well acquainted as I was with those of
New York and Boston; but I reserve that till we meet. I shall
only say, that the streets cross each other at right angles—are
paved on the sides-have a low bed of sand in the middle; and
frequently are in a state fit to compare to those of Norfolk. The
town, however, is neat-has a gay appearance-is full of shops;
W
162
LETTERS.
and has a market-place, which far surpasses those of Philadelphia
for cleanliness, and is an honour to the city. Many of the build-
ings have two, three, and four ranges of piazzas, one above another,
with a great deal of gingerbread work about them. The streets
are crowded with negroes; and their quarrels often afford amuse-
ment to the passengers. In a street called Broad street, I every
day see a crowd of wretchedly clad blacks, huddled in a corner
for sale: people handling them as they do black cattle. Here are
female chimney sweeps; stalls with roasted sweet potatoes for sale;
and on the wharves clubs of blacks, male and female, sitting
round fires, amid heaps of oyster-shells, cooking their victuals—
these seem the happiest mortals on earth. The finest groups for
a comic painter might every day be found here that any country
can produce.
The ladies of Charleston are dressed with taste; but their pale
and languid countenances by no means correspond with their
figures.
To-morrow afternoon I shall set off for Savannah. I have col-
lected one hundred and twenty-five subscribers since leaving home.
C
+ LETTER LXXIII.
The ne plus ultra of my peregrinations '-innkeepers in the Southern States are like
vultures--Charleston sadly disappointed-a Scotchman helpful-Dr. D. intro-
duced the Ornithology' into the 'Courier'-General Wilkinson 'first-
fruits'-Savannah bad roads' and floods-advertised in the Republican'
-homeward.
To the Same.
Savannah, March 5, 1809.
DEAR SIR,
I have now reached the ne plus ultra of my peregrinations, and
shall return home by the first opportunity. Whether this shall be
by land or water, depends on circumstances; if the former, I shall
go by Augusta, where I am told twelve or fifteen subscribers may
be procured. These, however, would be insufficient to tempt me
LETTERS.
163
that way, for I doubt whether my funds would be sufficient to
carry me through.
The innkeepers in the Southern States are like the vultures that
hover about their cities, and treat their guests as the others do
their carrion: are as glad to see them, and pick them as bare.
The last letter I wrote you was on my arrival in Charleston. I
found greater difficulties to surmount there than I had thought
of. I solicited several people for a list of names, but that abject
and disgraceful listlessness, and want of energy, which have un-
nerved the whites of all descriptions in these States, put me off
from time to time, till at last I was obliged to walk the streets,
and pick out those houses, which, from their appearance, indicated
wealth and taste in the occupants, and introduce myself. Neither
M., Dr. R., nor any other that I applied to, gave me the least en-
couragement, though they promised, and knew I was a stranger.
I was going on in this way, when the keeper of the library, a
Scotsman, a good man, whose name had been mentioned to me,
made me out a list from the directory; and among these I spent
ten days. The extreme servility, and superabundance of negroes,
have ruined the energy and activity of the white population. M.
appears to be fast sinking into the same insipidity of character,
with a pretty good sprinkling of rapacity. In Charleston, how-
`ever, I met with some excellent exceptions among the first ranks
of society; and the work excited universal admiration. Dr. D.
introduced it very handsomely into the Courier. On hearing of
General Wilkinson's arrival, I waited on him. He received me
with kindness—said he valued the book highly-and paid me the
twelve dollars; on which I took occasion to prognosticate my
final success on receiving its first fruits from him.
I will not tire you by a recital of the difficulties which I met
with between Charleston and Savannah, by bad roads and the
extraordinary flood of the river Savannah, where I had nearly
lost my horse, he having, by his restiveness, thrown himself over-
board; and, had I not, at great personal risk, rescued him, he
might have floated down to Savannah before me.
I arrived here on Tuesday last, and advertised in the Republi-
can, the editors of which interested themselves considerably for
164
LETTERS.
me, speaking of my book in their Thursday's paper with much
approbation. The expense of advertising in the Southern States
is great; but I found it really necessary. I have now seen every
person in this place and neighbourhood, of use to be seen. Here
I close the list of my subscriptions, obtained at a price worth more
than five times their amount. But, in spite of a host of difficul-
ties, I have gained my point; and should the work be continued
in the style it has been begun, I have no doubt but we may
increase the copies to four hundred. I have endeavoured to find
persons of respectability in each town, who will receive and
deliver the volumes, without recompense, any further than allow-
ing them to make the first selection. By this means the rapacity
of some booksellers will be avoided.
The weather has been extremely warm these ten days, the ther-
mometer stood in the shade on Friday and Saturday last, at 78°
and 79°. I have seen no frost since the 5th of February. The
few gardens here are as green and luxuriant as ours are in sum-
mer—full of flowering shrubbery, and surrounded with groves of
orange trees, fifteen and twenty feet high, loaded with fruit. The
streets are deep beds of heavy sand, without the accommodation
of a foot pavement. I most sincerely hope that I may be able to
return home by water; if not, I shall trouble you with one letter
more.
+ LETTER LXXIV.
'Three months' travelling-'250 subscribers' obtained-Planters on the rivers
Santee and Pedee'-rice and negroes-new birds-Charleston 'vultures and
crows'-ivory-billed Woodpecker alarmed, by its 'baby'-like screaming,
the whole of Wilmington-' grasshopper' mistaken for a bird-'Mr. Abbot'
of Georgia.
TO MR. WILLIAM BARTRAM,
Savannah, March 5, 1809.
Three months, my dear friend, are passed since I parted from
you in Kingsess. I have been travelling ever since; and one half
of my journey is yet to be performed-but that half is homewards,
LETTERS.
165
}
and through old Neptune's dominions, where I trust I shall not
be long detained. This has been the most arduous, expensive,
and fatiguing expedition I ever undertook. I have, however,
gained my point in procuring two hundred and fifty subscribers,
in all, for my Ornithology; and a great mass of information
respecting the birds that winter in the Southern States, and some
that never visit the Middle States; and this information I have
derived personally, and can therefore the more certainly depend
upon it. I have, also, found several new birds, of which I can
find no account in Linnæus. All these things we will talk over
when we meet.
I visited a great number of the rich planters on the rivers Santee
and Pedee, and was much struck with the miserable swarms of
negroes around them. In these rice plantations, there are great
numbers of birds, never supposed to winter so far north, and their
tameness surprised me. There are also many here who never
visit Pennsylvania. Round Georgetown I also visited several rich
planters, all of whom entertained me hospitably. I spent ten
days in Charleston, still, in every place where I stopped a day or
two, making excursions with my gun.
On the commons, near Charleston, I presided at a singular
feast. The company consisted of two hundred and thirty-seven
carrion crows (vultur atratus), five or six dogs, and myself,
though I only kept order, and left the eating part entirely to the
others, I sat so near to the dead horse, that my feet touched his,
and yet at one time I counted thirty-eight vultures on and within
him, so that hardly an inch of his flesh could be seen for them.
Linnæus and others have confounded this vulture with the turkey
buzzard, but they are two very distinct species.
As far north as Wilmington, in North Carolina, I met with the
ivory-billed woodpecker. I killed two, and winged a male, who
alarmed the whole town of Wilmington, screaming exactly like a
young child crying violently, so that everybody supposed I had a
baby under the apron of my chair, till I took out the bird to
prevent the people from stopping me. This bird I confined to the
room I was to sleep in, and in less than half-an-hour he made his
way through the plaster, the lath, and partly through the weather
166
LETTERS.
boards; and would have escaped, if I had not accidentally come
in. The common people confound the P. principalis and P. pile-
atus together.
I am utterly at a loss in my wood rambles here, for there are so
many trees, plants, shrubs, and insects, that I know nothing of.
There are immense quantities of elegant butterflies, and other
singular insects. I met with a grasshopper so big that I took it
for a bird; it settles upon trees and bushes. I have kept a record
of all the birds which I have seen or shot since I left home.
This journey will be of much use to me, as I have formed
acquaintance in almost every place, who are able to transmit me
information. Great numbers of our summer birds are already
here; and many are usually here all winter.
There is a Mr. Abbot here, who has resided in Georgia thirty-
three years, drawing insects and birds. I have been on several
excursions with him. He is a very good observer, and paints
well. He has published, in London, one large folio volume of the
Lepidopterous insects of Georgia. It is a very splendid work.
There is only one vessel here bound to New York; she sails some
time next week, and I shall take my passage in her. I caught a
fever here by getting wet; I hope the sea air, and sea-sickness,
will carry it off.
+ LETTER LXXV.
This bantling book of mine'-now for 'home'-indisposed with fever-Savannah
streets 'mere beds of burning sand'-indolence and dissipation' of the
'wealthy-Slavery a curse'-Two Sisters' Ferry, horse nearly drowned.
To the Same.
Savannah, March 8, 1809.
DEAR SIR,
Having now visited all the towns within one hundred
miles of the Atlantic, from Maine to Georgia, and done as much
for this bantling book of mine as ever author did for any progeny
of his brain, I now turn my wishful eye towards home. There
is a charm, a melody, in this little word home, which only those
LETTERS.
167
know, who have forsaken it to wander among strangers, exposed
to dangers, fatigues, insults and impositions, of a thousand name-
less kinds. Perhaps I feel the force of this idea rather more at
present than usual, being indisposed with a slight fever these three
days, which a dose of sea-sickness will, I hope, rid me of. The
weather since my arrival in this place has been extremely
warm for the season. The wind generally south-west, and
the thermometer ranging between 75° and 82°. To me it
feels more intolerable than our summer heat in Philadelphia.
The streets of Savannah are also mere beds of burning
sand, without even a foot pavement; and until one learns
to traverse them with both eyes and mouth shut, both are
plentifully filled with showers and whirlwinds of sand. I was
longer detained in Charleston than I expected, partly on account
of the races, which occupied the minds of all I wished to visit, to
the exclusion of every thing else. At nine they were in bed; at
ten breakfasting-dressing at eleven-gone out at noon, and not
visible again till ten next morning. I met, however, with some
excellent exceptions, among the first ranks of society, and my
work excited universal admiration. Dr. D. introduced it very
handsomely into the Courier.
The indolence, want of energy, and dissipation, of the wealthy
part of the community in that place, are truly contemptible. The
superabundance of negroes in the Southern States has destroyed
the activity of the whites. The carpenter, bricklayer, and even
the blacksmiths, stand with their hands in their pockets, over-
looking their negroes. The planter orders his servant to tell the
overseer to see my horse fed and taken care of; the overseer sends
another negro to tell the driver to send one of his hands to do it.
Before half of this routine is gone through, I have myself unhar-
nessed, rubbed down, and fed my horse. Everything must be
done through the agency of these slovenly blacks.
These,
however, are not one-tenth of the curses slavery has brought on
the Southern States. Nothing has surprised me more than the
cold, melancholy reserve of the females, of the best families, in
South Carolina and Georgia. Old and young, single and married,
all have that dull frigid insipidity, and reserve, which is attri-
168
LETTERS.
buted to solitary old maids. Even in their own houses they
scarce utter anything to a stranger but yes or no, and one is per-
petually puzzled to know whether it proceeds from awkwardness or
dislike. Those who have been at some of their Balls say that the
ladies hardly even speak or smile, but dance with as much gravity,
as if they were performing some ceremony of devotion. On the
contrary, the negro wenches are all sprightliness and gayety; and
if report be not a defamer-(here there is a hiatus in the manuscript)
which render the men callous to all the finer sensations of love,
and female excellence.
I will not detain you by a recital of my journey from Charleston
to Savannah river, at a place called the Two Sisters' Ferry; my
horse threw himself into the torrent, and had I not, at the risk
of my own life, rescued him, would have been drowned.
•
+ LETTER LXXVI.
David Brown going to Scotland, Vol. I. of 'Ornithology is sent with him-ex-
penditure on, and hopes and fears-John Finlayson-recollections of the
- William
'Gentle Shepherd'- Duncans at Milestown-a nephew dead-
Mitchell a 'common soldier'-under engagement as assistant-editor of
Rees' Cyclopædia-home-friends-Paisley, 'willingly give a hundred dollars
to spend a few days' there-David-hopes.
To Mr ALEXANDER WILSON, Paisley.
Philadelphia, June 15, 1809.
DEAR FATHER,
Mr David Brown having informed me of his
intention of sailing for Scotlaud, I have transmitted to you
by him the first volume of my American Ornithology, just publish-
ing, and shall, if I live to finish it, send you regularly the
remaining nine volumes as they appear. In giving existence to
this work, I have expended all I had been saving since my arrival
in America. I have also visited every town within 150 miles of
the Atlantic coast, from the river St. Lawrence to St. Augustine
in Florida, from whence I returned about two months ago.
Whether I shall be able to realize a fortune by this publication,
LETTERS.
169
or recover first costs, or suffer the sacrifice of my little all is yet
doubtful. I met with a most honourable reception among many
of the first characters in the United States, and have collected
such a mass of information on this branch of Natural History, as
will entitle the work to the merit of originality at least.
I called on John Finlayson yesterday at his rural retreat in a
charming hollow, sheltered with apple trees, where "hens on the
midden, ducks in dibs are seen," and a clear brook rins wimplin
by his yard. John is an active, industrious fellow, and much es-
teemed in his neighbourhood; has a fine family of children, hives
of bees, a ewe with three lambs, four looms, and many other com-
forts and curiosities about him. We went to a neighbouring
farmer together, to see a flock of the merino breed of sheep, which
are multiplying in the United States beyond all belief. My
nephew, W. Duncan, and his brother, have commenced manufac-
turing at Milestown, with considerable success. Their sister
Mary keeps house for them and they live very happily. I have
heard nothing of my sister in Genesee these twelve months. I
wrote her lately respecting the death of her son George, who fell
a victim to the yellow fever three weeks after his arrival in
America. He was received into the marine hospital at Norfolk,
Virginia, on the 3rd of October, and died on the 5th. I examined
the nurse and sexton, and visited the place where the multitude
of that year (chiefly strangers,) were buried, and would have
placed a humble stone over his grave had it been possible to ascer-
tain the spot.
William Mitchell, formerly of Williamsburgh, who had been
supposed dead these several years, is living and in good health at
New Orleans-as a common soldier. During my journey through
Virginia and the Carolinas, I made every inquiry respecting Bow-
man, formerly writing-master, but could hear nothing of him.
John Rowan still continues in the honourable profession of mak-
ing bitters, and prescribing in certain disorders. Robert Shaw
and family were well last March. Mr. Brown can inform you re-
specting their situation.
I am still under engagements to Mr. Bradford as assistant editor
of the Cyclopædia. This, with the Ornithology, and other occa-
X
1
170
LETTERS.
sional things in the poetical way, keep me from the sin of idleness,
from which I have been pretty well preserved for these 15 years.
Joseph Roger died about ten months ago in Schenectady-I saw
his widow there in October last. I could have wished to have
seen William Morrison and Nelly, but my time would not permit.
Thomas Wotherspoon, once my most particular friend and com-
panion, has, I suppose, altogether forgot me,-remember my
respects to Jean and him. I shall most probably never see either
them, or any of my friends, or Paisley, more—but
While remembrance' power remains,
Those native scenes shall meet my view;
Dear-long lost friends !—on foreign plains
I'll sigh, and shed a tear for you.
All my relations in and about Philadelphia are well. I should
be happy to hear from John Bell and Jean, and would willingly
give a hundred dollars to spend a few days with you all in Paisley,
but like a true bird of passage, I would again wing my way across
the western waste of waters, to the peaceful and happy regions of
America.
What has become of David that I never hear from him? Let
me know, my dear father, how you live, and how you enjoy your
health at your advanced age. I trust the publication I have now
commenced, and which has procured for me reputation and respect,
will also enable me to contribute to your independence and com-
fort, in return for what I owe to you. To my stepmother, sisters,
brothers, and friends, I beg to remembered affectionately,
Your grateful son,
ALEX. WILSON.
LETTERS.
171
+ LETTER LXXVII.
The second volume of American Ornithology' now ready for the press-birds on
which more information is wished-'it has fallen to my lot to be the
biographer of the feathered tribes of the United States'-'solicitous to do
full justice to every species' not 'one cent' gained on the work-' Cowpen
bird'-foreign news.
To Mr WILLIAM BARTRAM.
Philadelphia, August 4, 1809.
The second volume of "American Ornithology" being now
nearly ready to go to press, and the plates in considerable for-
wardness, you will permit me to trespass on your time, for a few
moments, by inquiring if you have anything interesting to add to
the history of the following birds, the figures of which will be
found in this volume.
I have already said everything of the foregoing that my own
observations suggested, or that I have been enabled to collect from
those on whom I could rely. As it has fallen to my lot to be the
biographer of the feathered tribes of the United States, I am soli-
citous to do full justice to every species; and I would not conceal
one good quality that any one of them possesses. I have paid
particular attention to the mocking-bird, humming-bird, king-
bird and cat-bird; all the principal traits in their character I have
delineated in full. If you have anything to add on either of them,
I wish you would communicate it in the form of a letter, addressed
particularly to me. Your favourable opinion of my work (if such
you have) would, if publicly known, be of infinite service to me,
and procure me many friends.
I assure you, my dear friend, that this undertaking has in-
volved me in many difficulties and expenses which I never dreamt
of; and I have never yet received one cent from it. I am, there-
fore, a volunteer in the cause of Natural History, impelled by
nobler views than those of money. The second volume will be
ready for delivery on the first of January next. I have received
communications from many different parts of the United States,
with some drawings, and offers of more. But these are rarely
172
LETTERS.
executed with such precision as is necessary for a work of this kind.
Let me know if you have ever seen the nest of Catesby's cowpen-
bird. I have every reason to believe that this bird never builds
itself a nest, but, like the cuckoo of Europe, drops its eggs into
the nests of other birds, and leaves the result to their mercy and
management. I have found no less than six nests this season,
with each a young cow-bird contained in it. One of these, which
I had found in the nest of the Maryland yellow-throat, and which
occupied the whole nest, I brought home, and put it into the
cage of a crested red-bird, who became its foster father, and fed,
and reared it, with great affection. It begins to chant a little.
I have just heard from our old friend M. He has not yet pub-
lished the first number of his work; and Bonaparte has been so
busy with cutting throats, and building bridges, in the forests of
Austria, that the Inspector of the Forests of France has not yet
received his appointment.
+ LETTER LXXVIII.
Thanks for a bird-the 'sora' in the rice-flats of Savannah-reed-birds' or
´rice-birds'-'snow-bird' of the Great Swamp build their nests among the
long grass.
To the Same,
October 11, 1809.
Thanks for your bird, so neatly stuffed, that I was
just about to skin it. It is the Rallus virginianus of Turton, and
agrees exactly with his description. The one in company was pro-
bably the female. Turton mentions four species as inhabitants of
the United States. I myself have seen six. Mr. Abbot of
Savannah showed me two species. I found the sora, as the Vir-
ginians call it, in the rice flats near Savannah, in March. General
Wilkinson told me that the sora was in multitudes at Detroit.
Query-don't you think they breed in the north, like the rice-
birds? Are not the European naturalists mistaken in saying that
the reed-birds or rice-birds pass from the Island of Cuba, in Sep-
tember, to Carolina? All the Spaniards with whom I have con-
versed, say that these birds are seen in Cuba, early in the Spring
LETTERS.
173
only, and again in October. And the people of the district of
Maine, of all the New England States, and those who have lived
on the river Illinois, declare that these birds breed there in vast
numbers.
I have many times been told that our small snow-bird (fringilla
hudsonia) breeds in the Great Swamp, which I can hardly believe.
When I was in Williamsburg, Virginia, Bishop Madison told me
of a mountain, in the interior of that State, where they bred in
multitudes. I have lately had the most positive assurances from
a gentleman who lived on the ranges of the Alleghenny, about two
hundred and fifty miles distant, that he saw them there four
months ago; and that they built their nests almost every where
among long grass. He said he took particular notice of them, as
he had heard it said down here, that they changed to chipping
What think you of these matters?
sparrows in summer.
+ LETTER LXXIX.
'Proposed journey'-decided to go 'on foot'-' a dollar a-day '-companionship.
To the Same.
Philadelphia, Nov. 11, 1809.
DEAR SIR,
Since I parted from you yesterday evening, I have rumi-
nated a great deal on my proposed journey; I have considered
the advantages and disadvantages of the three modes of proceed-
ing on horseback-in the stage-coach, and on foot. Taking
everything into view, I have at length determined to adopt the
last, as being the cheapest, the best adapted for examining the
country we pass through; the most favourable to health; and, in
short, except for its fatigues, the best mode for a scientific travel-
ler or naturalist, in every point of view. I have also thought that
by this determination I will be so happy as to secure your com-
pany, for which I would willingly sustain as much hardship, and
as many deprivations, as I am able to bear.
If this determination should meet your approbation, and if you
174
LETTERS.
are willing to encounter the hardships of such a pedestrian journey,
let me know as soon as is convenient. I think one dollar a day,
each, will be fully sufficient for our expenses, by a strict regard,
at all times, to economy.
+ LETTER LXXX.
'Ornithological pilgrimage'-Lancaster 'governor' subscriber-a 'political mob'—
Susquehannah-York 'literati'-'a very extraordinary character'-Dr.
Muhlenberg-a 'certain judge' and blockhead-Chambersburg-Carlisle-
Alleghany mountains - wild scenery - Pittsburg-country beyond the
Ohio'-'19 names obtained-'small skiff' called 'The Ornithologist'-on
to Cincinnati-' Farewell! God bless you.'
To Mr. ALEXANDER LAWSON.
Pittsburgh, February 22d, 1810.
DEAR SIR,
From this first stage of my Ornithological pilgrimage, I sit down,
with pleasure, to give you some account of my adventures since
we parted. On arriving at Lancaster, I waited on the governor,
secretary of State, and such other great folks as were likely to be
useful to me. The governor received me with civility, passed some
good-natured compliments on the volumes, and readily added his
name to my list. He seems an active man, of plain good sense,
and little ceremony. By Mr. L. I was introduced to many mem-
bers of both Houses, but I found them, in general, such a pitiful,
squabbling, political mob; so split up, and justling about the mere
formalities of legislation, without knowing any thing of its reali-
ties, that I abandoned them in disgust. I must, however, except
from this censure a few intelligent individuals, friends to science,
and possessed of taste, who treated me with great kindness. On
Friday evening I set out for Columbia, where I spent one day in
vain. I crossed the Susquehannah on Sunday forenoon, with
some difficulty, having to cut our way through the ice for several
hundred yards; and passing on to York, paid my respects to all
the literati of that place without success. Five miles north of
this town lives a very extraordinary character, between eighty and
LETTERS.
175
ninety years of age, who has lived by trapping birds and quadru-
peds these thirty years. Dr. F. carried me out in a sleigh to see
him, and presented me with a tolerably good full length figure of
him; he has also promised to transmit to me such a collection of
facts relative to this singular original, as will enable me to draw
up an interesting narrative of him for the Port Folio. I carried
him half a pound of snuff, of which he is insatiably fond, taking it
by handfuls. I was much diverted with the astonishment he ex-
pressed on looking at the plates of my work-he could tell me an-
ecdotes of the greater part of the subjects of the first volume, and
some of the second. One of his traps, which he says he invented
himself, is remarkable for ingenuity, and extremely simple. Hav-
ing a letter from Dr. Muhlenberg to a clergyman in Hanover, I
passed on through a well-cultivated country, chiefly inhabited by
Germans, to that place, where a certain Judge took upon himself to
say, that such a book as mine ought not to be encouraged, as it was
not within the reach of the commonality; and therefore inconsis-
tent with our republican institutions! By the same mode of reason-
ing, which I did not dispute, I undertook to prove him a greater
culprit than myself, in erecting a large, elegant, three-story brick
house, so much beyond the reach of the commonality, as he called
them, and consequently grossly contrary to our republican institu-
tions. I harangued this Solomon of the Bench more seriously
afterwards, pointing out to him the great influence of science on a
young rising nation like ours, and particularly the science of Natu-
ral History, till he began to show such symptoms of intellect, as
to seem ashamed of what he said.
From Hanover I passed through a thinly-inhabited country;
and crossing the North Mountain, at a pass called Newman's Gap,
arrived at Chambersburgh, whence I next morning returned to
Carlisle, to visit the reverend doctors of the college.
The towns of Chambersburgh and Shippensburgh produced me
nothing. On Sunday, the 11th, I left the former of these places
in the stage coach; and in fifteen miles began to ascend the Alpine
regions of the Alleghany mountains, where above, around, and
below us, nothing appeared but prodigious declivities, covered
with woods; and, the weather being fine, such a profound silence
176
LETTERS.
prevailed among these aerial solitudes, as impressed the soul with
awe, and a kind of fearful sublimity. Something of this arose
from my being alone, having left the coach several miles below.
These high ranges continued for more than one hundred miles to
Greensburgh, thirty-two miles from Pittsburgh; thence the coun-
try is nothing but an assemblage of steep hills, and deep vallies,
descending rapidly till you reach within seven miles of this place,
where I arrived on the 15th instant. We were within two miles
of Pittsburgh, when suddenly the road descends a long and very
steep hill, where the Alleghany river is seen at hand, on the right,
stretching along a rich bottom, and bounded by a high ridge of
hills on the west. After following this road, parallel with the
river, and about a quarter of a mile from it, through a rich low
valley, a cloud of black smoke, at its extremity, announced the
town of Pittsburgh. On arriving at the town, which stands on a
low flat, and looks like a collection of Blacksmith's shops, Glass-
houses, Breweries, Forges and Furnaces, the Monongahela opened
to the view, on the left, running along the bottom of a range of
hills so high that the sun, at this season, sets to the town of Pitts-
burgh at a little past four : this range continues along the Ohio as
far as the view reaches. The ice had just begun to give way in
the Monongahela, and came down in vast bodies for the three fol-
lowing days. It has now begun in the Alleghany, and, at the
moment I write, the river presents a white mass of rushing ice.
The country beyond Ohio, to the west, appears a mountainous
and hilly region. The Monongahela is lined with arks, usually
called Kentucky-boats, waiting for the rising of the river, and the
absence of the ice, to descend. A perspective view of the town of
Pittsburgh at this season, with the numerous arks and covered keel
boats preparing to descend the Ohio; its hills, its great rivers-
the pillars of smoke rising from its furnaces and glass-works-
would make a noble picture. I began a very diligent search in
this place, the day after my arrival, for subscribers, and continued
it for four days. I succeeded beyond expectation, having got nine-
teen names of the most wealthy and respectable part of the inhab-
itants. The industry of Pittsburgh is remarkable; everybody you
see is busy; and as a proof of the prosperity of the place, an emi-
LETTERS.
177
nent lawyer told me that there has not been one suit instituted
against a merchant of the town these three years.
Gentlemen here assure me that the road to Chilicothe is impass-
able on foot by reason of the freshes. I have therefore resolved
to navigate myself a small skiff, which I have bought, and named
the ORNITHOLOGIST, down to Cincinnati, a distance of five hun-
dred and twenty-eight miles ; intending to visit five or six towns
that lie in my way. From Cincinnati I will cross over to the op-
posite shore, and, abandoning my boat, make my way to Lexington,
where I expect to be ere your letter can reach that place.
Were
I to go by Chilicothe, I should miss five towns, as large as it.
Some say that I ought not to attempt going down by myself—
others think I may.
may. I am determined to make the experiment, ·
the expense of hiring a rower being considerable. As soon as the
ice clears out of the Alleghany, and the weather will permit, I
shall shove off, having everything in readiness. I have ransacked
the woods and fields here without finding a single bird new to me,
or indeed any thing but a few snow-birds and sparrows. I expect
to have something interesting to communicate in my next.
My friends will please accept through you my best wishes and
kindest respects and I regret that while the grand spectacle of
mountains, regions of expanded forests, glittering towns, and noble
rivers, are passing in rapid succession before my delighted view,
they are not beside me to enjoy the varying scenery; but as far
as my pen will enable me, I will freely share it with them, and
remember them affectionately until I forget myself.
February 23d. My baggage is on board-I have just to despatch
this and set off. The weather is fine, and I have no doubt of pilo-
ting my skiff in safety to Cincinnati. Farewell. God bless you!
Y
178
LETTERS.
+ LETTER LXXXI.
'Second stage of bird-catching expedition' — skiff-voyage down the Ohio
'whistling of the Red-bird '-forest-scenery-sugar-camps-'arks' on the
river-description and drawings-' twenty miles the first spell'—'brush-
heap'--lonely-moored safely in Bear-Grass Creek at the Rapids of the
Ohio'-various friends in various places-Marietta 'Indian fortifications'.
Big-Grave Creek - examined - Mr. Tomlinson 'no antiquary' - Michael
Cressap-Logan's accusation'-'merinoes' at Marietta-the Muskingum-
Blannerhasset's Island-Galliopolis and Sandy River-Sciota, 'flock of
paroquets'-a great storm-bear-treeing,' &c.-the 'first order of American
architecture'—'miserable huts' in grand woods-the Scotch fiddle! (itch).-
Salt Lick-Maysville--on foot to Washington-petrified shells-hemp-
Cincinnati, 'old Roman'-description of-Fort Washington-- Judge Turner-
Indian mound'-Great Miami-Big-Bone Creek-American elephants and
mammoths'- Swiss settlement-the vine-Kentucky river-rain and tempest
-a 'wretched hovel' and its meagre, diminutive' owner-anecdotes and
description of-turkies'-' suction of the Falls'-sold skiff Ornithologist'-
'droll name--some old chief or warrior'-Shippingport-Falls of Oswego-
Louisville-Lexington, on foot' for 72 miles'-Indian corn--' pigeon-
roost'-poetical narrative 'The Pilgrim.'
To the Same,
Lexington, April 4, 1810.
MY DEAR SIR,
<
Having now reached the second stage of my bird-catching
expedition, I willingly sit down to give you some account of my
adventures and remarks since leaving Pittsburgh; by the aid of a
good map, and your usual stock of patience, you will be able to
listen to my story, and trace all my wanderings. Though generally
dissuaded from venturing by myself on so long a voyage down
the Ohio in an open skiff, I considered this mode, with all its
inconveniences, as the most favourable to my researches and the
most suitable to my funds, and I determined accordingly. Two
days before my departure, the Alleghany river was one wide torr-
ent of broken ice, and I calculated on experiencing considerable
difficulties on this score. My stock of provisions consisted of some
biscuit and cheese, and a bottle of cordial presented me by a gen-
LETTERS.
179
tleman of Pittsburgh; my gun, trunk, and great-coat, occupied one
end of the boat; I had a small tin occasionally to bale her, and to
take my beverage from the Ohio with; and bidding adieu to the
smoky confines of Pittsburgh, I launched into the stream, and
soon winded away among the hills that every where enclose this
noble river. The weather was warm and serene, and the river like a
mirror except where floating masses of ice spotted its surface, and
which required some care to steer clear of; but these to my surprise,
in less than a day's sailing, totally disappeared. Far from being
concerned at my new situation, I felt my heart expand with joy
at the novelties which surrounded me; I listened with pleasure to
the whistling of the Red-bird on the banks as I passed, and con-
templated the forest scenery as it receded, with increasing delight.
The smoke of the numerous sugar camps, rising lazily among
the mountains, gave great effect to the varying landscape; and
the grotesque log-cabins, that here and there opened from the
woods, were diminished into mere dog-houses by the sublimity of
the impending mountains. If you suppose to yourself two parallel
ranges of forest-covered hills, whose irregular summits are seldom
more than three or four miles apart, winding through an immense
extent of country, and enclosing a river half a mile wide, which
alternately washes the steep declivity on one side, and laves a rich
flat forest-clad bottom on the other, of a mile or so in breadth, you
will have a pretty correct idea of the appearance of the Ohio. The
banks of these rich flats are from twenty to sixty and eighty feet
high, and even these last were within a few feet of being overflow-
ed in December, 1808.
I now stripped, with alacrity, to my new avocation. The current
went about two and a half miles an hour, and I added about three
and a half miles more to the boat's way with my oars. In the
course of the day I passed a number of arks, or, as they are usually
called, Kentucky boats, loaded, with what it must be acknowledged
are the most valuable commodities of a country; viz. men, women
and children, horses and ploughs, flour, millstones, &c. Several
of these floating caravans were loaded with store goods for the
supply of the settlements through which they passed, having a
counter erected, shawls, muslins, &c. displayed, and every thing
180
LETTERS.
ready for transacting business. On approaching a settlement they
blow a horn or tin trumpet, which announces to the inhabitants
their arrival. I boarded many of these arks, and felt much in-
terested at the sight of so many human beings, migrating like
birds of passage to the luxuriant regions of the south and west.
The arks are built in the form of a parallelogram, being from twelve
to fourteen feet wide, and from forty to seventy feet long, covered
above, rowed only occasionally by two oars before, and steered by
a long and powerful one fixed above, as in the annexed sketch.
ARK.

BARGE FOR PASSING UP STREAM.

The barges are taken up along shore by setting poles, at the rate
of twenty miles or so a day; the arks cost about one hundred and
fifty cents per foot, according to their length; and when they reach
their places of destination, seldom bring more than one-sixth their
original cost. These arks descend from all parts of the Ohio and
its tributary streams, the Alleghany, Monongahela, Muskingum,
Sciota, Miami, Kentucky, Wabash, &c., in the months of March,
April, and May particularly, with goods, produce and emigrants,
the two former for markets along the river, or at New Orleans,
the latter for various parts of Kentucky, Ohio, and the Indiana
Territory. I now return to my own expedition. I rowed twenty
odd miles the first spell, and found I should be able to stand it
LETTERS.
181
perfectly well. About an hour after night I put up at a miserable
cabin, fifty-two miles from Pittsburgh, where I slept on what I sup-
posed to be corn-stalks, or something worse; so preferring the
smooth bosom of the Ohio to this brush heap, I got up long before
day, and, being under no apprehension of losing my way, I again
pushed out into the stream. The landscape on each side lay in
one mass of shade, but the grandeur of the projecting headlands
and vanishing points, or lines, was charmingly reflected in the
smooth glassy surface below. I could only discover when I was
passing a clearing, by the crowing of cocks; and now and then, in
more solitary places, the big-horned owl made a most hideous hol-
lowing, that echoed among the mountains. In this lonesome
manner, with full leisure for observation and reflection, exposed
to hardships all day, and hard berths all night, to storms of rain,
hail and snow, for it froze severely almost every night, I persevered
from the 24th of February to Sunday evening, March 17th, when I
moored my skiff safely in Bear-Grass Creek, at the Rapids of the
Ohio, after a voyage of seven hundred and twenty miles. My
hands suffered the most; and it will be some weeks yet before
they recover their former feeling and flexibility. It would be the
task of a month to detail all the particulars of my numerous ex-
cursions, in every direction from the river. In Steubenville,
Charlestown and Wheeling, I found some friends. At Marietta I
visited the celebrated remains of Indian fortifications, as they are
improperly called, which cover a large space of ground on the banks
of the Muskingum. Seventy miles above this, at a place called
Big-Grave Creek, I examined some extraordinary remains of the
same kind there. The Big Grave is three hundred paces round at
the base, seventy feet perpendicular, and the top, which is about
fifty feet over, has sunk in, forming a regular concavity, three or
four feet deep. This tumulus is in the form of a cone, and the
whole, as well as its immediate neighbourhood, is covered with a
venerable growth of forest, four or five hundred years old, which
gives it a most singular appearance. In clainbering around its
steep sides, I found a place where a large white oak had been late-
ly blown down, and had torn up the earth to the depth of five or
six feet. In this place I commenced digging, and continued to la-
182
LETTERS.
bour for about an hour, examining every handful of earth with
great care, but except some shreds of earthen ware, made of a
coarse kind of gritty clay, and considerable pieces of charcoal, I
found nothing else; but a person of the neighbourhood presented
me with some beads, fashioned out of a kind of white stone, which
were found in digging on the opposite side of this gigantic mound,
where I found the hole still remaining. The whole of an exten-
sive plain a short distance from this is marked out with squares,
oblongs and circles, one of which comprehends several acres. The
embankments by which they are distinguished are still two or
three feet above the common leyel of the field. The Big Grave is
the property of a Mr. Tomlinson, or Tumblestone, who lives near,
and who would not expend three cents to see the whole sifted be-
fore his face. I endeavoured to work on his avarice, by represent-
ing the probability that it might contain valuable matters, and
suggested to him a mode by which a passage might be cut into it
level with the bottom, and by excavation and arching, a most no-
ble cellar might be formed for keeping his turnips and potatoes.
"All the turnips and potatoes I shall raise this dozen years," said
he, "would not pay the expense. This man is no antiquary, or
theoretical farmer, nor much of a practical one either I fear; he
has about two thousand acres of the best land, and just makes out
to live. Near the head of what is called the Long Reach, I call-
ed on a certain Michael Cressap, son to the noted Colonel Cressap,
mentioned in Jefferson's Notes on Virginia. From him I received
the head of a Paddle fish, the largest ever seen in the Ohio, which
I am keeping for Mr. Peale, with various other curiosities. I took
the liberty of asking whether Logan's accusation of his father hav-
ing killed all his family, had any truth in it; but he replied that
it had not. Logan, he said, had been misinformed; he detailed
to me all the particulars, which are too long for repetition, and
concluded by informing me that his father died early in the revol-
utionary war, of the camp fever, near New York.
""
Marietta stands on a swampy plain, which has evidently once
been the ancient bed of the Muskingum, and is still occasionally
inundated to the depth of five or six feet. A Mr. Putnam, son to
the old general of Bunker's Hill memory, and Mr. Gillman and
LETTERS.
183
Mr. Fearing, are making great exertions here, in introducing and
multiplying the race of merinos. The two latter gentlemen are
about establishing works by steam, for carding and spinning wool,
and intend to carry on the manufacture of broadcloth extensively.
Mr. Gillman is a gentleman of taste and wealth, and has no doubts
of succeeding. Something is necessary to give animation to this
place, for since the building of ships has been abandoned here, the
place seems on the decline.
The current of the Muskingum is very rapid, and the ferry boat
is navigated across in the following manner. A strong cable is
extended from bank to bank, forty or fifty feet above the surface
of the river, and fastened tight at each end. On this cable are
two loose running blocks; one rope from the bow of the boat is
fastened to the first of these blocks, and another from the after
part of the boat to the second block, and by lengthening this last
a diagonal direction is given to the boat's head, a little up stream,
and the current striking forcibly and obliquely on her aft, she is
hurried forward with amazing velocity without any manual labour
whatever. I passed Blannerhasset's island after night, but the
people were burning brush, and by the light I had a distinct view
of the mansion house, which is but a plain frame of no great di-
mensions. It is now the property of a Mr. Miller from Lexing-
ton, who intends laying it chiefly in hemp. It is nearly three
miles long, and contains about three hundred acres, half of which
is in cultivation; but like all the rest of the numerous islands of
the Ohio, is subject to inundations. At Galliopolis, which stands
upon a high plain, and contains forty or fifty scattered houses, I
found the fields well fenced and well cultivated, peach and apple
orchards numerous, and a considerable appearance of industry.
One half of the original French settlers have removed to a tract of
land opposite to the mouth of Sandy River. This town has one
shop and two taverns; the mountains press in to within a short
distance of the town. I found here another Indian mound planted
with peach trees. On Monday, March 5th, about ten miles below
the mouth of the great Sciota, where I saw the first flock of paro-
quets, I encountered a violent storm of wind and rain, which
changed to hail and snow, blowing down trees and shrubs in all
184
LETTERS.
directions; so that for immediate preservation I was obliged to
steer out into the river, which rolled and foamed like a sea, and
filled my boat nearly half full of water; and it was with the
greatest difficulty I could make the least headway. It continued
to snow violently until dusk, when I at length made good my
landing at a place on the Kentucky shore, where I had perceived
a cabin; and here I spent the evening in learning the art and
mystery of bear-treeing, wolf-trapping, and wild-cat hunting, from
an old professor. But notwithstanding the skill of the great-
master, the country here is swarming with wolves and wild-cats,
black and brown; according to this hunter's own confession he
had lost sixty pigs from Christmas last, and all night long the dis-
tant howling of the wolves kept the dogs in a perpetual uproar of
barking. This man was one of those people called squatters, who
neither pay rent nor own land, but keep roving on the frontiers,
advancing as the tide of civilized population approaches. They
are the immediate successors of the savages, and far below them
in good sense and good manners, as well as comfortable accommo-
dation. An engraved representation of one of their cabins would
form a striking embellishment to the pages of the Port Folio, as a
specimen of the first order of American Architecture.
Nothing adds more to the savage grandeur, and picturesque ef-
fect, of the scenery along the Ohio, than these miserable huts of
human beings, lurking at the bottom of a gigantic growth of tim-
ber, that I have not seen equalled in any other part of the United
States. And it is truly amusing to observe how dear and how fa-
miliar habit has rendered those privations, which must have been
first the offspring of necessity. Yet none pride themselves more
on their possessions. The inhabitants of these forlorn sheds will
talk to you with pride of the richness of their soil, of the excel-
lence and abundance of their country, of the healthiness of their
climate, and the purity of their waters; while the only bread you
find among them is of Indian corn, coarsely ground in a horse-mill,
with half of the grains unbroken; even their cattle are destitute of
stables and hay, and look like moving skeletons; their own houses
worse than pig-sties; their clothes an assemblage of rags; their
faces yellow, and lank with disease; and their persons covered
LETTERS,
185
with filth, and frequently garnished with the humours of the
Scotch fiddle; from which dreadful disease, by the mercy of God,
I have been most miraculously preserved. All this is the effect of
laziness. The corn is thrown into the ground in the Spring, and
the pigs turned into the woods, where they multiply like rabbits.
The labour of the squatter, is now over till Autumn, and he
spends the Winter in eating pork, cabbage, and hoe-cakes. What
a contrast to the neat farm, and snug cleanly habitation, of the in-
dustrious settler, that opens his green fields, his stately barns,
gardens and orchards, to the gladdened eye of the delighted stran-
ger!
At a place called Salt Lick I went ashore to see the salt-works, and
to learn whether the people had found any further remains of an
animal of the ox kind, one of whose horns, of a prodigious size, was
discovered here some years ago, and is in the possession of Mr.
Peale. They make here about one thousand bushels weekly, which
sells at one dollar and seventy-five cents per bushel. The wells
are from thirty to fifty feet deep, but nothing curious has lately been
dug up. I landed at Maysville, or Limestone, where a considerable
deal of business is done in importation for the interior of Kentucky.
It stands on a high, narrow plain between the mountains and
the river, which is fast devouring the bank, and encroaching on
the town; part of the front street is gone already, and unless some
effectual means are soon taken, the whole must go by piecemeal.
This town contains about one hundred houses, chiefly log and
frames. From this place I set out on foot for Washington. On
the road, at the height of several hundred feet above the present
surface of the river, I found prodigious quantities of petrified
shells, of the small cockle and fan-shaped kind, but whether marine
remains or not am uncertain. I have since found these petrified
concretions of shells universal all over Kentucky, wherever I have
been. The rocks look as if one had collected heaps of broken
shells, and wrought them up among clay, then hardened it into
stone. These rocks lie universally in horizontal strata. A farmer
in the neighbourhood of Washington assured me, that from seven
acres he reaped at once eight thousand weight of excellent hemp,
fit for market.
Z
186
LETTERS.
Amidst very tempestuous weather I reached the town of Cincin-
nati, which does honour to the name of the old Roman, and is the
neatest and handsomest situated place I have seen since I left
Philadelphia. You must know that during an unknown series of
ages, the river Ohio has gradually sunk several hundred feet below
its former bed, and has left on both sides, occasionally, what are
called the first or nearest, and the second or next, high bank, the
latter of which is never overflowed.
The town of Cincinnati occupies two beautiful plains, one on
the first, and the other on the second bank, and contains upwards
of five hundred houses, the greater proportion of which are of brick.
One block-house is all that remains of Fort Washington. The
river Licking comes in from the opposite shore, where the town of
Newport, of forty or fifty houses, and a large arsenal and barracks,
are lately erected. Here I met with Judge Turner, a man of ex-
traordinary talents, well known to the literati of Philadelphia.
He exerted himself in my behalf with all the ardour of an old
friend. A large Indian mound in the vicinity of this town has
been lately opened by Doctor Drake, who showed me the collec-
tion of curiosities which had been found in that and others. In
the centre of this mound he also found a large fragment of earthen
ware, such as I found at the Big Grave, which is a pretty strong
proof that these works had been erected by a people, if not the
same, differing little from the present race of Indians, whose frag-
ments of earthen ware, dug up about their late towns, correspond
exactly with these. Twenty miles below this I passed the mouth
of the Great Miami, which rushes in from the north, and is a large
and stately river, preserving its pure waters uncontaminated for
many miles with those of the Ohio, each keeping their respective
sides of the channel. I rambled up the banks of this river for four
or five miles, and in my return shot a turkey. I also saw five or
six deer in a drove, but they were too light-heeled for me.
In the afternoon of the 15th I entered Big-Bone Creek, which
being passable only about a quarter of a mile, I secured my boat,
and left my baggage under the care of a decent family near, and
set out on foot five miles through the woods for the Big-bone Lick,
that great antediluvian rendezvous of the American elephants.
LETTERS.
187
·
This place, which lies "far in the windings of a sheltered vale,
afforded me a fund of amusement in shooting ducks and paroquets,
(of which last I skinned twelve, and brought off two slightly woun-
ded,) and in examining the ancient buffalo roads to this great lick-
ing-place. Mr. Colquhoun, the proprietor, was not at home, but
his agent and manager entertained me as well as he was able, and
was much amused with my enthusiasm. This place is a low valley,
everywhere surrounded by high hills; in the centre, by the side of
the creek, is a quagmire of near an acre, from which, and another
smaller one below, the chief part of these large bones have been
taken; at the latter places I found numerous fragments of large
bones lying scattered about. In pursuing a wounded duck across
this quagmire, I had nearly deposited my carcass among the grand
congregation of mammoths below, having sunk up to the middle,
and had hard struggling to get out. As the proprietor intends to
dig in various places this season for brine, and is a gentleman of
education and intelligence, I have strong hopes that a more com-
plete skeleton of that animal called the mammoth, than has yet
been found, will be procured. I laid the strongest injunc-
tion on the manager to be on the look-out, and to preserve
every thing; I also left a letter for Mr. Colquhoun to the
same purport, and am persuaded that these will not be
neglected. In this neighbourhood I found the Columbo
plant in great abundance, and collected some of the seeds.
Many of the old stalks were more than five feet high.
I have since found it in various other parts of this coun-
try. In the afternoon of the next day I returned to my boat, re-
placed my baggage, and rowed twenty miles to the Swiss settle-
ment, where I spent the night. These hardy and industrious
people have now twelve acres closely and cleanly planted with
vines from the Cape of Good Hope. They last year made seven
hundred gallons of wine, and expect to make three times as much
the ensuing season. The houses are neat and comfortable, they
have orchards of peach and apple trees, besides a great number of
figs, cherries, and other fruits, of which they are very curious.
They are of opinion that this part of the Indian Territory is as well
suited as any part of France to the cultivation of the vine, but the
+ 188
LETTERS.
vines they say require different management here from what they
were accustomed to in Switzerland. I purchased a bottle of their
last vintage, and drunk to all your healths as long as it lasted, in
going down the river. Seven miles below this I passed the mouth
of Kentucky river, which has a formidable appearance. I observed
twenty or thirty scattered houses on its upper side, and a few be-
low, many of the former seemingly in a state of decay. It rained
on me the whole of this day, and I was obliged to row hard and
drink healths to keep myself comfortable. My birds' skins were
wrapt up in my great coat, and my own skin had to sustain a
complete drenching, which, however, had no bad effects. This
evening I lodged at the most wretched hovel I had yet seen. The
owner, a meagre diminutive wretch, soon began to let me know
of how much consequence he had formerly been; that he had gone
through all the war with General Washington-had become one
of his life-guards, and had sent many a British soldier to his
long home. As I answered him with indifference, to interest me
the more he began to detail anecdotes of his wonderful exploits ;
"One Grenadier," said he, "had the impudence to get up on
the works, and to wave his cap in defiance; my commander [Gen-
eral Washington I suppose] says to me, "Dick, says he, can't
you pepper that there fellow for me?" says he.
"Please your
honour, says I, I'll try at it; so I took a fair, cool and
steady aim, and touched my trigger. Up went his heels like a
turkey ! down he tumbled! one buckshot had entered here, and
another here, [laying a finger on each breast] and the bullet found
the way to his brains right through his forehead. By God he was
a noble looking fellow!" Though I believed every word of this to
be a lie, yet I could not but look with disgust on the being who ut-
tered it. The same miscreant pronounced a long prayer before
supper, and immediately after called out, in a splutter of oaths,
for the pine splinters to be held to let the gentleman see.
Such a
farrago of lies, oaths, prayers, and politeness, put me in a good hu-
mour in spite of myself. The whole herd of this filthy kennel were
in perpetual motion with the itch; so having procured a large fire
to be made, under pretence of habit I sought for the softest plank,
placed my trunk and great coat at my head, and stretched myself
LETTERS.
189
A
there till morning. I set out early and passed several arks.
number of turkeys which I observed from time to time on the In-
diana shore, made me lose half the morning in search of them.
On the Kentucky shore I was also decoyed by the same tempta-
tions, but never could approach near enough to shoot one of
them. These affairs detained me so, that I was dubious whether
I should be able to reach Louisville that night. Night came
on, and I could hear nothing of the Falls; about eight I first
heard the roaring of the Rapids, and as it increased I was every
moment in hopes of seeing the lights of Louisville; but no
lights appeared, and the noise seemed now within less than
half a mile of me. Seriously alarmed, lest I might be drawn
into the suction of the Falls, I cautiously coasted along shore,
which was full of snags and sawyers, and at length with great
satisfaction, opened Bear-Grass Creek, where I secured my
skiff to a Kentucky boat, and loading myself with my bag-
gage, I groped my way through a swamp up to the town.
The next day I sold my skiff for exactly half what it cost me ;
and the man who bought it wondered why I gave it such a
droll Indian name, (the Ornithologist) some old chief or
warrior I suppose," said he. This day I walked down along
shore to Shippingport, to take a view of those celebrated Rapids,
but they fell far short of my expectation. I should have no hesi-
tation in going down them in a skiff. The Falls of Oswego, in the
state of New York, though on a smaller scale, are far more dan-
gerous and formidable in appearance. Though the river was not
high, I observed two arks and a barge run them with great ease
and rapidity. The Ohio here is something more than a mile wide,
with several islands interspersed ; the channel rocky, and the
islands heaped with drift wood. The whole fall in two miles is
less than twenty-four feet. The town of Louisville stands on a
high second bank, and is as large as Frankfort, having a number
of good brick buildings and valuable shops. The situation would
be as healthy as any on the river, but for the numerous swamps
and ponds that intersect the woods in its neighbourhood. These
from their height above the river might all be drained and turned
into cultivation; but every man here is so intent on making
66
190
LETTERS.
of money, that they have neither time nor disposition for improve-
ments, even where the article health is at stake. A man here told
me that last Fall he had fourteen sick in his own family. On Fri-
day the 24th, I left my baggage with a merchant of the place to be
forwarded by the first wagon, and passed through Middletown
and Shelbyville, both inconsiderable places. Nine-tenths of the
country is in forest; the surface undulating into gentle eminences
and declivities, between each of which generally runs a brook, over
loose flags of limestone. The soil, by appearance, is of the richest
sort. I observed immense fields of Indian corn, high excellent
fences, few grain fields, many log houses; and those of the meaner
sort. I took notice of few apple orchards, but several very thriving,
peach ones. An appearance of slovenliness is but too general about
their houses, barns, and barn-yards. Negroes are numerous ; cattle
and horses lean, particularly the former, who appear as if strug-
gling with starvation for their existence. The woods are swarm-
ing with pigs, pigeons, squirrels and woodpeckers. The pigs are
universally fat, owing to the great quantity of mast this year.
Walking here in wet weather is most execrable, and is like travel-
ling on soft soap; a few days of warm weather hardens this again
almost into stone. Want of bridges is the greatest inconvenience
to a foot-traveller here. Between Shelbyville and Frankfort,
having gone out of my way to see a pigeon roost, (which by the
by is the greatest curiosity I have seen since leaving home) I
waded a deep creek called Benson, nine or ten times.
I spent
several days in Frankfort, and in rambling among the stupendous
cliffs of Kentucky river. On Thursday evening I entered Lexing-
ton. But I cannot do justice to these subjects at the conclusion
of a letter, which, in spite of all my abridgments, has far exceeded
in length what I first intended. My next will be from Nashville.
I shall then have seen a large range of Kentucky, and be more
able to give you a correct delineation of the country and its inhabi-
tants. In descending the Ohio, I amused myself with a poetical
narrative of my expedition, which I called “The Pilgrim,” an ex-
tract from which shall close this long, and I am afraid tiresome
letter.
LETTERS.
191
༌
+ LETTER LXXXII.
Through the wilderness to Natchez'-Lexington--description-pillory-Court-
House-judges like spiders in a window corner'-horses of Kentucky-
'plain homespun '-no 'bigotry'-amusing sketches-a 'good time coming'-
Nicholasville-woods covered with 'rotten leaves' and 'dead timber'-
descended 'a long, steep, and rocky declivity '-Dick's river-Danville-
woody 'wonders '-Mulder's Hill 'family caravans '-description-pigeon-
roost for three miles-Green river-Choctaws-Little Barren-scrub-account
of a cave-bats- saltpetre-bark mockasin'-luxuriant fields of corn'-
want of water-Bowling Green-caves 'suspicious'-an adventure and
anecdote-Mansker's Creek-Cumberland -new birds - Nashville-kind
friends.
To the Same.
Nashville, Tennessee, April 28th, 1810.
MY DEAR SIR,
Before setting out on my journey through the wilderness to
Natchez, I sit down to give you, according to promise, some ac-
count of Lexington, and of my adventures through the State of
Kentucky. These I shall be obliged to sketch as rapidly as possi-
ble. Neither my time nor my situation enables me to detail
particulars with any degree of regularity; and you must condes-
cend to receive them in the same random manner in which they
occur, altogether destitute of fanciful embellishment; with noth-
ing but their novelty, and the simplicity of truth, to recommend
them.
I saw nothing of Lexington till I had approached within half-a-
mile of the place, when the woods opening, I beheld the town be-
fore me, on an irregular plain, ornamented with a small white spire,
and consisting of several parallel streets, crossed by some others;
many of the houses built of brick, others of frame, neatly painted;
but a great proportion wore a more humble and inferior appear-
ance. The fields around looked clean and well fenced; gently
undulating, but no hills in view. In a hollow between two of these
parallel streets, ran a considerable brook, that, uniting with a
larger a little below the town, drives several mills. A large quarry
of excellent building stone also attracted my notice as I entered the
192
LETTERS.
town. The main street was paved with large masses from this
quarry, the foot path neat, and guarded by wooden posts. The
numerous shops piled with goods, and the many well dressed
females I passed in the streets; the sound of social industry, and
the gay scenery of "the busy haunts of men," had a most exhilar-
ating effect on my spirits, after being so long immured in the forest.
My own appearance, I believe, was to many equally interesting
and the shopkeepers and other loungers interrogated me with their
eyes as I passed, with symptoms of eager and inquisitive curiosity.
After fixing my quarters, disposing of my arms, and burnishing
myself a little, I walked out to have a more particular view of the
place.
This little metropolis of the western country is nearly as large as
Lancaster in Pennsylvania. In the centre of the town is a public
square, partly occupied by the court-house and market place, and
distinguished by the additional ornament of the pillory and stocks.
The former of these is so constructed as to serve well enough, if
need be, occasionally for a gallows, which is not a bad thought ;
for as nothing contributes more to make hardened villains than the
pillory, so nothing so effectually rids society of them as the gallows;
and every knave may here exclaim,
My bane and antidote are both before me."
I peeped into the court-house as I passed, and though it was
court day, I was struck with the appearance its interior exhibited ;
for, though only a plain square brick building, it has all the gloom
of the Gothic, so much admired of late, by our modern archi-
tects. The exterior walls, having, on experiment, been found too
feeble for the superincumbent honours of the roof and steeple, it
was found necessary to erect, from the floor, a number of large,
circular, and unplastered brick pillars, in a new order of architec-
ture, (the thick end uppermost), which, while they serve to im-
press the spectators with the perpetual dread that they will
tumble about their ears, contribute also, by their number and
bulk, to shut out the light, and to spread around a reverential
gloom, producing a melancholy and chilling effect; a good dispo-
sition of mind, certainly, for a man to enter a court of justice in.
LETTERS.
193
One or two solitary individuals stole along the damp and silent
floor; and I could just descry, elevated at the opposite extremity
of the building, the judges sitting, like spiders in a window corner,
dimly distinguishable through the intermediate gloom. The
market place, which stands a little to the westward of this, and
stretches over the whole breadth of the square, is built of brick,
something like that of Philadelphia, but is unpaved and un-
finished. In wet weather you sink over the shoes in mud at every
step; and here again the wisdom of the police is manifest; as no-
body at such times will wade in there unless forced by business or
absolute necessity; by which means a great number of idle
loungers are, very properly, kept out of the way of the market
folks.
I shall say nothing of the nature or quantity of the commodities
which I saw exhibited there for sale as the season was unfavour-
able to a display of their productions; otherwise something better
than a few cakes of black maple sugar, wrapt up in greasy saddle-
bags, some cabbage, chewing tobacco, catmint and turnip tops, a
few bags of meal, sassafras-roots, and skinned squirrels cut up into
quarters—something better than all this, I say, in the proper
season, certainly covers the stalls of this market place, in the me-
tropolis of the fertile country of Kentucky.*
* This letter, it should seem, gave offence to some of the inhabitants of Lexington ;
and a gentleman residing in that town, solicitous about its reputation, undertook,
in a letter to the Editor of the Port Folio, to vindicate it from strictures which he
plainly insinuated were the offspring of ignorance, and unsupported by fact.
<
After a feeble attempt at sarcasm and irony, the letter-writer thus proceeds:
"I have too great a respect for Mr. Wilson, as your friend, not to believe he had
in mind some other market house than that of Lexington, when he speaks of it as
unpaved and unfinished!' But the people of Lexington would be gratified to
learn what your ornithologist means by 'skinned squirrels cut up into quarters,'
which curious anatomical preparations he enumerates among the articles he saw in
the Lexington market. Does Mr. Wilson mean to joke upon us? If this is wit we
must confess that, however abundant our country may be in good substantial
matter-of-fact salt, the attic tart is unknown among us.
"I hope, however, soon to see this gentleman's American Ornithology. Its
elegance of execution, and descriptive propriety, may assuage the little pique we
have taken from the author."
¡
A 2
194
LETTERS,
The horses of Kentucky are the hardiest in the world, not so
much by nature as by education and habit. From the commence-
ment of their existence they are habituated to every extreme of
starvation and gluttony, idleness and excessive fatigue. In Sum-
mer they fare sumptuously every day. In Winter, when not a
blade of grass is to be seen, and when the cows have deprived
them of the very bark and buds of every fallen tree, they are
ridden into town, fifteen or twenty miles, through roads and
sloughs that would become the graves of any common animal, with
a fury and celerity incomprehensible by you folks on the other
side of the Alleghany. They are there fastened to the posts on
the side of the streets, and around the public square, where
hundreds of them may be seen, on a court day, hanging their
The Editor of the Port Folio having transmitted this letter to Wilson, previous
to sending it to press, it was returned with the following note:
DEAR SIR,
TO THE EDITOR OF THE "PORT FOLIO."
Bartram's Gardens, July 16, 1811.
No man can have a more respectful opinion of the people of Kentucky,
particularly those of Lexington, than myself; because I have traversed nearly the
whole extent of their country, and witnessed the effects of their bravery, their
active industry, and daring spirit for enterprise. But they would be gods, and
not men, were they faultless.
I am sorry that truth will not permit me to retract, as mere jokes, the few disa-
than
greeable things alluded to. I certainly had no other market-place in view,
that of Lexington, in the passage above-mentioned. As to the circumstance of
'skinned squirrels, cut up into quarters,' which seems to have excited so much
sensibility, I candidly acknowledge myself to have been incorrect in that state-
ment, and I owe an apology for the same. On referring to my notes taken at the
time, I find the word "halves," not quarters; that is, those "curious anatomical
preparations, (skinned squirrels) were brought to market in the form of a saddle
of venison; not in that of a leg or shoulder of mutton.
With this correction, I beg leave to assure your very sensible correspondent,
that the thing itself was no joke, nor meant for one; but, like all the rest of the
particulars of that sketch, "good substantial matter of fact."
If these explanations, or the perusal of my American Ornithology, should assuage
the "little pique" in the minds of the good people of Lexington, it will be no less
honourable to their own good sense, than agreeable to your humble servant, &c.
Port Folio for August, 1811.
LETTERS,
195
heads from morning to night, in deep cogitation, ruminating per-
haps on the long expected return of Spring and green herbage.
The country people, to their credit be it spoken, are universally
clad in plain homespun ; soap, however, appears to be a scarce
article; and Hopkins's double cutters would find here a rich harvest,
and produce a very improving effect. Though religion here has
its zealous votaries, yet none can accuse the inhabitants of this
flourishing place of bigotry, in shutting out from the pale of the
church or church-yard any human being, or animal whatever.
Some of these sanctuaries are open at all hours, and to every
visitor. The birds of heaven find a hundred passages through the
broken panes; and the cows and hogs a ready access on all sides.
The wall of separation is broken down between the living and the
dead; and dogs tug at the carcase of the horse, on the grave of his
master. Lexington, however, with all its faults, which a few years
will gradually correct, is an honourable monument of the enter-
prise, courage, and industry of its inhabitants. Within the
memory of a middle-aged man, who gave me the information, there
were only two log huts on the spot where this city is now erected;
while the surrounding country was a wilderness, rendered hideous
by skulking bands of bloody and ferocious Indians. Now numerous
excellent institutions for the education of youth, a public library,
and a well endowed university, under the superintendence of men
of learning and piety, are in successful operation. Trade and
manufactures are also rapidly increasing. Two manufactories for
spinning cotton have lately been erected; one for woollen; several
extensive ones for weaving sail cloth and bagging; and seven rope-
walks, which, according to one of the proprietors, export, annually,
ropeyarn to the amount of 150,000 dollars. A taste for neat, and
even elegant, buildings is fast gaining ground; and Lexington, at
present, can boast of men who do honour to science, and of females
whose beauty and amiable manners would grace the first circles of
society. On Saturday, April 14th, I left this place for Nashville,
distant about 200 miles. I passed through Nicholasville, the
capital of Jessamine county, a small village begun about ten years
ago, consisting of about twenty houses, with three shops and four
taverns.
The woods were scarcely beginning to look green, which
196
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--
to me was surprising, having been led by common report to be-
lieve that Spring here is much earlier than in the lower parts of
Pennsylvania. I must further observe, that instead of finding the
woods of Kentucky covered with a profusion of flowers, they were,
at this time, covered with rotten leaves and dead timber, in every
stage of decay and confusion; and I could see no difference be-
tween them and our own, but in the magnitude of the timber, and
superior richness of the soil. Here and there the white blossoms
of the Sanguinaria canadensis, or red root, were peeping through
the withered leaves; and the buds of the buckeye, or horse ches-
nut, and one or two more, were beginning to expand. Wherever
the hackberry had fallen, or been cut down, the cattle had eaten
the whole bark from the trunk, even to that of the roots.
Nineteen miles from Lexington I descended a long, steep, and
rocky declivity, to the banks of Kentucky river, which is here
about as wide as the Schuylkill; and winds away between prodigi-
ous perpedicular cliffs of solid limestone. In this deep and roman-
tic valley the sound of the boat horns, from several Kentucky arks,
which were at that instance passing, produced a most charming
effect. The river, I was told, had already fallen fifteen feet; but
was still high. I observed great numbers of uncommon plants and
flowers, growing among the cliffs; and a few solitary bank swal-
lows were skimming along, the surface. Reascending from this,
and travelling for a few miles, I again descended a vast depth to
another stream called Dick's river, engulfed among the same per-
pendicular masses of rock. Though it was nearly dark I found
some curious petrifications, and some beautiful specimens of
mother-of-pearl on the shore. The roaring of a mill-dam, and the
rattling of the mill, prevented the ferryman from hearing me till
it was quite night; and I passed the rest of the road in the dark,
over a rocky country, abounding with springs, to Danville. This
place stands on a slight eminence, and contains about eighty
houses, chiefly log and frame buildings, disposed in two parallel
streets, crossed by several others. It has two ropewalks and a
woollen manufactory; also nine shops and three taverns. I ob-
served a great many sheep feeding about here, amidst fields of ex-
cellent pasture. It is, however, but a dull place. A Roman
LETTERS.
197
Catholic chapel has been erected here, at the expense of one or two
individuals. The shopkeepers trade from the mouth of Dick's
river down to New Orleans, with the common productions of the
country, flour, hemp, tobacco, pork, corn, and whiskey. I was
now one hundred and eighty miles from Nashville, and I was in-
formed, not a town or village on the whole route. Every day,
however, was producing wonders in the woods, by the progress of
vegetation. The blossoms of the sassafras, dogwood, and red bud,
contrasted with the deep green of the poplar and buckeye, en-
riched the scenery on every side; while the voices of the feathered
tribes, many of which were to me unknown, were continually en-
gaging me in the pursuit. Emerging from the deep solitude of the
forest, the rich green of the grain fields, the farm house and
cabins embosomed midst orchards of glowing purple and white,
gave the sweetest relief to the eye. Not far from the foot of a
high mountain, called Mulders Hill, I overtook one of those family
caravans so common in this country, moving to the westward.
The procession occupied a length of road, and had a formidable
appearance, though, as I afterwards understood, it was composed
of the individuals of only a single family. In the front went a
wagon drawn by four horses, driven by a negro, and filled with
implements of agriculture; another heavy-loaded wagon, with six
horses, followed, attended by two persons; after which came a
numerous and mingled group of horses, steers, cows, sheep, hogs,
and calves with their bells; next followed eight boys mounted double,
also a negro wench with a white child before her; then the mother
with one child behind her, and another at the breast; ten or twelve
colts brought up the rear, now and then picking herbage, and
trotting ahead. The father, a fresh good-looking man, informed
me that he was from Washington county in Kentucky, and was
going as far as Cumberland river; he had two ropes fixed to the
top of the wagon, one of which he guided himself, and the other
was entrusted to his eldest son, to keep it from oversetting in as-
cending the mountain. The singular appearance of this moving
group, the mingled music of the bells, and the shoutings of the
drivers, mixed with the echoes of the mountain, joined to the
picturesque solitude of the place, and various reflections that
198
LETTERS.
hurried through my mind, interested me greatly; and I kept
company with them for some time, to lend my assistance if
necessary. The country now became mountainous, perpetually
ascending and descending; and about forty-nine miles from
Danville I passed through a pigeon roost, or rather breeding-
place, which continued for three miles, and, from information,
extended in length for more than forty miles. The timber was
chiefly beech; every tree was loaded with nests, and I counted,
in different places, more than ninety nests on a single tree.
Be-
yond this I passed a large company of people engaged in erecting a
horse-mill for grinding grain. The few cabins I passed were
generally poor; but much superior in appearance to those I met
with on the shores of the Ohio. In the evening I lodged near the
banks of Green river. This stream, like all the rest, is sunk in a
deep gulf, between high perpendicular walls of limestone; is about
thirty yards wide at this place, and runs with great rapidity; but,
as it had fallen considerably, I was just able to ford it without
swimming. The water was of a pale greenish colour, like that of
the Licking, and some other streams, from which circumstance I
suppose it has its name. The rocky banks of this river are hollowed
out in many places into caves of enormous size, and of great extent.
These rocks abound with the same masses of petrified shells so uni-
versal in Kentucky. In the woods, a little beyond this, I met a
soldier, on foot, from New Orleans, who had been robbed and
plundered by the Choctaws as he passed through their nation.
"Thirteen or fourteen Indians," said he, "surrounded me before
I was aware, cut away my canteen, tore off my hat, took the hand-
kerchief from my neck, and the shoes from my feet, and all the
money I had from me, which was about forty-five dollars." Such
was his story. He was going to Chilicothe, and seemed pretty
nearly done up. In the afternoon I crossed another stream of
about twenty-five yards in width, called Little Barren; after
which the country began to assume a new and very singular ap-
pearance. The woods, which had hitherto been stately, now de-
generated into mere scrubby saplings, on which not a bud was be-
ginning to unfold, and grew so open that I could see for a mile
through them. No dead timber or rotting leaves were to be seen,
LETTERS.
199
•
but the whole face of the ground was covered with rich verdure,
interspersed with a variety of very beautiful flowers, altogether
new to me. It seemed as if the whole country had once been one
general level; but that from some unknown cause, the ground had
been undermined, and had fallen in, in innumerable places, form-
ing regular, funnel-shaped, concavities of all dimensions, from
twenty feet in diameter, and six feet in depth, to five hundred by
fifty, the surface or verdure generally unbroken. In some tracts
the surface was entirely destitute of trees, and the eye was pre-
sented with nothing but one general neighbourhood of these
concavities, or, as they are usually called, sink-holes. At the cen-
tre, or bottom of some of these, openings had been made for water.
In several places these holes had broken in, on the sides, and even
middle of the road, to an unknown depth; presenting their grim
mouths as if to swallow up the unwary traveller. At the bottom
of one of those declivities, at least fifty feet below the general level,
a large rivulet of pure water issued at once from the mouth of
a cave about twelve feet wide and seven high. A number of very
singular sweet smelling lichens grew over the entrance, and a pe-
wee had fixed her nest, like a little sentry-box, on a projecting
shelf of the rock above the water. The height and dimensions of
the cave continued the same as far as I waded in, which might be
thirty or forty yards, but the darkness became so great that I was
forced to return. I observed numbers of small fish sporting about,
and I doubt not but these abound even in its utmost subterranean
recesses. The whole of this country from Green to Red River, is
hollowed out into these enormous caves, one of which, lately dis-
covered in Warren County, about eight miles from the Dripping
Spring, has been explored for upwards of six miles, extending
under the bed of the Green River. The entrance to these caves
generally commences at the bottom of a sinkhole; and many of
them are used by the inhabitants as cellars or spring-houses, having
generally a spring or brook of clear water running through them.
I descended into one of these belonging to a Mr. Wood, accom-
panied by the proprietor, who carried the light. At first the dark-
ness was so intense that I could scarcely see a few feet beyond the
circumference of the candle; but, after being in for five or six
200
LETTERS.
minutes, the objects around me began to make their appearance
more distinctly. The bottom, for fifteen or twenty yards at first,
was so irregular, that we had constantly to climb over large masses
"of wet and slippery rocks; the roof rose in many places to the
height of twenty or thirty feet, presenting all the most irregular
projections of surface, and hanging in gloomy and silent horror.
We passed numerous chambers, or offsetts, which we did not
explore; and after three hours' wandering in these profound
regions of glooms and silence, the particulars of which would
detain me too long, I emerged with a handkerchief filled with
bats, including one which I had never seen described; and a
number of extraordinary insects of the Gryllus tribe, with
antennæ upwards of six inches long, and which I am per-
suaded had never before seen the light of day, as they fled from
it with seeming terror, and I believe were as blind in it as
their companions the bats. Great quantities of native glauber
salts are found in these caves, and are used by the country
people in the same manner, and with equal effect, as those of the
shops. But the principal production is saltpetre, which is pro-
cured from the earth in great abundance. The cave in Warren
county above-mentioned, has lately been sold for three thousand
dollars, to a saltpetre company, an individual of which informed
me that, from every appearance, this cave had been known to the
Indians many ages ago; and had evidently been used for the same
purposes. At the distance of more than a mile from the entrance,
the exploring party, on their first visit, found the roof blackened
by smoke, and bundles of half-burnt canes lying scattered about.
A bark mockasin, of curious construction, besides several other
Indian articles, were found among the rubbish. The earth, also,
lay piled in heaps, with great regularity, as if in preparation for
extracting the saltpetre.
Notwithstanding the miserable appearance of the timber on these
barrens, the soil, to my astonishment, produced the most luxuriant
fields of corn and wheat I had ever before met with. But one
great disadvantage is the want of water, for the whole running
streams, with which the surface of this country once abounded,
have been drained off to a great depth, and now murmur among
LETTERS.
201
these lower regions, secluded from the day. One forenoon I rode
nineteen miles without seeing water, while my faithful horse
looked round, but in vain, at every hollow, with a wishful and
languishing eye, for that precious element. These barrens fur-
nished me with excellent sport in shooting grouse, which abound
here in great numbers; and in the delightful groves that here
and there rise majestically from these plains, I found many new
subjects for my Ornithology. I observed all this day, far to the
right, a range of high rocky detached hills, or knobs, as they are
called, that skirt the barrens, as if they had been once the
boundaries of the great lake that formerly covered this vast plain.
These, I was told, abound with stone, coal, and copperas. I
crossed Big Barren River in a ferry boat, where it was about one
hundred yards wide; and I passed a small village called Bowling
Green, near which I rode my horse up to the summit of one of
these high insulated rocky hills, or knobs, which overlooked an
immense circumference of country, spreading around bare and
leafless, except where the groves appeared, in which there is
usually water. Fifteen miles from this, induced by the novel
character of the country, I put up for several days, at the house of
a pious and worthy Presbyterian, whence I had excursions, in all
directions, through the surrounding country. Between this and
Red River the country had a bare and desolate appearance. Caves
continued to be numerous; and report made some of them places
of concealment for the dead bodies of certain strangers who had
disappeared there. One of these lies near the banks of the Red
River, and belongs to a person of the name of
a man of
notoriously bad character, and strongly suspected, even by his
neighbours, of having committed a foul murder of this kind,
which was related to me with all its minutiae of horrors. As this
man's house stands by the road side, I was induced, by motives of
curiosity, to stop and take a peep of him. On my arrival I found
two persons in conversation under the piazza, one of whom in-
formed me that he was the landlord. He was a dark mulatto,
rather above the common size, inclining to corpulency, with legs
small in proportion to his size, and walked lame. His countenance
bespoke a soul capable of deeds of darkness. I had not been
"
B 2
202
LETTERS.
three minutes in company when he invited the other man (who
I understood was a traveller) and myself, to walk back and see his
cave, to which I immediately consented. The entrance is in the
perpendicular front of a rock, behind the house; has a door with
a lock and key to it, and was crowded with pots of milk, placed near
the running stream. The roof and sides of solid rock were wet and
dropping with water. Desiring
to walk before with the
lights, I followed with my hand on my pistol, reconnoitering on
every side, and listening to his description of its length and extent.
After examining this horrible vault for forty or fifty yards, he de-
clined going any farther, complaining of a rheumatism; and I now
first perceived that the other person had staid behind, and that we
two were alone together. Confident in my means of self-defence,
whatever mischief the devil might suggest to him, I fixed my eye
steadily on his, and observed to him, that he could not be ignorant
of the reports circulated about the country relative to this cave.
"I suppose," said I, "you know what I mean?" "Yes, I under-
stand you,
returned he, without being the least embarrassed,
"that I killed somebody and threw them into this cave—I can tell
you the whole beginning of that damned lie," said he ; and, with-
out moving from the spot, he detailed me a long story, which
would fill half my lettter, to little purpose, and which, with other
particulars, I shall reserve for your amusement when we meet. I
asked him why he did got get the cave examined by three or four
reputable neighbours, whose report might rescue his character from
the suspicion of having committed so horrid a crime. He acknow-
ledged it would be well enough to do so, but did not seem to think
it worth the trouble; and we returned as we advanced,
walking before with the lights. Whether this man be guilty or
not of the transaction laid to his charge I know not; but his man-
ners and aspect are such as by no means to allay suspicion.
""
After crossing Red River, which is here scarce twenty yards
broad, I found no more barrens. The timber was large, and the
woods fast thickening with green leaves. As I entered the State
of Tennessee, the face of the country became hilly, and even
mountainous. After descending an immense declivity, and
coursing along the rich valley of Manskers creek, where I again
LETTERS.
203
met with large flocks of paroquets, I stopt at a small tavern to
examine, for three or four days, this part of the country. Here I
made some interesting additions to my stock of new subjects for
the Ornithology. On the fourth day I crossed the Cumberland,
where it is about two hundred and fifty yards wide, and of great
depth, bounded as usual, with high precipitous banks, and reached
the town of Nashville, which towers like a fortress above the river.
Here I have been busily employed these eight days; and send
you 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 ex-
planation necessary for your purpose.
You may rest assured of hearing from me by the first oppor-
tunity 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 forever forgotten in our absence, by those whom we
sincerely esteem and regard.
+ LETTER LXXXIII.
Humorous account of 'Wilson, the hunter'-apparent forgetfulness of friends-
'fashions' of Kentucky-'lady' floggers of the 'black devils'-a fellow-
traveller-Strap and Roderick Random-a Methodist singing hymns-
Barrens of Kentucky-a 'good Presbyterian' flowers-caves-Nashville-
cotton-planting-rags-' my parakeet '—hobgoblins, &c., &c.
To Miss SARAH MILLER.
Nashville, May 1, 1810.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
Nine hundred miles distant from you sits Wilson, the
hunter of birds' nests and sparrows, just preparing to enter on a
wilderness of 780 miles-most of it in the territory of Indians-
alone, but in good spirits, and expecting to have every pocket
204
LETTERS,
crammed with skins of new and extraordinary birds before he
reach the City of New Orleans. I daresay you have long ago
accused me of cruel forgetfulness in not writing as I promised,
but that, I assure you, was not the cause. To have forgot my
friends in the midst of strangers, and to have forgot you of all
others, would have been impossible. But I still waited until I
should have something very interesting to amuse you with, and
am obliged at last to take up the pen without having anything
remarkable to tell you of. Yet I don't know but a description of
the fashions of Kentucky would be almost as entertaining as that
of London and Paris. What would you think of a blanket riding
dress, a straw side-saddle, and a large mule with ears so long that
they might almost serve for reins? I have seen many such
fashionable figures in Kentucky. Or, what think you of a beau
who had neither been washed nor shaved for a month, with three
yards of coarse blue cloth wrapped round his legs by way of boots,
a ragged greatcoat, without coat, jacket, or neckcloth, and breath-
ing the rich perfume of corn whisky? Such figures are quite
fashionable in Kentucky. This is a charming country for ladies.
From the time they are first able to handle a cowskin, there is no
amusement they are so fond of as flogging their negroes and negro
wenches. This they do with so much coolness and seeming satis-
faction, that it really gives them an air of great dignity and
manliness. The landlady of the tavern where I lodge is a great
connoisseur at this sort of play; and while others apply their
cowskin only to the back, she has discovered that the shins,
elbows, and knuckles are far more sensitive, and produce more
agonising screams and greater convulsions in the "black devils,'
as she calls them, than any other place. My heart sickens at such
barbarous scenes, and, to amuse you, I will change to some more
agreeable subject.
""
In passing from Lexington to Nashville-a distance of 200
miles-I overtook on the road a man mending his stirrup-leathers,
who walked round my horse several times and observed that 1
seemed to be armed. I told him I was well armed with gun and
pistols, but I hoped he was not afraid to travel with me on that
account, as I should be better able to assist in defending him as
LETTERS.
205
well as myself, if attacked. After understanding the nature of my
business, he consented to go on with me, and this man furnished
me with as much amusement as Strap did to Roderick Random.
He was a most zealous Methodist, and sung hymns the first day
almost perpetually. Finding that I should be obliged to bear with
this, I got him to try some of them to good old song tunes, and I
then joined with him, as we rode along, with great piety. I found
one in his book that very nearly answered to Jones' song of the
"Vicar and Moses," and that soon became a favourite air with us.
He laboured with so much earnestness to make me a convert-
preaching sometimes with great vehemence that I had no other
resource but on such occasions to ride hard down hill, which, the
preacher being unable to do, generally broke the thread of his
discourse. He was, however, very useful to me in taking charge
of my horse while I went into the woods after strange birds, and
got so attached to me that he waited two days for me in a place
where I had some drawings to make. I stopped five days in the
Barrens of Kentucky, exploring that extraordinary country, in
the house of a good Presbyterian, who charged me nothing, and
would have kept me a month for some lessons in drawing which I
gave his two daughters. Here my psalm-singing Methodist left
These Barrens are almost without wood, and the whole face
of the ground seemed to be covered with blossomed strawberries.
They must grow in immense quantities here in the proper season.
Great numbers of beautiful flowers that I have never seen before
were seen in every direction, some of them extremely elegant.
Many of the inhabitants keep their milk in caves 100 feet below
the surface of the ground, and these caves extend so far under-
ground that they have never ventured to their extremities.
Frightful stories are told of some tavern-keepers, who are suspected
of destroying travellers and secreting their bodies in these caves.
If I were not afraid of giving you the horrors, I would relate an
adventure I had in one of the most frightful of these caves with
the fellow to whom it belongs, and who is strongly suspected of
being a murderer, even by his neighbours. The town I am now
in is the capital of the State of Tennessee, and is built on the top
of a rocky mountain above the Cumberland river, which is about
me.
206
LETTERS.
as large as the Sckuylkill, but much deeper. The people are now
planting in their cotton fields, and it is curious to see the seeds
lying like rags of tattered cotton along in the trenches. A propos
of rags, I have been obliged to throw a good many of mine over-
board since I purchased a horse. My handkerchiefs are reduced
to three, and other articles in proportion. By the time I reach
New Orleans, I expect to carry all the remainder on my back.
My parakeet is my faithful companion yet, and I shall try hard to
bring him home with me. He creeps into my pocket when I ride,
and when I alight he comes out to amuse the people where I stop.
-
Please present my respectful compliments to your mother and
father, and don't be offended at anything I have said. If I hear
or see any ghosts or hobgoblins between this and Natchez, or
anything worth telling, you may depend on hearing from me.
Compliments to sister Jones, &c., &c., &c., and believe me to
be, yours affectionately,
ALEX. WILSON.
LETTERS.
207
Q
+ LETTER LXXXIV.
Natchez-three sheets of drawings'-detained by rains-'going alone'-'hob-
goblins' -a negro with 'two wooden legs' - Great Harpath scenery
described-caves-travellers 'duty as Hottentots -unfordable rivers, devices
account of
for crossing-lying within doors'-'poor friend Lewis'
suicide-grave-roaring of Buffalo river'-Chickasaws-Indian women-
swamp-America officers-Tennessee-Whip-poor-Will-wild woods-delay
of ferry-boat-a 'heavenly place for the botanist'-Indian boy and 'blow-
guns'-horrible swamps-General Wade Hampton-a 'mocking-bird' killed
by an Indian-superstition-Big-town'-a 'white man' with two Indian
wives-hot-house '-Capt. Hughes-burning thirst and fever'-rain-storm
-overcome all obstacles and ⚫ without whiskey '-Natchez described-
Mississippi-vast level.
To the Same.
Natchez, Mississippi Territory,
May 18, 1810.
DEAR SIR,
About three weeks ago I wrote to you from Nashville,
enclosing three sheets of drawings, which I hope you have re-
ceived.* 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
wilderness. I was advised by many not to attempt it alone; that
the Indians were dangerous, the swamps and rivers almost impassa-
ble without assistance, and a thousand other hobgoblins were con-
jured 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 equipped 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
* These drawings never came to hand. Ord.
208
LETTERS.
across my shoulder, 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 4th, I left Nashville. About half-a-
mile from town I observed a poor negro with two wooden legs,
building himself a cabin in the woods. Supposing that this jour-
ney might afford you and my friends some amusement, I kept a
particular account of the various occurrences, and shall transcribe
some of the most interesting, omitting every thing relative to my
Ornithological excursions and discoveries, as more suitable for an-
other occasion. Eleven miles from Nashville I came to the Great
Harpath, a stream of about fifty yards wide, which was running
with great violence. I could not discover the entrance of the ford,
owing to the rains and inundations. There was no time to be lost,
I plunged in, and almost immediately my horse was swimming. I
set his head aslant the current, and being strong, he soon landed
on the other side. As the weather was warm, I rode in my wet
clothes without any inconvenience. The country to-day was a per-
petual succession of steep hills and low bottoms; I crossed ten or
twelve large creeks, one of which I swam with my horse, where he
was near being entangled among some bad drift wood. Now and
then a solitary farm opened from the woods, where the negro child-
ren were running naked about the yards. I also passed along the
north side of a high hill, where the whole timber had been pros-
trated by some terrible hurricane. I lodged this night in a miner's,
who told me that he had been engaged in forming no less than
thirteen companies for hunting mines, all of whom had left him.
I advised him to follow his farm, as the surest vein of ore he could
work. Next day (Saturday) I first observed the cane growing,
which increased until the whole woods were full of it. The road
this day winded along the high ridges of mountains that divide the
waters of the Cumberland from those of the Tenessee. I passed
few houses to-day; but met several parties of boatmen returning
from Natchez and New Orleans; who gave me such an account of
the road, and the difficulties they had met with, as served to stiffen
my resolution to be prepared for every thing. These men were as
dirty as Hottentots; their dress a shirt and trowsers of canvass,
black, greasy, and sometimes in tatters; the skin burnt wherever
LETTERS.
209
exposed to the sun; each with a budget, wrapt up in an old blanket;
their beards, eighteen days old, added to the singularity of their
appearance, which was altogether savage. These people came from
the various tributary streams of the Ohio, hired at forty or fifty
dollars a trip, to return back on their own expenses. Some had
upwards of eight hundred miles to travel. When they come to a
stream that is unfordable, they coast it for a fallen tree; if that
cannot be had, they enter with their budget on their head, and
when they lose bottom, drop it on their shoulders, and take to
swimming. They have sometimes fourteen or fifteen of such
streams to pass in a day, and morasses of several miles in length,
that I have never seen equalled in any country. I lodged this
night at one Dobbins's, where ten or twelve of these men lay on
the floor. As they scrambled up in the morning, they very
generally complained of being unwell, for which they gave an odd
reason, lying within doors, it being the first of fifteen nights they
had been so indulged. Next morning (Sunday) I rode six miles
to a man's, of the name of Grinder, where our poor friend Lewis
perished.*
In the same room where he expired, I took down
from Mrs. Grinder the particulars of that melancholy event, which
affected me extremely. This house or cabin is seventy-two miles
from Nashville, and is the last white man's as you enter the
Indian country. Governor Lewis, she said, came hither about
sunset, alone, and inquired if he could stay for the night; and,
alighting, brought the saddle into the house. He was dressed in
a loose gown, white, striped with blue. On being asked if he came
alone, he replied that there were two servants behind, who would
soon be up. He called for some spirits, and drank a very little.
When the servants arrived, one of whom was a negro, he inquired
for his powder, saying he was sure he had some powder in a canister.
The servant gave no distinct reply, and Lewis, in the meanwhile,
*It is hardly necessary to state, that this was the brave and enterprising
traveller, whose journey across the Rocky Mountains, to the Pacific Ocean, has
obtained for him well-merited celebrity, The true cause of him committing the
rash deed, so feelingly detailed above, is not yet known to the public; but his
friends will not soon forget the base imputations and cruel neglect, which the
honourable mind of the gallant soldier knew not how to brook.—Ord.
c 2
210
LETTERS.
""
walked backwards and forwards, before the door, talking to himself.
Sometimes, she said, he would seem as if he were walking up to
her; and would suddenly wheel round, and walk back as fast as he
could. Supper being ready he sat down, but had eaten only a few
mouthfuls when he started up, speaking to himself in a violent
manner. At these times, she says, she observed his face to flush
as if it had come on him in a fit. He lighted his pipe, and drawing
a chair to the door sat down, saying to Mrs. Grinder, in a kind tone
of voice, “Madam, this is a very pleasant evening. He smoked
for some time, but quitted his seat and traversed the yard as before.
He again sat down to his pipe, seemed again composed, and casting
his eyes wistfully towards the west, observed what a sweet evening
it was.
Mrs. Grinder was preparing a bed for him; but he said he
would sleep on the floor, and desired the servant to bring the bear-
skins and buffalo robe, which were immediately spread out for him ;
and it being now dusk, the woman went off to the kitchen, and
the two men to the barn, which stands about two hundred yards
off. The kitchen is only a few paces from the room where Lewis
was, and the woman being considerably alarmed by the behaviour
of her guest could not sleep, but listened to him walking back-
wards and forwards, she thinks, for several hours, and talking
aloud, as she said, "like a lawyer." She then heard the report of
a pistol, and something fall heavily on the floor, and the words-
"O Lord!" Immediately afterwards she heard another pistol,
and in a few minutes she heard him at her door calling out "O
madam! give me some water, and heal my wounds." The logs
being open, and unplastered, she saw him stagger back and fall
against a stump that stands between the kitchen and room. He
crawled for some distance, and raised himself by the side of a
tree, where he sat about a minute. He once more got to the
room; afterwards he came to the kitchen-door, but did not speak;
she then heard him scraping the bucket with a gourd for water;
but it appeared that this cooling element was denied the dying
man! As soon as day broke and not before-the terror of the
woman having permitted him to remain for two hours in this most
deplorable situation-she sent two of her children to the barn, her
husband not being at home, to bring the servants; and on going
LETTERS.
211
in they found him lying on the bed; he uncovered his side, and
showed them where the bullet had entered; a piece of the fore-
head was blown off, and had exposed the brains, without having
bled much. He begged they would take his rifle and blow out his
brains, and he would give them all the money he had in his trunk.
He often said, "I am no coward; but I am so strong, so hard to
die."
He begged the servant not to be afraid of him, for that he
would not hurt him. He expired in about two hours, or just as
the sun rose above the trees. He lies buried close by the common
path, with a few loose rails thrown over his grave. I gave Grinder
money to put a post fence round it to shelter it from the hogs, and
from the wolves; and he gave me his written promise he would
do it. I left this place in a very melancholy mood, which was not
much allayed by the prospect of the gloomy and savage wilderness
which I was just entering alone.
I was roused from this melancholy reverie by the roaring of
Buffalo River, which I forded with considerable difficulty. I
passed two or three solitary Indian huts in the course of the day,
with a few acres of open land at each; but so wretchedly cultivated,
that they just make out to raise maize enough to keep in existence.
They pointed me out the distances by holding up their fingers.
This is the country of the Chickasaws, though erroneously laid
down in some maps as that of the Cherokees. I slept this night
in one of their huts. The Indians spread a deer skin for me on
the floor. I made a pillow of my portmanteau, and slept tolerably
well. An old Indian laid himself down near me. On Monday
morning, I rode fifteen miles, and stopt at an Indian's to feed my
horse. The sight of my paroquet brought the whole family
around me.
The women are generally naked from the middle
upwards; and their heads, in many instances, being rarely
combed, look like a large mop. They have a yard or two of blue
cloth wrapt round by way of petticoat, that reaches to the knees.
The boys were generally naked; except a kind of bag of blue
cloth, by way of fig-leaf. Some of the women have a short jacket,
with sleeves, drawn over their naked body, and the rag of a
blanket is a general appendage. I met to-day two officers of the
United States' army, who gave me a better account of the road
212
LETTERS.
than I had received. I passed through many bad swamps to-day;
and at about five in the evening, came to the banks of the
Tennessee, which was swelled by the rains, and is about half-a-
mile wide thirty miles below the Muscle Shoals, and just below a
long island laid down in your small map. A growth of canes of
twenty and thirty feet high covers the low bottoms, and these
cane swamps are the gloomiest and most desolate-looking places
imaginable. I hailed for the boat as long as it was light, without
effect. I then sought out a place to encamp, kindled a large fire,
stript the canes for my horse, eat a bit of supper, and lay down
to sleep,—listening to the owls, and the Chuck-Wills-Widow—a
kind of Whip-poor-Will that is very numerous here. I got up
several times during the night to recruit my fire, and see how my
horse did, and but for the gnats, would have slept tolerably well.
These gigantic woods have a singular effect by the light of a large
fire,—the whole scene being circumscribed by impenetrable dark-
ness except that in front, where every leaf is strongly defined and
deeply shaded. In the morning, I hunted until about six, when I
again renewed my shoutings for the boat; and it was not until
near eleven that it made its appearance. I was so enraged at this
delay that, had I not been cumbered with baggage, I believe I
should have ventured to swim the river. I vented my indignation
on the owner of the boat, who is a half-breed, threatening to
publish him in the papers, and advise every traveller I met to take
the upper-ferry. This man charges one dollar for man and horse,
and thinks because he is a chief he may do in this way what he
pleases. The country now assumed a new appearance,—no brush-
wood, no fallen or rotten timber. One could see a mile through
the woods, which were covered with high grass fit for mowing.
These woods are burnt every Spring, and thus are kept so remark-
ably clean that they look like the most elegant noblemen's parks.
A profusion of flowers altogether new to me, and some of them
very elegant, presented themselves to my view as I rode along.
This must be a heavenly place for the botanist. The most obser-
vable of these flowers was a kind of Sweet William, of all tints,
from white to the deepest crimson; a superb Thistle, the most
beautiful I had ever seen; a species of Passion flowers, very
LETTERS.
213
beautiful; a stately plant of the Sunflower family-the button
of the deepest orange, and the radiating petals bright carmine,
the breadth of the flower about four inches; a large white
flower like a deer's tail; great quantities of the Sensitive plant,
that shrunk instantly on being touched, covered the ground in
some places. Almost every flower was new to me, except the
Carolina Pink-root and Columbo, which grew in abundance on
every side.
At Bear Creek, which is a large and rapid stream, I
first observed the Indian boys with their blow-guns. These are
tubes of cane, seven feet long, and perfectly straight when well
made. The arrows are made of slender slips of cane, twisted, and
straightened before the fire, and covered for several inches at one
end with the down of thistles, in a spiral form, so as just to enter
the tube. By a puff they can send these with such violence as to
enter the body of a partridge, twenty yards off. I set several of
them a-hunting birds by promises of reward, but not one of them
could succeed. I also tried some of the blow-guns myself, but
found them generally defective in straightness. I met six parties
of boatmen to-day, and many straggling Indians, and encamped
about sunset near a small brook, where I shot a turkey, and on re-
turning to my fire found four boatmen, who stayed with me all
night, and helped me to pick the bones of the turkey. In the
morning I heard the turkies gobbling all round me, but not wish-
ing to leave my horse, having no great faith in my guests' honesty,
I proceeded on my journey. This day (Wednesday) I passed
through the most horrid swamps I had ever seen.
These are
covered with a prodigious growth of canes, and high woods, which
together shut out almost the whole light of day for miles. The
banks of the deep and sluggish creeks that occupy the centre are
precipitous, where I had often to plunge my horse seven feet
down, into a bed of deep clay, up to his belly; from which nothing
but great strength and exertion could have rescued him.
opposite shore was equally bad, and beggars all description.
an extent of several miles, on both sides of these creeks, the dark-
ness of night obscures every object around. On emerging from
one of the worst of these, I met General Wade Hampton, with
two servants and a pack-horse, going, as he said, towards Nash-
The
For
214
LETTERS.
ville. I told him of the mud campaign immediately before him.
I was covered with mire and wet, and I thought he looked some-
what serious at the difficulties he was about to engage. He has
been very sick lately. About half-an-hour before sunset, being
within sight of the Indian's, where I intended to lodge, the evening
being perfectly clear and calm, I laid the reins on my horse's neck
to listen to a Mocking-bird, the first I had heard in the Western
country, which, perched on the top of a dead tree before the door,
was pouring out a torrent of melody. I think I never heard so
excellent a performer. I had alighted, and was fastening my
horse, when, hearing the report of a rifle immediately beside me,
I looked up, and saw the poor Mocking-bird fluttering to the
ground. One of the savages had marked his elevation, and
barbarously shot him. I hastened over into the yard, and, walk-
ing up to him, told him that was bad, very bad! that this poor
bird had come from a far distant country to sing to him, and that,
in return, he had cruelly killed him. I told him the Great Spirit
was offended at such cruelty, and that he would lose many a deer
for doing so. The old Indian, father-in-law to the bird-killer,
understanding by the negro interpreter what I said, replied that
when these birds come singing and making a noise all day near the
house, somebody will surely die,-which is exactly what an old
superstitious German, near Hampton in Virginia, once told me.
This fellow had married the two eldest daughters of the old Indian,
and presented one of them with the bird he had killed. The next
day I passed through the Chickasaw Big-town, which stands on the
high open plain that extends through their country three or four
miles in breadth, by fifteen in length. Here and there you perceive
little groups of miserable huts formed of saplings, and plastered
with mud and clay. About these, are generally a few peach and
plum trees. Many ruins of others stand scattered about, and I
question whether there were twenty inhabited huts within the
whole range of view. The ground was red with strawberries,
and the boatmen were seen in straggling parties feasting on them.
Now and then a solitary Indian, wrapt in his blanket, passed
sullen and silent. On this plain are beds of shells, of a large
species of clam, some of which are almost entire. I this day stopt
LETTERS.
215
at the house of a white man, who had two Indian wives, and a
hopeful string of young savages, all in their fig leaves.
Not one
of them could speak a word of English. This man was by birth a
Virginian, and had been forty years among the Chickasaws. His
countenance and manners were savage and worse than Indian. I
met many parties of boatmen to-day, and crossed a number of bad
swamps. The woods continued to exhibit the same open luxuriant
appearance, and at night I lodged at a white man's, who had also
two wives, and a numerous progeny of young savages. Here I
met with a lieutenant of the United States army anxiously inquir-
ing for General Hampton. On Friday, the same open woods con-
tinued. I met several parties of Indians, and passed two or three
of their hamlets. At one of these were two fires in the yard, and
at each eight or ten Indians, men and women, squat on the ground.
In these hamlets there is generally one house built of a circular
form, and plastered thickly all over without and within with clay.
This is called a hot house, and it is the general winter-quarter of
the hamlet in cold weather. Here they all kennel, and, having
neither window nor place for the smoke to escape, it must be a
sweet place while forty or fifty of them have it in occupancy.
Round some of these hamlets were great droves of cattle, horses,
and hogs. I lodged this night on the top of a hill, far from water,
and suffered, severely from thirst. On Saturday, I passed a number
of most execrable swamps. The weather was extremely warm,
and I had been attacked by something like the dysentery, which
occasioned a constant burning thirst, and weakened me greatly.
I stopt this day frequently to wash my head and throat in the
water, to allay the burning thirst, and, putting on my hat without
wiping, received considerable relief from it. Since crossing the
Tennessee, the woods have been interspersed with pine, and the
soil has become more sandy. This day I met a Captain Hughes, a
traveller on his return from Santa Fee. My complaint increased
so much that I could scarcely sit on horseback, and all night my
mouth and throat were parched with a burning thirst and fever.
On Sunday, I bought some raw eggs, which I ate. I repeated the
dose at mid-day, and towards evening, and found great benefit
from this simple remedy. I inquired all along the road for fresh
216
LETTERS.
eggs, and for nearly a week made them almost my sole food, till I
completed my cure. The water in these cane swamps is little
better than poison; and under the heat of a burning sun, and the
fatigues of travelling, it is difficult to repress the urgent calls of
thirst. On the Wednesday following, I was assailed by a tre-
mendous storm of rain, wind, and lightning, until I and my horse
were both blinded by the deluge, and unable to go on. I sought
the first most open place, and, dismounting, stood for half-an-hour
under the most profuse heavenly shower-bath I ever enjoyed.
The roaring of the storm was terrible; several trees around me
were broken off and torn up by the roots, and those that stood
were bent almost to the ground. Limbs of trees of several hun-
dred weight flew past within a few yards of me, and I was
astonished how I escaped. I would rather take my chance in a
field of battle than in such a tornado again.
On the fourteenth day of my journey, at noon, I arrived at
this place, having overcome every obstacle alone, and without
being acquainted with the country; and, what surprised the
boatmen more, without whisky. On an average, I met from forty
to sixty boatmen every day returning from this place and New
Orleans. The Chickasaws are a friendly, inoffensive people; and
the Choctaws, though more reserved, are equally harmless. Both
of them treated me with civility, though I several times had
occasion to pass through their camps where many of them were.
The paroquet which I carried with me was a continual fund of
amusement to all ages of these people; and as they crowded
around to look at it, gave me an opportunity of studying their
physiognomies without breach of good manners.
In thus hastily running over the particulars of this journey, I
am obliged to omit much that would amuse and interest you; but
my present situation, a noisy tavern, crowded in every corner,
even in the room where I write, with the sons of riot and dissipa-
tion, prevents me from enlarging on particulars. I could also have
wished to give you some account of this place, and of the cele-
On these
brated Mississippi, of which you have heard so much.
subjects, however, I can at present only offer you the following
sketch, taken the morning after my arrival here.
LETTERS.
217
The best view of this place and surrounding scenery, is from the
old Spanish fort on the south side of the town, about a quarter of
a mile distant. From this high point, looking up the river,
Natchez lies on your right, a mingled group of green trees, and
white and red houses, occupying an uneven plain, much washed
into ravines, rising as it recedes from the bluff or high precipitous
bank of the river. There is, however, neither steeple, cupola,
nor distinguished object to add interest to its appearance. The
country beyond it to the right is thrown up into the same irre-
gular knolls; and at the distance of a mile in the same direction
you have a peep of some cultivated farms, bounded by the general
forest. On your left, you look down, at a depth of two or three
hundred feet, on the river winding majestically to the south, the
intermediate space exhibiting wild perpendicular precipices of
brown earth. This part of the river and shore is the general ren-
dezvous of all the arks or Kentucky boats, several hundreds of
which are at present lying moored there, loaded with the produce
of the thousand shores of this noble river. The busy multitudes
below present a perpetually varying picture of industry; and the
noise and uproar, softened by the distance, with the continual
crowing of the poultry, with which many of those arks are filled,
produce cheerful and exhilarating ideas. The majestic Mississippi,
swelled by his ten thousand tributary streams, of a pale brown
colour, half a mile wide, and spotted with trunks of trees, that
show the different threads of the current and its numerous eddies,
bears his depth of water past in silent grandeur. Seven gun-
boats, anchored at equal distances along the stream, with their
ensigns displayed, add to the effect. A few scattered houses are
seen on the low opposite shore, where a narrow strip of cleared
land exposes the high gigantic trunks of some deadened timber
that bound the woods. The whole country beyond the Mississippi,
from south round to west and north, presents to the eye
one universal ocean of forest, bounded only by the horizon.
perfect is this vast level, that not a leaf seems to rise above the
plain, as if shorn by the hands of heaven. At this moment, while
I write, a terrific thunder storm, with all its towering assemblage
of black alpine clouds, discharging lightning in every direction,
So
D 2
218
LETTERS.
overhangs this vast level, and gives a magnificence and sublime
effect to the whole.
EXTRACTS FROM DIARY.
March 9.-Visited a number of the literati and wealthy of
Cincinnati, who all told me that they would think of it, viz., sub-
scribing. They are a very thoughtful people.
Set off at eight
Rowed
March 17.-Rained and hailed all last night.
o'clock, after emptying my boat of the deluge of water.
hard all day. At noon recruited myself with some biscuits, cheese,
and American wine. Reach the Falls-night sets in-hear the
After excessive hard work arrive at Bear-
grass Creek, and fasten my boat to a Kentucky one.
Take my
baggage, and grope my way to Louisville-put up at the Indian
Queen Tavern, and gladly sit down to rest myself.
roaring of the Rapids.
March 18.-Rose quite refreshed. Found a number of land
speculators here. Titles to lands in Kentucky subject to great
disputes.
March 19.-Rambling round the town with my gun. Examined
Mr.
-'s drawings in crayons. Very good. Saw two new birds
he had-both Motacillæ.
March 20.—Set out this afternoon with the gun. Killed nothing
new. People in taverns here devour their meals. Many shop-
keepers board in taverns; also, boatmen, land speculators, mer-
chants, &c. No naturalist to keep me company.
March 21.-Went out this afternoon shooting, with Mr. A. Saw
a number of Sandhill cranes. Pigeons numerous.
March 23.—Packed up my things, which I left in the care of a
merchant here to be sent on to Lexington; and having parted,
with great regret, with my paroquet to the gentlemen of the
tavern, I bade adieu to Louisville, to which place I had four
letters of recommendation, and was taught to expect much of
every thing there; but neither received one act of civility from
those to whom I was recommended, one subscriber, nor one new
bird; though I delivered my letters, ransacked the woods re-
peatedly, and visited all the characters likely to subscribc. Science
LETTERS.
219
or literature has not one friend in this place. Every one is so
intent on making money that they can talk of nothing else; and
they absolutely devour their meals that they may return the
sooner to their business. Their manners correspond with their
features.
Good country this for lazy fellows; they plant corn, turn their
pigs into the wood, and in the autumn feed upon corn and pork—
they lounge about the rest of the year.
March 24.—Weather cool. Walked to Shelbyville to break-
fast. Passed some miserable log-houses in the midst of rich fields.
Called at 'Squire C.'s, who was rolling logs. Sat down beside him,
but was not invited in, though it was about noon.
March 29.—Finding my baggage not likely.to come on, I set
out from Frankfort for Lexington. The woods swarm with pigs,
squirrels, and woodpeckers. Arrive exceedingly fatigued.
Wherever you go you hear people talking of buying and selling
land; ; no readers, all traders. The Yankees, wherever you find
them, are all traders. Found one here, a house carpenter, who
came from Massachusetts, and brought some barrels of apples
down the river from Pennsylvania to this town, where he employs
the negro women to hawk them about the streets, at thirty-seven
and a half cents per dozen.
Restless, speculating set of mortals here, full of lawsuits, no
great readers, even of politics or newspapers.
The sweet courtesies of life, the innumerable civilities in deeds
and conversation, which cost one so little, are seldom found here.
Every man you meet with has either some land to buy or sell,
some law-suit, some coarse hemp or corn to dispose of; and if the
conversation do not lead to any of these he will force it.
Strangers here receive less civilities than in any place I have ever
been in. The respect due to the fatigues and privations of
travellers is no where given, because every one has met with as
much, and thinks he has seen more than any other. No one
listens to the adventures of another, without interrupting the nar-
rative with his own; so that, instead of an auditor, he becomes a
competitor in adventure-telling. So many adventurers, also, con-
tinually wandering about here, injure the manners of the people,
220
LETTERS.
for avarice and knavery prey most freely and safely upon pas-
sengers whom they may never meet again.
These few observations are written in Salter White's garret, with
little or no fire, wood being a scarce article here- the forests being
a full half mile distant.
April 9.-Court held to-day, large concourse of people; not less
than one thousand horses in town, hitched to the side-posts-no
food for them all day. Horses selling by auction. Negro woman
sold same way my reflections while standing by and hearing her
cried, "three hundred and twenty-five dollars for this woman and
boy! going! going!" Woman and boy afterwards weep. Damned,
damned slavery! this is one infernal custom which the Virginians
have brought into this country. Rude and barbarous appearance
of the crowd. Hopkins' double cutters much wanted here.
April 10.-Was introduced to several young ladies this after-
noon, whose agreeable society formed a most welcome contrast to
that of the lower orders of the other sex. Mrs.
an
amiable, excellent lady; think that savage ignorance, rudeness
and boorishness, were never so contrasted by female sweetness,
affability, and intelligence.
April 12.-Went this evening to drink tea with Mr.
was introduced to Mrs.
a most lovely, accomplished and
interesting woman. Her good sense and lively intelligence of a
cast far superior to that of almost any woman I have ever seen.
She is most unfortunately unwell with a nervous complaint, which
affects her head. She told me, most feelingly, that the Spring,
which brings joy to every other being, brings sorrow to her, for
in Winter she is always well.
April 25.-Breakfasted at Walton's, thirteen miles from Nash-
ville.
This place is a fine rich hollow, watered by a charming,
clear creek, and 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 anything for my fare, or that of my
horse, saying—“You seem to be travelling for the good of the
world; and I cannot, and will not charge you anything. When-
ever you come this way, call and stay with me, you shall be
LETTERS.
221
welcome!" This is the first instance of such hospitality which I
have met with in the United States.
Wednesday, May 23.-Left Natchez, after procuring twelve sub-
scribers; and having received a kind letter of invitation from
William Dunbar, Esq., I availed myself of his goodness, and rode
nine miles along the usual road to his house; where, though con-
fined 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.
LETTER OF WILLIAM DUNBAR.
Forest, 20th May, 1810.
SIR,
It is very unfortunate that I should be so much indisposed as to be
confined to my bedroom; 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 Ornithology, lent me by General Wilkinson, has produced in me a very
great desire of making your acquaintance.
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 headquarters, where everything will be made convenient 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 may
be convenient for you to visit us to-day; otherwise, he shall wait upon you any
other day that you shall appoint.
I am respectfully, &c.,
WILLIAM DUNBAR.
222
LETTERS.
!
¡
LETTER LXXXV.
Loss of drawings and incessant labour-closely engaged on third volume-
Michaux-new species-Dunbar.
To Mr. WILLIAM BARTRAM.
Philadelphia, September 2nd, 1810.
Incessant labour since my return, to make up my loss
of drawings, which were sent by post from Nashville, has hitherto
prevented me from paying you a visit. I am closely engaged on my
third volume. Any particulars relative to the history of the
meadow lark, crow blackbird, snow bunting, cuckoo, paroquet,
nonpareil, pinnated grous, or blue grosbeak, if interesting, would
be received by me with much pleasure. I have lately received
from Michaux a number of rich specimens of birds, printed in
colours. I have since made some attempts at this kind of printing,
and have succeeded tolerably well.
Michaux has published several numbers of his American Sylva,
in Paris, with coloured plates. I expect them here soon.
I collected a number of entire new species in my south-western
tour; and in my return I visited several of the islands off the
Florida shore, where I met with some very curious land birds.
Mr. Dunbar, of Natchez, remembered you very well, and desired
me to carry his good wishes to you.
+ LETTER LXXXVI.
'Taws and hickory'-advice sought and given-Murray and Lawson.
To Mr. WILLIAM DUNCAN, Frankford, Penn.
Philadelphia, February 12th, 1811.
•
So you have once more ascended the preceptor's rostrum,
to wield the terrors of the taws and hickory. Trying as this situation
is, and various and distracting as its avocations sometimes un-
doubtedly are, it is elysium to the scenes which you have lately
LETTERS.
223
emerged from; and as far transcends these latter, as honourable
independence towers above despised and insulted servitude. You
wish me to suggest any hints I may think proper for your present
situation. Your own experience and prudence render anything I
could advise unnecessary, as it is all included in the two resolu-
tions which you have already taken; first, to distinguish, as
clearly as possible, the whole extent of your duty; and, secondly,
to fulfil every item of that to the best of your abilities. Accord-
ingly, the more extensive and powerful these are, the greater good
you will be capable of doing; the higher and more dignified will
your reputation be; and the easier and calmer will your deport-
ment be, under every circumstance of duty. You have but these
two things to surmount, and the whole routine of teaching will
become an agreeable amusement; and every closing day will shed
over your mind that blissful tranquility, "which nothing earthly
gives or can destroy."
Devote your whole time, except what is proper for needful ex-
ercise, to rendering yourself completely master of your business.
For this purpose rise by the peep of dawn; take your regular
walk; and then commence your stated studies. Be under no
anxiety to hear what people think of you, or of your tutorship;
but study the improvement, and watch over the good conduct, of
their children consigned to your care, as if they were your own.
Mingle respect and affability with your orders and arrangements.
Never show yourself feverish or irritated; but preserve a firm and
dignified, a just and energetic deportment, in every emergency.
To be completely master of one's business, and ever anxious to
discharge it with fidelity and honour, is to be great, beloved, re-
spectable and happy.
I could have wished that you had been accommodated with a
room and boarding in a more private and retired situation, where
your time and reflections would have been more your own; and
perhaps these may be obtained hereafter. Try to discover your
own defects, and labour with all your energy to supply them.
Respect yourself, and fear nothing but vice and idleness. If one
had no other reward for doing one's duty, but the grateful sensa-
tions arising therefrom on the retrospection, the recompense would
224
LETTERS.
1
be abundant, as these alone are able to bear us up amidst every
reverse.
At present I cannot enlarge further, my own mind being
harrassed with difficulties relative to my publication. I have now
no farther dependence on Murray; and I mean to make it con-
sistent both with the fame, and the interest, of Lawson to do his
best for me. I hope you will continue to let me hear from you,
from time to time. I anticipate much pleasure from the improve-
ments which I have no doubt you will now make in the several
necessary departments of your business. Wishing you every
success in your endeavours to excel, I remain, with sincere re-
gard, &c.
+ LETTER LXXXVII.
News given as in Letter LXXXI (See pp. 178).
To his FATHER,
25th February, 1811.
DEAR FATHER,
I have made various excursions through the United
States in quest of ornithological subjects. My last route was across
the Alleghany mountains to Pittsburg, thence to the falls of the
Ohio, 720 miles alone, in a small boat-thence through the Chick-
asaw, and Chocktaw country, (nations of Indians) and West Florida,
to New Orleans, in which journey I sustained considerable hardship,
having many dangerous creeks to swim, and having to encamp for
thirteen different nights in the woods alone. From New Orleans
I sailed to East Florida, furnished with a letter to the Spanish
Governor there, and visited a number of the islands that lie to the
LETTERS.
225
འ
south of the peninsula.
I returned to Philadelphia on the 2d of
September last, after an absence of seven months.
In prosecuting this journey, I had sometimes to kindle a large
fire; I then stript the canes for my horse, ate a bit of supper, and
lay down to sleep, listening to the owls and cheekwills, and to a kind
of Whip-Poor-Will, that are very numerous. I got up several
times during the night to recruit my fire, and see how my horse
did, and but for the gnats would have slept tolerably well. These
gigantic woods have a singular effect by the light of a large fire, the
whole scene being circumscribed by impenetrable darkness, except
that in front, where every leaf is strongly defined and deeply
shaded. On passing the ferry, the country assumed a new appear-
ance; no brushwood, or broken and fallen timber. One could see
a mile through the woods, which were covered with high grass fit
for mowing. A profusion of flowers altogether new to me, and
some of them very elegant, presented themselves to my view as I
rode along. This must be a noble place for the botanist. The
most noticeable of these flowers was a kind of sweet william, of
all tints, from white to the deepest crimson. A superb thistle, the
most beautiful I had ever seen, a species of passion flower, very
beautiful, a stately plant of the sun-flower family, the button of
the deepest orange, and the radiating petals, bright carmine;
the breadth of the flower about four inches, a large white flower
like a deer's tail, great quantities of the sensitive plant, that shrunk
instantly on being touched, in some places covered the ground.
Almost every flower was new to me, except the Carolina perule
root, and columbo, which grows in abundance on every side.
On Saturday I passed a number of execrable swamps.
The
weather was extremely warm, and I had been attacked by some-
thing like the dysentery, which occasioned a constant burning
thirst, and weakened me greatly. My complaint increased so
much, that I could scarcely sit on horseback, and all night my
mouth and throat were parched with a burning thirst and fever.
On Sunday I bought some raw eggs, which I ate, and repeated
the dose at mid-day and towards evening. I found great benefit
from this simple remedy, and enquired all along the road for fresh
eggs, and for nearly a week made them almost my sole food, until
E 2
226
LETTERS.
I completed my cure. The water in these cane swamps is little
better than poison, and under the heat of a burning sun, and the
fatigues of travelling, it is difficult to repress the urgent calls of
thirst. On the Wednesday following, I was assailed by a tre-
mendous storm of wind, and rain, and lightning, until I and my
horse were both blinded by the deluge, and unable to go on. I
sought the first open place, and dismounting, stood for half an
hour under the most profuse shower-bath I had ever enjoyed.
The roaring of the storm was terrible. Several trees around me
were broken off, and torn up by the roots, and those that stood,
were bent almost to the ground. Limbs of trees flew past within
a few yards of me, and I was astonished how I escaped; and I
would rather take my chance in a field of battle, than in such a
tornado again.
On the fourteenth day of my journey, at noon, I arrived at
Natchez, Mississippi, after having overcome every obstacle alone,
and without being acquainted with the country, and what sur-
prised the boatmen more, without whisky.
+ LETTER LXXXVIII.
'A trifle' sent home to Father-literary ambition'-explorations.
To Mr. DAVID WILSON.
6th June, 1811.
By the first opportunity, I will transmit a trifle to our
old father, whose existence, so far from being forgotten, is as dear
to me as my own. But, David, an ambition of being distinguished
in the literary world, has required sacrifices and exercises from
me with which you are unacquainted; and a wish to reach the
glorious rock of independence, that I might from thence assist my
relatives who are struggling with, and buffetting the billows of
adversity, has engaged me in an undertaking more laborious and
extensive than you are aware of, and has occupied almost every
LETTERS.
227
moment of my time for several years. Since February, 1810, I
have slept for several weeks in the wilderness alone, in an Indian
country, with my gun and my pistols in my bosom, and have
found myself so reduced by sickness as to be scarcely able to stand,
when not within 300 miles of a white settlement, and under the
burning latitude of 25 degrees.
* LETTER LXXXIX.
Letter and presents-misfortunes-deplorable' state of Paisley-' wonder any
should remain '-'seven millions' now from 'four' in 1794 in United States-
sea-sickness and home-sickness-resolution of a man'-'I have, however,
determined with myself never to entice or persuade a man from his native
country'-'bleaching' no employment here-money needed - Shaw of
Seedhills—a tavern-farming-David well pleased-help, but difficulties.
To his BROTHER and SISTER.
Philadelphia, October 20, 1811.
DEAR BROTHER AND SISTER,
I received by David your letter, and the present of
neckcloth, for which please to accept my acknowledgments and
thanks. I have read your letter with attention, and heard from
my brother your misfortunes, which have been severe indeed, but
which must be forgotten as much as possible. The representation
you give of the state of trade, and situation of tradesmen in
Paisley and around, is truly deplorable. To me, it is not sur-
prising that numbers abandon such a country. My astonishment
is that anybody able to leave it should remain in it. Were the
United States in the same desolation and bankrupt, with as
mournful prospects of improvement, I would no more hesitate
whether I should leave it than I would a half-ruined house ready
to tumble about my ears. The United States and its territories
contain at present seven millions of souls. In 1794, when I first
arrived, its population was less than four millions. All these,
generally speaking, are doing well. Yet, you imagine there is
not room or a fair chance left for any single family! The
deficiency, if there be any, might be in the individual, not in the
228
LETYERS.
country, which holds out every encouragement to the active and
industrious. You have frequently heard of sea-sickness, how
disagreeable and distressing it is. There is another kind to which
new-comers are sometimes subject on their arrival here, and for
a few months after, called home-sickness, no less disagreeable while
it lasts; but these maladies are generally temporary, and leave
the patient generally better than before, with a keen appetite and
renovated spirits. If you can conquer the qualms of this last
kind on your first arrival, and look round you for improvement,
with the resolution of a man determined to surmount difficulties,
come when you will you will certainly succeed. I have, however,
determined with myself never to entice or persuade a man from
his native country to a foreign land. These are adventures that
should be undertaken on his own risk, and supported on his own
resolutions. But you have asked my advice with so much
earnestness, that I would be acting a most unnatural part did I
refuse it. There is little chance of following the employment of
bleaching here; but there is an infinite number of employments
besides to which your own judgment and activity may direct you.
As to the precise sum of money necessary for you to have on
your arrival, I am not fit to determine. Some little furniture
will be necessary, and other articles, to set up housekeeping. In-
dustry and economy will soon arrange all these matters. Robert
Shaw, formerly of Seedhills, makes a good living in New York
by dyeing and cleaning of clothes. He also keeps a tavern, and I
do not see why something of the kind might not also do here.
But of these matters, you yourself must be the judge. It is also
customary here for some people to farm land on what is called
The Shares; that is, for half the produce of the ground. There
are many avenues for industry here; but the man must choose that
best suited to his taste and capacity. David is well, and lives
with me.
He seems very well pleased with his new situation, and
I shall endeavour to make it mutually advantageous to us both.
I am, with sincerity,
DEAR BROTHER AND SISTER,
Affectionately yours,
ALEX. WILSON.
LETTERS.
229
1
P.S.-Should you determine on coming here, I will render you
every assistance in my power; but difficulties must be encountered
everywhere in this world.
A. W.
+ LETTER XC.
Home-news welcome-poems-desolation at home-property in America-' seven
millions' of a population already-youthful ardour-David Brodie-M'Gavin.
To Mr. THOMAS CRICHTON.
Philadelphia, Oct. 28th, 1811.
DEAR SIR,
I received your kind letter, of May 31, with a copy of "The
Library," both extremely agreeable to me, and interesting to one,
who for seventeen years had heard nothing concerning you, but
who had neither forgot you, nor the many friendly acts he had
experienced from you. I have read your poem several times. It
embraces a wide range of subjects, and contains much excellent
sentiment, with several well-drawn sketches, among which that of
Chloe, the novel reader, is conspicuous and just. To the prayer of
the last eight lines I most heartily say Amen.
I thank you for the information you have given me of my old
friends, Neilson, Kennedy, Picken, &c. and am glad to find, that,
amidst the deaths, disasters and convulsions of domestic life, your
merit continues to meet its reward. The contrast between your life
and mine, during the last twenty years has been great; yet, I much
question, whether, with both in perspective, I should have been
willing to exchange fates, and I am sure you never would; so nei-
ther of us ought to complain.
While every letter I receive from Britain acknowledges the gen-
eral desolation of trade and the sufferings of its manufacturers, I
see nothing around me in this happy country but peace, prosperity,
and abundance. Our merchants indeed have experienced great em-
barrasments, but generally speaking the country is flourishing.
230
LETTERS.
The census of our population amounts to upwards of seven millions ;
nearly double to what it was when I first landed in America. What
nation on earth can produce a parallel to this?
My dear Sir, I cannot recal to my mind some of our social inter-
views without a smile. You found me in early life an enthusiastic
young man, pursuing what I thought right, without waiting to
consider its expediency, and frequently suffering, (and that feelingly
too) for my temerity. At present, I have the same ardour in the
pursuit of my object, but the object is selected with more discre-
tion.
If you see my old friend David Brodie, (for I understand that
he still treads this earth, in propria persona,) present him with my
respects. He and I mutually studied each other's characters for
some time, with the laudable design of telling each other all that
we knew ridiculous and contemptible of each other. My report
was made first, and in full detail; David's never made its appear-
ance, and so I lost a very favourable opportunity of knowing my
own faults. I suppose he found me so heterogeneous and contra-
dictory—so confounded bad, and entangled, that he did not know
at which end to begin.
My dear Sir, I shall be always glad to hear from you, when you
find convenient to write, and beg you would convey my sincere re-
spects to the surviving friends you mention, particularly to Mr.
M'Gavin, and believe me, with great truth,
Dear Sir,
Your most obliged friend,
ALEX. WILSON.
+ LETTER XCI.
A wanderer in Scotland, and still-independence.
To a Friend.
November 3d, 1811.
MY DEAR FRIend,
I was a wanderer when I was in Scotland, and I have
been much more so since my arrival here. Few Americans have
LETTERS.
231
seen more of their country than I have done, and none love it
better. Fortune has not yet paid me up all her promises, after all
the wild goose chase she has led me; but she begins to look a little
more gracious than usual, and I am not without hope. Twenty
years of disappointment have only whetted my appetite for inde-
pendence.
Of 'Forest Trees'
+ LETTER XCII.
French language-'Ornithology' - translation of 'Forest
Trees' - Bradford — Barham - Barton-'forty new species of Land Birds,'
and now engaged on Water Birds.
To Mr. F. A. MICHAUX.
Philadelphia, June 6th, 1812.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
I had the pleasure of receiving a letter from you,
dated April 10, 1812; but living at Mr. Bartram's, I have not yet
seen Mr. Correa, the gentleman who brought it over. I have also
had the great satisfaction of examining the plates of your four
numbers of Forest Trees, which are beautifully executed; and I
regret most sincerely that my little knowledge of the French
language prevents me from perusing with equal satisfaction, the
interesting particulars you relate of their history. I expected
long before this to be able to congratulate you on the publication
of a translation of your work here, and I announced the same in
the preface of one of my volumes; but sorry I am to inform you
that no steps have yet been taken to put the design in execution,
and I fear none will be taken for many months to come. Unless
there be an evident certainty of profit, booksellers, in general, are
very indifferent to publish works of any kind, however great
their merit may be; and the poor author's feelings are little
regarded. Few men have known this more experimentally than
myself. I have sacrificed everything to publish my Ornithology-
have written six volumes and am engaged on the seventh.
232
LETTERS.
I have frequently conversed with Mr. Bradford about publish-
ing a translation of your Forest Trees; and you may rest assured
that, should it be undertaken, I will use all my influence in its
favour. Were you here yourself, I have no doubt but it would
be undertaken, and I think with success, for all who have seen it
admire it. I procured our good friend, Mr. Wm. Bartram, a
sight of it, and he was greatly delighted with its appearance. One
of
my
friends read a great part of it in English to him, and he was
highly satisfied.
Dr. Barton has not yet published his General Zoology,* which he
has been announcing, from time to time, for so many years. It
is much easier to say these things than do them.
Mr. Wm. Bartram is still as you left him, and you are frequent-
ly the subject of our conversation at table. I have made many
extensive excursions lately, and have discovered, in all, about
forty new species of Land Birds, never taken notice of by any
other writer. I am now engaged on the Water Birds; and had
just returned yesterday from the seashore when your letter was
presented to me. Dr. H. and Mr. P. have both publicly an-
nounced your work, but as no translation has been yet made, it
has not been reviewed by any of our writers.
Wishing you all the success which is justly due to the labours,
journies, and investigations you have made in behalf of Natural
History, I remain, &c.”
* This work, which it was the intention of the late learned professor to entitle
"Elements of Zoology," after being ten years in the press, was advanced no
further than fifty-six pages, in octavo, at the death of the author. It does not
appear that he left much manuscript matter in continuation, consequently the
public will derive no benefit from a work which is too incomplete for publication.
The printed sheets I have read not only with satisfaction, but instruction, and
cannot forbear expressing my regret that an undertaking which Dr. Barton
certainly knew how to perform, and to which his learning was adequate, should
have been suffered to perish in embryo. The art of concentrating his talents was
one for which the professor was not greatly distinguished.-Ord.
LETTERS.
233
To his FATHER.
August 10th, 1812.
+ LETTER XCIII.
'Imagination led judgment astray.'
The difficulties and hardships I have encountered in life
have been useful to me. In youth I had wrong ideas of life.
Imagination too often led judgment astray. You would find me
much altered from the son you knew me in Paisley,-more diffident
of myself, and less precipitate, though often wrong.
+ LETTER XCIV.
<
'Rambles since leaving Philadelphia' - Hudson — Catskill mountains Lake
Champlain new birds-Connecticut river-Haverhill-ascended White
Mountains'-' palpitation of the heart'-voice of science and politics.
To Mr. GEORGE ORD.
Boston, October 13th, 1812.
DEAR SIR,
It is not in my power at present to give you anything
more than a slight sketch of my rambles since leaving Philadel-
phia. My route up the Hudson afforded great pleasure, mingled
with frequent regret that you were not along with me, to share
the enjoyment. About thirty miles south of Albany we passed
within ten miles of the celebrated Catskill Mountains, a gigantic
group, clothed with forest to the summits. In the river here I
found our common reed (Zizania aquatica) growing in great
abundance in shoals extending along the middle of the river. I
saw flocks of Red-wings, and some Black Ducks, but no Rail, or
Reed-birds.
From this place my journey led me over a rugged, mountain-
ous country, to Lake Champlain, along which I coasted as far as
Burlington in Vermont. Here I found the little coot-footed
Tringa or Phalarope* that you sent to Mr. Peale; a new and
*P. Fulicarius.
F 2
234
LETTERS.
elegantly marked Hawk; and observed some Black Ducks. The
shores are alternate sandy bays, and rocky headlands running into
the lake. Every tavern was crowded with officers, soldiers, and
travellers. Eight of us were left without a bed; but having an
excellent great-coat, I laid myself down in a corner, with a de-
termination of sleeping in defiance of the uproar of the house,
and the rage of my companions, who would not disgrace them-
selves by a prostration of this sort.
From Lake Champlain I traversed a rude mountainous region
to Connecticut river, one hundred miles above Dartmouth College.
I spent several days with the gun in Groton, and Ryegate town-
ships, and made some discoveries. From this I coasted along the
Connecticut to a place called Haverhill, ten miles from the foot of
Moose-hillock, one of the highest of the White Mountains of New
Hampshire. I spent the greater part of a day in ascending to the
peak of one of these majestic mountains, whence I had the most
sublime and astonishing view that was ever afforded me. One
immensity of forest lay below, extended on all sides to the farthest
verge of the horizon; while the only prominent objects were the
columns of smoke from burning woods, that rose from various
parts of the earth beneath to the heavens; for the day was beauti-
ful and serene. Hence I travelled to Dartmouth, and thence in a
direct course to Boston. From Boston I passed through Ports-
mouth to Portland, and got some things new; my return was by
a different route. I have procured three new and beautiful
Hawks; and have gleaned up a stock of remarks that will be use-
ful to me hereafter.
I hope, my dear sir, that you have been well since I left you, I
have myself been several times afflicted with a violent palpitation
of the heart, and want to try whether a short voyage by sea will
not be beneficial.
In New England the rage of war, the virulence of politics, and
the pursuit of commercial speculation; engross every faculty. The
voice of Science, and the charms of Nature, unless these last pre-
sent themselves in the form of prize sugars, coffee, or rum, are
treated with contempt.
LETTERS.
235
+ LETTER XCV.
'Colourists' all left-seventh' volume of 'Ornithology'-West sends his 'Death
of Nelson'-Philosophical Society of Philadelphia.
To Mr. WM. BARTRAM.
Philadelphia, April 21, 1813.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
I have been extremely busy these several months, my
colourists having all left me; so I have been obliged to do extra
duty this last winter. Next week I shall publish my seventh
volume; and shall send you your copy with the earliest oppor-
tunity. I am now engaged with the ducks, all of which, that I am
acquainted with, will be comprehended in the eighth volume.
Since I had the pleasure of seeing you, I have hardly left the
house half-an-hour; and I long most ardently to breathe once
more the fresh air of the country, and gaze on the lovely face of
Nature. Will it be convenient for the family to accommodate me
(as I shall be alone) this summer? Please to let me know.
I lately received from the celebrated Mr. West, a proof impres-
sion of his grand historical picture of the death of Admiral
Nelson-a present which I highly value.
The Philosophical Society of Philadelphia have done me the
honour to elect me a member, for which I must certainly, in
gratitude, make them a communication on some subject, this
summer. I long very much to hear from you; and, with my best
wishes for your health and happiness, am very truly
Your sincere friend.
ALEX. WILSON.
+ LETTER XCVI.
'Far from being in good health.'
Philadelphia, 6th July, 1813.
I am myself far from being in good health. Intense
application to study has hurt me much. My 8th volume is now in
the press and will be published in November. One volume more
will complete the whole.
}
III.—Essays of ´Ornithology.'
+
NOTE.
It seems a remarkable and inexcusable thing that in the reprints of
Wilson's great work, e. g., Sir William Jardine's and Professor Jamie-
son's, the 'Prefaces' of the successive volumes have been (with the
exception of the first) either altogether omitted or mutilated. Their
reproduction among his Prose is at once redress of an injury and the gift
to readers on the hither side of the Atlantic of a series of really charm-
ing Essays. On the selection-literary as distinguished from scientific-
proper-given under this heading of Essays from the 'Ornithology,'
see Preface in the present volume.
G.
1

Essays of Ornithology.'"
ESSAY I.
AN ANECDOTE FOR A PREFACE.
The whole use of a Preface seems to be either to elucidate the
nature and origin of the work or to invoke the clemency of the
Reader. Such observations as have been thought necessary for the
former, will be found in the Introduction; extremely solicitous
to obtain the latter, I beg leave to relate the following anecdote.
In one of my late visits to a friend's in the country, I found
their youngest son, a fine boy of eight or nine years of age, who
usually resides in town for his education, just returning from a
ramble thro the neighbouring woods and fields, where he had
collected a large and very handsome bunch of wild flowers, of a
great many different colors; and, presenting them to his mother,
said, with much animation in his countenance, "Look, my dear
'ma, what beautiful flowers I have found growing on our place!
Why, all the woods are full of them! red, orange, blue, and
'most every color. O, I can gather you a whole parcel of them,
much handsomer than these, all growing in our own woods! Shall
I, 'ma? Shall I go and bring more?” The good woman received
the bunch of flowers with a smile of affectionate complacency; and,
after admiring for some time the beautiful simplicity of Nature,
gave her willing consent; and the little fellow went off, on the
wings of ecstasy, to execute his delightful commission.
240
ESSAYS OF ORNITHOLOGY.'
The similitude of this little boy's enthusiasm to my own, struck
me; and the reader will need no explanations of mine to make the
application. Should my country receive with the same gracious in-
dulgence the specimens which I here humbly present her; should
she express a desire for me to go and bring her more, the highest
wishes of my ambition will be gratified; for, in the language of my
little friend, our whole woods are full of them! and I can collect
hundreds more, much handsomer than these.
PHILADELPHIA, September 1, 1808.
ALEXANDER WILSON.
ESSAY II.
WHAT THE WORK IS TO BE.
In the commencement of a work of such magnitude, and so novel
in this country, some account will necessarily be expected, of the
motives of the Author, and of the nature and intended execution of
the work. As to the former of these, it is respectfully submitted,
that, amusement blended with instruction, the correction of
numerous errors which have been introduced into this part of the
natural history of our country, and a wish to draw the attention
of my fellow-citizens, occasionally, from the discordant jarrings of
politics, to a contemplation of the grandeur, harmony, and wonder-
ful variety of Nature, exhibited in this beautiful portion of the
animal creation, are my principal, and almost my only motives, in
the present undertaking. I will not deny that there may also be
other incitements. Biassed, almost from infancy, by a fondness
for birds, and little else than an enthusiast in my researches after
them, I feel happy to communicate my observations to others,
probably from the mere principle of self-gratification, that source
of so many even of our most virtuous actions; but I candidly de-
clare, that lucrative views have nothing to do in the business. In
all my wild-wood rambles, these never were sufficient either to
allure me to a single excursion, to discourage me from one, or to
engage my pen or pencil in the present publication. My hopes on
ESSAYS OF ORNITHOLOGY.'
241
this head are humble enough; I ask only support equal to my
merits, and to the laudability of my intentions. I expect no more ;
I am not altogether certain even of this. But, leaving the issue
of these matters to futurity, I shall, in the meantime, comfort
myself with the good old adage, “Happy are they who expect
nothing, for they shall not be disappointed."
As to the nature of the work, it is intended to comprehend
a description and representation of every species of our native
birds, from the shores of St. Laurence to the mouths of the
Mississippi, and from the Atlantic Ocean to the interior of Louisi-
ana. These will be engraved in a style superior to anything of
the kind hitherto published; and colored from Nature, with the
most scrupulous adherence to the true tints of the original.
The bare account of scientific names, colors of bills, claws,
feathers, &c., would form but a dry detail; neither in a publica-
tion of the present kind, where every species is faithfully figured
and colored, is a long and minute description of the form and
feathers, absolutely necessary. This would, in the opinion of some,
be like introducing a gentleman to company, with "Ladies and
gentlemen, Mr.
He has on a blue coat, white pantaloons,
hussar boots," &c., &c., while a single glance of the eye, over the
person himself, told us all this before the orator had time to
open his mouth; so infinitely more rapidly do ideas reach us
through the medium of the eye than by that of the ear.
But as Time may prey on the best of colors, what is necessary,
in this respect, will by no means be omitted, that the figures and
descriptions may mutually corroborate each other. It is also my
design to enter more largely than usual into the manners and dis-
position of each respective species; to become, as it were, their
faithful biographer, and to delineate their various pecularities, in
character, song, building, economy, &c., as far as my own obser-
vations have extended, or the kindness of others may furnish me
with materials.
The Ornithology of the United States exhibits a rich display of
the most splendid colors, from the green, silky, golden-bespangled
down of the minute Humming Bird, scarce three inches in extent,
to the black coppery wings of the gloomy Condor, of sixteen feet,
G 2
242
ESSAYS OF ORNITHOLOGY.'
who sometimes visits our northern regions; a numerous and
powerful band of songsters, that for sweetness, variety, and
melody, are surpassed by no country on earth; an ever-changing
scene of migration from torrid to temperate, and from northern to
southern regions, in quest of suitable seasons, food and climate ;
and such an amazing diversity in habit, economy, form, disposition,
and faculties, so uniformly hereditary in each species, and so com-
pletely adequate to their peculiar wants and convenience, as to
overwhelm us with astonishment at the power, wisdom, and bene-
ficence of the Creator!
In proportion as we become acquainted with these particulars,
our visits to and residence in the country, become more and more
agreeable. Formerly, on such occasions, we found ourselves in
solitude, or, with respect to the feathered tribes, as it were in a
strange country, where the manners, language, and faces of all,
were either totally overlooked, or utterly unknown to us: now,
we find ourselves among interesting and well known neighbours
and acquaintances; and in the notes of every songster, recognise,
with satisfaction, the voice of an old friend and companion. A
study thus tending to multiply our enjoyments at so cheap a rate,
and to lead us by such pleasing gradations, to the contemplation
and worship of the Great First Cause, the Father and Preserver of
all, can neither be idle nor useless, but is worthy of rational beings,
and doubtless, agreeable to the Deity.
In order to attain a more perfect knowledge of birds, naturalists
have divided them into Classes, Orders, Genera, Species, and
Varieties; but in doing this, scarcely two have agreed on the same
mode of arrangement; and this has indeed proved a source of
great perplexity to the student. Some have increased the number
of orders to an unnecessary extent, multiplied the genera, and out
of mere varieties, produced what they supposed to be entire new
species. Others, sensible of the impropriety of this, and wishing
to simplify the science as much as possible, have reduced the orders
and genera to a few, and have thus thrown birds, whose food,
habits, and other characteristical features are widely different, into
one and the same tribe, and thereby confounded our perception of
that beautiful gradation of affinity and resemblance, which Nature
ESSAYS OF ORNITHOLOGY.'
243
herself seems to have been studious of preserving throughout the
whole. One principal cause of the great diversity of classifications
appears to be owing to the neglect, or want of opportunity, in
these Writers, of observing the manners of the living birds, in
their unconfined state, and in their native countries. As well
might philosophers attempt to class mankind into their respective
religious denominations, by a mere examination of their physiog-
nomy, as naturalists to form a correct arrangement of animals,
without a knowledge of these necessary particulars.
It is only by personal intimacy, that we can truly ascertain the
character of either, more particularly that of the feathered race;
noting their particular haunts, modes of constructing their nests,
manner of flight, seasons of migration, favourite food, and number-
less other minutiae, which can only be obtained by frequent excur-
sions in the woods and fields, along lakes, shores, and rivers; and this
requires a degree of patience and perseverance which nothing but
an enthusiastic fondness for the pursuit can inspire.
Of the numerous systems which have been adopted by different
Writers, that published by Dr. Latham, in his "Index Ornitho-
logicus," and "General Synopsis of Birds," seems the last sub-
ject to the objections above-mentioned; and as, in particularising
the order, genus, &c., to which each bird belongs, this system,
with some necessary exceptions, has been generally followed in
the present Work, it is judged proper to introduce it here, for the
information and occasional consultation of the reader.
[Table not given here or elsewhere, as scientific-technical.]
It may probably be expected that, in a publication of
this kind, we should commence with the order Accipitres, and
proceed regularly through the different orders and genera according
to the particular system adopted. This, however desirable, is in
the present case altogether impracticable, unless, indeed, we
possessed living specimens or drawings of every particular species
to be described; an acquisition which no private individual nor
Public Museum in the world can as yet boast of. This Work is
not intended to be a mere compilation from books, with figures
taken from stuffed and dried birds, which would be but a very
sorry compliment to the science, but a transcript from living
•
244
ESSAYS OF ORNITHOLOGY.'
}
Nature, embracing the whole Ornithology of the United States;
and as it is highly probable that numerous species, at present
entirely unknown, would come into our possession long after that
part of the Work appropriated for the particular genera to which
they belonged had been finished, and thereby interrupt, in spite
of every exertion, the regularity of the above arrangement, or
oblige us to omit them altogether. Considering these circum-
stances, and that during the number of years which the completion
of the present Work will necessarily occupy, the best opportunities
will be afforded, and every endeavour used to procure drawings of
the whole, a different mode has been adopted as being more
agreeably diversified, equally illustrative of the science, and
perfectly practicable; which the other is not. The birds will
therefore appear without regard to generical arrangement; but
the order, genus, &c., of each will be particularly noted, and a
complete Index added to the whole, in which every species will be
arranged in systematic order, with reference to the volume, page,
and plate, where each figure and description may be instantly
found.
From the great expense of engravings executed by artists of
established reputation, many of those who have published Works
of this kind have had recourse to their own ingenuity in etching
their plates; but however honourable this might have been to
their industry, it has been injurious to the effect intended to be
produced by the figures,—since the point alone is not sufficient to
produce a finished engraving, and many years of application are
necessary to enable a person, whatever may be his talents and
diligence, to handle the graver with the facility and effect of the
pencil; while the time thus consumed might be more advan-
tageously employed in finishing drawings and collecting facts for the
descriptive part, which is the proper province of the Ornithologist.
Every person who is acquainted with the extreme accuracy of
eminent engravers, must likewise be sensible of the advantages of
having the imperfections of the pencil corrected by the excellence
of the graver. Every improvement of this kind, the Author has
studiously availed himself of, and has frequently furnished the
artist with the living or newly-killed subject itself to assist his ideas.
ESSAYS OF ORNITHOLOGY.'
245
In colouring the impressions, the same scrupulous attention
has been paid to imitate the true tints of the original. The
greatest number of the descriptions, particularly those of the
nests, eggs, and plumage, have been written in the woods,
with the subjects in view, leaving as little as possible to the
lapse of recollection. As to what relates to the manners,
habits, &c., of the birds, the particulars on these heads are
the result of personal observation, from memoranda taken on
the spot; if they differ, as they will in many points, from former
accounts, this at least can be said in their behalf, that a single fact
has not been advanced which the Writer was not himself witness
to, or received from those on whose judgment and veracity he be-
lieved reliance could be placed. When his own stock of observa-
tions has been exhausted, and not till then, he has had recourse
to what others have said on the same subject, and all the most re-
spectable performances of a similar nature have been consulted, to
which access could be obtained; not neglecting the labours of his
predecessors in this particular path, Messrs. Catesby and Edwards,
whose memories he truly respects. But as a sacred regard to
truth requires that the errors or inadvertencies of these authors,
as well as of others, should be noticed and corrected, let it not be
imputed to unworthy motives, but to its true cause,—a zeal for the
promotion of that science, in which these gentlemen so much de-
lighted, and for which they have done so much.
From the Writers of our own country the Author has derived but
little advantage. The first considerable list of our birds was pub-
lished in 1787, by Mr. Jefferson, in his celebrated "Notes on
Virginia," and contains the names of a hundred and nine species,
with the designations of Linnæus and Catesby, and references to
Buffon. The next, and by far the most complete that has yet
appeared, was published in 1791, by Mr. William Bartram, in his
“Travels through North and South Carolina," &c., in which two
hundred and fifteen different species are enumerated, and concise
descriptions and characteristics of each added in Latin and English.
Dr. Barton, in his "Fragments of the Natural History of Pennsyl-
vania," has favoured us with a number of remarks on this subject;
and Dr. Belknap, in his "History of New Hampshire," as well as
246
ORNITHOLOGY.'
ESSAYS OF
Dr. Williams, in that of Vermont, have each enumerated a few of
our birds. But these, from the nature of the publications in which
they have been introduced, can be considered only as catalogues
of names, without the detail of specific particulars, or the figured
and colored representations of the birds themselves.
This task,
hardest of all, has been reserved for one of far inferior abilities, but
not of less zeal. With the example of many solitary individuals,
in other countries, who have succeeded in such an enterprize, he
has cheerfully engaged in the undertaking, trusting for encourage-
ment solely to the fidelity with which it will be conducted.*
ESSAY III.
PROGRESS OF THE WORK, AND APPEAL.
The present volume, being the second of the series, is offered
to the public with all that humility which becomes a reverential
admirer, and very lowly imitator, of the handiworks of the
Supreme Creator of the universe. Contemplating their amazing
variety, tracing their elegance, symmetry, and matchless ex-
cellence, at each progressive step he feels more and more sensibly
his own infinite inferiority; and is only encouraged to proceed,
by the consciousness that what he does is not unpleasing to that
beneficent Power, and may contribute to the innocent amusement,
and perhaps virtuous instruction of his fellow beings. In the
meantime, he avails himself, on this occasion, of the usual
privilege of an Author, to make a few explanatory remarks, which
could not, with propriety, be introduced in any other place.
In sketching out the present plan, it was calculated that the
whole of our Ornithology could be comprised in ten volumes,
commencing with the Land Birds, and closing with the Water
Fowl. The same opinion is still entertained. The different
* Essays I. and II. from 'American Ornithology' (1808), Vol. I., pp. iii.-iv. and
1-9.-G.
ESSAYS OF ´ORNITHOLOGY.'
247
species, of both divisions, which are either occasionally or
regularly found within the territory of the United States, may
amount to about four hundred. The first section will, probably,
occupy six volumes; and the remaining four comprehend the
whole of the Waders and Aquatic tribes.
The number of the figures introduced in the present volume is
considerably more than that of the preceding; and the manner
in which they have been executed will, I trust, convince the
patrons of this work that there exists no disposition in the Author
to fall off from the original elegance of his publication. On the
contrary, he has still further improvements in view; which, when
effected, will, he humbly hopes, with all due deference to the
judgment of the public, render it not only a standard work on
this branch of our natural history, but give it a just claim to rank
in elegance, as well as fidelity and copiousness of description, with
those of any other country.
Hitherto, the whole materials and mechanical parts of this
publication have been the production of the United States, except
the colors. As these form so important an article in a work of
this kind, the most particular attention has been paid to their
real, and not merely specious, good qualities; but it is not
without regret and mortification he is obliged to confess that, for
these, he has been principally indebted to Europe. The present
unexampled spirit, however, for new and valuable manufactures,
which are almost every day rising around us, and the exertions
of other intelligent and truly patriotic individuals in the divine
science of Chemistry, give the most encouraging hopes that a
short time will render him completely independent of all foreign
aid, and enable him to exhibit the native hues of his subjects in
colors of our own, equal in brilliancy, durability, and effect to
any others. In the present volume, some beautiful native ochres
have been introduced; and one of the richest yellows is from the
laboratory of Messrs. Peale and Son of the Museum of this city.
Other tints of equal excellence are confidently expected from the
same quarter.
In the prosecution of this undertaking, the author has been
honoured with communications of facts, from various quarters of
248
ESSAYS OF ORNITHOLOGY.'
•
the United States, relative to the subject on which he is engaged.
For all these, he returns his most grateful acknowledgments, and
gladly indulges the idea that they will become more and more
frequent. The subjects of his history being in themselves so
numerous, and dispersed over such extensive regions, the obser-
vations of one man, be his industry and enterprise what they
may, are altogether insufficient to embrace the whole; and unless
assisted by the experience and observations of others, a thousand
interesting facts and minutiæ of character would unavoidably
escape him, which might otherwise have formed the most valuable
part of his publication. Another particular, equally interesting
to him, he would beg leave to suggest to the consideration of
those ingenious friends who may honour him with their corres-
pondence. As the provincial names of many of our birds are so
multiplied, and frequently so local, as to be altogether unknown
in other districts, and in the communications of those un-
acquainted with the scientific names and arrangement render it
sometimes very difficult to determine what particular species is
really meant,-if, in addition to well-authenticated facts, preserved
skins of such birds as are supposed rare or new could be con-
veniently transmitted to the Author, the obligation would be
greatly increased, and properly acknowledged. Several gentlemen.
living in remote parts of the Union, and others trading between
the ports of North and South America, having generously
expressed a willingness to oblige him in this respect provided
they were acquainted with an approved mode of skinning and
preserving them, the following process is respectfully submitted
as being fully sufficient both for their purpose and that of the
naturalist. And though no drawings have been or will be made for
*
* As soon as the bird is shot, let memoranda be taken of the length, the breadth
(measuring from tip to tip of the expanded wings), color of the eyes, bills, legs
and feet, and such particulars of its manners, &c., as may be known. Make a
longitudinal incision under the wing, sufficiently large to admit the body to be
taken out; disjoint the wing close to the body under the skin, and endeavour with
a pair of scissars or penknife to reach the neck, which cut off; pass the skin
carefully over to the other wing, which also disjoint and separate from the body,
then over the whole body and thighs, which last cut off close to the knees; lastly,
ESSAYS OF ORNITHOLOGY.'
249
this work from any stuffed subjects where living specimens of the
same can be procured, yet the former serve a very important
purpose, they enable the Author to ascertain the real existence
and residence of such subjects, and, coming from various and
remote parts of the continent, throw great light on the extent of
range and the migrations of various species of the feathered
tribes; particulars the most interesting because hitherto the most
obscure and unsatisfactorily treated of all others in the whole
science of Ornithology.
The Author has now only to add that, as far as an acquisition
of these depends on his own personal exertions in ransacking our
fields and forests, our seashores, lakes, marshes, and rivers, and
in searching out and conversing with experienced and intelligent
sportsmen and others on whose information he can venture to
rely, he pledges himself that no difficulty, fatigue, or danger,
shall deter him from endeavouring to collect information from
every authentic source; hopeful that the able and enlightened
friends of that country whose Natural History he is thus endeavour-
ing to illustrate, will not leave him unsupported.
PHILADELPHIA, January 1, 1810.
ALEXANDER WILSON.*
separate the whole skin from the body at the roots of the tail feathers, which
must not be injured. Return to the neck and carefully pass the skin to, and
beyond, the eyes, which scoop out; cut off the neck close to the skull, penetrate
this
way with your knife into the brain, which scrape completely out dissect all
the eshy parts from the head, wings, and skin; rub the whole inside with a
solution of arsenic, sprinkle some of the same into the cavity of the brain, throat,
&c.; stuff the vacuity of the brain and eyes with cotton, to their full dimensions;
return the skin carefully back, arranging the eyelids and plumage; stuff the whole
with cotton to its proper size and form, sew up the longitudinal incision, and,
having carefully arranged the whole plumage, sprinkle it outwardly with a little
powdered arsenic; place it in a close box, into which some camphor has been put,
and cover it with cotton or ground tobacco. In the whole operation, the greatest
care must be taken not to soil the plumage with blood.
If arsenic cannot conveniently be had, common salt may be substituted.
* ' American Ornithology' (1810) Vol. II., pp. v.-ix.—G.
H 2
250
ESSAYS OF ORNITHOLOGY.'
ESSAY IV.
OF BOOKS OF NATURAL HISTORY, AND REQUEST.
Books on Natural History, calculated to improve the taste, to
enlarge the understanding and better the heart, as they are friends
to the whole human race, are generally welcomed by people of all
parties. They may be compared to those benevolent and amiable
individuals, who, amidst the tumult and mutual irritations of dis-
cordant friends, kindly step in to reconcile them to each other, by
leading the discourse to subjects of less moment, but of innocent
and interesting curiosity; till the mind forgets its perturbations,
and gradually regains its native repose and composure.
So come,
in these times of general embarrassment, dispute and perplexity,
the peaceful, unassuming pages of AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. With
little to recommend them but the simplicity of truth, and some
faint imitations of a most glorious and divine ORIGINAL, they may,
nevertheless, calm for a time the tumult of the mind, communicate
agreeable amusement, and suggest hints for instruction. At least,
these are some of the principal objects to which they have been
zealously directed.
Unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances, which it is unneces-
sary to recapitulate, and over which the Author had no control,
have retarded the publication of the present volume beyond the
usual and stated period. Complaints and regret, for what is irre-
coverable, would be as unavailing as apologies for what could not
be prevented, would be improper. He will only on this subject
remark, that a recurrence of similar obstacles not being likely to
take place, and the plates of the fourth volume, now in the hands
of the engraver, being in considerable forwardness, every exertion
will be made, consistent with the correct execution of the work, to
atone for past delays, by its early and prompt publication.
With respect to the contents of the present volume, the Author
has a few hints to offer to the consideration of the intelligent read-
er, whose favourable opinion in behalf of his labours he is most
anxious to merit.
ESSAYS OF ORNITHOLOGY.'
251
Should there appear in some of the following accounts of our
native birds, a more than common deficiency of particulars as to
their manners and migration, he would beg leave to observe, that
he is not engaged in copying from Museums the stuffed subjects
they contain; nor from books or libraries the fabulous hearsay-
narratives of closet-naturalists. A more laborious, and, as he
trusts, a more honourable duty is prescribed him.
He has exa-
mined the stores of living Nature for himself; and submitted with
pleasure, to all the difficulties and fatigues incident to such an un-
dertaking. Since he had last the honour of presenting himself be-
fore the public, he has traced the wilds of our western forests alone,
for upwards of seven months; and traversed, in that time, more than
three thousand miles, a solitary, exploring pilgrim. As nearly one
half of the whole number of birds contained in the following sheets
(part of the products of his late tour) are such as have never be-
fore been taken notice of by naturalists, a complete detail of their
habitudes and manners cannot reasonably be expected. To col-
lect these, years of patient and attentive observation are re-
quisite. What with truth and accuracy he could do, he has done.
In the drawings he has aimed at faithful and characteristic resem-
blances of his subjects-in the literary part at a clear and inter-
esting detail of their manners, as far as these have come to his
knowledge; and to future observation must be left the task of fill-
ing up those chasms in the history of some of them, which the so
recent discovery of their species has rendered unavoidable.
To gentlemen of leisure, resident in the country, whose taste
disposes them to the pleasing and rational amusements of natural
history, and who may be in possession of facts, authentic and inter-
esting, relative to any of our birds which have not yet made their
appearance in this work, the author again earnestly and respect-
fully addresses himself. Such is the barrenness of the best Euro-
pean works on the feathered tribes of the United States, and so
numerous are the mistakes (to call them by the gentlest name) with
which they are disfigured, that little has been, or indeed can be,
derived from that quarter. On his own personal exertions and
observation the Author has chiefly depended. But numerous as
his subjects are, scattered over an immense territory, and pursuing
252
ESSAYS OF ORNITHOLOGY.'
their vast and various migrations through different regions, as
want of food or change of seasons inspires, unless Heaven would
kindly accommodate him with wings, to follow as an aerial spy on
their proceedings; or, (which is more likely to happen), his fellow-
citizens, lovers of their country, and well-wishers to its arts and
literature, will condescend to communicate some of the numerous
facts which many of them have, doubtless, witnessed among the
feathered part of the creation around them; his work will lose
more than half its worth; and, with all his endeavours, he must
despair of doing complete justice to the subject.
.
Every communication, having this for its object, will be ac-
knowledged with thankfulness; and receive that degree of atten-
tion which the importance of the facts it contains may require.
By such combined exertions, and reciprocity of information, we
shall do honour to this branch of science; and be enabled to escape,
in part, that transatlantic and humiliating reproach, of being
obliged to apply to Europe for an account and description of the
productions of our own country.
Nevertheless, the well-earned meed of praise must not, cannot
be withheld, from those worthy and indefatigable naturalists, who,
impelled by an ardent love of science, became voluntary exiles
from home and all its sweets, and subjected themselves to years
of labour and peril, in-personal efforts to examine and illustrate
the natural history of this extensive Western empire. The
"Insects of Georgia," by J. Abbot, published in London, in two
volumes, folio; the "Oaks of North America," by Michaux,
published in Paris; and the "History of the Forest Trees of
North America," by F³. Andrê-Michaux, son to the preceding,
now publishing in Paris, and about to be republished in this city
by Messrs Bradford & Inskeep, are works of the first character in
point of correct scientific description and splendid colored repre-
sentations of their respective subjects. Such examples, particu-
larly that of the latter, where elegance and utility are blended
with the observations of a judicious and discriminating naturalist,
cannot fail of being highly acceptable to the friends of science in
every part of the world, and of animating our native citizens to
similar exertions in exploring and illustrating the various other de-
ESSAYS OF ORNITHOLOGY.'
253
partments of the natural history of their country. Well-authenti-
cated facts deduced from careful observation, precise descriptions,
and faithfully portrayed representations drawn from living nature,
are the only true and substantial materials with which we can ever
hope to erect and complete the great superstructure of science :—
without these all the learned speculations of mere closet theory are
but "the baseless fabricks of a vision.”
For the direction of those who may be disposed to honour the
Author with their correspondence, the following list is subjoined;
containing the common popular names of the most interesting of
our Land Birds, whose history we have yet to detail, and of whose
manners any authentic particulars will be gladly received.
Those to whose names an asterisk is prefixed being rare birds in
Pennsylvania, well preserved-skins of them would be received as a
very particular favour.
PHILADELPHIA, February 12th, 1811.*
ESSAY V.
THE PROGRESS OF THE WORK INTEREST OF THE STUDY.
In presenting this fourth volume of the American Ornithology
to its numerous and highly respectable subscribers, the Author is
happy to be able to inform them, that the success which he has
met with in his late shooting excursions, particularly along our
Atlantic coast; and the arrangements made with the engravers
and others engaged in the work, will enable him to publish the
remaining volumes with more punctuality than it has hitherto
been possible for him to do. At the same time, the correct execu-
tion of the plates will be rendered more secure, by the constant
* ‹ American Ornithology' (1811) Vol. III., pp. v.-xiv. —G.
254
ESSAYS OF ORNITHOLOGY.'
1
i
superintendance of the Author; and by the whole of the coloring
being performed in his own room, under his immediate inspection.
The great precision requisite in this last process, and the difficulty
of impressing on the mind of every one whose assistance was found
necessary, similar ideas of neatness and accuracy, have been a
constant source of anxiety to the Author, and of much loss and
delay. These difficulties have at length been surmounted, by pro-
curing the services of two able assistants, whose skill and attention
leave little further to fear in this department.
Among other improvements which the Author has endeavoured
to introduce, is that of printing the plates in colors; an art in
which the French at present excel; and which, when judiciously
employed in works of this kind, gives great softness and effect to
the plumage. These and various other arrangements have added
heavily to the expense of the publication; but his chief object
being a faithful imitation of Nature, worthy the esteem of that
distinguished portion of the community by whom it is supported,
and honourable to the arts and literature of the nation, no obstacles
of a mere pecuniary nature have been permited to stand in the
way. Where he fails, (as he often will,) want of adequate talents
alone must plead his excuse.
The approbation which this attempt, to collect and portray the
feathered tribes of the United States, has been honoured with,
both in this country and in Europe, gratifying as it is to the feel-
ings of the Author, convinces him, how much still remains to be
done, before he can hope fully to merit these generous encomiums.
It is not sufficient that a work of this kind should speak to the eye
alone, its portraits should reach the heart, particularly of our
youth, who are generally much interested with subjects of this
kind. By entering minutely into the manners of this beautiful
portion of the animate creation, and faithfully exhibiting them as
they are, sentiments of esteem, humanity and admiration will
necessarily result. It is chiefly owing to ignorance of their true
character, that some of our thoughtless youth delight in wantonly
tormenting and destroying those innocent warblers; for who can
either respect, pity or admire what they are totally unacquainted
with? I am persuaded that no child would injure and abuse even
ESSAYS OF 'ORNITHOLOGY.'
255
a harmless worm, with whose economy and mode of life he was
intimately acquainted. Those few birds who, by their innocent
familiarity, have made themselves generally known, are as gener-
ally regarded. Witness the Blue-bird of the United States, and
the Robin Red-breast of Britain, equally beloved by the boys of
both countries.
To the philosopher, as well as the naturalist, and to every man
of feeling, the manners, migration, and immense multitudes of
birds in this country, are subjects of interesting and instructive
curiosity. From the twenty-first day of March to the first of May,
it might with truth be asserted, that at least one hundred million
of birds enter Pennsylvania from the south; part on their way far-
ther north, and part to reside during the season. This is no ex-
travagant computation, since it is allowing only about four hundred
individuals to each square mile; tho even those resident for the
summer would probably average many more. Our forests at that
season are every where stored with them; and even the most
gloomy swamps and morasses swarm with their respective feather-
ed tenants, and the seats of cultivation contain a still greater pro-
portion. In Mr. Bartram's botanic garden, and the adjoining
buildings, comprehending an extent of little more than eight acres,
the Author has ascertained, during his present summer residence
there, that not less than fifty-one* pair of birds took up their
abode, and built their nests within that space. Almost all of these
arrived between the above periods; besides multitudes of passen-
gers. Every morning (for evening, night and morning seem their
* These consisted of
5 pair of House Wrens,
Baltimore Orioles,
1 pair of Common Pee-wees,
Indigo Buntings,
Yellow-breasted Chats,
2 2 30 LOT N
1
Orchard Orioles,
1
Summer Yellow Warblers,
4
Purple Grakles,
5
Catbirds,
5
Song Sparrows,
1
White-eyed Flycatchers,
3
Chipping Sparrows,
2
Warbling Flycatchers,
2
Chimney Swallows,
1
Robins,
1
Purple Martins,
1
Swamp Sparrows,
10
Burn Swallows.
1
Wood Pee-wees,
Besides several others whose nests could not be found, but which were frequently
observed about; such as the Blue Jay, the Humming-bird, Scarlet Tanager, &c., &c.
256
ESSAYS OF ORNITHOLOGY.'
favorite hours of passage) some new strangers were heard or seen
flitting through the arbours, until one general concert seemed to
prevail from every part of the garden.
That these migrations are not performed in one continued jour-
ney, but in occasional and leisurely progression, seems highly
probable, from the length of time that usually elapses between
their first entering the southern boundaries of the United States,
and their appearance in the northern or middle States. In 1809 the
Purple Martins arrived at Savannah on the second day of March;
but did not reach Philadelphia until the twenty-fifth day of the
same month. The Catbirds were first heard at Savannah early in
March; bụt did not arrive in the neighbourhood of Philadelphia
until late in April. Many other species, whose arrival were noted
in the same season, at both places, varied from three to five weeks;
among which latter number was the Humming-bird, which arrived
at Savannah about the twenty-third of March; but rarely reaches
Philadelphia much before the first of May. In short, these little
winged pilgrims, some of whom have several thousand miles of
country to pass over, in their progressive advances north, seem to
follow in the joyous train of Spring, hailing her with their melody,
while she unfolds the infant leaves, spreads a carpet of living green
over the smiling fields, and diffuses warmth and balmy fragrance
over the face of Nature. By the first of May the whole woods are
vocal; and the great business of building and incubation is
going rapidly forward. These sexual attachments are frequently
formed before the arrival of the parties, and some doubtless exist
for several years. During its continuance the most perfect chastity
seems to be observed, each being wholly devoted to the other. A
spot is selected and mutually agreed on, for the site of their nest,
which is constructed by the joint labor and ingenuity of both. At
this interesting season, how assiduous are their labors! How
patient does the zealous female sit, for days and weeks, while the
habitual love of activity, the charms of the season, and every ob-
ject around seem to tempt her away! And with what vigilance
does her faithful partner stand centinel on some pinnacle near the
spot, to guard her from surprise, and to enliven the tedious hours
with his cheerful and animated song! Visiting her in her confine-
ESSAYS OF ORNITHOLOGY.'
257
ment, as an affectionate husband would a beloved wife, feeding her
from his mouth, and warbling to her in strains of soothing gratu-
lation! When the naked, feeble, and helpless brood first appear,
every sensation of affection becomes more exquisite, more ardent
and active. They are never left for a moment alone, one parent
usually watching their slumbers, while the other is in search of
food for their support. All night long, as well as during the cool
damps of morning, and on the appearance of the least inclemency
of weather, she covers them with her body to secure them from the
slightest cold. Should her mate fall by the cruelty of man, she re-
doubles all her care; seems wholly engrossed by her charge; and
is herself their sole supporter, friend and protector. When at last
danger comes suddenly, her affection is never taken by surprise;
she instantly throws herself between them and the enemy, invites
all his attention on herself; and saves their lives at the expense of
her own.
Is it possible for a rational and intelligent being to contemplate
these scenes without interest and without admiration? Innocency
has charms that arrest almost every beholder, and can we survey
the sportive and endearing manners of these with indifference?
Men join with reverence in praises to the great Creator, and can
they listen with contempt to the melodious strains, the hymns of
praise, which these joyful little creatures offer up every morning
to the Fountain of light and life? Who can contemplate, unmoved,
the distress of a fond mother for her dying infant? And has that
tender mother no claims on our sympathy, who, unprotected her-
self, prefers death rather than her young should suffer? Is ten-
derness of heart, fidelity, and parental affection, only lovely when
they exist among men? Oh no! it is impossible!-Those virtues
that are esteemed the highest ornaments of our nature, seem to be
emanations from the Divinity Himself; and may be traced in many
of the humblest and least regarded of his creatures.
ALEXANDER WILSON.
PHILADELPHIA, September 12th, 1811. *
*‹ American Ornithology,' (1811) Vol. IV., pp., v.-x.—G.
I 2
258
ESSAYS OF ORNITHOLOGY.'
1
ESSAY VI.
PREDECESSORS, AND FELLOW-WORKERS, AND DIFFICULTIES.
The fifth volume of this extensive work is submitted to the
public with all due deference and respect; and the Author having
now, as he conjectures, reached the middle-stage of his journey,
or, in traveller's phrase, 'the half-way house,' may be permitted
to indulge himself with a slight retrospect of the ground he has
already traversed, and a glimpse of that which still lies before
him.
The whole of our Land Birds (those of the sixth volume in-
cluded, which are nearly ready for the press) have now been
figured and described, probably a very few excepted, which, it is
hoped, will also shortly be obtained. These have been gleaned
up from an extensive territory of woods and fields, unfrequented
forests, solitary ranges of mountains, swamps and morasses, by
successive journies and excursions of more than ten thousand
miles. With all the industry which a single individual could
possibly exert, several species have doubtless escaped him. These
future expeditions may enable him to procure; or the kindness of
his distant literary friends obligingly supply him with.
In endeavouring to collect materials for describing truly and
fully our feathered tribes, he has frequently had recourse to the
works of those European naturalists who have written on the sub-
ject; he has examined their pages with an eager and inquisitive
eye; but his researches in that quarter have been but too fre-
quently repaid with disappointment, and often with disgust. On
the subject of the manners and migrations of our birds, which, in
fact, constitute almost the only instructive and interesting parts of
their history, all is a barren and a dreary waste.
A few vague
and formal particulars of their size, specific marks, &c., accom-
panied sometimes with figured representations that would seem
rather intended to caricature than to illustrate their originals, is
all that the greater part of them can boast of. Nor are these the
most exceptionable parts of their performances; the novelty of
fable, and the wildness of fanciful theory, are frequently substi-
{
ESSAYS OF 'ORNITHOLOGY.'
259
tuted for realities; and conjectures instead of facts called up for
their support. Prejudice, as usual, has in numerous instances
united with its parent, ignorance, to depreciate and treat with con-
tempt what neither of them understood; and the whole interest-
ing assemblage of the feathered tribes of this vast continent, which
in richness of plumage, and in strength, sweetness, and variety of
song, will be found to exceed those of any other quarter of the
globe, are little known save in the stuffed cabinets of the curious,
and among the abstruse pages and technical catalogues of dry
systematic writers.
From these barren and musty records, the Author of the present
work has a thousand times turned, with a delight bordering on
adoration, to the magnificent repository of the woods and fields-
the Grand Aviary of Nature. In this divine school he has studied
from no vulgar copy; but from the works of the GREAT MASTER
OF CREATION Himself; and has read with rapture the lessons of
his wisdom, His goodness, and His love, in the conformation, the
habitudes, melody and migrations of this beautiful portion of the
work of His hands. To communicate as correct ideas of these as
his feeble powers are capable of; and thus, from objects that in
our rural walks almost everywhere present themselves, to deduce
not only amusement and instruction, but the highest incitements
to virtue and piety, have been the Author's most anxious and
ardent wish. On many of his subjects, indeed, it has not been
in his power to say much. The recent discovery of some, and
the solitary and secluded habits of others, have opposed great
obstacles to his endeavours in this respect. But a time is
approaching when these obstacles will no longer exist. When the
population of this immense western Republic will have diffused
itself over every acre of ground fit for the comfortable habitation
of man, when farms, villages, towns, and glittering cities-thick
as the stars in a winter's evening-overspread the face of our
beloved country, and every hill, valley, and stream, has its
favorite name, its native flocks and rural inhabitants,—then, not
a warbler shall flit through our thickets but its name, its notes,
and habits will be familiar to all, repeated in their sayings, and
celebrated in their village songs. At that happy period, should
260
ESSAYS OF ORNITHOLOGY.'
any vestige or memory of the present publication exist, be it
known to our more enlightened posterity, as some apology for the
deficiencies of its Author, that in the period in which he wrote
three-fourths of our feathered tribes were altogether unknown
even to the proprietors of the woods which they frequented; that
without patron, fortune, or recompence, he brought the greater
part of these from the obscurity of ages, gave to each “
a local
habitation and a name"; collected from personal observation
whatever of their characters and manners seemed deserving of
attention; and delineated their forms and features in their native
colors, as faithfully as he could, as records, at least, of their
existence.
In treating of those birds more generally known, I have en-
deavoured to do impartial justice to their respective characters.
Ignorance and stubborn-rooted opinions, even in this country,
have rendered some odious that are eminently useful, and
involved the others in fable and mystery which, in themselves,
are plain and open as day. To remove prejudices when they
oppose themselves to the influence of humanity is a difficult, but,
when effected, a most pleasing employment. If, therefore, in
divesting this part of the Natural History of our country of many
of its fables and most forbidding features, and thus enabling our
youth to become more intimately acquainted with this charming
portion of the feathered creation, I should have succeeded in
multiplying their virtuous enjoyments, and in rendering them
more humane to those little choristers, how gratifying to my heart
would be the reflection! For to me it appears that, of all inferior
creatures, Heaven seems to have intended birds as the most
cheerful associates of man, to soothe and exhilarate him in his
labours by their varied melody, of which no other creature but
man is capable; to prevent the increase of those supernumerary
hosts of insects that would soon consume the products of his
industry; to glean up the refuse of his fields "that nothing be
lost," and, what is of much more interest, to be to him the most
endearing examples of the tenderest connubial love and parental
affection.
As to what still remains to be done, let the following slight
ESSAYS OF ORNITHOLOGY.'
261
sketch suffice. The number of plates for each volume being fixed,
the size of the volume will depend, as heretofore, on the characters
of the birds being more or less interesting. The present is more
so than the preceding, and contains a number of noted birds whose
histories will be found to be fully detailed. A wish to reduce as
few of the drawings from the full size as possible, may sometimes
lessen the number of figures; but the value of those given will
always, in this case, be increased by the greater pains and
expense bestowed on their execution.
In the sixth volume, the Woodcock, Snipe, Partridge, Ruffed
Grous or Pheasant, the Rail, the beautiful Ground Dove of the
Southern States, numbers of Hawks (some of them very rare),
Owls, Buzzards, Vultures, &c., &c., will make their appearance.
The engravers being already considerably advanced with these,
it is confidently hoped that no delay will be experienced beyond
the regular time of publication.
The seventh volume will introduce the Gralla or Waders, a
numerous order of birds in the United States. The greater part
of these being too large to be represented in full size, will be
educed from the original drawings by the Author himself with as
nuch precision as he is capable of, and in such manner that all
the figures exhibited on the same plate will be reduced by the
ame scale; thereby preserving a correct idea of their relative as
well as apparent natural magnitude. Some of these are new, and
peculiarities will be pointed out in many of them which are truly
singular and interesting. The tenth volume, with a complete
index, and some other requisite matters, with perhaps an appendix
comprehending stragglers of various classes, will probably complete
the whole.
The publication of an original work of this kind in this country
has been attended with difficulties, great, and, it must be con-
fessed, sometimes discouraging to the Author, whose only reward
hitherto has been the favourable opinion of his fellow-citizens, and
the pleasure of the pursuit. The support, however, which he has
uniformly received from the artists and others engaged in the
work has fully equalled his expectations, and demands his public
and grateful acknowledgments. The engravings will be a lasting

262
ESSAYS OF ORNITHOLOGY.'
monument to the merits of Messrs. Lawson, Murray, and
Warnicke; and the elegance of the letterpress, which even in
Europe has excited admiration, does the highest honor to the taste
of the founders, Messrs. Binney & Ronaldson, as well as to the
professional talents and constant attention of the printers, Messrs.
R. & W. Carr; while the unrivalled, excellence of the paper, from
the manufactory of Mr. Amies, proves what American ingenuity
is capable of producing when properly encouraged.
Let but the generous hand of patriotism be stretched forth to
assist and cherish the rising arts and literature of our country,
and both will most assuredly, and that at no remote period, shoot
forth, increase, and flourish with a vigor, a splendor, and useful-
ness inferior to no other on earth.

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 12th, 1812.*
ALEXANDER WILSON.
ESSAY VII.
THE LAND BIRDS COMPLETED.
Having at length collected, drawn, and described all the Land
Birds of the United States with which I am acquainted (a very
few excepted, which will appear in the succeeding volume or in
the Appendix, as good specimens of them can be obtained), I now
present the reader with a list of the whole, arranged in systematic
order, with references to the pages of this work where the history,
of each is detailed. The blanks unavoidably left for the few
unpublished ones may be filled up hereafter with the pen or
pencil. Those printed in italics are new species not heretofore
figured or described.
The foregoing numerous assemblage forms the first grand
division of our Ornithology; the second and last is composed of
the Waders and Web-footed, a vast and various multitude, sub-
* 'American Ornithology' (1812) Vol. V., pp. v.-x.-G.
ESSAYS OF ORNITHOLOGY.'
263
sisting chiefly on the bounty of the ocean and the gleanings of our
rivers, lakes, and marshes. These will be introduced to the
particular acquaintance of the reader in the succeeding volumes
of this work.
Hitherto, the good wishes of his friends and the distinguished
approbation of his beloved country have accompanied the Author
in his humble endeavours to do justice to this portion of its
Natural History. Deeply sensible of this goodness, he will only
say that in what still remains to be done it will be his constant
aim so to execute it as not to disappoint expectation.
ALEXANDER WILSON.
PHILADELPHIA, August 12th, 1812. *
ESSAY VIII.
THE WATER BIRDS : THE WONDERS OF ORNITHOLOGY.
We now enter upon the second grand division of our subject,
Water Birds; and on that particular class or order, usually de-
nominated Gralla, or Waders. Here a new assemblage of scenery,
altogether different from the former, presents itself for our con-
templation. Instead of rambling through the leafy labyrinths of
umbrageous groves, fragrance-breathing orchards, fields and
forests, we must now descend into the watery morass, and mosqui-
toe swamp; traverse the windings of the river, the rocky cliffs,
bays and inlets of the sea-beat shore, listening to the wild and
melancholy screams of a far different multitude; a multitude less
intimate indeed with man, tho not less useful; as they contribute
liberally to his amusement, to the abundance of his table, the
warmth of his bed, and the comforts of his repose.
In contemplating the various, singular and striking peculiarities
of these, we shall every where find traces of an infinitely wise and
beneficent Creator. In every deviation of their parts from the
common conformation of such as are designed for the land alone,
*粉 ​'American Ornithology' (1812) Vol. VI., pp. v.-xviii.-G.
264
ESSAYS OF ORNITHOLOGY."
we may discover a wisdom of design never erring, never failing in
the means it provides for the accomplishmeut of its purpose. In-
stead, therefore, of imitating the wild presumption, or rather pro-
fanity, of those who have censured as rude, defective or deformed,
whatever, in those and other organized beings accorded not with
their narrow conceptions; let it be ours to search with humility
into the intention of those particular conformations; and thus,
entering as it were into the designs of the Deity, we shall see in
every part of the work of His hands abundant cause to exclaim
with the rapturous poet of Nature,
"O Wisdom infinite! Goodness immense !
And Love that passeth knowledge!"
In the present volume, the greater part of such of the Waders
as belong to the territories of the United States, will be found
delineated and described. This class naturally forms an interme-
diate link between the Land Birds and the Web-footed, partaking,
in their form, food, and habits, of the characters of both; and
equally deserving of our regard and admiration. Tho formed for
traversing watery situations, often in company with the Swimmers,
they differ from these last in one circumstance common to Land
Birds, the separation of the toes nearly to their origin; and in
the habit of never venturing beyond their depth. On the other
hand, they are furnished with legs of extraordinary length, bare
for a considerable space above the knees, by the assistance of
which they are enabled to walk about in the water in pursuit of
their prey, where the others are obliged to swim; and also with
necks of corresponding length, by means of which they can search
the bottom for food, where the others must have recourse to
diving. The bills of one family (the Herons) are strong, sharp
pointed, and of considerable length; while the flexibility of the
neck, the rapidity of its action, and remarkable acuteness of sight,
wonderfully fit them for watching, striking, and securing their
prey. Those whose food consists of more feeble and sluggish in-
sects, that lie concealed deeper in the mud, are provided with bills
of still greater extension, the rounded extremity of which possesses
such nice sensibility, as to enable its possessor to detect its prey
ESSAYS OF ´ORNITHOLOGY.'
265
the instant it comes in contact with it, tho altogether beyond the
reach of sight.
Other families of this same order, formed for traversing the
sandy sea-beach in search of small shell-fish that lurk just below
the surface, have the bills and legs necessarily shorter; but their
necessities requiring them to be continually on the verge of the
flowing or retreating wave, the activity of their motions forms a
striking contrast with the patient habits of the Heron tribe, who
sometimes stand fixed and motionless, for hours together, by the
margin of the pool or stream, watching to surprize their scaly
prey.
Some few again, whose favourite food lies at the soft oozy
bottom of shallow pools, have the bill so extremely slender and
delicate, as to be altogether unfit for penetrating either the muddy
shores, or sandy sea beach; tho excellently adapted for its own
particular range, where lie the various kinds of food destined for
their subsistence. Of this kind are the Avosets of the present
volume, who not only wade with great activity in considerably
deep water; but having the feet nearly half webbed, combine in
one the characters of both wader and swimmer.
It is thus, that by studying the living manners of the different
tribes in their native retreats, we not only reconcile the singularity
of some parts of their conformation with divine wisdom; but are
enabled to comprehend the reason of many others, which the pride
of certain closet-naturalists has arraigned as lame, defective and
deformed.
One observation more may be added: the migrations of this class
of birds are more generally known and acknowledged than that of
most others. Their comparatively large size and immense multi-
tudes, render their regular periods of migration (so strenuously
denied to some others) notorious along the whole extent of our sea-
coast. Associating, feeding and travelling together in such pro-
digious and noisy numbers, it would be no less difficult to conceal
their arrival, passage and departure, than that of a vast army
through a thickly peopled country. Constituting also, as many of
them do, an article of food and interest to man, he naturally be-
comes more intimately acquainted with their habits and retreats,
K 2
266
ESSAYS OF ORNITHOLOGY.'
than with those feeble and minute kinds which offer no such in-
ducement, and perform their migrations with more silence, in
scattered parties, unheeded or overlooked. Hence many of the
Waders can be traced from their summer abodes, the desolate
regions of Greenland and Spitzbergen, to the fens and sea-shores
of the West India Islands and South America, the usual places of
their winter retreat, while those of the Purple Martin and common
Swallow still remain, in vulgar belief, wrapt up in all the darkness
of mystery.
The figures in the plates which accompany this volume have
been generally reduced to one half the dimensions of the living
birds. In the succeeding volumes where some of the subjects
measure upwards of five feet in height, one general standard of
reduction will be used, by which means the comparative size of
each species can be easily ascertained at first glance; and a greater
number introduced in each plate, so as to comprehend the whole
of our ornithology in nine volumes, being one less than originally
projected.
PHILADELPHIA, March 1st., 1813, *
ALEXANDER WILSON.
ESSAY IX.
THE AUTHOR DEAD: THE WORK LEFT TO BE COMPLETED.
The patrons of the "American Ornithology" are now presented
with the eighth volume of that work, which, unfortunately for the
interest of Science, was left unfinished by its ingenious and
indefatigable Author. It was the intention of Mr. Wilson to
complete the whole in nine volumes; and he was rapidly advancing
to a close, when he was suddenly arrested in his honourable and
useful career by a mandate from that Power who so often frus-
trates human purposes, and whose mighty scheme of Providence
no created being can comprehend.
* 'American Ornithology,' (1813) Vol. VII., pp. v.-ix.-G.
ESSAYS OF ORNITHOLOGY.'
267
The historical part of the present volume was fully completed
and printed off, and all the plates, except one, were engraved,
under the superintendence of the Author himself. But from the
defection of those on whom he had relied for assistance in the
coloring of his subjects, and the great difficulty of immediately
procuring others competent to the task, that branch of the work
did not keep pace with the rest; and hence the publication of the
volume has been delayed by causes beyond the control of those
on whom, at Mr. Wilson's death, his affairs devolved. But this
delay, we trust, has been of benefit to the work, as it enabled us
to employ an artist who formerly gained the confidence of the
Author by his skill and attention to the duties assigned him, and
who has given assurance of continuing his assistance until the
whole is completed. With such a coadjutor, our labors in that
department will be considerably lightened; and, with deference,
we hope that the public will not so readily perceive the absence of
that hand whose delicate touches imparted hues and animation to
the pictured "denizens of the air," which might almost vie with
the interesting originals themselves.
The present volume contains much valuable matter; and, when
viewed as the last fruit of the fertile and philosophical mind of its
amiable Author, will be doubtless received with no ordinary degree
of attention. In it, we are presented with correct and highly-
finished delineations of the whole of that interesting and useful
tribe, the Anas genus,* that frequent our waters. The histories
of some are necessarily imperfect, as they are but partially known
and seldom permit an opportunity of investigation. Others from
their habits not exciting much interest, have been too much
neglected by naturalists; and the biographer of their simple lives
was condemned, however repugnant to his wishes and intentions,
to pass them over in a brief and unsatisfactory manner. But the
historian has had it in his power to confer that justice on a few
whose merits have been considered by ornithologists and con-
noisseurs as of the first order, to which they are fairly entitled;
* With the exception of the Swan, a good specimen of which Mr. W. was never
enabled to procure.
268
ESSAYS OF ´ORNITHOLOGY.'
and his faithful recitals, we trust, will amply reward attention, as
neither pains nor expense has been spared to obtain correct in-
formation relating to them which he knew would be justly valued
by a discerning and respectable community.
Of the domestic habits of the greater part of the subjects above
referred to, the scientific world unfortunately remains in ignorance.
Formed by nature with strength of wing capable of supporting
immense aerial journies, the Ducks, in the vernal season, impelled
by that mysterious principle vaguely termed instinct, prepare to
seek those climes which will afford them an asylum during the
important period of incubation, and where they and their offspring
may escape the observation of destructive man. To the dreary
regions of the north these wanderers then repair; each family,
probably, occupying those peculiar districts which have been the
heritage of their progenitors for ages, and which furnish them with
an abundance of food particularly adapted to their wants, and to
the rearing of their young. In that season, could the zealous
naturalist safely tread those unknown shores, what a rich harvest
would reward his enterprise and research! He would there behold,
on their own native streams, in all the pride of independence,
those various acquaintance whose periodical visits to his section of
the globe he never failed to welcome. He would explore their
favourite haunts; trace the operations of Nature in the important,
consecutive work of perpetuating their kind; note their simple
manners, before a knowledge of the lords of creation had taught
them vigilance and stratagem; and, finally, behold them congre-
gating in prodigious multitudes to prepare, as the season of night
and storms approaches, to migrate to those regions where their
wants may continue to be supplied, and where it seems to be a
wise provision of the bountiful Creator of all things they them-
selves may contribute to the sustenance and comfort of a portion
of the human race. But to such an enterprise, Nature has opposed
formidable barriers, such as it appears she does not intend that we
shall surmount; thereby intimating to us that she fears to indulge
a curiosity which might ultimately prove subversive of her general
plan, by relinquishing to the insatiable dominion of a few what
was kindly intended for the benefit of all.
ESSAYS OF ORNITHOLOGY.'
269
The publication of the eighth volume has been attended with
increased expense, as the nature of the figures and the crowded
manner in which the Author found himself necessitated to intro-
duce them in order that nine volumes should comprise the whole
´of our Ornithology have compelled the artists to devote more time
to the faithful discharge of their trust. How well they have suc-
ceeded in doing justice to their subjects, it is not necessary for us
to declare; as the public, in matters of taste, indulge a right of
judging for themselves. But it is proper to state that the present
volume was a favorite with its Author, and he had formed the
resolution of devoting to it a more than ordinary share of his
personal attention,-intending thereby to afford to his patrons a
proof that there was no falling off from his original elegance, and
to the friends of the arts and lovers of science a brilliant illustra-
tion of what unwearied industry could accomplish, when associated
with zeal and talent. Mr. Wilson intended coloring the chief part
of the plates himself; but that design, which sprang from the most
refined sense of duty and so fondly cherished, he did not live to
accomplish.
The succeeding volume will be published without delay, the
plates for it being all engraved. In that, the public may expect
a biographical account of Mr. Wilson, compiled from the most
authentic materials in the possession of his executors, a complete
index to the whole, and a list of subscribers, which will conclude
the "American Ornithology."
PHILADELPHIA, January 19th, 1814.*.
* ‘American Ornithology' (1814) Vol. VIII., pp. iii.-vii. By George Ord.—G.
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
ESSAY X.
OF THE WHITE-HEADED OR BALD EAGLE. *
This distinguished bird, as he is the most beautiful of his tribe
in this part of the world, and the adopted emblem of our country,
is entitled to particular notice. He is represented in the plate of
one-third his natural size, and was drawn from one of the largest
and most perfect specimens I have yet met with. In the back-
ground is seen a distant view of the celebrated Cataract of Niagara,—
a noted place of resort for these birds, as well on account of the
fish procured there as for the numerous carcasses of squirrels, deer,
bears, and various other animals, that in their attempts to cross
the river above the Falls have been dragged into the current, and
precipitated down that tremendous gulf, where, among the rocks
that bound the Rapids below, they furnish a rich repast for the
Vulture, the Raven, and the Bald Eagle-the subject of the present
account. This bird has been long known to naturalists, being
common to both continents, and occasionally met with from a very
high northern latitude to the borders of the torrid zone, but chiefly
in the vicinity of the sea, and along the shores and cliffs of our
lakes and large rivers. Formed by Nature for braving the severest
cold; feeding equally on the produce of the sea and of the land ;
*The epithet bald, applied to this species, whose head is thickly covered with
feathers, is equally improper and absurd with the titles Goatsucker, Kingfisher,
&c., bestowed on others, and seems to have been occasioned by the white appear-
ance of the head when contrasted with the dark colour of the rest of the plumage.
The appellation, however, being now almost universal, is retained in the following
pages.
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
271
possessing powers of flight capable of outstripping even the
tempests themselves; unawed by anything but man, and, from the
ethereal heights to which he soars, looking abroad at one glance on
an immeasurable expanse of forests, fields, lakes, and ocean deep
below him, he appears indifferent to the little localities of change
of seasons; as in a few minutes he can pass from summer to winter,
from the lower to the higher regions of the atmosphere, the abode
of eternal cold; and thence descend, at will, to the torrid or the
arctic regions of the earth. He is, therefore, found at all seasons
in the countries he inhabits; but prefers such places as have been
mentioned above, from the great partiality he has for fish.
In procuring these, he displays, in a very singular manner, the
genius and energy of his character, which is fierce, contemplative,
daring, and tyrannical,―attributes not exerted but on particular
occasions, but when put forth, overpowering all opposition. Ele-
vated on the high dead limb of some gigantic tree that commands
a wide view of the neighbouring shore and ocean, he seems calmly
to contemplate the motions of the various feathered tribes that
pursue their busy avocations below: the snow-white Gulls slowly
winnowing the air; the busy Tringæ coursing along the sands;
trains of Ducks streaming over the surface; silent and watchful
Cranes, intent and wading; clamorous Crows; and all the winged
multitudes that subsist by the bounty of this vast liquid magazine
of Nature. High over all these hovers one whose action instantly
arrests all his attention. By his wide curvature of wing and
sudden suspension in air, he knows him to be the Fish-hawk,
settling over some devoted victim of the deep. His eye kindles
at the sight, and balancing himself, with half-opened wings on the
branch, he watches the result. Down, rapid as an arrow from
heaven, descends the distant object of his attention, the roar of
its wings reaching the ear as it disappears in the deep, making the
surges foam around! At this moment, the eager looks of the
Eagle are all ardor; and, levelling his neck for flight, he sees the
Fish-hawk once more emerge, struggling with his prey, and
mounting in the air with screams of exultation. These are the
signal for our hero, who, launching into the air, instantly gives
chase, [and] soon gains on the Fish-hawk. Each exerts his utmost
272
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
to mount above the other, displaying in these rencontres the most
elegant and sublime aerial evolutions. The unincumbered Eagle
rapidly advances, and is just on the point of reaching his opponent
when, with a sudden scream, probably of despair and honest
execration, the latter drops his fish. The Eagle, poising himself
for a moment as if to take a more certain aim, descends like a
whirlwind, snatches it in his grasp ere it reaches the water, and
bears his ill-gotten booty silently away to the woods.
These predatory attacks and defensive manoeuvres of the Eagle
and the Fish-hawk are matters of daily observation along the
whole of our sea-board, from Georgia to New England, and
frequently excite great interest in the spectators. Sympathy,
however, on this as on most other occasions, generally sides with
the honest and laborious sufferer in opposition to the attacks of
power, injustice, and rapacity,—qualities for which our hero is so
generally notorious, and which, in his superior, Man, are certainly
detestable. As for the feelings of the poor fish, they seem
altogether out of the question.
When driven, as he sometimes is by the combined courage and
perseverance of the Fish-hawks, from their neighbourhood, and
forced to hunt for himself, he retires more inland in search of young
pigs, of which he destroys great numbers. In the lower parts of
Virginia and North Carolina, where the inhabitants raise vast
herds of those animals, complaints of this kind are very general
against him. He also destroys young lambs in the early part of
Spring, and will sometimes attack old sickly sheep, aiming
furiously at their eyes.
In corroboration of the remarks I have myself made on the
manners of the Bald Eagle, many accounts have reached me from
various persons of respectability, living on or near our sea coast.
The substance of all these I shall endeavour to incorporate with
the present account.
Mr. John L. Gardiner, who resides on an island of three
thousand acres about three miles from the eastern point of Long
Island, from which it is separated by Gardiner's Bay, and who has
consequently many opportunities of observing the habits of these
birds, has favored me with a number of interesting particulars on
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
273
this subject, for which I beg leave thus publicly to return my
grateful acknowledgment.
'remain on this
"The Bald Eagles," says this gentleman,
island during the whole winter. They can be most easily dis-
covered on evenings by their loud snoring while asleep on high
oak trees; and when awake, their hearing seems to be nearly as
good as their sight. I think I mentioned to you that I had myself
seen one flying with a lamb ten days old, and which it dropped on
the ground from about ten or twelve feet high. The struggling
of the lamb, more than its weight, prevented its carrying it away.
My running, hallooing, and being very near, might prevent its
completing its design. It had broke the back in the act of seizing
it, and I was under the necessity of killing it outright to prevent
its misery. The lamb's dam seemed astonished to see its innocent
offspring borne off into the air by a bird.
"I was lately told," continues Mr. Gardiner, "by a man of
truth, that he saw an Eagle rob a Hawk of its fish, and the Hawk
seemed so enraged as to fly down at the Eagle, while the Eagle
very deliberately, in the air, threw himself partly over on his
back, and, while he grasped with one foot the fish, extended the
other to threaten or seize the Hawk. I have known several
Hawks unite to attack the Eagle, but never knew a single one to
do it. The Eagle seems to regard the Hawks as the Hawks do
the King-birds-only as teasing, troublesome fellows."
From the same intelligent and obliging friend, I lately received
a well-preserved skin of the Bald Eagle, which, from its appearance
and the note that accompanied it, seems to have belonged to a
very formidable individual. "It was shot," says Mr. Gardiner,
"last winter on this island, and weighed thirteen pounds,
measured three feet in length, and seven from tip to tip of the
expanded wings; was extremely fierce-looking; tho' wounded,
would turn his back to no one; fastened his claws into the head
of a dog, and was with difficulty disengaged. I have rode on
horseback within five or six rods of one, who by his bold
demeanour,-raising his feathers, &c.,-seemed willing to dispute
the ground with its owner. The crop of the present was full of
mutton, from my part blood Merinos, and his intestines contained
L 2
274
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
feathers which he probably devoured with a Duck or Winter Gull,
as I observed an entire foot and leg of some water fowl. I had
two killed previous to this, which weighed ten pounds avoirdupois
each."
The intrepidity of character mentioned above, may be farther
illustrated by the following fact, which occurred a few years ago
near Great Egg Harbour, New Jersey :—A woman, who happened
to be weeding in the garden, had set her child down near to amuse
itself while she was at work; when a sudden and extraordinary
rushing sound, and a scream from her child, alarmed her, and,
starting up, she beheld the infant thrown down and dragged
some few feet, and a large Bald Eagle bearing off a fragment of
its frock, which being the only part seized, and giving way,
providentially saved the life of the infant.
The appetite of the Bald Eagle, tho' habituated to long fasting,
is of the most voracious and often the most indelicate kind.
Fish, when he can obtain them, are preferred to all other fare.
Young lambs and pigs are dainty morsels, and made free with on
all favorable occasions. Ducks, Geese, Gulls, and other sea fowl,
are also seized with avidity. The most putrid carrion, when
nothing better can be had, is acceptable; and the collected groups
of gormandizing Vultures, on the approach of this dignified
personage, instantly disperse, and make way for their master,
waiting his departure in sullen silence, and at a respectful
distance, on the adjacent trees.
In one of those partial migrations of tree-squirrels that some-
times take place in our western forests, many thousands of them
were drowned in attempting to cross the Ohio; and a certain
place, not far from Wheeling, a prodigious number of their dead
bodies were floated to the shore by an eddy. Here the Vultures
assembled in great force, and had regaled themselves for some
time, when a Bald Eagle made his appearance and took sole
possession of the premises, keeping the whole Vultures at their
proper distance for several days. He has also been seen navigating
the same river on a floating carrion, though scarcely raised above
the surface of the water, and tugging at the carcass, regardless of
snags, sawyers, planters, or shallows. He sometimes carries his
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
275
tyranny to great extremes against the Vultures. In hard times,
when food happens to be scarce, should he accidentally meet with
one of these who has its craw crammed with carrion, he attacks it
fiercely in the air; the cowardly Vulture instantly disgorges, and
the delicious contents are snatched up by the Eagle before they
reach the ground.
The nest of this species is generally fixed on a very large and
lofty tree, often in a swamp or morass, and difficult to be ascended.
On some noted tree of this description, often a pine or cypress, the
Bald Eagle builds, year after year, for a long series of years.
When both male and female have been shot from the nest, another
pair has soon after taken possession. The nest is large, being
added to and repaired every season, until it becomes a black
prominent mass observable at a considerable distance. It is
formed of large sticks, sods, earthy rubbish, hay, moss, &c. Many
have stated to me that the female lays first a single egg, and that,
after having sat on it for some time, she lays another; when the
first is hatched, the warmth of that, it is pretended, hatches the
other. Whether this be correct or not, I cannot determine; but
a very respectable gentleman of Virginia assured me that he saw
a large tree cut down containing the nest of a Bald Eagle, in
which were two young, one of which appeared nearly three times
as large as the other. As a proof of their attachment to their
young, a person near Norfolk informed me that, in clearing a piece
of wood on his place, they met with a large dead pine tree on
which was a Bald Eagle's nest and young. The tree being on fire
more than half way up, and the flames rapidly ascending, the
parent eagle darted around and among the flames until her
plumage was so much injured that it was with difficulty she could
make her escape, and even then she several times attempted to
return to relieve her offspring.
No bird provides more abundantly for its young than the Bald
Eagle. Fish are daily carried thither in numbers, so that they
sometimes lie scattered round the tree, and the putrid smell of the
nest may be distinguished at the distance of several hundred yards.
The young are at first covered with a thick whitish or cream-
colored cottony down; they gradually become of a gray color as
276
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
their plumage develops itself, continue of the brown gray until
the third year, when the white begins to make its appearance on
the head, neck, tail coverts, and tail; these by the end of the
fourth year are completely white, or very slightly tinged with
cream; the eye also is at first hazel, but gradually brightens into
a brilliant straw color, with the white plumage of the head. Such
at least was the gradual progress of this change, witnessed by
myself, on a very fine specimen brought up by a gentleman, a
friend of mine, who for a considerable time believed it to be what
is usually called the Grey Eagle, and was much surprised at the
gradual metamorphosis. This will account for the circumstance,
so frequently observed, of the Grey and White-headed Eagle being
seen together, both being, in fact, the same species in different
stages of color according to their difference of age.
The flight of the Bald Eagle, when taken into consideration with
the ardor and energy of his character, is noble and interesting.
Sometimes the human eye can just discern him, like a minute
speck, moving in slow curvatures along the face of the heavens,
as if reconnoitring the earth at that immense distance. Sometimes
he glides along in a direct horizontal line at a vast height with
expanded and unmoving wings, till he gradually disappears in the
distant blue ether. Seen gliding in easy circles over the high
shores and mountainous cliffs that tower above the Hudson and
Susquehanna, he attracts the eye of the intelligent voyager, and
adds great interest to the scenery. At the great Cataract of
Niagara, already mentioned, there rises from the gulf into which
the Fall of the Horse-Shoe descends a stupendous column of
smoke or spray reaching to the heavens, and moving off in large
black clouds, according to the direction of the wind, forming a very
striking and majestic appearance. The Eagles are here seen sailing
about, sometimes losing themselves in this thick column and again
reappearing in another place, with such ease and elegance of
motion as renders the whole truly sublime.
High o'er the watery uproar, silent seen,
Sailing sedate in majesty serene,
Now midst the pillar'd spray sublimely lost,
And now, emerging, down the Rapids tost,
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
277
Glides the Bald Eagle, gazing calm and slow
O'er all the horrors of the scene below;
Intent alone to sate himself with blood
From the torn victims of the raging flood.
The White-headed Eagle is three feet long and seven feet in
extent; the bill is of a rich yellow; cere the same, slightly tinged
with green; mouth flesh-colored; tip of the tongue bluish black;
the head, chief part of the neck, vent, tail coverts, and tail, are
white in the perfect or old birds of both sexes,-in those under
three years of age these parts are of a grey brown; the rest of the
plunrage is deep dark brown, each feather tipt with pale brown—
lightest on the shoulder of the wing, and darkest towards its
extremities. The conformation of the wing is admirably adapted
for the support of so large a bird. It measures two feet in breadth
on the greater quills, and sixteen inches on the lesser; the longest
primaries are twenty inches in length, and upwards of one inch in
circumference where they enter the skin; the broadest secondaries
are three inches in breadth across the vane; the scapulars are
very large and broad, spreading from the back to the wing, to
prevent the air from passing through; another range of broad flat
feathers, from three to ten inches in length, also extend from the
lower part of the breast to the wing below for the same purpose;
between these lies a deep triangular cavity; the thighs are remark-
ably thick, strong, and muscular, covered with long feathers
pointing backwards, usually called the femoral feathers; the legs,
which are covered half way below the knee before with dark brown
downy feathers, are of a rich yellow, the color of ripe Indian corn ;
feet the same; claws blue black, very large and strong, particularly
the inner one, which is considerably the largest ; soles very rough
and warty; the eye is sunk under a bony or cartilaginous projec-
tion of a pale yellow color, and is turned considerably forwards,
not standing parallel with the cheeks; the iris is of a bright straw
color, pupil black.
The male is generally two or three inches shorter than the
female; the white on the head, neck, and tail being more tinged
with yellowish, and its whole appearance less formidable; the
278
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
brown plumage is also lighter, and the bird itself less daring than
the female,—a circumstance common to almost all birds of prey.
The bird from which the foregoing drawing and description were
taken, was shot near Great Egg Harbour, in the month of January.
[It] was in excellent order, and weighed about eleven pounds. Dr.
Samuel B. Smith of the city obliged me with a minute and careful
dissection of it, from whose copious and very interesting notes on
the subject I shall extract such remarks as are suited to the
general reader.
"The Eagle you sent me for dissection was a beautiful female.
It had two expansions of the gullet. The first principally composed
of longitudinal bundles of fibre, in which (as the bird is ravenous
and without teeth) large portions of unmasticated meats are
suffered to dissolve before they pass to the lower or proper
stomach, which is membranous. I did not receive the bird in time
enough to ascertain whether any chylification was effected by the
juices from the vessels of this enlargement of the oesophagus. I
think it probable that it also has a regurgitating or vomiting power,
as the bird constantly swallows large quantities of indigestible
substances, such as quills, hairs, &c. In this sac of the Eagle, I
found the quill feathers of the small white gull; and in the true
stomach, the tail and some of the breast feathers of the same bird
and the dorsal vertebræ of a large fish. This excited some sur-
prise, until you made me acquainted with the fact of its watching
the Fish-Hawks, and robbing them of their prey. Thus we see,
throughout the whole empire of animal life, power is almost always
in a state of hostility to justice; and of the Deity only can it
truly be said, that justice is commensurate with power!
"The Eagle has the several 'auxiliaries to digestion and assimi-
lation in common with man. The liver was unusually large in
your specimen. It secretes bile, which stimulates the intestines,
prepares the chyle for blood, and by this very secretion of bile (as
it is a deeply respiring animal) separates or removes some obnoxious
principles from the blood. (See Dr. Rush's admirable lecture on
this important viscus in the human subject.) The intestines were
also large, long, convolute, and supplied with numerous lacteal
vessels, which differ little from those of men, except in color, which
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
279
was transparent. The kidneys were large, and seated on each side
the vertebræ near the anus. They are also destined to secrete some
offensive principles from the blood.
>>
"The eggs were small and numerous; and, after a careful
examination, I concluded that no sensible increase takes place in
them till the particular season. This may account for the unusual
excitement which prevails in these birds in the sexual intercourse.
Why there are so many eggs, is a mystery. It is, perhaps, con-
sistent with natural law that everything should be abundant; but
from this bird it is said no more than two young are hatched in a
season, consequently, no more eggs are wanted than a sufficiency
to produce that effect. Are the eggs numbered originally, and is
there no increase of number, but a gradual loss, till all are depo-
sited? If so, the number may correspond to the long life and
vigorous health of this noble bird. Why there is but two young
in a season is easily explained. Nature has been studiously
parsimonious of her physical strength, from whence the tribes of
animals incapable to resist, derive security and confidence.'
The Eagle is said to live to a great age-sixty, eighty, and, as
some assert, one hundred years. This circumstance is remarkable,
when we consider the seeming intemperate habits of the bird ;
sometimes fasting, thro necessity, for several days, and at other
times gorging itself with animal food till its craw swells out the
plumage of that part, forming a large protuberance on the breast.
This, however, is its natural food, and for these habits its whole
organisation is particularly adapted. It has not, like men, in-
vented rich wines, ardent spirits, and a thousand artificial poisons,
in the form of soup, sauces, and sweetmeats. Its food is simple,
it indulges freely, uses great exercise, breathes the purest air, is
healthy, vigorous, and long-lived. The lords of the creation them-
selves might derive some useful hints from these facts, were they
not already, in general, too wise, or too proud, to learn from their
inferiors, the fowls of the air and beasts of the field.-[Vol. IV.,
pp. 89-100.]
280
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
ESSAY XI.
OF THE BLUE JAY.
This elegant bird, which, as far as I can learn, is peculiar to
North America, is distinguished as a kind of beau among the
feathered tenants of our woods by the brilliancy of his dress; and
like most other coxcombs, makes himself still more conspicuous by
his loquacity and the oddness of his tones and gestures. The Jay
measures eleven inches in length; the head is ornamented with a
crest of light blue or purple feathers, which he can elevate or
depress at pleasure; a narrow line of black runs along the frontlet,
rising on each side higher than the eye, but not passing over it, as
Catesby has represented, and as Pennant and many others have
described it; back and upper part of the neck a fine light purple,
in which the blue predominates; a collar of black, proceeding
from the hind head, passes with a graceful curve down each side
of the neck, to the upper part of the breast, where it forms a
crescent; chin, cheeks, throat, and belly white, the three former
slightly tinged with blue; greater wing-coverts, a rich blue;
exterior sides of the primaries, light blue, those of the secondaries,
a deep purple, except the three feathers next to the body, which
are of a splendid light blue; all these, except the primaries, are
beautifully barred with crescents of black, and tipt with white;
the interior sides of the wing-feathers are dusky black; tail long
and cuneiform, composed of twelve feathers of a glossy light blue,
marked at half inches with transverse curves of black, each feather
being tipt with white except the two middle ones, which deepen
into a dark purple at the extremities. Breast and sides under the
wings a dirty white, faintly stained with purple; inside of the
mouth, the tongue, bill, legs, and claws black; iris of the eye
hazel.
The Blue Jay is an almost universal inhabitant of the woods,
frequenting the thickest settlements as well as the deep recesses
of the forest, where his squalling voice often alarms the deer to
the disappointment and mortification of the hunter,—one of whom
informed me that he made it a point, in Summer, to kill every
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
281
jay he could meet with. In the charming season of Spring, when
every thicket pours forth harmony, the part performed by the Jay
always catches the ear. He appears to be among his fellow
musicians what the trumpeter is in a band, some of his notes
having no distant resemblance to the tones of that instrument.
These he has the faculty of changing through a great variety of
modulations, according to the particular humor he happens to be
in. When disposed for ridicule, there is scarce a bird whose
peculiarities of song he cannot tune his notes to. When engaged
in the blandishments of love, they resemble the soft chatterings of
a duck, and, while he nestles among the thick branches of the
cedar, are scarce heard a few paces distance; but no sooner does
he discover your approach, than he sets up a sudden and vehement
outcry, flying off, and screaming with all his might, as if he called
the whole feathered tribes of the neighbourhood to witness some
outrageous usage he had received. When he hops undisturbed
among the high branches of the oak and hickory, they become soft
and musical; and his calls of the female a stranger would readily
mistake for the repeated creakings of an ungreased wheel-barrow.
All these he accompanies with various nods, jerks, and other
gesticulations, for which the whole tribe of jays are so remarkable,
that, with some other peculiarities, they might have very well
justified the great Swedish naturalist in forming them into a
separate genus by themselves.
The Blue Jay builds a large nest, frequently in the cedar, some-
times on an apple-tree, lines it with dry fibrous roots, and lays
five eggs of a dull olive, spotted with brown. The male is parti-
cularly careful of not being heard near the place, making his visits
as silently and secretly as possible. His favourite food is chest-
nuts, acorns, and Indian corn. He occasionally feeds on bugs and
caterpillars, and sometimes pays a plundering visit to the orchard,
cherry-rows, and potato patch; and has been known, in times of
scarcity, to venture into the barn, through openings between the
weather-boards. In these cases he is extremely active and silent,
and, if surprised in the fact, makes his escape with precipitation,
but without noise, as if conscious of his criminality.
Of all birds he is the most bitter enemy to the owl. No sooner
M 2
282
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
has he discovered the retreat of one of these, than he summons
the whole feathered fraternity to his assistance, who surround the
glimmering solitaire, and attack him from all sides, raising such a
shout as may be heard, in a still day, more than half a mile off.
When, in my hunting excursions, I have passed near this scene of
tumult, I have imagined to myself that I heard the insulting
party venting their respective charges with all the virulency of a
Billingsgate mob; the owl, meanwhile, returning every compliment
with a broad goggling stare. The war becomes louder and louder,
and the owl, at length forced to betake himself to flight, is
followed by his whole train of persecutors until driven beyond
the boundaries of their jurisdiction.
But the Blue Jay himself is not guiltless of similar depredations
with the owl, and becomes in his turn the very tyrant he detested,
when he sneaks through the woods, as he frequently does, and
among the thickets and hedge-rows, plundering every nest he can
find of its eggs, tearing up the callow young by piecemeal, and
spreading alarm and sorrow around him. The cries of the dis-
tressed parents soon bring together a number of interested
spectators (for birds in such circumstances seem truly to sym-
pathise with each other), and he is sometimes attacked with such
spirit as to be under the necessity of making a speedy retreat.
He will sometimes assault small birds, with the intention of
killing and devouring them; an instance of which I myself once
witnessed over a piece of woods near the Schuylkill, where I saw
him engaged for more than five minutes pursuing what I took to
be a species of Motacilla,-wheeling, darting, and doubling in the
air, and at last, to my great satisfaction, got disappointed in the
escape of his intended prey. In times of great extremity, when
his hoard or magazine is frozen up, buried in snow, or perhaps
exhausted, he becomes very voracious, and will make a meal of
whatever carrion or other animal substance comes in the way; and
has been found regaling himself on the bowels of a Robin, in less
than five minutes after it was shot.
There are, however, individual exceptions to this general
character for plunder and outrage, a proneness for which is pro-
bably often occasioned by the wants and irritations of necessity.
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
283
A Blue Jay, which I have kept for some time, and with whom I
am on terms of familiarity, is in reality a very notable example of
mildness of disposition and sociability of manners. An accident
in the woods first put me in possession of this bird, while in full
plumage, and in high health and spirits; I carried him home with
me, and put him into a cage already occupied by a Golden-winged
Woodpecker, where he was saluted with such rudeness, and re-
ceived such a drubbing from the lord of the manor, for entering
his premises, that, to save his life, I was obliged to take him out
again. I then put him into another cage, where the only tenant
was a female Orchard Oriole. She also put on airs of alarm, as if
she considered herself endangered and insulted by the intrusion ;
the Jay, meanwhile, sat mute and motionless on the bottom of the
cage, either dubious of his own situation, or willing to allow time
for the fears of his neighbour to subside. Accordingly, in a few
minutes, after displaying various threatening gestures (like some
of those Indians we read of in their first interviews with the
whites,) she began to make her approaches, but with great circum-
spection, and readiness for retreat. Seeing, however, the Jay
begin to pick up some crumbs of broken chestnuts in a humble
and peaceable way, she also descended, and began to do the same;
but, at the slightest motion of her new guest, wheeled round, and
put herself on the defensive. All this ceremonious jealousy
vanished before evening; and they now roost together, feed, and
play together, in perfect harmony and good humor. When the
Jay goes to drink, his messmate very impudently jumps into the
saucer to wash herself, throwing the water in showers over her
companion, who bears it all patiently; venturing now and then to
take a sip between every splash, without betraying the smallest
token of irritation. On the contrary, he seems to take pleasure
in his little fellow-prisoner, allowing her to pick (which she does
very gently) about his whiskers, and to clean his claws from the
minute fragments of chestnuts which happen to adhere to them.
This attachment on the one part, and mild condescension on the
other, may perhaps be partly the effect of mutual misfortunes,
which are found not only to knit mankind, but many species of
inferior animals, more closely together; and shews that the dis-
284
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
position of the Blue Jay may be humanized and rendered suscep-
tible of affectionate impressions, even for those birds which, in a
state of nature, he would have no hesitation in making a meal of.
He is not only bold and vociferous, but possesses a considerable
talent for mimicry, and seems to enjoy great satisfaction in
mocking and teasing other birds, particularly the little hawk,
(f. Sparverius,) imitating his cry wherever he sees him, and
squealing out as if caught this soon brings a number of his own
tribe around him, who all join in the frolic, darting about the
hawk, and feigning the cries of a bird sorely wounded, and already
under the clutches of its devourer; while others lie concealed in
bushes, ready to second their associates in the attack. But this
ludicrous farce often terminates tragically. The hawk, singling
one of the most insolent and provoking, sweeps upon him in an
unguarded moment, and offers him up a sacrifice to his hunger
and resentment. In an instant, the tune is changed; all their
buffoonery vanishes, and loud and incessant screams proclaim their
disaster.
Whenever the Jay has had the advantage of education from
man, he has not only shown himself an apt scholar, but his suavity
of manners seems equalled only by his art and contrivances; tho
it must be confessed, that his itch for thieving keeps pace with all
his other acquirements. Dr. Mease, on the authority of Colonel
Postell, of South Carolina, informs me that a Blue Jay, which was
brought up in the family of the latter gentleman, had all the tricks
and loquacity of a parrot; pilfered everything he could conveni-
ently carry off, and hid them in holes and crevices; answered to
his name with great sociability, when called on; could articulate
a number of words pretty distinctly; and when he heard any
uncommon noise or loud talking, seemed impatient to contribute
his share to the general festivity (as he probably thought it) by a
display of all the oratorical powers he was possessed of.
66
Mr. Bartram relates an instance of the Jay's sagacity, worthy of
remark. Having caught a Jay in the winter season," says he,
"I turned him loose in the green-house, and fed him with corn,
(zea, maize,) the heart of which they are very fond of. This grain
being ripe and hard, the bird at first found a difficulty in breaking
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
285
it, as it would start from his bill when he struck it. After looking
about, and, as if considering for a moment, he picked up his grain,
carried and placed it close up in a corner on the shelf, between the
wall and a plant box, where, being confined on three sides, he soon
effected his purpose, and continued afterwards to make use of this
same practical expedient." "The Jay," continues this judicious
observer, "is one of the most useful agents in the economy of
Nature, for disseminating forest trees, and other ruciferous and
hard-seeded vegetables on which they feed. Their chief employ-
ment, during the autumnal season, is foraging to supply their
winter stores. In performing this necessary duty, they drop
abundance of seed in their flight over fields, hedges, and by fences,
It is re-
where they alight to deposit them in the post holes, &c.
markable what numbers of young trees rise up in fields and
pastures after a wet winter and spring. These birds alone are
capable, in a few years' time, to replant all the cleared lands.”*
The Blue Jays seldom associate in any considerable numbers,
except in the months of September and October, when they hover
about, in scattered parties of from forty to fifty, visiting the oaks,
in search of their favourite acorns. At this season they are less
shy than usual, and keep chattering to each other in a variety of
strange and querulous notes. I have counted fifty-three, but
never more, at one time; and these generally following each other
in straggling irregularly from one range of woods to another. Yet
we are told by the learned Dr. Latham,—and his statement has
been copied into many respectable European publications,—that
the Blue Jays of North America "often unite into flocks of twenty
thousand at least! which, alighting on a field of ten or twelve
acres, soon lay waste the whole." If this were really so, these
birds would justly deserve the character he gives them of being
the most destructive species in America. But I will venture the
assertion that the tribe Oriolus Phœniceus, or red-winged black-
birds, in the environs of the river Delaware alone, devour and
*Letter of Mr. William Bartram to the Author.
"Synopsis of Birds," vol. i., p. 387. See also "Encyclopædia Britannica,"
art. Corvus.
286
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
destroy more Indian corn than the whole Blue Jays of America.
As to their assembling in such immense multitudes, it may be
sufficient to observe that a flock of Blue Jays of twenty thousand
would be as extraordinary an appearance in America, as the same
number of magpies or cuckoos would be in Britain.
It has been frequently said that numbers of birds are common
to the United States and Europe; at present, however, I am not
certain of many. Comparing the best descriptions and delineations
of the European ones with those of our native birds said to be of
the same species, either the former are very erroneous, or the
difference of plumage and habits in the latter justifies us in con-
sidering a great proportion of them to be really different species.
Be this however as it may, the Blue Jay appears to belong ex-
clusively to North America. I cannot find it mentioned by any
writer or traveller among the birds of Guiana, Brazil, or any other
part of South America. It is equally unknown in Africa. In
Europe, and even in the eastern parts of Asia, it is never seen in
its wild state. To ascertain the exact limits of its native regions,
would be difficult. These, it is highly probable, will be found to
be bounded by the extremities of the temperate zone. Dr.
Latham has indeed asserted that the Blue Jay of America is
not found farther north than the town of Albany.* This,
however, is a mistake. They are common in the eastern
States, and are mentioned by Dr. Belknap in his enumeration of
the birds of New Hampshire. They are also natives of New-
foundland. I myself have seen them in Upper Canada. Blue
Jays and Yellow Birds were found by Mr. M'Kenzie, when on his
journey across the Continent, at the head waters of the Unjigah,
or Peace River, in N. lat. 54°, W. lon. 121°, on the west side of
the great range of Stony mountains. Steller, who, in 1741, ac-
companied Captain Behring in his expedition, for the discovery of
the northwest coast of America, and who wrote the journal of the
voyage, relates, that he himself went on shore near Cape St. Elias,
* "Synopsis," vol. i., p. 387.
+ "History of New Hampshire," vol. iii., p. 163.
+
"Voyages from Montreal," &c., p. 216, 4to. London, 1801.
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
287
in lat. 58° 28′ W. lon. 141° 46', according to his estimation, where
he observed several species of birds not known in Siberia: and
one, in particular, described by Catesby, under the name of the
Blue Jay. * Mr. William Bartram informs me, that they are
numerous in the peninsula of Florida, and that he also found them
at Natchez, on the Mississippi. Captain Lewis and Clark, and
their intrepid companions, in their memorable expedition across
the Continent of North America to the Pacific Ocean, continued to
see Blue Jays for six hundred miles up the Missouri. † From
these accounts it follows, that this species occupies, generally or
partially, an extent of country stretching upwards of seventy de-
grees from east to west, and more than thirty degrees from north
to south; tho, from local circumstances, there may be intermediate
tracts, in this immense range, which they seldom visit. [Vol. I.,
pp. 11-19.]
ESSAY XII.
OF THE CAROLINA PARROT.
As so little has hitherto been known of the disposition and
manners of this species, the reader will not, I hope, be displeased
at my detailing some of these, in the history of a particular fa-
vorite, my sole companion in many a lonesome day's march, and of
which the figure in the plate is a faithful resemblance.
Anxious to try the effects of education on one of those which
I procured at Big Bone Lick, and which was but slightly wounded
in the wing, I fixed up a place for it in the stern of my boat, and
presented it with some cockle burrs, which it freely fed on in less
than an hour after being on board. The intermediate time between
eating and sleeping, was occupied in gnawing the sticks that
formed its place of confinement, in order to make a practicable
breach; which it repeatedly effected. When I abandoned the river
* "See "Steller's Journal," apud Pallas.
+ This fact I had from Captain Lewis.
288
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
"
and travelled by land, I wrapped it up closely in a silk handker-
chief, tying it tightly around, and carried it in my pocket. When
I stopped for refreshment, I unbound my prisoner, and gave it its
allowance, which it generally dispatched with great dexterity, un-
husking the seeds from the burr in a twinkling; in doing which,
it always employed its left foot to hold the burr, as did several
others that I kept for some time. I began to think that this might
be peculiar to the whole tribe, and that they all were, if I may
use the expression, left-footed; but by shooting a number after-
wards while engaged in eating mulberries, I found sometimes the
left, sometimes the right foot stained with the fruit; the other
always clean; from which, and the constant practice of those I
kept, it appears, that like the human species in the use of their
hands, they do not prefer one or the other indiscriminately, but
are either left or right-footed. But to return to my prisoner. In
recommitting it to "durance vile," we generally had a quarrel;
during which it frequently paid me in kind for the wound I had
inflicted, and for depriving it of liberty, by cutting and almost disa-
bling several of my fingers with its sharp and powerful bill. The
path through the wilderness between Nashville and Natchez, is, in
some places, bad beyond description. There are dangerous creeks
to swim, miles of morass to struggle through, rendered almost as
gloomy as night, by a prodigious growth of timber, and an under-
wood of canes and other evergreens; while the descent into these
sluggish streams is often ten or fifteen feet perpendicular into a
bed of deep clay. In some of the worst of these places, where I
had, as it were, to fight my way through, the Parakeet frequently
escaped from my pocket, obliging me to dismount and pursue it
through the worst of the morass before I could regain it. On
these occasions I was several times tempted to abandon it; but I
persisted in bringing it along. When at night I encamped in the
woods, I placed it on the baggage beside me, where it usually sat,
with great composure, dozing and gazing at the fire till morning.
In this manner I carried it upwards of a thousand miles in my
pocket, where it was exposed all day to the jolting of the horse,
but regularly liberated at meal times and in the evening, at which
it always expressed great satisfaction. In passing through the
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
289
Chickasaw and Choctaw nations, the Indians, wherever I stopped
to feed, collected around me, men, women, and children, laughing
and seeming wonderfully amused with the novelty of my
companion. The Chickasaws called it in their language
66 Kelinky;" but when they heard me call it Poll, they soon re-
peated the name; and whenever I chanced to stop among these
people, we soon became familiar with each other through the
medium of Poll. On arriving at Mr. Dunbar's, below Natchez, I
procured a cage, and placed it under the piazza, where by its call
it soon attracted the passing flocks, such is the attachment they
have for each other. Numerous parties frequently alighted on the
trees immediately above, keeping up a constant conversation with
the prisoner. One of these I wounded slightly in the wing, and
the pleasure Poll expressed on meeting with this new companion
was really amusing. She crept close up to it as it hung on the side
of the cage, chattered to it in a low tone of voice, as if sympathiz-
ing in its misfortune, scratched about its head and neck with her
bill; and both at night nestled as close as possible to each other,
sometimes Poll's head being thrust among the plumage of the
other. On the death of this companion, she appeared restless and
inconsolable for several days. On reaching New Orleans, I placed
a looking glass beside the place where she usually sat, and the in-
stant she perceived her image, all her former fondness seemed to
return, so that she could scarcely absent herself from it a moment.
It was evident that she was completely deceived. Always when
evening drew on, and often during the day, she laid her head close
to that of the image in the glass, and began to doze with great
composure and satisfaction. In this short space she had learnt to
know her name; to answer and come when called on; to climb
up my clothes, sit on my shoulder and eat from my mouth.
took her with me to sea, determined to persevere in her education;
but, destined to another fate, poor Poll, having one morning about
daybreak wrought her way through the cage, while I was asleep,
instantly flew overboard, and perished in the gulf of Mexico.
[Vol. III., pp. 95-7.]
I
N 2
290
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
ESSAY XIII.
OF THE GOLD-WINGED WOODPECKER.
In rambling thro the woods one day, I happened to shoot
one of these birds, and wounded him slightly on the wing. Finding
him in full feather, and seemingly but little hurt, I took him home,
and put him into a large cage, made of willows, intending to keep
him in my own room, that we might become better acquainted.
As soon as he found himself enclosed on all sides, he lost no time
in idle fluttering, but throwing himself against the bars of the
cage, began instantly to demolish the willows, battering them with
great vehemence, and uttering a loud piteous kind of cackling,
similar to that of a hen when she is alarmed, and takes to wing.
Poor Baron Trenck never laboured with more eager diligence
at the walls of his prison, than this son of the forest in his
exertions for liberty; and he exercised his powerful bill with
such force, digging into the sticks, seizing and shaking them so
from side to side, that he soon opened for himself a passage ;
and tho' I repeatedly repaired the breach, and barricadoed every
opening, in the best manner I could, yet on my return into the
room I always found him at large, climbing up the chairs or
running about the floor, where, from the dexterity of his motions,
moving backward, forward, and sideways, with the same facility,
it became difficult to get hold of him again. Having placed him
in a strong wire cage, he seemed to give up all hopes of making
his escape, and soon became very tame; fed on young ears of
Indian corn; refused apples, but ate the berries of the sour gum
greedily, small winter grapes, and several other kinds of berries;
exercised himself frequently in climbing, or rather hopping
perpendicularly along the sides of the cage; and, as evening drew
on, fixed himself in a high hanging or perpendicular position, and
slept with his head in his wing. As soon as dawn appeared, even
before it was light enough to perceive him distinctly across the
room, he descended to the bottom of the cage, and began his attack
on the ears of Indian corn, rapping so loud as to be heard from
every room of the house. After this, he would sometimes resume
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
291
his former position, and take another nap. He was beginning to
become very amusing, and even sociable, when, after a lapse of
several weeks, he became drooping, and died, as I conceived, from
the effects of his wound.
He is not
The abject and degraded character which the Count de Buffon,
with equal eloquence and absurdity, has drawn of the whole
tribe of Woodpeckers, belongs not to the elegant and sprightly
bird now before us. How far it is applicable to any of them will
be examined hereafter. He is not constrained to drag out an
insipid existence in boring the bark and hard fibres of trees to ex-
tract his prey,' for he frequently finds in the loose mouldering
ruins of an old stump (the capital of a nation of pismires) more
than is sufficient for the wants of a whole week. He cannot be
said to lead a mean and gloomy life, without an intermission of
labour,' who usually feasts by the first peep of dawn, and spends
the early and sweetest hours of morning on the highest peaks of
the tallest trees, calling on his mate or companions; or pursuing
and gamboling with them round the larger limbs and body of the
tree for hours together; for such are really his habits. Can it be
said that 'necessity never grants an interval of sound repose' to
that bird, who, while other tribes are exposed to all the peltings of
the midnight storm, lodges dry and secure in a snug chamber of his
own constructing? or that the narrow circumference of a tree
circumscribes his dull round of life,' who, as seasons and inclina-
tion inspire, roams from the frigid to the torrid zone, feasting on
the abundance of various regions? Or is it a proof that 'his
appetite is never softened by delicacy of taste,' because he so often
varies his bill of fare, occasionally preferring to animal food the rich
milkiness of young Indian corn, and the wholesome and nourishing
berries of the wild cherry, sour gum, and red cedar? Let the
reader turn to the faithful representation of him given in the plate,
and say whether his looks be 'sad and melancholy.' It is truly
ridiculous and astonishing that such absurdities should escape
the lips or pen of one so able to do justice to the respective
merits of every species; but Buffon had too often a favourite
theory to prop up, that led him insensibly astray; and so forsooth,
the whole family of Woodpeckers must look sad, sour, and be
•
292
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
miserable, to satisfy the caprice of a whimsical philosopher, who
takes it into his head that they are and ought to be so! But the
Count is not the only European who has misrepresented and tra-
duced this beautiful bird. One has given him brown legs ;* another
a yellow neck;t a third has declared him a cuckoo ; and, in an
English translation of Linnæus's "System of Nature," lately
published, he is characterised as follows: "" 'Body, striated with
black and gray; cheeks, red; chin, black; never climbs on
trees;"§ which is just as correct as if, in describing the human
species, we should say-skin striped with black and green; cheeks,
blue; chin, orange; never walks on foot, &c. The pages of
Natural History should resemble a faithful mirror in which mankind
may recognize the true images of the living originals; instead of
which, we find this department of them too often like the hazy and
rough medium of wretched window-glass, thro' whose crooked
protuberances everything appears so strangely distorted that one
scarcely knows their most intimate neighbours and acquaintances.
[Vol. I., pp. 47-8, 50-1.]
ESSAY XIV.
OF THE IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER AND THE RED-COAKADED
WOODPECKER.
In looking over the accounts given of the Ivory-billed Wood-
pecker by the naturalists of Europe, I find it asserted, that it in-
habits from New Jersey to Mexico. I believe, however, that few
of them are ever seen to the north of Virginia, and very few of them
even in that State. The first place I observed this bird at, when
on my way to the south, was about twelve miles north of Wilming-
ton, in North Carolina. There I found the bird from which the
drawing of the figure in the plate was taken. This bird was only
* See " Encyc, Brit.," art. Picus.
§ "P. griseo nigroque transversim striatus
scandit.”—Ind. Orn. Vol. I., p. 242.
+ Latham.
""
Klein.
"truncos arborum non
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
293
wounded slightly in the wing, and on being caught, uttered a
loudly reiterated, and most piteous note, exactly resembling the
violent crying of a young child; which terrified my horse so, as
nearly to have cost me my life. It was distressing to hear it. I
carried it with me in the chair, under cover, to Wilmington.
In passing through the streets its affecting cries surprised
every one within hearing, particularly the females, who hurried
to the doors and windows with looks of alarm and anxiety.
I drove on, and on arriving at the piazza of the hotel, where I
intended to put up, the landlord came forward, and a number
of other persons who happened to be there, all equally
alarmed at what they heard; this was greatly increased by my
asking whether he could furnish me with accommodations for
myself and my baby. The man looked blank, and foolish,
while the others stared with still greater astonishment.
After diverting myself for a minute or two at their expense, I
drew my Woodpecker from under the cover, and a general laugh
took place. I took him up stairs and locked him up in my room,
while I went to see my horse taken care of. In less than an hour
I returned, and on opening the door he set up the same distressing
shout, which now appeared to proceed from grief that he had been
discovered in his attempts at escape. He had mounted along the
side of the window, nearly as high as the ceiling, a little below
which he had begun to break through. The bed was covered with
large pieces of plaster; the lath was exposed for at least fifteen
inches square, and a hole, large enough to admit the fist, opened
to the weather-boards; so that in less than another hour he would
certainly have succeeded in making his way through. I now tied
a string round his leg, and fastening it to the table, again left him.
I wished to preserve his life, and had gone off in search of suitable
food for him. As I reascended the stairs, I heard him again hard
at work, and on entering had the mortification to perceive that he
had almost entirely ruined the mahogany table to which he was
fastened, and on which he had wreaked his whole vengeance.
While engaged in taking the drawing, he cut me severely in several
places, and on the whole, displayed such a noble and unconquer-
able spirit that I was frequently tempted to restore him to his
294
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
native woods. He lived with me nearly three days, but refused all
sustenance, and I witnessed his death with regret.
Here, then, is a whole species, I may say, genus, of birds,
which Providence seems to have formed for the protection of our
fruit and forest trees, from the ravages of vermin; which every
day destroy millions of those noxious insects that would otherwise
blast the hopes of the husbandman; and which even promote the
fertility of the tree; and, in return, are proscribed by those who
ought to have been their protector, and incitements and rewards
held out for their destruction! Let us examine better into the
operation of Nature, and many of our mistaken opinions and
groundless prejudices will be abandoned for more just, enlarged,
and humane modes of thinking. [Vol. I., p. 157.]
ESSAY XV.
OF THE MOTTLED OWL.
On contemplating the grave and antiquated figure of this night-
wanderer, so destitute of every thing like gracefulness of shape, I
can scarcely refrain from smiling at the conceit, of the ludicrous
appearance this bird must have made, had Nature bestowed on
it the powers of song, and given it the faculty of warbling out
sprightly airs while robed in such a solemn exterior. But the great
God of Nature hath, in His wisdom, assigned to this class of birds
a more unsocial, and less noble, tho, perhaps, not less useful dis-
position, by assimilating them, not only in form of countenance,
but in voice, manners, and appetite, to some particular beasts of
prey; secluding them from the enjoyment of the gay sunshine of
day, and giving them little more than the few solitary hours of
morning and evening twilight to procure their food and pursue
their amours; while all the tuneful tribes, a few excepted, are
wrapt in silence and repose. That their true character, however,
should not be concealed from those weaker animals on whom they
feed (for heaven abhors deceit and hypocrisy), He has stamped
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
295
their countenance with strong traits of their murderer, the Cat;
and birds in this respect are, perhaps, better physiognomists than
men.
The Owl now before us is chiefly a native of the northern regions,
arriving here, with several others, about the commencement of
cold weather; frequenting the uplands and mountainous districts,
in preference to the lower parts of the country; and feeding on
mice, small birds, beetles, and crickets. It is rather a scarce
species in Pennsylvania; flies usually in the early part of night
and morning; and is sometimes observed sitting on the fences
during day, when it is easily caught; its vision at that time being
very imperfect.
The bird represented in the plate was taken in this situation,
and presented to me by a friend. I kept it in the room beside me
for some time; during which its usual position was such as I have
given it. Its eyelids were either half shut, or slowly and alternate-
ly opening and shutting, as if suffering from the glare of the day;
but no sooner was the sun set, than its whole appearance became
lively and animated; its full and globular eyes shone like those
of a cat; and it often lowered its head, in the manner of a cock
when preparing to fight, moving it from side to side, and also
vertically, as if reconnoitering you with great sharpness. In flying
through the room it shifted from place to place with the silence of
a spirit (if I may be allowed the expression), the plumage of its
wings being so extremely fine and soft as to occasion little or no
friction with the air: a wise provision of Nature, bestowed on the
whole genus, to enable them, without giving alarm, to seize their
prey in the night. For an hour or two in the evening, and about
break of day, it flew about with great activity. When angry, it
snapped its bill repeatedly with violence, and so loud as to be
heard in the adjoining room, swelling out its eyes to their full
dimensions, and lowering its head as before described. It swallowed
its food hastily, in large mouthfuls; and never was observed to
drink. Of the eggs and nest of this species I am unable to speak.
The Mottled Owl is ten inches long and twenty-two in extent ;
the upper part of the head, the back, ears and lesser wing-coverts,
are dark brown, streaked and variegated with black, pale brown,
296
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
and ash; wings lighter, the greater coverts and primaries spotted
with white; tail short, even, and mottled with black, pale brown,
and whitish, on a dark brown ground; its lower side grey; horns
(as they are usually called) very prominent, each composed of ten
feathers, increasing in length from the front backwards, and light-
est on the inside; face whitish, marked with small touches of
dusky, and bounded on each side with a circlet of black; breast
and belly white, beautifully variegated with ragged streaks of black,
and small transverse touches of brown; legs feathered nearly to the
claws, with a kind of hairy brown, of a pale brown color; vent and
under tail coverts white, the latter slightly marked with brown;
iris of the eye a brilliant golden yellow; bill and claws bluish horn
color.
This was a female. The male is considerably less in size; the
general colors darker; and the white on the wing coverts not so
observable.
Hollow trees, either in the woods or orchard, or close evergreens
in retired situations, are the usual roosting places of this and most
of our other species. These retreats, however, are frequently
discovered by the Nuthatch, Titmouse, or Blue Jay, who instantly
raise the alarm; a promiscuous group of feathered neighbors soon
collect round the spot, like crowds in the streets of a large city
when a thief or murderer is detected; and by their insults and vo-
ciferation oblige the recluse to seek for another lodging elsewhere.
This may account for the circumstance of sometimes finding them
abroad during the day, on fences and other exposed situations.
[Vol. III., pp. 17-19.]
ESSAY XVI.
OF THE ROBIN.
The Robin is one of our earliest songsters; even in March,
while snow yet dapples the fields, and flocks of them are dispersed
about, some few will mount a post or stake of the fence, and make
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
297
short and frequent attempts at their song. Early in April, they are
only to be seen in pairs, and deliver their notes with great earnest-
ness, from the top of some tree detached from the woods. This song
has some resemblance to, and indeed is no bad imitation of, the
notes of the Thrush or Thrasher (turdus rufus); but, if deficient
in point of execution, he possesses more simplicity, and makes up
in zeal what he wants in talent; so that the notes of the Robin,
in Spring, are universally known, and as universally beloved.
They are, as it were, the prelude to the grand general concert that
is about to burst upon us from woods, fields, and thickets, whitened
with blossoms, and breathing fragrance. By the usual association
of ideas, we therefore listen with more pleasure to this cheerful
bird, than to many others possessed of far superior powers, and
much greater variety. Even his nest is held more sacred among
schoolboys than that of some others; and while they will exult in
plundering a Jay's or a Cat Bird's, a general sentiment of respect
prevails on the discovery of a Robin's. Whether he owes not
some little of this veneration to the well known and long estab-
lished character of his namesake in Britain, by a like association
of ideas, I will not pretend to determine. He possesses a good
deal of his suavity of manners; and almost always seeks shelter for
his young in Summer, and subsistence for himself in the extremes
of Winter, near the habitations of man. [Vol. I., pp. 37-8.]
ESSAY XVII.
OF THE BLUE BIRD.
As the Blue Bird is so regularly seen in winter, after the
continuance of a few days of mild and open weather, it has given
rise to various conjectures as to the place of his retreat. Some sup-
posing it to be in close sheltered thickets, lying to the sun; others
the neighbourhood of the sea, where the air is supposed to be more
temperate, and where the matters thrown up by the waves furnish
him with a constant and plentiful supply of food. Others trace
?
0 2
298
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
him to the dark recesses of hollow trees, and subterraneous
caverns, where they suppose he dozes away the winter, making,
like Robinson Crusoe, occasional reconnoitering excursions from his
castle, whenever the weather happens to be favourable. But,
amidst the snows and severities of winter, I have sought for him
in vain in the most favourable sheltered situations of the Middle
States, and not only in the neighbourhood of the sea, but on both
sides of the mountains.* I have never, indeed, explored the
depths of caverns in search of him, because I would as soon expect
to meet with tulips and butterfiies there, as Blue Birds; but,
among hundreds of woodmen, who have cut down trees of all sorts,
and at all seasons, I have never heard one instance of these birds
being found so immured in winter; while, in the whole of the
Middle and Eastern States, the same general observation seems to
prevail that the Blue Bird always makes his appearance in winter
after a few days of mild and open weather. On the other hand, I
have myself found them numerous in the woods of North and South
Carolina, in the depth of winter, and I have also been assured by
different gentlemen of respectability, who have resided in the
islands of Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas and Bermudas, that
this very bird is common there in winter. We also find from the
works of Hernandez Piso, and others, that it is well known in
Mexico, Guiana, and Brazil; and, if so, the place of its winter
retreat is easily ascertained, without having recourse to all the
trumpery of holes and caverns, torpidity, hybernation, and such
ridiculous improbabilities. [Vol. I., pp. 62-3.]
ESSAY XVIII.
OF THE RUBY-CROWNED WREN.
This little bird visits us early in the Spring, from the south,
and is generally first found among the maple blossoms, about the
beginning of April. These failing, it has recourse to those of the
* I speak of the species here generally. Solitary individuals are found, partic-
ularly among our cedar trees, sometimes in the very depth of winter.
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
299
peach, apple, and other fruit trees, partly for the tops of the sweet
and slender stamina of the flowers, and partly for the winged in-
sects that hover among them. In the middle of Summer, I have
rarely met with these birds in Pennsylvania; and, as they pene-
trate as far north as the country round Hudson's Bay, and also
breed there, it accounts for their late arrival here, in Fall. They
then associate with the different species of titmouse, and the golden
crested wren; and are particularly numerous in the month of
October, and beginning of November, in orchards, among the
decaying leaves of the apple trees, that, at that season, are invested
with great numbers of small black-winged insects, among which
they make great havoc. I have often regretted the painful neces-
sity one is under of taking away the lives of such inoffensive,
useful little creatures, merely to obtain a more perfect knowledge
of the species; for they appear so busy, so active and unsuspect-
ing, as to continue searching about the same twig, even after their
companions have been shot down beside them. They are more
remarkably so in autumn, which may be owing to the great num-
ber of young and inexperienced birds which are then among them ;
and frequently, at this season, I have stood under the tree, motion-
less, to observe them, while they gleaned among the low branches
sometimes within a foot or two of my head. They are extremely
adroit in catching their prey; have only at times a feeble chirp ;
visit the tops of the tallest trees, as well as the lowest bushes
and continue generally for a considerable time among the branches
of the same tree, darting about from place to place; appearing, when
on the top of a high maple, no bigger than humble-bees.
The Ruby-crowned Wren is four inches long, and six in extent;
the upper parts of the head, neck, and back, are of a fine greenish
olive, with a considerable tinge of yellow; wings and tail, dusky
purplish brown, exteriorly edged with yellow olive; secondaries,
and first row of wing-coverts, edged and tipt with white, with a
spot of deep purplish brown across the secondaries, just below
their coverts; the hind head is ornamented with an oblong lateral
spot of vermillion, usually almost hid by the other plumage ;
round the eye, a ring of yellowish white; whole under parts of
the same tint; legs, dark brown; feet and claws, yellow; bill,
300
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
slender, straight, not notched, furnished with a few black hairs at
the base; inside of the mouth, orange. The female differs very
little in its plumage from the male, the colours being less lively,
and the bird somewhat less. Notwithstanding my utmost endea-
vours, I have never been able to discover the nest; though, from
the circumstance of having found them sometimes here in Summer,
I am persuaded that they occasionally breed in Pennsylvania; but
I know several birds, no larger than this, that usually build on
the extremities of the tallest trees in the woods; which I have
discovered from their beginning before the leaves are out; many
others, no doubt, choose similar situations; and, should they
delay building until the woods are thickened with leaves, it is no
easy matter to discover them. In Fall, they are so extremely fat,
as almost to dissolve between the fingers as you open them, owing
to the great abundance of their favourite insects at that time. [Vol.
I., pp. 83-4]
ESSAY XIX.
OF THE INDIGO BIRD.
Notwithstanding the beauty of his plumage, the vivacity
with which he sings, and the ease with which he can be reared and
kept, the Indigo Bird is seldom seen domesticated. The few I
have met with were taken in trap cages; and such of any species
rarely sing equal to those which have been reared by hand from
the nest. There is one singularity which, as it cannot be well re-
presented in the figure, may be mentioned here, viz., that in some
certain lights, his plumage appears of a rich sky blue, and in others
of a vivid verdegris green; so that the same bird, in passing from
one place to another before your eyes, seems to undergo a total
change of color.
When the angle of incidence of the rays of light,
reflected from his plumage, is acute, the color is green, when
obtuse, blue. Such, I think, I have observed to be uniformly the
case, without being optician enough to explain why it is so.
From this, however, must be excepted the color of the head,
which, being of a very deep blue, is not affected by a change of
position. [Vol. I., pp. 101.]
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
301
ESSAY XX.
OF THE CAT BIRD.
This bird, as has been before observed, is very numerous
in Summer, in the Middle States. Scarcely a thicket in the country
is without its Cat Birds; and, were they to fly in flocks, like many
other birds, they would darken the air with their numbers. But
their migrations are seldom observed, owing to their gradual pro-
gress and recession, in Spring and Autumn, to and from their
breeding-places. They enter Georgia late in February, and reach
New England about the beginning of May. In their migrations,
they keep pace with the progress of agriculture; and the first
settlers in many parts of the Gennesee country, have told me that
it was several years, after they had removed there, before the Cat
Bird made his appearance among them. With all these amiable
qualities to recommend him, few people in the country respect the
Cat Bird. On the contrary, it is generally the object of dislike;
and the boys of the United States entertain the same prejudice
and contempt for this bird, its nest and young, as those of Britain
do for the Yellow-hammer, and its nest, eggs, and young.
I am
at a loss to account for this cruel prejudice. Even those by whom
it is entertained, can scarcely tell you why; only they "hate cat
birds;" as some persons tell you they hate Frenchmen, they hate
Dutchmen, &c.; expressions that bespeak their own narrowness of
understanding, and want of liberality. Yet, after ruminating over
in my own mind all the probable causes, I think I have at last hit
on some of them; the principal of which seems to me to be a cer-
tain similarity of taste, and clashing of interest, between the Cat
Bird and the farmer. The Cat Bird is fond of large ripe garden
strawberries; so is the farmer, for the good price they bring in
market. The Cat Bird loves the best and richest early cherries ;
so does the farmer, for they are sometimes the most profitable of
his early fruit. The Cat Bird has a particular partiality for the
finest ripe mellow pears; and these are also particular favourites
with the farmer. But the Cat Bird has frequently the advantage
of the farmer, by snatching off the first-fruits of these delicious
302
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
productions; and the farmer takes revenge, by shooting him down
with his gun, as he finds old hats, windmills, and scarecrows, are
no impediment in his way to these forbidden fruits; and nothing
but this resource-the ultimatum of farmers as well as kings-can
restrain his visits. The boys are now set to watch the cherry trees
with the gun; and thus commences a train of prejudices and anti-
pathies, that commonly continue thro' life. Perhaps too, the com-
mon note of the Cat Bird, so like the mewing of the animal whose
name it bears, and who itself sustains no small share of prejudice,
the homeliness of his plumage, and even his familiarity, so prover-
bially known to beget contempt, may also contribute to this mean,
illiberal, and persecuting prejudice; but, with the generous and
the good, the lovers of Nature and of rural charms, the confidence
which this familiar bird places in man by building in his garden,
under his eye, the music of his song, and the interesting playfulness
of his manners, will always be more than a recompense for all the
little stolen morsels he snatches. [Vol. II., pp. 93-4.]
ESSAY XXI.
OF THE BARN SWALLOW.
There are but few persons in the United States unacquainted
with this gay, innocent, and active little bird. Indeed the whole
tribe are so distinguished from the rest of small birds by their
sweeping rapidity of flight, their peculiar aerial evolutions of
wing over our fields and rivers, and through our very streets, from
morning to night, that the light of heaven itself, the sky, the
trees, or any other common objects of Nature, are not better
known than the Swallows. We welcome their first appearance
with delight, as the faithful harbingers and companions of flowery
Spring and ruddy Summer; and when, after a long, frost-bound,
and boisterous Winter, we hear it announced that "The swallows
are come," what a train of charming ideas are associated with the
simple tidings!
The wonderful activity displayed by these birds forms a striking
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
303
contrast to the slow habits of most other animals. It may be
fairly questioned, whether among the whole feathered tribes which
Heaven has formed to adorn this part of creation there be any
that, in the same space of time, pass over an equal extent of
surface with the Swallow. Let a person take his stand on a fine
Summer evening by a new-mown field, meadow, or river shore, for
a short time, and among the numerous individuals of this tribe
that flit before him, fix his eye on a particular one, and follow, for
a while, all its circuitous labyrinths-its extensive sweeps—its
sudden, rapidly reiterated zig-zag excursions, little inferior to the
lightning itself, and then attempt, by the powers of mathematics,
to calculate the length of the various lines it describes. Alas!
even his omnipotent fluxions would avail him little here, and he
would soon abandon the task in despair. Yet, that some definite
conception may be formed of this extent, let us suppose that this
little bird flies in his usual way at the rate of one mile in a
minute, which, from the many experiments I have made, I believe
to be within the truth; and that he is so engaged for ten hours
every day; and further, that this active life is extended to ten
years (many of our small birds being known to live much longer,
even in a state of domestication), the amount of all these, allow-
ing three hundred and sixty-five days to a year, would give us two
million one hundred and ninety thousand miles,-upwards of
eighty-seven times the circumference of the globe! Yet this little
winged seraph, if I may so speak, who in a few days, and at will,
can pass from the borders of the arctic regions to the torrid zone,
is forced, when Winter approaches, to descend to the bottoms of
lakes, rivers, and mill-ponds, to bury itself in the mud with eels
and snapping turtles; or to creep ingloriously into a cavern, a rat-
hole, or a hollow tree, there to doze with snakes, toads, and other
reptiles, until the return of Spring! Is not this true, ye wise
men of Europe and America, who have published so many credible
narratives on this subject? The Geese, the Ducks, the Cat-bird,
and even the Wren which creeps about our outhouses in Summer
like a mouse, are all acknowledged to be migratory, and to pass to
southern regions at the approach of Winter: the Swallow alone,
on whom Heaven has conferred superior powers of wing, must
304
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
sink in torpidity at the bottom of our rivers, or doze all Winter in
the caverns of the earth. I am myself something of a traveller,
and foreign countries afford many novel sights: should I assert
that in some of my peregrinations I had met with a nation of
Indians, all of whom, old and young, at the commencement of
cold weather descend to the bottom of their lakes and rivers, and
there remain until the breaking-up of frost; nay, should I affirm
that thousands of people in the neighbourhood of this city
regularly undergo the same semi-annual submersion,-that I
myself had fished up a whole family of these from the bottom of
Schuylkill, where they had lain torpid all Winter, carried them
home, and brought them all comfortably to themselves again,-
should I even publish this in the learned pages of the Transactions
of our Philosophical Society, who would believe me ?
Is then,
the organisation of a Swallow less delicate than that of a man?
Can a bird, whose vital functions are destroyed by a short privation
of pure air and its usual food, sustain, for six months, a situation
where the most robust man would perish in a few hours, or
minutes? Away with such absurdities! They are unworthy of a
serious refutation. I should be pleased to meet with a man who
has been personally more conversant with birds than myself, who
has followed them in their wide and devious routes-studied their
various manners-mingled with and marked their peculiarities
more than I have done; yet the miracle of a resuscitated swallow,
in the depth of Winter, from the bottom of a mill-pond, is, I con-
fess, a phenomenon in ornithology that I have never met with.
What better evidence have we that these fleet-winged tribes,
instead of following the natural and acknowledged migrations of
many other birds, lie torpid all Winter in hollow trees, caves, and
other subterraneous recesses? That the Chimney Swallow, in the
early part of Summer, may have been found in a hollow tree, and
in great numbers too, is not denied; such being, in some places of
the country (as has been shewn in the history of that species),
their actual places of rendezvous, on their first arrival, and their
common roosting-place long after; or that the Bank Swallows,
also, soon after their arrival, in the early part of Spring, may be
chilled by the cold mornings which we frequently experience at
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
305
that season, and be found in this state in their holes, I would as
little dispute; but that either the one or the other has ever been
found, in the midst of Winter in a state of torpidity, I do not,
cannot believe. Millions of trees, of all dimensions, are cut down
every Fall and Winter in this country, where, in their proper
season, swallows swarm around us. Is it therefore in the least
probable that we should, only once or twice in an age, have no
other evidence than one or two solitary and very suspicious reports
of a Mr. Somebody having made a discovery of this kind? If
caves were their places of Winter retreat, perhaps no country on
earth could supply them with a greater choice. I have myself
explored many of these, in various parts of the United States,
both in Winter and in Spring, particularly in that singular tract of
country in Kentucky, called the Barrens, where some of these
subterraneous caverns are several miles in length, lofty and capaci-
ous, and pass under a large and deep river-have conversed with
the saltpetre workers by whom they are tenanted; but never heard
or met with one instance of a swallow having been found there in
winter. These people treated such reports with ridicule.
It is to be regretted that a greater number of experiments have
not been made, by keeping live swallows through the Winter, to
convince these believers in the torpidity of birds, of their mistake.
That class of cold-blooded animals which are known to become
torpid during Winter, and of which hundreds and thousands are
found every season, are subject to the same when kept in a
suitable room for experiment. How is it with the Swallows in
this respect? Much powerful testimony might be produced on
this point. The following experiments recently made by Mr.
James Pearson of London, and communicated by Sir John
Trevelyan, Bart., to Mr. Bewick, the celebrated engraver in wood,
will be sufficient for our present purpose, and throw great light
on this part of the subject:
*
"Five or six of these birds were taken about the latter end of
August, 1784, in a bat fowling-net at night. They were put
separately into small cages, and fed with nightingale's food. In
* See Bewick's "British Birds," Vol. I., p. 254.
P 2
306
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
about a week or ten days, they took food of themselves. They
were then put all together into a deep cage, four feet long, with
gravel at the bottom; a broad shallow pan with water was placed
in it, in which they sometimes washed themselves, and seemed
much strengthened by it. One day, Mr. Pearson observed that
they went into the water with unusual eagerness, hurrying in and
out again repeatedly with such swiftness as if they had been
suddenly seized with a frenzy. Being anxious to see the result,
he left them to themselves about half-an-hour, and, going to the
cage again, found them all huddled together in a corner apparently
dead. The cage was then placed at a proper distance from the
fire, when only two of them recovered, and were as healthy as
before,—the rest died. The two remaining ones were allowed to
wash themselves occasionally for a short time only; but their feet
soon after became swelled and inflamed, which Mr. Pearson attri-
buted to their perching, and they died about Christmas. Thus, the
first year's experiment was in some measure lost. Not discouraged
by the failure of this, Mr. Pearson determined to make a second
trial the succeeding year, from a strong desire of being convinced
of the truth of their going into a state of torpidity. Accordingly,
the next season, having taken some more birds, he put them into
the cage, and in every respect pursued the same methods as with
the last; but, to guard their feet from the bad effects of the damp
and cold, he covered the perches with flannel, and had the pleasure
to observe that the birds throve extremely well; they sung their
song during the Winter, and, soon after Christmas, began to moult,
which they got through without any difficulty, and lived three or
four years, regularly moulting every year at the usual time. On
the renewal of their feathers, it appeared that their tails were
forked exactly the same as in those birds which return hither in
the Spring, and in every respect their appearance was the same.
These birds, says Mr. Pearson, were exhibited to the Society for
promoting Natural History, on the 14th day of February, 1786,
at the time they were in a deep moult, during a severe frost, when
the snow was on the ground. Minutes of this circumstances were
entered in the books of the society. These birds died at last from
neglect, during a long illness which Mr. Pearson had; they died
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
307
in the Summer. Mr. Pearson concludes his very interesting
account in these words :-20th January, 1797.—I have now in my
house, No. 21 Great Newport Street, Long Acre, four swallows
in moult, in as perfect health as any birds ever appeared to be
when moulting.'
""
The Barn Swallow of the United States has hitherto been con-
sidered by many writers as the same with the common Chimney
Swallow of Europe. They differ, however, in color, as well as in
habits; the European species having the belly and vent white, the
American species those parts of a bright chestnut; the former
building in the corners of chimneys, near the top, the latter never
in such places; but usually in barns, sheds, and other outhouses,
on beams, braces, rafters, &c. It is difficult to reconcile these
constant differences of manners and markings in one and the same
bird; I shall therefore take the liberty of considering the present
as a separate and distinct species.
The Barn Swallow arrives in this part of Pennsylvania from the
south on the last week in March, or the first week in April, and
passes on to the north as far, at least, as the river St. Lawrence.
On the east side of the great range of the Alleghany, they are dis-
dispersed very generally over the country, wherever there are
habitations, even to the summit of high mountains; but, on
account of the greater coldness of such situations, are usually a
week or two later in making their appearance there. On the 16th
of May, being on a shooting expedition on the top of Pocano
mountain, Northampton, when the ice on that and on several suc-
cessive mornings was more than a quarter of an inch thick, I
observed, with surprise, a pair of these Swallows which had taken
up their abode on a miserable cabin there. It was then about
sunrise, the ground white with hoar frost, and the male was twit-
tering on the roof by the side of his mate with great sprightliness.
The man of the house told me that a single pair came there every
season, and built their nest on a projecting beam under the eaves,
about six or seven feet from the ground. At the bottom of the
mountain, in a large barn belonging to the tavern there, I counted
upwards of twenty nests, all seemingly occupied. In the woods
they are never met with; but, as you approach a farm, they soon
308
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
catch the eye, cutting their gambols in the air. Scarcely a barn,
to which these birds can find access, is without them; and, as
public feeling is universally in their favour, they are seldom or
never disturbed. The proprietor of the barn last mentioned, a
German, assured me, that if a man permitted the Swallows to be
shot, his cows would give bloody milk, and also that no barn where
Swallows frequented would ever be struck with lightning; and I
nodded assent. When the tenets of superstition “lean to the side
of humanity," one can readily respect them. On the west side of
the Alleghany these birds become more rare. In travelling
through the States of Kentucky and Tennesee, from Lexington to
the Tennesee river, in the months of April and May, I did not see
a single individual of this species; though the Purple Martin, and,
in some places, the Bank Swallow, were numerous.
Early in May they begin to build. From the size and structure
of the nest, it is nearly a week before it is completely finished. One
of these nests, taken on the 21st of June from the rafter to which it
was closely attached, is now lying before me. It is in the form of an
inverted cone, with a perpendicular section cut off on that side
by which it adhered into the wood. At the top it has an exten-
sion of the edge, or offset, for the male or female to sit on occa-
sionally, as appeared by the dung; the upper diameter was about
six inches by five, the height externally seven inches. This shell
is formed of mud, mixed with fine hay, as plaisterers do their
mortar with hair, to make it adhere the better; the mud seems
to have been placed in regular strata, or layers, from side to side;
the hollow of this cone (the shell of which is about an inch in
thickness) is filled with fine hay, well stuffed in; above that is
laid a handful of very large downy geese feathers; the eggs are
five, white, specked, and spotted all over with reddish brown.
Owing to the semi-transparency of the shell, the eggs have a slight
tinge of flesh color. The whole weighs about two pounds.
They have generally two brood in the season. The first make
their appearance about the second week of June; and the last
brood leave the nest about the 10th of August. Though it is not
uncommon for twenty, and even thirty, pair to build in the same
barn, yet every thing seems to be conducted with great order and
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
309
affection; all seems harmony among them, as if the interest of
each were that of all. Several nests are often within a few inches
of each other; yet no appearance of discord or quarrelling takes
place in this peaceful and affectionate community.
When the young are fit to leave the nest, the old ones entice them
out by fluttering backwards and forwards, twittering and calling to
them every time they pass; and the young exercise themselves,
for several days, in short essays of this kind, within doors, before
they first venture abroad. As soon as they leave the barn, they
are conducted by their parents to the trees, or bushes, by the pond,
creek, or river shore, or other suitable situation, where their
proper food is most abundant, and where they can be fed with the
greatest convenience to both parties. Now and then they take a
short excursion themselves, and are also frequently fed while on
wing by an almost instantaneous motion of both parties, rising
perpendicularly in air, and meeting each other. About the middle
of August they seem to begin to prepare for their departure.
They assemble on the roof in great numbers, dressing and arrang-
ing their plumage, and making occasional essays, twittering with
great cheerfulness. Their song is a kind of sprightly warble,
sometimes continued for a considerable time. From this period
to the 8th of September, they are seen near the Schuylkill and
Delaware, every afternoon for two or three hours before sunset,
passing along to the south in great numbers, feeding as they skim
along. I have counted several hundreds pass within sight in less
than a quarter of an hour, all directing their course towards the
south. The reeds are now their regular roosting-places; and,
about the middle of September, there is scarcely an individual of
them to be seen. How far south they continue their route is un-
certain; none of them remain in the United States. Mr. Bartram
informs me that, during his residence in Florida, he often saw
vast flocks of this and our other Swallows, passing from the penin-
sula towards the south in September and October; and also on
their return to the north about the middle of March. It is highly
probable that, were the countries to the south of the Gulf of
Mexico, and as far south as the great river Maranon, visited and
explored by a competent Naturalist, these regions would be found
310
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
1
to be the winter rendezvous of the very birds now before us, and
most of our other migratory tribes.
"An
In a small volume which I have lately met with, entitled,
Account of the British Settlement of Honduras," by Captain
George Henderson, of the 5th West India regiment, published in
London in 1809, the writer, in treating of that part of its natural
history which relates to birds, gives the following particulars
Myriads of swallows," says he, "are also the occasional inhabi-
tants of Honduras. The time of their residence is generally con-
fined to the period of the rains, [that is from October to Febru-
ary] after which, they totally disappear. There is something
remarkably curious and deserving of notice in the ascent of these
birds. As soon as the dawn appears they quit their place of rest,
which is usually chosen amid the rushes of some watery savanna ;
and invariably rise to a certain height, in a compact spiral form,
and which at a distance often occasions them to be taken for an
immense column of smoke. This attained, they are then seen
separately to disperse in search of food, the occupation of their
day. To those who may have had the opportunity of observing
the phenomenon of a water-spout, the similarity of evolution, in the
ascent of these birds, will be thought surprisingly striking. The
descent, which regularly takes place at sunset, is conducted much in
the same way, but with inconceivable rapidity. And the noise which
accompanies this can only be compared to the falling of an immense
torrent, or the rushing of a violent gust of wind. Indeed, to an
observer, it seems wonderful that thousands of these birds are not
destroyed, in being thus propelled to the earth with such irresis-
tible force."*
How devoutly it is to be wished that the natural history of those
regions were more precisely known. So absolutely necessary as it
is to the perfect understanding of this department of our own!
The Barn Swallow is seven inches long, and thirteen inches in
extent; bill, black; upper part of the head, neck, rump, and tail-
coverts, steel-blue, which descends rounding on the breast; front
and chin, deep chestnut; belly, vent, and lining of the wing, light
*Henderson's Honduras, p. 119.
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS.
311
chestnut; wings and tail, brown black, slightly glossed with reflec-
tions of green; tail, greatly forked, the exterior feather on each
side an inch and a-half longer than the next, and tapering towards
the extremity, each feather, except the two middle ones, marked
on its inner vane with an oblong spot of white; lores, black, ; eye,
dark hazel; sides of the mouth, yellow; legs, dark purple.
The female differs from the male in having the belly and vent
rufous white, instead of light chestnut ; these parts are also slightly
clouded with rufous; and the exterior tail-feathers are shorter.
These birds are easily tamed, and soon become exceedingly gentle
and familiar. I have frequently kept them in my room for several
days at a time, where they employed themselves in catching flies,
picking them from my clothes, hair, &c., calling out occasionally
as they observed some of their old companions passing the windows.
[Vol. V., pp. 34-43.]
IV.—The Solitary Philosopher.
Addressed to the Editor of the "BEE," March 17, 1791.
A
Q 2
NOTE.
Of "The Solitary Philosopher,"
tion.-G.
see more in our Memorial-Introduc-

The Solitary Philosopher.
SIR,—Among all the variety of interesting pieces with which you
weekly entertain your readers, none please me more than those an-
ecdotes that relate to originality of character in particular in-
dividuals; and I am somewhat surprised that your philosophical
correspondents have not favoured us with more frequent accounts
of these uncommon personages than they have done. You have
yourself acknowledged that one great design of your work is to
bring to light men of genius, or, in other words, persons who
might otherwise have languished in obscurity, whose superior
talents and studious researches enable them to be important mem-
bers of society, and highly beneficial to their fellow creatures.
But in what manner shall those proceed, who, though possessing
much real genius and valuable knowledge, are either unwilling, or,
being destitute of literary abilities, are unable to present themselves
or their discoveries to the world through your paper. They must
still remain in obscurity if no assisting hand interferes; and except
for the remembrance of a few friends, the world may never know
that such persons ever existed. Give me leave, therefore, for
once, to act the part of introducer, and present you with a short
account of an original still in life.
On the side of a large mountain, about ten miles west from this
place, in a little hut of his own rearing, which has known no other
possessor these fifty years, lives this strange and very singular
person. Though his general usefulness and communicative dis-
position requires him often to associate with the surrounding
316
THE SOLITARY PHILOSOPHER.
rustics, yet, having never had an inclination to travel farther than
to the neighbouring village, and being totally unacquainted with
the world, his manners, conversation, and dress, are strikingly
noticeable. A little plot of ground that extends round his cot-
tage is the narrow sphere to which he confines himself; and in this
wild retreat he appears to a stranger as one of the early inhabitants
of the earth, ere polished by frequent intercourse, or united in
society. In his youth, being deprived of the means of education,
and till this hour a stranger to reading, the most valuable treasures
of time are utterly unknown to him, so that what knowledge he
has acquired seems to be from the joint exertions of vigorous
powers and an unwearied course of experiments.
It is impossible, in the limited bounds of this paper, to give the
particulars of all the variety of professions in which he engages,
and in which he is allowed by the whole inhabitants around him
to excel. His genius seems universal; and he is at once by nature,
botanist, philosopher, naturalist and physician.
The place where he resides seems indeed peculiarly calculated
for assisting him in these favourite pursuits. Within a stone's
throw of his hut, a deep enormous chasm extends itself up the
mountain for more than four miles, through the bottom of which
a large body of water rages in loud and successive falls through
the fractured channel, while its stupendous sides, studded with
rocks, are overhung with bushes and trees, that meeting from
opposite sides, and mixing their branches, entirely conceal, at
times, the river from view; so that when a spectator stands above
he sees nothing but a luxuriance of green branches and tops of
trees, and hears at a dreadful distance below the brawling of the
river. In this vale, or glen, innumerable rare and valuable herbs
are discovered; and in the harvest months this is his continual
resort. He explores it with most unwearied attention, climbs
every cliff, even the most threatening, and from the perplexing
profusion of plants, collects those herbs of whose qualities and
value he is well acquainted. For this purpose he has a large basket
with a variety of divisions, in which he deposits every particular
species by itself. With this he is often seen labouring home to his
hut, where they are suspended in large and numerous parcels from
THE SOLITARY PHILOSOPHER.
317
the roof, while the sage himself sits smiling amidst his simple
stores.
In cultivating his little plot of ground, he proceeds likewise by
methods entirely new to his neighbours. He has examined, by
numberless strange experiments, the nature of the soil, watches
every progressive advance of the grain, and so well is he provided
for its defence against vermin, that they are no sooner seen than
destroyed. By these means he has greatly enriched the soil,
which was by nature barren and ungenerous, while his crop
nearly doubles that of his neighbours, the more superstitious of .
whom, from his lonely life, and success in these affairs, scruple
not to believe him in league with the devil.
As a mechanic, he is confined to no particular branch. He
lives by himself, and seems inclined to be dependent on none.
He is his own shoemaker, cutler, and tailor; builds his own barns,
and raises his own fences; threshes his own corn, and, with very
little assistance, cuts it down. From his infancy he has enjoyed
an uninterrupted flow of health, but there is scarce a neighbouring
peasant around us who has not, when wounded by accident, or
confined by sickness, experienced the salutary effects of his skill.
In these cases his presence of mind is surprising, his applications
simple, his medicines within the reach of any cottager, and in
effecting a cure, he is seldom unsuccessful. Nor is his assistance
in physic and surgery confined to the human species alone.
Domestic and useful animals of every kind profit by his researches.
He has been known frequently to cure horses, cows, sheep, &c.,
by infusing certain herbs among warm water, and giving them to
drink. In short, so fully persuaded are the rustics of his know-
ledge, in the causes and cure of disorders, to which their cattle
are subject, that in every critical or alarming case he is immedi-
ately consulted and his prescriptions observed with the most pre-
cise exactness. I should arrogate too much to my own praise
to say that I was the first who took any particular notice of this
solitaire. He is known to many ingenious gentlemen in that
place of the country, and has been often the subject of their con-
versation and wonder. Nor has the honourable gentleman whose
tenant he is, suffered this rustic original to pass unnoticed or
318
THE SOLITARY PHILOSOPHER.
unbefriended; but with his usual generosity, and a love to man-
kind, that dignifies all his actions, has from time to time
transmitted to him parcels of new and useful plants, roots, seeds,
&c., while the other shows himself worthy of such bounty, by a
yearly specimen of their products, and a relation of the manner in
which he treated them.
About six months ago I went to pay him a visit, along with an
intimate friend, no less remarkable for a natural curiosity.—On
arriving at his little hut, we found, to our no small disappoint-
ment, that he was from home. As my friend, however, had never
been in that part of the country before, I conducted him to the
glen, to take a view of some of the beautifully romantic scenes
and wild prospects that this place affords. We had not proceeded
far along the bottom of the vale, when, hearing a rustling among
the branches above our heads, I discovered our hoary botanist,
with his basket, passing along the brow of a rock, that hung al-
most over the centre of the stream. Having pointed him out to
my companion, we were at a loss for some time how to bring about
a conversation with him; having however, a flute in my pocket, of
which music he is exceedingly fond, I began a few airs, which by
the sweetness of the echoes, was heightened into the most enchant-
ing melody. In a few minutes this had its desired effect; and our
little old man stood beside us, with his basket in his hand. On
stopping at his approach, he desired us to proceed, complimented
us on the sweetness of our music, expressed the surprise he was in
on hearing it; and leaning his basket on an old trunk, listened
with all the enthusiasm of rapture. He then, at our request,
presented us with a sight of the herbs he had been collecting, en-
tertained us with a narrative of the discoveries he had made in
his frequent searches through the vale, which," said he, con-
tains treasures that few know the value of."
66
t
Seeing us pleased with this discourse, he launched forth into a
more particular account of the vegetables, reptiles, wild beasts, and
insects that frequented the place, and with much judgment ex-
plained their various properties. "Were it not says he,
the innumerable millions of insects, that in the summer months
swarm in the air, I believe dead carcasses and other putrid sub-
""
"" for
THE SOLITARY PHILOSOPHER.
319
stances might have dreadful effects; but no sooner does a carcass
begin to grow putrid, than these insects, led by the smell, flock to
the place, and there deposit their eggs, which in a few days pro-
duce such a number of maggots, that the carcase is soon consumed.
While they are thus employed below, the parent flies are no less
busy in devouring the noxious vapours that incessantly ascend,
thus the air by these insects is kept sweet and pure, till the storms
of winter render their existence unnecessary, and at once destroy
them. And Heaven that has formed nothing in vain, exhibits
these things for our contemplation, that we may adore that all
bounteous Creator, who makes even the most minute and seem-
ingly destructive creatures subservient to the good of man.
""
In such a manner did this poor and illiterate peasant moralize
on the common occurrences of nature; these glorious and invalu-
able truths did he deduce from vile reptiles, the unheeded insect,
and simple herb, that lies neglected or is trodden under foot as
useless and offensive; and what friend to mankind does not, on
contemplating this hoary rustic's story, fondly wish, with its
writer, that learning had lent its aid to polish a genius that might
have one day surprised the world with the glorious blaze of a
Locke or a Newton.
I have nothing, Sir, to offer as an apology for the length of this
paper, but the entertainment I hoped it might afford your
numerous readers, and its truth, which is not unknown to a
number of your respectable subscribers in this quarter, some of
whom may perhaps favour you with more particulars respecting
his discoveries than can at present be given by
A. W
N.
Paisley, February 16, 1791.
¿.—Oration on the Power and Halue
of National Liberty.
DELIVERED TO A LARGE ASSEMBLY OF CITIZENS, AT MILESTOWN,
PENNSYLVANIA, ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4TH, 1801, THE DAY ON
WHICH MR. JEFFERSON WAS ELECTED PRESIDENT.
R 2
NOTE.
This Speech, like the song, "Jefferson and Liberty," was extremely
popular, and is found in all the important (American) contemporary news-
papers and periodicals. Of its Author's intercourse with Jefferson,
see our Memorial-Introduction and the "Letters." -G.
}

Oration.
Disguise thyself as thou wilt, still, Slavery, still thou art a bitter draught; and
though thousands in all ages have been made to drink of thee, thou art no less
bitter on that account.
STERNE.
GENTLEMEN,—The subject to which I mean to call your attention
on this distinguished occasion, is the POWER AND VALUE OF
NATIONAL LIBERTY; a subject of all other earthly concerns the most
interesting to men; but particularly so to freemen. It is indeed
with the deepest consciousness of my utter inability to do justice
to so noble a theme, that I venture to address you on this auspi-
cious day; but trusting with all my deficiences, to the indulgence
of this numerous and respectable assembly, many of whom I know
have hazarded their lives in defence of liberty, and all of whom I
trust glory in this inestimable inheritance, I solicit for myself your
kind and patient attention.
There is not, perhaps, in the whole English language, a more
expressive term than the word liberty. The very sound seems to
inspire with ardour, and to rouse the heart to energy. Among
the ancient Romans it was a sacred and soul-inspiring name, that
animated their legions to battle, and resounded in times of peace,
through that immense Republic, in songs of triumph. During
your late arduous, but triumphant struggle for independence, in
this western world, with a powerful and inveterate antagonist; a
kingdom of soldiers and seamen, provided with every necessary,
and every implement of destruction in abundance, against an in-
fant colony of farmers and woodsmen, without fleets, without
armies, unpractised in the bloody arts of war and dispersed over
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ORATION.
an immense country; it was this inspiring name, liberty, that col-
lected from every direction your gallant youths, that created arms,
heroes, and armies, that bore you on through every danger and
every difficulty, to victory and glory, and drove your enemies be-
fore you back to the ocean, as the gloomy clouds of the east roll
back before the irresistible fury of the roaring north-west. It was
this illustrious name, and your glorious example, that roused, as
if by electricity, a great, but deeply oppressed nation, of twenty-
five millions of people, to burst the chains and rivetted shackles
of despotism as in a moment, and to hurl back the accumulated
vengeance of ages of sufferings on the heads of their overwhelmed
oppressors. It was this that demolished the gloomy dungeons of
the Bastile-that dethroned and devoted to punishment, a once
powerful monarch, and has rendered the French nation not only
invincible, but victorious over the whole combined arms of
Europe.
How astonishing that one word should produce such extra-
ordinary effects; and more astonishing still, if, as some persons
assert, this thing liberty be nothing more than a name—an ideal
notion, that exists but in imagination. Amazing, indeed, that
a mere name—an ideal notion-should inspire millions of men to
scorn every danger, to face death in its most terrible forms, and
glory, with their expiring breath, in their cause! No, gentlemen,
the heroes of America, thank Heaven! have demonstrated to the
world that liberty is something more than a name-something
more than a notion;-that it is a blessed and substantial reality,
the great strength and happiness of nations, and the universal and
best friend of man.
In order to give you a concise and comprehensive definition
of true liberty, it will be necessary for me, in the first place, to
observe, that there have been people in the world weak or wicked
enough to believe that liberty was the right and privilege of doing
just whatever they pleased. This, so far from being liberty, is
the most complete tyranny, and would if adopted, introduce
universal anarchy, and the total subversion of all society. The
strong would overpower the weak; they, in their turn, would
prey upon and devour one another; all right, justice, and civil-
ORATION.
325
ization, would be completely swept away, and nothing left of man
but an unprincipled herd of ferocious savages. This, therefore,
cannot be true liberty, even according to these gentlemen's own
opinions; for it would then be no imaginary notion, no airy dream,
but a most dreadful reality indeed.
There have been others who have imagined liberty to consist in
an equality of property, and have looked upon those who were
richer, or had greater possessions than themselves, as exceptions
to, and violators of this their favourite system of liberty. Such
an opinion as this can only arise from ignorance or want of re-
flection on the nature of man. A moment's consideration might,
methinks, make its absurdity and even impossibility evident to
every one. Suppose, for the sake of argument, that such an equal
and universal distribution of property was made, how long would
it continue so? Not a day! no, perhaps, not an hour! Some
would be more indolent, some more extravagant, others more
industrious, careful, or enterprising, than the rest, and the pro-
perty of these would increase or diminish accordingly. If indeed,
all men were equally strong, equally industrious, frugal, and
ingenious, such a state of things might perhaps be possible; but
as mankind now are, of such various inclinations, powers, and
dispositions, disproportion of property is only a necessary con-
sequence of this disproportion of abilities, and has been and will
continue to be so till the end of time. No! gentlemen, true
liberty consists, not in depriving any person of the advantages of
superior talents and acquirements, or in robbing the industrious
to support the idle and extravagant; but in securing to every
man the fruits of his own honest diligence, or those which have
descended to him from his forefathers. True genuine national
liberty may, in a few words, be defined thus:-the full and un-
restrained freedom of speaking and acting to promote our own
happiness, in so far as we do not encroach on the like rights of
another—the secure protection of person and property under good
and equitable laws-the strict and impartial distribution of
justice to all ranks and descriptions of persons-and the free
exercise of opinion and religious worship. These constitute true
liberty-these are the fountains from whence every blessing flows
326
ORATION.
that renders human life desirable. Nor are they the gifts of man
but the birth-right of every human being, bestowed on him by
his great Creator. Possessed of these, arts, science, agriculture,
commerce, virtue, religion, and the whole resources of a nation
flourish. Deprived of them the most gloomy ignorance, vice,
barbarity, oppression, and bigotry, descend, in dismal darkness,
and spread ruin and desolation over a wretched country.
To confirm and illustrate these truths, and to show liberty in all
its native loveliness, we need only contrast it with the hideous
picture of slavery, which the history of almost every region of this
restless globe has exhibited to our melancholy contemplation.
The first and most ancient account we have of national slavery
is recorded in the book of Exodus, where we are told that the
children of Israel were made to serve, with rigour, as slaves to the
Egyptians that they were loaded beyond their strength—that
their lives were made bitter with hard bondage, in mortar and in
brick, and that in order to prevent them from multiplying, and
thereby becoming formidable to their oppressors, their male
infants were most inhumanly ordered to be murdered as soon as
born. It is added, that they cried because of their affliction, and
their cries came up before God, (as the cries of the oppressed
always will), who rescued them from slavery and overthrew their
oppressors. In this account, there are two things particularly
worthy of notice : how weak and contemptible were these Israelites
while under the lash of tyranny! but no sooner were they encircled
with freedom than they assumed a most formidable appearance,
and not only became invulnerable to their enemies, but conquered
almost wherever they went. Again, by attentively considering
the history of this wonderful people, it would appear that the
Supreme Being Himself considered national slavery as the deepest
state of human wretchedness, by making it His usual and most
awful punishment for their great national offences. Accordingly,
we read that their whole country was ravaged by the Babylonians
—their king carried in chains to Babylon, and themselves sold for
bondmen and bondwomen, and whoever will take the trouble of
reading the 5th chapter of the Lamentations of Jeremiah, or the
18th of Deuteronomy, from the 29th verse to the end, will there
ORATION.
327
find such a detail of the miseries of slavery, as cannot fail of
affecting every generous heart with horror and indignation.
Since that period what innumerable scenes of more aggravated
cruelty have succeeded! What long and bloody tragedies of real
woe have been acted upon the vast theatre of this world! What
immense portions of this habitable globe have been laid waste,
depopulated, and covered with ruins! What multitudes of the
human race have been murdered, with every circumstance of
cruelty, to satiate the ambition, revenge, or madness of tyranny!
Even at this moment how many of our fellow-creatures in differ-
ent quarters of the world, as virtuous, as brave, as deserving as
we are, lie groaning in hopeless wretchedness, under the trampling
feet of this monster, denied even the poor comfort of complaining.
Yes, citizens, millions of your fellow beings are at this moment in
actual want of bread-surrounded by all the horrors of famine,
not the effect of unproductive seasons or bad crops, but the con-
sequence of a long, bloody, and unjust war, begun and persisted
in contrary to the will, and in spite of the wishes, tears, and
prayers of the people.
Need I enlarge further on this gloomy side of the subject to
raise in your souls an abhorrence of tyranny? Need I add to this
black catalogue the bloody persecutions, burnings, banishments,
and imprisonments for religion, that have disgraced every country
in Europe, where men were compelled to act contrary to their
conscience or suffer death? Where the flames were kindled; the
images of saints presented, and the poor sufferer left to his choice,
to worship the one, or be thrown into the other. Where gloomy
inquisitions were erected, and wheels, racks, and other instru-
ments of torture, set to work in their dismal dungeons, the bare
recital of whose scenes would be sufficient to freeze the blood with
horror.
Let no man say that the dangers of a repetition of these things
are past. The spirit and principles that led to these atrocities
remain to this day, interwoven with, and incorporated into almost
all the old governments of Europe, and will, if not thoroughly
reformed, burst out into such, and perhaps much more outrageous
persecutions, unless the righteous Judge and Great Ruler of the
328
ORATION.
universe has already sealed their universal downfall and total
destruction.
From these dreary and distressing scenes, let us now turn to
that glorious deliverer, that illustrious benefactress of mankind,
before whose august presence tyrants expire, and all those horrors
vanish like the shades of night before the splendour of the rising
sun. In this western woody world, far from the contaminating
influence of the European politics, has the great temple of Liberty
been erected. Under no government on earth is so large, so
equal a proportion of civil and religious freedom enjoyed by every
individual citizen. What are the governments of the old world
but huge devouring monsters, gorging their ferocious maws with
the hard-earned morsels of the oppressed multitude, drinking up
their tears, and sporting with their bloody sufferings? Read their
histories-visit their countries-converse with their most intelli-
gent inhabitants-and the more you see, and hear, and experience,
the more you will love and venerate this great, this stupendous,
and, as I trust, everlasting monument of the power and value of
liberty, which you and your fathers have erected for the refuge,
the happiness, and inheritance of unborn millions. Indeed,
gentlemen, I cannot more strikingly illustrate the power, and
demonstrate the value of liberty, than by giving you the outlines
of this immense structure, and contrasting it with the fairest and
most boasted system of governments that kings and their syco-
phants can produce.
Here the great body of the people, of which this respectable
audience form a part, are the fountain of all power, and their will
the foundation on which the whole superstructure of government
is erected. By your voice it was called into existence, for your
benefit it is altered and improved, by your energy and talents it is
supported and directed. You make, or you unmake laws-you
declare war, or you proclaim peace. Not, indeed, in your own
individual persons, but in the persons of your real representatives.
From the wisest and most faithful of your fellow-citizens, you
select men to perform the great duties of government. Their
turn of duty over, if they have shown themselves worthy of your
confidence, they are re-appointed; if not, they descend again into
ORATION.
329
!
the rank of a private citizen. In the exercise of this right, by the
people themselves, lies the chief excellence of a republican form
of government; as it not only makes the representatives responsible
to, and dependent on the people, as they ought to be, but provides
an effectual remedy for almost every abuse, by enabling the people
to remove from the great councils of the nation, those men whose
measures and designs may be deemed hostile to their liberties.
How different this from those wretched countries of Europe, where
the voice of the people is totally disregarded, or treated with the
utmost contempt! Where two or three men of property appoint
a nominal representative for thousands, and where hundreds of
thousands have no representative at all. Where those who fight
their battles, cultivate their fields, and crown their tables with
every luxury, are looked down on as beings of an inferior species,
and branded with the opprobrious epithet of the swinish multi-
tude; where their haughty rulers are born kings, bishops, and
legislators, though nature, perhaps, has made them fools; and
where these important and awful offices, on the proper manage-
ment of which the lives and welfare of so many millions depend,
descend as an inheritance, from father to son, however weak,
wicked, or unprincipled.
Universal liberty of conscience, in matters of religion, is here
established on the most liberal ground. Every citizen who be-
lieves in one Supreme Being, is eligible, with the exceptions of
some slight considerations of age and residence, to the highest
places of trust and honour, and may worship God as may seem
most agreeable to his conscience. Compare this with the churches
of Europe, as established by law-with the despotism of the Romish
church in Spain, Italy, and Portugal, to whose creed every officer
of government must conform, or affect to conform, and where the
people are compelled to support, at an enormous expence, a mul-
titude of priests, monks, friars, &c., who swarm, like the devour-
ing locusts, over the face of the whole country, and insolently
claim the tenth of all the produce of the industrious farmer, even
to his fowls and to his chickens. There their rulers, arrogate to
themselves dominion over the soul as well as the body, their laws
and forms must be rigidly observed, even in violation of conscience
$ 2
330
ORATION.
itself. The arbitrary act of religious persecution, not long ago
exhibited in one of these countries, cannot yet be forgotten,
where a poor man was committed to prison for life for refusing to
swear in a court of justice, though he offered to affirm, but was
afterwards under the necessity, in order to save a small family
from starving, to comply with the law, and to swear contrary to
his conscience.* *
Another excellence of Liberty is the freedom of the press.
Here every person entrusted with power may be brought before
the great tribunal of the people; his whole conduct, measures,
and sentiments tried by the principles of the constitution; his
imbecility, villany, or corruption, arraigned and exposed to the
world, provided nothing is asserted but what can be substantiated
by facts.
This, gentlemen, is a most valuable privilege; it may
be called the very right arm, the grand watch-tower, the most
formidable bastion of liberty, from whence, and by which, the
true patriot can guard against every open or insidious approach,
and repel, with success, every daring attack on the liberties of this
country.
These are some of the innumerable blessings of liberty, for the
attainment and preservation of which so much blood has been
shed-so many dangers defied—and such prodigies of valour per-
formed as have astonished the world. This is the glorious object
that filled and animated the hearts of that illustrious train of
heroes who fell on your ravished fields and bloody fortresses,
fighting for the liberties of their country. Heroes whom no cor-
ruption could seduce, nor toil discourage, nor dangers, nor death
itself terrify! Faithful to the standard of Liberty, she has now
surrounded their brows with immortal honours. Their names will
live in the hearts, and breathe with ardour from the lips of Ameri-
cans, while sun and moon endureth; and future ages shall shed
tears of triumphant joy and honest pride over the history of their
immortal achievements. This is the charm that has continued to
draw such multitudes from almost every nation in Europe to this
our land of liberty-to more abundant shores and a happier home.
* See the Trial of Thomas Muir.
ORATION.
331
This is the power that in little more than a century has made cities,
fields, arts and science flourish and spring up from a howling
wilderness; and, with a rapidity of population unexampled in the
history of mankind, has, from a few scattered adventurers, made
us a great, powerful, and independent nation. Indeed, what is.
there in human life pleasing or desirable that we owe not, under
Providence, to liberty? Is the protection of property a blessing?
She guards with a jealous, but impartial eye, the rich man's millions,
with the poor man's mite. Is the free worship of God, the pouring
out our hearts to Him in such way and manner as conscience may
dictate, a blessing? She beholds with a sacred reverence, with an
unbounded charity, the various devotions of every sect-prefers
not one above another-believes in the piety and sincerity of all,
nor suffers any human being to dare to intrude between God and
His creature. Is the advantage of education a blessing? She
opens and establishes seminaries of learning-promotes and protects
the liberty of the press-and holds out to all the greatest incite-
ments to virtue and learning, by asking no other qualifications for
places of the highest trust than talents and sound principles. Is
national peace a distinguished blessing? She pursues not schemes
of conquest or aggrandizement, those sources of long and bloody
wars and national misery, but with the integrity, firmness, and
impartial policy of an honest individual, deals justly, openly, and
equally with all. In a word, liberty unites and consolidates the
whole powers, moral and physical, of society, by making the public
will and the public good the great rule of her conduct, and the
object of all her proceedings.
Such, gentlemen, is the nature and value of liberty. May its
benovolent principles animate every bosom! May its friends,
wherever situated, be for ever victorious? May its enemies in every
country be effectually converted, or covered with everlasting shame
and confusion; and soon may that great millennium arrive when
the mighty genius of liberty, standing on the earth and ocean of
this vast globe, the abode of such innumerable millions, shall
breathe out the solemn and determined vow of the whole human
race, that tyranny shall be no longer!
To promote this great event, which, according to the whole tenor
332
ORATION.
of sacred prophecy, and, indeed, from present appearances, seems
fast approaching, you, gentlemen, and your fellow-citizens, as free-
men, and as Americans, are to be made no unconcerned spectators.
Hitherto you have acted a most distinguished part in this grand
effort of mankind to rescue themselves from tyranny. First in the
glorious career of nations you have shown what liberty can do.
Your example and your unparalleled prosperity has aroused and
animated distant nations. On you, and on this your great fabric
of liberty, are the eyes of every people on earth directed. On
your success in this grand experiment of representative govern-
ment, on your established greatness and rising glory, the destinies
of mankind, the liberties of the world, are suspended. You have
acquired, it is now your great business to preserve and perpetuate
to posterity this invaluable treasure.
What would you think of that farmer who should bestow the
greatest labour in cultivating his fields, and yet pay no regard to
his fences-take no pains to prevent the inroads and destruction
made among his harvests? what would you think of the inhabi-
tants of that city, who, though in continual danger of being at-
tacked by a cruel enemy, should yet let their gates stand open,
and their walls go to ruin? Liberty, is this strong fence, that pro-
tects and secures to you the fruits of your labour. Liberty is that
wall, those gates and ramparts, that surround and defend you
from the merciless fury of Tyranny, who for ever raves around
them, bellowing for entrance, and thirsting for blood.
It is,
therefore, your deepest interest, as well as duty, to be vigilant and
watchful of the motions and designs of this prowling enemy of
your peace, your prosperity, religion, and happiness. Acquaint
yourselves minutely with the true principles of liberty, on which
the different State governments, and your great federal compact
is founded. Read books of authentic history and travels. They
will inform you of the fatal consequences of the loss of liberty to
the different nations of the world. Contrast the want and wret-
chedness experienced by your fellow-creatures in other countries,
with the peace, plenty and felicity you enjoy in this. Remember,
that for all these, under Providence, you are indebted to liberty,
-infuse these ideas into your children. Cultivate their minds,
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333
and enlarge their understanding by education and reading. Set
before them, in your own persons, examples of firm patriotism and
genuine piety. Inure them to habits of industry, economy and
virtue, love of country, and gratitude to the Great Giver of all
good. Then may the storms of aristocracy roar, and the fury of
foreign or domestic enemies swell and rage around you. Your
liberty, founded on this immovable rock, its structure adorned,
and its energy directed by that incorruptible Republican, who on
this ever-memorable day, has ascended into the chair of State,
shall roll back all their meditated mischief on their own heads,
and your country rise in strength, grandeur, and prosperity—the
seat of learning and of arts-the abode of plenty and of peace-
the asylum of the persecuted, and the pride and glory of the
world. Is this hope great and elevating? Who, then, that so
lately beheld the surrounding glooms of aristocracy descending in
dismal darkness, and threatening to blast and bury for ever from
our view this glorious prospect-what republican I say, who eyed
with a throbbing and indignant heart, the evil genius of despotism
breaking into this our western paradise, to plunge us into a world
of woe, but feels now a flood of joy swell his overflowing heart
on this triumphant day, at the defeat and expulsion of this arch-
fiend, and the universal overthrow of his fallen associates. The
majesty of the people arose, and their enemies were hurled to the
regions of despair and ignominy. The clouds are now dispersing,
the prospect brightens with more splendour than ever, and every
patriotic heart welcomes this happy era.

J
•
1
A

THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
GRADUATE LIBRARY
1971
MAR 16 1974
-NOV 28 1900
NOV 26 1986
DATE DUE

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
BOUND
JAN 7 1936
UN
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