Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
The Project Gutenberg eBook of Audubon the Naturalist: A
History of His Life and Time. Vol. 2 (of 2)
This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you
will have to check the laws of the country where you are located
before using this eBook.
Title: Audubon the Naturalist: A History of His Life and Time. Vol. 2
(of 2)
Author: Francis Hobart Herrick
Release date: February 28, 2019 [eBook #58984]
Language: English
Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/58984
Credits: Produced by Melissa McDaniel, Ted Garvin and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUDUBON THE
NATURALIST: A HISTORY OF HIS LIFE AND TIME. VOL. 2 (OF 2)
***
History of His Life and Time. Vol. 2 (of 2)
This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you
will have to check the laws of the country where you are located
before using this eBook.
Title: Audubon the Naturalist: A History of His Life and Time. Vol. 2
(of 2)
Author: Francis Hobart Herrick
Release date: February 28, 2019 [eBook #58984]
Language: English
Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/58984
Credits: Produced by Melissa McDaniel, Ted Garvin and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUDUBON THE
NATURALIST: A HISTORY OF HIS LIFE AND TIME. VOL. 2 (OF 2)
***
Page 4
Transcriber's Note:
Obvious typographical errors in the editor's text have been
corrected. Inconsistent or incorrect accents, spelling,
capitalization, and punctuation in the original documents and
quotes were left as printed.
On page 28, "aimable" should possibly be "amiable".
On page 40, "as taken umbrage" should possibly be "has
taken umbrage".
On page 58, "Chamley, of New Castle" should possibly
be "Charnley of Newcastle".
On page 100, "Mr. A." should possibly be "Mrs. A".
On page 233 "youself" should possibly be "yourself".
On page 418 "pp. 197*-204*" should possibly not have
asterisks.
"£##" and "##£" are used interchangeably (with and
without spacing.)
The same is true for "$##" and "##$".
"Major Glassel" (page 7) and "Major Classel" (page 24)
appear to be the same person.
Some references in the Index are incorrect.
No entry exists for "Coral snake".
The entry for "Audubon parentage and early names" is
missing a page reference.
This is the second volume of a two volume work. Linked
cross-references to Volume I are designed to work when the
book is read on line.
Download Vol. I from
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/58983/58983-h/58983-h.htm
Obvious typographical errors in the editor's text have been
corrected. Inconsistent or incorrect accents, spelling,
capitalization, and punctuation in the original documents and
quotes were left as printed.
On page 28, "aimable" should possibly be "amiable".
On page 40, "as taken umbrage" should possibly be "has
taken umbrage".
On page 58, "Chamley, of New Castle" should possibly
be "Charnley of Newcastle".
On page 100, "Mr. A." should possibly be "Mrs. A".
On page 233 "youself" should possibly be "yourself".
On page 418 "pp. 197*-204*" should possibly not have
asterisks.
"£##" and "##£" are used interchangeably (with and
without spacing.)
The same is true for "$##" and "##$".
"Major Glassel" (page 7) and "Major Classel" (page 24)
appear to be the same person.
Some references in the Index are incorrect.
No entry exists for "Coral snake".
The entry for "Audubon parentage and early names" is
missing a page reference.
This is the second volume of a two volume work. Linked
cross-references to Volume I are designed to work when the
book is read on line.
Download Vol. I from
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/58983/58983-h/58983-h.htm
Page 5
Download Vol. II from
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/58984/58984-h/58984-h.htm
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/58984/58984-h/58984-h.htm
Page 6
AUDUBON
THE
NATURALIST
THE
NATURALIST
Page 7
John J. Audubon
AFTER PORTRAIT BY GEORGE P. A. HEALY, 1838;
ORIGINAL IN POSSESSION OF THE BOSTON SOCIETY OF
NATURAL HISTORY.
AFTER PORTRAIT BY GEORGE P. A. HEALY, 1838;
ORIGINAL IN POSSESSION OF THE BOSTON SOCIETY OF
NATURAL HISTORY.
Page 8
AUDUBON
THE
NATURALIST
A HISTORY OF HIS LIFE AND TIME
BY
FRANCIS HOBART HERRICK, Ph.D., Sc.D.
PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY IN WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY;
AUTHOR OF "THE HOME LIFE OF WILD BIRDS," ETC.
IN TWO VOLUMES
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME II
THE
NATURALIST
A HISTORY OF HIS LIFE AND TIME
BY
FRANCIS HOBART HERRICK, Ph.D., Sc.D.
PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY IN WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY;
AUTHOR OF "THE HOME LIFE OF WILD BIRDS," ETC.
IN TWO VOLUMES
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME II
Page 9
D. APPLETON AND COMPANY
NEW YORK LONDON
1917
NEW YORK LONDON
1917
Page 10
Copyright, 1917, by
D. APPLETON AND COMPANY
Printed in the United States of America
D. APPLETON AND COMPANY
Printed in the United States of America
Page 11
CONTENTS OF VOLUME II
PAGE
CHAPTER XXVI
Explorations in Florida and the South
Atlantic
Obituary published in London on day of his arrival in New
York—Assistance from the Government—John Bachman
becomes his friend—Winter in Charleston—His folios as
gifts—To Florida with two assistants—Letters to
Featherstonhaugh—St. Augustine—Misadventures in the
mud of East Florida—Audubon on Florida's future—At
the sources of the St. John's—Aboard the Marion—
Return from Key West—A merchant of Savannah—
Disbanding of party at Charleston 1
CHAPTER XXVII
Eastern Visit and Explorations in the North
Atlantic
26
Bachman's success as a canvasser—Boston visit—Journey
to Portland—Ascent of the St. John's—Return overland
—Victor Audubon becomes his father's agent—Winter in
PAGE
CHAPTER XXVI
Explorations in Florida and the South
Atlantic
Obituary published in London on day of his arrival in New
York—Assistance from the Government—John Bachman
becomes his friend—Winter in Charleston—His folios as
gifts—To Florida with two assistants—Letters to
Featherstonhaugh—St. Augustine—Misadventures in the
mud of East Florida—Audubon on Florida's future—At
the sources of the St. John's—Aboard the Marion—
Return from Key West—A merchant of Savannah—
Disbanding of party at Charleston 1
CHAPTER XXVII
Eastern Visit and Explorations in the North
Atlantic
26
Bachman's success as a canvasser—Boston visit—Journey
to Portland—Ascent of the St. John's—Return overland
—Victor Audubon becomes his father's agent—Winter in
Page 12
Boston—The Golden Eagle—Stricken with illness—
Expedition to Labrador planned—American support—
Sails from Eastport with five assistants—Discoveries and
adventures on the Labrador—Safe return—Another
winter in Charleston—Sued for old debts—Experience
with vultures—Advice and instruction to a son—Working
habits—Return to England
CHAPTER XXVIII
Thorns on the Rose
Contributions to magazines—Attacked in Philadelphia—
Statement to Sully—The rattlesnake episode—Behavior
of a Philadelphia editor—Mistaken identity in account of
the reptile—Lesson of the serpent's tooth—Audubon's
long lost lily rediscovered—"Nosarians and Anti-
Nosarians"—Bachman and Audubon on vultures—Aim
of the critics—Authorship in the Biography—His most
persistent heckler—Pitfall of analogy 67
CHAPTER XXIX
Sidelights on Audubon and His
Contemporaries
93
What was a Quinarian?—Controversy over the authorship
of the Ornithological Biography—Audubon's quaint
proposal—Swainson's reply—Friendship suffers a check
—Species-mongers—Hitting at one over the shoulders of
another—Swainson as a biographer—His career—
Bonaparte's grievance—A fortune in ornithology—
Expedition to Labrador planned—American support—
Sails from Eastport with five assistants—Discoveries and
adventures on the Labrador—Safe return—Another
winter in Charleston—Sued for old debts—Experience
with vultures—Advice and instruction to a son—Working
habits—Return to England
CHAPTER XXVIII
Thorns on the Rose
Contributions to magazines—Attacked in Philadelphia—
Statement to Sully—The rattlesnake episode—Behavior
of a Philadelphia editor—Mistaken identity in account of
the reptile—Lesson of the serpent's tooth—Audubon's
long lost lily rediscovered—"Nosarians and Anti-
Nosarians"—Bachman and Audubon on vultures—Aim
of the critics—Authorship in the Biography—His most
persistent heckler—Pitfall of analogy 67
CHAPTER XXIX
Sidelights on Audubon and His
Contemporaries
93
What was a Quinarian?—Controversy over the authorship
of the Ornithological Biography—Audubon's quaint
proposal—Swainson's reply—Friendship suffers a check
—Species-mongers—Hitting at one over the shoulders of
another—Swainson as a biographer—His career—
Bonaparte's grievance—A fortune in ornithology—
Page 13
Labors of John Gould and his relations with Audubon—
The freemasonry of naturalists
CHAPTER XXX
Audubon and MacGillivray
In London once more—MacGillivray's assistance continued
—Return to Edinburgh—MacGillivray's character and
accomplishments—Audubon's acknowledgments—
Tributes of "Christopher North"—Results of overwork—
Fusillades from "Walton Hall"—Progress of the large
plates 125
CHAPTER XXXI
Third American Tour, 1836-1837
In New York harbor—Collections from the Far West—
Audubon's efforts to secure them—Return to Boston—
Friendship of Daniel Webster—Renewed efforts to obtain
the Nuttall-Townsend collection—Expedition to the west
coast of Florida—Deferred governmental aid—Another
winter with Bachman—Overland journey to New Orleans
—On board the Crusader—Mistaken for pirates—With
Harris and his son explores the Gulf coast—The Republic
of Texas—Visit to its capital and president—Meeting in
Charleston—Marriage of his son—Their return to
England 146
CHAPTER XXXII
The freemasonry of naturalists
CHAPTER XXX
Audubon and MacGillivray
In London once more—MacGillivray's assistance continued
—Return to Edinburgh—MacGillivray's character and
accomplishments—Audubon's acknowledgments—
Tributes of "Christopher North"—Results of overwork—
Fusillades from "Walton Hall"—Progress of the large
plates 125
CHAPTER XXXI
Third American Tour, 1836-1837
In New York harbor—Collections from the Far West—
Audubon's efforts to secure them—Return to Boston—
Friendship of Daniel Webster—Renewed efforts to obtain
the Nuttall-Townsend collection—Expedition to the west
coast of Florida—Deferred governmental aid—Another
winter with Bachman—Overland journey to New Orleans
—On board the Crusader—Mistaken for pirates—With
Harris and his son explores the Gulf coast—The Republic
of Texas—Visit to its capital and president—Meeting in
Charleston—Marriage of his son—Their return to
England 146
CHAPTER XXXII
Page 14
Audubon's Greatest Triumph
Extension of his work—Financial panic and revolt of
patrons—New western collections—His "book of
Nature" completed—Work on the letterpress in
Edinburgh—Vacation in the Highlands—Commissions to
Harris—Parting address to the reader—Dissolution of the
Havell engraving establishment—The residuum of The
Birds of America—Robert Havell, engraver, and his
family—Lizars' first edition and the Havell reissues of
plates—Brief manual for collectors—Appreciations—
Total edition of The Birds of America—Past and present
prices—The Rothschild incident 168
CHAPTER XXXIII
New Enterprises and Life at "Minnie's Land"
Settlement in New York—The Birds in miniature, and work
on the Quadrupeds—Marriage of Victor Audubon—
Coöperation of Bachman in the Quadrupeds secured—
Prospectuses—History of the octavo edition of the Birds
—Baird's enthusiasm and efficient aid—Parkman's Wren
—Baird's visit to Audubon in New York—"Look out for
Martens," and wildcats—New home on the Hudson—
Godwin's pilgrimage to "Minnie's Land" in 1842 208
CHAPTER XXXIV
Expedition to the Upper Missouri
Extension of his work—Financial panic and revolt of
patrons—New western collections—His "book of
Nature" completed—Work on the letterpress in
Edinburgh—Vacation in the Highlands—Commissions to
Harris—Parting address to the reader—Dissolution of the
Havell engraving establishment—The residuum of The
Birds of America—Robert Havell, engraver, and his
family—Lizars' first edition and the Havell reissues of
plates—Brief manual for collectors—Appreciations—
Total edition of The Birds of America—Past and present
prices—The Rothschild incident 168
CHAPTER XXXIII
New Enterprises and Life at "Minnie's Land"
Settlement in New York—The Birds in miniature, and work
on the Quadrupeds—Marriage of Victor Audubon—
Coöperation of Bachman in the Quadrupeds secured—
Prospectuses—History of the octavo edition of the Birds
—Baird's enthusiasm and efficient aid—Parkman's Wren
—Baird's visit to Audubon in New York—"Look out for
Martens," and wildcats—New home on the Hudson—
Godwin's pilgrimage to "Minnie's Land" in 1842 208
CHAPTER XXXIV
Expedition to the Upper Missouri
Page 15
Ambitions at fifty-seven—Plans his last expedition in the
rôle of naturalist—Credentials from public men—
Canvassing tour in Canada described—Baird's plans to
accompany Audubon west frustrated—Western
expedition begun—Ascent of the Missouri and
Yellowstone—Discoveries of new birds—A wilderness
that howls—Buffalo hunting—Passing of the great herds
—Return from Fort Union—Incident on the canal boat—
Completion of the octavo edition of the Birds 239
CHAPTER XXXV
Final Work Days
Painting the Quadrupeds—Assistance of Bachman and
Audubon's sons—Copper plates of the Birds go through
the fire in New York—Audubon a spectator at the ruins—
Bachman's ultimatum—Success of the illustrations of the
Quadrupeds—Bachman's letterpress—Recommendation
of Baird—J. W. Audubon in London—Bachman's
assistants—His life and labors—Decline of Audubon's
powers—Dr. Brewer's visit—Audubon's last letters—His
death at "Minnie's Land" 261
CHAPTER XXXVI
Afterword: Audubon's Family in America
291
Bachman completes his text on the Quadrupeds—Victor
Audubon's success in canvassing—John Woodhouse
Audubon's family—New houses at "Minnie's Land"—
Second octavo edition of the Birds—Victor Audubon's
illness and death—Attempt to reissue The Birds of
rôle of naturalist—Credentials from public men—
Canvassing tour in Canada described—Baird's plans to
accompany Audubon west frustrated—Western
expedition begun—Ascent of the Missouri and
Yellowstone—Discoveries of new birds—A wilderness
that howls—Buffalo hunting—Passing of the great herds
—Return from Fort Union—Incident on the canal boat—
Completion of the octavo edition of the Birds 239
CHAPTER XXXV
Final Work Days
Painting the Quadrupeds—Assistance of Bachman and
Audubon's sons—Copper plates of the Birds go through
the fire in New York—Audubon a spectator at the ruins—
Bachman's ultimatum—Success of the illustrations of the
Quadrupeds—Bachman's letterpress—Recommendation
of Baird—J. W. Audubon in London—Bachman's
assistants—His life and labors—Decline of Audubon's
powers—Dr. Brewer's visit—Audubon's last letters—His
death at "Minnie's Land" 261
CHAPTER XXXVI
Afterword: Audubon's Family in America
291
Bachman completes his text on the Quadrupeds—Victor
Audubon's success in canvassing—John Woodhouse
Audubon's family—New houses at "Minnie's Land"—
Second octavo edition of the Birds—Victor Audubon's
illness and death—Attempt to reissue The Birds of
Page 16
America in America—The residual stock of this
imperfect edition—Death of John Woodhouse Audubon
—His career and work as an artist and field collector—
Mrs. Audubon resumes her old vocation—Fate of
"Minnie's Land"—Death of Mrs. Audubon—Her share in
her husband's fame—Story written on Audubon's original
drawings—Fate of the original copper plates of the Birds
—A boy comes to the rescue—"Minnie's Land" today—
The "Cave"—A real "Audubon Park"
APPENDIX I
Original Documents
1. Copy of the original bill rendered by Doctor Sanson,
physician at Les Cayes, Santo Domingo, to Jean
Audubon, containing the only existing record of the birth
of his son, Jean Jacques Fougère Audubon, on April 26,
1785; Les Cayes, December 29, 1783-October 19, 1785 314
1a. Translation of the Sanson Bill 315
2. Copy of the Act of Adoption of Fougère (John James
Audubon) and Muguet (Rosa Audubon), Nantes, March
7, 1794 328
3. Copy of the Act of Baptism of Jean Jacques Fougère
Audubon, Nantes, October 23, 1800 329
4. Copy of a bill of sale of Negroes rendered by Monsieur
Ollivier to Monsieur Audubon, Les Cayes, Santo
Domingo, 1785 330
5. Statement of Accounts of Messrs. Audubon, Lacroix,
Formon & Jacques in the purchase of Negroes from M.
Th. Johnston, Les Cayes, Santo Domingo, 1785 331
6. Copy of bill of sale of Negroes to Monsieur Audubon, 334
and a Statement of his account with Messrs. Lucas
imperfect edition—Death of John Woodhouse Audubon
—His career and work as an artist and field collector—
Mrs. Audubon resumes her old vocation—Fate of
"Minnie's Land"—Death of Mrs. Audubon—Her share in
her husband's fame—Story written on Audubon's original
drawings—Fate of the original copper plates of the Birds
—A boy comes to the rescue—"Minnie's Land" today—
The "Cave"—A real "Audubon Park"
APPENDIX I
Original Documents
1. Copy of the original bill rendered by Doctor Sanson,
physician at Les Cayes, Santo Domingo, to Jean
Audubon, containing the only existing record of the birth
of his son, Jean Jacques Fougère Audubon, on April 26,
1785; Les Cayes, December 29, 1783-October 19, 1785 314
1a. Translation of the Sanson Bill 315
2. Copy of the Act of Adoption of Fougère (John James
Audubon) and Muguet (Rosa Audubon), Nantes, March
7, 1794 328
3. Copy of the Act of Baptism of Jean Jacques Fougère
Audubon, Nantes, October 23, 1800 329
4. Copy of a bill of sale of Negroes rendered by Monsieur
Ollivier to Monsieur Audubon, Les Cayes, Santo
Domingo, 1785 330
5. Statement of Accounts of Messrs. Audubon, Lacroix,
Formon & Jacques in the purchase of Negroes from M.
Th. Johnston, Les Cayes, Santo Domingo, 1785 331
6. Copy of bill of sale of Negroes to Monsieur Audubon, 334
and a Statement of his account with Messrs. Lucas
Page 17
Brothers & Constant, Les Cayes, Santo Domingo, August
7, 1785-June 9, 1788
7. Accounts of William Bakewell of "Fatland Ford" as
protégé of his future son-in-law, and as attorney or agent
for Audubon & Rozier, giving certain exact indications of
the naturalist's early movements and personal relations,
before and after finally leaving "Mill Grove," January 4,
1805-April 9, 1810 336
8. Concerning a Power of Attorney issued by Lieutenant
Audubon and Anne Moynet Audubon to Ferdinand
Rozier and John Audubon, the Younger, at Couëron,
France, in 1805; parts in French translated by a
Philadelphia notary; signatures of original document
authenticated by the Mayor of Couëron, October 21,
1805; his attest of the legality of Anne Moynet Audubon's
signature at Couëron, October 27, 1805; authentication of
the signature of the Mayor of Couëron by the Subprefect
of Savenay, November 27, 1805; attest of the Subprefect's
signature by the Prefect 340
9. Articles of Association of Jean Audubon and Ferdinand
Rozier to govern their partnership in business; drawn up
at Nantes, March 23, 1806 344
9a. Translation of the Articles of Association of Jean
Audubon and Ferdinand Rozier 346
10. Power of Attorney issued by Lieutenant Jean Audubon,
Anne Moynet Audubon and Claude François Rozier, to
their respective sons, Jean Audubon and Ferdinand
Rozier, at Nantes, France, April 4, 1806, eight days
before the latter embarked to America to enter upon their
partnership in business 350
10a. Translation of the Power of Attorney issued by Jean
Audubon, Anne Moynet Audubon, and Claude François
Rozier to Jean Audubon and Ferdinand Rozier, April 4,
1806 351
11. Account current of John Audubon and Ferdinand Rozier 354
with the estate of Benjamin Bakewell, late commission
7, 1785-June 9, 1788
7. Accounts of William Bakewell of "Fatland Ford" as
protégé of his future son-in-law, and as attorney or agent
for Audubon & Rozier, giving certain exact indications of
the naturalist's early movements and personal relations,
before and after finally leaving "Mill Grove," January 4,
1805-April 9, 1810 336
8. Concerning a Power of Attorney issued by Lieutenant
Audubon and Anne Moynet Audubon to Ferdinand
Rozier and John Audubon, the Younger, at Couëron,
France, in 1805; parts in French translated by a
Philadelphia notary; signatures of original document
authenticated by the Mayor of Couëron, October 21,
1805; his attest of the legality of Anne Moynet Audubon's
signature at Couëron, October 27, 1805; authentication of
the signature of the Mayor of Couëron by the Subprefect
of Savenay, November 27, 1805; attest of the Subprefect's
signature by the Prefect 340
9. Articles of Association of Jean Audubon and Ferdinand
Rozier to govern their partnership in business; drawn up
at Nantes, March 23, 1806 344
9a. Translation of the Articles of Association of Jean
Audubon and Ferdinand Rozier 346
10. Power of Attorney issued by Lieutenant Jean Audubon,
Anne Moynet Audubon and Claude François Rozier, to
their respective sons, Jean Audubon and Ferdinand
Rozier, at Nantes, France, April 4, 1806, eight days
before the latter embarked to America to enter upon their
partnership in business 350
10a. Translation of the Power of Attorney issued by Jean
Audubon, Anne Moynet Audubon, and Claude François
Rozier to Jean Audubon and Ferdinand Rozier, April 4,
1806 351
11. Account current of John Audubon and Ferdinand Rozier 354
with the estate of Benjamin Bakewell, late commission
Page 18
merchant in New York, showing their dealings and
standing with this house during the first sixteen months
of their business experience in the West. Covers the
period August 1, 1807, to December 13, 1808
11a. Final Account of Francis Dacosta, rendered July 25,
1807, to Lieutenant Jean Audubon, his partner in the
unfortunate mining enterprise at "Mill Grove"; later
contested and settled by arbitration 356
12. Quit Claim or Release given by John James Audubon to
Ferdinand Rozier on the Dissolution of their Partnership
in Business, at Sainte Geneviève, Upper Louisiana
(Missouri), April 6, 1811 359
13. Copy of a portion of the first Will of Lieutenant Jean
Audubon, Couëron, May 20, 1812 360
14. Copy of the second and last Will of Lieutenant Jean
Audubon, March 15, 1816 361
15. Copy of a portion of the first Will of Madame Anne
Moynet, wife of Lieutenant Audubon, December 4, 1814 363
16. Copy of a portion of the second Will of Madame Jean
Audubon, May 10, 1816 364
17. Copy of the third Will, "No. 169, of Madame Anne
Moynet, widow of M. Jean Audubon, living at his house
called "La Gerbetière," and situated near the village of
Port-Launay, not far from Couëron," December 26, 1819 366
18. Copy of a portion of the fourth and last will of Madame
Jean Audubon, living at the house of "The Turtle Doves"
("Les Tourterelles"), at Couëron, July 16, 1821 367
19. Notice of the death of Lieutenant Jean Audubon, from
the official registry of Nantes, Nantes, February 19, 1818 369
20. Letter of Lieutenant Jean Audubon to Francis Dacosta,
his American agent and attorney, relating to the conduct
of his son, and to the lead mine at "Mill Grove" farm,
transliterated from photographic copy of duplicate (Letter
No. 4) in Jean Audubon's letter-book. Nantes, March 10,
1805 370
standing with this house during the first sixteen months
of their business experience in the West. Covers the
period August 1, 1807, to December 13, 1808
11a. Final Account of Francis Dacosta, rendered July 25,
1807, to Lieutenant Jean Audubon, his partner in the
unfortunate mining enterprise at "Mill Grove"; later
contested and settled by arbitration 356
12. Quit Claim or Release given by John James Audubon to
Ferdinand Rozier on the Dissolution of their Partnership
in Business, at Sainte Geneviève, Upper Louisiana
(Missouri), April 6, 1811 359
13. Copy of a portion of the first Will of Lieutenant Jean
Audubon, Couëron, May 20, 1812 360
14. Copy of the second and last Will of Lieutenant Jean
Audubon, March 15, 1816 361
15. Copy of a portion of the first Will of Madame Anne
Moynet, wife of Lieutenant Audubon, December 4, 1814 363
16. Copy of a portion of the second Will of Madame Jean
Audubon, May 10, 1816 364
17. Copy of the third Will, "No. 169, of Madame Anne
Moynet, widow of M. Jean Audubon, living at his house
called "La Gerbetière," and situated near the village of
Port-Launay, not far from Couëron," December 26, 1819 366
18. Copy of a portion of the fourth and last will of Madame
Jean Audubon, living at the house of "The Turtle Doves"
("Les Tourterelles"), at Couëron, July 16, 1821 367
19. Notice of the death of Lieutenant Jean Audubon, from
the official registry of Nantes, Nantes, February 19, 1818 369
20. Letter of Lieutenant Jean Audubon to Francis Dacosta,
his American agent and attorney, relating to the conduct
of his son, and to the lead mine at "Mill Grove" farm,
transliterated from photographic copy of duplicate (Letter
No. 4) in Jean Audubon's letter-book. Nantes, March 10,
1805 370
Page 19
21. Letters of John James Audubon to Claude François
Rozier, father, and to Ferdinand Rozier, son, immediately
preceding and following his active partnership in
business with the latter, 1807 and 1812 372
APPENDIX II
Audubon's Early Dated Drawings Made in
France and America
Drawings now in the collections of Mr. Joseph Y. Jeanes of
Philadelphia, and formerly belonging to Mr. Edward
Harris, of Moorestown, New Jersey; of Mr. John E.
Thayer, Lancaster, Massachusetts, and of Harvard
University 375
APPENDIX III
"The Birds of America"
1. Final Lists of Subscribers to The Birds of America, folio
edition, as published by Audubon in 1839 380
2. Prospectus of The Birds of America, as issued in 1828,
when ten Numbers of the original folio were engraved 386
3. Prospectus of the Second (partial) Edition of The Birds of
America, issued by John Woodhouse Audubon, through
Messrs. Trubner & Company, London, 1859 389
APPENDIX IV
Authentic Likenesses of Jean Jacques Fougère Audubon 392
Rozier, father, and to Ferdinand Rozier, son, immediately
preceding and following his active partnership in
business with the latter, 1807 and 1812 372
APPENDIX II
Audubon's Early Dated Drawings Made in
France and America
Drawings now in the collections of Mr. Joseph Y. Jeanes of
Philadelphia, and formerly belonging to Mr. Edward
Harris, of Moorestown, New Jersey; of Mr. John E.
Thayer, Lancaster, Massachusetts, and of Harvard
University 375
APPENDIX III
"The Birds of America"
1. Final Lists of Subscribers to The Birds of America, folio
edition, as published by Audubon in 1839 380
2. Prospectus of The Birds of America, as issued in 1828,
when ten Numbers of the original folio were engraved 386
3. Prospectus of the Second (partial) Edition of The Birds of
America, issued by John Woodhouse Audubon, through
Messrs. Trubner & Company, London, 1859 389
APPENDIX IV
Authentic Likenesses of Jean Jacques Fougère Audubon 392
Page 20
APPENDIX V
Bibliography
Containing a fully annotated list of Audubon's writings,
biographies, criticism, and Auduboniana 401
Index 457
Bibliography
Containing a fully annotated list of Audubon's writings,
biographies, criticism, and Auduboniana 401
Index 457
Page 21
ILLUSTRATIONS IN VOLUME II
Audubon. After a portrait by George P. A. Healy, 1838.
Photogravure Frontispiece
PAGE
"Beechgrove," William Garrett Johnson's plantation
house near St. Francisville, West Feliciana Parish,
Louisiana, where Mrs. Audubon lived and taught
from 1827 to 1829 Facing 6
John Bachman's house in Charleston, South Carolina Facing 6
Early drawing in water color of the Carolina Parrot on
branch of the hickory, 1811, hitherto unpublished Facing 20
John Bachman at thirty-two. After an engraving by
Charles C. Wright of a portrait by A. Fisher Facing 32
Robert Havell at eighty-five. After a photograph taken
shortly before his death in 1878 Facing 32
Letter of Dr. George Parkman to Audubon, May 25,
1833 43
Pileated Woodpeckers on the "Raccoon Grape," The
Birds of America, Plate CXI. After the original
engraving by Robert Havell, 1831. Color Facing 46
Letter of Robert Havell to Audubon, June 15, 1833 51
John George Children Facing 64
Edward Harris Facing 64
John Bachman Facing 72
George Ord Facing 72
Samuel Latham Mitchell Facing 72
Charles Waterton Facing 72
Audubon. After a portrait by George P. A. Healy, 1838.
Photogravure Frontispiece
PAGE
"Beechgrove," William Garrett Johnson's plantation
house near St. Francisville, West Feliciana Parish,
Louisiana, where Mrs. Audubon lived and taught
from 1827 to 1829 Facing 6
John Bachman's house in Charleston, South Carolina Facing 6
Early drawing in water color of the Carolina Parrot on
branch of the hickory, 1811, hitherto unpublished Facing 20
John Bachman at thirty-two. After an engraving by
Charles C. Wright of a portrait by A. Fisher Facing 32
Robert Havell at eighty-five. After a photograph taken
shortly before his death in 1878 Facing 32
Letter of Dr. George Parkman to Audubon, May 25,
1833 43
Pileated Woodpeckers on the "Raccoon Grape," The
Birds of America, Plate CXI. After the original
engraving by Robert Havell, 1831. Color Facing 46
Letter of Robert Havell to Audubon, June 15, 1833 51
John George Children Facing 64
Edward Harris Facing 64
John Bachman Facing 72
George Ord Facing 72
Samuel Latham Mitchell Facing 72
Charles Waterton Facing 72
Page 22
Dr. Thomas Cooper, President of South Carolina
College. After a contemporary silhouette 78
Vindication of Audubon's representation of the fangs of
the southern rattlesnake as recurved at their tips.
Detail from The Birds of America, Plate XXI, and
photograph of the skull of a recent Florida specimen Facing 80
Bluebirds on a stalk of the "great Mullein," The Birds
of America, Plate CXIII. After the original engraving
by Robert Havell, 1831. Color Facing 100
William Swainson Facing 118
Thomas Nuttall Facing 118
Charles Lucien Bonaparte Facing 118
Constantine Samuel Rafinesque Facing 118
Audubon. After an engraving by H. B. Hall of a
portrait painted by Henry Inman in 1833 Facing 126
Letter of William MacGillivray to Audubon, October
22, 1834 Facing 131
Part of the original draft of Audubon's manuscript for
the Introduction to Volume II of the Ornithological
Biography, giving list of names of persons to whom
Audubon carried credentials on his first visit to
London in 1827 Facing 133
Audubon's inscription in a copy of the Ornithological
Biography, which he presented to William
MacGillivray in 1839 Facing 138
Early drawings of American birds, 1807-12, hitherto
unpublished: the Whippoorwill and the American
Robin, with details Facing 144
Bust of Audubon by William Couper, in front and
profile views. After the original in the American
Museum of Natural History, New York Facing 160
Life mask of Audubon, hitherto unpublished, in front
and profile views. After the original made by Robert
Havell in London, now in possession of the Museum
of Comparative Zoölogy of Harvard University Facing 178
College. After a contemporary silhouette 78
Vindication of Audubon's representation of the fangs of
the southern rattlesnake as recurved at their tips.
Detail from The Birds of America, Plate XXI, and
photograph of the skull of a recent Florida specimen Facing 80
Bluebirds on a stalk of the "great Mullein," The Birds
of America, Plate CXIII. After the original engraving
by Robert Havell, 1831. Color Facing 100
William Swainson Facing 118
Thomas Nuttall Facing 118
Charles Lucien Bonaparte Facing 118
Constantine Samuel Rafinesque Facing 118
Audubon. After an engraving by H. B. Hall of a
portrait painted by Henry Inman in 1833 Facing 126
Letter of William MacGillivray to Audubon, October
22, 1834 Facing 131
Part of the original draft of Audubon's manuscript for
the Introduction to Volume II of the Ornithological
Biography, giving list of names of persons to whom
Audubon carried credentials on his first visit to
London in 1827 Facing 133
Audubon's inscription in a copy of the Ornithological
Biography, which he presented to William
MacGillivray in 1839 Facing 138
Early drawings of American birds, 1807-12, hitherto
unpublished: the Whippoorwill and the American
Robin, with details Facing 144
Bust of Audubon by William Couper, in front and
profile views. After the original in the American
Museum of Natural History, New York Facing 160
Life mask of Audubon, hitherto unpublished, in front
and profile views. After the original made by Robert
Havell in London, now in possession of the Museum
of Comparative Zoölogy of Harvard University Facing 178
Page 23
Canvas-backed Ducks, with distant view of the city of
Baltimore, Maryland, The Birds of America, Plate
CCCI. After the original engraving by Robert
Havell, 1836. Color Facing 196
Victor Gifford Audubon Facing 210
John Woodhouse Audubon Facing 210
Title page of the paper covers in which parts of the first
American (octavo) edition of The Birds of America
were originally issued 213
Audubon. After a portrait painted by John Woodhouse
and Victor Gifford Audubon about 1841 Facing 226
"Minnie's Land," Audubon's home on the Hudson
River, as it appeared in 1865. After a lithograph in
Valentine's Manual Facing 236
"Minnie's Land," as it appears to-day from the river
front protected by the retaining wall of Riverside
Drive Facing 236
Audubon, with gun, horse, and dog. After a painting by
John Woodhouse Audubon about 1841 Facing 244
Letter of Edward Harris to Audubon, January 31, 1843 251
Drawings for The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North
America: the American or Canada porcupine and
rabbits. After the originals in water color in the
American Museum of Natural History, New York Facing 264
Title page of Volume I of the English edition of the text
of The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America 275
John W. Audubon's inscription in a copy of Volume I
of the text of the Quadrupeds (English edition),
presented to John Edward Gray 280
Audubon. After an engraving by Nordheim of a
daguerreotype possibly earlier than 1849 Facing 280
Audubon. After his last portrait, a daguerreotype made
in New York about 1850 Facing 280
Letter of John Bachman to George Oates, November 7,
1846 282
Baltimore, Maryland, The Birds of America, Plate
CCCI. After the original engraving by Robert
Havell, 1836. Color Facing 196
Victor Gifford Audubon Facing 210
John Woodhouse Audubon Facing 210
Title page of the paper covers in which parts of the first
American (octavo) edition of The Birds of America
were originally issued 213
Audubon. After a portrait painted by John Woodhouse
and Victor Gifford Audubon about 1841 Facing 226
"Minnie's Land," Audubon's home on the Hudson
River, as it appeared in 1865. After a lithograph in
Valentine's Manual Facing 236
"Minnie's Land," as it appears to-day from the river
front protected by the retaining wall of Riverside
Drive Facing 236
Audubon, with gun, horse, and dog. After a painting by
John Woodhouse Audubon about 1841 Facing 244
Letter of Edward Harris to Audubon, January 31, 1843 251
Drawings for The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North
America: the American or Canada porcupine and
rabbits. After the originals in water color in the
American Museum of Natural History, New York Facing 264
Title page of Volume I of the English edition of the text
of The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America 275
John W. Audubon's inscription in a copy of Volume I
of the text of the Quadrupeds (English edition),
presented to John Edward Gray 280
Audubon. After an engraving by Nordheim of a
daguerreotype possibly earlier than 1849 Facing 280
Audubon. After his last portrait, a daguerreotype made
in New York about 1850 Facing 280
Letter of John Bachman to George Oates, November 7,
1846 282
Page 24
Audubon's last (?) letter to Edward Harris, February
22, 1847 287
House formerly belonging to Victor Gifford Audubon,
east front, as it appears to-day Facing 294
House formerly belonging to John Woodhouse
Audubon, south front, as it appears to-day Facing 294
Lucy Bakewell Audubon. After a miniature painted by
Frederick Cruikshank in London, about 1831 Facing 304
Lucy Bakewell Audubon. After an unpublished
photograph of 1871 Facing 304
22, 1847 287
House formerly belonging to Victor Gifford Audubon,
east front, as it appears to-day Facing 294
House formerly belonging to John Woodhouse
Audubon, south front, as it appears to-day Facing 294
Lucy Bakewell Audubon. After a miniature painted by
Frederick Cruikshank in London, about 1831 Facing 304
Lucy Bakewell Audubon. After an unpublished
photograph of 1871 Facing 304
Page 25
AUDUBON
THE
NATURALIST
THE
NATURALIST
Page 26
SONNET
TO J. J. AUDUBON, ESQ., ON BEHOLDING HIS DRAWINGS.
Is there delight in Nature's solitudes,
Her dark green woods, and fragrant wilderness,
In scenes, where seldom human step intrudes,
And she is in her wildest, loveliest dress?
Is there delight in her uncultured flowers,
Each ripened bloom or bright unfolding dye,
Or in the tribes which animate her bowers,
And through her groves in living beauty fly?
Then, on thy canvas as they move and live,
While taste and genius guide the fair design,
And all the charms which Nature's works can give
With equal radiance in thy colours shine;
Amidst the praise thy country's sons extend,
The stranger's voice its warm applause shall blend.
J. E. R. [Jane Elizabeth Roscoe].
The Winter's Wreath, 1832.
TO J. J. AUDUBON, ESQ., ON BEHOLDING HIS DRAWINGS.
Is there delight in Nature's solitudes,
Her dark green woods, and fragrant wilderness,
In scenes, where seldom human step intrudes,
And she is in her wildest, loveliest dress?
Is there delight in her uncultured flowers,
Each ripened bloom or bright unfolding dye,
Or in the tribes which animate her bowers,
And through her groves in living beauty fly?
Then, on thy canvas as they move and live,
While taste and genius guide the fair design,
And all the charms which Nature's works can give
With equal radiance in thy colours shine;
Amidst the praise thy country's sons extend,
The stranger's voice its warm applause shall blend.
J. E. R. [Jane Elizabeth Roscoe].
The Winter's Wreath, 1832.
Page 27
AUDUBON
THE
NATURALIST
THE
NATURALIST
Page 28
Page 29
CHAPTER XXVI
EXPLORATIONS IN FLORIDA AND THE SOUTH
ATLANTIC
Obituary published in London on day of his arrival in New York—Assistance from the Government
—John Bachman becomes his friend—Winter in Charleston—His folios as gifts—To Florida with
two assistants—Letters to Featherstonhaugh—St. Augustine—Misadventures in the mud of East
Florida—Audubon on Florida's future—At the sources of the St. John's—Aboard the Marion—
Return from Key West—A merchant of Savannah—Disbanding of party at Charleston.
In the summer of 1831 Audubon felt that he must again return to
America and extend his researches to the north, south and west, as well as
begin a campaign for subscribers in the United States. His large folio was
now running into its second volume, and the first installment of his text had
been published; the time was favorable to his plans, and he hoped to remain
in the country two or three years.
For the second time the publication of his plates was entrusted to friend
Children, and with Mrs. Audubon he set sail for New York on August 2,
1831. From the American metropolis he wrote to Joseph B. Kidd on
September 7 as follows:[1]
We landed on the 3d ... [of September] after a remarkably fine
passage of 33 days. In two days more I proceed to the woods, and
away from white man's tracks and manners. I hope you are going on
well with your work.... I have a new subscriber here. The papers and
scientific journals (we have not many,) are singing the praises of my
work, and, God willing, I may yet come out at the broad end of the
EXPLORATIONS IN FLORIDA AND THE SOUTH
ATLANTIC
Obituary published in London on day of his arrival in New York—Assistance from the Government
—John Bachman becomes his friend—Winter in Charleston—His folios as gifts—To Florida with
two assistants—Letters to Featherstonhaugh—St. Augustine—Misadventures in the mud of East
Florida—Audubon on Florida's future—At the sources of the St. John's—Aboard the Marion—
Return from Key West—A merchant of Savannah—Disbanding of party at Charleston.
In the summer of 1831 Audubon felt that he must again return to
America and extend his researches to the north, south and west, as well as
begin a campaign for subscribers in the United States. His large folio was
now running into its second volume, and the first installment of his text had
been published; the time was favorable to his plans, and he hoped to remain
in the country two or three years.
For the second time the publication of his plates was entrusted to friend
Children, and with Mrs. Audubon he set sail for New York on August 2,
1831. From the American metropolis he wrote to Joseph B. Kidd on
September 7 as follows:[1]
We landed on the 3d ... [of September] after a remarkably fine
passage of 33 days. In two days more I proceed to the woods, and
away from white man's tracks and manners. I hope you are going on
well with your work.... I have a new subscriber here. The papers and
scientific journals (we have not many,) are singing the praises of my
work, and, God willing, I may yet come out at the broad end of the
Page 30
horn; at all events, I will either break it or make a spoon! I shot sixteen
birds on the passage, which I got through the kind attention of our
commander. I killed fifty more, when the "Columbia" was going too
fast to stop for the purpose of picking them up. My young man is now
busily engaged in skinning, and killed a bag-full of warblers yesterday
... prices of peaches, first quality, 75 cents per bushel,—apples, half
that price;—water melons are dull of sale, as also cantelopes and
nutmeg melons. Fish alive in the markets, and, vive la joie, no taxes on
shooting or fishing."
What Audubon actually did was to proceed to Philadelphia, where Mrs.
Audubon left him to visit her sons in Louisville, and where he laid his plans
for exploring the Southern States, especially the islands and eastern coast of
the Florida peninsula. For this expedition he engaged two assistants, one of
whom was Henry Ward, the "young man" mentioned above, an Englishman
who had come with him to America as taxidermist, while the other was
George Lehman, a Swiss landscape painter whom he seems to have found
at Philadelphia. With them he soon started for Washington to obtain
assistance from the Government.
On the very day that Audubon landed in New York, there appeared in
the London Literary Gazette a serio-comic notice under the title of "Wilson
the Ornithologist," who, it may be remembered, had died in Philadelphia
eighteen years before. Said the editor of the Gazette:
We observe with sorrow an account of the death and burial of poor
Wilson, somewhere in the state of Philadelphia, even while the
Edinburgh journals are anticipating his return, laden with scientific
treasures. We have now before us No. 1 of his Illustrations of
American Ornithology, on a reduced scale, to sort with Professor
Jameson's edition—a pretty and attractive publication. The coloured
prints are extremely correct and well done.
birds on the passage, which I got through the kind attention of our
commander. I killed fifty more, when the "Columbia" was going too
fast to stop for the purpose of picking them up. My young man is now
busily engaged in skinning, and killed a bag-full of warblers yesterday
... prices of peaches, first quality, 75 cents per bushel,—apples, half
that price;—water melons are dull of sale, as also cantelopes and
nutmeg melons. Fish alive in the markets, and, vive la joie, no taxes on
shooting or fishing."
What Audubon actually did was to proceed to Philadelphia, where Mrs.
Audubon left him to visit her sons in Louisville, and where he laid his plans
for exploring the Southern States, especially the islands and eastern coast of
the Florida peninsula. For this expedition he engaged two assistants, one of
whom was Henry Ward, the "young man" mentioned above, an Englishman
who had come with him to America as taxidermist, while the other was
George Lehman, a Swiss landscape painter whom he seems to have found
at Philadelphia. With them he soon started for Washington to obtain
assistance from the Government.
On the very day that Audubon landed in New York, there appeared in
the London Literary Gazette a serio-comic notice under the title of "Wilson
the Ornithologist," who, it may be remembered, had died in Philadelphia
eighteen years before. Said the editor of the Gazette:
We observe with sorrow an account of the death and burial of poor
Wilson, somewhere in the state of Philadelphia, even while the
Edinburgh journals are anticipating his return, laden with scientific
treasures. We have now before us No. 1 of his Illustrations of
American Ornithology, on a reduced scale, to sort with Professor
Jameson's edition—a pretty and attractive publication. The coloured
prints are extremely correct and well done.
Page 31
When on September 8 the Edinburgh Caledonian Mercury had called
attention to this egregious blunder regarding Wilson, the Gazette explained
that his name had been confused with that of Audubon, whose obituary
presently appeared in its issue of October 29, the editor remarking that this
naturalist's death was equally, if not more, to be deplored than that of
Wilson. Captain Brown then sent to the Caledonian Mercury Audubon's
letter to Kidd, quoted above, which was written from New York four days
after the naturalist's death was announced in England. "What is the editor of
the Literary Gazette about," exclaimed a writer in the Edinburgh paper; "he
first resuscitates a man who has been dead 18 years, only to kill him again,
and then, by way of correcting his error, kills another, who is now clearly
proved to have been alive and well several days after the date of his
obituary in London."
As was often the case, Audubon's ambitious hopes for exploring the
continent far outran his means and powers of accomplishment. Colonel
John James Abert, whose counsel he sought in Washington at this time;
said:[2] "His plan is first to examine the peninsula of Florida; then the
regions west of the Mississippi, Mexico, and if possible penetrate into
California. He also contemplates crossing the Rocky Mountains and
pursuing the Columbia River to its mouth, and thinks that he will be absent
from us about two years." In November G. W. Featherstonhaugh, the
geologist, also made this announcement in his Monthly American Journal of
Geology and Natural Science:
We are authorized to state that information of the progress of Mr.
Audubon will be given, from time to time, to the scientific world, in
the pages of this journal.
We are gratified in being able to state, that he was received in the
most cordial manner, at Washington, and that the distinguished
gentlemen in authority there, have given him such letters to the
military posts on the frontiers, as will assure him the aid and protection
his personal safety may require. We anticipate the most interesting
attention to this egregious blunder regarding Wilson, the Gazette explained
that his name had been confused with that of Audubon, whose obituary
presently appeared in its issue of October 29, the editor remarking that this
naturalist's death was equally, if not more, to be deplored than that of
Wilson. Captain Brown then sent to the Caledonian Mercury Audubon's
letter to Kidd, quoted above, which was written from New York four days
after the naturalist's death was announced in England. "What is the editor of
the Literary Gazette about," exclaimed a writer in the Edinburgh paper; "he
first resuscitates a man who has been dead 18 years, only to kill him again,
and then, by way of correcting his error, kills another, who is now clearly
proved to have been alive and well several days after the date of his
obituary in London."
As was often the case, Audubon's ambitious hopes for exploring the
continent far outran his means and powers of accomplishment. Colonel
John James Abert, whose counsel he sought in Washington at this time;
said:[2] "His plan is first to examine the peninsula of Florida; then the
regions west of the Mississippi, Mexico, and if possible penetrate into
California. He also contemplates crossing the Rocky Mountains and
pursuing the Columbia River to its mouth, and thinks that he will be absent
from us about two years." In November G. W. Featherstonhaugh, the
geologist, also made this announcement in his Monthly American Journal of
Geology and Natural Science:
We are authorized to state that information of the progress of Mr.
Audubon will be given, from time to time, to the scientific world, in
the pages of this journal.
We are gratified in being able to state, that he was received in the
most cordial manner, at Washington, and that the distinguished
gentlemen in authority there, have given him such letters to the
military posts on the frontiers, as will assure him the aid and protection
his personal safety may require. We anticipate the most interesting
Page 32
reconnaisances, both geological and zoölogical, from this enterprising
naturalist, who is accompanied by Mr. Lehman, as an assistant
draftsman, and by an assistant collector who came with him from
Europe.
The "distinguished gentlemen" at Washington who particularly aided
Audubon at this time, besides Colonel Abert, were Edward Everett, Levi
Woodbury, Secretary of the Navy, and Lewis McLane, Secretary of the
Treasury. He was particularly anxious to obtain accommodation for his
party aboard a government vessel, but it was some time before a suitable
one was available. They left Washington about October 15, 1831, and went
by steamer to Norfolk and Richmond, Virginia, where the Governor, John
Floyd, whom Audubon had known in his Kentucky days, gave him
numerous letters of introduction. At Charleston, their next stopping-place,
he had hardly begun work in the field when he was sought out by the Rev.
John Bachman, by inclination a naturalist of the old school and by
profession a Lutheran minister, who at once took the whole party under his
hospitable roof, where they remained a month. Thus began a life-long and
almost ideal friendship between these two men, so unlike in character, in
temperament and in training, which was quite as important to the modest
German-American divine as to the impulsive Franco-American painter and
student of birds. It was Audubon's infectious enthusiasm which kindled to
an ardent flame that love of nature which was innate in Bachman, and
which eventually brought his name and work to the attention of the
scientific world.
Audubon remained at Charleston with the Bachmans until November
15, when the opportunity which they had awaited came suddenly, and they
sailed for St. Augustine, Florida, on the government schooner Agnes. On
that day Bachman wrote to Mrs. Audubon, in compliance "with a request of
your kind and worthy husband, who laid an injunction on me this morning":
[3]
naturalist, who is accompanied by Mr. Lehman, as an assistant
draftsman, and by an assistant collector who came with him from
Europe.
The "distinguished gentlemen" at Washington who particularly aided
Audubon at this time, besides Colonel Abert, were Edward Everett, Levi
Woodbury, Secretary of the Navy, and Lewis McLane, Secretary of the
Treasury. He was particularly anxious to obtain accommodation for his
party aboard a government vessel, but it was some time before a suitable
one was available. They left Washington about October 15, 1831, and went
by steamer to Norfolk and Richmond, Virginia, where the Governor, John
Floyd, whom Audubon had known in his Kentucky days, gave him
numerous letters of introduction. At Charleston, their next stopping-place,
he had hardly begun work in the field when he was sought out by the Rev.
John Bachman, by inclination a naturalist of the old school and by
profession a Lutheran minister, who at once took the whole party under his
hospitable roof, where they remained a month. Thus began a life-long and
almost ideal friendship between these two men, so unlike in character, in
temperament and in training, which was quite as important to the modest
German-American divine as to the impulsive Franco-American painter and
student of birds. It was Audubon's infectious enthusiasm which kindled to
an ardent flame that love of nature which was innate in Bachman, and
which eventually brought his name and work to the attention of the
scientific world.
Audubon remained at Charleston with the Bachmans until November
15, when the opportunity which they had awaited came suddenly, and they
sailed for St. Augustine, Florida, on the government schooner Agnes. On
that day Bachman wrote to Mrs. Audubon, in compliance "with a request of
your kind and worthy husband, who laid an injunction on me this morning":
[3]
Page 33
The last has been one of the happiest months of my life. I was an
enthusiastic admirer of nature from my boyhood, and fond of every
branch of Natural History. Ornithology is, as a science, pursued by
very few persons—and by none in this city. How gratifying was it,
then, to become acquainted with a man, who knew more about birds
than any man now living—and who, at the same time, was
communicative, intelligent, and amiable, to an extent seldom found
associated in the same individual. He has convinced me that I was but
a novice in the study; and besides receiving many lessons from him in
Ornithology, he has taught me how much can be accomplished by a
single individual, who will unite enthusiasm with industry. For the
short month he remained with my family, we were inseparable. We
were engaged in talking about Ornithology—in collecting birds—in
seeing them prepared, and in laying plans for the accomplishment of
that great work which he has undertaken. Time passed rapidly away,
and it seems but as yesterday since we met, and now, alas! he is
already separated from me—and in all human probability we shall
never meet again.... I need not inform you that Mr. Audubon was a
general favorite in our city. His gentlemanly deportment, his travels
and experience, his information and general talents, caused him to be
sought after by all. But your husband knew that the great objects
before him required his unremitted attention, and he was obliged to
deny himself to his friends, on many occasions, and devoted to them
only his evenings.
There seems quite a blank, in my house, since he has gone, for we
looked on him as one of our family. He taught my sister, Maria, to
draw birds; and she has now such a passion for it, that whilst I am
writing, she is drawing a Bittern, put up for her at daylight by Mr.
Audubon.
enthusiastic admirer of nature from my boyhood, and fond of every
branch of Natural History. Ornithology is, as a science, pursued by
very few persons—and by none in this city. How gratifying was it,
then, to become acquainted with a man, who knew more about birds
than any man now living—and who, at the same time, was
communicative, intelligent, and amiable, to an extent seldom found
associated in the same individual. He has convinced me that I was but
a novice in the study; and besides receiving many lessons from him in
Ornithology, he has taught me how much can be accomplished by a
single individual, who will unite enthusiasm with industry. For the
short month he remained with my family, we were inseparable. We
were engaged in talking about Ornithology—in collecting birds—in
seeing them prepared, and in laying plans for the accomplishment of
that great work which he has undertaken. Time passed rapidly away,
and it seems but as yesterday since we met, and now, alas! he is
already separated from me—and in all human probability we shall
never meet again.... I need not inform you that Mr. Audubon was a
general favorite in our city. His gentlemanly deportment, his travels
and experience, his information and general talents, caused him to be
sought after by all. But your husband knew that the great objects
before him required his unremitted attention, and he was obliged to
deny himself to his friends, on many occasions, and devoted to them
only his evenings.
There seems quite a blank, in my house, since he has gone, for we
looked on him as one of our family. He taught my sister, Maria, to
draw birds; and she has now such a passion for it, that whilst I am
writing, she is drawing a Bittern, put up for her at daylight by Mr.
Audubon.
Page 34
"BEECHGROVE," WILLIAM GARRETT JOHNSON'S
PLANTATION HOUSE IN WEST FELICIANA PARISH,
LOUISIANA, WHERE MRS. AUDUBON LIVED AND TAUGHT
FOR TWO YEARS, 1827-1829.
After a photograph by Mr. Stanley Clisby Arthur, 1916.
PLANTATION HOUSE IN WEST FELICIANA PARISH,
LOUISIANA, WHERE MRS. AUDUBON LIVED AND TAUGHT
FOR TWO YEARS, 1827-1829.
After a photograph by Mr. Stanley Clisby Arthur, 1916.
Page 35
JOHN BACHMAN'S HOUSE IN CHARLESTON, SOUTH
CAROLINA.
After a photograph in possession of Mr. Ruthven Deane.
On December 23 Bachman wrote to Audubon: "Your visit to me gave
me new life, induced me to go carefully over my favorite study, and made
me and my family happy." His sister-in-law, Miss Maria Martin, who
possessed considerable artistic talent, became one of Audubon's enthusiastic
helpers, and not only drew birds for him but painted many of the flowers
and insects which were later used for the embellishment of his plates. John
Bachman's serious contributions to natural history also date from this visit.
To repay him and his family for their hospitality, Audubon presented them
with the first volume of The Birds of America, but the folio was not
received until some time later; he was referring to this when he wrote to
Bachman, just before sailing from New York, on April 5, 1834, and asked
him to accept "the superbly bound book" from "your old Friend, in part
atonement for the troubles I have given you, and the leatherings you may
CAROLINA.
After a photograph in possession of Mr. Ruthven Deane.
On December 23 Bachman wrote to Audubon: "Your visit to me gave
me new life, induced me to go carefully over my favorite study, and made
me and my family happy." His sister-in-law, Miss Maria Martin, who
possessed considerable artistic talent, became one of Audubon's enthusiastic
helpers, and not only drew birds for him but painted many of the flowers
and insects which were later used for the embellishment of his plates. John
Bachman's serious contributions to natural history also date from this visit.
To repay him and his family for their hospitality, Audubon presented them
with the first volume of The Birds of America, but the folio was not
received until some time later; he was referring to this when he wrote to
Bachman, just before sailing from New York, on April 5, 1834, and asked
him to accept "the superbly bound book" from "your old Friend, in part
atonement for the troubles I have given you, and the leatherings you may
Page 36
yet receive at my hands at chess." In a letter to Miss Martin, written also
from New York on the following day, he said: "The Great Volume which
Maj. Glassel did fortunately return into your hands, I give with all my heart
to my valued friends, the Bachmans, and shall try to furnish them the sequel
in like binding."[4]
Audubon scattered detached plates and numbers of his large work
freely among his friends, and sometimes spoke of a gift of the whole. The
costly nature of such a present in most cases, no doubt, led to a change of
mind if not of heart, but not in all, for a number of his presentation copies
still exist. One was given to David Eckley[5] of Boston, a noted sportsman
who had aided Audubon in collecting materials for his work. In a letter
written at Charleston, January 1, 1837, to young Thomas M. Brewer,
Audubon said: "Please to call on my good friend David Eckley, Esq.,
present to him and to his family my very best regards, and ask of him
whether he has collected any hawks or owls for me. If so, take them from
him, and place them in the general receptacle of 'pale-faced rum.'" Another
copy is said to be in possession of the Public Library of Manchester,
England, and to have been bequeathed to that institution by the Earl of
Crawford. A complete set of the Birds was also presented to his friends, the
Rathbones of Liverpool, and is still in possession of the family.
We shall now return to our narrative and fulfill our promise of
reproducing Audubon's own account of his journey from Richmond to
Florida:[6]
Audubon to G. W. Featherstonhaugh
I am now seated in earnest to give you an unceremonious
summary of my proceedings up to this time, since we left Richmond,
in Virginia. As a geologist, I venture to suppose you would have been
but indifferently amused, if you had been with us in our journey from
this latter place to Charleston, in South Carolina; and as an
from New York on the following day, he said: "The Great Volume which
Maj. Glassel did fortunately return into your hands, I give with all my heart
to my valued friends, the Bachmans, and shall try to furnish them the sequel
in like binding."[4]
Audubon scattered detached plates and numbers of his large work
freely among his friends, and sometimes spoke of a gift of the whole. The
costly nature of such a present in most cases, no doubt, led to a change of
mind if not of heart, but not in all, for a number of his presentation copies
still exist. One was given to David Eckley[5] of Boston, a noted sportsman
who had aided Audubon in collecting materials for his work. In a letter
written at Charleston, January 1, 1837, to young Thomas M. Brewer,
Audubon said: "Please to call on my good friend David Eckley, Esq.,
present to him and to his family my very best regards, and ask of him
whether he has collected any hawks or owls for me. If so, take them from
him, and place them in the general receptacle of 'pale-faced rum.'" Another
copy is said to be in possession of the Public Library of Manchester,
England, and to have been bequeathed to that institution by the Earl of
Crawford. A complete set of the Birds was also presented to his friends, the
Rathbones of Liverpool, and is still in possession of the family.
We shall now return to our narrative and fulfill our promise of
reproducing Audubon's own account of his journey from Richmond to
Florida:[6]
Audubon to G. W. Featherstonhaugh
I am now seated in earnest to give you an unceremonious
summary of my proceedings up to this time, since we left Richmond,
in Virginia. As a geologist, I venture to suppose you would have been
but indifferently amused, if you had been with us in our journey from
this latter place to Charleston, in South Carolina; and as an
Page 37
ornithologist, I cannot boast of the enjoyment I found; poor coaches,
dragged through immense, deserted pine forests, miserable fare, and
neither birds nor quadrupeds to be seen. We at length approached
Charleston, and the view of that city from across the bay was hailed by
our party with unfeigned delight. Charmed, as we were, with having
terminated our dreary journey, it did not occur to us to anticipate the
extraordinary hospitality which awaited us there, and which led to a
residence of a few of the happiest weeks I ever passed.
I had passed but one night in the city, when I was presented to the
Rev. Mr. ——. This benevolent man, whom I am proud to call my
friend would not suffer the "American Woodsman" to repose any
where but under his roof; and not him alone—all his assistants too.
When I tell you that he was an old friend of Alexander Wilson, that he
shoots well, is an ornithologist, a philosophical naturalist, and that
during the time we enjoyed his hospitality, he took us all over the
country with his carriages and servants, in search of specimens, and
that he was every thing a kind brother could be to me, you may
suppose that it is with great sincerity I say, and ever shall say, God
bless him! When I first saw this excellent man, he was on horseback,
but upon my being named to him, he leaped from his saddle, suffered
his horse to stand at liberty, and gave me his hand with a pressure of
cordiality that electrified me. I saw in his eyes that all he said was
good and true; and although he spoke of my labours in terms far
exceeding what is due to them, I listened to him pretty well assured
that he did not intend me to play the part of Gil Blas over again; for
myself, my assistants, George Lehman and Henry Ward, were removed
in a jiffy to his own mansion, introduced to the family, and at work the
very next morning.
Although the weather was "shockingly hot," they prepared three
hundred specimens, embracing about sixty land and water birds, and sent all
the "pickled specimens to our mutual friend H——" [Dr. Harlan, of
Philadelphia] for safe keeping until their return.
dragged through immense, deserted pine forests, miserable fare, and
neither birds nor quadrupeds to be seen. We at length approached
Charleston, and the view of that city from across the bay was hailed by
our party with unfeigned delight. Charmed, as we were, with having
terminated our dreary journey, it did not occur to us to anticipate the
extraordinary hospitality which awaited us there, and which led to a
residence of a few of the happiest weeks I ever passed.
I had passed but one night in the city, when I was presented to the
Rev. Mr. ——. This benevolent man, whom I am proud to call my
friend would not suffer the "American Woodsman" to repose any
where but under his roof; and not him alone—all his assistants too.
When I tell you that he was an old friend of Alexander Wilson, that he
shoots well, is an ornithologist, a philosophical naturalist, and that
during the time we enjoyed his hospitality, he took us all over the
country with his carriages and servants, in search of specimens, and
that he was every thing a kind brother could be to me, you may
suppose that it is with great sincerity I say, and ever shall say, God
bless him! When I first saw this excellent man, he was on horseback,
but upon my being named to him, he leaped from his saddle, suffered
his horse to stand at liberty, and gave me his hand with a pressure of
cordiality that electrified me. I saw in his eyes that all he said was
good and true; and although he spoke of my labours in terms far
exceeding what is due to them, I listened to him pretty well assured
that he did not intend me to play the part of Gil Blas over again; for
myself, my assistants, George Lehman and Henry Ward, were removed
in a jiffy to his own mansion, introduced to the family, and at work the
very next morning.
Although the weather was "shockingly hot," they prepared three
hundred specimens, embracing about sixty land and water birds, and sent all
the "pickled specimens to our mutual friend H——" [Dr. Harlan, of
Philadelphia] for safe keeping until their return.
Page 38
I jumped at once into my wood-hunting habits. All hands of us
were up before day-break, and soon at work, either in the way of
shooting, taking views, or drawing birds; after sunset—scribbling in
our journals.... In the early part of November the alligators had gone
into their winter quarters; the migratory birds were passing swiftly on
towards the south, although we had had no frost. The planters
considered the country as still unhealthy, and resorted to the city at
night. If I had been governed by the practice and advice of many, I
should not have put a foot in the mud, either salted or fresh; but
difficulties of this character must be disregarded by the American
woodsman, while success, or the hope of it, is before him.
It is impossible to do justice to the generous feelings of the
Charlestonians, or to their extreme kindness towards me. Many of the
gentlemen took the greatest interest in my pursuits; one, Dr. ——,
presented me with an excellent New Foundland dog, and other
valuable memorials of his regard. Another, Dr. ——, gave me a
collection of shells, from the adjacent waters. The ladies presented me
with a capital supply of snuff.[7] Desirous of going to Cole's Island,
distant about 25 or 30 miles, to look after some marine birds, a boat,
four hands and a pilot, were immediately offered to me, free of all
expense, with the liberty to detain them as long as was agreeable to
me. It is not possible for me to express properly the sense I feel of the
kindness I received from that warm-hearted and intelligent people.
And now, as you have good naturedly listened to what I have felt
bound to say on the score of gratitude, I will tell you what I know you
are impatient to come to—something about my proceedings at Cole's
Island. It lies south from Charleston about 25 or 30 miles; there we
arrived and encamped for the night: certain beef-steaks we brought
with us we roasted upon sticks, and the adjacent shore provided us
with excellent oysters: gaiety, good appetites, and our hearts all right,
made the time pass pleasantly, and it was with some reluctance we
were up before day-break, and soon at work, either in the way of
shooting, taking views, or drawing birds; after sunset—scribbling in
our journals.... In the early part of November the alligators had gone
into their winter quarters; the migratory birds were passing swiftly on
towards the south, although we had had no frost. The planters
considered the country as still unhealthy, and resorted to the city at
night. If I had been governed by the practice and advice of many, I
should not have put a foot in the mud, either salted or fresh; but
difficulties of this character must be disregarded by the American
woodsman, while success, or the hope of it, is before him.
It is impossible to do justice to the generous feelings of the
Charlestonians, or to their extreme kindness towards me. Many of the
gentlemen took the greatest interest in my pursuits; one, Dr. ——,
presented me with an excellent New Foundland dog, and other
valuable memorials of his regard. Another, Dr. ——, gave me a
collection of shells, from the adjacent waters. The ladies presented me
with a capital supply of snuff.[7] Desirous of going to Cole's Island,
distant about 25 or 30 miles, to look after some marine birds, a boat,
four hands and a pilot, were immediately offered to me, free of all
expense, with the liberty to detain them as long as was agreeable to
me. It is not possible for me to express properly the sense I feel of the
kindness I received from that warm-hearted and intelligent people.
And now, as you have good naturedly listened to what I have felt
bound to say on the score of gratitude, I will tell you what I know you
are impatient to come to—something about my proceedings at Cole's
Island. It lies south from Charleston about 25 or 30 miles; there we
arrived and encamped for the night: certain beef-steaks we brought
with us we roasted upon sticks, and the adjacent shore provided us
with excellent oysters: gaiety, good appetites, and our hearts all right,
made the time pass pleasantly, and it was with some reluctance we
Page 39
spread our blankets, and arranged the fire preparatory to going to rest.
Nothing is more valuable to a naturalist, and particularly to an
ornithologist, than the first hours of the day; therefore, long ere the sun
had glowed over the broad sea that lay before our camp, we had
reached another island where birds resort to roost by thousands; but,
notwithstanding these multitudes, not a new species did we procure.
We, however, had the pleasure of observing two noble "birds of
Washington,"[8] sailing majestically over the broad watery face.
But it was necessary to bring my stay in Charleston to a close, and
it was somewhat difficult too. My friends had increased in number;
they were in the habit of accompanying me in my shooting excursions;
I was becoming very much attached to them; invitations poured in
from various parts of the country; and I really believe that had I been
willing, we might have remained there and in the neighborhood, if not
all our lives, at least as long as would have caused a rare scarcity of the
feathered tribes, in that portion of the Carolinas. But my mind was
among the birds farther south,—the Floridas, Red River, the Arkansas,
that almost unknown country, California, and the Pacific ocean. I felt
myself drawn to the untried scenes of those countries, and it was
necessary to tear myself away from the kindest friends.
We embarked on the schooner Agnes; the wind was fair, and we
hoisted all sails for the Floridas. Our passage was not short; the wind
changed, and we put back into St. Simon's Island Bay. This was one of
the few put backs in life of a fortunate kind for me. I made for the
shore, met a gentleman on the beach, presented him my card, and was
immediately invited to dinner. I visited his gardens, got into such
agreeable conversation and quarters, that I was fain to think that I had
landed on some one of those fairy islands said to have existed in the
golden age. But this was not all; the owner of this hospitable mansion
pressed me to stay a month with him, and subscribed to my Birds of
America in the most gentlemanly manner. This was T. B. K., Esq.[9]
Nothing is more valuable to a naturalist, and particularly to an
ornithologist, than the first hours of the day; therefore, long ere the sun
had glowed over the broad sea that lay before our camp, we had
reached another island where birds resort to roost by thousands; but,
notwithstanding these multitudes, not a new species did we procure.
We, however, had the pleasure of observing two noble "birds of
Washington,"[8] sailing majestically over the broad watery face.
But it was necessary to bring my stay in Charleston to a close, and
it was somewhat difficult too. My friends had increased in number;
they were in the habit of accompanying me in my shooting excursions;
I was becoming very much attached to them; invitations poured in
from various parts of the country; and I really believe that had I been
willing, we might have remained there and in the neighborhood, if not
all our lives, at least as long as would have caused a rare scarcity of the
feathered tribes, in that portion of the Carolinas. But my mind was
among the birds farther south,—the Floridas, Red River, the Arkansas,
that almost unknown country, California, and the Pacific ocean. I felt
myself drawn to the untried scenes of those countries, and it was
necessary to tear myself away from the kindest friends.
We embarked on the schooner Agnes; the wind was fair, and we
hoisted all sails for the Floridas. Our passage was not short; the wind
changed, and we put back into St. Simon's Island Bay. This was one of
the few put backs in life of a fortunate kind for me. I made for the
shore, met a gentleman on the beach, presented him my card, and was
immediately invited to dinner. I visited his gardens, got into such
agreeable conversation and quarters, that I was fain to think that I had
landed on some one of those fairy islands said to have existed in the
golden age. But this was not all; the owner of this hospitable mansion
pressed me to stay a month with him, and subscribed to my Birds of
America in the most gentlemanly manner. This was T. B. K., Esq.[9]
Page 40
But the wind shifted; I was sent for, and our voyage to St. Augustine
resumed.
St. Augustine, whatever it may have been, is far from being a
flourishing place now. It lies at the bottom of a bay, extremely difficult
of access, even for vessels of light draft, which seldom reach the "city"
in less than a day. I cannot say much for the market, nor for the
circumjacent country. Oranges and plenty of good fish seem to
contribute the wealth of the place. Sands, poor pine forests, and
impenetrable thickets of cactus and palmettos form the undergrowth.
Birds are rare, and very shy; and with all our exertions, we have not
collected one hundred skins in a fortnight that we have been here. I
have received many kind attentions, and numerous invitations to visit
plantations, on our way to the south, where I shall direct my steps in a
few days. I have drawn seventeen species, among which one mongrel
vulture, which I think will prove new. You will see it, I hope, very
soon.
I will give you a sketch of our manner of passing the time. We are
up before day, and our toilette is soon made. If the day is to be spent at
drawing, Lehman and I take a walk, and Ward, his gun, dog, and
basket, returning when hungry or fatigued, or both. We draw
uninterruptedly till dusk, after which, another walk, then write up
journals, and retire to rest early. When we have nothing on hand to
draw, the guns are cleaned over night, a basket of bread and cheese, a
bottle with old whiskey, and some water, is prepared. We get into a
boat, and after an hour of hard rowing, we find ourselves in the middle
of most extensive marshes, as far as the eye can reach. The boat is
anchored, and we go wading through mud and water, amid myriads of
sand-flies and mosquitoes, shooting here and there a bird, or squatting
down on our hams for half an hour, to observe the ways of the
beautiful beings we are in pursuit of. This is the way in which we
spend the day. At the approach of evening, the cranes, herons, pelicans,
curlews, and the trains of blackbirds are passing high over our heads,
resumed.
St. Augustine, whatever it may have been, is far from being a
flourishing place now. It lies at the bottom of a bay, extremely difficult
of access, even for vessels of light draft, which seldom reach the "city"
in less than a day. I cannot say much for the market, nor for the
circumjacent country. Oranges and plenty of good fish seem to
contribute the wealth of the place. Sands, poor pine forests, and
impenetrable thickets of cactus and palmettos form the undergrowth.
Birds are rare, and very shy; and with all our exertions, we have not
collected one hundred skins in a fortnight that we have been here. I
have received many kind attentions, and numerous invitations to visit
plantations, on our way to the south, where I shall direct my steps in a
few days. I have drawn seventeen species, among which one mongrel
vulture, which I think will prove new. You will see it, I hope, very
soon.
I will give you a sketch of our manner of passing the time. We are
up before day, and our toilette is soon made. If the day is to be spent at
drawing, Lehman and I take a walk, and Ward, his gun, dog, and
basket, returning when hungry or fatigued, or both. We draw
uninterruptedly till dusk, after which, another walk, then write up
journals, and retire to rest early. When we have nothing on hand to
draw, the guns are cleaned over night, a basket of bread and cheese, a
bottle with old whiskey, and some water, is prepared. We get into a
boat, and after an hour of hard rowing, we find ourselves in the middle
of most extensive marshes, as far as the eye can reach. The boat is
anchored, and we go wading through mud and water, amid myriads of
sand-flies and mosquitoes, shooting here and there a bird, or squatting
down on our hams for half an hour, to observe the ways of the
beautiful beings we are in pursuit of. This is the way in which we
spend the day. At the approach of evening, the cranes, herons, pelicans,
curlews, and the trains of blackbirds are passing high over our heads,
Page 41
to their roosting places; then we also return to ours. If some species are
to draw the next day, and the weather is warm, they are outlined that
same evening, to save them from incipient putridity. I have ascertained
that feathers lose their brilliancy almost as rapidly as flesh or skin
itself, and am of opinion that a bird alive is 75 per cent more rich in
colours than twenty-four hours after its death; we therefore skin those
first which have been first killed, and the same evening. All this, added
to our other avocations, brings us into the night pretty well fatigued.
Such, my dear friend, is the life of an active naturalist; and such, in my
opinion, it ought to be. It is nonsense ever to hope to see in the closet
what is only to be perceived—as far as the laws, arrangements and
beauties of ornithological nature is concerned,—by that devotion of
time, opportunities, and action, to which I have consecrated my life,
not without hope that science may benefit by my labours.
As to geology, my dear Friend, you know as well as myself, that I
am not in the country for that. The instructions you gave me are very
valuable, and I shall be vigilant. The aspect of the country will soon
begin to change, and as I proceed, I will write to you about all we see
and do.... Do not be afraid of my safety; I take a reasonable care of my
health and life. I know how to guard against real difficulties, and I
have no time to attend to that worst of all kinds of difficulties,—
imaginary ones. Circumstances never within my control, threw me
upon my own resources, at a very early period of my life. I have grown
up in the school of adversity, and am not an unprofitable scholar there,
having learnt to be satisfied with providing for my family and myself
by my own exertions. The life I lead is my vocation, full of smooth and
rough paths, like every vocation which men variously try. My physical
constitution has always been good, and the fine flow of spirits I have,
has often greatly assisted me in some of the most trying passages of
my life. I know I am engaged in an arduous undertaking; but if I live to
complete it, I will offer to my country a beautiful monument of the
to draw the next day, and the weather is warm, they are outlined that
same evening, to save them from incipient putridity. I have ascertained
that feathers lose their brilliancy almost as rapidly as flesh or skin
itself, and am of opinion that a bird alive is 75 per cent more rich in
colours than twenty-four hours after its death; we therefore skin those
first which have been first killed, and the same evening. All this, added
to our other avocations, brings us into the night pretty well fatigued.
Such, my dear friend, is the life of an active naturalist; and such, in my
opinion, it ought to be. It is nonsense ever to hope to see in the closet
what is only to be perceived—as far as the laws, arrangements and
beauties of ornithological nature is concerned,—by that devotion of
time, opportunities, and action, to which I have consecrated my life,
not without hope that science may benefit by my labours.
As to geology, my dear Friend, you know as well as myself, that I
am not in the country for that. The instructions you gave me are very
valuable, and I shall be vigilant. The aspect of the country will soon
begin to change, and as I proceed, I will write to you about all we see
and do.... Do not be afraid of my safety; I take a reasonable care of my
health and life. I know how to guard against real difficulties, and I
have no time to attend to that worst of all kinds of difficulties,—
imaginary ones. Circumstances never within my control, threw me
upon my own resources, at a very early period of my life. I have grown
up in the school of adversity, and am not an unprofitable scholar there,
having learnt to be satisfied with providing for my family and myself
by my own exertions. The life I lead is my vocation, full of smooth and
rough paths, like every vocation which men variously try. My physical
constitution has always been good, and the fine flow of spirits I have,
has often greatly assisted me in some of the most trying passages of
my life. I know I am engaged in an arduous undertaking; but if I live to
complete it, I will offer to my country a beautiful monument of the
Page 42
varied splendour of American nature, and of my devotion to American
ornithology.
John James Audubon.
Ther., this day, at 2 p. m.,
78° Fahr.
On the following day, December 8, 1831, Audubon sent the following
request to Dr. Harlan of Philadelphia: "I wish you also to send me—to Key
West—, 20 more pounds of powdered arsenic from Friend Wetherell's shop,
[10]
and also a double barelled gun of usual length, as good as you can
procure for 30 dollars; probably a second hand one may be procured; it
must be percussion and, if possible, back action." Dr. Richard Harlan, who
often transmitted to Mrs. Audubon any news which came direct from her
husband, wrote to her on December 10, 1831, as follows:[11]
I have just recd a letter from Mr Aud—dated St. Augustine Nov.
24th they enjoy health amidst their fatiguing avocations—has obtained
another subscriber, living on St. Simons island named Tho. Butler King
—to whom I am to send the work as soon as the Copies exported
arrive from London—he has good expectations of adding some new
birds to his list—have you seen the Sonnet addressed to Mr Aud. in the
"Wreath" a London annual for 1832?—under the signature of J. E. R?
—our newspapers announce the arrival, departure & progress of Mr
Audubon, as if he was an Embassador—and so he is, one of Natures
——
The winter season at St. Augustine proved unfavorable for the
naturalist's work, and he anxiously awaited the coming of the government
vessel, the Spark, to the commander of which he bore letters from
Washington. After spending about three weeks in the neighborhood of the
city, the party proceeded through the inlet which divides Anastasia Island
from the mainland, to the plantation of General Hernandez, thirty-five miles
distant, where they were entertained for ten days. On Christmas morning
ornithology.
John James Audubon.
Ther., this day, at 2 p. m.,
78° Fahr.
On the following day, December 8, 1831, Audubon sent the following
request to Dr. Harlan of Philadelphia: "I wish you also to send me—to Key
West—, 20 more pounds of powdered arsenic from Friend Wetherell's shop,
[10]
and also a double barelled gun of usual length, as good as you can
procure for 30 dollars; probably a second hand one may be procured; it
must be percussion and, if possible, back action." Dr. Richard Harlan, who
often transmitted to Mrs. Audubon any news which came direct from her
husband, wrote to her on December 10, 1831, as follows:[11]
I have just recd a letter from Mr Aud—dated St. Augustine Nov.
24th they enjoy health amidst their fatiguing avocations—has obtained
another subscriber, living on St. Simons island named Tho. Butler King
—to whom I am to send the work as soon as the Copies exported
arrive from London—he has good expectations of adding some new
birds to his list—have you seen the Sonnet addressed to Mr Aud. in the
"Wreath" a London annual for 1832?—under the signature of J. E. R?
—our newspapers announce the arrival, departure & progress of Mr
Audubon, as if he was an Embassador—and so he is, one of Natures
——
The winter season at St. Augustine proved unfavorable for the
naturalist's work, and he anxiously awaited the coming of the government
vessel, the Spark, to the commander of which he bore letters from
Washington. After spending about three weeks in the neighborhood of the
city, the party proceeded through the inlet which divides Anastasia Island
from the mainland, to the plantation of General Hernandez, thirty-five miles
distant, where they were entertained for ten days. On Christmas morning
Page 43
they set out afoot for the plantation of John Bulow, of Bulowville, fifteen
miles away. To follow the naturalist's account:
A wagon was sent for our baggage and horses for ourselves were
offered at the same time, but it was not my desire to give unnecessary
trouble, and above all upon an occasion when I was glad to see the
country in as much detail as possible, and anxious to avail myself of
every occasion to get new birds.
During the whole long stay with Mr. Bulow, there was no
abatement of his kindness, or his unremitted efforts to make me
comfortable, and to promote my researches. I shall ever feel grateful to
one of the most deserving and generous of men.
On December 28 their host proposed that they should descend the
Halifax River in search of new and valuable birds to a point about forty
miles from that place and eighty miles from St. Augustine.[12]
Accordingly, the boat, six hands, and "three white men," with
some provisions, put off with a fair wind, and a pure sky.... We
meandered down a creek for about eleven miles—the water torpid yet
clear—the shore lined with thousands of acres covered by fall grapes,
marshes, and high palm trees, rendering the shore quite novel to my
anxious eye. Some birds were shot, and secured so as to be brought
back, in order to undergo the skinning operation. Before long we
entered the Halifax river, an inland arm of the sea, measuring in
breadth from a quarter to nearly a mile.
They reached a spot, called "Live Oak Landing," where a schooner
from New York was then anchored, and there passed the night.
At sunrise the next morning, I and four negro servants proceeded
in search of birds and adventures. The fact is, that I was anxious to kill
some 25 brown Pelicans ... to enable me to make a new drawing of an
adult male bird, and to procure the dresses of the others. I proceeded
miles away. To follow the naturalist's account:
A wagon was sent for our baggage and horses for ourselves were
offered at the same time, but it was not my desire to give unnecessary
trouble, and above all upon an occasion when I was glad to see the
country in as much detail as possible, and anxious to avail myself of
every occasion to get new birds.
During the whole long stay with Mr. Bulow, there was no
abatement of his kindness, or his unremitted efforts to make me
comfortable, and to promote my researches. I shall ever feel grateful to
one of the most deserving and generous of men.
On December 28 their host proposed that they should descend the
Halifax River in search of new and valuable birds to a point about forty
miles from that place and eighty miles from St. Augustine.[12]
Accordingly, the boat, six hands, and "three white men," with
some provisions, put off with a fair wind, and a pure sky.... We
meandered down a creek for about eleven miles—the water torpid yet
clear—the shore lined with thousands of acres covered by fall grapes,
marshes, and high palm trees, rendering the shore quite novel to my
anxious eye. Some birds were shot, and secured so as to be brought
back, in order to undergo the skinning operation. Before long we
entered the Halifax river, an inland arm of the sea, measuring in
breadth from a quarter to nearly a mile.
They reached a spot, called "Live Oak Landing," where a schooner
from New York was then anchored, and there passed the night.
At sunrise the next morning, I and four negro servants proceeded
in search of birds and adventures. The fact is, that I was anxious to kill
some 25 brown Pelicans ... to enable me to make a new drawing of an
adult male bird, and to procure the dresses of the others. I proceeded
Page 44
along a narrow, shallow bay, where the fish were truly abundant.
Would you believe it, if I were to say, that the fish nearly obstructed
our head-way? Believe it, or not, so it was; the waters were filled with
them, large and small. I shot some rare birds, and putting along the
shore, passed a point, when lo, I came in sight of several hundred
pelicans, perched on the branches of mangrove trees, seated in
comfortable harmony, as near each other as the strength of the boughs
would allow. I ordered to back water gently; the hands backed water. I
waded to the shore under cover of the rushes along it, saw the pelecans
fast asleep, examined their countenances and deportment well and
leisurely, and after all, levelled, fired my piece, and dropped two of the
finest specimens I ever saw. I really believe I would have shot one
hundred of these reverend sirs, had not a mistake taken place in the
reloading of my gun. A mistake, however, did take place, and to my
utmost disappointment, I saw each pelecan, old and young, leave his
perch, and take to wing, soaring off, well pleased, I dare say, at making
so good an escape from so dangerous a foe.
After shooting more birds, and pushing or pulling their boat "over
oyster banks sharp as razors," they made the schooner at the landing again.
"The birds, generally speaking," he continues, "appeared wild and few—
you must be aware that I call birds few, when I shoot less than one hundred
per day."
Such remarks as we have just quoted might convey the impression that
the American woodsman, with whose name the cause of bird protection is
now associated in this country, was a reckless destroyer of all bird life, but
this was far from the case. It must be remembered that this was over eighty
years ago, when the unrivaled abundance of our birds was such that the
necessity of their conservation had hardly entered the dreams of the most
discerning. Audubon no doubt had gradually yielded to the prevalent mania
for describing and figuring new species, and to make out all the minute
specific differences a large series of specimens was necessary; still more
were needed for the detection of individual variation, which did not escape
Would you believe it, if I were to say, that the fish nearly obstructed
our head-way? Believe it, or not, so it was; the waters were filled with
them, large and small. I shot some rare birds, and putting along the
shore, passed a point, when lo, I came in sight of several hundred
pelicans, perched on the branches of mangrove trees, seated in
comfortable harmony, as near each other as the strength of the boughs
would allow. I ordered to back water gently; the hands backed water. I
waded to the shore under cover of the rushes along it, saw the pelecans
fast asleep, examined their countenances and deportment well and
leisurely, and after all, levelled, fired my piece, and dropped two of the
finest specimens I ever saw. I really believe I would have shot one
hundred of these reverend sirs, had not a mistake taken place in the
reloading of my gun. A mistake, however, did take place, and to my
utmost disappointment, I saw each pelecan, old and young, leave his
perch, and take to wing, soaring off, well pleased, I dare say, at making
so good an escape from so dangerous a foe.
After shooting more birds, and pushing or pulling their boat "over
oyster banks sharp as razors," they made the schooner at the landing again.
"The birds, generally speaking," he continues, "appeared wild and few—
you must be aware that I call birds few, when I shoot less than one hundred
per day."
Such remarks as we have just quoted might convey the impression that
the American woodsman, with whose name the cause of bird protection is
now associated in this country, was a reckless destroyer of all bird life, but
this was far from the case. It must be remembered that this was over eighty
years ago, when the unrivaled abundance of our birds was such that the
necessity of their conservation had hardly entered the dreams of the most
discerning. Audubon no doubt had gradually yielded to the prevalent mania
for describing and figuring new species, and to make out all the minute
specific differences a large series of specimens was necessary; still more
were needed for the detection of individual variation, which did not escape
Page 45
him, and much less his assistant, William MacGillivray, who demanded
large numbers for his anatomical studies. Furthermore, Audubon counted
upon defraying a part of his expenses by collections of skins of American
birds, which were then desiderata among the museums of Europe.[13]
When it was proposed that they should return,
preparations were accordingly made, and we left the schooner,
with tide and wind in our teeth, and with the prospect of a severe, cold
night. Our hands pulled well, and our bark was as light as our hearts.
All went on merrily until dark night came on. The wind freshening, the
cold augmenting, the provisions diminishing, the waters lowering, all
—all depreciating except our enterprising dispositions. We found
ourselves fast in the mud about 300 yards from a marshy shore,
without the least hope of being able to raise a fire, for no trees except
palm trees were near, and the grand diable himself could not burn one
of them. Our minds were soon made up to do—what? Why, to roll
ourselves in our cloaks, and lay down, the best way we could, at the
bottom of our light and beautiful barque. Good God, what a night! To
sleep was impossible; the cold increased with the breeze, and every
moment seemed an hour, from the time we stretched ourselves down
until the first glimpse of the morn; but the morn came, clear as ever
morn was, and the north-easter as cold as ever wind blew in this
latitude. All hands half dead, and masters as nearly exhausted as the
hands—stiffened with cold, light-clothed, and but slight hope of our
nearing any shore; our only resort was, to leap into the mire, waste-
deep, and to push the barque to a point, some five hundred or six
hundred yards, where a few scrubby trees seem to have grown to save
our lives on this occasion. "Push, boys, push! Push for your lives!", cry
the generous Bulow, and the poor Audubon.—"All hands push!" Aye
and well might we push: the mire was up to our breasts, our limbs
becoming stiffened at every step we took. Our progress was slowly
performed as if we had been clogged with heavy chains. It took us two
large numbers for his anatomical studies. Furthermore, Audubon counted
upon defraying a part of his expenses by collections of skins of American
birds, which were then desiderata among the museums of Europe.[13]
When it was proposed that they should return,
preparations were accordingly made, and we left the schooner,
with tide and wind in our teeth, and with the prospect of a severe, cold
night. Our hands pulled well, and our bark was as light as our hearts.
All went on merrily until dark night came on. The wind freshening, the
cold augmenting, the provisions diminishing, the waters lowering, all
—all depreciating except our enterprising dispositions. We found
ourselves fast in the mud about 300 yards from a marshy shore,
without the least hope of being able to raise a fire, for no trees except
palm trees were near, and the grand diable himself could not burn one
of them. Our minds were soon made up to do—what? Why, to roll
ourselves in our cloaks, and lay down, the best way we could, at the
bottom of our light and beautiful barque. Good God, what a night! To
sleep was impossible; the cold increased with the breeze, and every
moment seemed an hour, from the time we stretched ourselves down
until the first glimpse of the morn; but the morn came, clear as ever
morn was, and the north-easter as cold as ever wind blew in this
latitude. All hands half dead, and masters as nearly exhausted as the
hands—stiffened with cold, light-clothed, and but slight hope of our
nearing any shore; our only resort was, to leap into the mire, waste-
deep, and to push the barque to a point, some five hundred or six
hundred yards, where a few scrubby trees seem to have grown to save
our lives on this occasion. "Push, boys, push! Push for your lives!", cry
the generous Bulow, and the poor Audubon.—"All hands push!" Aye
and well might we push: the mire was up to our breasts, our limbs
becoming stiffened at every step we took. Our progress was slowly
performed as if we had been clogged with heavy chains. It took us two
Page 46
and a half hours to reach the point, where the few trees of which I have
spoken were; but, thank God, we did get there.
We landed ... and well it was that we did; for on reaching the
margin of the marsh, two of the negroes fell down in the marsh, as
senseless as torpidity ever rendered an alligator, or a snake; and had
we, the white men, not been there, they certainly would have died. We
had carried them into the little grove, to which, I believe, all of us owe
our lives. I struck a fire in a crack; and, in five minutes, I saw, with
indescribable pleasure, the bright, warming blaze in a log pile in the
center of our shivering party. We wrapped the negroes in their blankets
—boiled some water, and soon had some tea—made them swallow it,
and with care revived them into animation. May God preserve you
from being ever in the condition of our party at this juncture; scarcely
a man able to stand, and the cold wind blowing as keenly as ever. Our
men, however, gradually revived—the trees, one after another, fell
under the hatchet, and increased our fire—and in two hours I had the
pleasure of seeing cheerful faces again.
Their predicament, however, was still serious, for, to continue the
narrative, they were
confined in a large salt marsh, with rushes head high, and miry; no
provisions left, and fifteen miles from the house of their host.
Not a moment was to be lost, for I foresaw that the next night
would prove much colder still. The boat was manned once more, and
off through the mud we moved to double the point, and enter the creek,
of which I have spoken, with the hope that in it we should find water
enough to float her. It did happen so, thank God! As we once more saw
our barque afloat, our spirits rose,—and rose to such a pitch that we in
fun set fire to the whole marsh: crack, crack, crack! went the reeds,
with a rapid blaze. We saw the marsh rabbits, scampering from the fire
by the thousands, as we pulled our oars.
spoken were; but, thank God, we did get there.
We landed ... and well it was that we did; for on reaching the
margin of the marsh, two of the negroes fell down in the marsh, as
senseless as torpidity ever rendered an alligator, or a snake; and had
we, the white men, not been there, they certainly would have died. We
had carried them into the little grove, to which, I believe, all of us owe
our lives. I struck a fire in a crack; and, in five minutes, I saw, with
indescribable pleasure, the bright, warming blaze in a log pile in the
center of our shivering party. We wrapped the negroes in their blankets
—boiled some water, and soon had some tea—made them swallow it,
and with care revived them into animation. May God preserve you
from being ever in the condition of our party at this juncture; scarcely
a man able to stand, and the cold wind blowing as keenly as ever. Our
men, however, gradually revived—the trees, one after another, fell
under the hatchet, and increased our fire—and in two hours I had the
pleasure of seeing cheerful faces again.
Their predicament, however, was still serious, for, to continue the
narrative, they were
confined in a large salt marsh, with rushes head high, and miry; no
provisions left, and fifteen miles from the house of their host.
Not a moment was to be lost, for I foresaw that the next night
would prove much colder still. The boat was manned once more, and
off through the mud we moved to double the point, and enter the creek,
of which I have spoken, with the hope that in it we should find water
enough to float her. It did happen so, thank God! As we once more saw
our barque afloat, our spirits rose,—and rose to such a pitch that we in
fun set fire to the whole marsh: crack, crack, crack! went the reeds,
with a rapid blaze. We saw the marsh rabbits, scampering from the fire
by the thousands, as we pulled our oars.
Page 47
Their pleasure in being afloat was short-lived, for "the northeaster had
well nigh emptied the creek of its usual quantum of water," and they were
again obliged to wade to effect a landing, their object being to gain the east
Florida coast and thus make their escape. This was finally attained after
abandoning their boat, when began a long tramp on the beach, in the teeth
of the wind,
through sand that sent our feet back six inches at every step of two
feet that we made. Well, through this sand we all waded, for many a
long mile, picking up here and there a shell that is nowhere else to be
found, until we reached the landing place of J. J. Bulow. Now, my
heart, cheer up once more, for the sake of my most kind host.... I
assure you, I was glad to see him nearing his own comfortable roof;
and as we saw the large house opening to view, across his immense
plantation, I anticipated a good dinner with as much pleasure as I ever
experienced.
All hands returned alive; refreshments and good care have made
us all well again, unless it be the stiffness occasioned in my left leg, by
nearly six weeks of daily wading through swamps and salt marshes, or
scrambling through the vilest thickets of scrubly live oaks and
palmitoes that appear to have been created for no other purpose but to
punish us for our sins.
Readers of the following account who have visited eastern Florida may
conclude that Audubon was not a good prophet, but probably at that early
day no one could have made a better forecast of the future:
The land, if land it can be called, is generally so very sandy that
nothing can be raised upon it. The swamps are the only spots that
afford a fair chance for cultivation; the swamps, then, are positively
the only places where plantations are to be found. These plantations
are even few in number; along the coast from St. Augustine to Cape
Carnaveral, there are about a dozen. These, with the exception of two
well nigh emptied the creek of its usual quantum of water," and they were
again obliged to wade to effect a landing, their object being to gain the east
Florida coast and thus make their escape. This was finally attained after
abandoning their boat, when began a long tramp on the beach, in the teeth
of the wind,
through sand that sent our feet back six inches at every step of two
feet that we made. Well, through this sand we all waded, for many a
long mile, picking up here and there a shell that is nowhere else to be
found, until we reached the landing place of J. J. Bulow. Now, my
heart, cheer up once more, for the sake of my most kind host.... I
assure you, I was glad to see him nearing his own comfortable roof;
and as we saw the large house opening to view, across his immense
plantation, I anticipated a good dinner with as much pleasure as I ever
experienced.
All hands returned alive; refreshments and good care have made
us all well again, unless it be the stiffness occasioned in my left leg, by
nearly six weeks of daily wading through swamps and salt marshes, or
scrambling through the vilest thickets of scrubly live oaks and
palmitoes that appear to have been created for no other purpose but to
punish us for our sins.
Readers of the following account who have visited eastern Florida may
conclude that Audubon was not a good prophet, but probably at that early
day no one could have made a better forecast of the future:
The land, if land it can be called, is generally so very sandy that
nothing can be raised upon it. The swamps are the only spots that
afford a fair chance for cultivation; the swamps, then, are positively
the only places where plantations are to be found. These plantations
are even few in number; along the coast from St. Augustine to Cape
Carnaveral, there are about a dozen. These, with the exception of two
Page 48
or three, are yet young plantations. General Hernandez's, J. J. Bulow's,
and Mr. Durham's are the strongest, and perhaps the best. Sugar cane
will prosper, and doubtless do well; but the labour necessary to
produce a good crop, is great! great!! great!!! Between the swamps of
which I now speak, and which are found along the margin laying west
of the sea inlet, that divides the main land from the Atlantic, to the
river St. John of the interior of the peninsula, nothing exists but barren
pine lands of poor timber, and immense savannas, mostly overflowed,
and all unfit for cultivation. That growth, which in any other country is
called underwood, scarcely exists; the land being covered with low
palmitoes, or very low, thickly branched dwarf oaks, almost
impenetrable to man. The climate is of a most unsettled nature, at least
at this season. The thermometer has made leaps from 30 to 89 degrees
in 24 hours, cold, warm, sandy, muddy, watery,—all these varieties
may be seen in one day's travelling.... Game and fish, it is true, are
abundant; but the body of valuable tillable land is too small to enable
the peninsula ever to become a rich state.
and Mr. Durham's are the strongest, and perhaps the best. Sugar cane
will prosper, and doubtless do well; but the labour necessary to
produce a good crop, is great! great!! great!!! Between the swamps of
which I now speak, and which are found along the margin laying west
of the sea inlet, that divides the main land from the Atlantic, to the
river St. John of the interior of the peninsula, nothing exists but barren
pine lands of poor timber, and immense savannas, mostly overflowed,
and all unfit for cultivation. That growth, which in any other country is
called underwood, scarcely exists; the land being covered with low
palmitoes, or very low, thickly branched dwarf oaks, almost
impenetrable to man. The climate is of a most unsettled nature, at least
at this season. The thermometer has made leaps from 30 to 89 degrees
in 24 hours, cold, warm, sandy, muddy, watery,—all these varieties
may be seen in one day's travelling.... Game and fish, it is true, are
abundant; but the body of valuable tillable land is too small to enable
the peninsula ever to become a rich state.
Page 49
EARLY UNPUBLISHED DRAWING IN WATER-COLOR OF
THE CAROLINA PARROT, ON BRANCH OF THE HICKORY,
DATED "HENDERSON, JUNE 9TH, 1811." THE ORIGINAL
BEARS THE NOTE: "POOR IMITATION OF COLOR, THE
NATURAL BIRD BEING EXTREMELY GLOSSY AND RICH."
Published by courtesy of Mr. Joseph Y. Jeanes.
On January 6, 1832, the party started to visit a famous spring near the
sources of the St. John's River, which was described in his third letter to
Featherstonhaugh as well as in a later "Episode."[14] There his host, Colonel
Rees, who utilized the abundant flow from this curious spring for grinding
the whole of his sugar cane, took them down the Spring Garden Creek to a
THE CAROLINA PARROT, ON BRANCH OF THE HICKORY,
DATED "HENDERSON, JUNE 9TH, 1811." THE ORIGINAL
BEARS THE NOTE: "POOR IMITATION OF COLOR, THE
NATURAL BIRD BEING EXTREMELY GLOSSY AND RICH."
Published by courtesy of Mr. Joseph Y. Jeanes.
On January 6, 1832, the party started to visit a famous spring near the
sources of the St. John's River, which was described in his third letter to
Featherstonhaugh as well as in a later "Episode."[14] There his host, Colonel
Rees, who utilized the abundant flow from this curious spring for grinding
the whole of his sugar cane, took them down the Spring Garden Creek to a
Page 50
series of muddy lakes which emptied into the St. John's. The mud on this
occasion was the cause of great disappointment to the naturalist, for it made
it impossible for him to recover what he believed to represent a new species
of Ibis, which was shot in one of those bottomless pits. "Being only a few
yards distant from us," to quote from Audubon's third letter,[15] "and quite
near enough to ascertain the extent of my loss, I submitted to lose a fine
pair of a new species, the which if I ever fall in with it again, I shall call
Tantalus fuscus."
When they had reached the borders of Woodruff's Lake, after noon,
fatigued and hungry, he continued:
We landed on a small island of a few acres, covered with a grove
of sour orange trees, intermixed with not a few live oaks. The oranges
were in great profusion on the trees—everything about us was calm
and beautiful and motionless, as if it had just come from the hand of
the Creator. It would have been a perfect Paradise for a poet, but I was
not fit to be in Paradise; the loss of my ibis made me as sour as the
oranges that hung about me. I felt unquiet, too, in this singular scene,
as if I were almost upon the verge of creation, where realities were
tapering off into nothing. The general wildness the eternal labyrinths
of waters and marshes, interlocked, and apparently never ending; the
whole surrounded by interminable swamps—all these things had a
tendency to depress my spirits, notwithstanding some beautiful
flowers, rich looking fruits, a pure sky, and ample sheets of water at
my feet. Here I am in the Floridas, thought I, a country that received its
name from the odours wafted from the orange groves, to the boats of
the first discoverers, and which from my childhood I have consecrated
in my imagination as the garden of the United States. A garden, where
all that is not mud, mud, mud, is sand, sand, sand; where the fruit is so
sour that it is not eatable, and where in place of singing birds and
golden fishes, you have a species of ibis that you cannot get when you
have shot it, and alligators, snakes, and scorpions.
occasion was the cause of great disappointment to the naturalist, for it made
it impossible for him to recover what he believed to represent a new species
of Ibis, which was shot in one of those bottomless pits. "Being only a few
yards distant from us," to quote from Audubon's third letter,[15] "and quite
near enough to ascertain the extent of my loss, I submitted to lose a fine
pair of a new species, the which if I ever fall in with it again, I shall call
Tantalus fuscus."
When they had reached the borders of Woodruff's Lake, after noon,
fatigued and hungry, he continued:
We landed on a small island of a few acres, covered with a grove
of sour orange trees, intermixed with not a few live oaks. The oranges
were in great profusion on the trees—everything about us was calm
and beautiful and motionless, as if it had just come from the hand of
the Creator. It would have been a perfect Paradise for a poet, but I was
not fit to be in Paradise; the loss of my ibis made me as sour as the
oranges that hung about me. I felt unquiet, too, in this singular scene,
as if I were almost upon the verge of creation, where realities were
tapering off into nothing. The general wildness the eternal labyrinths
of waters and marshes, interlocked, and apparently never ending; the
whole surrounded by interminable swamps—all these things had a
tendency to depress my spirits, notwithstanding some beautiful
flowers, rich looking fruits, a pure sky, and ample sheets of water at
my feet. Here I am in the Floridas, thought I, a country that received its
name from the odours wafted from the orange groves, to the boats of
the first discoverers, and which from my childhood I have consecrated
in my imagination as the garden of the United States. A garden, where
all that is not mud, mud, mud, is sand, sand, sand; where the fruit is so
sour that it is not eatable, and where in place of singing birds and
golden fishes, you have a species of ibis that you cannot get when you
have shot it, and alligators, snakes, and scorpions.
Page 51
Mr. Bartram was the first to call this a garden, but he is to be
forgiven; he was an enthusiastic botanist, and rare plants, in the eyes of
such a man, convert a wilderness at once into a garden.
When we had eaten our humble repast at the sweet little Orange
Grove Island, we left it "alone with its glory," but not without a name.
It was determined, nolens volens, that it should be called Audubon's
Island, on the St. John's river. Lat. 29° 42´.
Early in February, 1832, Lieutenant Piercy took Audubon and his
assistants aboard the government schooner Spark at St. Augustine, and
sailed for the mouth of the St. John's River, which he had orders to ascend
in the interests of the Revenue Service. On February 12, when they had
reached a point one hundred miles from the mouth of the river, the vessel,
being in need of repairs, was suddenly recalled. Audubon, with two men,
thereupon engaged a boat and attempted to return to St. Augustine across
country, by a short cut to the eastward. They were soon stranded and the
party divided. Audubon with his dog and one companion then endeavored
to make their way by land to the town, eighteen miles distant, but they were
overtaken by a terrific gale and thunder-storm, and in order to keep to the
trails were often obliged to grope their way on hands and knees.[16]
At about this time the publishers of the Journal of Geology and Natural
Science, from which we have quoted, failed, and Featherstonhaugh, who
assumed their debts to all subscribers, was obliged to bring it to a close with
the completion of the first volume; Audubon's third and last letter appeared
in the valedictory number for June, 1832.
Again the naturalist applied to the government officials at Washington
for assistance, and, as the following letter shows, Edward Everett again
came to his aid, as did also Levi Woodbury, Secretary of the Navy, to whom
Audubon later received a personal introduction from Chief Justice Taney of
the Supreme Court:
forgiven; he was an enthusiastic botanist, and rare plants, in the eyes of
such a man, convert a wilderness at once into a garden.
When we had eaten our humble repast at the sweet little Orange
Grove Island, we left it "alone with its glory," but not without a name.
It was determined, nolens volens, that it should be called Audubon's
Island, on the St. John's river. Lat. 29° 42´.
Early in February, 1832, Lieutenant Piercy took Audubon and his
assistants aboard the government schooner Spark at St. Augustine, and
sailed for the mouth of the St. John's River, which he had orders to ascend
in the interests of the Revenue Service. On February 12, when they had
reached a point one hundred miles from the mouth of the river, the vessel,
being in need of repairs, was suddenly recalled. Audubon, with two men,
thereupon engaged a boat and attempted to return to St. Augustine across
country, by a short cut to the eastward. They were soon stranded and the
party divided. Audubon with his dog and one companion then endeavored
to make their way by land to the town, eighteen miles distant, but they were
overtaken by a terrific gale and thunder-storm, and in order to keep to the
trails were often obliged to grope their way on hands and knees.[16]
At about this time the publishers of the Journal of Geology and Natural
Science, from which we have quoted, failed, and Featherstonhaugh, who
assumed their debts to all subscribers, was obliged to bring it to a close with
the completion of the first volume; Audubon's third and last letter appeared
in the valedictory number for June, 1832.
Again the naturalist applied to the government officials at Washington
for assistance, and, as the following letter shows, Edward Everett again
came to his aid, as did also Levi Woodbury, Secretary of the Navy, to whom
Audubon later received a personal introduction from Chief Justice Taney of
the Supreme Court:
Page 52
Levi Woodbury to Louis McLane
Navy Department
February 24 1832
Sir,
The letter of the Honorable Mr. Everett of the 18th. inst. relating
to Mr. Audubon &c and referred by you to this Department, has been
received.
I regret that the impaired condition of the Spark made it necessary
some weeks ago, to order that vessel to Norfolk to be refitted.
I have heretofore taken much pleasure in furnishing Mr. Audubon
with credentials to the officers of the Navy, and requesting [them] to
furnish every aid, in the prosecution of [his] scientific researches: and
shall be happy to afford any further facilities within the power of the
Department.
I am very respectfully
&c &c
Levi Woodbury
Honorable. L. Mc Lane
Secy of the Treasury
Finally, on April 15, 1832, Audubon and his party were able to board
the revenue cutter Marion, commanded by Robert Day, and the opportunity
thus afforded for exploring the dangerous east Florida coast amply repaid
them for their long and vexatious delays. They visited the islands from St.
Augustine to Key West, and examined every part of the shore which it was
the duty of the Marion to approach. At Indian Key the deputy collector, Mr.
Thurston, gave Audubon the services of his pilot, a veteran sailor and
hunter, who accompanied him on the Marion for a number of weeks and led
many boat journeys to lonely islands, where vast colonies of sea fowl then
Navy Department
February 24 1832
Sir,
The letter of the Honorable Mr. Everett of the 18th. inst. relating
to Mr. Audubon &c and referred by you to this Department, has been
received.
I regret that the impaired condition of the Spark made it necessary
some weeks ago, to order that vessel to Norfolk to be refitted.
I have heretofore taken much pleasure in furnishing Mr. Audubon
with credentials to the officers of the Navy, and requesting [them] to
furnish every aid, in the prosecution of [his] scientific researches: and
shall be happy to afford any further facilities within the power of the
Department.
I am very respectfully
&c &c
Levi Woodbury
Honorable. L. Mc Lane
Secy of the Treasury
Finally, on April 15, 1832, Audubon and his party were able to board
the revenue cutter Marion, commanded by Robert Day, and the opportunity
thus afforded for exploring the dangerous east Florida coast amply repaid
them for their long and vexatious delays. They visited the islands from St.
Augustine to Key West, and examined every part of the shore which it was
the duty of the Marion to approach. At Indian Key the deputy collector, Mr.
Thurston, gave Audubon the services of his pilot, a veteran sailor and
hunter, who accompanied him on the Marion for a number of weeks and led
many boat journeys to lonely islands, where vast colonies of sea fowl then
Page 53
dwelt in undisputed possession. The leisurely movements of the vessel also
enabled the naturalist to produce many finished drawings, and to obtain
materials for fresh "Episodes."[17] At Key West Audubon was hospitably
received by Major Classel,[18] and by Dr. Strobel, who was of great
assistance both to him and to Bachman in procuring new birds from that
little known point.
The unexpected delays experienced in Florida, and the expense which
the presence of his assistants necessarily entailed, in all probability, deterred
the naturalist from the more hazardous and uncertain enterprise of
attempting to reach the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Coast, which for
years had been the great object of his ambition. At all events, after their
work was finished at Key West, the party returned to St. Augustine, and on
the fifth day of March again boarded the packet schooner Agnes, which was
to bear them with their collections to Charleston. Audubon, however, left
the vessel at Savannah, in order to deliver letters from the Rathbones of
Liverpool to a number of their rich merchant friends in the former city. One
of these, named William Gaston,[19] at first declined to subscribe to The
Birds of America, on the ground of its great expense and the demands made
upon his purse by charity, but his indifference was quickly overcome: not
only did he write his name on Audubon's list, but he immediately went out
and obtained three other subscribers; he even insisted on becoming
Audubon's agent at Savannah, and saw to it that none of those subscriptions
was ever allowed to lapse in after years. Savannah eventually gave him six
subscribers, which was more than were credited to either Philadelphia or
Baltimore.
At Charleston the party disbanded. Lehman returned to Philadelphia,
whither Audubon later followed him, but Henry Ward obtained a position
with the Museum of Natural History, in which Bachman was interested, and
he appears to have been of much assistance both to Bachman and to his
friend in procuring for them specimens of new or desirable birds and
enabled the naturalist to produce many finished drawings, and to obtain
materials for fresh "Episodes."[17] At Key West Audubon was hospitably
received by Major Classel,[18] and by Dr. Strobel, who was of great
assistance both to him and to Bachman in procuring new birds from that
little known point.
The unexpected delays experienced in Florida, and the expense which
the presence of his assistants necessarily entailed, in all probability, deterred
the naturalist from the more hazardous and uncertain enterprise of
attempting to reach the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Coast, which for
years had been the great object of his ambition. At all events, after their
work was finished at Key West, the party returned to St. Augustine, and on
the fifth day of March again boarded the packet schooner Agnes, which was
to bear them with their collections to Charleston. Audubon, however, left
the vessel at Savannah, in order to deliver letters from the Rathbones of
Liverpool to a number of their rich merchant friends in the former city. One
of these, named William Gaston,[19] at first declined to subscribe to The
Birds of America, on the ground of its great expense and the demands made
upon his purse by charity, but his indifference was quickly overcome: not
only did he write his name on Audubon's list, but he immediately went out
and obtained three other subscribers; he even insisted on becoming
Audubon's agent at Savannah, and saw to it that none of those subscriptions
was ever allowed to lapse in after years. Savannah eventually gave him six
subscribers, which was more than were credited to either Philadelphia or
Baltimore.
At Charleston the party disbanded. Lehman returned to Philadelphia,
whither Audubon later followed him, but Henry Ward obtained a position
with the Museum of Natural History, in which Bachman was interested, and
he appears to have been of much assistance both to Bachman and to his
friend in procuring for them specimens of new or desirable birds and
Page 54
mammals; at a later day, however, he seems to have fallen into disesteem on
account of unpaid debts.
account of unpaid debts.
Page 55
Page 56
CHAPTER XXVII
EASTERN VISIT AND EXPLORATIONS IN THE NORTH
ATLANTIC
Bachman's success as a canvasser—Boston visit—Journey to Portland—Ascent of the St. John's—
Return overland—Victor Audubon becomes his father's agent—Winter in Boston—The Golden
Eagle—Stricken with illness—Expedition to Labrador planned—American support—Sails from
Eastport with five assistants—Discoveries and adventures on the Labrador—Safe return—Another
winter at Charleston—Sued for old debts—Experience with vultures—Advice and instruction to a
son—Working habits—Return to England.
Foiled in his attempt to see the Florida coast at the season best suited to
his purposes, and disappointed in his ambition to penetrate to the Far West,
Audubon now turned his attention to the East and determined to follow the
migratory birds to their summer homes in the North Atlantic. He left
Charleston in early June, 1832, and went to Philadelphia,[20] where he
remained about a month, waiting, it seems, for his wife and two sons to join
him. In a letter to Edward Harris, dated at Philadelphia, June 9, 1832, he
said that he had left the "National hotel, on account of the too high price, I
found I would have to pay there, and removed to Camden, at a Mr.
Armstrong's, where I formerly boarded"; he asked Harris to send him "a
pair of fine woodchucks," as he wished to secure a drawing of those
animals.
It is interesting to notice that while Audubon had been absent in
Florida, his friend Bachman had busied himself in his behalf and eventually
succeeded in placing three copies of The Birds of America in public
EASTERN VISIT AND EXPLORATIONS IN THE NORTH
ATLANTIC
Bachman's success as a canvasser—Boston visit—Journey to Portland—Ascent of the St. John's—
Return overland—Victor Audubon becomes his father's agent—Winter in Boston—The Golden
Eagle—Stricken with illness—Expedition to Labrador planned—American support—Sails from
Eastport with five assistants—Discoveries and adventures on the Labrador—Safe return—Another
winter at Charleston—Sued for old debts—Experience with vultures—Advice and instruction to a
son—Working habits—Return to England.
Foiled in his attempt to see the Florida coast at the season best suited to
his purposes, and disappointed in his ambition to penetrate to the Far West,
Audubon now turned his attention to the East and determined to follow the
migratory birds to their summer homes in the North Atlantic. He left
Charleston in early June, 1832, and went to Philadelphia,[20] where he
remained about a month, waiting, it seems, for his wife and two sons to join
him. In a letter to Edward Harris, dated at Philadelphia, June 9, 1832, he
said that he had left the "National hotel, on account of the too high price, I
found I would have to pay there, and removed to Camden, at a Mr.
Armstrong's, where I formerly boarded"; he asked Harris to send him "a
pair of fine woodchucks," as he wished to secure a drawing of those
animals.
It is interesting to notice that while Audubon had been absent in
Florida, his friend Bachman had busied himself in his behalf and eventually
succeeded in placing three copies of The Birds of America in public
Page 57
institutions in Charleston. On December 23, 1831, he wrote to Audubon,
who was then at St. Augustine:
I arrived in Columbia, S. C., almost too late, for the "House" had
just resolved that the State was too poor to subscribe for Audubon's
work. I felt that it would be a disgrace to the State; and, for the first
time in my life, I turned to electioneering. And now, behold me among
the back countrymen, spinning long yarns. The thing however, took,
and your book is subscribed for.... I read what was said in your favor
with regard to the "Rattlesnake Story," and thus far, they have not
found a wrong twist in your yarn; but be careful in describing the
wonders of the South and West.
Audubon wrote to Bachman from Philadelphia, July 1, 1832: "G. Ord
has caused a most violent attack on my veracity to be inserted in a London
journal; how will he stand mine eye, on Tuesday next at the Society, is more
than I can at present tell.... Mr. Berthoud will ship you 3 volumes of the
Birds of America, and the succeeding numbers; he will send a bill of sale of
those."
His plan was now to visit Boston and Maine, and he left Philadelphia
with his family in early August; they traveled by stage to New York, but
upon finding that the city was then suffering from a periodic scourge of the
cholera, tarried but a day and hastened on. The following letter which
Richard Harlan sent after his friend in August of this year shows that his
own city did not escape the pest:
Richard Harlan to Audubon
[Addressed] J. J. Audubon Esqr.
No Pearle st.
Boston
[Philadelphia, August, 1832.]
Dear Sir—
who was then at St. Augustine:
I arrived in Columbia, S. C., almost too late, for the "House" had
just resolved that the State was too poor to subscribe for Audubon's
work. I felt that it would be a disgrace to the State; and, for the first
time in my life, I turned to electioneering. And now, behold me among
the back countrymen, spinning long yarns. The thing however, took,
and your book is subscribed for.... I read what was said in your favor
with regard to the "Rattlesnake Story," and thus far, they have not
found a wrong twist in your yarn; but be careful in describing the
wonders of the South and West.
Audubon wrote to Bachman from Philadelphia, July 1, 1832: "G. Ord
has caused a most violent attack on my veracity to be inserted in a London
journal; how will he stand mine eye, on Tuesday next at the Society, is more
than I can at present tell.... Mr. Berthoud will ship you 3 volumes of the
Birds of America, and the succeeding numbers; he will send a bill of sale of
those."
His plan was now to visit Boston and Maine, and he left Philadelphia
with his family in early August; they traveled by stage to New York, but
upon finding that the city was then suffering from a periodic scourge of the
cholera, tarried but a day and hastened on. The following letter which
Richard Harlan sent after his friend in August of this year shows that his
own city did not escape the pest:
Richard Harlan to Audubon
[Addressed] J. J. Audubon Esqr.
No Pearle st.
Boston
[Philadelphia, August, 1832.]
Dear Sir—
Page 58
I have just recd. your favour of the 5th inst—by which I perceive
you are not in possession of the letter I addressed you to the care of Mr
Berthoud, the day after your departure. I have since forwarded two
others one from N. Orleans, also to care of Mr. Berthoud—The Cholera
has raged dreadfully in some localities here—I was engaged on
Monday superintending the removal of the sick prisoners from the jail
in arch St. at the request of the City authorities—I was there three
times during the day—60 were sick at one time, the suffering, and
agony of the dying wretches, was an awful sight to witness, 26 died
there that day, and about as many more who were removed to the
various local Hospitals—I have treated altogether up to present date 35
—of whom 18 from prison. 16 have died—and only one remains today
—my success is rather encouraging considering the habits of the poor
wretches whose cases fell under my care—most of the fatal cases were
in a dying state when admitted—I would not have recd. them, but for
the wish to alleviate suffering and scatter the tenants of the infected
rooms of the jail—The Newspapers do not give an accurate account,
because numbers are cured in the early stages whose cases are never
reported—the statements of deaths are more accurate—and I suppose
the greatest mortality has not exceeded 100 per diem—today only 26
deaths reported, there will probably be more tomorrow—I am happy to
hear of yr. safe arrival and reception in Boston, in Mr Perkins you will
find an aimable, liberal, and efficient patron, Mr Featherston
[Featherstonhaugh] has been in town, but is at present at Braddywine
springs—his may No has just appeared—he told me it would be in
time to strike out Vignolas name—in the next No My term of duty as
Surgeon to the alms House commenced at the 1st of August—the sik
for the surgical wards have also suffered, but not so much as the poor
tenants of the cells, it has nearly cleaned them out—some respectable,
but weakly families in the city have already suffered—My time is
usefully, at least, if not profitably employed, night and day. cholera,
cholera, cholera!!!!—Tho' I may have no time to write much—I
always think of absent frd—Remember to Nuttall, and all yr. family,
you are not in possession of the letter I addressed you to the care of Mr
Berthoud, the day after your departure. I have since forwarded two
others one from N. Orleans, also to care of Mr. Berthoud—The Cholera
has raged dreadfully in some localities here—I was engaged on
Monday superintending the removal of the sick prisoners from the jail
in arch St. at the request of the City authorities—I was there three
times during the day—60 were sick at one time, the suffering, and
agony of the dying wretches, was an awful sight to witness, 26 died
there that day, and about as many more who were removed to the
various local Hospitals—I have treated altogether up to present date 35
—of whom 18 from prison. 16 have died—and only one remains today
—my success is rather encouraging considering the habits of the poor
wretches whose cases fell under my care—most of the fatal cases were
in a dying state when admitted—I would not have recd. them, but for
the wish to alleviate suffering and scatter the tenants of the infected
rooms of the jail—The Newspapers do not give an accurate account,
because numbers are cured in the early stages whose cases are never
reported—the statements of deaths are more accurate—and I suppose
the greatest mortality has not exceeded 100 per diem—today only 26
deaths reported, there will probably be more tomorrow—I am happy to
hear of yr. safe arrival and reception in Boston, in Mr Perkins you will
find an aimable, liberal, and efficient patron, Mr Featherston
[Featherstonhaugh] has been in town, but is at present at Braddywine
springs—his may No has just appeared—he told me it would be in
time to strike out Vignolas name—in the next No My term of duty as
Surgeon to the alms House commenced at the 1st of August—the sik
for the surgical wards have also suffered, but not so much as the poor
tenants of the cells, it has nearly cleaned them out—some respectable,
but weakly families in the city have already suffered—My time is
usefully, at least, if not profitably employed, night and day. cholera,
cholera, cholera!!!!—Tho' I may have no time to write much—I
always think of absent frd—Remember to Nuttall, and all yr. family,
Page 59
Most truly yrs
R Harlan
Audubon's visit to Boston in the summer of 1832 was a red-letter
period in his career. So warmly was he then welcomed by the leading public
and professional men of the city that he could never say enough in praise of
the Bostonians. Dr. George Parkman, Dr. George C. Shattuck, and Col.
Thomas H. Perkins,[21] who was already one of his subscribers, were among
his most enthusiastic supporters. Of Parkman Audubon said: "He it is,
whose memory is most dear to me." It was doubtless Parkman, then a
professor in the Medical School, who introduced Audubon to the president
of Harvard University, Josiah Quincy, whose name was added to his list.
On August 14, shortly after reaching Boston, Audubon wrote to his
friend Harris:
We left Camden, pushed by the season, and the desire I have to
fulfil towards my subscribers, the world, and indeed myself, the task
allotted me by nature,—the completion of my work.... Allow me to say
that with my work, as in the days of '76, the Bostonians have proved
themselves the best supporters of a good cause in the country. We
expect the support of the Cambridge University, that of the Natural
History Society, & again of the State! (Pray remember how anxious we
are to have all the States.)
I made drawings of 3 rare species; one is the Marsh Wren, for
which I searched in vain when near Salem; the 2d. is a Fly-catcher,
described by Mr. Nuttall, and the last a Thrush.
We leave tomorrow for Portland, in Maine, through which we will
merely pass, and ere one week expires, expect to be at the Bay of
Fundy.
R Harlan
Audubon's visit to Boston in the summer of 1832 was a red-letter
period in his career. So warmly was he then welcomed by the leading public
and professional men of the city that he could never say enough in praise of
the Bostonians. Dr. George Parkman, Dr. George C. Shattuck, and Col.
Thomas H. Perkins,[21] who was already one of his subscribers, were among
his most enthusiastic supporters. Of Parkman Audubon said: "He it is,
whose memory is most dear to me." It was doubtless Parkman, then a
professor in the Medical School, who introduced Audubon to the president
of Harvard University, Josiah Quincy, whose name was added to his list.
On August 14, shortly after reaching Boston, Audubon wrote to his
friend Harris:
We left Camden, pushed by the season, and the desire I have to
fulfil towards my subscribers, the world, and indeed myself, the task
allotted me by nature,—the completion of my work.... Allow me to say
that with my work, as in the days of '76, the Bostonians have proved
themselves the best supporters of a good cause in the country. We
expect the support of the Cambridge University, that of the Natural
History Society, & again of the State! (Pray remember how anxious we
are to have all the States.)
I made drawings of 3 rare species; one is the Marsh Wren, for
which I searched in vain when near Salem; the 2d. is a Fly-catcher,
described by Mr. Nuttall, and the last a Thrush.
We leave tomorrow for Portland, in Maine, through which we will
merely pass, and ere one week expires, expect to be at the Bay of
Fundy.
Page 60
The Audubon family now traveled by carriage and mail-coach along
the entire coast of Maine, but made no prolonged stay until they reached
Eastport, where excursions were taken into the surrounding country, and the
woods and shores were thoroughly ransacked. At Dennisville they made the
acquaintance of Judge Lincoln's family, which rendered their stay of a
number of weeks "exceedingly agreeable"; as will appear later,[22] it was
this agreeable family that furnished Audubon with a valuable recruit for his
expedition to Labrador. Towards the end of September they entered New
Brunswick and began to ascend the St. John's River. A week was passed at
Fredericton, where they were hospitably received by Sir Archibald
Campbell. Thence they continued in a small boat, which was towed
upstream by mules, to Woodstock, Maine. There a cart was procured, in
which they proceeded overland to Houlton, in Aroostook County, then "A
neat village, consisting of some fifty houses," and after a few days passed at
this garrison town in looking for new birds, they started for Bangor,
following the old military road which led along the Penobscot River to Old
Town. Said the ornithologist of this journey:
Autumn, with her mellow tints, her glowing fruits, and her rich
fields of corn, smiled in placid beauty. Many of the fields had not been
reaped; the fruits of the forests and orchards hung clustering around us,
and as we came in view of the Penebscot river, our hearts thrilled with
joy....
The road which we followed from Old Town to Bangor was
literally covered with Penobscot Indians, returning from market. On
reaching the latter beautiful town, we found very comfortable lodgings
in an excellent hotel; and the next day we proceeded by the mail to
Boston.[23]
Audubon felt that he ought to remain in America for at least another
year, and decided to send his son, Victor, to England to take charge of his
publication. This work had now become a paramount family interest, and
for the nineteen years of life that remained to the elder Audubon, his two
the entire coast of Maine, but made no prolonged stay until they reached
Eastport, where excursions were taken into the surrounding country, and the
woods and shores were thoroughly ransacked. At Dennisville they made the
acquaintance of Judge Lincoln's family, which rendered their stay of a
number of weeks "exceedingly agreeable"; as will appear later,[22] it was
this agreeable family that furnished Audubon with a valuable recruit for his
expedition to Labrador. Towards the end of September they entered New
Brunswick and began to ascend the St. John's River. A week was passed at
Fredericton, where they were hospitably received by Sir Archibald
Campbell. Thence they continued in a small boat, which was towed
upstream by mules, to Woodstock, Maine. There a cart was procured, in
which they proceeded overland to Houlton, in Aroostook County, then "A
neat village, consisting of some fifty houses," and after a few days passed at
this garrison town in looking for new birds, they started for Bangor,
following the old military road which led along the Penobscot River to Old
Town. Said the ornithologist of this journey:
Autumn, with her mellow tints, her glowing fruits, and her rich
fields of corn, smiled in placid beauty. Many of the fields had not been
reaped; the fruits of the forests and orchards hung clustering around us,
and as we came in view of the Penebscot river, our hearts thrilled with
joy....
The road which we followed from Old Town to Bangor was
literally covered with Penobscot Indians, returning from market. On
reaching the latter beautiful town, we found very comfortable lodgings
in an excellent hotel; and the next day we proceeded by the mail to
Boston.[23]
Audubon felt that he ought to remain in America for at least another
year, and decided to send his son, Victor, to England to take charge of his
publication. This work had now become a paramount family interest, and
for the nineteen years of life that remained to the elder Audubon, his two
Page 61
sons virtually became his assistants, John as an active collector and
companion in the field, and Victor as his business agent and secretary. In
writing again to Edward Harris, from Boston, November 1, 1832, Audubon
noted that they had found the Canada Grouse in abundance, and that he was
assured of its breeding commonly within the Union; Victor, he added, had
sailed to England, "on the tenth of last month" on the packet ship South
America.
The autumn of 1832 and the following winter were spent in Boston,
where the naturalist was busily engaged in drawing and in laying plans for
the now famous expedition to the coast of Labrador. Meantime Bachman,
who was keenly interested in his success, was urging him to return to
Charleston; on October 20, 1832, he wrote: "A month in your society would
afford me greater pleasure than the highest prize in a lottery. I cannot, I
find, feel myself at home with new birds without having the skins to refer
to. My cabinet is enlarging every day. Henry Ward now prepares the skins
—a pair of each.... What ducks, that are not likely to be obtained for you in
Boston, would you like Maria to draw for you?" Writing again on the 26th
of October, he said:[24]
I wish to know what you are doing—what progress your work is
making; and, whilst I feel deeply interested for your fame ... I feel also
a particular interest in your personal welfare, and that of all that
belongs to you;... Besides, I want to see you once more to ascertain
whether you have stuck to your good resolutions, viz., never to swear
(which is a vulgar practice for one who is conversant with the most
beautiful of God's works, the feathered race), and never to work on
Sundays. However, you are now under the tutorage of your good wife,
and, I doubt not, you are as obedient to her in these things, as you
ought to be.... You say new birds are scarce. So they are, and yet, in my
opinion, we will occasionally find them for half a century to come.
(November 11) Maria has figured for you the "White Hibiscus," and,
also, a red one, both natives and beautiful; a Euonymus in seed, in
companion in the field, and Victor as his business agent and secretary. In
writing again to Edward Harris, from Boston, November 1, 1832, Audubon
noted that they had found the Canada Grouse in abundance, and that he was
assured of its breeding commonly within the Union; Victor, he added, had
sailed to England, "on the tenth of last month" on the packet ship South
America.
The autumn of 1832 and the following winter were spent in Boston,
where the naturalist was busily engaged in drawing and in laying plans for
the now famous expedition to the coast of Labrador. Meantime Bachman,
who was keenly interested in his success, was urging him to return to
Charleston; on October 20, 1832, he wrote: "A month in your society would
afford me greater pleasure than the highest prize in a lottery. I cannot, I
find, feel myself at home with new birds without having the skins to refer
to. My cabinet is enlarging every day. Henry Ward now prepares the skins
—a pair of each.... What ducks, that are not likely to be obtained for you in
Boston, would you like Maria to draw for you?" Writing again on the 26th
of October, he said:[24]
I wish to know what you are doing—what progress your work is
making; and, whilst I feel deeply interested for your fame ... I feel also
a particular interest in your personal welfare, and that of all that
belongs to you;... Besides, I want to see you once more to ascertain
whether you have stuck to your good resolutions, viz., never to swear
(which is a vulgar practice for one who is conversant with the most
beautiful of God's works, the feathered race), and never to work on
Sundays. However, you are now under the tutorage of your good wife,
and, I doubt not, you are as obedient to her in these things, as you
ought to be.... You say new birds are scarce. So they are, and yet, in my
opinion, we will occasionally find them for half a century to come.
(November 11) Maria has figured for you the "White Hibiscus," and,
also, a red one, both natives and beautiful; a Euonymus in seed, in
Page 62
which our Sylvia is placed; the white Nondescript Rose; the
Gordonica, a Begonia.... She is prepared to send them to you; shall she
ship them at once to Boston?... Your resolution to publish the 3rd. Vol.
of Water Birds, you will recollect was partly entered into here, and
from that moment, my mind was at ease. It will give you four or five
years in advance, and will enable you, in a 5th. Vol., to add all recent
discoveries of Land and Water Birds. Should you yet be able to go to
Florida and the Pacific, I apprehend that you will extend our American
Ornithology to 460 or 470 species, perhaps more. Your sons being able
to skin birds and paint them, is a great desideratum; it should be
mentioned in the preface to your next volume. The talents of the
family combined ... will now place the work beyond the fear of falling
through, even in case of your death, and the public ought to know it.
But you must push for subscribers. If your son Victor can do nothing in
Europe, you must go there yourself, and sooner than let the work
suffer, you must go on a pilgrimage throughout all the great cities of
our Union. Should God spare your life, I want to hear of you enjoying,
in your old age "Otium cum dignitate," and to see your children
reaping some of your recompense.
Gordonica, a Begonia.... She is prepared to send them to you; shall she
ship them at once to Boston?... Your resolution to publish the 3rd. Vol.
of Water Birds, you will recollect was partly entered into here, and
from that moment, my mind was at ease. It will give you four or five
years in advance, and will enable you, in a 5th. Vol., to add all recent
discoveries of Land and Water Birds. Should you yet be able to go to
Florida and the Pacific, I apprehend that you will extend our American
Ornithology to 460 or 470 species, perhaps more. Your sons being able
to skin birds and paint them, is a great desideratum; it should be
mentioned in the preface to your next volume. The talents of the
family combined ... will now place the work beyond the fear of falling
through, even in case of your death, and the public ought to know it.
But you must push for subscribers. If your son Victor can do nothing in
Europe, you must go there yourself, and sooner than let the work
suffer, you must go on a pilgrimage throughout all the great cities of
our Union. Should God spare your life, I want to hear of you enjoying,
in your old age "Otium cum dignitate," and to see your children
reaping some of your recompense.
Page 63
JOHN BACHMAN
AFTER A RARE ENGRAVING BY CHARLES C. WRIGHT OF A PORTRAIT BY
A. FISHER, PUBLISHED AT CHARLESTON IN 1822. FROM A COPY IN
POSSESSION OF MR. JOSEPH V. JEANES.
AFTER A RARE ENGRAVING BY CHARLES C. WRIGHT OF A PORTRAIT BY
A. FISHER, PUBLISHED AT CHARLESTON IN 1822. FROM A COPY IN
POSSESSION OF MR. JOSEPH V. JEANES.
Page 64
ROBERT HAVELL.
AFTER A PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN SHORTLY BEFORE HIS DEATH IN 1878.
PUBLISHED BY COURTESY OF MR. RUTHVEN DEANE.
Under date of December 20, 1832, his friend "had nothing to write but
bad news," and hoped "to see our political atmosphere a little brighter. Do
not ask me about birds; I do not know a Buzzard from a King Bird.... Oh,
what an enjoyment it would be for me to escape, just for one week, from the
hydra-headed 'Nullification,' and sit by your side and talk birds!"
Audubon was anticipating his third volume of plates, devoted mainly to
water birds, which was begun with Number 45, in 1834, when the following
letter was sent to his son in London:
AFTER A PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN SHORTLY BEFORE HIS DEATH IN 1878.
PUBLISHED BY COURTESY OF MR. RUTHVEN DEANE.
Under date of December 20, 1832, his friend "had nothing to write but
bad news," and hoped "to see our political atmosphere a little brighter. Do
not ask me about birds; I do not know a Buzzard from a King Bird.... Oh,
what an enjoyment it would be for me to escape, just for one week, from the
hydra-headed 'Nullification,' and sit by your side and talk birds!"
Audubon was anticipating his third volume of plates, devoted mainly to
water birds, which was begun with Number 45, in 1834, when the following
letter was sent to his son in London:
Page 65
Audubon to his Son, Victor
Boston, Jany, 17th, 1833—.
My dear Victor—
The Columbia arrived yesterday at New York, and N [icholas]. B
[erthoud]. has forwarded us Mr. Havell's letter and yours, both dated
30th. of November last—. I hope soon to see the drawings to work on
them—. You give no account of that of The Bartram Sandpiper and of
The Spotted Sandpiper—; probably they have escaped you—let me
know so that I may renew these should they be missing—, but I think
my Friend Children has them—enquire—
The Charlotte is not yet in. She had not left Deal on the 27th of
Nov r.—
Your Dear Mother & John wrote to you this morning and you will
probably receive this, and that letter at the same moment—.
We will keep all the half Bound Copies of Volume 1st. in America
where I hope soon to dispose of them—go on and push the Work with
care and all will be well—give our best regards to Havell & his wife &
family—I had expected the Death of his Father[25] sometimes—
remembrances to our good friend Children, Cuthbutton &c., &c. I will
be able to arrange 100 Drawings of Water Birds, ready, and in that
finest of style for Publication—Tell Havell I will write to him in a very
few Days, and to keep up a good Heart—I hope we will all meet early
in the Spring of 1834—
God bless you my Dear Victor: employ your time well and [you]
cannot fail being as Happy, at least as it is possible to be, far away
from your Dear Mother, John & Your ever affectionate Father &
Friend,
John J. Audubon
Boston, Jany, 17th, 1833—.
My dear Victor—
The Columbia arrived yesterday at New York, and N [icholas]. B
[erthoud]. has forwarded us Mr. Havell's letter and yours, both dated
30th. of November last—. I hope soon to see the drawings to work on
them—. You give no account of that of The Bartram Sandpiper and of
The Spotted Sandpiper—; probably they have escaped you—let me
know so that I may renew these should they be missing—, but I think
my Friend Children has them—enquire—
The Charlotte is not yet in. She had not left Deal on the 27th of
Nov r.—
Your Dear Mother & John wrote to you this morning and you will
probably receive this, and that letter at the same moment—.
We will keep all the half Bound Copies of Volume 1st. in America
where I hope soon to dispose of them—go on and push the Work with
care and all will be well—give our best regards to Havell & his wife &
family—I had expected the Death of his Father[25] sometimes—
remembrances to our good friend Children, Cuthbutton &c., &c. I will
be able to arrange 100 Drawings of Water Birds, ready, and in that
finest of style for Publication—Tell Havell I will write to him in a very
few Days, and to keep up a good Heart—I hope we will all meet early
in the Spring of 1834—
God bless you my Dear Victor: employ your time well and [you]
cannot fail being as Happy, at least as it is possible to be, far away
from your Dear Mother, John & Your ever affectionate Father &
Friend,
John J. Audubon
Page 66
Send the Gun & Drawing Paper of N—Largest & Middle Size as quick
as possible—
[Addressed] Victor G. Audubon Esqr.,
Care of
Robt. Havell, Esqr.,
Engraver,
77 Oxford Street,
London.
While at Boston in the winter of 1833, Audubon obtained from the
proprietor of the New England Museum, in Court Street, a superb specimen
of the Golden Eagle, which had been caught in the White Mountains in a
trap set for foxes. Possessed with a desire to depict this noble bird, he
worked so hard at the drawing that, as he said, it nearly cost him his life; he
was suddenly seized with "a spasmodic affection," which prostrated him for
a time and greatly alarmed his family, but thanks to a strong constitution
and to the aid of his medical friends, Doctors Parkman, Warren and
Shattuck, the crisis was averted, and he was soon able to continue his
labors. "The drawing of this Eagle," said the naturalist, "took me fourteen
days, and I had never before laboured so incessantly excepting at that of the
Wild Turkey." He was at work on this painting when the following letter[26]
was dispatched to his eldest son:
Audubon to his Son, Victor
Boston.
Feb. 5th 1833.
My dear friends
I am just now quite fatigued by the drawing of a Golden Eagle
which although it will make a splendid plate has cost me sixty hours of
the severest labor I have experienced since I drew the Wild Turkey.
as possible—
[Addressed] Victor G. Audubon Esqr.,
Care of
Robt. Havell, Esqr.,
Engraver,
77 Oxford Street,
London.
While at Boston in the winter of 1833, Audubon obtained from the
proprietor of the New England Museum, in Court Street, a superb specimen
of the Golden Eagle, which had been caught in the White Mountains in a
trap set for foxes. Possessed with a desire to depict this noble bird, he
worked so hard at the drawing that, as he said, it nearly cost him his life; he
was suddenly seized with "a spasmodic affection," which prostrated him for
a time and greatly alarmed his family, but thanks to a strong constitution
and to the aid of his medical friends, Doctors Parkman, Warren and
Shattuck, the crisis was averted, and he was soon able to continue his
labors. "The drawing of this Eagle," said the naturalist, "took me fourteen
days, and I had never before laboured so incessantly excepting at that of the
Wild Turkey." He was at work on this painting when the following letter[26]
was dispatched to his eldest son:
Audubon to his Son, Victor
Boston.
Feb. 5th 1833.
My dear friends
I am just now quite fatigued by the drawing of a Golden Eagle
which although it will make a splendid plate has cost me sixty hours of
the severest labor I have experienced since I drew the Wild Turkey.
Page 67
You shall I hope see it through the care of Mr. Gordon.[27] Do not ever
ship any more Nos. to this port unless on vessels that are intended as
packets. The Charlotte has not come and it will be a rubber if I can get
enough cash to establish our going to Labrador until she does. Push
Jos. B. Kidd of Edinburgh if he can be pushed to paint copies of our
drawings. I look on that series as of great importance to us all. Havell's
blunder in not having the numbers and paper on board the New York in
time, is one which, with him I can never correct. If you can do more
than I on this score of punctuality I will be gratified. I shall proceed to
New York as soon as the weather moderates, on Sunday last the
thermom. was 12 below zero. The work is now I am assured free of
duty. When you write give a word of recollection to Dr. Parkman who
is a most desirable and worthy friend.
God bless you, forever yours
J. J. Audubon.
In the spring of 1833 Audubon was determined to carry out a long
cherished desire to explore the coast of Labrador, where he hoped not only
to discover many new birds, but to ascertain the summer plumages and
breeding habits of a host of water fowl that were known to resort in the
milder season to that stern and rock-bound shore. Accordingly, he set about
with characteristic energy to organize and finance an expedition upon his
own responsibility. The number of his American subscribers was steadily
increasing, and at that moment he felt a degree of confidence in the future
of his work to hazard almost any undertaking. In April, when his plans were
fixed, he went to New York to consult with his wife's brother-in-law and
agent, Nicholas A. Berthoud, and to settle his business affairs before leaving
the country. While there he wrote the following long letter[28] to his son,
Victor, filled, as usual, with careful instructions and interesting personal
details. It will be noticed that when he took pen in hand the number of his
American subscribers stood at 51, but before he laid it down it had risen to
ship any more Nos. to this port unless on vessels that are intended as
packets. The Charlotte has not come and it will be a rubber if I can get
enough cash to establish our going to Labrador until she does. Push
Jos. B. Kidd of Edinburgh if he can be pushed to paint copies of our
drawings. I look on that series as of great importance to us all. Havell's
blunder in not having the numbers and paper on board the New York in
time, is one which, with him I can never correct. If you can do more
than I on this score of punctuality I will be gratified. I shall proceed to
New York as soon as the weather moderates, on Sunday last the
thermom. was 12 below zero. The work is now I am assured free of
duty. When you write give a word of recollection to Dr. Parkman who
is a most desirable and worthy friend.
God bless you, forever yours
J. J. Audubon.
In the spring of 1833 Audubon was determined to carry out a long
cherished desire to explore the coast of Labrador, where he hoped not only
to discover many new birds, but to ascertain the summer plumages and
breeding habits of a host of water fowl that were known to resort in the
milder season to that stern and rock-bound shore. Accordingly, he set about
with characteristic energy to organize and finance an expedition upon his
own responsibility. The number of his American subscribers was steadily
increasing, and at that moment he felt a degree of confidence in the future
of his work to hazard almost any undertaking. In April, when his plans were
fixed, he went to New York to consult with his wife's brother-in-law and
agent, Nicholas A. Berthoud, and to settle his business affairs before leaving
the country. While there he wrote the following long letter[28] to his son,
Victor, filled, as usual, with careful instructions and interesting personal
details. It will be noticed that when he took pen in hand the number of his
American subscribers stood at 51, but before he laid it down it had risen to
Page 68
54; his belief that his efforts in the cause of natural science would receive a
hearty response in his own country was fully justified.
Audubon to his Son, Victor
New York April 28th 1833—
My dear Victor—
On opening the box containing the numbers last sent to this place
for distribution, we found the contents Wet and of course some of them
damaged. We have however dried them and made of them that could
be done and they will all go on Monday (tomorrow) to their Several
destinations—In future I recommend that Each parcel of numbers for
the different individuals are rolled up in separate Parcel, inclosed in
good stout brown Paper, and each directed outside, enumerating the
numbers therein contained—then put all the Rolls in a Box—in this
manner they all will be less liable to Injury, will not need to be undone
here for we have no trouble at all at the Custom House, and it will
Save the handling of the Plates at the Compting House.—
N. Berthoud rendered me his account yesterday I send you inclose
a Copy of it—and I also send you a Copy of a general & particular
memorandum left with him, by the assistance of which the Business is
clearly exhibited, so that each Subscriber's Standing with the Work
Shows at once.—
The Balance in our favor in N. Berthoud's hands is $ 1358.91—
We have due South of this $ 1834.48. and at Boston $ 1220.00—
altogether $ 4413.39.—The Boston amount will be ready for me when
I reach there on Thursday next.—I take from N. B's hands here $
800.00.—300 $ of which I give to your Dear Mother—when at Boston
I will take 500 $ more and send the Balance to N. Berthoud—he will
then have about $ 1278.91 of cash out of which he will send you 100 £
say 480 $ leaving still with him about $ 798.91, besides what he will
hearty response in his own country was fully justified.
Audubon to his Son, Victor
New York April 28th 1833—
My dear Victor—
On opening the box containing the numbers last sent to this place
for distribution, we found the contents Wet and of course some of them
damaged. We have however dried them and made of them that could
be done and they will all go on Monday (tomorrow) to their Several
destinations—In future I recommend that Each parcel of numbers for
the different individuals are rolled up in separate Parcel, inclosed in
good stout brown Paper, and each directed outside, enumerating the
numbers therein contained—then put all the Rolls in a Box—in this
manner they all will be less liable to Injury, will not need to be undone
here for we have no trouble at all at the Custom House, and it will
Save the handling of the Plates at the Compting House.—
N. Berthoud rendered me his account yesterday I send you inclose
a Copy of it—and I also send you a Copy of a general & particular
memorandum left with him, by the assistance of which the Business is
clearly exhibited, so that each Subscriber's Standing with the Work
Shows at once.—
The Balance in our favor in N. Berthoud's hands is $ 1358.91—
We have due South of this $ 1834.48. and at Boston $ 1220.00—
altogether $ 4413.39.—The Boston amount will be ready for me when
I reach there on Thursday next.—I take from N. B's hands here $
800.00.—300 $ of which I give to your Dear Mother—when at Boston
I will take 500 $ more and send the Balance to N. Berthoud—he will
then have about $ 1278.91 of cash out of which he will send you 100 £
say 480 $ leaving still with him about $ 798.91, besides what he will
Page 69
collect from the South the amount which is mentioned above, all of
which I hope will be collected ere I return to this Place, as early as I
can without losing the opportunity of doing all that can be done.
You will easily perceive by all this that we have been extremely
fortunate of late on this Side of the Water, and the 400 £ forwarded to
you will fully enable you to meet the demands of Havell &c for the 20
Volumes you have to send here & other emergencies.—We have at
Present 51 Subscribers in the U. States, without the name of Docr
Croghan from whom not a word has been heard, and also without that
of Baron Krudener who is now at Washington City, but who has not
taken any cognisance of the letter I sent him. N. Berthoud is going to
write to him and I hope the Baron will take the work.—he certainly
ought.
I found the Plates sent here better coloured than usual and with
your present assistance I greatly hope the goodness of the Work will
still improve.—Nicholas will forward you Two very beautiful
Numbers—the Plates are as follows,
No 37. Plate Golden Eagle
181. Figures 1
"—182. Ground Doves " 5
"—183. Golden crested Wren " 2
Mangrove Humming
"—184. Bird " 5
"—185. Bachman's Warbler " 2
No 38.—"—186. Pinnated Grous " 3
"—187. Boat Tail Grackle " 2
"—188. Tree Sparrow " 2
"—189. Snow Bunting " 3
Yellow bellied
"—189. Woodpecker " 2
which I hope will be collected ere I return to this Place, as early as I
can without losing the opportunity of doing all that can be done.
You will easily perceive by all this that we have been extremely
fortunate of late on this Side of the Water, and the 400 £ forwarded to
you will fully enable you to meet the demands of Havell &c for the 20
Volumes you have to send here & other emergencies.—We have at
Present 51 Subscribers in the U. States, without the name of Docr
Croghan from whom not a word has been heard, and also without that
of Baron Krudener who is now at Washington City, but who has not
taken any cognisance of the letter I sent him. N. Berthoud is going to
write to him and I hope the Baron will take the work.—he certainly
ought.
I found the Plates sent here better coloured than usual and with
your present assistance I greatly hope the goodness of the Work will
still improve.—Nicholas will forward you Two very beautiful
Numbers—the Plates are as follows,
No 37. Plate Golden Eagle
181. Figures 1
"—182. Ground Doves " 5
"—183. Golden crested Wren " 2
Mangrove Humming
"—184. Bird " 5
"—185. Bachman's Warbler " 2
No 38.—"—186. Pinnated Grous " 3
"—187. Boat Tail Grackle " 2
"—188. Tree Sparrow " 2
"—189. Snow Bunting " 3
Yellow bellied
"—189. Woodpecker " 2
Page 70
I should have sent you 2 more Numbers had I The Two large
Plates for them, but hoping that I may meet with something Large &
perhaps New I Shall not do so, until I return which will be Still time
enough.—I am very anxious to See the 2d Volume finished and for this
reason invite you to push the Work, as much as you can & have it very
well executed meantime.
The State of Maryland is subscribed to by D. Ridgely M.D.
Librarian of that State. he desires the 1st Volume and the following
numbers forwarded as soon as can be.—Send it here—as he has
authorized N. B. to draw on him for Payment.—Miss Harriet Douglass
also desires to have her Number sent here for the Future. I hope the
Copies for Col Perkins & others at Boston & vicinity, as well as for
Wm Oakes, & John Neale will soon arrive.—
April 30th—Since the above, I have obtained Two more
Subscribers—the names of whom are
1. Richd F. Carman. New York
1. L. Reed—— Do Do.—
I was told last night that the State has also Subscribed, but cannot
tell until I see this day's Paper—Whilst at the Lyceum of Natural
History last evening, I was promised their Subscription on Monday
next—being the Society's day of business.
I have concluded to send the 2 Numbers of Drawings by the
Packett—The Tin case containing them, will be given to the special
care of the Capn on whom you will do well to call immediately.—I
have given a 1st Volume to Nicholas Berthoud; there are many
enquiries made to see the Work and it answers that purpose well.
John & I leave for Boston either this afternoon or tomorrow—
perhaps tomorrow as we have much to do.—It is not probable that Edd
Harriss will join us at East Port and go to Labrador with us—I shall
Plates for them, but hoping that I may meet with something Large &
perhaps New I Shall not do so, until I return which will be Still time
enough.—I am very anxious to See the 2d Volume finished and for this
reason invite you to push the Work, as much as you can & have it very
well executed meantime.
The State of Maryland is subscribed to by D. Ridgely M.D.
Librarian of that State. he desires the 1st Volume and the following
numbers forwarded as soon as can be.—Send it here—as he has
authorized N. B. to draw on him for Payment.—Miss Harriet Douglass
also desires to have her Number sent here for the Future. I hope the
Copies for Col Perkins & others at Boston & vicinity, as well as for
Wm Oakes, & John Neale will soon arrive.—
April 30th—Since the above, I have obtained Two more
Subscribers—the names of whom are
1. Richd F. Carman. New York
1. L. Reed—— Do Do.—
I was told last night that the State has also Subscribed, but cannot
tell until I see this day's Paper—Whilst at the Lyceum of Natural
History last evening, I was promised their Subscription on Monday
next—being the Society's day of business.
I have concluded to send the 2 Numbers of Drawings by the
Packett—The Tin case containing them, will be given to the special
care of the Capn on whom you will do well to call immediately.—I
have given a 1st Volume to Nicholas Berthoud; there are many
enquiries made to see the Work and it answers that purpose well.
John & I leave for Boston either this afternoon or tomorrow—
perhaps tomorrow as we have much to do.—It is not probable that Edd
Harriss will join us at East Port and go to Labrador with us—I shall
Page 71
write to you at every opportunity as these may occur, and doubtless
from Halifax.
Mr Inman has painted my Portrait in Oil, and I say that it is a truer
portrait of me than even the Miniature.—Now my Dear Victor exert
yourself in the having all the Volumes compleated which I have
written for—See that they are carefully packed with Paper between
each &c &c &c I shall not close this until I have given the Box to the
Capn and when I hope to add the Subscription of this State.—
2, o'clock—I have just returned from the bustle of the Lower part
of the City—the State has Subscribed! Therefore add that valuable
one. There is no Packet for London Tomorrow, therefore the Drawings
will go off on the 10th of May by the Capn in whose particular care
they will be given.—These 10 Drawings have been insured this
morning against all Risk, for 2,000 $ at ½ per Centum—I hope you
will receive them in perfect order; they are carefully packed by myself
in a Tin Box securely sodered &c &c.
We have now 54. Subscribers in America. Mr Inman is going to
Paint the Portrait of your Dear Mother, and I have not a doubt that it
will be "good & true." The Weather is extremely Warm—The
Thermometer ranges at nearly 72. The Martins are flying over the City
and Tomorrow I shall fly toward the Coast of Labrador—If fortunate I
shall bring a load of Knowledge of the Water Birds which spend the
Winter in our Country and May hope to Compete in the study of their
Habits with any Man in the World.
My Good Friend Charles Bonaparte as (I am told) taken umbrage
at a Passage in My Introduction (first Volume)[29] Which proves how
difficult it is to please every one—I am going to write to him by
Duplicate to try to correct that Error of his—God ever bless You my
Dear Son, and May We all meet Well & Happy
from Halifax.
Mr Inman has painted my Portrait in Oil, and I say that it is a truer
portrait of me than even the Miniature.—Now my Dear Victor exert
yourself in the having all the Volumes compleated which I have
written for—See that they are carefully packed with Paper between
each &c &c &c I shall not close this until I have given the Box to the
Capn and when I hope to add the Subscription of this State.—
2, o'clock—I have just returned from the bustle of the Lower part
of the City—the State has Subscribed! Therefore add that valuable
one. There is no Packet for London Tomorrow, therefore the Drawings
will go off on the 10th of May by the Capn in whose particular care
they will be given.—These 10 Drawings have been insured this
morning against all Risk, for 2,000 $ at ½ per Centum—I hope you
will receive them in perfect order; they are carefully packed by myself
in a Tin Box securely sodered &c &c.
We have now 54. Subscribers in America. Mr Inman is going to
Paint the Portrait of your Dear Mother, and I have not a doubt that it
will be "good & true." The Weather is extremely Warm—The
Thermometer ranges at nearly 72. The Martins are flying over the City
and Tomorrow I shall fly toward the Coast of Labrador—If fortunate I
shall bring a load of Knowledge of the Water Birds which spend the
Winter in our Country and May hope to Compete in the study of their
Habits with any Man in the World.
My Good Friend Charles Bonaparte as (I am told) taken umbrage
at a Passage in My Introduction (first Volume)[29] Which proves how
difficult it is to please every one—I am going to write to him by
Duplicate to try to correct that Error of his—God ever bless You my
Dear Son, and May We all meet Well & Happy
Page 72
Yours ever affectionately,
John J. Audubon.
Audubon was particularly anxious to enlist a number of enthusiastic
young men in the Labrador enterprise, and had hoped that his friend,
Edward Harris, would join the party. Upon his return to Boston he started at
once for Eastport, Maine, where he expected to charter a vessel and
complete his preparations. On May 9, 1833, he wrote to Harris from that
point:
The more I approach the desired object of this voyage, the more
bouyant my spirits, and the greater my hopes that when I return I will
bring a cargo (not of codfish) but of most valuable information. Make
up your mind; shoulder your firelock, and away to the fields where
science awaits us with ample stores, the contents of which are the
rarest materials ever employed by nature.
To this friend he wrote again from Eastport on the 14th of the same
month:
As to my making use of your name in my letterpress, I shall act as
you desire, and yet I hope and fully expect no denial on your part, on
such occasions as will grant me the pleasure of giving public notice of
the treatment I have received from you. I owe such a thing to you as a
trifling, very trifling, mark of my gratitude towards one, whom I shall
never cease to admire and esteem.
The National Gazette of Philadelphia for May 2, 1833, devoted an
editorial to Audubon and his prospective Labrador journey, in which the
writer said: "We wish him a degree of success and prolongation of vigor
equal to his great merits: indeed, for the past at least, success is fully
assured." He added that between fifty and sixty subscribers to The Birds of
America had then been obtained in the United States; Boston had furnished
eighteen; New York, eleven; Philadelphia, four; Baltimore, eight; Savannah,
John J. Audubon.
Audubon was particularly anxious to enlist a number of enthusiastic
young men in the Labrador enterprise, and had hoped that his friend,
Edward Harris, would join the party. Upon his return to Boston he started at
once for Eastport, Maine, where he expected to charter a vessel and
complete his preparations. On May 9, 1833, he wrote to Harris from that
point:
The more I approach the desired object of this voyage, the more
bouyant my spirits, and the greater my hopes that when I return I will
bring a cargo (not of codfish) but of most valuable information. Make
up your mind; shoulder your firelock, and away to the fields where
science awaits us with ample stores, the contents of which are the
rarest materials ever employed by nature.
To this friend he wrote again from Eastport on the 14th of the same
month:
As to my making use of your name in my letterpress, I shall act as
you desire, and yet I hope and fully expect no denial on your part, on
such occasions as will grant me the pleasure of giving public notice of
the treatment I have received from you. I owe such a thing to you as a
trifling, very trifling, mark of my gratitude towards one, whom I shall
never cease to admire and esteem.
The National Gazette of Philadelphia for May 2, 1833, devoted an
editorial to Audubon and his prospective Labrador journey, in which the
writer said: "We wish him a degree of success and prolongation of vigor
equal to his great merits: indeed, for the past at least, success is fully
assured." He added that between fifty and sixty subscribers to The Birds of
America had then been obtained in the United States; Boston had furnished
eighteen; New York, eleven; Philadelphia, four; Baltimore, eight; Savannah,
Page 73
seven; Louisville, two, and New Orleans, three; moreover, the legislatures
of Massachusetts, New York, Maryland and South Carolina and the
Congressional Library were subscribers for one copy each. The writer
continued:
A contribution to Mr. Audubon equal at least to that of Boston or
New York, would seem due from Philadelphia. The subscription price
may be considered as large ($ 1,000), but how rich, ornamental,
instructive, and entertaining is the work, and how much preferable to
the merely personal gewgaws or transitory gratifications, upon which
greater sums are as frequently expended! There are few minds of any
refinement or elevation, to which an act that rewards genius and
fosters science, would not yield higher and more durable pleasure than
any ordinary luxury.
We learn that Mr. Audubon will return to the United States next
autumn, and make a short sojourn before his embarkation for Europe.
Eight or nine more years, it is supposed, will yet be necessary for the
consummation of his grand design. His constitution appears to be still
vigorous; his zeal is unabated; his powers of graphic delineation have
suffered no decay; we may, therefore, expect that he will realize all his
own laudatory hopes and projects, and in so doing confer new
obligations on the votaries of natural history, and reflect additional
honor on his country.
While Audubon was still at Eastport, and looking anxiously for young
recruits, the following letter was received from Dr. George Parkman:[30]
Dr. George Parkman to Audubon
Boston, May 25th. 1833.
J. J. Audubon Esqr.
Dear Sir
of Massachusetts, New York, Maryland and South Carolina and the
Congressional Library were subscribers for one copy each. The writer
continued:
A contribution to Mr. Audubon equal at least to that of Boston or
New York, would seem due from Philadelphia. The subscription price
may be considered as large ($ 1,000), but how rich, ornamental,
instructive, and entertaining is the work, and how much preferable to
the merely personal gewgaws or transitory gratifications, upon which
greater sums are as frequently expended! There are few minds of any
refinement or elevation, to which an act that rewards genius and
fosters science, would not yield higher and more durable pleasure than
any ordinary luxury.
We learn that Mr. Audubon will return to the United States next
autumn, and make a short sojourn before his embarkation for Europe.
Eight or nine more years, it is supposed, will yet be necessary for the
consummation of his grand design. His constitution appears to be still
vigorous; his zeal is unabated; his powers of graphic delineation have
suffered no decay; we may, therefore, expect that he will realize all his
own laudatory hopes and projects, and in so doing confer new
obligations on the votaries of natural history, and reflect additional
honor on his country.
While Audubon was still at Eastport, and looking anxiously for young
recruits, the following letter was received from Dr. George Parkman:[30]
Dr. George Parkman to Audubon
Boston, May 25th. 1833.
J. J. Audubon Esqr.
Dear Sir
Page 74
Through the unceasing & active good-will of our Friend, Dr.
Shattuck, I present to you Mr. Ingalls, son of Dr. Ingalls, one of our
senior physicians & an experienced public teacher of Anat.y & Surg.y
—
The son is the father's pupil; & we have reason to expect that he
will prove a satisfactory disciple to you.
The enclosed I claim for you the right to read, & for myself to
repossess, when we meet again.
respectfully
G. Parkman.
LETTER OF DR. GEORGE PARKMAN TO AUDUBON, MAY
25, 1833.
From the Howland MSS.
Shattuck, I present to you Mr. Ingalls, son of Dr. Ingalls, one of our
senior physicians & an experienced public teacher of Anat.y & Surg.y
—
The son is the father's pupil; & we have reason to expect that he
will prove a satisfactory disciple to you.
The enclosed I claim for you the right to read, & for myself to
repossess, when we meet again.
respectfully
G. Parkman.
LETTER OF DR. GEORGE PARKMAN TO AUDUBON, MAY
25, 1833.
From the Howland MSS.
Page 75
Edward Harris was unable to accompany his friend, and the four young
men eventually chosen were Joseph Coolidge,[31] William Ingalls, of
Boston, Thomas Lincoln, of Dennisville, Maine, and George Cheyne
Shattuck,[32] the son of Dr. George C. Shattuck of Boston; these, with John
Woodhouse Audubon and the naturalist, made up the party. The schooner
Ripley, a staunch new vessel of 106 tons, was chartered at Eastport, and the
expedition was ready to start by the latter part of May. During his stay at
Eastport Audubon visited Grand Manan Island, a favorite resort for sea
birds in the Bay of Fundy, and cruised about the coast in a revenue cutter.
On May 31, he wrote to Victor:[33]
I have been working hard at the Birds from Grand Menan, as well
as John, who is overcoming his habit of sleeping late, as I call him
every morning at four, and we have famous long days....
The hull of the vessel has been floored, and our great table solidly
fixed in a tolerably good light under the main hatch; it is my intention
to draw whenever possible, and that will be many hours, for the
daylight is with us nearly all the time in those latitudes, and the
fishermen say you can do with little sleep, the air is so pure.
After repeated delays the Ripley sailed from Eastport for Labrador on
June 6, 1833, and the journey proved arduous and hazardous enough.
Although disappointing in respect to the number of new species of birds
discovered, Audubon's visit was well timed; he was aided by a band of
devoted and energetic youth, and they spent two months on the coast of a
wild country, then but little known save to a nefarious crew of egg robbers
and a few enterprising fishermen. His published journal of the voyage
shows that he worked to the full limit of his physical powers in studying
and portraying the wonderful bird life which the party encountered. Despite
the miseries of seasickness, an incompetent pilot, tempestuous weather, and
the cramped quarters of a small schooner, where all his drawings had to be
done under an open hatch, he accomplished wonders, considering the
men eventually chosen were Joseph Coolidge,[31] William Ingalls, of
Boston, Thomas Lincoln, of Dennisville, Maine, and George Cheyne
Shattuck,[32] the son of Dr. George C. Shattuck of Boston; these, with John
Woodhouse Audubon and the naturalist, made up the party. The schooner
Ripley, a staunch new vessel of 106 tons, was chartered at Eastport, and the
expedition was ready to start by the latter part of May. During his stay at
Eastport Audubon visited Grand Manan Island, a favorite resort for sea
birds in the Bay of Fundy, and cruised about the coast in a revenue cutter.
On May 31, he wrote to Victor:[33]
I have been working hard at the Birds from Grand Menan, as well
as John, who is overcoming his habit of sleeping late, as I call him
every morning at four, and we have famous long days....
The hull of the vessel has been floored, and our great table solidly
fixed in a tolerably good light under the main hatch; it is my intention
to draw whenever possible, and that will be many hours, for the
daylight is with us nearly all the time in those latitudes, and the
fishermen say you can do with little sleep, the air is so pure.
After repeated delays the Ripley sailed from Eastport for Labrador on
June 6, 1833, and the journey proved arduous and hazardous enough.
Although disappointing in respect to the number of new species of birds
discovered, Audubon's visit was well timed; he was aided by a band of
devoted and energetic youth, and they spent two months on the coast of a
wild country, then but little known save to a nefarious crew of egg robbers
and a few enterprising fishermen. His published journal of the voyage
shows that he worked to the full limit of his physical powers in studying
and portraying the wonderful bird life which the party encountered. Despite
the miseries of seasickness, an incompetent pilot, tempestuous weather, and
the cramped quarters of a small schooner, where all his drawings had to be
done under an open hatch, he accomplished wonders, considering the
Page 76
shortness of his stay. By rising at three o'clock in the morning and working
for seventeen hours, he succeeded in completing many large drawings of
birds, as well as studies of characteristic flowers; he also journalized
voluminously and saw much of the coast and its adjacent islands.
From Eastport they passed through the Gut of Canso and steered for the
Magdalen Islands, where they landed and made collections. On June 14
they approached the famous Bird Rock, which at a distance seemed to be
covered with a mantle of new-fallen snow, an illusion soon dispelled as
their vessel bore them nearer and a vast concourse of Gannets rose in great
clouds from the rock; "all stood astonished and amazed," said Audubon, and
he felt that such a sight had of itself fully repaid them for their journey. On
June 17, the twelfth day out from Eastport, they passed Anticosti Island, and
soon began to see what appeared like white sails on the horizon; these
proved to be snow drifts on the Labrador, and on the 18th they landed at the
mouth of the Natashquan River. Ducks, Geese, Auks and Guillemots were
there in great multitudes, as well as Gulls and Terns; many were breeding,
and all seemed wilder than at points farther south, a circumstance which
was explained as soon as they discovered the astounding proportions which
the traffic in eggs of sea fowl had attained even at that time.[34]
On June 27 they procured a new bird[35] which Audubon named after
his young companion, Thomas Lincoln of Dennisville, Maine, and which is
still known as "Lincoln's Finch." This reference is found in his journal for
the 4th of July: "I have drawn all day, and have finished the plate of the
Fringilla lincolnii, to which I have put three plants of the country; to us they
are very fitting to the purpose, for Lincoln gathered them."
The Ripley left its anchorage at American Harbor or Natashquan on
June 28, and stood out to sea, their usual recourse to avoid the intricacies of
the coast. After proceeding fifty miles or more they touched at numerous
islands, where Guillemots, Puffins, and Black-backed Gulls were breeding
in vast numbers, and managed to anchor safely, in spite of that "ignorant
ass" of a pilot, at a wild and desolate point which a recent traveler has
for seventeen hours, he succeeded in completing many large drawings of
birds, as well as studies of characteristic flowers; he also journalized
voluminously and saw much of the coast and its adjacent islands.
From Eastport they passed through the Gut of Canso and steered for the
Magdalen Islands, where they landed and made collections. On June 14
they approached the famous Bird Rock, which at a distance seemed to be
covered with a mantle of new-fallen snow, an illusion soon dispelled as
their vessel bore them nearer and a vast concourse of Gannets rose in great
clouds from the rock; "all stood astonished and amazed," said Audubon, and
he felt that such a sight had of itself fully repaid them for their journey. On
June 17, the twelfth day out from Eastport, they passed Anticosti Island, and
soon began to see what appeared like white sails on the horizon; these
proved to be snow drifts on the Labrador, and on the 18th they landed at the
mouth of the Natashquan River. Ducks, Geese, Auks and Guillemots were
there in great multitudes, as well as Gulls and Terns; many were breeding,
and all seemed wilder than at points farther south, a circumstance which
was explained as soon as they discovered the astounding proportions which
the traffic in eggs of sea fowl had attained even at that time.[34]
On June 27 they procured a new bird[35] which Audubon named after
his young companion, Thomas Lincoln of Dennisville, Maine, and which is
still known as "Lincoln's Finch." This reference is found in his journal for
the 4th of July: "I have drawn all day, and have finished the plate of the
Fringilla lincolnii, to which I have put three plants of the country; to us they
are very fitting to the purpose, for Lincoln gathered them."
The Ripley left its anchorage at American Harbor or Natashquan on
June 28, and stood out to sea, their usual recourse to avoid the intricacies of
the coast. After proceeding fifty miles or more they touched at numerous
islands, where Guillemots, Puffins, and Black-backed Gulls were breeding
in vast numbers, and managed to anchor safely, in spite of that "ignorant
ass" of a pilot, at a wild and desolate point which a recent traveler has
Page 77
identified as the harbor of Wapitagun.[36] July the second was such a
beautiful day for Labrador that Audubon went on shore, where he drew this
vivid picture of that desolate land in sunshine:[37]
The country, so wild and grand, is of itself enough to interest any
one in its wonderful dreariness. Its mossy, gray-clothed rocks, heaped
and thrown together as if by chance, in the most fantastical groups
imaginable, huge masses hanging on minor ones as if about to roll
themselves down from their doubtful-looking situations, into the
depths of the sea beneath. Bays without end, sprinkled with rocky
islands of all shapes and sizes, where in every fissure a Guillemot, a
Cormorant, or some other wild bird retreats to secure its egg, and raise
its young, or save itself from the hunter's pursuit. The peculiar cast of
the sky, which never seems to be certain, butterflies flitting over snow-
banks, probing beautiful dwarf flowerets of many hues [that are]
pushing their tender stems from the thick bed of moss which
everywhere covers the granite rocks. Then the morasses, wherein you
plunge up to your knees, or the walking over the stubborn, dwarfish
shrubbery, making one think that as he goes he treads down the forests
of Labrador. The unexpected Bunting, or perhaps Sylvia, which
perchance, and indeed as if by chance alone, you now and then see
flying before you, or hear singing from the creeping plants of the
ground. The beautiful fresh water lakes, on the ragged crests of greatly
elevated islands, wherein the Red and Black-necked Divers swim as
proudly as swans do in other latitudes, and where the fish appear to
have been cast as strayed beings from the surplus food of the ocean.
All—all is wonderfully grand, wild—aye, and terrific. And yet how
beautiful it is now, when one sees the wild bee, moving from one
flower to another in search of food, which doubtless is as sweet to it,
as the essence of the magnolia is to those of favored Louisiana. The
little Ring Plover rearing its delicate and tender young, the Eider Duck
swimming man-of-war-like amid her floating brood, like the guardship
of a most valuable convoy; the White-crowned Bunting's sonorous
beautiful day for Labrador that Audubon went on shore, where he drew this
vivid picture of that desolate land in sunshine:[37]
The country, so wild and grand, is of itself enough to interest any
one in its wonderful dreariness. Its mossy, gray-clothed rocks, heaped
and thrown together as if by chance, in the most fantastical groups
imaginable, huge masses hanging on minor ones as if about to roll
themselves down from their doubtful-looking situations, into the
depths of the sea beneath. Bays without end, sprinkled with rocky
islands of all shapes and sizes, where in every fissure a Guillemot, a
Cormorant, or some other wild bird retreats to secure its egg, and raise
its young, or save itself from the hunter's pursuit. The peculiar cast of
the sky, which never seems to be certain, butterflies flitting over snow-
banks, probing beautiful dwarf flowerets of many hues [that are]
pushing their tender stems from the thick bed of moss which
everywhere covers the granite rocks. Then the morasses, wherein you
plunge up to your knees, or the walking over the stubborn, dwarfish
shrubbery, making one think that as he goes he treads down the forests
of Labrador. The unexpected Bunting, or perhaps Sylvia, which
perchance, and indeed as if by chance alone, you now and then see
flying before you, or hear singing from the creeping plants of the
ground. The beautiful fresh water lakes, on the ragged crests of greatly
elevated islands, wherein the Red and Black-necked Divers swim as
proudly as swans do in other latitudes, and where the fish appear to
have been cast as strayed beings from the surplus food of the ocean.
All—all is wonderfully grand, wild—aye, and terrific. And yet how
beautiful it is now, when one sees the wild bee, moving from one
flower to another in search of food, which doubtless is as sweet to it,
as the essence of the magnolia is to those of favored Louisiana. The
little Ring Plover rearing its delicate and tender young, the Eider Duck
swimming man-of-war-like amid her floating brood, like the guardship
of a most valuable convoy; the White-crowned Bunting's sonorous
Page 78
note reaching the ear ever and anon; the crowds of sea-birds in search
of places wherein to repose or to feed: how beautiful is all this in this
wonderful rocky desert at this season, the beginning of July, compared
with the horrid blasts of winter which here predominate by the will of
God, when every rock is rendered smooth with snows so deep that
every step the traveller takes is as if entering into his grave; for even
should he escape an avalanche, his eye dreads to search the horizon,
for full well does he know that snow,—snow, is all that can be seen. I
watched the Ring Plover for some time; the parents were so intent on
saving their young that they both lay on the rocks as if shot, quivering
their wings and dragging their bodies as if quite disabled. We left them
and their young to the care of the Creator. I would not have shot one of
the old ones, or taken one of the young for any consideration, and I
was glad my young men were as forbearing.
of places wherein to repose or to feed: how beautiful is all this in this
wonderful rocky desert at this season, the beginning of July, compared
with the horrid blasts of winter which here predominate by the will of
God, when every rock is rendered smooth with snows so deep that
every step the traveller takes is as if entering into his grave; for even
should he escape an avalanche, his eye dreads to search the horizon,
for full well does he know that snow,—snow, is all that can be seen. I
watched the Ring Plover for some time; the parents were so intent on
saving their young that they both lay on the rocks as if shot, quivering
their wings and dragging their bodies as if quite disabled. We left them
and their young to the care of the Creator. I would not have shot one of
the old ones, or taken one of the young for any consideration, and I
was glad my young men were as forbearing.
Page 79
Plate CXI
Pileated Woodpecker,
PICUS PILEATUS, Linn.
Adult Male, 1. Adult Female, 2. Young Males, 3. 4. Racoon Grape.
Vitis astivalis.
Drawn from nature by J. J. Engraved, Printed & Coloured
Audubon, F.R.S. F.L.S. by R. Havell.
On the 6th of July he wrote:[38]
Pileated Woodpecker,
PICUS PILEATUS, Linn.
Adult Male, 1. Adult Female, 2. Young Males, 3. 4. Racoon Grape.
Vitis astivalis.
Drawn from nature by J. J. Engraved, Printed & Coloured
Audubon, F.R.S. F.L.S. by R. Havell.
On the 6th of July he wrote:[38]
Page 80
By dint of hard work and rising at three, I have drawn a Colymbus
septemtrionalis [Great Northern Diver] and a young one, and nearly
finished a Ptarmigan; this afternoon, however, at half-past five, my
fingers could no longer hold my pencil, and I was forced to abandon
my work and go ashore for exercise. The fact is that I am growing old
too fast; alas! I feel it,—and yet work I will, and may God grant me
life to see the last plate of my mammoth work finished.
On the seventh there is this note:
Drawing all day; finished the female Grouse and five young, and
prepared the male bird. The captain, John, and Lincoln, went off this
afternoon with a view to camp on a bay about ten miles distant. Soon
after, we had a change of weather, and, for a wonder, bright lightning
and something like summer clouds. When fatigued with drawing I
went on shore for exercise, and saw many pretty flowers, amongst
them a flowering Sea-pea, quite rich in color.... The mosquitoes quite
as numerous as in Louisiana.
On July 14 the Ripley took the party forty-three miles farther east to
Little Maccatina, or Hare Harbor, as it is called today, where they remained
until July 21, proceeding thence to Baie de Portage. Here they were able to
enter their small boats, and visited the captain of a whaling schooner from
New Brunswick, a Canadian trapper, and a Scotchman, Samuel Robertson
by name, who was engaged in the sealing industry at Sparr Point, all of
whom Audubon pumped for information on the country and its products.
On July 25, they started for "Chevalier's Settlement," but were caught in a
storm, and came to in Bras d'Or (Bradore) Bay; there they found the
Labrador Duck, which in 1875, but forty-two years later, had become
totally extinct.
At the approach of August the brief Labrador summer, of barely one
month, was drawing to a close, and Audubon was exerting his utmost
efforts to accomplish his purposes. Under date of August 10 he wrote:[39]
septemtrionalis [Great Northern Diver] and a young one, and nearly
finished a Ptarmigan; this afternoon, however, at half-past five, my
fingers could no longer hold my pencil, and I was forced to abandon
my work and go ashore for exercise. The fact is that I am growing old
too fast; alas! I feel it,—and yet work I will, and may God grant me
life to see the last plate of my mammoth work finished.
On the seventh there is this note:
Drawing all day; finished the female Grouse and five young, and
prepared the male bird. The captain, John, and Lincoln, went off this
afternoon with a view to camp on a bay about ten miles distant. Soon
after, we had a change of weather, and, for a wonder, bright lightning
and something like summer clouds. When fatigued with drawing I
went on shore for exercise, and saw many pretty flowers, amongst
them a flowering Sea-pea, quite rich in color.... The mosquitoes quite
as numerous as in Louisiana.
On July 14 the Ripley took the party forty-three miles farther east to
Little Maccatina, or Hare Harbor, as it is called today, where they remained
until July 21, proceeding thence to Baie de Portage. Here they were able to
enter their small boats, and visited the captain of a whaling schooner from
New Brunswick, a Canadian trapper, and a Scotchman, Samuel Robertson
by name, who was engaged in the sealing industry at Sparr Point, all of
whom Audubon pumped for information on the country and its products.
On July 25, they started for "Chevalier's Settlement," but were caught in a
storm, and came to in Bras d'Or (Bradore) Bay; there they found the
Labrador Duck, which in 1875, but forty-two years later, had become
totally extinct.
At the approach of August the brief Labrador summer, of barely one
month, was drawing to a close, and Audubon was exerting his utmost
efforts to accomplish his purposes. Under date of August 10 he wrote:[39]
Page 81
My reason for not writing at night is that I have been drawing so
constantly, often seventeen hours a day, that the weariness of my body
at night has been unprecedented, by such work at least. At times I felt
as if my physical powers would abandon me; my neck, my shoulders,
and, more than all, my fingers, were almost useless through actual
fatigue at drawing. Who would believe this? Yet, nothing is more true.
When at the return of dawn my spirits called me out of my berth, my
body seemed to beg my mind to suffer it to rest a while longer; and as
dark forced me to lay aside my brushes I immediately went to rest as if
I had walked sixty-five miles that day, as I have done a few times in
my stronger days. Yesternight, when I rose from my little seat to
contemplate my work and to judge of the effect of it compared with
the nature which I had been attempting to copy, it was the affair of a
moment; instead of waiting, as I always like to do, until the hazy
darkness which is to me the best time to judge of the strength of light
and shade, I went at once to rest as if delivered from the heaviest task I
ever performed. The young men think my fatigue is added to by the
fact that I often work in wet clothes, but I have done that all my life
with no ill effects. No! no! it is that I am no longer young. But I thank
God that I did accomplish my task; my drawings are finished to the
best of my ability, (and) the skins well prepared by John.
On the 11th of August all hands parted with Labrador without regret,
and the captain of the Ripley steered for Newfoundland, where they landed
in St. George's Harbor on the 13th. That region was searched for five days,
when a fresh start was made for Pictou, Nova Scotia, but when they
encountered head winds, Audubon and his party were landed on the nearest
shore and made their way overland to the town. Thence they proceeded to
Truro and Halifax, and after three days went on to Windsor, where they
watched the famous tides in the Bay of Fundy—emptying and filling a
broad river, and rising, in course, to a height of sixty-five feet. From that
point a steamboat was taken to St. Johns, New Brunswick, where the
faithful Harris awaited the naturalist with tidings of his wife and elder son;
constantly, often seventeen hours a day, that the weariness of my body
at night has been unprecedented, by such work at least. At times I felt
as if my physical powers would abandon me; my neck, my shoulders,
and, more than all, my fingers, were almost useless through actual
fatigue at drawing. Who would believe this? Yet, nothing is more true.
When at the return of dawn my spirits called me out of my berth, my
body seemed to beg my mind to suffer it to rest a while longer; and as
dark forced me to lay aside my brushes I immediately went to rest as if
I had walked sixty-five miles that day, as I have done a few times in
my stronger days. Yesternight, when I rose from my little seat to
contemplate my work and to judge of the effect of it compared with
the nature which I had been attempting to copy, it was the affair of a
moment; instead of waiting, as I always like to do, until the hazy
darkness which is to me the best time to judge of the strength of light
and shade, I went at once to rest as if delivered from the heaviest task I
ever performed. The young men think my fatigue is added to by the
fact that I often work in wet clothes, but I have done that all my life
with no ill effects. No! no! it is that I am no longer young. But I thank
God that I did accomplish my task; my drawings are finished to the
best of my ability, (and) the skins well prepared by John.
On the 11th of August all hands parted with Labrador without regret,
and the captain of the Ripley steered for Newfoundland, where they landed
in St. George's Harbor on the 13th. That region was searched for five days,
when a fresh start was made for Pictou, Nova Scotia, but when they
encountered head winds, Audubon and his party were landed on the nearest
shore and made their way overland to the town. Thence they proceeded to
Truro and Halifax, and after three days went on to Windsor, where they
watched the famous tides in the Bay of Fundy—emptying and filling a
broad river, and rising, in course, to a height of sixty-five feet. From that
point a steamboat was taken to St. Johns, New Brunswick, where the
faithful Harris awaited the naturalist with tidings of his wife and elder son;
Page 82
[40]
this intelligence induced him to abandon his contemplated course
through the woods of Quebec and hasten back to the United States. The
party finally reached Eastport on August 31, after being out nearly twelve
weeks. When the Ripley had docked and their collections were securely
packed, all but Coolidge and Lincoln returned to Boston, and on September
7 Audubon was again in New York.
The Labrador experience was in a measure disappointing, but the
naturalist brought back twenty-three large drawings of birds, complete or
nearly so, and seventy-three bird skins, as well as considerable collections
of marine animals and plants. The expenses of the journey had been heavy,
amounting, as he told his son, to "about $2,000," but one fine morning
when they had flushed a Black Poll Warbler from its nest, Audubon felt that
he was amply "refunded in the sight," though this bird was later found to
have a much wider breeding range than he then supposed.
The National Gazette of Philadelphia[41] published a long editorial
upon Audubon's return, as well as an extended account of his journey,
extracted from the Boston Patriot. To quote the editor's comment:
The distinguished naturalist returned from his northeastern
excursion to Boston Wednesday last. We believe that there is no one
who will not be gratified to learn the progress of his arduous and
unremitted labors in a branch of science, which he has made peculiarly
his own; and he has kindly favored us with information on the subject
of his recent tour, which we are glad to lay before our readers;
regretting only that we are unable to present it in his own rich and
animated language, and to invest it with the attractions which it would
derive from his own descriptive powers.
this intelligence induced him to abandon his contemplated course
through the woods of Quebec and hasten back to the United States. The
party finally reached Eastport on August 31, after being out nearly twelve
weeks. When the Ripley had docked and their collections were securely
packed, all but Coolidge and Lincoln returned to Boston, and on September
7 Audubon was again in New York.
The Labrador experience was in a measure disappointing, but the
naturalist brought back twenty-three large drawings of birds, complete or
nearly so, and seventy-three bird skins, as well as considerable collections
of marine animals and plants. The expenses of the journey had been heavy,
amounting, as he told his son, to "about $2,000," but one fine morning
when they had flushed a Black Poll Warbler from its nest, Audubon felt that
he was amply "refunded in the sight," though this bird was later found to
have a much wider breeding range than he then supposed.
The National Gazette of Philadelphia[41] published a long editorial
upon Audubon's return, as well as an extended account of his journey,
extracted from the Boston Patriot. To quote the editor's comment:
The distinguished naturalist returned from his northeastern
excursion to Boston Wednesday last. We believe that there is no one
who will not be gratified to learn the progress of his arduous and
unremitted labors in a branch of science, which he has made peculiarly
his own; and he has kindly favored us with information on the subject
of his recent tour, which we are glad to lay before our readers;
regretting only that we are unable to present it in his own rich and
animated language, and to invest it with the attractions which it would
derive from his own descriptive powers.
Page 83
LETTER OF ROBERT HAVELL TO AUDUBON, JUNE 15, 1833.
From the Deane MSS.
While at Halifax Audubon received a congratulatory letter from
Bachman, who urged him to visit Charleston and to bring his family. The
invitation was accepted, and early in September Audubon returned to New
York, where he immediately prepared the new drawings for dispatch to
London; thirteen of the land birds were for the completion of his second
volume, and seventeen, representing water fowl, were to form the initial
series of the third; all, as usual, were heavily insured.
From the Deane MSS.
While at Halifax Audubon received a congratulatory letter from
Bachman, who urged him to visit Charleston and to bring his family. The
invitation was accepted, and early in September Audubon returned to New
York, where he immediately prepared the new drawings for dispatch to
London; thirteen of the land birds were for the completion of his second
volume, and seventeen, representing water fowl, were to form the initial
series of the third; all, as usual, were heavily insured.
Page 84
Audubon left New York with his wife on September 25 and spent
nearly a month en route to Charleston, while John, who intended to
accompany his father to Florida, went direct by water. Dr. Thomas L.
McKenney, of Philadelphia, in a letter to Lewis Cass, Secretary of War,
said:[42]
Mr. Audubon makes no more of tracking it in all directions over
this, and I may add other countries, than a shot star does in crossing
the heavens. He goes after winged things, but sometimes needs the aid
of—at least a few feathers, to assist him better to fly. He means to
coast it again round Florida—make a track through Arkansas—go up
the Missouri—pass on to the Rocky Mountains, and thence to the
Pacific. He will require some of your official aid.
As a contrast to the warmth of Audubon's greeting in Philadelphia,
while in that city he was arrested for debt, and was on the point of being
taken to jail when he was offered bail by a friend. "This event," he said,
"brings to my mind so many disagreeable thoughts connected with my
former business transactions, in which I was always the single loser, that I
will only add I made all necessary arrangements to have it paid."
Four new subscribers were obtained at Baltimore, but when the
naturalist applied to Secretary Cass at Washington for the privilege of
accompanying an expedition to the Rocky Mountains under the patronage
of the Government, he met with a cool reception, and though he had
forgotten his letter from Dr. McKenney, he was resolved not to trouble that
official further. At this juncture he met Washington Irving, who did his best
to save the situation, and thought that Audubon had been mistaken in his
judgment of the Secretary; "I might have been," he said, "but those eyes of
mine have discovered more truth in men's eyes than their mouths were
willing to acknowledge." Irving accompanied him to the offices of Mr.
Taney, the Secretary of the Treasury, who at once gave the naturalist the
privileges of the revenue cutter service on the southern coast.
nearly a month en route to Charleston, while John, who intended to
accompany his father to Florida, went direct by water. Dr. Thomas L.
McKenney, of Philadelphia, in a letter to Lewis Cass, Secretary of War,
said:[42]
Mr. Audubon makes no more of tracking it in all directions over
this, and I may add other countries, than a shot star does in crossing
the heavens. He goes after winged things, but sometimes needs the aid
of—at least a few feathers, to assist him better to fly. He means to
coast it again round Florida—make a track through Arkansas—go up
the Missouri—pass on to the Rocky Mountains, and thence to the
Pacific. He will require some of your official aid.
As a contrast to the warmth of Audubon's greeting in Philadelphia,
while in that city he was arrested for debt, and was on the point of being
taken to jail when he was offered bail by a friend. "This event," he said,
"brings to my mind so many disagreeable thoughts connected with my
former business transactions, in which I was always the single loser, that I
will only add I made all necessary arrangements to have it paid."
Four new subscribers were obtained at Baltimore, but when the
naturalist applied to Secretary Cass at Washington for the privilege of
accompanying an expedition to the Rocky Mountains under the patronage
of the Government, he met with a cool reception, and though he had
forgotten his letter from Dr. McKenney, he was resolved not to trouble that
official further. At this juncture he met Washington Irving, who did his best
to save the situation, and thought that Audubon had been mistaken in his
judgment of the Secretary; "I might have been," he said, "but those eyes of
mine have discovered more truth in men's eyes than their mouths were
willing to acknowledge." Irving accompanied him to the offices of Mr.
Taney, the Secretary of the Treasury, who at once gave the naturalist the
privileges of the revenue cutter service on the southern coast.
Page 85
At Richmond Audubon met Governor Floyd, who promised to try to
induce the legislature of his State to subscribe for a copy of the Birds. From
that point to Charleston we shall follow their itinerary as given in his
journal under date of October 16:[43]
We left Richmond this morning in a stage well crammed with
Italian musicians and southern merchants, arrived at Petersburg at a
late hour, dined, and were again crammed in a car drawn by a
locomotive, which dragged us twelve miles an hour, and sent out
sparks of fire enough to keep us constantly busy in extinguishing them
on our clothes. At Blakely we were again crammed into a stage, and
dragged two miles an hour. We crossed the Roanoke River by
torchlight in a flatboat, passed through Halifax, Raleigh, Fayetteville,
and Columbia, where we spent the night. Here I met Dr. Gibbs, at
whose house we passed the evening, and who assisted me greatly; at
his house I met President Thomas Cooper, who assured me he had seen
a rattlesnake climb a five-rail fence on his land. I received from the
treasury of the State four hundred and fifty dollars on account of its
subscription for one copy of the "Birds of America."
For a number of years Audubon's snake stories had subjected him to no
little ridicule in certain quarters, and this notice of a climbing rattlesnake
pleased him so much that he asked the venerable president to put his
statement in writing; he willingly complied, and his interesting letter on the
subject will be given in a later chapter.[44]
When Audubon and his wife reached the Bachman home on October
24, he was prepared to push on to the South, but changed his plans, on
account, he said, "of the removal of my good friend Captain Robert Day
from his former station to New York, and I did not like to launch on the
Florida reefs in the care of a young officer unknown to me." The winter of
1833-4 was passed under the hospitable rooftree of his friend, in the usual
occupations of painting, writing and hunting birds. At this time an
attachment sprang up between his younger son, John Woodhouse Audubon,
induce the legislature of his State to subscribe for a copy of the Birds. From
that point to Charleston we shall follow their itinerary as given in his
journal under date of October 16:[43]
We left Richmond this morning in a stage well crammed with
Italian musicians and southern merchants, arrived at Petersburg at a
late hour, dined, and were again crammed in a car drawn by a
locomotive, which dragged us twelve miles an hour, and sent out
sparks of fire enough to keep us constantly busy in extinguishing them
on our clothes. At Blakely we were again crammed into a stage, and
dragged two miles an hour. We crossed the Roanoke River by
torchlight in a flatboat, passed through Halifax, Raleigh, Fayetteville,
and Columbia, where we spent the night. Here I met Dr. Gibbs, at
whose house we passed the evening, and who assisted me greatly; at
his house I met President Thomas Cooper, who assured me he had seen
a rattlesnake climb a five-rail fence on his land. I received from the
treasury of the State four hundred and fifty dollars on account of its
subscription for one copy of the "Birds of America."
For a number of years Audubon's snake stories had subjected him to no
little ridicule in certain quarters, and this notice of a climbing rattlesnake
pleased him so much that he asked the venerable president to put his
statement in writing; he willingly complied, and his interesting letter on the
subject will be given in a later chapter.[44]
When Audubon and his wife reached the Bachman home on October
24, he was prepared to push on to the South, but changed his plans, on
account, he said, "of the removal of my good friend Captain Robert Day
from his former station to New York, and I did not like to launch on the
Florida reefs in the care of a young officer unknown to me." The winter of
1833-4 was passed under the hospitable rooftree of his friend, in the usual
occupations of painting, writing and hunting birds. At this time an
attachment sprang up between his younger son, John Woodhouse Audubon,
Page 86
and Maria Rebecca, the eldest daughter of the Bachman household. Here
Audubon wrote the first drafts of many of the bird biographies contained in
the second volume of his letterpress, and with Bachman conducted a series
of careful experiments on the power of smell in vultures, in order to settle a
question which had then become acute among naturalists.[45] This subject is
referred to in the following intimate letter,[46] which reveals the confidence
which Audubon felt in his sons and in their united ability to bring his great
undertaking to a successful issue, as well as the infinite pains which he
bestowed upon every part of it. Audubon, who was now in his forty-ninth
year, felt that he was aging very fast, and declared that one year then would
be equal to three, three years from that time.
Audubon to his Son, Victor
Charleston, Dc., 24, 1833.
My dear beloved Victor:—
Your last letter to us is dated at London, 7th. Octbr. It has given us
all ample and sincere pleasure. The copy of your reply[47] to Mons.
Waterton is excellent; that from Swainson ought to prove a death-blow
to the Demerara Gent! I hope that these letters are now before the
world, for my mortification has been great enough respecting the
blackguardism of G. Ord and others, and yet I am heartily glad that I
never paid personally any attention to them through the press or
otherwise. Here my friends are as much shocked as myself, and the
moment is at hand when these T... will be glad to find some hiding
place to resort to, and wait for time to obliterate their obvious jealousy
and falsehood.
John Bachman and myself have begun a second series of
experiments, such as I made before, connected with the nose-smelling
of Turkey Buzzards; as far as we have gone through them, these
experiments have proved perfectly satisfactory to my good friend and
Audubon wrote the first drafts of many of the bird biographies contained in
the second volume of his letterpress, and with Bachman conducted a series
of careful experiments on the power of smell in vultures, in order to settle a
question which had then become acute among naturalists.[45] This subject is
referred to in the following intimate letter,[46] which reveals the confidence
which Audubon felt in his sons and in their united ability to bring his great
undertaking to a successful issue, as well as the infinite pains which he
bestowed upon every part of it. Audubon, who was now in his forty-ninth
year, felt that he was aging very fast, and declared that one year then would
be equal to three, three years from that time.
Audubon to his Son, Victor
Charleston, Dc., 24, 1833.
My dear beloved Victor:—
Your last letter to us is dated at London, 7th. Octbr. It has given us
all ample and sincere pleasure. The copy of your reply[47] to Mons.
Waterton is excellent; that from Swainson ought to prove a death-blow
to the Demerara Gent! I hope that these letters are now before the
world, for my mortification has been great enough respecting the
blackguardism of G. Ord and others, and yet I am heartily glad that I
never paid personally any attention to them through the press or
otherwise. Here my friends are as much shocked as myself, and the
moment is at hand when these T... will be glad to find some hiding
place to resort to, and wait for time to obliterate their obvious jealousy
and falsehood.
John Bachman and myself have begun a second series of
experiments, such as I made before, connected with the nose-smelling
of Turkey Buzzards; as far as we have gone through them, these
experiments have proved perfectly satisfactory to my good friend and
Page 87
myself, and depend [upon] it, from next Wednesday, the American
World will know that Turkey Buzzards are first, Gregarious, as well as
the Carrion Crow [Black Vulture], that they eat fresh meat in
preference to putrid stuff; that they eat birds, fresh killed, either
plucked or not, even of their own species; that they suck birds' eggs,
and devour their callow young; that they come to their food by their
sense of sight, and not that of smell, and lastly that they cannot
discover by any sense of smell the most putrid matter, even when this
putrid stuff is within a few feet of them, out of sight of their eyes. Were
Snakes as abundant near Charleston as Buzzards, that business would
soon be also set at rest, but for this, however, time is required, and the
time I think will come. The experiments we are making will be
repeated in the presence of the faculty of this city,[48] and their
Certificates attached to the whole, and immediately published in the
Annals of the Philosophical Society of Phila.[49] those of the Lyceum
of New York. A copy will be sent to be read at the Linnean, or Royal
Society of London, and Royal Institute of France; then let those laugh
who win. We have attracted Turkey Buzzards with pieces of fresh beef,
not more than an inch square, and we have seen others pass unnoticed
the body of a hare or fowl within 20 steps. We have now 3 fine birds of
this species to experiment upon, and their olfactory nerves will be
examined by the faculty here, where there are some highly talented
men.
Our friend Bachman has written a very fine paper for Loudon's
Mag.[50] which will be forwarded to you in a few days by duplicate,
and which I wish you to give to our friend J. G. Children, and ask him
to have it read at the R. and L. Societies, and inserted in the above
mentioned Mag. afterwards. We hope all this will be accomplished by
the 1st. March next.
Now to other subjects. We are deeply at work. John has drawn a
few Birds, as good as any I ever made, and in a few months I hope to
World will know that Turkey Buzzards are first, Gregarious, as well as
the Carrion Crow [Black Vulture], that they eat fresh meat in
preference to putrid stuff; that they eat birds, fresh killed, either
plucked or not, even of their own species; that they suck birds' eggs,
and devour their callow young; that they come to their food by their
sense of sight, and not that of smell, and lastly that they cannot
discover by any sense of smell the most putrid matter, even when this
putrid stuff is within a few feet of them, out of sight of their eyes. Were
Snakes as abundant near Charleston as Buzzards, that business would
soon be also set at rest, but for this, however, time is required, and the
time I think will come. The experiments we are making will be
repeated in the presence of the faculty of this city,[48] and their
Certificates attached to the whole, and immediately published in the
Annals of the Philosophical Society of Phila.[49] those of the Lyceum
of New York. A copy will be sent to be read at the Linnean, or Royal
Society of London, and Royal Institute of France; then let those laugh
who win. We have attracted Turkey Buzzards with pieces of fresh beef,
not more than an inch square, and we have seen others pass unnoticed
the body of a hare or fowl within 20 steps. We have now 3 fine birds of
this species to experiment upon, and their olfactory nerves will be
examined by the faculty here, where there are some highly talented
men.
Our friend Bachman has written a very fine paper for Loudon's
Mag.[50] which will be forwarded to you in a few days by duplicate,
and which I wish you to give to our friend J. G. Children, and ask him
to have it read at the R. and L. Societies, and inserted in the above
mentioned Mag. afterwards. We hope all this will be accomplished by
the 1st. March next.
Now to other subjects. We are deeply at work. John has drawn a
few Birds, as good as any I ever made, and in a few months I hope to
Page 88
give this department of my duty up to him altogether; his
improvements on other subjects are equally pleasing. I write a
[biography of a] Bird or so every evening, and our friend grants me all
his knowledge of the habits of those with which he has become well
acquainted, belonging to this part of the Union. I have nearly one 100
drawings of Water Birds ready for publication & I pronounce them
equal to any previous ones. I am much pleased at the news you give
me respecting Havell; I hope he will continue with hand and heart to
do all in his power for the fame of our work, and for himself. We have
not seen Nos. 34, 35, tho. from your letter we suppose them to be in
New York. Wm. Oakes, I have written you, has paid all, up to No. 33;
Arnold, of New Bedford, for all he has had; John Neal has his copy,
but I do not know if he has yet paid Dr. Parkman, who is our kind
friend and agent in that part of the Country. I wish you had forwarded
first volumes bound, as you had those on hand, as several would have
been disposed of and paid for by this time; do send all, or whatever of
them you have ready, as soon as possible. It will be well for you to
have friend Bachm's. paper published in toto, in some good circulating
paper in London & Edinboro. Brushes! Brushes! Brushes! I am glad to
hear of Kidd & Co.'s publication of Parrots, but I regret that my face
should have been there from Syme's picture, which in my estimation is
none of the best. Push Kidd with the pictures; have them, and take care
of them. Sell all the Shells you please; write to John Adamson, of New
Castle, about them, but keep smug all the Bird Skins. I cannot do
without them when I write my Synopsis, which will be when I am with
you. Our voyage round the Floridas, Gulph Mexico &c. will begin
about the 1st. February. This will be my last journey, after which John
and I will hunt for Subscribers, procure a round number, and join you
as soon as possible. Your dear Mama will in all probability join you in
May or June next. In about a fortnight I shall send you more land Birds
for the end of the 2d. volume, extra small plates, and several numbers
of Water Birds. I am anxious to hear something about the little edition.
Do not omit to let me know when you want money, for tho. our
improvements on other subjects are equally pleasing. I write a
[biography of a] Bird or so every evening, and our friend grants me all
his knowledge of the habits of those with which he has become well
acquainted, belonging to this part of the Union. I have nearly one 100
drawings of Water Birds ready for publication & I pronounce them
equal to any previous ones. I am much pleased at the news you give
me respecting Havell; I hope he will continue with hand and heart to
do all in his power for the fame of our work, and for himself. We have
not seen Nos. 34, 35, tho. from your letter we suppose them to be in
New York. Wm. Oakes, I have written you, has paid all, up to No. 33;
Arnold, of New Bedford, for all he has had; John Neal has his copy,
but I do not know if he has yet paid Dr. Parkman, who is our kind
friend and agent in that part of the Country. I wish you had forwarded
first volumes bound, as you had those on hand, as several would have
been disposed of and paid for by this time; do send all, or whatever of
them you have ready, as soon as possible. It will be well for you to
have friend Bachm's. paper published in toto, in some good circulating
paper in London & Edinboro. Brushes! Brushes! Brushes! I am glad to
hear of Kidd & Co.'s publication of Parrots, but I regret that my face
should have been there from Syme's picture, which in my estimation is
none of the best. Push Kidd with the pictures; have them, and take care
of them. Sell all the Shells you please; write to John Adamson, of New
Castle, about them, but keep smug all the Bird Skins. I cannot do
without them when I write my Synopsis, which will be when I am with
you. Our voyage round the Floridas, Gulph Mexico &c. will begin
about the 1st. February. This will be my last journey, after which John
and I will hunt for Subscribers, procure a round number, and join you
as soon as possible. Your dear Mama will in all probability join you in
May or June next. In about a fortnight I shall send you more land Birds
for the end of the 2d. volume, extra small plates, and several numbers
of Water Birds. I am anxious to hear something about the little edition.
Do not omit to let me know when you want money, for tho. our
Page 89
expenses are always great, the Work must not, and shall not suffer, as
long as my eyes and hands can work.
Dec. 23d., last evening, we had the pleasure of yours of the 28
Oct, and one from Havell of the 9th. Regarding Havell, we are glad
that all is well with him, and hope he will not trouble us about extra
prices, not even for the Water Birds. The safe arrival of my last
drawings has relieved me of that anxiety. You are quite right on the
score of advice. You in England, will do best to act as you may think
proper. We, in America, are trying to do equally well, and our little
Alliance is as efficient as the Holy one at least. That Subscribers
should die is an event we cannot help; that such fellows as V. should
act so cannot be controlled, but depend upon our industry, our truth,
and the regular manner in which we publish our work; this will always
prove to the world and to our Patrons that nothing more can be done
than what we do; nay, I doubt if any family, with our pecuniary means,
ever will raise for themselves such a monument as the "Birds of
America" is, over their tomb.
How comes it that Harlan has not money enough to pay his
expenses in Europe? I shall remember the 20 £, and the exchange.
Chamley, of New Castle, was never prompt pay; indeed, my dear
Victor, were you fully acquainted with the great difficulties which I
had to surmount and did surmount, it would give you less fear than
you now feel or experience. We shall be glad to receive the Brushes
that are, I hope, now under way for us. Mr. Miesson resides [at] No. 2
Rue Pigalle, on the east side of the grand Boulevards. Present my
regards to Mr. Yarrell, and thank him in my name for his kind offer of
eggs, and add that I shall have it in my power to present him with
many which I think he has not found, that our two collections will
most likely comprise the whole of those published in my 4 volumes. I
fear that to give the eggs in the 2d. of Biography would render that
volume too large, and again too costly, and that a few plates of eggs at
long as my eyes and hands can work.
Dec. 23d., last evening, we had the pleasure of yours of the 28
Oct, and one from Havell of the 9th. Regarding Havell, we are glad
that all is well with him, and hope he will not trouble us about extra
prices, not even for the Water Birds. The safe arrival of my last
drawings has relieved me of that anxiety. You are quite right on the
score of advice. You in England, will do best to act as you may think
proper. We, in America, are trying to do equally well, and our little
Alliance is as efficient as the Holy one at least. That Subscribers
should die is an event we cannot help; that such fellows as V. should
act so cannot be controlled, but depend upon our industry, our truth,
and the regular manner in which we publish our work; this will always
prove to the world and to our Patrons that nothing more can be done
than what we do; nay, I doubt if any family, with our pecuniary means,
ever will raise for themselves such a monument as the "Birds of
America" is, over their tomb.
How comes it that Harlan has not money enough to pay his
expenses in Europe? I shall remember the 20 £, and the exchange.
Chamley, of New Castle, was never prompt pay; indeed, my dear
Victor, were you fully acquainted with the great difficulties which I
had to surmount and did surmount, it would give you less fear than
you now feel or experience. We shall be glad to receive the Brushes
that are, I hope, now under way for us. Mr. Miesson resides [at] No. 2
Rue Pigalle, on the east side of the grand Boulevards. Present my
regards to Mr. Yarrell, and thank him in my name for his kind offer of
eggs, and add that I shall have it in my power to present him with
many which I think he has not found, that our two collections will
most likely comprise the whole of those published in my 4 volumes. I
fear that to give the eggs in the 2d. of Biography would render that
volume too large, and again too costly, and that a few plates of eggs at
Page 90
the end of the large work will answer better.[51] The plates ought to be
insured for at least 4 or 5 times the cost, for should they by an accident
be destroyed, the amount of their cost would prove a poor
remuneration, when compared with the time it would require to have
them renewed. Attend to this as soon as you can. Henry Ward has
rendered himself very obnoxious here. a letter came to Mr. B. on last
evening from St. Augustine, to inquire how a certain amount left by
him unpaid was to be settled. Mr. Bachman will inform you of the
particulars.
Do forward the bound volumes as soon as possible, for with them
I could at once make you a considerable remittance, which would
enable you to prepare the Nos. of the 2d. Vol. for those who do not
wish to have it complete. I am trying to receive some money on Act. of
the 2d. Vol. through the mediums of Dr. Parkman, N. Berthoud, John
Bellonis, Wm. Gaston, and will let you know the result. The Plate ...
which you sent me is extremely well engraved, but let us keep to
Havell as long as he behaves with propriety, and does good work.
I have now replied to your letter fully, except on what you say
about my immediate return. The following are my views, but if after
all, you say—come on, I shall do so. Our country is becoming more
wealthy every day. Science is looked upon with more congeniality
every year. Subscribers in this Dear Country of ours do not drop off
unless they die. They pay punctually on demand, and to have more of
them in this land than in Europe is a thing that may prove of the
greatest importance to us. When I visited our woods on my first return
from England, I was absent about 12 months. The Rathbones and Mr.
Children wrote to me many times to return, or expect the work to fall. I
went back to Europe before I was ready to go, and on my arrival there,
to my surprise and joy, I found everything going on as well as usual;
but I was again obliged to come to our Country to renew my
researches, and improve my head, as well as my collection of
insured for at least 4 or 5 times the cost, for should they by an accident
be destroyed, the amount of their cost would prove a poor
remuneration, when compared with the time it would require to have
them renewed. Attend to this as soon as you can. Henry Ward has
rendered himself very obnoxious here. a letter came to Mr. B. on last
evening from St. Augustine, to inquire how a certain amount left by
him unpaid was to be settled. Mr. Bachman will inform you of the
particulars.
Do forward the bound volumes as soon as possible, for with them
I could at once make you a considerable remittance, which would
enable you to prepare the Nos. of the 2d. Vol. for those who do not
wish to have it complete. I am trying to receive some money on Act. of
the 2d. Vol. through the mediums of Dr. Parkman, N. Berthoud, John
Bellonis, Wm. Gaston, and will let you know the result. The Plate ...
which you sent me is extremely well engraved, but let us keep to
Havell as long as he behaves with propriety, and does good work.
I have now replied to your letter fully, except on what you say
about my immediate return. The following are my views, but if after
all, you say—come on, I shall do so. Our country is becoming more
wealthy every day. Science is looked upon with more congeniality
every year. Subscribers in this Dear Country of ours do not drop off
unless they die. They pay punctually on demand, and to have more of
them in this land than in Europe is a thing that may prove of the
greatest importance to us. When I visited our woods on my first return
from England, I was absent about 12 months. The Rathbones and Mr.
Children wrote to me many times to return, or expect the work to fall. I
went back to Europe before I was ready to go, and on my arrival there,
to my surprise and joy, I found everything going on as well as usual;
but I was again obliged to come to our Country to renew my
researches, and improve my head, as well as my collection of
Page 91
drawings. I had then left no one like you in England. Now you, my
Dear Son, are there; thank God for it! You prove to be a better man at
carrying on the publication than myself, and to tell you more, I doubt if
I could procure more subscribers there than yourself. I am truly
desirous for your sake, and that of your dear Mother and Brother, to do
all in my power for the completion of this great work. I wish to finish
here all that is to be done both in the way of drawing, and increase of
knowledge, in black and white, and also in Patrons, as much as
possible, ere I return to Europe, where, when I do go, I must remain
several years, if not until the completion of the engraving. I am
growing old very fast; in 3 or 4 years my career as a traveller will be
ended, and should I be obliged to renew my field-labours, it is doubtful
if my constitution could bear it. One year now is equal to 3, 3 years
hence. I receive much assistance from the Government, and have John
to accompany me. I am still able to undergo some fatigue, and, as I
have said, I am anxious, very anxious, to do all that can be done ere I
return to Europe. Now the whole time which I conceive necessary to
enable me to perform these desideratums cannot exceed 12 or 15
months. What pleasure it would be to us all, when I take your hand and
press you to my heart, I should also have a list of 100 new names from
America!; all the drawings and the manuscripts ready for the
completion of this our wonderful undertaking. I would advise you to
address a circular letter to all those who may be concerned in Europe,
to acquaint them with what I call the necessity of my being in
America, for the sole purpose of increasing the value of our
publications, either Illustrative or graphical. This, and the constant
improvement now exhibited to them with each new number of the
work, could not fail, I think, to render them quiet, if not pleased, that I
am now doing all I can for the advantage of the work. Tell them the
facts, that I have greatly added to the Ornithology of the United States
since my absence from Europe, that the number of species which I
now have, and that are not given by Wilson or Bonaparte, combined,
amounts to nearly one hundred, and that the Water Birds will be fully
Dear Son, are there; thank God for it! You prove to be a better man at
carrying on the publication than myself, and to tell you more, I doubt if
I could procure more subscribers there than yourself. I am truly
desirous for your sake, and that of your dear Mother and Brother, to do
all in my power for the completion of this great work. I wish to finish
here all that is to be done both in the way of drawing, and increase of
knowledge, in black and white, and also in Patrons, as much as
possible, ere I return to Europe, where, when I do go, I must remain
several years, if not until the completion of the engraving. I am
growing old very fast; in 3 or 4 years my career as a traveller will be
ended, and should I be obliged to renew my field-labours, it is doubtful
if my constitution could bear it. One year now is equal to 3, 3 years
hence. I receive much assistance from the Government, and have John
to accompany me. I am still able to undergo some fatigue, and, as I
have said, I am anxious, very anxious, to do all that can be done ere I
return to Europe. Now the whole time which I conceive necessary to
enable me to perform these desideratums cannot exceed 12 or 15
months. What pleasure it would be to us all, when I take your hand and
press you to my heart, I should also have a list of 100 new names from
America!; all the drawings and the manuscripts ready for the
completion of this our wonderful undertaking. I would advise you to
address a circular letter to all those who may be concerned in Europe,
to acquaint them with what I call the necessity of my being in
America, for the sole purpose of increasing the value of our
publications, either Illustrative or graphical. This, and the constant
improvement now exhibited to them with each new number of the
work, could not fail, I think, to render them quiet, if not pleased, that I
am now doing all I can for the advantage of the work. Tell them the
facts, that I have greatly added to the Ornithology of the United States
since my absence from Europe, that the number of species which I
now have, and that are not given by Wilson or Bonaparte, combined,
amounts to nearly one hundred, and that the Water Birds will be fully
Page 92
equal in point of interest and beauty, to any of the land Birds that are
published. And, not the least part of this, my remaining in America has
already [given], and will continue, to give me the power of portraying
the habits of the Water Birds with more truth and completeness than
has ever yet been done. Next, have extracts of my letter to you, before
the world's eye, through the medium of Papers. Visit such of our
friends, and ask them to say those things to their acquaintance; go on
yourself, as you have done, and depend upon it, we shall all be greatly
benefitted. In your most kind letter to John you mention with
unexampled modesty what you are attempting to do in the way of self-
improvement, but my Dear Victor, you cannot convey more thoroughly
to us the march of your improvement than you have done by sending
your letters, and the result of your actions, so well delineated as this is,
and we all feel deeply gratified and most happy. Cruickshank is right;
by drawing you are enabled to study the lights and shadows of bodies,
again the beautiful mellowness with which, altho. all powerful in the
effect, these blend themselves with each other. The reflective power of
bodies will also strike your discerning attention, and when these
combinations of the true Materia are well understood, the artist is a
Master! Nature after all, has done all for us; she groups, and most
beautifully, every thing that is presented to our eye or mind, so
completely also, that if one observes a number of bodies, no matter
what these bodies are, whether horses or apes, he sees at once the
general elegance of their arrangement in contour, the force of the light
and shadows, the mellowness existing between these, and as the eye
passes on to the finishing of that natural picture, it at once pronounces
it complete.
Do not forget to take from Kidd whatever pictures of ours he may
have finished, and take good care of them. We have pretty nearly kilt
G. Ord and Waterton with our Buzzard experiments. You say you wish
you could see us at friend Bachman's; I assure you my pleasure at such
an event would be equal to yours. We are indeed happy in having such
published. And, not the least part of this, my remaining in America has
already [given], and will continue, to give me the power of portraying
the habits of the Water Birds with more truth and completeness than
has ever yet been done. Next, have extracts of my letter to you, before
the world's eye, through the medium of Papers. Visit such of our
friends, and ask them to say those things to their acquaintance; go on
yourself, as you have done, and depend upon it, we shall all be greatly
benefitted. In your most kind letter to John you mention with
unexampled modesty what you are attempting to do in the way of self-
improvement, but my Dear Victor, you cannot convey more thoroughly
to us the march of your improvement than you have done by sending
your letters, and the result of your actions, so well delineated as this is,
and we all feel deeply gratified and most happy. Cruickshank is right;
by drawing you are enabled to study the lights and shadows of bodies,
again the beautiful mellowness with which, altho. all powerful in the
effect, these blend themselves with each other. The reflective power of
bodies will also strike your discerning attention, and when these
combinations of the true Materia are well understood, the artist is a
Master! Nature after all, has done all for us; she groups, and most
beautifully, every thing that is presented to our eye or mind, so
completely also, that if one observes a number of bodies, no matter
what these bodies are, whether horses or apes, he sees at once the
general elegance of their arrangement in contour, the force of the light
and shadows, the mellowness existing between these, and as the eye
passes on to the finishing of that natural picture, it at once pronounces
it complete.
Do not forget to take from Kidd whatever pictures of ours he may
have finished, and take good care of them. We have pretty nearly kilt
G. Ord and Waterton with our Buzzard experiments. You say you wish
you could see us at friend Bachman's; I assure you my pleasure at such
an event would be equal to yours. We are indeed happy in having such
Page 93
a friend. Miss Martin, with her superior talents, assists us greatly in the
way of drawing; the insects she has drawn are, perhaps, the best I've
seen; at night we have some music and reading. When you receive
Bird Skins, perhaps it would be as well to form a collection of each
species in pairs, and variety of age or color.
24 Dec. We have just received yours of 18th. October. You are, my
Dear Son, too low spirited respecting my immediate appearance in
England. Cheer up, my beloved Victor! Believe me, when I repeat that
our own Dear Country will support the efforts of us all, and will grant
us more Patrons than the whole of Europe together; by the way of a
nightcap, let me give you the name of Wm. J. Rees, of Sumpter
district, Statesbury, South Carolina, who put his name to my list this
afternoon at the moment when the Vultures lost their olfactory powers,
for I daubed the imitation of a sheep, and the very first one that passed
over the picture rounded and came to it.
Respecting Kidd, and his prospectus, depend upon it, nothing is to
be feared from that quarter; that work is dead at the moment I write,
and as to his publishing the intention of the pictures, it signifies
nothing. All you have to do is to take all the pictures from him, by
goodwill or otherwise, and give him no more originals to copy.
If I regret anything at this moment, it is that you should have kept
the 20 volumes in London, when, if I had them in America, I should at
once be enabled to make you a valuable remittance. Ship them,
ensured, as fast as possible, and doubt not my disposing of them.
Lewis Atterbury writes me to night that all the numbers 34, 35, which
Havell has shipped, are injured greatly by salt water. I do not know yet
if they were insured or not. I write to him this evening. Do not ship
anything without insurance; it is better to lose time in this case than
money. I will write again in a few days, and I shall forward you Water
Birds in good time. God bless you, my dear fellow; keep up your
spirits, and again may God bless you.
way of drawing; the insects she has drawn are, perhaps, the best I've
seen; at night we have some music and reading. When you receive
Bird Skins, perhaps it would be as well to form a collection of each
species in pairs, and variety of age or color.
24 Dec. We have just received yours of 18th. October. You are, my
Dear Son, too low spirited respecting my immediate appearance in
England. Cheer up, my beloved Victor! Believe me, when I repeat that
our own Dear Country will support the efforts of us all, and will grant
us more Patrons than the whole of Europe together; by the way of a
nightcap, let me give you the name of Wm. J. Rees, of Sumpter
district, Statesbury, South Carolina, who put his name to my list this
afternoon at the moment when the Vultures lost their olfactory powers,
for I daubed the imitation of a sheep, and the very first one that passed
over the picture rounded and came to it.
Respecting Kidd, and his prospectus, depend upon it, nothing is to
be feared from that quarter; that work is dead at the moment I write,
and as to his publishing the intention of the pictures, it signifies
nothing. All you have to do is to take all the pictures from him, by
goodwill or otherwise, and give him no more originals to copy.
If I regret anything at this moment, it is that you should have kept
the 20 volumes in London, when, if I had them in America, I should at
once be enabled to make you a valuable remittance. Ship them,
ensured, as fast as possible, and doubt not my disposing of them.
Lewis Atterbury writes me to night that all the numbers 34, 35, which
Havell has shipped, are injured greatly by salt water. I do not know yet
if they were insured or not. I write to him this evening. Do not ship
anything without insurance; it is better to lose time in this case than
money. I will write again in a few days, and I shall forward you Water
Birds in good time. God bless you, my dear fellow; keep up your
spirits, and again may God bless you.
Page 94
Ever your affectionate father,
J. J. Audubon.
Honest John Bachman, who had lived and worked with Audubon for
months at a time, and who probably knew him better than did any one in
America outside of the naturalist's own family, gave this account of his
habits in 1834, when, at the age of forty-nine, he was still working at his
best:
He rises at the earliest dawn, and devotes the whole of the day, in
intense industry, to his favourite pursuit. The specimens from which he
makes his drawings are all from nature; carefully noting the colors of
the eye, bill, and legs; measuring, with great accuracy, every part of the
bird. When differences exist, either in the sexes or young, several
figures are given on the same plate; sparing no labour in retouching
old drawings or in making new ones, in all cases where he conceives
there may be a possibility of making an improvement. In this way, he
has already succeeded in figuring nearly the whole of the birds
necessary to complete his splendid and important work.
He keeps a journal, and regularly notes down every thing
connected with natural history. This journal is always kept in English:
a language which, it must be acknowledged he writes very correctly,
when it is taken into consideration that he spent nearly the first
seventeen years of his life in France. Besides this, he keeps separate
journals, in which he notes every thing that he learns each day on the
habits of every bird. In all his travels, he carries these journals with
him; and he never suffers business, fatigue, or pleasure to prevent him
each evening from noting down every interesting observation. In this
way, a mass of information has been accumulated from year to year.
When he sits down to write the history of a bird (which is usually in
the evening), he first reads over all the memoranda which he has made
with regard to its habits and he is generally able to write an interesting
J. J. Audubon.
Honest John Bachman, who had lived and worked with Audubon for
months at a time, and who probably knew him better than did any one in
America outside of the naturalist's own family, gave this account of his
habits in 1834, when, at the age of forty-nine, he was still working at his
best:
He rises at the earliest dawn, and devotes the whole of the day, in
intense industry, to his favourite pursuit. The specimens from which he
makes his drawings are all from nature; carefully noting the colors of
the eye, bill, and legs; measuring, with great accuracy, every part of the
bird. When differences exist, either in the sexes or young, several
figures are given on the same plate; sparing no labour in retouching
old drawings or in making new ones, in all cases where he conceives
there may be a possibility of making an improvement. In this way, he
has already succeeded in figuring nearly the whole of the birds
necessary to complete his splendid and important work.
He keeps a journal, and regularly notes down every thing
connected with natural history. This journal is always kept in English:
a language which, it must be acknowledged he writes very correctly,
when it is taken into consideration that he spent nearly the first
seventeen years of his life in France. Besides this, he keeps separate
journals, in which he notes every thing that he learns each day on the
habits of every bird. In all his travels, he carries these journals with
him; and he never suffers business, fatigue, or pleasure to prevent him
each evening from noting down every interesting observation. In this
way, a mass of information has been accumulated from year to year.
When he sits down to write the history of a bird (which is usually in
the evening), he first reads over all the memoranda which he has made
with regard to its habits and he is generally able to write an interesting
Page 95
paper on the subject in the course of an evening. At some leisure
moment this is again revised and corrected: the scientific details he
leaves to the last.
Early in March, 1834, Audubon left his friends in Charleston, and with
his wife and son passed northward to Washington and Baltimore. From the
latter city, on March 9, he wrote to Edward Harris, in part as follows:
Friends such as you have been, and are still, are the only
recompense such poor individuals such as I am can enjoy in this world,
and the more valued as they are so very rare.
We came from Charleston by land to Norfolk; thence to
Washington City by steamer in 20 hours, and in 8 to the city here, well
fatigued but safely.... At Washington, where we remained only an hour,
Col. J. Abert told me something connected with the climbing of
Rattlesnakes upon trees &c. that will make your mouth water, and your
generous heart leap with joy, when you read [about] them, which you
shall do ere long, I give you my word for it.
Audubon was still in Baltimore on March 15, for on that day he gave
Harris a letter of introduction to Edward Everett. New York was reached in
April, when he wrote to Bachman that they had secured berths in "that fine
packet ship the North America," which was to sail on the tenth of that
month.
moment this is again revised and corrected: the scientific details he
leaves to the last.
Early in March, 1834, Audubon left his friends in Charleston, and with
his wife and son passed northward to Washington and Baltimore. From the
latter city, on March 9, he wrote to Edward Harris, in part as follows:
Friends such as you have been, and are still, are the only
recompense such poor individuals such as I am can enjoy in this world,
and the more valued as they are so very rare.
We came from Charleston by land to Norfolk; thence to
Washington City by steamer in 20 hours, and in 8 to the city here, well
fatigued but safely.... At Washington, where we remained only an hour,
Col. J. Abert told me something connected with the climbing of
Rattlesnakes upon trees &c. that will make your mouth water, and your
generous heart leap with joy, when you read [about] them, which you
shall do ere long, I give you my word for it.
Audubon was still in Baltimore on March 15, for on that day he gave
Harris a letter of introduction to Edward Everett. New York was reached in
April, when he wrote to Bachman that they had secured berths in "that fine
packet ship the North America," which was to sail on the tenth of that
month.
Page 96
J.G. CHILDREN
AFTER AN ENGRAVING BY W. RADDON OF A PORTRAIT BY EDDIS, 1839.
AFTER AN ENGRAVING BY W. RADDON OF A PORTRAIT BY EDDIS, 1839.
Page 97
EDWARD HARRIS
REPRODUCED FROM "CASSINIA" FOR 1902.
Toward the close of Audubon's Charleston visit he had an unpleasant
experience; he was sued for an old debt, which no doubt dated from his
Henderson period and the failure of his mill in 1819.[52] Apparently the case
was carried into court, where the naturalist was defended by a lawyer
named Dunkin, who, if my inference is correct, later became a
distinguished judge and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court[53] of South
Carolina. The incident was referred to by Audubon in letters written from
New York at this time; on April 6, he wrote to Miss Maria Martin as
follows:
I told friend Bach. in my letter of yesterday that I knew nothing of
Mr. Pettigrue, connected with my business at Charleston, and that if
that gentleman had presented himself before the court, it must have
REPRODUCED FROM "CASSINIA" FOR 1902.
Toward the close of Audubon's Charleston visit he had an unpleasant
experience; he was sued for an old debt, which no doubt dated from his
Henderson period and the failure of his mill in 1819.[52] Apparently the case
was carried into court, where the naturalist was defended by a lawyer
named Dunkin, who, if my inference is correct, later became a
distinguished judge and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court[53] of South
Carolina. The incident was referred to by Audubon in letters written from
New York at this time; on April 6, he wrote to Miss Maria Martin as
follows:
I told friend Bach. in my letter of yesterday that I knew nothing of
Mr. Pettigrue, connected with my business at Charleston, and that if
that gentleman had presented himself before the court, it must have
Page 98
been for charity's sake; indeed, from the conversations that passed
between Friend B. & I respecting Mr. Dunker [Dunkin], it would have
been absurd in me to think for a moment of employing any other
person than Mr. D.
In the letter just quoted Audubon said also that he had spent all of the
morning of the previous day in going from shop to shop with friend Harris
to procure some models for "the dear girls," but in vain; New York with its
two hundred and fifty thousand souls, possessed but two drawing masters;
"these instruct in 3 months," he added, "and starve for the nine of the year."
In reference to financial matters, he said that he had managed to collect
about £600 sterling, and had sent 500 to Victor in bills of exchange, so that
when they reached London, they would be tolerably well off, considering
that they were "naturalists from the wilds of America." "Nothing starts the
blues so effectually," he continued, as "constant unemployment; for myself
who have done next to nothing since I left you, have had horrors all around
me; dreams of sinking and burning ships at night, fears of lost drawings, &
failures of subscribers by day, have ever and anon been my companions."
"Victor," he added, "has sent 6 boxes of pills, which will be divided into 3
parts, the largest for G. Ord."
The Audubons finally sailed from New York on April 16, 1834. On the
preceding day the naturalist sent his friend, Edward Harris, a parting letter,
in which he said:
To tell you that I am surprised at your generous conduct in
remitting to me Four hundred, Ninety dollars in advance, for all the
numbers of my book, would be a poor gratification to me. I feel your
generosity, and I cannot say any more. God bless you.
Nos. 36 & 37 have reached this place; my drawings shipped from
Charleston are safely in the hands of Victor at London. I have been
able to forward him 650 £, and I have 30 sovereigns to defray our
expenses from Liverpool to the Great Metropolis. In 1824, poor J. had
between Friend B. & I respecting Mr. Dunker [Dunkin], it would have
been absurd in me to think for a moment of employing any other
person than Mr. D.
In the letter just quoted Audubon said also that he had spent all of the
morning of the previous day in going from shop to shop with friend Harris
to procure some models for "the dear girls," but in vain; New York with its
two hundred and fifty thousand souls, possessed but two drawing masters;
"these instruct in 3 months," he added, "and starve for the nine of the year."
In reference to financial matters, he said that he had managed to collect
about £600 sterling, and had sent 500 to Victor in bills of exchange, so that
when they reached London, they would be tolerably well off, considering
that they were "naturalists from the wilds of America." "Nothing starts the
blues so effectually," he continued, as "constant unemployment; for myself
who have done next to nothing since I left you, have had horrors all around
me; dreams of sinking and burning ships at night, fears of lost drawings, &
failures of subscribers by day, have ever and anon been my companions."
"Victor," he added, "has sent 6 boxes of pills, which will be divided into 3
parts, the largest for G. Ord."
The Audubons finally sailed from New York on April 16, 1834. On the
preceding day the naturalist sent his friend, Edward Harris, a parting letter,
in which he said:
To tell you that I am surprised at your generous conduct in
remitting to me Four hundred, Ninety dollars in advance, for all the
numbers of my book, would be a poor gratification to me. I feel your
generosity, and I cannot say any more. God bless you.
Nos. 36 & 37 have reached this place; my drawings shipped from
Charleston are safely in the hands of Victor at London. I have been
able to forward him 650 £, and I have 30 sovereigns to defray our
expenses from Liverpool to the Great Metropolis. In 1824, poor J. had
Page 99
dreams, but how far was I then from believing that I should ever have
succeeded as I have; who will believe my story? Only one or two
besides yourself, have an Idea of what I have undergone, but, if God
grants me life, I shall publish that story, and send you the sheets
thereof, as they are struck by the printer.
Audubon took with him to England all the collections which he had
accumulated during nearly three years of travel and search in different parts
of the United States and the British possessions. During this eventful period
he had renewed one hundred of his older drawings, executed many new
ones, discovered new birds, extended his acquaintance, and added sixty-two
names to his list of patrons.
After they had reached Liverpool, he wrote to Bachman, May 8, 1834,
that they had returned on the "superb packet of 650 tons, called the North
America, commanded by an admirable gentleman, named Dixie of
Philadelphia"; the voyage was made in not quite twenty days. A little later
they joined their son, Victor, in London.
succeeded as I have; who will believe my story? Only one or two
besides yourself, have an Idea of what I have undergone, but, if God
grants me life, I shall publish that story, and send you the sheets
thereof, as they are struck by the printer.
Audubon took with him to England all the collections which he had
accumulated during nearly three years of travel and search in different parts
of the United States and the British possessions. During this eventful period
he had renewed one hundred of his older drawings, executed many new
ones, discovered new birds, extended his acquaintance, and added sixty-two
names to his list of patrons.
After they had reached Liverpool, he wrote to Bachman, May 8, 1834,
that they had returned on the "superb packet of 650 tons, called the North
America, commanded by an admirable gentleman, named Dixie of
Philadelphia"; the voyage was made in not quite twenty days. A little later
they joined their son, Victor, in London.
Page 100
Page 101
CHAPTER XXVIII
THORNS ON THE ROSE
Contributions to magazines—Attacked in Philadelphia—Statement to Sully—The rattlesnake
episode—Behavior of a Philadelphia editor—Mistaken identity in account of the reptile—Lesson
of the serpent's tooth—Audubon's long lost lily rediscovered—"Nosarians and Anti-Nosarians"—
Bachman and Audubon on vultures—Aim of the critics—Authorship in the Biography—His most
persistent heckler—Pitfall of analogy.
We have seen that John James Audubon had attended the school of
adversity many years before he was known to the public in either America
or Europe. The difficulties inseparable from such colossal undertakings as
that in which he engaged were well nigh insuperable; but to these were
added others which perhaps might have been avoided but which could
hardly have been foreseen. From the moment he began to write for
publication, he was bitterly and persistently assailed by a number of
detractors, who seemed bent upon ruining his reputation and thus
undermining the work to which he was devoting his life and upon which he
depended as a means of support.
Were no worthy purpose to be served, it would be folly to resurrect the
animosities of a past generation, but since a few "fed fat the ancient grudge
they bore him," and since this hostility, handed down through the years, is
occasionally echoed at the present day, the impartial historian is left no
choice; he must weigh the merits of the case to the best of his ability. The
reader, I think, will find that the law of compensation has worked fairly well
in respect to all these matters, for if Audubon possessed faults, he was not
THORNS ON THE ROSE
Contributions to magazines—Attacked in Philadelphia—Statement to Sully—The rattlesnake
episode—Behavior of a Philadelphia editor—Mistaken identity in account of the reptile—Lesson
of the serpent's tooth—Audubon's long lost lily rediscovered—"Nosarians and Anti-Nosarians"—
Bachman and Audubon on vultures—Aim of the critics—Authorship in the Biography—His most
persistent heckler—Pitfall of analogy.
We have seen that John James Audubon had attended the school of
adversity many years before he was known to the public in either America
or Europe. The difficulties inseparable from such colossal undertakings as
that in which he engaged were well nigh insuperable; but to these were
added others which perhaps might have been avoided but which could
hardly have been foreseen. From the moment he began to write for
publication, he was bitterly and persistently assailed by a number of
detractors, who seemed bent upon ruining his reputation and thus
undermining the work to which he was devoting his life and upon which he
depended as a means of support.
Were no worthy purpose to be served, it would be folly to resurrect the
animosities of a past generation, but since a few "fed fat the ancient grudge
they bore him," and since this hostility, handed down through the years, is
occasionally echoed at the present day, the impartial historian is left no
choice; he must weigh the merits of the case to the best of his ability. The
reader, I think, will find that the law of compensation has worked fairly well
in respect to all these matters, for if Audubon possessed faults, he was not
Page 102
lacking in merits; if he was assailed by a few bitter enemies, he was
supported by a host of judicious friends.
As soon as Audubon became known in England, he was importuned to
contribute to the scientific magazines, and in response to this demand wrote
five articles, which were published in Edinburgh and London in 1827.
Some of these papers, which dealt with the habits of the Turkey Vulture, the
Alligator, the Carrion Crow or Black Vulture, the Wild Pigeon, and the
Rattlesnake,[54] were roundly scored in the Philadelphia press, and Audubon
was called a romancer of the first order. Thomas Sully, the artist, who was
then living in that city and who had taken a deep interest in the naturalist
since their meeting in 1824, wrote in November, 1827, and told him what
had occurred. Since Audubon's reply was practically the only answer which
he ever made to attacks of this sort, and since his friend was given
permission to make such use of it as he saw fit, we shall reproduce this
letter nearly entire.[55] In writing to his wife on the same day Audubon said:
"Now my Lucy, I am going to answer Sully's letter; it is no difficult task, so
far as truth be connected with my answer, but as regards my feelings it is
perhaps the severest one I have had to encounter for many years."
Audubon to Thomas Sully
Liverpool, Decr 22, 1837.
My dear Mr. Sully:—
I received from your truly friendly letter of the 7th. of November
the long wished for intelligence that you and your family were well. I
am not much astonished that in Philadelphia, remarks such as you
allude to, should have been made respecting some papers on the habits
of objects of Natural History, read by me to different institutions in this
country, but I am grieved at it.
supported by a host of judicious friends.
As soon as Audubon became known in England, he was importuned to
contribute to the scientific magazines, and in response to this demand wrote
five articles, which were published in Edinburgh and London in 1827.
Some of these papers, which dealt with the habits of the Turkey Vulture, the
Alligator, the Carrion Crow or Black Vulture, the Wild Pigeon, and the
Rattlesnake,[54] were roundly scored in the Philadelphia press, and Audubon
was called a romancer of the first order. Thomas Sully, the artist, who was
then living in that city and who had taken a deep interest in the naturalist
since their meeting in 1824, wrote in November, 1827, and told him what
had occurred. Since Audubon's reply was practically the only answer which
he ever made to attacks of this sort, and since his friend was given
permission to make such use of it as he saw fit, we shall reproduce this
letter nearly entire.[55] In writing to his wife on the same day Audubon said:
"Now my Lucy, I am going to answer Sully's letter; it is no difficult task, so
far as truth be connected with my answer, but as regards my feelings it is
perhaps the severest one I have had to encounter for many years."
Audubon to Thomas Sully
Liverpool, Decr 22, 1837.
My dear Mr. Sully:—
I received from your truly friendly letter of the 7th. of November
the long wished for intelligence that you and your family were well. I
am not much astonished that in Philadelphia, remarks such as you
allude to, should have been made respecting some papers on the habits
of objects of Natural History, read by me to different institutions in this
country, but I am grieved at it.
Page 103
The greatest portion of my life has been devotedly spent in the
active investigation of Nature, her beauties & her objects in granting to
different individuals, classes, or species, such privileges as best suit
their form, situation, or habits. This arduous task I have followed with
unremitting diligence, and with a degree of industry that has caused to
my family and to myself more troubles than any person in Philadelphia
can be aware of. For more than 20 years I have been in the regular
habit of writing down every day all the incidents of which I have been
an eye-witness, on the spot, & without confiding to my memory, as
many travellers have done and still do. You have read some portion of
this journal, and have also been an eye-witness of many of the
occurrences, and to this I now owe the gratification of possessing your
esteem, but, My dear Mr. Sully, you are not the only evidence. Mr.
Joseph Mason, who is now, I believe, an artist in your city,
accompanied me on a hunting excursion, beginning at Cincinati, and
ending in the State of Louisiana, which lasted 18 months. He drew
with me; he was my daily companion, and we both rolled ourselves
together on bufaloe robes at night. James Cummings, Esq., past
captain, the author of a treatise on the navigation of the rivers Ohio
and Mississippi, was one of the party, and he saw me write in my
Journal, and read it frequently. Every member of my family has seen
the whole of those Diaries and could readily assert the truth of the
whole of their contents, to many of which they were party, present and
acting.
The papers alluded to in your estimable letter, are merely copies
from those journals; they were transcribed in Edinburgh, and the style
corrected by patrons, who saw the originals, nearly worn out by time
and the casual dampness, which journals like mine must often be
exposed to. I read these papers to the different societies, of which I
have the honor to be a member, and read them with a sensation of
pleasure that nothing but a full persuasion of their truth could bestow.
active investigation of Nature, her beauties & her objects in granting to
different individuals, classes, or species, such privileges as best suit
their form, situation, or habits. This arduous task I have followed with
unremitting diligence, and with a degree of industry that has caused to
my family and to myself more troubles than any person in Philadelphia
can be aware of. For more than 20 years I have been in the regular
habit of writing down every day all the incidents of which I have been
an eye-witness, on the spot, & without confiding to my memory, as
many travellers have done and still do. You have read some portion of
this journal, and have also been an eye-witness of many of the
occurrences, and to this I now owe the gratification of possessing your
esteem, but, My dear Mr. Sully, you are not the only evidence. Mr.
Joseph Mason, who is now, I believe, an artist in your city,
accompanied me on a hunting excursion, beginning at Cincinati, and
ending in the State of Louisiana, which lasted 18 months. He drew
with me; he was my daily companion, and we both rolled ourselves
together on bufaloe robes at night. James Cummings, Esq., past
captain, the author of a treatise on the navigation of the rivers Ohio
and Mississippi, was one of the party, and he saw me write in my
Journal, and read it frequently. Every member of my family has seen
the whole of those Diaries and could readily assert the truth of the
whole of their contents, to many of which they were party, present and
acting.
The papers alluded to in your estimable letter, are merely copies
from those journals; they were transcribed in Edinburgh, and the style
corrected by patrons, who saw the originals, nearly worn out by time
and the casual dampness, which journals like mine must often be
exposed to. I read these papers to the different societies, of which I
have the honor to be a member, and read them with a sensation of
pleasure that nothing but a full persuasion of their truth could bestow.
Page 104
Those persons in Philadelphia that have felt a desire to contradict
my assertions cannot, without lowering themselves very much indeed
affect to conceive that the members of the Wernerian Society would
have listened to my "say so," without investigating the subject, even if
they had not been well versed in the habits of the objects I treated of.
Neither can they believe that all my acquaintance and particular
friends would permit me to proceed in relating Tales of Wonder, which
if untrue, would load me with disgrace, ruin my family, nay, prove me
devoid of all honor! Could I suffer myself to be so blinded at the very
moment when I am engaged in the publication of a work of unparalled
magnitude, of which the greatest naturalists and best judges both in
America and in Europe have given the fullest praise and firmest
support, & from which my very means of pecuniary comfort are to be
drawn? It would certainly be highly unfair to conceive & assert that at
the time whilst I was portraying individuals, animal and vegetable, I
should have rambled so wide and so far from facts in a portion of
science so intimately connected with & necessary to the support of
those delineations, as well as to the general standing of my reputation!
Mere interest would suggest a very contrary line of conduct, and I
hope I am not so devoid of common sense as to lose sight of all that
can render life desirable in this world or the world hereafter.
No, my dear Mr. Sully, I have written with care what I have seen,
and have felt a great desire to spread the knowledge I have obtained in
the great field of Science for the benefit of the world at large, and I rest
content with this motto: "Le temps découvrira la vérité." To whom
then, my dear Mr. Sully, can I ascribe the birth of the animadversions
expressed in the papers of Philadelphia! Is their author one [who]
comes avowedly forward with a life spent in the woods, loaded with
facts differing in every respect from mine, one who like me can bring
forth vouchers, and who can by respectable witnesses support what he
says? Or, is he one, who, writing at random and without any
knowledge of his subject, merely wishes to push himself into notice by
my assertions cannot, without lowering themselves very much indeed
affect to conceive that the members of the Wernerian Society would
have listened to my "say so," without investigating the subject, even if
they had not been well versed in the habits of the objects I treated of.
Neither can they believe that all my acquaintance and particular
friends would permit me to proceed in relating Tales of Wonder, which
if untrue, would load me with disgrace, ruin my family, nay, prove me
devoid of all honor! Could I suffer myself to be so blinded at the very
moment when I am engaged in the publication of a work of unparalled
magnitude, of which the greatest naturalists and best judges both in
America and in Europe have given the fullest praise and firmest
support, & from which my very means of pecuniary comfort are to be
drawn? It would certainly be highly unfair to conceive & assert that at
the time whilst I was portraying individuals, animal and vegetable, I
should have rambled so wide and so far from facts in a portion of
science so intimately connected with & necessary to the support of
those delineations, as well as to the general standing of my reputation!
Mere interest would suggest a very contrary line of conduct, and I
hope I am not so devoid of common sense as to lose sight of all that
can render life desirable in this world or the world hereafter.
No, my dear Mr. Sully, I have written with care what I have seen,
and have felt a great desire to spread the knowledge I have obtained in
the great field of Science for the benefit of the world at large, and I rest
content with this motto: "Le temps découvrira la vérité." To whom
then, my dear Mr. Sully, can I ascribe the birth of the animadversions
expressed in the papers of Philadelphia! Is their author one [who]
comes avowedly forward with a life spent in the woods, loaded with
facts differing in every respect from mine, one who like me can bring
forth vouchers, and who can by respectable witnesses support what he
says? Or, is he one, who, writing at random and without any
knowledge of his subject, merely wishes to push himself into notice by
Page 105
a blunt denial of my veracity, and would edify & please some of his
friends, at the price of my reputation. I think, my dear Mr. Sully, the
latter much more applicable, and must belong to the author of the
report current in your city.
I have not read any of the Philadelphia papers since I came to
England, and do not know the tone of the attacks upon me, but judging
from your friendly letter, I feel assured that the pen that traced them
must have been dipped in venom more noxious than that which flows
from the jaws of the rattlesnake!
To you, my dear Friend, I solemly affirm that however unnatural
my observations may appear, they are all facts, without a word of
exaggeration. My fate in this instance differs not from that of many
others, but believe me, will differ widely from that of the illustrious
Bruce; those attacks will not make me die of sorrow!
With this, my dear Friend, I will close the subject, giving you
meanwhile full liberty to use this letter in any manner that may best
suit your feelings, and I will now pass on to other things.
My success in the mother country continues to augment apace. I
have many most valuable friends and patrons, and discovered soon
after my landing that Science has no particular country. The 5th.
number of my work is now published, & completes my labor for 1827.
During my progress I have often received letters from highly
distinguished characters, expressive of the highest approbation, & I
hope by regular industry to be able to go on with the performance,
with credit to myself & benefit to my family.
I shall leave this town for London in a few days, when I will
convey your wishes to Robert Sully, & [when] there I hope to see the
picture which you have sent to the Marquis of Wellesley....
friends, at the price of my reputation. I think, my dear Mr. Sully, the
latter much more applicable, and must belong to the author of the
report current in your city.
I have not read any of the Philadelphia papers since I came to
England, and do not know the tone of the attacks upon me, but judging
from your friendly letter, I feel assured that the pen that traced them
must have been dipped in venom more noxious than that which flows
from the jaws of the rattlesnake!
To you, my dear Friend, I solemly affirm that however unnatural
my observations may appear, they are all facts, without a word of
exaggeration. My fate in this instance differs not from that of many
others, but believe me, will differ widely from that of the illustrious
Bruce; those attacks will not make me die of sorrow!
With this, my dear Friend, I will close the subject, giving you
meanwhile full liberty to use this letter in any manner that may best
suit your feelings, and I will now pass on to other things.
My success in the mother country continues to augment apace. I
have many most valuable friends and patrons, and discovered soon
after my landing that Science has no particular country. The 5th.
number of my work is now published, & completes my labor for 1827.
During my progress I have often received letters from highly
distinguished characters, expressive of the highest approbation, & I
hope by regular industry to be able to go on with the performance,
with credit to myself & benefit to my family.
I shall leave this town for London in a few days, when I will
convey your wishes to Robert Sully, & [when] there I hope to see the
picture which you have sent to the Marquis of Wellesley....
Page 106
The attack referred to in the letter just quoted was called forth by
Audubon's unfortunate paper on the Rattlesnake,[56] which was read before
the Wernerian Society of Edinburgh in the winter of 1827 and published by
Robert Jameson in the New Philosophical Journal in April of that year. The
controversy then started was long and bitter, while the merits of neither side
were ever fully established; in the history which follows we shall see that
the naturalist was, on the whole, more sinned against than sinning.
In July, 1828, Dr. Thomas P. Jones[57] appropriated Audubon's
Rattlesnake article, and published it without acknowledgment in the
Franklin Journal and American Mechanics' Magazine at Philadelphia. It
should be noticed that at the close of 1827 Audubon's famous plate of the
Mocking Birds defending their nest against the sinister designs of this
formidable reptile had also been published in London. In this remarkable
picture the rattlesnake was represented coiled about the nest, at the fatal
moment when ready to strike its bold defenders, and in a tree. The anomaly
was apparent, for the climbing habits of rattlesnakes were not then
generally understood. This circumstance, together with some of Audubon's
notes, repeated in certain cases from stories current in rural communities,
furnished his detractors with a powerful lever, which they seized with
avidity; snakes coiled in trees seemed suddenly to have produced a brood of
another order which lurked in the grass, and it was many years before
Audubon heard the last of his snake stories. The attack in the American
press was laid to the door of George Ord, and it was not long before it was
renewed with great vigor by his friend and correspondent in England,
Charles Waterton, who proclaimed Audubon as a new and greater
Münchhausen.[58]
Audubon's unfortunate paper on the Rattlesnake,[56] which was read before
the Wernerian Society of Edinburgh in the winter of 1827 and published by
Robert Jameson in the New Philosophical Journal in April of that year. The
controversy then started was long and bitter, while the merits of neither side
were ever fully established; in the history which follows we shall see that
the naturalist was, on the whole, more sinned against than sinning.
In July, 1828, Dr. Thomas P. Jones[57] appropriated Audubon's
Rattlesnake article, and published it without acknowledgment in the
Franklin Journal and American Mechanics' Magazine at Philadelphia. It
should be noticed that at the close of 1827 Audubon's famous plate of the
Mocking Birds defending their nest against the sinister designs of this
formidable reptile had also been published in London. In this remarkable
picture the rattlesnake was represented coiled about the nest, at the fatal
moment when ready to strike its bold defenders, and in a tree. The anomaly
was apparent, for the climbing habits of rattlesnakes were not then
generally understood. This circumstance, together with some of Audubon's
notes, repeated in certain cases from stories current in rural communities,
furnished his detractors with a powerful lever, which they seized with
avidity; snakes coiled in trees seemed suddenly to have produced a brood of
another order which lurked in the grass, and it was many years before
Audubon heard the last of his snake stories. The attack in the American
press was laid to the door of George Ord, and it was not long before it was
renewed with great vigor by his friend and correspondent in England,
Charles Waterton, who proclaimed Audubon as a new and greater
Münchhausen.[58]
Page 107
JOHN BACHMAN GEORGE ORD
SAMUEL LATHAM CHARLES WATERTON
MITCHELL
BACHMAN FROM C. L. BACHMAN, "JOHN BACHMAN, D.D., LL.D."; ORD
FROM "CASSINIA" FOR 1908; MITCHELL AFTER AN ENGRAVING BY
GAMBER AND DICK OF A PORTRAIT BY HENRY INMAN; WATERTON FROM
MOORE'S EDITION OF WATERTON'S "ESSAYS."
Dr. Jones immediately repudiated the article which he had
unceremoniously appropriated, and under the title of "The Romance of the
Rattlesnake" inserted the following notice in the August number of his
magazine:[59]
SAMUEL LATHAM CHARLES WATERTON
MITCHELL
BACHMAN FROM C. L. BACHMAN, "JOHN BACHMAN, D.D., LL.D."; ORD
FROM "CASSINIA" FOR 1908; MITCHELL AFTER AN ENGRAVING BY
GAMBER AND DICK OF A PORTRAIT BY HENRY INMAN; WATERTON FROM
MOORE'S EDITION OF WATERTON'S "ESSAYS."
Dr. Jones immediately repudiated the article which he had
unceremoniously appropriated, and under the title of "The Romance of the
Rattlesnake" inserted the following notice in the August number of his
magazine:[59]
Page 108
Just as the Editor was leaving Philadelphia for Washington, he was
pressed for "more copy" by his printer, and hastily marked some
articles for insertion, among which were "Notes on the Rattlesnake,"
by John James Audubon, F.R.S.E., M.W.S., &c. Time did not admit of
reading the article, but it was seen that the writer professed to offer the
"fruits of many years' observation, in countries where snakes abound."
This with his titles, and the bold and splendid assurances which we had
seen respecting the publication of his works, served as a password to
his tissues of falsehoods, which would have been expunged from the
proof, but for absence from the press.
We had determined to publish a notice like the foregoing, when
we received a note from a scientific friend, whose remarks are, at once,
so pointed and correct, and so fully express our own ideas upon the
subject, that we gladly adopt and insert them.
It is a tissue of the grossest falsehoods ever attempted to be
palmed upon the credulity of mankind, and it is a pity that any thing
like countenance should be given to it, by reproducing it in a
respectable Journal. The romances of Audubon rival those of
Münchausen, Mandeville, or even Mendez de Pinto, in the total want
of truth, however short they may fall of them in the amusement they
afford.
This was rather a stiff charge to be made flatly against the reputation of
any one without the most careful investigation, even upon the authority of
"a scientific friend." Let us see, then, what basis, if any, really existed for
such sweeping charges. In the paper which caused the trouble Audubon had
described in great detail how he had seen a large rattlesnake pursue,
capture, kill by constriction, and devour a gray squirrel. Before quoting his
description of this singular encounter, we shall recall a passage which
Audubon wrote in his journal at the time when it occurred,[60] when he was
at "Oakley," the plantation of James Pirrie at St. Francisville, Bayou Sara, in
the summer of 1821: "August 25. Finished drawing a very fine specimen of
pressed for "more copy" by his printer, and hastily marked some
articles for insertion, among which were "Notes on the Rattlesnake,"
by John James Audubon, F.R.S.E., M.W.S., &c. Time did not admit of
reading the article, but it was seen that the writer professed to offer the
"fruits of many years' observation, in countries where snakes abound."
This with his titles, and the bold and splendid assurances which we had
seen respecting the publication of his works, served as a password to
his tissues of falsehoods, which would have been expunged from the
proof, but for absence from the press.
We had determined to publish a notice like the foregoing, when
we received a note from a scientific friend, whose remarks are, at once,
so pointed and correct, and so fully express our own ideas upon the
subject, that we gladly adopt and insert them.
It is a tissue of the grossest falsehoods ever attempted to be
palmed upon the credulity of mankind, and it is a pity that any thing
like countenance should be given to it, by reproducing it in a
respectable Journal. The romances of Audubon rival those of
Münchausen, Mandeville, or even Mendez de Pinto, in the total want
of truth, however short they may fall of them in the amusement they
afford.
This was rather a stiff charge to be made flatly against the reputation of
any one without the most careful investigation, even upon the authority of
"a scientific friend." Let us see, then, what basis, if any, really existed for
such sweeping charges. In the paper which caused the trouble Audubon had
described in great detail how he had seen a large rattlesnake pursue,
capture, kill by constriction, and devour a gray squirrel. Before quoting his
description of this singular encounter, we shall recall a passage which
Audubon wrote in his journal at the time when it occurred,[60] when he was
at "Oakley," the plantation of James Pirrie at St. Francisville, Bayou Sara, in
the summer of 1821: "August 25. Finished drawing a very fine specimen of
Page 109
a rattlesnake, which measured five feet and seven inches, weighed six and a
quarter pounds, and had ten rattles. Anxious to give it a position most
interesting to a naturalist, I put it in that which the reptile commonly takes
when on the point of striking madly with its fangs." After describing a
rough dissection which he made of the rattlesnake's dental arsenal and
poison apparatus, he added: "The heat of the weather was such that I could
devote only sixteen hours to the drawing." The drawing thus referred to was
undoubtedly used in the composition of his celebrated plate.
To revert now to a mooted passage in Audubon's published paper:
Rattlesnakes hunt and secure for their prey, with ease, grey
squirrels that abound in our woods; therefore they must be possessed
of swiftness to obtain them. Having enjoyed the pleasure of beholding
such a chase in full view in the year 1821, I shall detail its
circumstances. Whilst lying on the ground to watch the habits of a bird
that was new to me, previous to shooting it, I heard a smart rustling not
far from me, and turning my head that way, saw, at the same moment,
a grey squirrel full grown, issuing from a thicket, and bouncing off in a
straight direction, in leaps of several feet at a time, and, not more than
twenty feet behind, a rattlesnake of ordinary size, pursuing, drawn
apparently out to its full length, and sliding over the ground so rapidly
that, as they both moved away from me, I was at no loss to observe the
snake gain upon the squirrel. The squirrel made for a tree, and
ascended to its topmost branches as nimbly as squirrels are known to
do. The snake performed the same task considerably more slowly, yet
so fast that the squirrel never raised its tail nor barked, but eyed the
enemy attentively as he mounted and approached. When within a few
yards the squirrel leaped to another branch, and the snake followed by
stretching full two-thirds of its body, whilst the remainder held it
securely from falling. Passing thus from branch to branch, with a
rapidity that astonished me, the squirrel went in and out of several
holes, but remained in none, knowing well that, wherever its head
could enter, the body of its antagonist would follow; and, at last, much
quarter pounds, and had ten rattles. Anxious to give it a position most
interesting to a naturalist, I put it in that which the reptile commonly takes
when on the point of striking madly with its fangs." After describing a
rough dissection which he made of the rattlesnake's dental arsenal and
poison apparatus, he added: "The heat of the weather was such that I could
devote only sixteen hours to the drawing." The drawing thus referred to was
undoubtedly used in the composition of his celebrated plate.
To revert now to a mooted passage in Audubon's published paper:
Rattlesnakes hunt and secure for their prey, with ease, grey
squirrels that abound in our woods; therefore they must be possessed
of swiftness to obtain them. Having enjoyed the pleasure of beholding
such a chase in full view in the year 1821, I shall detail its
circumstances. Whilst lying on the ground to watch the habits of a bird
that was new to me, previous to shooting it, I heard a smart rustling not
far from me, and turning my head that way, saw, at the same moment,
a grey squirrel full grown, issuing from a thicket, and bouncing off in a
straight direction, in leaps of several feet at a time, and, not more than
twenty feet behind, a rattlesnake of ordinary size, pursuing, drawn
apparently out to its full length, and sliding over the ground so rapidly
that, as they both moved away from me, I was at no loss to observe the
snake gain upon the squirrel. The squirrel made for a tree, and
ascended to its topmost branches as nimbly as squirrels are known to
do. The snake performed the same task considerably more slowly, yet
so fast that the squirrel never raised its tail nor barked, but eyed the
enemy attentively as he mounted and approached. When within a few
yards the squirrel leaped to another branch, and the snake followed by
stretching full two-thirds of its body, whilst the remainder held it
securely from falling. Passing thus from branch to branch, with a
rapidity that astonished me, the squirrel went in and out of several
holes, but remained in none, knowing well that, wherever its head
could enter, the body of its antagonist would follow; and, at last, much
Page 110
exhausted and terrified, took a desperate leap, and came to the earth
with legs and tail spread to the utmost to ease the fall. That instant the
snake dropt also, and was within a few yards of the squirrel before it
began making off. The chase on land again took place, and ere the
squirrel could reach another tree, the snake had seized it by the back
near the occiput, and soon rolled itself about it in such a way that,
although I heard the cries of the victim, I scarcely saw any portion of
its body. So full of its ultimate object was the snake, that it paid no
attention to me, and I approached it to see in what manner it would
dispose of its prey. A few minutes elapsed, and I saw the reptile
loosening gradually and opening its folded coils, until the squirrel was
left entirely disengaged, having been killed by suffocation. The snake
then raised a few inches of its body from the ground, and passed its
head over the dead animal in various ways to assure itself that life had
departed; it then took the end of the squirrel's tail, swallowed it
gradually, bringing first one and then the other of the hind legs parallel
with it, and sucked with difficulty, and for some time, at them and the
rump of the animal, until its jaws became so expanded, that, after this,
it swallowed the whole remaining parts with apparent ease.
Audubon then described the appearance that the snake presently
assumed, which suggested "a rouleau of money, brought from both ends of
a purse towards its centre," and its ineffectual attempts to move off; "when
having cut a twig," he continued, "I went up to it, and tapped it on the head,
which it raised, as well as its tail, and began for the first time to rattle."
Now every careful reader of this remarkable story, provided he is at all
conversant with the habits of snakes, will perceive that it could not possibly
have been invented, for it is strictly and minutely in accord with facts,
except in one important particular; the snake whose behavior Audubon
watched and so accurately described was not the rattlesnake, but the blue
racer or black snake (Bascanion constrictor); substitute "blue racer," for
"rattlesnake," and this record is photographically correct.[61] The black
with legs and tail spread to the utmost to ease the fall. That instant the
snake dropt also, and was within a few yards of the squirrel before it
began making off. The chase on land again took place, and ere the
squirrel could reach another tree, the snake had seized it by the back
near the occiput, and soon rolled itself about it in such a way that,
although I heard the cries of the victim, I scarcely saw any portion of
its body. So full of its ultimate object was the snake, that it paid no
attention to me, and I approached it to see in what manner it would
dispose of its prey. A few minutes elapsed, and I saw the reptile
loosening gradually and opening its folded coils, until the squirrel was
left entirely disengaged, having been killed by suffocation. The snake
then raised a few inches of its body from the ground, and passed its
head over the dead animal in various ways to assure itself that life had
departed; it then took the end of the squirrel's tail, swallowed it
gradually, bringing first one and then the other of the hind legs parallel
with it, and sucked with difficulty, and for some time, at them and the
rump of the animal, until its jaws became so expanded, that, after this,
it swallowed the whole remaining parts with apparent ease.
Audubon then described the appearance that the snake presently
assumed, which suggested "a rouleau of money, brought from both ends of
a purse towards its centre," and its ineffectual attempts to move off; "when
having cut a twig," he continued, "I went up to it, and tapped it on the head,
which it raised, as well as its tail, and began for the first time to rattle."
Now every careful reader of this remarkable story, provided he is at all
conversant with the habits of snakes, will perceive that it could not possibly
have been invented, for it is strictly and minutely in accord with facts,
except in one important particular; the snake whose behavior Audubon
watched and so accurately described was not the rattlesnake, but the blue
racer or black snake (Bascanion constrictor); substitute "blue racer," for
"rattlesnake," and this record is photographically correct.[61] The black
Page 111
snake does all the things which are here so minutely described—pursuing
its prey with astounding agility, constricting about it as a prelude to
swallowing it, ascending trees readily, coiling when brought to bay as if
about to strike, and even vibrating the tip of its tail on the ground or leaves,
as if in emulation of the genuine rattler, a kind of behavior which was
looked upon by Darwin as a case of protective mimicry. No one could have
known the rattlesnake better than Audubon from his constant encounters
with it in the field; he made drawings of it, dissected its poison apparatus,
and had kept it for months in confinement in order to study its habits; but by
some curious twist of his notes or his memory, or led astray by the record
made of the rattling habit, the species became confused in his published
account. His error was gross and he paid dearly for it, but it certainly does
not prove him to be the king of nature fakirs.
Audubon's critics were probably right in affirming that the rattlesnake
never ascends trees for the purpose of destroying birds, but some overshot
the mark by denying that the reptile was able to climb at all. Nor could it
have been said with greater justice that the brilliant but sluggish coral snake
(Elaps fulvius), which Audubon had also placed in a tree,[62] really never
aspires to this distinction. When the snake controversy was waxing warm in
America, a number of Audubon's friends, including Colonel John J.
Abert[63] and Richard C. Taylor,[64] investigated the question and proved
that the rattlesnake was a ready climber at certain times of the year and
under certain conditions, a fact which is now better known. Mr. Taylor's
party in the course of explorations in the Alleghanies killed forty-one large
rattlesnakes during the month of August on a single ridge bordering the
Lycoming Valley, and in rendering his report, this geologist said: "I have
repeatedly endeavored to verify Mr. Audubon's account of the rattlesnake
ascending trees, which has been confirmed."
We have already referred to Audubon's meeting with Thomas Cooper at
Columbia, South Carolina, in October, 1833. This versatile man, sometime
English lawyer, revolutionist in France, friend of Priestley, judge in the
its prey with astounding agility, constricting about it as a prelude to
swallowing it, ascending trees readily, coiling when brought to bay as if
about to strike, and even vibrating the tip of its tail on the ground or leaves,
as if in emulation of the genuine rattler, a kind of behavior which was
looked upon by Darwin as a case of protective mimicry. No one could have
known the rattlesnake better than Audubon from his constant encounters
with it in the field; he made drawings of it, dissected its poison apparatus,
and had kept it for months in confinement in order to study its habits; but by
some curious twist of his notes or his memory, or led astray by the record
made of the rattling habit, the species became confused in his published
account. His error was gross and he paid dearly for it, but it certainly does
not prove him to be the king of nature fakirs.
Audubon's critics were probably right in affirming that the rattlesnake
never ascends trees for the purpose of destroying birds, but some overshot
the mark by denying that the reptile was able to climb at all. Nor could it
have been said with greater justice that the brilliant but sluggish coral snake
(Elaps fulvius), which Audubon had also placed in a tree,[62] really never
aspires to this distinction. When the snake controversy was waxing warm in
America, a number of Audubon's friends, including Colonel John J.
Abert[63] and Richard C. Taylor,[64] investigated the question and proved
that the rattlesnake was a ready climber at certain times of the year and
under certain conditions, a fact which is now better known. Mr. Taylor's
party in the course of explorations in the Alleghanies killed forty-one large
rattlesnakes during the month of August on a single ridge bordering the
Lycoming Valley, and in rendering his report, this geologist said: "I have
repeatedly endeavored to verify Mr. Audubon's account of the rattlesnake
ascending trees, which has been confirmed."
We have already referred to Audubon's meeting with Thomas Cooper at
Columbia, South Carolina, in October, 1833. This versatile man, sometime
English lawyer, revolutionist in France, friend of Priestley, judge in the
Page 112
Court of Common Pleas of Pennsylvania, professor of chemistry in
Dickinson College as well as in the University of Pennsylvania, and at this
time president of South Carolina College at Columbia, was able to confirm
Audubon's account of the climbing habit of the rattlesnake, and probably
wrote this statement at his request:
DR. THOMAS COOPER.
After a contemporary silhouette.
Thomas Cooper to Audubon
Columbia S. Carolina
Octr 21. 1833
Mr Audubon
Dear Sir
Dickinson College as well as in the University of Pennsylvania, and at this
time president of South Carolina College at Columbia, was able to confirm
Audubon's account of the climbing habit of the rattlesnake, and probably
wrote this statement at his request:
DR. THOMAS COOPER.
After a contemporary silhouette.
Thomas Cooper to Audubon
Columbia S. Carolina
Octr 21. 1833
Mr Audubon
Dear Sir
Page 113
About three weeks ago, my son and two of my black servants,
observed a very large rattle snake climbing up the fence that separates
my garden from the road, at my country house. The snake put himself
in the attitude of striking; whereupon one of the men ran for a gun, and
shot the snake on the last rail but one of the fence. The snake was 4.3
long; as thick as my wrist, and had seven rattles.
I am Dear Sir
Your obedient servant
Thomas Cooper
Waterton maintained that Audubon's drawing of the rattlesnake, to
which we have referred, was a monstrosity, "a fabulous Hydra, with its eyes
starting out of their sockets," and a point repeatedly ridiculed was his
representation of the fangs as slightly recurved, or bent up at their tips. Who
had ever heard of such an anomaly? Certainly not the doughty lord of
"Walton Hall," who declared that the fangs of poisonous snakes were
always curved like a scythe, with their points bent downwards. Waterton
prided himself on his knowledge of these reptiles, and certainly was not
lacking in self-confidence. According to his own account, he went eleven
months in the forests of Brazil without shoe or stocking to his foot, and on a
certain occasion in London secured with his hands and removed from its
cage a live rattlesnake; but, like so many sophisticated writers on natural
history, he took to analogy like a duck to water.
Waterton's statement sounds plausible enough, but obviously could be
proved only by extensive observations and comparisons. When Audubon
was proceeding up Galveston Bay to Houston, Texas, in the spring of 1837,
with his son, John, and Edward Harris, they stopped at the plantation of
Colonel James Morgan, near Red Fish Bar. "There, among other rarities,"
said he, "we procured a fine specimen of the climbing rattlesnake with
recurved fangs, which with several others of the same kind, is now in my
observed a very large rattle snake climbing up the fence that separates
my garden from the road, at my country house. The snake put himself
in the attitude of striking; whereupon one of the men ran for a gun, and
shot the snake on the last rail but one of the fence. The snake was 4.3
long; as thick as my wrist, and had seven rattles.
I am Dear Sir
Your obedient servant
Thomas Cooper
Waterton maintained that Audubon's drawing of the rattlesnake, to
which we have referred, was a monstrosity, "a fabulous Hydra, with its eyes
starting out of their sockets," and a point repeatedly ridiculed was his
representation of the fangs as slightly recurved, or bent up at their tips. Who
had ever heard of such an anomaly? Certainly not the doughty lord of
"Walton Hall," who declared that the fangs of poisonous snakes were
always curved like a scythe, with their points bent downwards. Waterton
prided himself on his knowledge of these reptiles, and certainly was not
lacking in self-confidence. According to his own account, he went eleven
months in the forests of Brazil without shoe or stocking to his foot, and on a
certain occasion in London secured with his hands and removed from its
cage a live rattlesnake; but, like so many sophisticated writers on natural
history, he took to analogy like a duck to water.
Waterton's statement sounds plausible enough, but obviously could be
proved only by extensive observations and comparisons. When Audubon
was proceeding up Galveston Bay to Houston, Texas, in the spring of 1837,
with his son, John, and Edward Harris, they stopped at the plantation of
Colonel James Morgan, near Red Fish Bar. "There, among other rarities,"
said he, "we procured a fine specimen of the climbing rattlesnake with
recurved fangs, which with several others of the same kind, is now in my
Page 114
possession."[65] In writing to Thomas M. Brewer, from Charleston, on June
12 of this year, he alluded to this subject as follows: "I must not forget to
say to you that I had the good fortune to procure specimens of my
'Climbing Rattlesnake with DOUBLE recurved fangs' which, I am told, will
prove a new genus! and therefore the Messrs. Ord and Waterton—good
souls!—will be perfectly delighted at the sight of this strange reptile."[66]
Unfortunately a large part of Audubon's collections made upon this
expedition were lost. I have seen no other reference to this extraordinary
peculiarity, and there the matter seems to have rested until the present time.
Audubon's judgment or memory might play him false, but his pencil, in
such a matter, could be relied upon to tell the truth. It is therefore a pleasure
to be able to confirm his accuracy in reference to the serpent's tooth, for the
true representation of which he was roundly abused during his lifetime. The
reader will perceive the point by examining the accompanying photograph,
which represents the skull of a large diamond-backed specimen from
Florida.[67] In the prairie rattlesnake, and probably in some others, the fangs
are sickle-shaped, as Waterton maintained, but upwards of eleven species of
rattlesnakes have been found on the continent of North America, and, true
to Audubon's disputed drawing and account, in this Florida specimen the
fangs are slightly, but very distinctly, bent upwards at their tips! Let nature
writers, inclined to the easy path of analogy, remember the rattlesnake's
fang, for it teaches a salutary lesson.
12 of this year, he alluded to this subject as follows: "I must not forget to
say to you that I had the good fortune to procure specimens of my
'Climbing Rattlesnake with DOUBLE recurved fangs' which, I am told, will
prove a new genus! and therefore the Messrs. Ord and Waterton—good
souls!—will be perfectly delighted at the sight of this strange reptile."[66]
Unfortunately a large part of Audubon's collections made upon this
expedition were lost. I have seen no other reference to this extraordinary
peculiarity, and there the matter seems to have rested until the present time.
Audubon's judgment or memory might play him false, but his pencil, in
such a matter, could be relied upon to tell the truth. It is therefore a pleasure
to be able to confirm his accuracy in reference to the serpent's tooth, for the
true representation of which he was roundly abused during his lifetime. The
reader will perceive the point by examining the accompanying photograph,
which represents the skull of a large diamond-backed specimen from
Florida.[67] In the prairie rattlesnake, and probably in some others, the fangs
are sickle-shaped, as Waterton maintained, but upwards of eleven species of
rattlesnakes have been found on the continent of North America, and, true
to Audubon's disputed drawing and account, in this Florida specimen the
fangs are slightly, but very distinctly, bent upwards at their tips! Let nature
writers, inclined to the easy path of analogy, remember the rattlesnake's
fang, for it teaches a salutary lesson.
Page 115
VINDICATION OF AUDUBON'S REPRESENTATION OF THE
FANGS OF THE SOUTHERN RATTLESNAKE: ABOVE,
DETAIL OF THE "MOCKING BIRDS," PLATE XXI
(UNCOLORED) OF "THE BIRDS OF AMERICA"; BELOW,
THE SKULL OF A RECENT FLORIDA SPECIMEN, SHOWING
THE SAME RECURVATURE OF FANG.
As I have not hesitated to speak of Audubon's real or supposed
mistakes, I will give another and more striking instance of his tardy
vindication. In his plate of the American Swan (No. ccccxi), which was
published in 1838, there is represented a yellow water lily, under the name
of Nymphaea lutea. Since this lily was then quite unknown to botanists, it
was ignored and treated as a fable, or as an extravagant vagary of the
naturalist's imagination, until the summer of 1876, when it was
FANGS OF THE SOUTHERN RATTLESNAKE: ABOVE,
DETAIL OF THE "MOCKING BIRDS," PLATE XXI
(UNCOLORED) OF "THE BIRDS OF AMERICA"; BELOW,
THE SKULL OF A RECENT FLORIDA SPECIMEN, SHOWING
THE SAME RECURVATURE OF FANG.
As I have not hesitated to speak of Audubon's real or supposed
mistakes, I will give another and more striking instance of his tardy
vindication. In his plate of the American Swan (No. ccccxi), which was
published in 1838, there is represented a yellow water lily, under the name
of Nymphaea lutea. Since this lily was then quite unknown to botanists, it
was ignored and treated as a fable, or as an extravagant vagary of the
naturalist's imagination, until the summer of 1876, when it was
Page 116
rediscovered in Florida by Mrs. Mary Treat. Audubon's long lost lily was
then identified and acknowledged by Professor Asa Gray, the botanist, who,
with poetic justice, proposed to rename it after the discredited enthusiast, in
view of the fact that it had been originally discovered and faithfully
depicted by him a generation before.
While the snake controversy was acute in America, another of a purely
academic character, which assumed even wider proportions, was started on
the smelling powers of the vulture. We have already seen a reference to this
in the naturalist's letter to his son, Victor, written at Charleston, where he
was conducting with Bachman a new series of experiments to settle the
question.[68] The idea, commonly accepted, that the scavengers of the
Southern States were possessed of a keenness of scent comparable with that
of a beagle hound, had been vigorously combated by Audubon, who
showed by numerous experiments[69] that they were guided to their prey by
the sense of sight only; thus it was found that they would come readily to
the effigy of a calf or sheep painted on canvas and set up in plain view, or to
a skin stuffed with straw, but failed to detect their quarry when the dead
bodies of these animals were placed on the ground and screened from their
eyes, if only by the thinnest cover, though the carrion was calling loudly to
the nose but a fraction of an inch away. An attack by Waterton,[70] who
hurried to the fray whenever a statement in his jealously guarded
Wanderings was called in question, led to a lively tilt, in which the
advocates of the nose and the eyes were sometimes humorously referred to
as the "Nosarians" and the "Anti-Nosarians," some of the most eminent
anatomists of the day eventually taking part.
Bachman felt keenly the aspersions which were cast upon his friend,
and in the winter of 1833 he undertook with Audubon the series of
experiments to which we have referred. The tests which were then made
supported Audubon's statements in every particular, and the faculty of the
Medical College of South Carolina were invited as a body to witness them;
then identified and acknowledged by Professor Asa Gray, the botanist, who,
with poetic justice, proposed to rename it after the discredited enthusiast, in
view of the fact that it had been originally discovered and faithfully
depicted by him a generation before.
While the snake controversy was acute in America, another of a purely
academic character, which assumed even wider proportions, was started on
the smelling powers of the vulture. We have already seen a reference to this
in the naturalist's letter to his son, Victor, written at Charleston, where he
was conducting with Bachman a new series of experiments to settle the
question.[68] The idea, commonly accepted, that the scavengers of the
Southern States were possessed of a keenness of scent comparable with that
of a beagle hound, had been vigorously combated by Audubon, who
showed by numerous experiments[69] that they were guided to their prey by
the sense of sight only; thus it was found that they would come readily to
the effigy of a calf or sheep painted on canvas and set up in plain view, or to
a skin stuffed with straw, but failed to detect their quarry when the dead
bodies of these animals were placed on the ground and screened from their
eyes, if only by the thinnest cover, though the carrion was calling loudly to
the nose but a fraction of an inch away. An attack by Waterton,[70] who
hurried to the fray whenever a statement in his jealously guarded
Wanderings was called in question, led to a lively tilt, in which the
advocates of the nose and the eyes were sometimes humorously referred to
as the "Nosarians" and the "Anti-Nosarians," some of the most eminent
anatomists of the day eventually taking part.
Bachman felt keenly the aspersions which were cast upon his friend,
and in the winter of 1833 he undertook with Audubon the series of
experiments to which we have referred. The tests which were then made
supported Audubon's statements in every particular, and the faculty of the
Medical College of South Carolina were invited as a body to witness them;
Page 117
this they did willingly, and the following memorial signed by all the
witnesses present was published by Bachman in 1834.[71]
We, the subscribers, having witnessed several of the experiments
made on the habits of the vultures of South Carolina (Cathartes aura
and C. atratus), commonly called the turkey buzzard and the carrion
crow, feel assured that these species respectively are gregarious, the
individuals of each species associating and feeding together; that they
devour fresh as well as putrid food of any kind, and that they are
guided to their food altogether through their sense of sight, and not of
smell.
In a letter written to Ord, on March 4, 1834, Waterton said:
You will see that the Charleston parson [Bachman], Doctors,
Surgeons and Professors are up in arms against me and are determined
to cut off the Vulture's nose. But do not be alarmed for me, I promise
you that I will answer them to your heart's content and tomorrow I
shall send up a paper to Loudon for his May number which will make
your Philosophers appear very small and put Audubon's claim to
literature and ornithology in so clear a light that no one will be in
doubt hereafter.... Audubon's gulled friends and supporters in London
are in the highest spirits and feel sure that I cannot answer the
Charleston letter. By the first of May next their crowing will cease.
When anatomists came to consider the question and found that well
developed olfactory lobes and nerves were present in these birds, they
favored the theory of smell,[72] and Edinger has more recently expressed the
opinion that this consideration renders the possession of an olfactory sense
in such birds highly probable. His contention is weakened, however, by the
fact that granivorous and insectivorous birds also possess true olfactory
nerves, and yet are proved by experiment to have little or no effective sense
of smell. It is a problem for students of behavior to solve, and so far as the
American vultures are concerned, Audubon's and Bachman's experiments, I
witnesses present was published by Bachman in 1834.[71]
We, the subscribers, having witnessed several of the experiments
made on the habits of the vultures of South Carolina (Cathartes aura
and C. atratus), commonly called the turkey buzzard and the carrion
crow, feel assured that these species respectively are gregarious, the
individuals of each species associating and feeding together; that they
devour fresh as well as putrid food of any kind, and that they are
guided to their food altogether through their sense of sight, and not of
smell.
In a letter written to Ord, on March 4, 1834, Waterton said:
You will see that the Charleston parson [Bachman], Doctors,
Surgeons and Professors are up in arms against me and are determined
to cut off the Vulture's nose. But do not be alarmed for me, I promise
you that I will answer them to your heart's content and tomorrow I
shall send up a paper to Loudon for his May number which will make
your Philosophers appear very small and put Audubon's claim to
literature and ornithology in so clear a light that no one will be in
doubt hereafter.... Audubon's gulled friends and supporters in London
are in the highest spirits and feel sure that I cannot answer the
Charleston letter. By the first of May next their crowing will cease.
When anatomists came to consider the question and found that well
developed olfactory lobes and nerves were present in these birds, they
favored the theory of smell,[72] and Edinger has more recently expressed the
opinion that this consideration renders the possession of an olfactory sense
in such birds highly probable. His contention is weakened, however, by the
fact that granivorous and insectivorous birds also possess true olfactory
nerves, and yet are proved by experiment to have little or no effective sense
of smell. It is a problem for students of behavior to solve, and so far as the
American vultures are concerned, Audubon's and Bachman's experiments, I
Page 118
believe, have never been repeated or extended with sufficient care to settle
the question. The little that has been done, however, suggests that while the
vulture in its daily and never ending search for food is mainly guided by its
keen eyes, the nose, possibly, may be a coöperating factor when the wind
and other conditions are favorable.
While critics were driving the pen, Audubon was hard at work in the
field, but his friends did not long remain silent. Favorable notices of his
work, actual or prospective, had appeared in the scientific and literary press
of England, by David Brewster, Robert Jameson, William Swainson, and
"Christopher North" of Blackwood's Magazine. The first American notice
appeared in the American Journal of Science for 1829, and this was
followed by G. W. Featherstonhaugh, the English geologist, in his recently
established but short-lived Monthly American Journal of Geology and
Natural Science, to which we have already referred.[73] A little later the
London Athenæum gave the first of eleven extended articles on Audubon's
work; in reviewing his second volume of letterpress, which appeared in
1834, the writer said: "There is amply sufficient remaining in Audubon's
pages for fully a dozen more notices, were we disposed to follow the
exhausting system. We have admired Audubon's gorgeous drawings, but our
interest in them has been increased a thousand fold, in knowing that they
are the spoils of a life's campaign."[74] Again a series of able articles was
started by a just critic, W. B. O. Peabody, in the North American Review for
April, 1832.[75] Featherstonhaugh deserves credit for having given Audubon
a fair hearing at a critical time, when baiting the American Woodsman was
a popular pastime in certain circles at Philadelphia; in reviewing the
Ornithological Biography in 1832, this plain spokesman gave what he
called "a true history of a conspiracy, got up to utterly break down and ruin
the reputation of one of the most remarkable men America ever produced."
[76]
Audubon's silence under fire of hostile criticism tempted someone in
the capacity of a reporter to call on him in London to obtain, if possible, a
the question. The little that has been done, however, suggests that while the
vulture in its daily and never ending search for food is mainly guided by its
keen eyes, the nose, possibly, may be a coöperating factor when the wind
and other conditions are favorable.
While critics were driving the pen, Audubon was hard at work in the
field, but his friends did not long remain silent. Favorable notices of his
work, actual or prospective, had appeared in the scientific and literary press
of England, by David Brewster, Robert Jameson, William Swainson, and
"Christopher North" of Blackwood's Magazine. The first American notice
appeared in the American Journal of Science for 1829, and this was
followed by G. W. Featherstonhaugh, the English geologist, in his recently
established but short-lived Monthly American Journal of Geology and
Natural Science, to which we have already referred.[73] A little later the
London Athenæum gave the first of eleven extended articles on Audubon's
work; in reviewing his second volume of letterpress, which appeared in
1834, the writer said: "There is amply sufficient remaining in Audubon's
pages for fully a dozen more notices, were we disposed to follow the
exhausting system. We have admired Audubon's gorgeous drawings, but our
interest in them has been increased a thousand fold, in knowing that they
are the spoils of a life's campaign."[74] Again a series of able articles was
started by a just critic, W. B. O. Peabody, in the North American Review for
April, 1832.[75] Featherstonhaugh deserves credit for having given Audubon
a fair hearing at a critical time, when baiting the American Woodsman was
a popular pastime in certain circles at Philadelphia; in reviewing the
Ornithological Biography in 1832, this plain spokesman gave what he
called "a true history of a conspiracy, got up to utterly break down and ruin
the reputation of one of the most remarkable men America ever produced."
[76]
Audubon's silence under fire of hostile criticism tempted someone in
the capacity of a reporter to call on him in London to obtain, if possible, a
Page 119
personal statement, but his lips were then sealed and he would only say:
"Had I wished to invent marvels, I need not have stirred from my garret in
New York or London." However, in writing to Featherstonhaugh from
Bulowville, East Florida, December 31, 1831, Audubon made this
comment:[77]
If I did not believe the day to be gone by when it was necessary to
defend my snake stories, I could send you many curious accounts of
the habits of those reptiles; and I should do it, if it were not that I
might be thought to enjoy—too much that triumph which the feeble
hostility of three or four selfish individuals has forced upon me. I
receive so many acts of real friendship and disinterested kindness, that,
I thank God, there is no room left in my heart to cherish unkind
feelings towards any one. Indeed, I am not now so much surprised at
the incredulity of persons who do not leave cities, for I occasionally
hear of things which even stagger me, who am so often a denizen of
woods and swamps. What do you think of rattlesnakes taking to the
water, and swimming across inlets and rivers? I have not seen this, but
I believe it; since the most respectable individuals assure me they have
frequently been eye-witnesses of this feat. I can conceive of
inducements which reptiles may have for traversing sheets of water to
gain dry land, especially in a country much intersected by streams, and
subject to inundations, which compel them to be often in the water. In
such countries, it is not an uncommon occurrence to find snakes afloat
and at great distances from the shore. This appears, no doubt,
surprising to those who live where there is almost nothing but dry
land; still they ought to be good natured, and believe what others have
seen. It has now been made notorious, that numerous respectable
individuals, whom duty, or the love of adventure, have led into the
woods of our country, have often seen snakes—and the rattlesnake too
—in trees; the good people, therefore, who pass their lives in stores
and counting houses, ought not to contradict these facts, because they
"Had I wished to invent marvels, I need not have stirred from my garret in
New York or London." However, in writing to Featherstonhaugh from
Bulowville, East Florida, December 31, 1831, Audubon made this
comment:[77]
If I did not believe the day to be gone by when it was necessary to
defend my snake stories, I could send you many curious accounts of
the habits of those reptiles; and I should do it, if it were not that I
might be thought to enjoy—too much that triumph which the feeble
hostility of three or four selfish individuals has forced upon me. I
receive so many acts of real friendship and disinterested kindness, that,
I thank God, there is no room left in my heart to cherish unkind
feelings towards any one. Indeed, I am not now so much surprised at
the incredulity of persons who do not leave cities, for I occasionally
hear of things which even stagger me, who am so often a denizen of
woods and swamps. What do you think of rattlesnakes taking to the
water, and swimming across inlets and rivers? I have not seen this, but
I believe it; since the most respectable individuals assure me they have
frequently been eye-witnesses of this feat. I can conceive of
inducements which reptiles may have for traversing sheets of water to
gain dry land, especially in a country much intersected by streams, and
subject to inundations, which compel them to be often in the water. In
such countries, it is not an uncommon occurrence to find snakes afloat
and at great distances from the shore. This appears, no doubt,
surprising to those who live where there is almost nothing but dry
land; still they ought to be good natured, and believe what others have
seen. It has now been made notorious, that numerous respectable
individuals, whom duty, or the love of adventure, have led into the
woods of our country, have often seen snakes—and the rattlesnake too
—in trees; the good people, therefore, who pass their lives in stores
and counting houses, ought not to contradict these facts, because they
Page 120
do not meet with rattlesnakes, hissing and snapping at them from the
paper mulberries, as they go home to their dinners....
Audubon's most persistent heckler was Charles Waterton,[78] who
during two of his most prolific years, 1833 and 1834, published no less than
fourteen lucubrations against the "foreigner," and "stranger" as the
American was called; all were characterized by quizzing interrogatories,
shallow criticism and personal vituperation, for the most part unworthy of
serious consideration. Long noted for his eccentricities, Waterton had little
or no standing among English zoölogists, against many of whom, from time
to time, he issued broadsides or breezy polemics, whenever their statements
cast a shadow on his Wanderings. Some of these accusing articles were
answered by Victor Audubon and other friends of the naturalist, but they
never drew his own fire; probably they benefited him in the end, for when it
appeared that the charges brought against him were in large measure the
work of envious calumniators, a strong current set in his favor on both sides
of the Atlantic.
When Audubon's name was first proposed for membership in the
Academy of Natural Sciences at Philadelphia, it was rejected, according to
report, through the influence of George Ord and a few of his partisans,
while Waterton, who was Mr. Ord's close friend and correspondent,
affirmed that Audubon was rejected by the Society on the strength of
Alexander Wilson's personal diary,[79] a statement which appears to be
utterly incredible.[80]
In 1833, two years after the first volume of Audubon's "Biography of
Birds" had made its appearance, Waterton raised another controversy, in this
instance with ammunition supplied by his friend, George Ord of
Philadelphia. He boldly proclaimed[81] that Audubon was not the author of
the work which bore his name, a charge similar to that which had been
brought to the door of the French ornithologist, Le Vaillant, whose history
resembled Audubon's in many ways. "I request the English reader," said
paper mulberries, as they go home to their dinners....
Audubon's most persistent heckler was Charles Waterton,[78] who
during two of his most prolific years, 1833 and 1834, published no less than
fourteen lucubrations against the "foreigner," and "stranger" as the
American was called; all were characterized by quizzing interrogatories,
shallow criticism and personal vituperation, for the most part unworthy of
serious consideration. Long noted for his eccentricities, Waterton had little
or no standing among English zoölogists, against many of whom, from time
to time, he issued broadsides or breezy polemics, whenever their statements
cast a shadow on his Wanderings. Some of these accusing articles were
answered by Victor Audubon and other friends of the naturalist, but they
never drew his own fire; probably they benefited him in the end, for when it
appeared that the charges brought against him were in large measure the
work of envious calumniators, a strong current set in his favor on both sides
of the Atlantic.
When Audubon's name was first proposed for membership in the
Academy of Natural Sciences at Philadelphia, it was rejected, according to
report, through the influence of George Ord and a few of his partisans,
while Waterton, who was Mr. Ord's close friend and correspondent,
affirmed that Audubon was rejected by the Society on the strength of
Alexander Wilson's personal diary,[79] a statement which appears to be
utterly incredible.[80]
In 1833, two years after the first volume of Audubon's "Biography of
Birds" had made its appearance, Waterton raised another controversy, in this
instance with ammunition supplied by his friend, George Ord of
Philadelphia. He boldly proclaimed[81] that Audubon was not the author of
the work which bore his name, a charge similar to that which had been
brought to the door of the French ornithologist, Le Vaillant, whose history
resembled Audubon's in many ways. "I request the English reader," said
Page 121
Waterton, "to weigh well in his own mind what I have stated, and I flatter
myself that he will agree with me, when I affirm that the correct and elegant
style of composition which appears through the whole of the Biography of
Birds cannot possibly be that of him whose name it bears." Waterton
maintained that, while Audubon's earlier papers were the work of an
illiterate person, his Biography betrayed the hand of a finished scholar from
beginning to end. In a reply to Victor Audubon, written July 6, 1833,[82]
Waterton declared, upon the authority of George Ord, whom he quoted, that
William Swainson had been importuned to write Audubon's work for him,
but declined when Audubon insisted upon his own name being given to the
world as author. This direct accusation called forth an immediate
explanation from Swainson, who said:[83]
In reply to that gentleman (G. Ord, Esq.), regarding the assistance
it was expected I should have given my friend, Mr. Audubon, in the
scientific details of his work, my reply was, that the negotiation had
been broken off from an unwillingness that my name should be printed
on the title-page. I was not asked to write the work, nor did Mr.
Audubon "insist upon his own name being given to the world as the
author" of such parts as he wished me to undertake.... I have read Mr.
Audubon's original manuscripts, and I have read Mr. Waterton's
original manuscripts. I think the English of one is as good as the
English of the other—but here the comparison ends."
The controversy thus started did not reflect much credit on Audubon's
detractors, but reverberations of the charge were heard at a much later day.
Robert Bakewell, the geologist, who was a relative of Mrs. Audubon,
then living at Hampstead, entered this controversy, and in June, 1833,
replied[84] to one of Waterton's fulminations, which he attributed to envy
and jealousy, saying that posterity would regard Audubon as "the most
distinguished ornithologist of the present age."
myself that he will agree with me, when I affirm that the correct and elegant
style of composition which appears through the whole of the Biography of
Birds cannot possibly be that of him whose name it bears." Waterton
maintained that, while Audubon's earlier papers were the work of an
illiterate person, his Biography betrayed the hand of a finished scholar from
beginning to end. In a reply to Victor Audubon, written July 6, 1833,[82]
Waterton declared, upon the authority of George Ord, whom he quoted, that
William Swainson had been importuned to write Audubon's work for him,
but declined when Audubon insisted upon his own name being given to the
world as author. This direct accusation called forth an immediate
explanation from Swainson, who said:[83]
In reply to that gentleman (G. Ord, Esq.), regarding the assistance
it was expected I should have given my friend, Mr. Audubon, in the
scientific details of his work, my reply was, that the negotiation had
been broken off from an unwillingness that my name should be printed
on the title-page. I was not asked to write the work, nor did Mr.
Audubon "insist upon his own name being given to the world as the
author" of such parts as he wished me to undertake.... I have read Mr.
Audubon's original manuscripts, and I have read Mr. Waterton's
original manuscripts. I think the English of one is as good as the
English of the other—but here the comparison ends."
The controversy thus started did not reflect much credit on Audubon's
detractors, but reverberations of the charge were heard at a much later day.
Robert Bakewell, the geologist, who was a relative of Mrs. Audubon,
then living at Hampstead, entered this controversy, and in June, 1833,
replied[84] to one of Waterton's fulminations, which he attributed to envy
and jealousy, saying that posterity would regard Audubon as "the most
distinguished ornithologist of the present age."
Page 122
Charles Waterton began his travels at eighteen, but early settled down
to a life of leisurely independence on his ancestral estate in Yorkshire,
where he studied birds to little purpose and wrote extensively on natural-
history subjects; he is best known for his Wanderings,[85] which has passed
through numerous editions and is still read. From youth Waterton enjoyed
exceptional advantages, and according to one of his biographers, "lived to
extreme old age without having wasted an hour or a shilling." He was the
twenty-seventh "lord of Walton Hall," the manor house of the family, which
stood on an island in a lake; the estate of 260 acres was mainly converted
into a preserve for wild birds. His young wife died in 1829, after having
given birth to a son, and he lived on his paternal acres in semi-retirement
ever after. It was said that Waterton would never don evening clothes or a
black coat, but insisted on wearing a blue frock with gold buttons until an
anxious policeman in the neighboring village of Wakefield persuaded him
to make a change; he told the Reverend J. G. Wood in 1863 that he had
been bled 160 times, mostly by his own hand. When, in his sixty-ninth year,
he had the misfortune to fall from a pear tree and break an elbow joint, the
first remedy tried was the extraction of thirty ounces of blood; shortly after
this a careless servant withdrew a chair as he was seating himself at table,
and thirty more ounces were immediately required. The wage of one of his
laborers is said to have sufficed for his personal needs, and his sleeping
apartment had neither bed, chair, nor carpet; he lay on bare boards, wrapped
in a blanket, with an oaken block for pillow; and he is said to have never
tasted fermented liquor and to have eaten but sparingly of meat. His daily
habit was to retire at eight and rise at three o'clock in the morning, and he
was always dressed by four; an ardent Roman Catholic, he would spend an
hour at devotion in his private chapel; he then read Latin and Spanish
authors, wrote his polemics against Audubon or any others with whom he
came in conflict, and received the reports of his bailiff, all before breakfast,
which was at eight o'clock; the remainder of the day was mostly devoted to
his birds and other animals, to preserve which he surrounded his entire
estate with a high rampart of stone, said to have cost, all told, $50,000.
to a life of leisurely independence on his ancestral estate in Yorkshire,
where he studied birds to little purpose and wrote extensively on natural-
history subjects; he is best known for his Wanderings,[85] which has passed
through numerous editions and is still read. From youth Waterton enjoyed
exceptional advantages, and according to one of his biographers, "lived to
extreme old age without having wasted an hour or a shilling." He was the
twenty-seventh "lord of Walton Hall," the manor house of the family, which
stood on an island in a lake; the estate of 260 acres was mainly converted
into a preserve for wild birds. His young wife died in 1829, after having
given birth to a son, and he lived on his paternal acres in semi-retirement
ever after. It was said that Waterton would never don evening clothes or a
black coat, but insisted on wearing a blue frock with gold buttons until an
anxious policeman in the neighboring village of Wakefield persuaded him
to make a change; he told the Reverend J. G. Wood in 1863 that he had
been bled 160 times, mostly by his own hand. When, in his sixty-ninth year,
he had the misfortune to fall from a pear tree and break an elbow joint, the
first remedy tried was the extraction of thirty ounces of blood; shortly after
this a careless servant withdrew a chair as he was seating himself at table,
and thirty more ounces were immediately required. The wage of one of his
laborers is said to have sufficed for his personal needs, and his sleeping
apartment had neither bed, chair, nor carpet; he lay on bare boards, wrapped
in a blanket, with an oaken block for pillow; and he is said to have never
tasted fermented liquor and to have eaten but sparingly of meat. His daily
habit was to retire at eight and rise at three o'clock in the morning, and he
was always dressed by four; an ardent Roman Catholic, he would spend an
hour at devotion in his private chapel; he then read Latin and Spanish
authors, wrote his polemics against Audubon or any others with whom he
came in conflict, and received the reports of his bailiff, all before breakfast,
which was at eight o'clock; the remainder of the day was mostly devoted to
his birds and other animals, to preserve which he surrounded his entire
estate with a high rampart of stone, said to have cost, all told, $50,000.
Page 123
Though a devout Romanist, as someone has remarked, Waterton never
hesitated to adopt the same mode of reasoning which Hume had employed
in his argument against miracles. Thus he rejected with scorn Edward
Jenner's account of how the young parasitic Cuckoo, when but a day old
and hardly able to stand, turned out of their nest its rightful occupants. This
account, which was generally accepted then, and has been repeatedly
verified and recorded by the camera since, "carries," said Waterton, "its own
condemnation, no matter by whom related, or by whom received." Trusting
to analogy again, he maintained that Audubon's description of the Ruby-
throated Hummingbird gluing bits of lichen to the surface of its nest with
saliva was false, because "the saliva of all birds immediately mixes with
water," and the first shower of rain would immediately undo the work of the
bird. No account was taken of the Chimney Swift, which not only glues
together the twigs of its nest but secures the whole to a support through an
abundant salivary secretion, although this habit had long been known. In the
instance of this hummingbird, however, both Audubon and Waterton were
partly right and partly wrong, as a careful examination of the nests of five
species of hummingbirds, including the Ruby-throat, has clearly shown.[86]
It proved that saliva was only casually used on the surface of the nest, the
lichens in the case referred to being adherent by means of spiders' silk and
fine vegetable fibers of various sorts; the saliva of the Ruby-throat, when
dry, moreover, was found to be practically insoluble in cold water, even
after an immersion of several days; but more interesting than this is the fact
that the nest itself is glued to its supporting twig by a large salivary wafer,
which represents this hummingbird's first step in the work of nest
construction.
Shortly after his arrival at Edinburgh, and before he had published
anything, Audubon wrote in his journal on November 5, 1826: "I returned
home early and found a note from Mr. John Gregg, who came himself later,
bringing me a scrubby letter from Charles Waterton," so it would appear
that the lord of "Walton Hall" had been warned to keep an eye on the
dangerous American, and Waterton's American correspondent was Mr. Ord,
hesitated to adopt the same mode of reasoning which Hume had employed
in his argument against miracles. Thus he rejected with scorn Edward
Jenner's account of how the young parasitic Cuckoo, when but a day old
and hardly able to stand, turned out of their nest its rightful occupants. This
account, which was generally accepted then, and has been repeatedly
verified and recorded by the camera since, "carries," said Waterton, "its own
condemnation, no matter by whom related, or by whom received." Trusting
to analogy again, he maintained that Audubon's description of the Ruby-
throated Hummingbird gluing bits of lichen to the surface of its nest with
saliva was false, because "the saliva of all birds immediately mixes with
water," and the first shower of rain would immediately undo the work of the
bird. No account was taken of the Chimney Swift, which not only glues
together the twigs of its nest but secures the whole to a support through an
abundant salivary secretion, although this habit had long been known. In the
instance of this hummingbird, however, both Audubon and Waterton were
partly right and partly wrong, as a careful examination of the nests of five
species of hummingbirds, including the Ruby-throat, has clearly shown.[86]
It proved that saliva was only casually used on the surface of the nest, the
lichens in the case referred to being adherent by means of spiders' silk and
fine vegetable fibers of various sorts; the saliva of the Ruby-throat, when
dry, moreover, was found to be practically insoluble in cold water, even
after an immersion of several days; but more interesting than this is the fact
that the nest itself is glued to its supporting twig by a large salivary wafer,
which represents this hummingbird's first step in the work of nest
construction.
Shortly after his arrival at Edinburgh, and before he had published
anything, Audubon wrote in his journal on November 5, 1826: "I returned
home early and found a note from Mr. John Gregg, who came himself later,
bringing me a scrubby letter from Charles Waterton," so it would appear
that the lord of "Walton Hall" had been warned to keep an eye on the
dangerous American, and Waterton's American correspondent was Mr. Ord,
Page 124
of Philadelphia. Later on Waterton wrote to Swainson an extraordinary
letter of some four thousand words,[87] afterwards published in his Essays
on Natural History, which for petty vanity and personal animosity has
seldom been surpassed, but with this effort his ammunition seems to have
been exhausted.
Charles Waterton, who lived to his eighty-third year, and who wrote
nineteen polemics against Audubon and his friends, was probably sincere in
his attacks upon the American Woodsman, whom he seems to have
regarded as a dangerous charlatan. Waterton was a curious compound of
fearless independence, kindness, credulity, pedantry, vanity, and
intolerance. He should be given credit, however, for having done much to
spread abroad a love of natural history and for his attitude towards an
artificial system of classification, then much in vogue, which, though only
an amateur, he had the good sense to reject.
letter of some four thousand words,[87] afterwards published in his Essays
on Natural History, which for petty vanity and personal animosity has
seldom been surpassed, but with this effort his ammunition seems to have
been exhausted.
Charles Waterton, who lived to his eighty-third year, and who wrote
nineteen polemics against Audubon and his friends, was probably sincere in
his attacks upon the American Woodsman, whom he seems to have
regarded as a dangerous charlatan. Waterton was a curious compound of
fearless independence, kindness, credulity, pedantry, vanity, and
intolerance. He should be given credit, however, for having done much to
spread abroad a love of natural history and for his attitude towards an
artificial system of classification, then much in vogue, which, though only
an amateur, he had the good sense to reject.
Page 125
Page 126
CHAPTER XXIX
SIDELIGHTS ON AUDUBON AND HIS
CONTEMPORARIES
What was a Quinarian?—Controversy over the authorship of the Ornithological Biography—
Audubon's quaint proposal—Swainson's reply—Friendship suffers a check—Species-mongers—
Hitting at one over the shoulders of another—Swainson as a biographer—His career—Bonaparte's
grievance—A fortune in ornithology—Labors of John Gould and his relations with Audubon—The
freemasonry of naturalists.
Few, probably, ever attain marked success in their chosen field without
exciting jealous rivalry or misrepresentation on the part of some of their
contemporaries. Audubon was no exception to the rule, but in this respect
he has been subject to so much misunderstanding that the reader is entitled
to know the truth, whenever it can be ascertained. An instance of this sort
was furnished by the English naturalist, William Swainson, whose relations
with Audubon have been touched upon in earlier chapters.
In April, 1828, Swainson published an eulogistic account of some of
Audubon's plates, and shortly after they became good friends, as their
familiar letters already reproduced amply testify;[88] in the autumn of that
year, as we have related, they visited Paris together, and they kept up a
correspondence for a number of years. At this time Swainson was known as
a systematic zoölogist of merit and an excellent draughtsman, having
published a series of "Zoölogical Illustrations" that seem to have been well
received. Moreover, as early as 1824, he had adopted the notorious
"Circular System" of the classification of animals, and at this time was its
SIDELIGHTS ON AUDUBON AND HIS
CONTEMPORARIES
What was a Quinarian?—Controversy over the authorship of the Ornithological Biography—
Audubon's quaint proposal—Swainson's reply—Friendship suffers a check—Species-mongers—
Hitting at one over the shoulders of another—Swainson as a biographer—His career—Bonaparte's
grievance—A fortune in ornithology—Labors of John Gould and his relations with Audubon—The
freemasonry of naturalists.
Few, probably, ever attain marked success in their chosen field without
exciting jealous rivalry or misrepresentation on the part of some of their
contemporaries. Audubon was no exception to the rule, but in this respect
he has been subject to so much misunderstanding that the reader is entitled
to know the truth, whenever it can be ascertained. An instance of this sort
was furnished by the English naturalist, William Swainson, whose relations
with Audubon have been touched upon in earlier chapters.
In April, 1828, Swainson published an eulogistic account of some of
Audubon's plates, and shortly after they became good friends, as their
familiar letters already reproduced amply testify;[88] in the autumn of that
year, as we have related, they visited Paris together, and they kept up a
correspondence for a number of years. At this time Swainson was known as
a systematic zoölogist of merit and an excellent draughtsman, having
published a series of "Zoölogical Illustrations" that seem to have been well
received. Moreover, as early as 1824, he had adopted the notorious
"Circular System" of the classification of animals, and at this time was its
Page 127
most zealous advocate in England. The tenets of this curious doctrine, often
called "Quinarianism" from the recurrence of the number 5, was confused
in a mystical jargon which conveys little meaning to a reader of today; it
was derived from William Sharp MacLeay, who had advocated a similar
system in his Horae Entomologicae, published in 1821. According to
Swainson's creed, "all things that have life have been created upon one plan,
and this plan is founded on the principle of a series of affinities returning
into themselves; which can only be represented by a circle." "This sublime
discovery," which, as Swainson thought, was sufficient "to immortalize a
name," was duly attributed to his "illustrious countryman."[89]
In the summer of 1830, when Audubon was ready to prepare the
letterpress of his mammoth plates and needed assistance in its technical
details, he applied to his friend Swainson, who, as we have seen, was then
living at a farmstead in the Hertfordshire country, not far from St. Albans.
[90]
Some of the letters which passed between the two naturalists after the
return of the former to England, in the spring of that year, will now be
given, without amelioration or change of any sort. It should be remembered
that Swainson at this time was in an overwrought state, since he was
dependent mainly upon his scientific writings for the support of a family of
five children, oppressed by pecuniary difficulties, and, no doubt, irritated by
lack of success and the rebuffs which a leading part in the Quinarian
movement was certain to entail. Audubon's letter[91] which follows served
to answer that of Swainson, bearing date of January 30, 1830,[92] had been
received in America but too late for the fulfillment of its commissions.
References to Audubon's "book," which unfortunately proved a stumbling
block in the path of friendship, are noticed here and in Swainson's reply for
the first time.
Audubon to William Swainson
London, May 5th 1830.
called "Quinarianism" from the recurrence of the number 5, was confused
in a mystical jargon which conveys little meaning to a reader of today; it
was derived from William Sharp MacLeay, who had advocated a similar
system in his Horae Entomologicae, published in 1821. According to
Swainson's creed, "all things that have life have been created upon one plan,
and this plan is founded on the principle of a series of affinities returning
into themselves; which can only be represented by a circle." "This sublime
discovery," which, as Swainson thought, was sufficient "to immortalize a
name," was duly attributed to his "illustrious countryman."[89]
In the summer of 1830, when Audubon was ready to prepare the
letterpress of his mammoth plates and needed assistance in its technical
details, he applied to his friend Swainson, who, as we have seen, was then
living at a farmstead in the Hertfordshire country, not far from St. Albans.
[90]
Some of the letters which passed between the two naturalists after the
return of the former to England, in the spring of that year, will now be
given, without amelioration or change of any sort. It should be remembered
that Swainson at this time was in an overwrought state, since he was
dependent mainly upon his scientific writings for the support of a family of
five children, oppressed by pecuniary difficulties, and, no doubt, irritated by
lack of success and the rebuffs which a leading part in the Quinarian
movement was certain to entail. Audubon's letter[91] which follows served
to answer that of Swainson, bearing date of January 30, 1830,[92] had been
received in America but too late for the fulfillment of its commissions.
References to Audubon's "book," which unfortunately proved a stumbling
block in the path of friendship, are noticed here and in Swainson's reply for
the first time.
Audubon to William Swainson
London, May 5th 1830.
Page 128
My Dear Mr. Swainson,
You may be assured that nothing but an over [word
undecipherable] or [another similar word] has stopt me from writing
to you sooner, Yet I would have had the pleasure of announcing you
my return to good old England had I not been informed by Mr. Havell
that you we apraised of it when last in town & that more over you were
quite well.—I hope that your kind wife and children are equally so and
happy.—I brought my good wife with me to Liverpool where she is for
a while with her sister Mrs. Gordon & the family Rathbourn. We had a
rough voyage of 25 days & glad to be back on this hospitable shore. I
am sorry to say that your last letter to me (I presume) did not reach me
in time to enable me to procure either squirrels or birds for you.—I
have indeed brought about 150 birds and some of them good singers
and beautifull but all are on Double Elephant Paper—they may and I
hope they will please your eyes, when I have the satisfaction to shake
you by the hand the first time you come to town.—I called on Mr. Lea
at Philadelphia, but he told me that you had countermanded your
wishes to me & has given me a memorandum to that effect—Mr.
Gilpin on whom I also called told me that your travelling boxes had
forwardd. I saw Mr. Ward at New York he is doing extremely well if
what he told me is true. I saw M. le Comte also.—I have just taken the
Reins of my Mammoth Publication which by the way I am glad to find
in a good way of process or progress. I am greatly indebted to Mr.
Children and grateful to him—Havell has done his part I think well
and now I will set about procuring subscriptions with new ardour. Now
in return of this packet of information I am very desirous to know what
you are engaged at present in the way of science; I feel as if I had a
world of talk for you.—Bonaparte's 4th volume is printing have you
seen the third? I have it at Liverpool by this time.—I wrote to the
author this morning.—I am well pleased with my voyage I think it will
be of material advantage to my work my health & my comfort—We
have left our two sons quite well and doing well at the Falls of the
You may be assured that nothing but an over [word
undecipherable] or [another similar word] has stopt me from writing
to you sooner, Yet I would have had the pleasure of announcing you
my return to good old England had I not been informed by Mr. Havell
that you we apraised of it when last in town & that more over you were
quite well.—I hope that your kind wife and children are equally so and
happy.—I brought my good wife with me to Liverpool where she is for
a while with her sister Mrs. Gordon & the family Rathbourn. We had a
rough voyage of 25 days & glad to be back on this hospitable shore. I
am sorry to say that your last letter to me (I presume) did not reach me
in time to enable me to procure either squirrels or birds for you.—I
have indeed brought about 150 birds and some of them good singers
and beautifull but all are on Double Elephant Paper—they may and I
hope they will please your eyes, when I have the satisfaction to shake
you by the hand the first time you come to town.—I called on Mr. Lea
at Philadelphia, but he told me that you had countermanded your
wishes to me & has given me a memorandum to that effect—Mr.
Gilpin on whom I also called told me that your travelling boxes had
forwardd. I saw Mr. Ward at New York he is doing extremely well if
what he told me is true. I saw M. le Comte also.—I have just taken the
Reins of my Mammoth Publication which by the way I am glad to find
in a good way of process or progress. I am greatly indebted to Mr.
Children and grateful to him—Havell has done his part I think well
and now I will set about procuring subscriptions with new ardour. Now
in return of this packet of information I am very desirous to know what
you are engaged at present in the way of science; I feel as if I had a
world of talk for you.—Bonaparte's 4th volume is printing have you
seen the third? I have it at Liverpool by this time.—I wrote to the
author this morning.—I am well pleased with my voyage I think it will
be of material advantage to my work my health & my comfort—We
have left our two sons quite well and doing well at the Falls of the
Page 129
Ohio where I killed a fine Turkey about forty days since. Those sent to
the Zoological Gardens alive have had ill luck. They received only one
and 3 Oppossums—The blue Gias [?] and Parakets are not yet arrived,
and Mr. Rathbone as well as Mr. Shepherd told me (to my great
sorrow) that the last shipment of 10,000 forest trees were all dead.
How did those sent to you?—I have commenced the having a complete
collection of the Birds of America in skins & have instituted some
agents in the U. S. to provide for me. So much have I seen of those
dear creatures of the feathered creation that I feel even now as if I
heard their notes and saw their all elegant movements.—I am going to
write a book! but more of this when we meet.—do you know that the
poor woodsman who now is scribling to you will take his seat at the
Royal Society of London tomorrow—the very words make my head
whirl and I will stand it I do not know—I will indeed be glad when I
am seated.—Mrs A and myself had the pleasure of being very kindly
received and treated by our President Jackson Congress subscribed, I
procured there four more and an act will be passed to enter my works
Paintings etc free of the customs.—It is past 5 and I have to pay a
penny, I wish I were allowed to write untill time made it a shilling so
much do I think I could still trouble you with, however as time and tide
wait neither for me or others I must conclude by begging that you will
remember me most kindly to your amiable wife—kiss your little Folk
and believe me
sincerely your friend
John J. Audubon
William Swainson to Audubon
Saturday, 1[10?] May, 1830.
Welcome once more, my good friend to merry England:
the Zoological Gardens alive have had ill luck. They received only one
and 3 Oppossums—The blue Gias [?] and Parakets are not yet arrived,
and Mr. Rathbone as well as Mr. Shepherd told me (to my great
sorrow) that the last shipment of 10,000 forest trees were all dead.
How did those sent to you?—I have commenced the having a complete
collection of the Birds of America in skins & have instituted some
agents in the U. S. to provide for me. So much have I seen of those
dear creatures of the feathered creation that I feel even now as if I
heard their notes and saw their all elegant movements.—I am going to
write a book! but more of this when we meet.—do you know that the
poor woodsman who now is scribling to you will take his seat at the
Royal Society of London tomorrow—the very words make my head
whirl and I will stand it I do not know—I will indeed be glad when I
am seated.—Mrs A and myself had the pleasure of being very kindly
received and treated by our President Jackson Congress subscribed, I
procured there four more and an act will be passed to enter my works
Paintings etc free of the customs.—It is past 5 and I have to pay a
penny, I wish I were allowed to write untill time made it a shilling so
much do I think I could still trouble you with, however as time and tide
wait neither for me or others I must conclude by begging that you will
remember me most kindly to your amiable wife—kiss your little Folk
and believe me
sincerely your friend
John J. Audubon
William Swainson to Audubon
Saturday, 1[10?] May, 1830.
Welcome once more, my good friend to merry England:
Page 130
I had indeed heard from Havell, with the greatest pleasure, that
you had safely landed at Liverpool; and I regret very much that you
did not reach London before I had left it; for I am now much seldomer
in town than formerly, and I know not when I may have the power to
do so again. My old and most valued friend Mr. Burchell has also, to
my great delight, just returned to England after six years spent in
wandering over the Forests and Andes of South America bringing with
him collections, that will make everything else in this country sink into
utter insignificance, he too, is longing to see me, and if I possibly can
get away for a day next week, with two such desirable objects I will,
but my literary engagements bind me, hand and foot.
You think that I do not know that you are an F. R. S.—you are
mistaken, furthermore, you will be surprised at knowing I have been
fighting your battles against a rising opposition which originated
among some of your Ornithological friends (at least so I strongly
suspect) for the purpose of your name being blackballed. But more of
this when we meet, such matters had better not be committed to paper.
The whole of your bundle of young trees reached me as withered
sticks, not a spark of life in any one of them.
So you are going to write a book 'tis a thing of little moment for
one who is not known, because they have no reputation to loose, but
much will be expected from you, and you must, therefore, as the
saying is, put your best leg foremost. I am coming fast round to the
prejudice, as you may think it, against the Americans.
Dr. Richardson's and my own volume on the Arctic Birds, is now
in press. Not being able to refer to your plates, I have not had the
power to quote your work, you know how repeatedly I have applied on
this head, both to you and Mr. Havell in vain.
Prince C. Bonaparte has long promised me his second & third
volume but they have never come. Ward[93] is a regular Scamp he has
you had safely landed at Liverpool; and I regret very much that you
did not reach London before I had left it; for I am now much seldomer
in town than formerly, and I know not when I may have the power to
do so again. My old and most valued friend Mr. Burchell has also, to
my great delight, just returned to England after six years spent in
wandering over the Forests and Andes of South America bringing with
him collections, that will make everything else in this country sink into
utter insignificance, he too, is longing to see me, and if I possibly can
get away for a day next week, with two such desirable objects I will,
but my literary engagements bind me, hand and foot.
You think that I do not know that you are an F. R. S.—you are
mistaken, furthermore, you will be surprised at knowing I have been
fighting your battles against a rising opposition which originated
among some of your Ornithological friends (at least so I strongly
suspect) for the purpose of your name being blackballed. But more of
this when we meet, such matters had better not be committed to paper.
The whole of your bundle of young trees reached me as withered
sticks, not a spark of life in any one of them.
So you are going to write a book 'tis a thing of little moment for
one who is not known, because they have no reputation to loose, but
much will be expected from you, and you must, therefore, as the
saying is, put your best leg foremost. I am coming fast round to the
prejudice, as you may think it, against the Americans.
Dr. Richardson's and my own volume on the Arctic Birds, is now
in press. Not being able to refer to your plates, I have not had the
power to quote your work, you know how repeatedly I have applied on
this head, both to you and Mr. Havell in vain.
Prince C. Bonaparte has long promised me his second & third
volume but they have never come. Ward[93] is a regular Scamp he has
Page 131
taught me a good lesson—fool that he is—and that is, to steal my heart
against distress such as his was, and to consult, like all the rest of the
world, my own interest only. I am sick of the world and of mankind,
and but for my family would end my days in my beloved forests of
Brazil.
So Mr. Lea[94] did not settle my account with you? I have found
him out, also, to be no better than he should be. He also is one of your
friends who would, if he could, cut your throat. Another friend of
yours has been in England, Mr. Ord and has been doing you all the
good he can: if these are samples of American Naturalists, defend me
from ever coming in contact with any of their whole race.
Mrs. Swainson's health I am grieved to say, has suffered much the
last twelve months, she is now at Birmingham with the children. I have
not failed to mention your kind inquiries after both, whenever Havell
has a parcel for me, I hope you will occasionally accompany it with a
few lines.
Yours my dear Sir very faith'ly
W. Swainson
John J. Audubon
at Mr. Havell's
79 Newman St.
Oxford St.
As already noticed, Audubon started on a canvassing tour late in July,
1830, as announced in the following letter to Swainson, but he changed his
plans, and instead of returning to London, went to Edinburgh, and again
settled there for the winter.
Audubon to William Swainson
July 26th 1830.
against distress such as his was, and to consult, like all the rest of the
world, my own interest only. I am sick of the world and of mankind,
and but for my family would end my days in my beloved forests of
Brazil.
So Mr. Lea[94] did not settle my account with you? I have found
him out, also, to be no better than he should be. He also is one of your
friends who would, if he could, cut your throat. Another friend of
yours has been in England, Mr. Ord and has been doing you all the
good he can: if these are samples of American Naturalists, defend me
from ever coming in contact with any of their whole race.
Mrs. Swainson's health I am grieved to say, has suffered much the
last twelve months, she is now at Birmingham with the children. I have
not failed to mention your kind inquiries after both, whenever Havell
has a parcel for me, I hope you will occasionally accompany it with a
few lines.
Yours my dear Sir very faith'ly
W. Swainson
John J. Audubon
at Mr. Havell's
79 Newman St.
Oxford St.
As already noticed, Audubon started on a canvassing tour late in July,
1830, as announced in the following letter to Swainson, but he changed his
plans, and instead of returning to London, went to Edinburgh, and again
settled there for the winter.
Audubon to William Swainson
July 26th 1830.
Page 132
My Dear Friend,
I was particularly pleased at receiving yours of the 22nd this
morning, I cannot well say where it has rambled since it was dated, but
certainly its migration has not been that of a Swallow for instance.—
Thank you about the Jay—It has been my misfortune to have been
rather misunderstood by you respecting what you please to call "Poor
Nomenclators" had I not some regard for you all of that nobler breed I
would not borrow names in my work but would have like some others,
made new ones right out.—If you have a new Woodpecker from the
visited states, a new species, I will feel greatly honoured to have it
dedicated to me, and the more so by you who first dared in good faith
to write respecting an unknown woodsman—one of my case[s] is
come to hand, I gave from it to the British Museum thirty skins several
of which are very rare indeed and 3 of which I [here a word is
apparently omitted by the writer] as 3 new [here another word is
omitted]—I have males and females of the woodpecker you speak of
quite at your service for a few weeks—and I have also a few duplicates
for you altogether as I promised.—Say how I am to send them—I go
to Bristol tomorrow in search of subscribers for ten days—To Paris on
the 15th of August—have written to queen Adelaide this pleasant
morning & am glad to see that you are all well. Mr. A. joins in respects
to you all & I am as ever
your friend most truly
John J. Audubon
[The following note is written up the side of the page across the main
letter:]
I cannot at present say When we can avail ourselves of your kind
invitation but will let you know in good time should we but find it
convenient to you when we return.—
I was particularly pleased at receiving yours of the 22nd this
morning, I cannot well say where it has rambled since it was dated, but
certainly its migration has not been that of a Swallow for instance.—
Thank you about the Jay—It has been my misfortune to have been
rather misunderstood by you respecting what you please to call "Poor
Nomenclators" had I not some regard for you all of that nobler breed I
would not borrow names in my work but would have like some others,
made new ones right out.—If you have a new Woodpecker from the
visited states, a new species, I will feel greatly honoured to have it
dedicated to me, and the more so by you who first dared in good faith
to write respecting an unknown woodsman—one of my case[s] is
come to hand, I gave from it to the British Museum thirty skins several
of which are very rare indeed and 3 of which I [here a word is
apparently omitted by the writer] as 3 new [here another word is
omitted]—I have males and females of the woodpecker you speak of
quite at your service for a few weeks—and I have also a few duplicates
for you altogether as I promised.—Say how I am to send them—I go
to Bristol tomorrow in search of subscribers for ten days—To Paris on
the 15th of August—have written to queen Adelaide this pleasant
morning & am glad to see that you are all well. Mr. A. joins in respects
to you all & I am as ever
your friend most truly
John J. Audubon
[The following note is written up the side of the page across the main
letter:]
I cannot at present say When we can avail ourselves of your kind
invitation but will let you know in good time should we but find it
convenient to you when we return.—
Page 133
It should be noticed that the revolution in France which upset the
Bourbon dynasty occurred just as Audubon was leaving London, and that
the House of Orleans, in the person of Louis Philippe, was seated on the
throne the day the following letter[95] was written; very likely Audubon was
not reluctant to change his plan of visiting Paris after hearing of these
events, although he had enjoyed an interview with the new king, who was
his patron.
Bourbon dynasty occurred just as Audubon was leaving London, and that
the House of Orleans, in the person of Louis Philippe, was seated on the
throne the day the following letter[95] was written; very likely Audubon was
not reluctant to change his plan of visiting Paris after hearing of these
events, although he had enjoyed an interview with the new king, who was
his patron.
Page 134
Plate CXII
Bluebird,
SYLVIA SIALIS,
Male 1. Female 2. Young 3.
Great Mullein, Verbascum Thapsus.
Drawn from nature by J.J. Engraved, Printed & Coloured
Audubon F.R.S. F.L.S. by R. Havell, London 1834.
William Swainson to Audubon
Saturday 7 August 1830.
My Dear Mr. Audubon
Bluebird,
SYLVIA SIALIS,
Male 1. Female 2. Young 3.
Great Mullein, Verbascum Thapsus.
Drawn from nature by J.J. Engraved, Printed & Coloured
Audubon F.R.S. F.L.S. by R. Havell, London 1834.
William Swainson to Audubon
Saturday 7 August 1830.
My Dear Mr. Audubon
Page 135
as you was on the point of leaving London, when you wrote your
last letter, I did not reply to it. This will probably find you returned
from your excursion, and I hope with every success, on the score of
increased subscribers, that you had anticipated, If you will be so good
as send me your specimens of the Woodpeckers to Havell's, I shall be
very glad to see them, and they shall be returned to you after
examination with the Arctic ones. You will assist me very much by any
Duplicates you can spare me, I particularly want a pair of the Ivory
billed Woodpecker, the No Am: Parrots. Summer red birds and the
Painted Buntlings also the Pinecreeping Warbler. m & fem.
I do not expect that these most wonderful events in France will
deter you from going, seeing that everything is now quiet. The french
are certainly a great nation. I never had such an opinion of them as I
now have.
I suppose you will be at the Dinner to Cuvier on Tuesday, when
you will no doubt hear complements passing about, and a long speech
from Mr Vigors. I have neither time nor health for such things.
Our united true regards to Mrs Audubon. In haste
very faithfully yours
W Swainson
J. J. Audubon Esq.
43 Great Russell Street,
Bloomsbury.
From Manchester Audubon sent Swainson this letter, in which he
makes a quaint proposal regarding the text of his projected work,
suggesting that they combine their resources and their families, he to
provide the ideas, as well as his own wine or ale, while Swainson furnished
the science.
last letter, I did not reply to it. This will probably find you returned
from your excursion, and I hope with every success, on the score of
increased subscribers, that you had anticipated, If you will be so good
as send me your specimens of the Woodpeckers to Havell's, I shall be
very glad to see them, and they shall be returned to you after
examination with the Arctic ones. You will assist me very much by any
Duplicates you can spare me, I particularly want a pair of the Ivory
billed Woodpecker, the No Am: Parrots. Summer red birds and the
Painted Buntlings also the Pinecreeping Warbler. m & fem.
I do not expect that these most wonderful events in France will
deter you from going, seeing that everything is now quiet. The french
are certainly a great nation. I never had such an opinion of them as I
now have.
I suppose you will be at the Dinner to Cuvier on Tuesday, when
you will no doubt hear complements passing about, and a long speech
from Mr Vigors. I have neither time nor health for such things.
Our united true regards to Mrs Audubon. In haste
very faithfully yours
W Swainson
J. J. Audubon Esq.
43 Great Russell Street,
Bloomsbury.
From Manchester Audubon sent Swainson this letter, in which he
makes a quaint proposal regarding the text of his projected work,
suggesting that they combine their resources and their families, he to
provide the ideas, as well as his own wine or ale, while Swainson furnished
the science.
Page 136
Audubon to William Swainson
Manchester 22nd August 1830.
My Dear Mr. Swainson,—
At the time that I sent you the Woodpeckers skins, I had not a
moment to spare or be assured I would have answered your note—
When I opened my boxes of skins I had the mortification to find most
of them touched by insects—I felt a desire that those nondescribed
specimen[s] which I had should go to a public institution & I therefore
presented them to the British Museum through my friend Children—I
sent others to New Castle upon Tyne some to this place and some to
our friends Selby & Sir Wm Jardine.—respecting the Woodpeckers
which you look upon as knew I will merely say that if for instance it
differs from all others known by having the top of the head entirely red
that it may be a young bird, I say this because I do not know if you are
acquainted with the fact that almost all the Woodpecker tribe have this
in their youth more or less extended but after the first moult they
assume the red in the form they are to wear it during life. I sent you a
young of the Downy in that state—and if I recollect well also one of
the Golden Winged—had you sent me your specimen, I think I could
assisted you in determining if or no it is a new bird.—should you
become satisfied on that head, and I am honoured with its being named
after me, I will feel gratified and thankful to you.—Mrs. Audubon is
with me & we are bound to the Scotch Lakes & will return in about 2
months.—I am desirous to hear from you if you can have the time to
spare & the inclination to Bear a hand in the text of my work.—by my
furnishing you with the ideas & observations which I have and you to
add the science which I have not!—If it would suit you and Mrs
Swainson to take us as borders for few months when being almost
always together I could partake of your observations & you of mine.—
I would like to receive here your ideas on this subject & if possible
what amount you would expect from us as remuneration.—My first
Manchester 22nd August 1830.
My Dear Mr. Swainson,—
At the time that I sent you the Woodpeckers skins, I had not a
moment to spare or be assured I would have answered your note—
When I opened my boxes of skins I had the mortification to find most
of them touched by insects—I felt a desire that those nondescribed
specimen[s] which I had should go to a public institution & I therefore
presented them to the British Museum through my friend Children—I
sent others to New Castle upon Tyne some to this place and some to
our friends Selby & Sir Wm Jardine.—respecting the Woodpeckers
which you look upon as knew I will merely say that if for instance it
differs from all others known by having the top of the head entirely red
that it may be a young bird, I say this because I do not know if you are
acquainted with the fact that almost all the Woodpecker tribe have this
in their youth more or less extended but after the first moult they
assume the red in the form they are to wear it during life. I sent you a
young of the Downy in that state—and if I recollect well also one of
the Golden Winged—had you sent me your specimen, I think I could
assisted you in determining if or no it is a new bird.—should you
become satisfied on that head, and I am honoured with its being named
after me, I will feel gratified and thankful to you.—Mrs. Audubon is
with me & we are bound to the Scotch Lakes & will return in about 2
months.—I am desirous to hear from you if you can have the time to
spare & the inclination to Bear a hand in the text of my work.—by my
furnishing you with the ideas & observations which I have and you to
add the science which I have not!—If it would suit you and Mrs
Swainson to take us as borders for few months when being almost
always together I could partake of your observations & you of mine.—
I would like to receive here your ideas on this subject & if possible
what amount you would expect from us as remuneration.—My first
Page 137
volume will comprise an introduction and one hundred letters
addressed to the Reader referring to the 100 plates forming the first
volume of my illustrations.—I will enter even on local descriptions of
the country.—Adventures and anecdotes, speak of the trees & the
flowers the reptiles or the fishes or insects as far as I know—I wish if
possible to make a pleasing book as well as an instruction one.—In the
event of my living with you we will furnish our own wines, porter or
ale.—
I hope you know me well enough to write to me your ideas
without fearing any offence done us should you find it either
disagreeable or inconvenient, indeed this is simply to know from you
if such a thing is at all likely to be advantageous to all parties.—We
leave this on Saturday for Leeds and I will be glad to hear from you
then—I have a confounded steel pen that scratches abominably.—
Present Mrs Audubon's kind regards to your good Lady & accept
Yourself our united good wishes,
your friend
John J. Audubon.
Address to the care of
Thos Fowler Esq.
Bookseller
Manchester.
Aug 22nd 1830
[Superscribed] Wm Swainson Esq.
Tittenhanger Green
Nr
St Albans,
Herts.
In Swainson's clear and candid reply,[96] which followed at once, all
was figured "to a nicety"; he would supply his share of the matter at the rate
of three dollars and seventy-eight cents per printed page, with an extra
addressed to the Reader referring to the 100 plates forming the first
volume of my illustrations.—I will enter even on local descriptions of
the country.—Adventures and anecdotes, speak of the trees & the
flowers the reptiles or the fishes or insects as far as I know—I wish if
possible to make a pleasing book as well as an instruction one.—In the
event of my living with you we will furnish our own wines, porter or
ale.—
I hope you know me well enough to write to me your ideas
without fearing any offence done us should you find it either
disagreeable or inconvenient, indeed this is simply to know from you
if such a thing is at all likely to be advantageous to all parties.—We
leave this on Saturday for Leeds and I will be glad to hear from you
then—I have a confounded steel pen that scratches abominably.—
Present Mrs Audubon's kind regards to your good Lady & accept
Yourself our united good wishes,
your friend
John J. Audubon.
Address to the care of
Thos Fowler Esq.
Bookseller
Manchester.
Aug 22nd 1830
[Superscribed] Wm Swainson Esq.
Tittenhanger Green
Nr
St Albans,
Herts.
In Swainson's clear and candid reply,[96] which followed at once, all
was figured "to a nicety"; he would supply his share of the matter at the rate
of three dollars and seventy-eight cents per printed page, with an extra
Page 138
charge for corrections; he would follow his own ideas, but strive to avoid
any conflict of opinion, and would expect his name to stand on the title.
William Swainson to Audubon
[between August 24 and 28, 1830]
Thursday
My Dear Mr. Audubon.
I received your letter yesterday, and hasten to reply to it. By some
mistake or other, of Havell's, he has not sent the birds to which you
allude, and I did not of course know that you had left them with him,
now to your two propositions.
First, as to boarding with us, you do not know probably, that this is
never done in England, except as a matter of necessity or profession, in
which case the domestic establishment is framed accordingly. But this
consideration would have no influence with me, in your case did other
circumstances allow of it. It would however be attended with so many
changes in our every-day domestic arrangements, that it becomes
impossible.
Secondly, as to the proposition I once made to you, I am fearful
you have put it out of my power to do so much as I might have done,
from your having distributed the very birds which would have been the
materials I was to work upon; and upon which only, any scientific
observations truly original, (& therefore worth putting into your book),
must be founded. Fortunately, however, my own collection is not poor
in North American Specimens, and these would still furnish a mass of
interesting information to the Scientific. It would be, however, highly
advisable that all these species which I have not, but which you have
any conflict of opinion, and would expect his name to stand on the title.
William Swainson to Audubon
[between August 24 and 28, 1830]
Thursday
My Dear Mr. Audubon.
I received your letter yesterday, and hasten to reply to it. By some
mistake or other, of Havell's, he has not sent the birds to which you
allude, and I did not of course know that you had left them with him,
now to your two propositions.
First, as to boarding with us, you do not know probably, that this is
never done in England, except as a matter of necessity or profession, in
which case the domestic establishment is framed accordingly. But this
consideration would have no influence with me, in your case did other
circumstances allow of it. It would however be attended with so many
changes in our every-day domestic arrangements, that it becomes
impossible.
Secondly, as to the proposition I once made to you, I am fearful
you have put it out of my power to do so much as I might have done,
from your having distributed the very birds which would have been the
materials I was to work upon; and upon which only, any scientific
observations truly original, (& therefore worth putting into your book),
must be founded. Fortunately, however, my own collection is not poor
in North American Specimens, and these would still furnish a mass of
interesting information to the Scientific. It would be, however, highly
advisable that all these species which I have not, but which you have
Page 139
brought home, and given away, should be borrowed back again,
without delay.
Next as to plan. I have always told you that the plan you mention,
so far as your own narrative goes, is the very best which could possibly
be chosen. You have to speak of the birds as they are alive, I to speak
of their outward form, structure, and their place in the great System of
their Creator, for the true system, if I have, or anybody else, has
discovered is not a Human System. If my views are correct, every
observation you make, plain, unvarnished, and strictly accurate, will
fully and perfectly harmonize. Our parts are totally distinct, and we
have no occasion to consult with each other what we should say at
every page. Where our views may differ, I shall not, of course, say
anything. My own remarks had better be kept distinct, in the form of
"Scientific Notes" to each letter, at the end, and in this way you will
make the work, the standard authority on American Ornithology,
which without Science, it certainly would not be, however interesting
or valuable in other respects.
As to time, and remuneration, I shall have completed all my
portion of Dr. Richardson's works in two months. I can then devote a
portion of each day to yours. The terms of my remuneration will be
those which I always receive from the Booksellers, and which are
fixed, worth twelve guineas a sheet of the same size and Type as the
Zoölogical Journal, each sheet being 16 pages, and each page averages
390 words, the calculation is there brought to a nicety, and you may
spend as much as you choose. If I have to revise and correct the
proofs, make alterations etc. that will be something additional, I
always charge this by the time each sheet takes me, and would come to
from 5/ to 7/6 a sheet but the booksellers generally give me a round
sum, which I name after trying the three first sheets of a work, with Dr.
Richardson's the case was different, I there had 300 £ for my assistance
and drawings. It would of course be understood that my name stands in
the title page as responsible for such portion as concerns me.
without delay.
Next as to plan. I have always told you that the plan you mention,
so far as your own narrative goes, is the very best which could possibly
be chosen. You have to speak of the birds as they are alive, I to speak
of their outward form, structure, and their place in the great System of
their Creator, for the true system, if I have, or anybody else, has
discovered is not a Human System. If my views are correct, every
observation you make, plain, unvarnished, and strictly accurate, will
fully and perfectly harmonize. Our parts are totally distinct, and we
have no occasion to consult with each other what we should say at
every page. Where our views may differ, I shall not, of course, say
anything. My own remarks had better be kept distinct, in the form of
"Scientific Notes" to each letter, at the end, and in this way you will
make the work, the standard authority on American Ornithology,
which without Science, it certainly would not be, however interesting
or valuable in other respects.
As to time, and remuneration, I shall have completed all my
portion of Dr. Richardson's works in two months. I can then devote a
portion of each day to yours. The terms of my remuneration will be
those which I always receive from the Booksellers, and which are
fixed, worth twelve guineas a sheet of the same size and Type as the
Zoölogical Journal, each sheet being 16 pages, and each page averages
390 words, the calculation is there brought to a nicety, and you may
spend as much as you choose. If I have to revise and correct the
proofs, make alterations etc. that will be something additional, I
always charge this by the time each sheet takes me, and would come to
from 5/ to 7/6 a sheet but the booksellers generally give me a round
sum, which I name after trying the three first sheets of a work, with Dr.
Richardson's the case was different, I there had 300 £ for my assistance
and drawings. It would of course be understood that my name stands in
the title page as responsible for such portion as concerns me.
Page 140
Should we arrange this matter, it will be time enough to fix on
other minor points. But I should like to know your decision soon, as I
have been applied to in another quarter. Indeed I am already so full of
business, that I have two years active employment ahead of me. I go
for two days to assist Burchell[97] in the arrangement of his African
Birds prior to publication, at the end of the month, I shall bear in mind
what you say on the Woodpecker but I have peculiar notions on
Species, which, as I believe them correct, so I do not suffer to be
influenced by others, you will see more of this in my Book of
American Birds.[98] Our kindest remembrance to Mrs. Audubon, and
always look upon me as your sincere, but very plain spoken friend,
W. Swainson.
P. S. I had a long letter from Chas. Bonaparte the other day, Vigors
is gone to Rome!!
[Addressed] J. J. Audubon
c/o Mr. Thomas Fowler, Bookseller,
Manchester.
[Endorsed by Audubon:] Answered 29th Aug. 1830. J. J. A.
Audubon's next letter, which was written from Manchester on August
29, must have been distinctly provocative, to judge from the following
caustic reply[99] which it drew forth; this is dated, "Tittenhanger Green, 2d
October, 1830":
William Swainson to Audubon
My dr Sir
I have refrained from replying to your letter until I thought you
had returned to London.
other minor points. But I should like to know your decision soon, as I
have been applied to in another quarter. Indeed I am already so full of
business, that I have two years active employment ahead of me. I go
for two days to assist Burchell[97] in the arrangement of his African
Birds prior to publication, at the end of the month, I shall bear in mind
what you say on the Woodpecker but I have peculiar notions on
Species, which, as I believe them correct, so I do not suffer to be
influenced by others, you will see more of this in my Book of
American Birds.[98] Our kindest remembrance to Mrs. Audubon, and
always look upon me as your sincere, but very plain spoken friend,
W. Swainson.
P. S. I had a long letter from Chas. Bonaparte the other day, Vigors
is gone to Rome!!
[Addressed] J. J. Audubon
c/o Mr. Thomas Fowler, Bookseller,
Manchester.
[Endorsed by Audubon:] Answered 29th Aug. 1830. J. J. A.
Audubon's next letter, which was written from Manchester on August
29, must have been distinctly provocative, to judge from the following
caustic reply[99] which it drew forth; this is dated, "Tittenhanger Green, 2d
October, 1830":
William Swainson to Audubon
My dr Sir
I have refrained from replying to your letter until I thought you
had returned to London.
Page 141
Either you do not appear to have understood the nature of my
proposition on supplying scientific information for your work, or you
are very erroneously informed on the matter in which such assistance
is usually given. Dr. Richardson, and a hundred others, similarly
situated, might with equal justice say that no name should appear but
their own; as it would rob them of their fame, because notes are
furnished by one or two other persons, your friends would tell you, if
you enquired of them, that even my name would add something to the
value of the "The Birds of America". You pay me compliments on my
scientific knowledge, and wished you possessed a portion; & you liken
the acquisition of such a portion to purchasing the sketch of an
eminent painter—the simile is good, but allow me to ask you, whether,
after procuring the sketch, you would mix it up with your own, and
pass it off to your friends as your production? I cannot possibly
suppose that such would be your duplicity and I therefore must not
suppose that you intended that I should give all the scientific
information I have laboured to acquire during twenty years on
ornithology—conceal my name,—and transfer my fame to your pages
& to your reputation.
Few have enjoyed the opportunity of benefiting by the advice and
assistance of a scientific friend so much as yourself; and no one, I must
be allowed to say, has evinced so little inclination to profit by it. When
I call to mind the repeated offers I have made you to correct the
nomenclature of your birds, from the first time of our acquaintance,
and recollect the dislike you appeared to have to receiving any such
information or correction, I cannot but feel perfect surprize at you now
wishing to profit by that aid, you have hitherto been so indifferent
about.
Let me however urge upon you one advise which, for your own
sake, I should be sorry you despised. It is to characterize yourself, or
get some friend to do so for you, all your new species. The specimens,
you tell me, are now in England, & the task will be comparatively
proposition on supplying scientific information for your work, or you
are very erroneously informed on the matter in which such assistance
is usually given. Dr. Richardson, and a hundred others, similarly
situated, might with equal justice say that no name should appear but
their own; as it would rob them of their fame, because notes are
furnished by one or two other persons, your friends would tell you, if
you enquired of them, that even my name would add something to the
value of the "The Birds of America". You pay me compliments on my
scientific knowledge, and wished you possessed a portion; & you liken
the acquisition of such a portion to purchasing the sketch of an
eminent painter—the simile is good, but allow me to ask you, whether,
after procuring the sketch, you would mix it up with your own, and
pass it off to your friends as your production? I cannot possibly
suppose that such would be your duplicity and I therefore must not
suppose that you intended that I should give all the scientific
information I have laboured to acquire during twenty years on
ornithology—conceal my name,—and transfer my fame to your pages
& to your reputation.
Few have enjoyed the opportunity of benefiting by the advice and
assistance of a scientific friend so much as yourself; and no one, I must
be allowed to say, has evinced so little inclination to profit by it. When
I call to mind the repeated offers I have made you to correct the
nomenclature of your birds, from the first time of our acquaintance,
and recollect the dislike you appeared to have to receiving any such
information or correction, I cannot but feel perfect surprize at you now
wishing to profit by that aid, you have hitherto been so indifferent
about.
Let me however urge upon you one advise which, for your own
sake, I should be sorry you despised. It is to characterize yourself, or
get some friend to do so for you, all your new species. The specimens,
you tell me, are now in England, & the task will be comparatively
Page 142
easy. I urge this, because you may not be aware that a new species,
deposited in a museum, is of no authority whatsoever, until its name
and its character are published. I have repeatedly set my face against
such authorities, so has Mr. Vigors, so has Ch. Bonaparte, and on this
head we are all perfectly unanimous. Unless, therefore, this is done,
you will, I am fearful, loose the credit of discovering nearly all the new
species you possess, and this I again repeat, for your own sake I should
be sorry for. To me, individually, your not doing so, would rather be
advantageous.
The more a book is quoted, the more is its merits admitted, and its
authority established. it was on this account I so repeatedly requested
the use only, of a copy of your book, that it might have been cited in
"Northern Zoölogy"[100] not having it—I could not therefore mention
it.
I shall always be as thankful to you as formerly for any
information on the habits, economy, and manners of birds; but, as to
species, I want not, nor do I ever ask, the opinions of any one. that is
quite a different matter, and entertaining peculiar ideas on that subject,
you must not feel surprised at my differing from you in almost every
instance. My reasons will always be laid before the public. In the
present case, we totally differ about species of Woodpeckers. I shall
not, however propitiate a favourable opinion from you, or any one, by
a compliment and therefore I will wait for some species which you
yourself will admit, which I shall then give your name to, I am rather
glad you did not accept my offer, for I am now assisting in bringing out
an Octavo edition of Wilson, by Sir W Jardine which will be arranged
according to my nomenclature.
Yours my dr Sir
Very faithy
W Swainson
deposited in a museum, is of no authority whatsoever, until its name
and its character are published. I have repeatedly set my face against
such authorities, so has Mr. Vigors, so has Ch. Bonaparte, and on this
head we are all perfectly unanimous. Unless, therefore, this is done,
you will, I am fearful, loose the credit of discovering nearly all the new
species you possess, and this I again repeat, for your own sake I should
be sorry for. To me, individually, your not doing so, would rather be
advantageous.
The more a book is quoted, the more is its merits admitted, and its
authority established. it was on this account I so repeatedly requested
the use only, of a copy of your book, that it might have been cited in
"Northern Zoölogy"[100] not having it—I could not therefore mention
it.
I shall always be as thankful to you as formerly for any
information on the habits, economy, and manners of birds; but, as to
species, I want not, nor do I ever ask, the opinions of any one. that is
quite a different matter, and entertaining peculiar ideas on that subject,
you must not feel surprised at my differing from you in almost every
instance. My reasons will always be laid before the public. In the
present case, we totally differ about species of Woodpeckers. I shall
not, however propitiate a favourable opinion from you, or any one, by
a compliment and therefore I will wait for some species which you
yourself will admit, which I shall then give your name to, I am rather
glad you did not accept my offer, for I am now assisting in bringing out
an Octavo edition of Wilson, by Sir W Jardine which will be arranged
according to my nomenclature.
Yours my dr Sir
Very faithy
W Swainson
Page 143
The letter just quoted naturally served as a check to their intimacy, but
Audubon did not withdraw his friendly hand, as shown by his letters to
follow later, though his answer to this has not been preserved.[101]
Audubon reached Edinburgh early in October, soon after receiving
Swainson's decisive reply, and immediately made an arrangement with
MacGillivray, as already related.[102] It is evident from Swainson's letter
that when Audubon called upon him for editorial aid, he was by no means
ready to defer to him wholly in the matter of naming his birds, a subject in
which Swainson regarded himself as the first of living authorities.
Swainson's pride was also wounded at Audubon's apparent lack of
appreciation of the weight which his name would carry if allowed to grace
the title pages of his works, and he speaks of Audubon as if he were ready
to bargain for scientific information but determined to withhold that credit
which is every writer's just due. It is only fair to say that Swainson's vanity
seems to have outrun his candor, for when the controversy over the
authorship of Audubon's Biography of Birds was started in 1833, he
publicly denied that any such proposal had been made.[103] According to
Swainson's own statement, quoted earlier, Audubon was ready to grant him
whatever credit was due, but it is evident that he was not then disposed to
adopt Swainson's peculiar ideas upon the classification of birds or to enter
upon a thoroughgoing arrangement of joint authorship. Though no
philosopher himself, it seems clear that the American woodsman was by no
means disposed to swallow all the vagaries of the "Circular System" to
which his friend was committed, and which was later held up to ridicule.
The craze for describing new species of animals was all too common in
both England and America at the time of which we write; the chief aim of
many naturalists seems to have been to attach their names to as many of
nature's forms as possible. Swainson, who "never went to bed without
describing a new species," as Audubon said at a later time, had admonished
his friend above all else to hasten to publish descriptions of every new bird
which he had obtained in America, lest he lose credit for the discovery; but
Audubon did not withdraw his friendly hand, as shown by his letters to
follow later, though his answer to this has not been preserved.[101]
Audubon reached Edinburgh early in October, soon after receiving
Swainson's decisive reply, and immediately made an arrangement with
MacGillivray, as already related.[102] It is evident from Swainson's letter
that when Audubon called upon him for editorial aid, he was by no means
ready to defer to him wholly in the matter of naming his birds, a subject in
which Swainson regarded himself as the first of living authorities.
Swainson's pride was also wounded at Audubon's apparent lack of
appreciation of the weight which his name would carry if allowed to grace
the title pages of his works, and he speaks of Audubon as if he were ready
to bargain for scientific information but determined to withhold that credit
which is every writer's just due. It is only fair to say that Swainson's vanity
seems to have outrun his candor, for when the controversy over the
authorship of Audubon's Biography of Birds was started in 1833, he
publicly denied that any such proposal had been made.[103] According to
Swainson's own statement, quoted earlier, Audubon was ready to grant him
whatever credit was due, but it is evident that he was not then disposed to
adopt Swainson's peculiar ideas upon the classification of birds or to enter
upon a thoroughgoing arrangement of joint authorship. Though no
philosopher himself, it seems clear that the American woodsman was by no
means disposed to swallow all the vagaries of the "Circular System" to
which his friend was committed, and which was later held up to ridicule.
The craze for describing new species of animals was all too common in
both England and America at the time of which we write; the chief aim of
many naturalists seems to have been to attach their names to as many of
nature's forms as possible. Swainson, who "never went to bed without
describing a new species," as Audubon said at a later time, had admonished
his friend above all else to hasten to publish descriptions of every new bird
which he had obtained in America, lest he lose credit for the discovery; but
Page 144
Audubon, who had not hesitated to poke fun at the species-mongering
Rafinesque, was still inclined to look with disdain upon work of this sort.
He not only rejected Swainson's advice but answered it rather tartly in the
first volume of his letterpress, which appeared in the following year. A
passage which caused the naturalist no little annoyance on another score
was as follows:[104]
Since I became acquainted with Mr. Alexander Wilson, the
celebrated author of the well known and duly appreciated work on
American Birds, and subsequently with my excellent friend, Charles
Lucien Bonaparte, I have been aware of the keenness with which every
student of Natural History presses forward to describe an object of his
discovery, or that may have occurred to travellers in distant countries.
There seems to be a pride, a glory in doing this, that thrusts aside every
other consideration; and I really believe that the ties of friendship itself
would not prevent some naturalists from even robbing an old
acquaintance of the merit of first describing a previously unknown
object. Although I have certainly felt very great pleasure, when, on
picking up a bird, I discovered it to be new to me, yet I have never
known the desire above alluded to. This feeling I still cherish; and in
spite of the many injunctions which I have received from naturalists
far more eminent than I can ever expect to be, I have kept, and still
keep, unknown to others, the species, which, not finding portrayed in
any published work, I look upon as new, having only given in my
Illustrations a number of them proportionate to the drawings of already
known species that have been engraved. Attached to the descriptions of
these, you will find the place and date of their discovery. I do not,
however, intend to claim any merit for these discoveries, and should
have liked as well that the objects of them had been previously known,
as this would have saved some unbelievers the trouble of searching for
them in books, and the disappointment of finding them actually new. I
assure you, good reader, that, even at this moment, I should have less
pleasure in presenting to the scientific world a new bird, the
Rafinesque, was still inclined to look with disdain upon work of this sort.
He not only rejected Swainson's advice but answered it rather tartly in the
first volume of his letterpress, which appeared in the following year. A
passage which caused the naturalist no little annoyance on another score
was as follows:[104]
Since I became acquainted with Mr. Alexander Wilson, the
celebrated author of the well known and duly appreciated work on
American Birds, and subsequently with my excellent friend, Charles
Lucien Bonaparte, I have been aware of the keenness with which every
student of Natural History presses forward to describe an object of his
discovery, or that may have occurred to travellers in distant countries.
There seems to be a pride, a glory in doing this, that thrusts aside every
other consideration; and I really believe that the ties of friendship itself
would not prevent some naturalists from even robbing an old
acquaintance of the merit of first describing a previously unknown
object. Although I have certainly felt very great pleasure, when, on
picking up a bird, I discovered it to be new to me, yet I have never
known the desire above alluded to. This feeling I still cherish; and in
spite of the many injunctions which I have received from naturalists
far more eminent than I can ever expect to be, I have kept, and still
keep, unknown to others, the species, which, not finding portrayed in
any published work, I look upon as new, having only given in my
Illustrations a number of them proportionate to the drawings of already
known species that have been engraved. Attached to the descriptions of
these, you will find the place and date of their discovery. I do not,
however, intend to claim any merit for these discoveries, and should
have liked as well that the objects of them had been previously known,
as this would have saved some unbelievers the trouble of searching for
them in books, and the disappointment of finding them actually new. I
assure you, good reader, that, even at this moment, I should have less
pleasure in presenting to the scientific world a new bird, the
Page 145
knowledge of whose habits I do not possess, than in describing the
peculiarities of one long since discovered.
It is a pity that Audubon did not maintain so admirable an attitude
towards the description of new species as was here expressed, but at the
close of his career in England, when he desired to make his work on
American ornithology as complete as possible, he appeared as keen to
describe and publish new birds as any of his contemporaries.
Shortly after his return to London in the spring of 1831, Audubon sent
Swainson the following letter with a copy of the first volume of his
Biography of Birds, but his one-time friend was not the author of an
extended and impartial review of the work, which appeared in the
Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal in the same year.[105]
Audubon to William Swainson
London April 28th 1830 [1831]
My dear Mr Swainson,
We arrived here last evening & I found your favour of the 17th
instant for which I offer you my sincere thanks—I had began to think
that I was erased from your list.—I have now the pleasure of sending
you a copy of my first volume of ornithological biography which I
hope you will accept as a small memento of the high regard I have for
your self & your talents.—My inserting your name was not a matter
merely of duty but of great pleasure and believe when I say that I
never will be ungrateful to anyone who has been kind to me.—
We are going to Paris on Friday week & will be absent about a
month—on the first day of August next we sail from Liverpool to
America where I intend to beat the bushes once more—my
peregrinations will extend in all probability & God willing to the
peculiarities of one long since discovered.
It is a pity that Audubon did not maintain so admirable an attitude
towards the description of new species as was here expressed, but at the
close of his career in England, when he desired to make his work on
American ornithology as complete as possible, he appeared as keen to
describe and publish new birds as any of his contemporaries.
Shortly after his return to London in the spring of 1831, Audubon sent
Swainson the following letter with a copy of the first volume of his
Biography of Birds, but his one-time friend was not the author of an
extended and impartial review of the work, which appeared in the
Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal in the same year.[105]
Audubon to William Swainson
London April 28th 1830 [1831]
My dear Mr Swainson,
We arrived here last evening & I found your favour of the 17th
instant for which I offer you my sincere thanks—I had began to think
that I was erased from your list.—I have now the pleasure of sending
you a copy of my first volume of ornithological biography which I
hope you will accept as a small memento of the high regard I have for
your self & your talents.—My inserting your name was not a matter
merely of duty but of great pleasure and believe when I say that I
never will be ungrateful to anyone who has been kind to me.—
We are going to Paris on Friday week & will be absent about a
month—on the first day of August next we sail from Liverpool to
America where I intend to beat the bushes once more—my
peregrinations will extend in all probability & God willing to the
Page 146
Pacific Ocean into California etc—After my return I wish to settle in
England somewhere, but where is yet undetermined.—
I have felt much grieved at reading the article of yours respecting
French Naturalists. I say grieved, because I am always so when I see
men of superior talents employing their pen time and mind at sparring
instead of peacably giving to the world those results of their
investigations & experience at all times so desired by everyone bent on
studying the wonderful laws & beauties of nature. I do not wish to read
a lecture to you but from my heart I am sorry you should be à la joute
[?] with any one & will conclude by sincerely hoping that you will
have no more of this sort of warfare.—
I am over head in business as you may well suppose after an
absence of 8 months but will be most happy to hear from you. Have
you heard from C. Bonaparte lately? Is he still at Rome? it is now two
months since I heard from him.—
Present our united kind respects to your good Lady, accept the
same yourself & believe me your friend
J. J. Audubon.
77 Oxford Street.
It is interesting to notice that Swainson kept his promise about the
woodpeckers, and in 1831 named one, which had been obtained from
Louisiana, Picus auduboni;[106] although Audubon later repudiated it,
saying that he believed it to represent only an immature state of the
common Downy Woodpecker, he returned the compliment by dedicating to
Swainson one of his warblers, Sylvia, now Helinaria, swainsonii.
When William Swainson brought to a close his labors on the Cabinet
Cyclopædia in 1840, a part of the eleventh volume was devoted to a
biography of naturalists.[107] In this little work Audubon was accorded a
England somewhere, but where is yet undetermined.—
I have felt much grieved at reading the article of yours respecting
French Naturalists. I say grieved, because I am always so when I see
men of superior talents employing their pen time and mind at sparring
instead of peacably giving to the world those results of their
investigations & experience at all times so desired by everyone bent on
studying the wonderful laws & beauties of nature. I do not wish to read
a lecture to you but from my heart I am sorry you should be à la joute
[?] with any one & will conclude by sincerely hoping that you will
have no more of this sort of warfare.—
I am over head in business as you may well suppose after an
absence of 8 months but will be most happy to hear from you. Have
you heard from C. Bonaparte lately? Is he still at Rome? it is now two
months since I heard from him.—
Present our united kind respects to your good Lady, accept the
same yourself & believe me your friend
J. J. Audubon.
77 Oxford Street.
It is interesting to notice that Swainson kept his promise about the
woodpeckers, and in 1831 named one, which had been obtained from
Louisiana, Picus auduboni;[106] although Audubon later repudiated it,
saying that he believed it to represent only an immature state of the
common Downy Woodpecker, he returned the compliment by dedicating to
Swainson one of his warblers, Sylvia, now Helinaria, swainsonii.
When William Swainson brought to a close his labors on the Cabinet
Cyclopædia in 1840, a part of the eleventh volume was devoted to a
biography of naturalists.[107] In this little work Audubon was accorded a
Page 147
page, Alexander Wilson received eight, while the author devoted fourteen
pages to himself. The talented MacGillivray, whose memorable History of
British Birds had then advanced to its third volume, was studiously ignored,
and was referred to only in a footnote as "Mr. Gilvray"; but he was of
necessity a sharer in the following criticism of Audubon's Biography of
Birds: "a want of precision in his descriptions, and a general ignorance of
modern ornithology sadly disappoint the scientific reader." The technical
descriptions in that work were written, as Swainson must have known, by
his young rival, William MacGillivray, then one of the ablest exponents of
the anatomy of birds in Great Britain; but anatomy, the master key to
relationship, Swainson affected to regard with contempt, though
overzealous friends had compared him with Cuvier, one of the greatest
masters of anatomy of all time. To follow the comment of a later critic,[108]
Swainson probably regarded the title of "the British Cuvier" as rather
derogatory, since he had pronounced Cuvier to have been "totally
unacquainted with the very first principles of the natural system." To
Swainson, however, as the same commentator explains, "the natural
system" implied the concept of a magical number and a circle, ideas which
Cuvier would have been the first to repudiate or ignore.
The ardent MacGillivray was naturally scornful of Swainson's
unscientific attitude, which he had roundly scored in the introduction to his
History of British Birds that had begun to appear in 1837; he then said that
Swainson could exclaim: "How superficially do we study nature," while in
anatomy his own studies were a century behind the times and his opinions
on the subject worthy of the Dark Ages.
In his biographical notice of Audubon, Swainson refers to their Paris
experience in the following words:
It is singular how two minds, possessing the same tastes, can be so
diversified, as to differ in toto respecting the very same objects. During
the whole of Mr. Audubon's residence in Paris, he only visited the
Ornithological Gallery twice, (where I was studying for hours, almost
pages to himself. The talented MacGillivray, whose memorable History of
British Birds had then advanced to its third volume, was studiously ignored,
and was referred to only in a footnote as "Mr. Gilvray"; but he was of
necessity a sharer in the following criticism of Audubon's Biography of
Birds: "a want of precision in his descriptions, and a general ignorance of
modern ornithology sadly disappoint the scientific reader." The technical
descriptions in that work were written, as Swainson must have known, by
his young rival, William MacGillivray, then one of the ablest exponents of
the anatomy of birds in Great Britain; but anatomy, the master key to
relationship, Swainson affected to regard with contempt, though
overzealous friends had compared him with Cuvier, one of the greatest
masters of anatomy of all time. To follow the comment of a later critic,[108]
Swainson probably regarded the title of "the British Cuvier" as rather
derogatory, since he had pronounced Cuvier to have been "totally
unacquainted with the very first principles of the natural system." To
Swainson, however, as the same commentator explains, "the natural
system" implied the concept of a magical number and a circle, ideas which
Cuvier would have been the first to repudiate or ignore.
The ardent MacGillivray was naturally scornful of Swainson's
unscientific attitude, which he had roundly scored in the introduction to his
History of British Birds that had begun to appear in 1837; he then said that
Swainson could exclaim: "How superficially do we study nature," while in
anatomy his own studies were a century behind the times and his opinions
on the subject worthy of the Dark Ages.
In his biographical notice of Audubon, Swainson refers to their Paris
experience in the following words:
It is singular how two minds, possessing the same tastes, can be so
diversified, as to differ in toto respecting the very same objects. During
the whole of Mr. Audubon's residence in Paris, he only visited the
Ornithological Gallery twice, (where I was studying for hours, almost
Page 148
daily), for the purpose of calling upon me; and even then he merely
bestowed that sort of passing glance at the magnificent cases of birds,
which a careless observer would do while sauntering in the room.
Audubon, to be sure, was never much of a closet naturalist or an
admirer of stuffed specimens; but in reading this criticism of an estranged
friend, one wonders if the writer had really forgotten that while his own
expressed desire in going to Paris in 1828 was to study in the Museum,
Audubon's sole purpose was to extend his subscription list; that after
innumerable interviews with ministers of state and running from post to
pillar for two months, his friend was obliged to come away with but thirteen
additional names or orders for his work. Had Swainson also forgotten that
during all that time Audubon acted as his interpreter, assisting him in all his
visits and purchases, and that but shortly after, when hard pressed for
money, he had called on Audubon for a considerable sum?
As a parting shot to his former friend, Swainson also said:
He can shoot a bird, and make it live again, as it were, upon
canvass; but he cannot describe it in scientific, and therefore in
perfectly intelligible terms. Hence he found it necessary, in this part of
his work, to call in the aid of others; but being jealous that any other
name should appear on the title page than his own, he was content with
the assistance of some one who, very good naturedly, would fall in
with his humour.
What was here said of Audubon might have been true in 1830, but it
was not true in 1840. Swainson could never understand that his friend was a
man who never stood still. Audubon drew heavily upon his more learned
associates, and he could give as well as take. When working under the
influence of a powerful motive, he improved as rapidly in his use of English
words as he had in the finish and composition of his pictures; he soon came
to write not only with fluency but at times with eloquence, and the
bestowed that sort of passing glance at the magnificent cases of birds,
which a careless observer would do while sauntering in the room.
Audubon, to be sure, was never much of a closet naturalist or an
admirer of stuffed specimens; but in reading this criticism of an estranged
friend, one wonders if the writer had really forgotten that while his own
expressed desire in going to Paris in 1828 was to study in the Museum,
Audubon's sole purpose was to extend his subscription list; that after
innumerable interviews with ministers of state and running from post to
pillar for two months, his friend was obliged to come away with but thirteen
additional names or orders for his work. Had Swainson also forgotten that
during all that time Audubon acted as his interpreter, assisting him in all his
visits and purchases, and that but shortly after, when hard pressed for
money, he had called on Audubon for a considerable sum?
As a parting shot to his former friend, Swainson also said:
He can shoot a bird, and make it live again, as it were, upon
canvass; but he cannot describe it in scientific, and therefore in
perfectly intelligible terms. Hence he found it necessary, in this part of
his work, to call in the aid of others; but being jealous that any other
name should appear on the title page than his own, he was content with
the assistance of some one who, very good naturedly, would fall in
with his humour.
What was here said of Audubon might have been true in 1830, but it
was not true in 1840. Swainson could never understand that his friend was a
man who never stood still. Audubon drew heavily upon his more learned
associates, and he could give as well as take. When working under the
influence of a powerful motive, he improved as rapidly in his use of English
words as he had in the finish and composition of his pictures; he soon came
to write not only with fluency but at times with eloquence, and the
Page 149
technicalities of his science did not remain to him a sealed book, though for
the drudgery of detailed description he had confessedly no stomach.
We have referred to William Swainson's advocacy of the "Circular" or
"Quinarian" system of the classification of animals, with him amounting
almost to a monomania, which was one of the most notorious examples of
reasoning in a circle of which zoölogists have ever been guilty. It was a
serious attempt to rationalize nature in a wholly irrational manner, and must
be regarded as a curious by-product of minds fixed in the belief of a special
creation,—to whom every form of evolutionary doctrine was sacrilegious
and abhorrent. Its advocates, nevertheless, were sincere, and Swainson
probably regarded himself as a martyr to the cause. As a later critic
remarked, the system served him well by investing with a cloak of
originality his treatises on those classes of animals with which he had little
first-hand knowledge. His work on fishes is regarded as "a literary curiosity,
the appearance of which was a misfortune to a man who, by his
indefatigable industry under by no means favorable circumstances, had
contributed as much as any of his contemporaries to the advancement of
Zoölogy and its diffusion among the people."[109] This egregious doctrine,
which its disciples called "the natural system" without grasping the true
meaning of "affinity," or "homology," to use the more modern word,
vitiated most of their writings; abler men played with it for a time, only to
cast it aside, and no one but a historian or a psychologist would now give it
a passing thought.
So far as Swainson was concerned, Audubon's conduct appears to have
been above reproach, and it must be regarded as fortunate that this ardent
"Quinarian" did not have a hand in the Biography of Birds, for if it were
really true that Audubon could have brought himself to accept the artificial
system then in vogue, American ornithology, as Elliott Coues remarked,
escaped a great affliction.
Swainson's early life affords a striking illustration of nepotism, and his
later years reflected some of its disastrous consequences. At fourteen he
the drudgery of detailed description he had confessedly no stomach.
We have referred to William Swainson's advocacy of the "Circular" or
"Quinarian" system of the classification of animals, with him amounting
almost to a monomania, which was one of the most notorious examples of
reasoning in a circle of which zoölogists have ever been guilty. It was a
serious attempt to rationalize nature in a wholly irrational manner, and must
be regarded as a curious by-product of minds fixed in the belief of a special
creation,—to whom every form of evolutionary doctrine was sacrilegious
and abhorrent. Its advocates, nevertheless, were sincere, and Swainson
probably regarded himself as a martyr to the cause. As a later critic
remarked, the system served him well by investing with a cloak of
originality his treatises on those classes of animals with which he had little
first-hand knowledge. His work on fishes is regarded as "a literary curiosity,
the appearance of which was a misfortune to a man who, by his
indefatigable industry under by no means favorable circumstances, had
contributed as much as any of his contemporaries to the advancement of
Zoölogy and its diffusion among the people."[109] This egregious doctrine,
which its disciples called "the natural system" without grasping the true
meaning of "affinity," or "homology," to use the more modern word,
vitiated most of their writings; abler men played with it for a time, only to
cast it aside, and no one but a historian or a psychologist would now give it
a passing thought.
So far as Swainson was concerned, Audubon's conduct appears to have
been above reproach, and it must be regarded as fortunate that this ardent
"Quinarian" did not have a hand in the Biography of Birds, for if it were
really true that Audubon could have brought himself to accept the artificial
system then in vogue, American ornithology, as Elliott Coues remarked,
escaped a great affliction.
Swainson's early life affords a striking illustration of nepotism, and his
later years reflected some of its disastrous consequences. At fourteen he
Page 150
was appointed as a junior clerk in the Liverpool Customs House at a salary
of eighty pounds a year, to service under his father, who had in turn
succeeded his grandfather in the office of Collector. At eighteen he received
an appointment in the commissary department of the English army and
went to Sicily, where he remained eight years, during which he worked
industriously at natural-history pursuits. Having attained the rank of
Assistant Commissary-General, at twenty-six he was retired on half-pay
because of ill health. Upon returning to England he became a member of
the Linnæan Society, in 1816, before his departure for Brazil, where with
Henry Koster he collected birds for nearly two years. Having settled again
at Liverpool, he entered the Royal Society, on the recommendation of Sir
Joseph Banks, in 1820, the year in which he began to publish the results of
his studies. Swainson was married in 1825, but upon the death of his father
in the following year, his income so much reduced that he resorted to
authorship as a profession; of course he found it a poor crutch, though he
worked with indefatigable industry and produced from one to two
illustrated volumes each year. Eventually he became embittered against
Audubon and towards the world of men and things in general, especially
after 1835, when domestic bereavement and trouble of many kinds pressed
hard upon him. He repeatedly applied to the Zoölogical Department of the
British Museum for a position which went to others; he tried to sell his
collections to the Museum and failed; he applied for an appointment on the
Civil List but was denied; then he decided to give up the struggle of
authorship in England and leave the country.
In 1840 Swainson emigrated with his family to New Zealand, where he
seems to have met with no better success, although his scientific activity did
not wholly cease. Though four years younger than Audubon, he outlived
him five years, dying in 1856. His excellent draughtsmanship, tireless
industry, and punctilious habits were deserving of recognition, but he
suffered from the lack of a liberal education, and was rather too vain, too
inclined to jealousy and to quarrel with his contemporaries, to have
achieved great success.
of eighty pounds a year, to service under his father, who had in turn
succeeded his grandfather in the office of Collector. At eighteen he received
an appointment in the commissary department of the English army and
went to Sicily, where he remained eight years, during which he worked
industriously at natural-history pursuits. Having attained the rank of
Assistant Commissary-General, at twenty-six he was retired on half-pay
because of ill health. Upon returning to England he became a member of
the Linnæan Society, in 1816, before his departure for Brazil, where with
Henry Koster he collected birds for nearly two years. Having settled again
at Liverpool, he entered the Royal Society, on the recommendation of Sir
Joseph Banks, in 1820, the year in which he began to publish the results of
his studies. Swainson was married in 1825, but upon the death of his father
in the following year, his income so much reduced that he resorted to
authorship as a profession; of course he found it a poor crutch, though he
worked with indefatigable industry and produced from one to two
illustrated volumes each year. Eventually he became embittered against
Audubon and towards the world of men and things in general, especially
after 1835, when domestic bereavement and trouble of many kinds pressed
hard upon him. He repeatedly applied to the Zoölogical Department of the
British Museum for a position which went to others; he tried to sell his
collections to the Museum and failed; he applied for an appointment on the
Civil List but was denied; then he decided to give up the struggle of
authorship in England and leave the country.
In 1840 Swainson emigrated with his family to New Zealand, where he
seems to have met with no better success, although his scientific activity did
not wholly cease. Though four years younger than Audubon, he outlived
him five years, dying in 1856. His excellent draughtsmanship, tireless
industry, and punctilious habits were deserving of recognition, but he
suffered from the lack of a liberal education, and was rather too vain, too
inclined to jealousy and to quarrel with his contemporaries, to have
achieved great success.
Page 151
WILLIAM SWAINSON THOMAS NUTTALL
CHARLES L. BONAPARTE CONSTANTINE S.
RAFINESQUE
SWAINSON FROM HIS "BIOGRAPHY OF ZOÖLOGISTS"; NUTTALL FROM
AN ENGRAVING AFTER DERRY, 1825; BONAPARTE FROM A PHOTOGRAPH
IN POSSESSION OF MR. RUTHVEN DEANE, FIRST PUBLISHED IN
"CASSINIA"; AND RAFINESQUE FROM RICHARD ELLSWORTH CALL,
"RAFINESQUE."
In a paragraph already quoted from the Ornithological Biography, in
which Audubon portrayed the eagerness with which some naturalists
pressed forward to describe new species of birds, too often forgetting every
propriety in their eagerness to outstrip a rival, the name of his "excellent
CHARLES L. BONAPARTE CONSTANTINE S.
RAFINESQUE
SWAINSON FROM HIS "BIOGRAPHY OF ZOÖLOGISTS"; NUTTALL FROM
AN ENGRAVING AFTER DERRY, 1825; BONAPARTE FROM A PHOTOGRAPH
IN POSSESSION OF MR. RUTHVEN DEANE, FIRST PUBLISHED IN
"CASSINIA"; AND RAFINESQUE FROM RICHARD ELLSWORTH CALL,
"RAFINESQUE."
In a paragraph already quoted from the Ornithological Biography, in
which Audubon portrayed the eagerness with which some naturalists
pressed forward to describe new species of birds, too often forgetting every
propriety in their eagerness to outstrip a rival, the name of his "excellent
Page 152
friend, Charles Lucien Bonaparte,"[110] had been indiscreetly mentioned.
Though there was no evident intention of giving offense, this reference was
keenly resented. Bonaparte, it may be recalled, was still engaged upon his
American Ornithology, the last volume of which was not published until
1833, and was therefore, in a degree, a rival of Audubon in the
ornithological field. Audubon did his best to smooth over the difficulty but
with little success. In writing to his son, Victor, from New York in 1833,[111]
he referred to the following letter which he was about to send "by duplicate,
to try to correct that error" of his early friend:
Audubon to Charles Lucien Bonaparte
To Charles Bonaparte,
Prince of Musignano, &c., &c., &c.
My dear Sir:—
I am sadly grieved to hear through our friend, Wm. Cooper, of this
city, that you have taken umbrage to a passage in the Introduction to
my first volume of Ornithological Biographies.
To tell you that not even a thought of disparagement ever existed
in my mind towards you, would not be enough. I have always repeated
to all my Friends, nay, to all persons who have ever spoken of you, of
the superior talents you possess, and of the Intrinsic value connected
with all your ornithological or otherwise scientific productions.
I am a plain sailing man. You know full well that I derive no
knowledge from classical education, and that being the case, connected
with my being honest, I always try to say what I think truth, at once.
Could I have praised you at one place, and attempted to lower you in
the estimation of the Scientific World at another? If so—I would
acknowledge myself unworthy the good wishes of any one, much less
of the good wishes of Charles Bonaparte! the very being who brought
Though there was no evident intention of giving offense, this reference was
keenly resented. Bonaparte, it may be recalled, was still engaged upon his
American Ornithology, the last volume of which was not published until
1833, and was therefore, in a degree, a rival of Audubon in the
ornithological field. Audubon did his best to smooth over the difficulty but
with little success. In writing to his son, Victor, from New York in 1833,[111]
he referred to the following letter which he was about to send "by duplicate,
to try to correct that error" of his early friend:
Audubon to Charles Lucien Bonaparte
To Charles Bonaparte,
Prince of Musignano, &c., &c., &c.
My dear Sir:—
I am sadly grieved to hear through our friend, Wm. Cooper, of this
city, that you have taken umbrage to a passage in the Introduction to
my first volume of Ornithological Biographies.
To tell you that not even a thought of disparagement ever existed
in my mind towards you, would not be enough. I have always repeated
to all my Friends, nay, to all persons who have ever spoken of you, of
the superior talents you possess, and of the Intrinsic value connected
with all your ornithological or otherwise scientific productions.
I am a plain sailing man. You know full well that I derive no
knowledge from classical education, and that being the case, connected
with my being honest, I always try to say what I think truth, at once.
Could I have praised you at one place, and attempted to lower you in
the estimation of the Scientific World at another? If so—I would
acknowledge myself unworthy the good wishes of any one, much less
of the good wishes of Charles Bonaparte! the very being who brought
Page 153
me forward into worldly notice by his kind advice. Nay, Nay; take me
for what I am in truth
Your Friend & ever your well wisher, as well as your obt. Sert.
John J. Audubon.
Bonaparte was too much of a man of the world to permit such an
incident to cause any sudden break in their relations. We know that they met
in London in 1837, when, as Audubon said in a later letter to Harris[112] he
"pumped him sadly too much"; at his request Bonaparte then drew up a list
of American birds, to the number of 425.[113] Although his subscription to
The Birds of America was permitted to lapse, Bonaparte's name was
retained on the list to the end. When the business was being closed up in
London, however, Audubon wrote to Havell, from Edinburgh, under date of
15 May, 1839: "As respects my old Friend, C. Bonaparte, unless he pays the
long standing balance which he owes me of £8.18.6, and also the price of
the set of Nos. 81-87, on the nail, he is not to receive the latter." Again on
the thirtieth of June he wrote: "I have no numbers for Charles Bonaparte,
and no 5th. vol. of Biog. for Mr. Gould; let the Gentlemen purchase or
procure what they want where they can."
In 1838 Bonaparte published a paper[114] in which appeared this
comment:
Throughout the list I have quoted, as types of the species under
consideration, the figures of the great works of Mr. John Gould and
Mr. Audubon on the Ornithology of the two regions, as they must be
considered the standard works of the subject. The merit of Mr.
Audubon's work yields only to the size of his book; while Mr. Gould's
work on the Birds of Europe though inferior in size to that of Mr.
Audubon—is the most beautiful work that has ever appeared in this or
any other country.
for what I am in truth
Your Friend & ever your well wisher, as well as your obt. Sert.
John J. Audubon.
Bonaparte was too much of a man of the world to permit such an
incident to cause any sudden break in their relations. We know that they met
in London in 1837, when, as Audubon said in a later letter to Harris[112] he
"pumped him sadly too much"; at his request Bonaparte then drew up a list
of American birds, to the number of 425.[113] Although his subscription to
The Birds of America was permitted to lapse, Bonaparte's name was
retained on the list to the end. When the business was being closed up in
London, however, Audubon wrote to Havell, from Edinburgh, under date of
15 May, 1839: "As respects my old Friend, C. Bonaparte, unless he pays the
long standing balance which he owes me of £8.18.6, and also the price of
the set of Nos. 81-87, on the nail, he is not to receive the latter." Again on
the thirtieth of June he wrote: "I have no numbers for Charles Bonaparte,
and no 5th. vol. of Biog. for Mr. Gould; let the Gentlemen purchase or
procure what they want where they can."
In 1838 Bonaparte published a paper[114] in which appeared this
comment:
Throughout the list I have quoted, as types of the species under
consideration, the figures of the great works of Mr. John Gould and
Mr. Audubon on the Ornithology of the two regions, as they must be
considered the standard works of the subject. The merit of Mr.
Audubon's work yields only to the size of his book; while Mr. Gould's
work on the Birds of Europe though inferior in size to that of Mr.
Audubon—is the most beautiful work that has ever appeared in this or
any other country.
Page 154
A reviewer in America,[115] who could not repress his resentment at the
last remark, said: "It would be invidious to make any comment on this—to
even insinuate a wonder that a personage bearing this world renowned
name would consent to resign his reputation as a man of science, through
all time, to the doubtful association of such an expression of mere
professional spite."
John Gould, to whom Bonaparte referred, was perhaps the only
ornithologist who ever grew rich at his profession. He was the author of
forty large, illustrated folios, produced at the rate of about one a year, on the
birds of Great Britain, Europe, Asia, and Australia, as well as those of
numerous families of the tropical Orient. Audubon, in response to
Bachman, thus referred to him when writing in London, April 30, 1835:
"Gould is a man of great industry and has the advantage of the Zoölogical
Society, museums, gardens, &c., and is in correspondence with Temminck,
Jardine, Selby, James Wilson and the rest of the scientific gentry. His wife
makes his drawings on stone. She is a plain, fine woman, and although their
works are not quite up to nature, both deserve great credit."
Acting no doubt upon this expressed belief, Audubon became a
subscriber to Gould's Century of Birds, published in 1831, and also to his
Birds of Europe (1832-37). In the preface to the latter work, "J. J. Audubon,
Esq.," and twenty others are thanked "for the warm interest which they have
at all times taken in the present work"; it was also said that the greater part
of the plates of this series, those of his Century of Birds from the Himalaya
Mountains and his Monograph on the Trogons, as well as three-quarters of
those of the Monograph on the Toucans, "have been drawn and
lithographed by Mrs. Gould, from sketches and designs by myself always
taken from nature." It should be noticed also that Gould appeared as a
subscriber to The Birds of America in 1838, but his name was soon dropped.
Gould was preëminently a museum naturalist, of strong commercial
instincts, and spent but little time in the field. His books were mainly
composed of illustrations made by artists from stuffed specimens, with a
last remark, said: "It would be invidious to make any comment on this—to
even insinuate a wonder that a personage bearing this world renowned
name would consent to resign his reputation as a man of science, through
all time, to the doubtful association of such an expression of mere
professional spite."
John Gould, to whom Bonaparte referred, was perhaps the only
ornithologist who ever grew rich at his profession. He was the author of
forty large, illustrated folios, produced at the rate of about one a year, on the
birds of Great Britain, Europe, Asia, and Australia, as well as those of
numerous families of the tropical Orient. Audubon, in response to
Bachman, thus referred to him when writing in London, April 30, 1835:
"Gould is a man of great industry and has the advantage of the Zoölogical
Society, museums, gardens, &c., and is in correspondence with Temminck,
Jardine, Selby, James Wilson and the rest of the scientific gentry. His wife
makes his drawings on stone. She is a plain, fine woman, and although their
works are not quite up to nature, both deserve great credit."
Acting no doubt upon this expressed belief, Audubon became a
subscriber to Gould's Century of Birds, published in 1831, and also to his
Birds of Europe (1832-37). In the preface to the latter work, "J. J. Audubon,
Esq.," and twenty others are thanked "for the warm interest which they have
at all times taken in the present work"; it was also said that the greater part
of the plates of this series, those of his Century of Birds from the Himalaya
Mountains and his Monograph on the Trogons, as well as three-quarters of
those of the Monograph on the Toucans, "have been drawn and
lithographed by Mrs. Gould, from sketches and designs by myself always
taken from nature." It should be noticed also that Gould appeared as a
subscriber to The Birds of America in 1838, but his name was soon dropped.
Gould was preëminently a museum naturalist, of strong commercial
instincts, and spent but little time in the field. His books were mainly
composed of illustrations made by artists from stuffed specimens, with a
Page 155
text of so thin a quality as to possess little scientific value; but, as Alfred
Newton has remarked, a scientific character was so adroitly assumed that
scientific men have often been deceived. In his best work, that on the
Humming Birds,[116] the plates are enlivened by numerous specimens of
tropical flowers and fruits, an accessory not so noticeable in his early
productions. It has been said that Gould sought and received Audubon's aid
in the composition of some of his plates, and that thereafter his figures
began to show more vitality. The over-zealous writer quoted above[117]
made the charge that Gould not only received much unacknowledged aid
from Audubon, but copied his drawings; he mentioned five cases of what he
called "picking and stealing," in one of which the Red-headed Pochard is
declared to have been copied from Audubon's Scaup Duck: "here the trick is
so shallow," he adds, "that detection cannot for a moment be at fault. You
see that the Scaup Ducks have been accurately outlined, then lifted from the
original 'grounding,' and let down upon a new one, by Gould, who found it
safer for his pencil to adjust earth and water differently beneath them, than
to tamper in the slightest degree with the proportions of the figures
themselves." Suffice it to say that there is little or no substantial basis for
such odious charges.
Gould is said to have possessed a kind heart under a rather gruff
exterior. The following anecdote of his methods comes at second hand from
his friend and collaborator, Mr. Bowlder Sharpe. Mr. Gould was invited to
dine at a well known country estate, where were gathered numerous
representatives of wealth and aristocracy. The attention of the ornithologist
was soon directed from the guests to a bird on the lawn, which he was
watching intently when dinner was announced; abruptly leaving the table
with the remark that dinner was of no consequence to him when he could
study a bird, he returned to the window and stood there munching a roll or
piece of bread. Of course the seated guests began to inquire who the
peculiar individual was, and were quietly informed by their host that it was
"Mr. Gould, the famous ornithologist." The meal over, Gould selected a
promising looking young nobleman and began to tell him about the habits
Newton has remarked, a scientific character was so adroitly assumed that
scientific men have often been deceived. In his best work, that on the
Humming Birds,[116] the plates are enlivened by numerous specimens of
tropical flowers and fruits, an accessory not so noticeable in his early
productions. It has been said that Gould sought and received Audubon's aid
in the composition of some of his plates, and that thereafter his figures
began to show more vitality. The over-zealous writer quoted above[117]
made the charge that Gould not only received much unacknowledged aid
from Audubon, but copied his drawings; he mentioned five cases of what he
called "picking and stealing," in one of which the Red-headed Pochard is
declared to have been copied from Audubon's Scaup Duck: "here the trick is
so shallow," he adds, "that detection cannot for a moment be at fault. You
see that the Scaup Ducks have been accurately outlined, then lifted from the
original 'grounding,' and let down upon a new one, by Gould, who found it
safer for his pencil to adjust earth and water differently beneath them, than
to tamper in the slightest degree with the proportions of the figures
themselves." Suffice it to say that there is little or no substantial basis for
such odious charges.
Gould is said to have possessed a kind heart under a rather gruff
exterior. The following anecdote of his methods comes at second hand from
his friend and collaborator, Mr. Bowlder Sharpe. Mr. Gould was invited to
dine at a well known country estate, where were gathered numerous
representatives of wealth and aristocracy. The attention of the ornithologist
was soon directed from the guests to a bird on the lawn, which he was
watching intently when dinner was announced; abruptly leaving the table
with the remark that dinner was of no consequence to him when he could
study a bird, he returned to the window and stood there munching a roll or
piece of bread. Of course the seated guests began to inquire who the
peculiar individual was, and were quietly informed by their host that it was
"Mr. Gould, the famous ornithologist." The meal over, Gould selected a
promising looking young nobleman and began to tell him about the habits
Page 156
of the bird which had so fascinated him; "that species," he said, "I have
described in my Birds of Europe. Of course, you have seen my Birds of
Europe." The nobleman was obliged to admit that he had not. "Why," said
Mr. Gould, "you must have seen it; every country gentleman has it in his
library. Won't you let me put you down for a copy?" Naturally he could not
refuse a work which every country gentleman possessed, and down went
his name on the list; later he received the volumes and also a bill for fifty
pounds. John Gould is said to have left a fortune of eighty thousand pounds.
Probably no class of men with kindred tastes are bound together with
stronger ties of good fellowship than the naturalists. Their free-masonry
extends to every clime and race, and knows no distinction of language,
class or station; but, as with all serious workers, occasional jealousies or
disputes occur to ruffle the serenity of their lives. Though we have been
obliged to touch upon some of these incidents, they are nevertheless quite
exceptional.
described in my Birds of Europe. Of course, you have seen my Birds of
Europe." The nobleman was obliged to admit that he had not. "Why," said
Mr. Gould, "you must have seen it; every country gentleman has it in his
library. Won't you let me put you down for a copy?" Naturally he could not
refuse a work which every country gentleman possessed, and down went
his name on the list; later he received the volumes and also a bill for fifty
pounds. John Gould is said to have left a fortune of eighty thousand pounds.
Probably no class of men with kindred tastes are bound together with
stronger ties of good fellowship than the naturalists. Their free-masonry
extends to every clime and race, and knows no distinction of language,
class or station; but, as with all serious workers, occasional jealousies or
disputes occur to ruffle the serenity of their lives. Though we have been
obliged to touch upon some of these incidents, they are nevertheless quite
exceptional.
Page 157
Page 158
CHAPTER XXX
AUDUBON AND MACGILLIVRAY
In London once more—MacGillivray's assistance continued—Return to Edinburgh—MacGillivray's
character and accomplishments—Audubon's acknowledgments—Tributes of "Christopher
North"—Results of overwork—Fusilades from "Walton Hall"—Progress of the large plates.
Audubon's return voyage, begun in mid-April, lasted twenty days, and
was one of the uneventful, "not unpleasant sort." Liverpool was reached in
early May, and later in the month the Audubons were again settled in
London, where on June 1, 1834, the naturalist wrote to Edward Harris:
We found Victor at home in the evening of our arrival; I thought
that the very sight of him was a restoration of life to me, and our
happiness was as complete as it may ever be expected on this Earth.
After all, I long to be in America again, nay, if I can go home to
return no more to Europe, it seems to me that I shall ever enjoy more
peace of mind, & even Physical comfort than I can meet with in any
portion of the world beside.[118]
While at Charleston in the previous winter, Audubon had worked
diligently at his letterpress, and no doubt, before returning to Europe had
his "biographical" materials well in hand. We have seen that at Edinburgh in
the autumn of 1830 he entered upon a businesslike arrangement with
William MacGillivray to assist him with the technical portions of the
Ornithological Biography. The part which his young assistant played in this
AUDUBON AND MACGILLIVRAY
In London once more—MacGillivray's assistance continued—Return to Edinburgh—MacGillivray's
character and accomplishments—Audubon's acknowledgments—Tributes of "Christopher
North"—Results of overwork—Fusilades from "Walton Hall"—Progress of the large plates.
Audubon's return voyage, begun in mid-April, lasted twenty days, and
was one of the uneventful, "not unpleasant sort." Liverpool was reached in
early May, and later in the month the Audubons were again settled in
London, where on June 1, 1834, the naturalist wrote to Edward Harris:
We found Victor at home in the evening of our arrival; I thought
that the very sight of him was a restoration of life to me, and our
happiness was as complete as it may ever be expected on this Earth.
After all, I long to be in America again, nay, if I can go home to
return no more to Europe, it seems to me that I shall ever enjoy more
peace of mind, & even Physical comfort than I can meet with in any
portion of the world beside.[118]
While at Charleston in the previous winter, Audubon had worked
diligently at his letterpress, and no doubt, before returning to Europe had
his "biographical" materials well in hand. We have seen that at Edinburgh in
the autumn of 1830 he entered upon a businesslike arrangement with
William MacGillivray to assist him with the technical portions of the
Ornithological Biography. The part which his young assistant played in this
Page 159
work was long a subject of dispute, until letters of both which showed the
precise character of the relations between them were finally published.
Immediately upon his return to England Audubon again applied to his
young friend, and received from him the following letter:[119]
William MacGillivray to Audubon
Edinburgh, 11 Gilmore Place.
28th May 1834.
Dear Sir,
I am glad to hear of your safe arrival, which I did not expect so
soon, and pleased to find you in good health and high spirits. As you
have the kindness to inquire respecting myself and family, I am happy
to inform you that we are all very well, contented and busy. My head
and hands are quite full—abundance of work and sufficient pay—time
to ramble now and then for the purpose of hammering rocks, pulling
plants, and shooting birds.
You say you have accumulated a mass of materials which you are
desirous of seeing in print, and propose that I should revise it as
before. I shall be glad to do so, if you please, and willing that you
confer the benefit on another, if you find it expedient. As to the terms,
let them be such as you please with respect to money; but as time is
valuable to me, I should like that arrangements be made so as to
prevent unnecessary loss of it, by letting me have manuscripts, books,
&c. in due array.
The skins of which you speak I apprehend cannot be disposed of
here to any great extent; but I believe shells might be sold to
advantage, and bring higher prices than in London.
precise character of the relations between them were finally published.
Immediately upon his return to England Audubon again applied to his
young friend, and received from him the following letter:[119]
William MacGillivray to Audubon
Edinburgh, 11 Gilmore Place.
28th May 1834.
Dear Sir,
I am glad to hear of your safe arrival, which I did not expect so
soon, and pleased to find you in good health and high spirits. As you
have the kindness to inquire respecting myself and family, I am happy
to inform you that we are all very well, contented and busy. My head
and hands are quite full—abundance of work and sufficient pay—time
to ramble now and then for the purpose of hammering rocks, pulling
plants, and shooting birds.
You say you have accumulated a mass of materials which you are
desirous of seeing in print, and propose that I should revise it as
before. I shall be glad to do so, if you please, and willing that you
confer the benefit on another, if you find it expedient. As to the terms,
let them be such as you please with respect to money; but as time is
valuable to me, I should like that arrangements be made so as to
prevent unnecessary loss of it, by letting me have manuscripts, books,
&c. in due array.
The skins of which you speak I apprehend cannot be disposed of
here to any great extent; but I believe shells might be sold to
advantage, and bring higher prices than in London.
Page 160
You ask if I draw Birds yet, with a view to publish. My answer is
that I dissect, describe, and draw Birds, Quadrupeds, whales, reptiles,
and fishes, with view of astonishing the world, and bettering my
condition. I have about a hundred drawings, all the size of life,
excepting two dolphins. But I have determined nothing as yet
respecting publication. Some time ago a friend of mine called on Mr.
Havell with a letter in which I desired that person to engrave for me a
few of my drawings, for the purpose of being exhibited at the meeting
of naturalists. I had no answer, and so Mr. Havell may go to Jerico, or
elsewhere, as he lists; but further your correspondent saith not.
I am decidedly of opinion that, although you should continue the
publication of the Ornithological Biography, you might bring out
various other works which could not fail to be popular; for example a
biography of yourself, and sketches of American scenery. But of these
matters it is impossible to speak to purpose unless I had the pleasure of
seeing you, a pleasure which I hope I shall have at the time of the
general assembly of the naturalists.
With best respects to Mrs. Audubon, and best wishes for the
prosperity of all that bear that name, I have the honour to be, Dear Sir,
yours in sincerity,
W Macgillivray.
[Superscribed] John J. Audubon, Esqr. Mr. Havell,
77 Oxford St. London.
that I dissect, describe, and draw Birds, Quadrupeds, whales, reptiles,
and fishes, with view of astonishing the world, and bettering my
condition. I have about a hundred drawings, all the size of life,
excepting two dolphins. But I have determined nothing as yet
respecting publication. Some time ago a friend of mine called on Mr.
Havell with a letter in which I desired that person to engrave for me a
few of my drawings, for the purpose of being exhibited at the meeting
of naturalists. I had no answer, and so Mr. Havell may go to Jerico, or
elsewhere, as he lists; but further your correspondent saith not.
I am decidedly of opinion that, although you should continue the
publication of the Ornithological Biography, you might bring out
various other works which could not fail to be popular; for example a
biography of yourself, and sketches of American scenery. But of these
matters it is impossible to speak to purpose unless I had the pleasure of
seeing you, a pleasure which I hope I shall have at the time of the
general assembly of the naturalists.
With best respects to Mrs. Audubon, and best wishes for the
prosperity of all that bear that name, I have the honour to be, Dear Sir,
yours in sincerity,
W Macgillivray.
[Superscribed] John J. Audubon, Esqr. Mr. Havell,
77 Oxford St. London.
Page 161
AUDUBON
AFTER THE ENGRAVING BY H. B. HALL OF THE PORTRAIT PAINTED BY
HENRY INMAN IN 1833.
A satisfactory arrangement was made and MacGillivray set to work on
Audubon's second volume. On the 16th of June he wrote from Edinburgh:
If you send me twenty or twenty-five articles, I can revise them
without the books to which you refer, and without your own presence,
provided your descriptions be full, and the drawings or plates sent to
me. The skins and books might be consulted afterwards, when we
might go over the articles in company. Should you come here for the
purpose, it would not, I believe, be necessary for you to stay more than
AFTER THE ENGRAVING BY H. B. HALL OF THE PORTRAIT PAINTED BY
HENRY INMAN IN 1833.
A satisfactory arrangement was made and MacGillivray set to work on
Audubon's second volume. On the 16th of June he wrote from Edinburgh:
If you send me twenty or twenty-five articles, I can revise them
without the books to which you refer, and without your own presence,
provided your descriptions be full, and the drawings or plates sent to
me. The skins and books might be consulted afterwards, when we
might go over the articles in company. Should you come here for the
purpose, it would not, I believe, be necessary for you to stay more than
Page 162
three weeks or so.... To be methodical I should like twenty-five birds,
that is description of birds, by your first parcel; but I cannot state
precisely at what time they might be revised, only I think were you to
send them, you might make a trip to France and be back before I
should be done.[120]
By the 9th of July MacGillivray had received the twenty-five
descriptions of birds called for, and on the 18th of that month he wrote to
report progress as follows:
I commenced my operations on the 1st of July, and have
transcribed and corrected eighteen articles, one for each day, but not
one on each, the work of Sunday being transferred to Monday. This
volume will certainly be much richer and more interesting.... You wish
to know my opinion as to the improvement of your style. It seems to
me to be much the same as before, but the information which you give
is more diversified & more satisfactory.
On more than one occasion MacGillivray urged Audubon to reduce the
size of his text, and in the letter just quoted he said: "Had it been of the post
8vo size, in two volumes it would have gone off in style; but your imperial
size and regal price do not answer for radicals, or republicans either. Could
you sacrifice the first volume, reprint it of a small size and continue the
series to the end?" He remarked that if twenty woodcuts or engravings were
added to each volume, "it would spread over the land like a flock of
migratory pigeons. Even without the embellishments it would fly, but were
you to give it those additional wings, it would sweep along in beautiful
curves, like the nighthawk or the purplebreasted swallow." "I have often
thought," he continued, "that your stories would sell very well by
themselves, and I am sure that with your celebrity, knowledge, and
enthusiasm, you have it in your power to become more popular than your
glorious pictures can ever make you of themselves, they being too
aristocratic and exclusive."
that is description of birds, by your first parcel; but I cannot state
precisely at what time they might be revised, only I think were you to
send them, you might make a trip to France and be back before I
should be done.[120]
By the 9th of July MacGillivray had received the twenty-five
descriptions of birds called for, and on the 18th of that month he wrote to
report progress as follows:
I commenced my operations on the 1st of July, and have
transcribed and corrected eighteen articles, one for each day, but not
one on each, the work of Sunday being transferred to Monday. This
volume will certainly be much richer and more interesting.... You wish
to know my opinion as to the improvement of your style. It seems to
me to be much the same as before, but the information which you give
is more diversified & more satisfactory.
On more than one occasion MacGillivray urged Audubon to reduce the
size of his text, and in the letter just quoted he said: "Had it been of the post
8vo size, in two volumes it would have gone off in style; but your imperial
size and regal price do not answer for radicals, or republicans either. Could
you sacrifice the first volume, reprint it of a small size and continue the
series to the end?" He remarked that if twenty woodcuts or engravings were
added to each volume, "it would spread over the land like a flock of
migratory pigeons. Even without the embellishments it would fly, but were
you to give it those additional wings, it would sweep along in beautiful
curves, like the nighthawk or the purplebreasted swallow." "I have often
thought," he continued, "that your stories would sell very well by
themselves, and I am sure that with your celebrity, knowledge, and
enthusiasm, you have it in your power to become more popular than your
glorious pictures can ever make you of themselves, they being too
aristocratic and exclusive."
Page 163
Audubon kept MacGillivray supplied with materials, while he
remained in London during the summer of 1834. On the 25th of August he
wrote Bachman that he had sold bird skins to the British Museum to the
amount of fifty-two pounds sterling, and again for twenty-five pounds,
while Havell had disposed of a goodly number more, so that "he would not
be a loser in that way"; he added: "My own double collection I have in
drawers at home." Acting evidently upon Swainson's advice, Audubon
began to accumulate a large and valuable collection of the skins of
American birds, which he brought with him to America in 1839.[121]
Though rightly criticized for not having deposited in some museum a
complete series of the forms which he described, Elliott Coues certainly
was not justified in remarking that his interest in a bird ceased from the
moment he had made a drawing of it; on the contrary, he spent no end of
time and lavished large sums of money on collections to illustrate variation
in every description, as well as for anatomical dissection.
A hint thrown out by MacGillivray seems to have been well taken, for
in the letter just quoted Audubon said: "This coming winter I will spend at
writing my own Biography, to be published as soon as possible, and to be
continued, as God may be pleased to grant me life." As already noticed,[122]
this effort resulted only in a fragmentary sketch, which was not published
for over half a century.
Audubon started for Edinburgh in September of 1834. He wrote to
Edward Harris from Liverpool, on the 15th of that month, to inquire into the
truth of a report, which had circulated in London, of the failure of the house
in New Orleans "in which our friend N. Berthoud is concerned." "I wish
you would have the kindness to inform me," he adds, "if he is a sufferer by
this mishap, and I wish you to keep this quite entre nous."
At a slightly earlier day Audubon had entertained the idea of
illustrating the birds of Great Britain on a scale commensurate with his
work on those of America, but on May 1, 1828, he wrote Swainson that no
one favored the project, and it was quickly given up. The subject is referred
remained in London during the summer of 1834. On the 25th of August he
wrote Bachman that he had sold bird skins to the British Museum to the
amount of fifty-two pounds sterling, and again for twenty-five pounds,
while Havell had disposed of a goodly number more, so that "he would not
be a loser in that way"; he added: "My own double collection I have in
drawers at home." Acting evidently upon Swainson's advice, Audubon
began to accumulate a large and valuable collection of the skins of
American birds, which he brought with him to America in 1839.[121]
Though rightly criticized for not having deposited in some museum a
complete series of the forms which he described, Elliott Coues certainly
was not justified in remarking that his interest in a bird ceased from the
moment he had made a drawing of it; on the contrary, he spent no end of
time and lavished large sums of money on collections to illustrate variation
in every description, as well as for anatomical dissection.
A hint thrown out by MacGillivray seems to have been well taken, for
in the letter just quoted Audubon said: "This coming winter I will spend at
writing my own Biography, to be published as soon as possible, and to be
continued, as God may be pleased to grant me life." As already noticed,[122]
this effort resulted only in a fragmentary sketch, which was not published
for over half a century.
Audubon started for Edinburgh in September of 1834. He wrote to
Edward Harris from Liverpool, on the 15th of that month, to inquire into the
truth of a report, which had circulated in London, of the failure of the house
in New Orleans "in which our friend N. Berthoud is concerned." "I wish
you would have the kindness to inform me," he adds, "if he is a sufferer by
this mishap, and I wish you to keep this quite entre nous."
At a slightly earlier day Audubon had entertained the idea of
illustrating the birds of Great Britain on a scale commensurate with his
work on those of America, but on May 1, 1828, he wrote Swainson that no
one favored the project, and it was quickly given up. The subject is referred
Page 164
to by MacGillivray, in a letter written from Edinburgh, May 7, 1831: "As I
understand your proposals respecting the Birds of Britain to have ended in
nothing, and as you do not allude to the subject, I shall suppose all your
ideas to have dispersed, and shall think of the matter myself." The first
volume of MacGillivray's History of British Birds appeared six years later.
[123]
It is evident that he wished to obtain Audubon's criticism of some of
the drawings subsequently used in this work when he sent the following
formal note[124] to his lodgings at Edinburgh:
understand your proposals respecting the Birds of Britain to have ended in
nothing, and as you do not allude to the subject, I shall suppose all your
ideas to have dispersed, and shall think of the matter myself." The first
volume of MacGillivray's History of British Birds appeared six years later.
[123]
It is evident that he wished to obtain Audubon's criticism of some of
the drawings subsequently used in this work when he sent the following
formal note[124] to his lodgings at Edinburgh:
Page 165
LETTER OF WILLIAM MACGILLIVRAY TO AUDUBON,
OCTOBER 22. 1834.
From the Howland MSS.
William MacGillivray to Audubon
Edinburgh, 22d. october, 1834.
Dear Sir,
I take the liberty of sending you a collection of drawings made by
myself, and intended for a work on the vertebrate animals of Great
OCTOBER 22. 1834.
From the Howland MSS.
William MacGillivray to Audubon
Edinburgh, 22d. october, 1834.
Dear Sir,
I take the liberty of sending you a collection of drawings made by
myself, and intended for a work on the vertebrate animals of Great
Page 166
Britain. The astonishing success with which you have depicted a whole
class of the productions of your native land, as evinced in the
incomparable delineations of your "Birds of America," renders your
opinions respecting ornithological drawings of the very highest
authority; and I have been anxious to submit my attempts to your
decision, which, if unfavourable, will induce me to remedy my defects,
or, if otherwise, will encourage me to proceed with an undertaking,
which by its arduousness and extent, is precisely suited to my
disposition. I shall therefore feel grateful for the expression of your
ideas respecting the Drawings, and I request that should you favour me
with it, you will not scruple to censure freely, should you find
occasion.
I have the honour to be, Dear Sir,
your most obedient servant,
W. Macgillivray.
[Addressed] To J. J. Audubon, Esqe.
Edinburgh.
Audubon and MacGillivray finished their work in November, and by
the first of December the manuscript of the second volume of the
Ornithological Biography was in the printer's hands. On the 10th of the
latter month Audubon wrote to Bachman from Edinburgh: "I am quite sure I
never have been half as anxious as I am at this moment to do all in my
power to compleat my vast enterprise, and sorrowful indeed would be my
dying moments if this book of mine were not finished ere my eyes are for
ever closed." The naturalist was thinking of materials for new "Episodes"
for the work when he added:
Try to study the habits of the alligator, the time of its propagation,
number of eggs, form of the nest, &c., &c., &c. I long to possess all
respecting this reptile (amphibian) [sic] for my article of the Wood Ibis
class of the productions of your native land, as evinced in the
incomparable delineations of your "Birds of America," renders your
opinions respecting ornithological drawings of the very highest
authority; and I have been anxious to submit my attempts to your
decision, which, if unfavourable, will induce me to remedy my defects,
or, if otherwise, will encourage me to proceed with an undertaking,
which by its arduousness and extent, is precisely suited to my
disposition. I shall therefore feel grateful for the expression of your
ideas respecting the Drawings, and I request that should you favour me
with it, you will not scruple to censure freely, should you find
occasion.
I have the honour to be, Dear Sir,
your most obedient servant,
W. Macgillivray.
[Addressed] To J. J. Audubon, Esqe.
Edinburgh.
Audubon and MacGillivray finished their work in November, and by
the first of December the manuscript of the second volume of the
Ornithological Biography was in the printer's hands. On the 10th of the
latter month Audubon wrote to Bachman from Edinburgh: "I am quite sure I
never have been half as anxious as I am at this moment to do all in my
power to compleat my vast enterprise, and sorrowful indeed would be my
dying moments if this book of mine were not finished ere my eyes are for
ever closed." The naturalist was thinking of materials for new "Episodes"
for the work when he added:
Try to study the habits of the alligator, the time of its propagation,
number of eggs, form of the nest, &c., &c., &c. I long to possess all
respecting this reptile (amphibian) [sic] for my article of the Wood Ibis
Page 167
and Sand Hill Crane, for it will make a fine picture on paper, and I can
show Waterton the bold astride of one's bare back in great style.
By now Docr. Parkman has at least a portion of the letter press and
I hope has begun printing the second vol. of Biog. 750 copies for
America, and the same number are printing here. I wish you would cut
out from all newspapers the pros and cons about me.
show Waterton the bold astride of one's bare back in great style.
By now Docr. Parkman has at least a portion of the letter press and
I hope has begun printing the second vol. of Biog. 750 copies for
America, and the same number are printing here. I wish you would cut
out from all newspapers the pros and cons about me.
Page 168
PART OF THE ORIGINAL DRAFT OF AUDUBON'S
MANUSCRIPT FOR THE INTRODUCTION TO VOLUME II
OF THE "ORNITHOLOGICAL BIOGRAPHY," GIVING
NAMES OF PERSONS TO WHOM HE CARRIED LETTERS
OF INTRODUCTION ON HIS FIRST VISIT TO LONDON IN
1827.
From the Howland MSS.
We thus have from Audubon himself a definite statement in regard to
the publication of his Biography of Birds in America, and as to the number
of copies issued.
MANUSCRIPT FOR THE INTRODUCTION TO VOLUME II
OF THE "ORNITHOLOGICAL BIOGRAPHY," GIVING
NAMES OF PERSONS TO WHOM HE CARRIED LETTERS
OF INTRODUCTION ON HIS FIRST VISIT TO LONDON IN
1827.
From the Howland MSS.
We thus have from Audubon himself a definite statement in regard to
the publication of his Biography of Birds in America, and as to the number
of copies issued.
Page 169
MacGillivray immediately agreed to "revise and correct" Audubon's
forthcoming third and fourth volumes, and that he was quite satisfied with
their method of cooperation is shown by the following definite statement of
his contract:
William MacGillivray to Audubon
Edinburgh 15th December 1834.
Dear Sir,
Agreeably to your request I hereby bind and oblige myself to
revise and correct the third and fourth volumes of your work entitled
"Ornithological Biography" at the same rate as the two first volumes,
namely at Two Pounds Two Shillings per sheet; as well as to revise, for
a sum to be subsequently determined, any other work which you may
intend to publish.
I have the honour to be Dear Sir,
your most obedt. Servant
W. Macgillivray.
To John J. Audubon Esq.
When William MacGillivray first met Audubon, in the autumn of 1830,
he was an enthusiastic naturalist of four and thirty, young, but, as we have
seen, a thorough anatomist, who stood firmly on his own feet and was
destined to advance his favorite study in a notable degree. Audubon at this
time was forty-five, but in anatomy the older man gladly sat at the feet of
the younger and acknowledged him master; while this young anatomist was
dissecting, Audubon in the rôle of student was seated by his side, and we
may be sure that little escaped his penetrating eye and keen intelligence. To
MacGillivray, on the other hand, Audubon was master of his art, and to him
forthcoming third and fourth volumes, and that he was quite satisfied with
their method of cooperation is shown by the following definite statement of
his contract:
William MacGillivray to Audubon
Edinburgh 15th December 1834.
Dear Sir,
Agreeably to your request I hereby bind and oblige myself to
revise and correct the third and fourth volumes of your work entitled
"Ornithological Biography" at the same rate as the two first volumes,
namely at Two Pounds Two Shillings per sheet; as well as to revise, for
a sum to be subsequently determined, any other work which you may
intend to publish.
I have the honour to be Dear Sir,
your most obedt. Servant
W. Macgillivray.
To John J. Audubon Esq.
When William MacGillivray first met Audubon, in the autumn of 1830,
he was an enthusiastic naturalist of four and thirty, young, but, as we have
seen, a thorough anatomist, who stood firmly on his own feet and was
destined to advance his favorite study in a notable degree. Audubon at this
time was forty-five, but in anatomy the older man gladly sat at the feet of
the younger and acknowledged him master; while this young anatomist was
dissecting, Audubon in the rôle of student was seated by his side, and we
may be sure that little escaped his penetrating eye and keen intelligence. To
MacGillivray, on the other hand, Audubon was master of his art, and to him
Page 170
he looked for criticism of his own artistic efforts; after him he named a son,
and to him dedicated a child of his brain.[125] In short, MacGillivray looked
upon Audubon as his best friend in the world, and the latter fully
appreciated his indebtedness to this able assistant. MacGillivray continued
to aid Audubon with his letterpress, revising and probably contributing most
of the technical details; in the fourth and concluding volumes, published in
1838 and 1839, the large store of anatomical matter and many excellent
drawings were duly acknowledged as coming from his hand. His own
writings were varied and numerous, but were generally characterized by a
high degree of excellence. His History of British Birds, in five volumes
(1837-1852), was too extended and too technical ever to become popular,
but in that work, for the first time in the history of science, classification
was placed on a strictly anatomical basis. MacGillivray even followed
Audubon to some extent by introducing into this work "delineations of
British scenery and character," but under another head. The sixth of his
"Lessons in Practical Ornithology" recounts in dialogue form the
experiences of two friends in tramping the Pentland Hills together; says
"Physiophilus" [himself], "You must have many fine songsters in America";
to which "Ornithologus" [Audubon] replies:
That we have indeed. The Mocking Bird, of course, stands first in
my opinion, and is unrivalled. Then, perhaps on account of my own
sensitive nature, I would place next the Wood Thrush, although the Cat
Bird is far its superior in many points, as is also the Turdus rufus.
Think of our Rose-breasted Pine and Blue Grosbeaks, how mellow and
sweet their continuous songs are, whether by day or during calm
nights. Watch the varied ditties of the Orchard Oriole, and the loud and
more musical notes of its brother, the Golden Hangnest. You have
never heard the Tawny Thrush or the Hermit Thrush, otherwise,
believe me, you would have enjoyed much delicious pleasure....
William MacGillivray was a man of the finest character and an honor to
the best traditions of British scholarship; in his enthusiasm and
and to him dedicated a child of his brain.[125] In short, MacGillivray looked
upon Audubon as his best friend in the world, and the latter fully
appreciated his indebtedness to this able assistant. MacGillivray continued
to aid Audubon with his letterpress, revising and probably contributing most
of the technical details; in the fourth and concluding volumes, published in
1838 and 1839, the large store of anatomical matter and many excellent
drawings were duly acknowledged as coming from his hand. His own
writings were varied and numerous, but were generally characterized by a
high degree of excellence. His History of British Birds, in five volumes
(1837-1852), was too extended and too technical ever to become popular,
but in that work, for the first time in the history of science, classification
was placed on a strictly anatomical basis. MacGillivray even followed
Audubon to some extent by introducing into this work "delineations of
British scenery and character," but under another head. The sixth of his
"Lessons in Practical Ornithology" recounts in dialogue form the
experiences of two friends in tramping the Pentland Hills together; says
"Physiophilus" [himself], "You must have many fine songsters in America";
to which "Ornithologus" [Audubon] replies:
That we have indeed. The Mocking Bird, of course, stands first in
my opinion, and is unrivalled. Then, perhaps on account of my own
sensitive nature, I would place next the Wood Thrush, although the Cat
Bird is far its superior in many points, as is also the Turdus rufus.
Think of our Rose-breasted Pine and Blue Grosbeaks, how mellow and
sweet their continuous songs are, whether by day or during calm
nights. Watch the varied ditties of the Orchard Oriole, and the loud and
more musical notes of its brother, the Golden Hangnest. You have
never heard the Tawny Thrush or the Hermit Thrush, otherwise,
believe me, you would have enjoyed much delicious pleasure....
William MacGillivray was a man of the finest character and an honor to
the best traditions of British scholarship; in his enthusiasm and
Page 171
indefatigable energy he was fully a match to Audubon. For nearly twelve
years (1841-1852) he was an honored lecturer and professor in Marischal
College and University, Aberdeen, where he died, probably as a result of
overwork in the field, in 1852, thus outliving his older friend but one year.
His last completed work, Natural History of Deeside and Braemar, was
published under the patronage of Queen Victoria and by her command
privately printed, under the editorship of E. Lancaster, in 1855.
MacGillivray's surviving son, whose career as a field naturalist was also cut
short by too strenuous work, accompanied Huxley, then an assistant surgeon
in the Royal Navy, on the memorable voyage of the Rattlesnake under
Captain Owen Stanley in 1842. MacGillivray was honored when alive, and
though dead has not been forgotten; in 1890 a beautiful tablet was dedicated
to him in Aberdeen, and at the same time a worthy monument was raised to
his memory at Edinburgh.[126]
In authorship the public is mainly interested in seeing merit duly
acknowledged. Said Audubon, in the introductory address to his first
volume:
There are persons whose desire of obtaining celebrity induces
them to suppress the knowledge of the assistance which they have
received in the composition of their works. In many cases, in fact, the
real author of the drawings or the descriptions in books on Natural
History is not so much as mentioned, while the pretended author
assumes to himself all the merit which the world is willing to allow
him. This want of candour I could never endure. On the contrary, I feel
pleasure in here acknowledging the assistance which I have received
from a friend, Mr. William MacGillivray, who being possessed of a
liberal education and a strong taste for the study of the Natural
Sciences, has aided me, not in drawing the figures of my Illustrations,
nor in writing the book now in your hand, although fully competent for
both tasks, but in completing the scientific details, and in smoothing
down the asperities of my Ornithological Biographies.
years (1841-1852) he was an honored lecturer and professor in Marischal
College and University, Aberdeen, where he died, probably as a result of
overwork in the field, in 1852, thus outliving his older friend but one year.
His last completed work, Natural History of Deeside and Braemar, was
published under the patronage of Queen Victoria and by her command
privately printed, under the editorship of E. Lancaster, in 1855.
MacGillivray's surviving son, whose career as a field naturalist was also cut
short by too strenuous work, accompanied Huxley, then an assistant surgeon
in the Royal Navy, on the memorable voyage of the Rattlesnake under
Captain Owen Stanley in 1842. MacGillivray was honored when alive, and
though dead has not been forgotten; in 1890 a beautiful tablet was dedicated
to him in Aberdeen, and at the same time a worthy monument was raised to
his memory at Edinburgh.[126]
In authorship the public is mainly interested in seeing merit duly
acknowledged. Said Audubon, in the introductory address to his first
volume:
There are persons whose desire of obtaining celebrity induces
them to suppress the knowledge of the assistance which they have
received in the composition of their works. In many cases, in fact, the
real author of the drawings or the descriptions in books on Natural
History is not so much as mentioned, while the pretended author
assumes to himself all the merit which the world is willing to allow
him. This want of candour I could never endure. On the contrary, I feel
pleasure in here acknowledging the assistance which I have received
from a friend, Mr. William MacGillivray, who being possessed of a
liberal education and a strong taste for the study of the Natural
Sciences, has aided me, not in drawing the figures of my Illustrations,
nor in writing the book now in your hand, although fully competent for
both tasks, but in completing the scientific details, and in smoothing
down the asperities of my Ornithological Biographies.
Page 172
In the introduction to Volume IV he added that the
anatomical descriptions, as well as the sketches by which they are
sometimes illustrated, have been executed by my learned friend,
William MacGillivray, who in the most agreeable manner consented to
undertake the labour, by no means small, of such a task, and to whom
those who are interested in the progress of Ornithological science, as
well as myself, must therefore feel indebted.
Audubon evidently believed that this printed acknowledgment was just;
MacGillivray was as plainly satisfied, so that complaints which have been
made against the naturalist on this score seem to have been rather
groundless. It might be noticed that bookmaking at that time was regarded
as more of a trade than at present; as Sir Walter Besant remarks, a traveler
would often give his notes to a bookseller, who in turn would hand them
over to a literary hack to be cast into suitable form.
AUDUBON'S INSCRIPTION IN THE COPY OF THE
"ORNITHOLOGICAL BIOGRAPHY" PRESENTED TO
WILLIAM MACGILLIVRAY
A fine token of the friendship which existed between these two men
was discovered in the summer of 1903 in a London bookshop, where it was
anatomical descriptions, as well as the sketches by which they are
sometimes illustrated, have been executed by my learned friend,
William MacGillivray, who in the most agreeable manner consented to
undertake the labour, by no means small, of such a task, and to whom
those who are interested in the progress of Ornithological science, as
well as myself, must therefore feel indebted.
Audubon evidently believed that this printed acknowledgment was just;
MacGillivray was as plainly satisfied, so that complaints which have been
made against the naturalist on this score seem to have been rather
groundless. It might be noticed that bookmaking at that time was regarded
as more of a trade than at present; as Sir Walter Besant remarks, a traveler
would often give his notes to a bookseller, who in turn would hand them
over to a literary hack to be cast into suitable form.
AUDUBON'S INSCRIPTION IN THE COPY OF THE
"ORNITHOLOGICAL BIOGRAPHY" PRESENTED TO
WILLIAM MACGILLIVRAY
A fine token of the friendship which existed between these two men
was discovered in the summer of 1903 in a London bookshop, where it was
Page 173
found reflected in the pages of a handsomely bound copy of Audubon's
Biography of Birds; on the title pages were inscribed the autographs of
William MacGillivray, while on the first page of the introduction to the first
volume the hand of Audubon had written this dedication:
These volumes are presented to William MacGillivray with
sentiments of the highest esteem and best wishes by his truly and
sincerely attached friend
John J. Audubon
Edinburgh July 1 t 1839.
Professor John Wilson gave the third volume of the Ornithological
Biography a very handsome notice in Blackwood's Magazine, and on New
Year's Day, 1836, Audubon acknowledged the compliment in the following
letter:[127]
Audubon to John Wilson ("Christopher North")
My Dear Friend:—
The first hour of this new year was ushered to me surrounded by
my dear flock, all comfortably seated around a small table in middle-
sized room, where I sincerely wished you had been also, to witness the
flowing gladness of our senses, as from one of us "Audubon's
Ornithological Biography" was read from your ever valuable Journal. I
wished this because I felt assured that your noble heart would have
received our most grateful thanks with pleasure, the instant our simple
ideas had conveyed to you the grant of happiness we experienced at
your hands. You were not with us, alas! but to make amends the best
way we could, all of a common accord drank to the health, prosperity,
and long life, of our generous, talented, and ever kind friend, Professor
John Wilson, and all those amiable beings who cling around his heart!
May those our sincerest wishes reach you soon, and may they be
Biography of Birds; on the title pages were inscribed the autographs of
William MacGillivray, while on the first page of the introduction to the first
volume the hand of Audubon had written this dedication:
These volumes are presented to William MacGillivray with
sentiments of the highest esteem and best wishes by his truly and
sincerely attached friend
John J. Audubon
Edinburgh July 1 t 1839.
Professor John Wilson gave the third volume of the Ornithological
Biography a very handsome notice in Blackwood's Magazine, and on New
Year's Day, 1836, Audubon acknowledged the compliment in the following
letter:[127]
Audubon to John Wilson ("Christopher North")
My Dear Friend:—
The first hour of this new year was ushered to me surrounded by
my dear flock, all comfortably seated around a small table in middle-
sized room, where I sincerely wished you had been also, to witness the
flowing gladness of our senses, as from one of us "Audubon's
Ornithological Biography" was read from your ever valuable Journal. I
wished this because I felt assured that your noble heart would have
received our most grateful thanks with pleasure, the instant our simple
ideas had conveyed to you the grant of happiness we experienced at
your hands. You were not with us, alas! but to make amends the best
way we could, all of a common accord drank to the health, prosperity,
and long life, of our generous, talented, and ever kind friend, Professor
John Wilson, and all those amiable beings who cling around his heart!
May those our sincerest wishes reach you soon, and may they be
Page 174
sealed by Him who granted us existence, and the joys heaped upon the
"American woodsman" and his family, in your hospitable land, and
may we deserve all the benefits we have received in your ever dear
country, although it may prove impossible to us to do more than to be
ever grateful to her worthy sons.
Accept our respectful united regards, and offer them to your
family, whilst I remain, with highest esteem, your truly thankful friend
and most obedient servant,
John J. Audubon.
Wilson had said in his earlier review:
We do not believe that till within these few years, he had any
practice in composition.... Yet Genius, if from circumstances
behindhand in any common accomplishment, soon supplies it—soon
makes up its lee-way—or rather, it has only to try to do what it has
never done before, and it succeeds in it to admiration. Audubon, who
had written but little even in his native tongue—French—under a
powerful motive, took to writing English; and he was not long in
learning to write it well, not only with fluency, but eloquence, as the
fine extracts we have quoted show in unfading colours.
The following comment on Audubon's second volume of the Biography
appeared in the Athenæum for 1835:
If only considered as evidence that it is in the power of man to
achieve whatever he wills, and that no obstacles are too great to be
overcome by energy and devotion of purpose, it would claim our good
will and best wishes.
He has told what he has seen and undergone, not perhaps in the
smooth nicely balanced periods of a drawing-room writer ... but with
unstudied freedom, rising at times to eloquence, nor been ashamed to
utter the thousand affectionate and benevolent feelings which a close
"American woodsman" and his family, in your hospitable land, and
may we deserve all the benefits we have received in your ever dear
country, although it may prove impossible to us to do more than to be
ever grateful to her worthy sons.
Accept our respectful united regards, and offer them to your
family, whilst I remain, with highest esteem, your truly thankful friend
and most obedient servant,
John J. Audubon.
Wilson had said in his earlier review:
We do not believe that till within these few years, he had any
practice in composition.... Yet Genius, if from circumstances
behindhand in any common accomplishment, soon supplies it—soon
makes up its lee-way—or rather, it has only to try to do what it has
never done before, and it succeeds in it to admiration. Audubon, who
had written but little even in his native tongue—French—under a
powerful motive, took to writing English; and he was not long in
learning to write it well, not only with fluency, but eloquence, as the
fine extracts we have quoted show in unfading colours.
The following comment on Audubon's second volume of the Biography
appeared in the Athenæum for 1835:
If only considered as evidence that it is in the power of man to
achieve whatever he wills, and that no obstacles are too great to be
overcome by energy and devotion of purpose, it would claim our good
will and best wishes.
He has told what he has seen and undergone, not perhaps in the
smooth nicely balanced periods of a drawing-room writer ... but with
unstudied freedom, rising at times to eloquence, nor been ashamed to
utter the thousand affectionate and benevolent feelings which a close
Page 175
and enthusiastic communion with nature must nourish. The work is
full of the man.
The winter and spring of 1835 were spent in London, and though
suffering from the strain of overwork, Audubon kept doggedly at his tasks.
On April 20 he wrote to Bachman:
Immediately on my arrival in London I set to writing, and finished
in one month, one 4th. of the Biographies of my 3d. vol. This
rendering me puffy, I could scarcely breathe—my appetite was gone—
my digestion bad—in other words I was attacked by Dyspepsia as bad
as ever. Then I thought of a change of work—for in change of labour
the body and the mind undergo sure and certain relief. I took to
Drawing! and what do you think—I have positively finished 33
drawings of American birds in England. This has enabled me to swell
my 3d. vol. of Illustrations with 57 species not given by Wilson and
therefore forestalling my friend Charles Bonaparte.
On the 28th of April Audubon wrote to Edward Harris, begging him to
send specimens of certain birds which he needed, as well as a circumstantial
account of the shad fisheries of the Delaware River as material for an
"Episode" for the third volume of his Biography; the fiftieth number of his
illustrations was then in the hands of the colorist. He continued:[128]
I thought better to push my publication on account of the woeful
dulling of the times in this country, where political strife engrosses the
mind of every person so much that arts and sciences are, as it were, put
on the shelves. Ministers are beings of six weeks lives now-a-days.
The Reformers are struggling against the Tories, and vice versa. The
Churchmen are aghast at the prospect of the future, and all this puts a
complete stoppage to business, independent of such matters. Even
since my return to England I have obtained only two or three
subscribers, and have lost more than a dozen; nay, I may safely say,
two dozen. In America, on the contrary, things appear to go on more
full of the man.
The winter and spring of 1835 were spent in London, and though
suffering from the strain of overwork, Audubon kept doggedly at his tasks.
On April 20 he wrote to Bachman:
Immediately on my arrival in London I set to writing, and finished
in one month, one 4th. of the Biographies of my 3d. vol. This
rendering me puffy, I could scarcely breathe—my appetite was gone—
my digestion bad—in other words I was attacked by Dyspepsia as bad
as ever. Then I thought of a change of work—for in change of labour
the body and the mind undergo sure and certain relief. I took to
Drawing! and what do you think—I have positively finished 33
drawings of American birds in England. This has enabled me to swell
my 3d. vol. of Illustrations with 57 species not given by Wilson and
therefore forestalling my friend Charles Bonaparte.
On the 28th of April Audubon wrote to Edward Harris, begging him to
send specimens of certain birds which he needed, as well as a circumstantial
account of the shad fisheries of the Delaware River as material for an
"Episode" for the third volume of his Biography; the fiftieth number of his
illustrations was then in the hands of the colorist. He continued:[128]
I thought better to push my publication on account of the woeful
dulling of the times in this country, where political strife engrosses the
mind of every person so much that arts and sciences are, as it were, put
on the shelves. Ministers are beings of six weeks lives now-a-days.
The Reformers are struggling against the Tories, and vice versa. The
Churchmen are aghast at the prospect of the future, and all this puts a
complete stoppage to business, independent of such matters. Even
since my return to England I have obtained only two or three
subscribers, and have lost more than a dozen; nay, I may safely say,
two dozen. In America, on the contrary, things appear to go on more
Page 176
prosperously. May God's will grant a long continuation of this to our
only Land of Liberty. France, you will have heard, has at last passed an
order for the payment of her debts to the citizens of the United States,
and I hope that this may prove amply sufficient to save us from having
a war with that powerful nation.... I wrote you that Dr. George
Parkman, of Boston, would have my 2d. volume of Biographies
reprinted in his city. I have seen 100 pages of this reprint here, but do
not know if the Vol. (American Ed.) has appeared before the Public?
My—Friends—erton, Ord & Co. keep up their curious
animadversions against me still—methinks they must be shockingly
mortified at my stubborn silence toward them. Some unknown friends
now & then reply to their absurdities.
His persistent heckler, Charles Waterton, was quite busy at this time,
four articles having been directed against Audubon or his friends in 1835,
though this was not his most prolific year. A similar reference occurs in a
letter written to Bachman from Edinburgh on the 20th of July: "As to the
rage of Mr. Waterton, or the lucubrations of Mr. Neal, who by the bye is a
subscriber to the Birds of America (bona fide), I really care not a fig—all
such stuffs will soon evaporate, being mere smoke from a Dung Hill."
In the summer of 1835 Audubon was again established in Edinburgh
and working with unremitting vigor at his Biography; some idea of the
speed which he maintained when able to devote himself unreservedly to this
task can be gathered from the fact that after the issue of his second volume,
of 620 large pages, in December, 1834, the third, of 654 pages, was
published in just a year from that time. He wrote to Edward Harris from
Edinburgh on the 5th of July, when engaged in this work:
I intend to write a few ["Episodes"] of such extraordinary men,
now deceased, with whom I have been acquainted—Thomas Bewick,
and Baron Cuvier, for example.
only Land of Liberty. France, you will have heard, has at last passed an
order for the payment of her debts to the citizens of the United States,
and I hope that this may prove amply sufficient to save us from having
a war with that powerful nation.... I wrote you that Dr. George
Parkman, of Boston, would have my 2d. volume of Biographies
reprinted in his city. I have seen 100 pages of this reprint here, but do
not know if the Vol. (American Ed.) has appeared before the Public?
My—Friends—erton, Ord & Co. keep up their curious
animadversions against me still—methinks they must be shockingly
mortified at my stubborn silence toward them. Some unknown friends
now & then reply to their absurdities.
His persistent heckler, Charles Waterton, was quite busy at this time,
four articles having been directed against Audubon or his friends in 1835,
though this was not his most prolific year. A similar reference occurs in a
letter written to Bachman from Edinburgh on the 20th of July: "As to the
rage of Mr. Waterton, or the lucubrations of Mr. Neal, who by the bye is a
subscriber to the Birds of America (bona fide), I really care not a fig—all
such stuffs will soon evaporate, being mere smoke from a Dung Hill."
In the summer of 1835 Audubon was again established in Edinburgh
and working with unremitting vigor at his Biography; some idea of the
speed which he maintained when able to devote himself unreservedly to this
task can be gathered from the fact that after the issue of his second volume,
of 620 large pages, in December, 1834, the third, of 654 pages, was
published in just a year from that time. He wrote to Edward Harris from
Edinburgh on the 5th of July, when engaged in this work:
I intend to write a few ["Episodes"] of such extraordinary men,
now deceased, with whom I have been acquainted—Thomas Bewick,
and Baron Cuvier, for example.
Page 177
We receive no new subscribers in Europe. The taste is passing for
Birds like a flitting shadow—Insects, reptiles and fishes are now the
rage, and these fly, swim or crawl on pages innumerable in every
Bookseller's window. When this is also passed, naturalists will have to
turn over a new leaf and commence afresh, or go to the antipodes in
search of materials to please the taste for novelty's sake.—However
my work will I hope be finished ere I leave this world, and must be
appreciated in years to come, when perhaps my childrens' children will
feel proud of their gone ancestor, "The American Woodsman." You see
my Dear Friend how far enthusiasm and a portion of the like for
standing fame carries even your humble servant a man with no other
means than his industry and prudence as a means of support, and one
with scarce the motive of education. There are moments, and they are
not far between, when thinking of my present enormous undertaking, I
wonder how I have been able to support the extraordinary amount of
monies paid for the work alone, without taking cognizance of my
family and my expeditions, which ever and anon travelling as we are
from place to place and country to country are also very great. When I
publish my Life and let the world know that Audubon like Wilson, was
at Phila. without the half of a Dollar, and that had it not been for
benevolent generosity of a certain Gentleman whose name is Edward
Harris, Audubon must have walked off from one of the fairest of our
Cities like a beggar does in poor Ireland, left destitute of all things
save his humble talents, and his determination to produce something
worthy of the soul of man: I say my dear Harris will not the world
stare! Poor Wilson was only better off than I on account of his superior
talents over me at driving the goose quill, but much similarity still
seems to have [existed] in both of us, as I could drive the pencil, the
brush, the Fiddle bow and even the "Fleuret" [better] than he.
Audubon wrote to Harris again from Edinburgh, on September 5, when
he said:
Birds like a flitting shadow—Insects, reptiles and fishes are now the
rage, and these fly, swim or crawl on pages innumerable in every
Bookseller's window. When this is also passed, naturalists will have to
turn over a new leaf and commence afresh, or go to the antipodes in
search of materials to please the taste for novelty's sake.—However
my work will I hope be finished ere I leave this world, and must be
appreciated in years to come, when perhaps my childrens' children will
feel proud of their gone ancestor, "The American Woodsman." You see
my Dear Friend how far enthusiasm and a portion of the like for
standing fame carries even your humble servant a man with no other
means than his industry and prudence as a means of support, and one
with scarce the motive of education. There are moments, and they are
not far between, when thinking of my present enormous undertaking, I
wonder how I have been able to support the extraordinary amount of
monies paid for the work alone, without taking cognizance of my
family and my expeditions, which ever and anon travelling as we are
from place to place and country to country are also very great. When I
publish my Life and let the world know that Audubon like Wilson, was
at Phila. without the half of a Dollar, and that had it not been for
benevolent generosity of a certain Gentleman whose name is Edward
Harris, Audubon must have walked off from one of the fairest of our
Cities like a beggar does in poor Ireland, left destitute of all things
save his humble talents, and his determination to produce something
worthy of the soul of man: I say my dear Harris will not the world
stare! Poor Wilson was only better off than I on account of his superior
talents over me at driving the goose quill, but much similarity still
seems to have [existed] in both of us, as I could drive the pencil, the
brush, the Fiddle bow and even the "Fleuret" [better] than he.
Audubon wrote to Harris again from Edinburgh, on September 5, when
he said:
Page 178
Between you and I the measurements of different Birds given by
Wilson are hardly to be depended upon, as I constantly discover a great
deficiency in this part of his descriptions which indeed in some cases
are otherwise slack, and given as if when fatigued or vexed. Nay I
even think at times that he has copied Authors and not nature? as in the
instance of the Oyster Catcher, which I fear he made & figured from a
European one in the Philadelphia museum, took the descriptions from
Latham, and described the Habits of Palliartus which is our own Bird
and it seems the only species to be met with in America, at least on our
Atlantic coast. Wilson committed the same blunder with the Rallus
elegans which he figured and described the habits of the R. capitans
for it! I could enumerate more instances of carelessness, but poor
Wilson is dead and may God bless his soul!
The third volume of his letterpress,[129] which dealt with the water birds
of America, made its appearance at the close of 1835; in the introduction he
said:
I look forward to the summer of 1838 with an anxious hope that I
may then be able to present you with the last plate of my Illustrations,
and the concluding volume of my Biographies. To render these
volumes as complete as possible, I intend to undertake a journey to the
southern and western limits of the Union, with the view of obtaining a
more accurate knowledge of the birds of those remote and scarcely
inhabited regions. On this tour I shall be accompanied by my youngest
son, while the rest of my family will remain in Britain to direct the
progress of my publication.
Wilson are hardly to be depended upon, as I constantly discover a great
deficiency in this part of his descriptions which indeed in some cases
are otherwise slack, and given as if when fatigued or vexed. Nay I
even think at times that he has copied Authors and not nature? as in the
instance of the Oyster Catcher, which I fear he made & figured from a
European one in the Philadelphia museum, took the descriptions from
Latham, and described the Habits of Palliartus which is our own Bird
and it seems the only species to be met with in America, at least on our
Atlantic coast. Wilson committed the same blunder with the Rallus
elegans which he figured and described the habits of the R. capitans
for it! I could enumerate more instances of carelessness, but poor
Wilson is dead and may God bless his soul!
The third volume of his letterpress,[129] which dealt with the water birds
of America, made its appearance at the close of 1835; in the introduction he
said:
I look forward to the summer of 1838 with an anxious hope that I
may then be able to present you with the last plate of my Illustrations,
and the concluding volume of my Biographies. To render these
volumes as complete as possible, I intend to undertake a journey to the
southern and western limits of the Union, with the view of obtaining a
more accurate knowledge of the birds of those remote and scarcely
inhabited regions. On this tour I shall be accompanied by my youngest
son, while the rest of my family will remain in Britain to direct the
progress of my publication.
Page 179
EARLY UNPUBLISHED DRAWINGS OF AMERICAN BIRDS:
ABOVE, "CAPRIMULGUS VOCIFERUS. WHIPPOORWILL
FEMELLE. A. W. MAY 7TH, 1812. PENNSA. NO. II"; BELOW,
"ROBIN A. WILLSON. TURDUS MIGRATORIUS. LITORNE
DU CANADA—MALE—BUFFON—DRAWN BY J. J.
AUDUBON JANY. 4, 1807—NEW YORK. NO. 102."
Published by courtesy of Mr. Joseph Y. Jeanes.
Audubon returned to London with his family early in 1836, visiting
Newcastle, York, Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield by the way, and took a
house at Number 4, Wimpole Street, Cavendish Square. As Mrs. Audubon's
health was anything but good, they were fortunate in having as a neighbor
in this street an eminent surgeon, Benjamin Phillips,[130] and this friend was
ABOVE, "CAPRIMULGUS VOCIFERUS. WHIPPOORWILL
FEMELLE. A. W. MAY 7TH, 1812. PENNSA. NO. II"; BELOW,
"ROBIN A. WILLSON. TURDUS MIGRATORIUS. LITORNE
DU CANADA—MALE—BUFFON—DRAWN BY J. J.
AUDUBON JANY. 4, 1807—NEW YORK. NO. 102."
Published by courtesy of Mr. Joseph Y. Jeanes.
Audubon returned to London with his family early in 1836, visiting
Newcastle, York, Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield by the way, and took a
house at Number 4, Wimpole Street, Cavendish Square. As Mrs. Audubon's
health was anything but good, they were fortunate in having as a neighbor
in this street an eminent surgeon, Benjamin Phillips,[130] and this friend was
Page 180
also a subscriber to The Birds of America. "Were I to mention," said
Audubon,
the many occasions on which he has aided me by his advice and
superior knowledge of the world, you would be pleased to find so
much disinterestedness in human nature. His professional aid too,
valuable as it has proved to us, and productive of much inconvenience
to him, has been rendered without reward, for I could never succeed in
inducing him to consider us his patients, although for upwards of two
years he never passed a day without seeing my wife.
In the spring of 1836 Audubon's two sons made a tour of France and
Italy; on the 9th of March he wrote to Harris that they expected to leave
England in a week, be gone three and a half months, visit Paris, Rome and
Messina, and return by way of Marseilles and Paris. With the passage of
1836 he had completed 70 numbers, of 350 plates, of his larger work,
leaving but 85 plates yet to be engraved. Though anxious to see this greatest
of his tasks brought to an end, he still looked with longing eyes to the
Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Coast, and began preparations for his last
journey to obtain materials and subscribers in the United States.
Audubon,
the many occasions on which he has aided me by his advice and
superior knowledge of the world, you would be pleased to find so
much disinterestedness in human nature. His professional aid too,
valuable as it has proved to us, and productive of much inconvenience
to him, has been rendered without reward, for I could never succeed in
inducing him to consider us his patients, although for upwards of two
years he never passed a day without seeing my wife.
In the spring of 1836 Audubon's two sons made a tour of France and
Italy; on the 9th of March he wrote to Harris that they expected to leave
England in a week, be gone three and a half months, visit Paris, Rome and
Messina, and return by way of Marseilles and Paris. With the passage of
1836 he had completed 70 numbers, of 350 plates, of his larger work,
leaving but 85 plates yet to be engraved. Though anxious to see this greatest
of his tasks brought to an end, he still looked with longing eyes to the
Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Coast, and began preparations for his last
journey to obtain materials and subscribers in the United States.
Page 181
Page 182
CHAPTER XXXI
THIRD AMERICAN TOUR, 1836-1837
In New York harbor—Collections from the Far West—Audubon's efforts to secure them—Return to
Boston—Friendship of Daniel Webster—Renewed efforts to obtain the Nuttall-Townsend
collection—Expedition to the west coast of Florida—Deferred governmental aid—Another winter
with Bachman—Overland journey to New Orleans—On board the Crusader—Mistaken for pirates
—With Harris and his son explores the Gulf Coast—The Republic of Texas—Visit to its capital
and president—Meeting in Charleston—Marriage of his son—Their return to England.
Audubon left London with his son, John, July 30, 1836, and on the
second day of August sailed from Portsmouth on the packet Gladiator,
bound for New York. Two hundred and sixty live birds had preceded them
to the ship, while three dogs came as a present from the Earl of Derby, and
"a brace of tailless cats from our friend George Thackeray, D.D., provost of
King's College": all had suffered somewhat from lack of care, but the dogs,
one of which was sent to John Bachman of Charleston, and some of the
birds crossed the Atlantic in safety. Five weeks were spent at sea; when the
Navesink Highlands at last hove into view the welcome news spread rapidly
over the ship; rockets were sent up later to attract a pilot, and when anchor
was grounded on American soil, Audubon confessed that he cried like a
child and devoutly thanked God for their preservation. He continued:
All was now bustle and mutual congratulations; our commander
was praised for his skill by some, and others praised his whisky, which
the waiters handed about, and the night was nearly spent in revelry; but
John and myself retired at two o'clock.... As a gleam of daylight
appeared, my eyes searched through the hazy atmosphere to catch a
THIRD AMERICAN TOUR, 1836-1837
In New York harbor—Collections from the Far West—Audubon's efforts to secure them—Return to
Boston—Friendship of Daniel Webster—Renewed efforts to obtain the Nuttall-Townsend
collection—Expedition to the west coast of Florida—Deferred governmental aid—Another winter
with Bachman—Overland journey to New Orleans—On board the Crusader—Mistaken for pirates
—With Harris and his son explores the Gulf Coast—The Republic of Texas—Visit to its capital
and president—Meeting in Charleston—Marriage of his son—Their return to England.
Audubon left London with his son, John, July 30, 1836, and on the
second day of August sailed from Portsmouth on the packet Gladiator,
bound for New York. Two hundred and sixty live birds had preceded them
to the ship, while three dogs came as a present from the Earl of Derby, and
"a brace of tailless cats from our friend George Thackeray, D.D., provost of
King's College": all had suffered somewhat from lack of care, but the dogs,
one of which was sent to John Bachman of Charleston, and some of the
birds crossed the Atlantic in safety. Five weeks were spent at sea; when the
Navesink Highlands at last hove into view the welcome news spread rapidly
over the ship; rockets were sent up later to attract a pilot, and when anchor
was grounded on American soil, Audubon confessed that he cried like a
child and devoutly thanked God for their preservation. He continued:
All was now bustle and mutual congratulations; our commander
was praised for his skill by some, and others praised his whisky, which
the waiters handed about, and the night was nearly spent in revelry; but
John and myself retired at two o'clock.... As a gleam of daylight
appeared, my eyes searched through the hazy atmosphere to catch a
Page 183
glimpse of the land, and gradually Staten Island opened to my view;
then the boat of the custom-house appeared, and soon he boarded us,
arranged the sailors and passengers on deck, and called their names.
Then followed breakfast, and soon another boat, with a yellow flag
flying, landed the health officer, and there being no sickness on board,
myself and John returned to Staten Island in the doctor's boat, and
were taken by the steamer Hercules to the city.[131]
Audubon remained in New York from the 7th to the 13th of September.
On Sunday, the 12th, he wrote to Edward Harris, in part as follows:[132]
Audubon to Edward Harris
My dear Friend—
... Whilst running over the interesting list of the Species of Birds
procured by Nuttall & Townsend in the Rocky Mountains, and the
shores of the Pacific, I became so completely wrapt up with the desire
to see these as soon as possible that I have concluded to go to
Philadelphia tomorrow by the 10 o'clock boat. I will stay at Harlan's
for two or three days and hope that you will meet me there, that I may
have the pleasure of pressing your hand and talking to you.
You well know how anxious I am to make my work on the Birds
of our Country as compleat as possible within my power:—you know
that to reach this end I have spared neither time, labours or money: you
are also aware that although this undertaking may never remunerate
me, I am so enthusiastic as to indulge in the hope that God will grant
me life to effect all this; but I am becoming old, and though very
willing doubt whether I could support the fatigues connected with a
journey of several years, and separated from my dear Family. Well the
desiderata has come to Philadelphia at least in part, and if I could be
allowed to pourtray the new species now there as an appendix to the
Birds of America, I should be proud and happy to do so, but do you
then the boat of the custom-house appeared, and soon he boarded us,
arranged the sailors and passengers on deck, and called their names.
Then followed breakfast, and soon another boat, with a yellow flag
flying, landed the health officer, and there being no sickness on board,
myself and John returned to Staten Island in the doctor's boat, and
were taken by the steamer Hercules to the city.[131]
Audubon remained in New York from the 7th to the 13th of September.
On Sunday, the 12th, he wrote to Edward Harris, in part as follows:[132]
Audubon to Edward Harris
My dear Friend—
... Whilst running over the interesting list of the Species of Birds
procured by Nuttall & Townsend in the Rocky Mountains, and the
shores of the Pacific, I became so completely wrapt up with the desire
to see these as soon as possible that I have concluded to go to
Philadelphia tomorrow by the 10 o'clock boat. I will stay at Harlan's
for two or three days and hope that you will meet me there, that I may
have the pleasure of pressing your hand and talking to you.
You well know how anxious I am to make my work on the Birds
of our Country as compleat as possible within my power:—you know
that to reach this end I have spared neither time, labours or money: you
are also aware that although this undertaking may never remunerate
me, I am so enthusiastic as to indulge in the hope that God will grant
me life to effect all this; but I am becoming old, and though very
willing doubt whether I could support the fatigues connected with a
journey of several years, and separated from my dear Family. Well the
desiderata has come to Philadelphia at least in part, and if I could be
allowed to pourtray the new species now there as an appendix to the
Birds of America, I should be proud and happy to do so, but do you
Page 184
think that the Academy is likely to indulge me in this my wish? Do
join me at Harlan's as soon as you can, and lend me a hand and try to
promote my views through mutual Friends attatched to that Institution.
Audubon also communicated at once with John Bachman, whom he
had planned to visit on his journey south, but soon learned that the cholera
had broken out in Charleston and that the Seminoles were on the warpath in
Florida. Said Bachman, writing on September 14:
With regard to Florida, nothing will be done by naturalists for at
least two years. Your Indian friends, the cut-throats, have scalped
almost every woman and child south of St. Augustine, save those on
Key West. They have burnt and plundered every plantation; and
although they will probably be, in a great measure, put down next
winter, yet there will, undoubtedly, remain many small predatory
bands that will make no bones of scalping at Ornithologist secundum
artem; and would ask no questions whether he were the friend or
enemy of William Penn. Of Texas, I think better, and thither, or along
its borders, you may, I think, venture—for the Texans are our friends. I
suppose Genl. Gaines will keep the Comanches quiet.[133]
Bachman kept his friends informed of the progress of the epidemic,
which had placed an embargo over his city; at the same time he sent news
of the Anhingas, Caracara Eagles and Cormorants, which had been
successfully held in captivity for the naturalist, and added: "These are awful
times in money matters, but of this you will hear enough when we meet.
Everyone nearly has failed, but the Parsons and Ornithologists."
On September 13 Audubon started for Philadelphia, anxious to see with
his own eyes those western collections which had so stirred his curiosity. It
seems that in 1834, Dr. Thomas Nuttall and Dr. John Kirk Townsend set out
on a journey to the mouth of the Columbia River; Nuttall was first of all a
botanist, and is said to have carried no gun, but Townsend was an
experienced ornithologist and made extensive collections of birds, a part of
join me at Harlan's as soon as you can, and lend me a hand and try to
promote my views through mutual Friends attatched to that Institution.
Audubon also communicated at once with John Bachman, whom he
had planned to visit on his journey south, but soon learned that the cholera
had broken out in Charleston and that the Seminoles were on the warpath in
Florida. Said Bachman, writing on September 14:
With regard to Florida, nothing will be done by naturalists for at
least two years. Your Indian friends, the cut-throats, have scalped
almost every woman and child south of St. Augustine, save those on
Key West. They have burnt and plundered every plantation; and
although they will probably be, in a great measure, put down next
winter, yet there will, undoubtedly, remain many small predatory
bands that will make no bones of scalping at Ornithologist secundum
artem; and would ask no questions whether he were the friend or
enemy of William Penn. Of Texas, I think better, and thither, or along
its borders, you may, I think, venture—for the Texans are our friends. I
suppose Genl. Gaines will keep the Comanches quiet.[133]
Bachman kept his friends informed of the progress of the epidemic,
which had placed an embargo over his city; at the same time he sent news
of the Anhingas, Caracara Eagles and Cormorants, which had been
successfully held in captivity for the naturalist, and added: "These are awful
times in money matters, but of this you will hear enough when we meet.
Everyone nearly has failed, but the Parsons and Ornithologists."
On September 13 Audubon started for Philadelphia, anxious to see with
his own eyes those western collections which had so stirred his curiosity. It
seems that in 1834, Dr. Thomas Nuttall and Dr. John Kirk Townsend set out
on a journey to the mouth of the Columbia River; Nuttall was first of all a
botanist, and is said to have carried no gun, but Townsend was an
experienced ornithologist and made extensive collections of birds, a part of
Page 185
which he sent in care of Nuttall to Philadelphia in 1835, although he
himself did not return east until the close of 1837. One of Audubon's great
ambitions had been to explore the regions which they had recently visited,
and in the circumstances we can sympathize with his desire to acquire so
valuable an acquisition for the work upon which he had been long engaged.
The object of his immediate quest apparently had been entrusted to the
Academy of Natural Sciences, an institution which had not always shown
itself friendly to his claims, and which in this instance is said to have
assisted the travelers with funds to prosecute their journey. The collection,
said Audubon, contained "about forty new species of birds, and its value
cannot be described." Balked in his initial efforts to obtain the coveted
prize, after two days of fruitless efforts on the part of his Philadelphia
friends, he returned to New York; Edward Harris then came forward with
the offer of $500 for the purchase of the collection outright, but negotiations
were not immediately successful.
With his hunger still unappeased, Audubon now visited Boston on a
canvassing tour, while his son remained with Nicholas Berthoud at New
York. Setting out on the 20th of September, he traveled by the steamer
Massachusetts and the Providence Railroad, paying seven dollars fare,
"which included supper and breakfast"; the sail up Providence Bay in early
morning was like a "fairy dream," and the locomotive in waiting then pulled
the passengers from "Providence to Boston at the rate of fifteen miles an
hour." We arrived, said he, at four in the afternoon: "a cart took my trunk,
and placing myself by the side of the owner, we drove to the house of my
friend, Dr. George C. Shattuck."
On the day after his arrival, Audubon visited Thomas M. Brewer, then a
young ornithologist living at Roxbury, to examine his collection of bird
skins and eggs, and upon his return called on David Eckley, "the great
salmon fisher," to whom he later presented a copy of his folio plates of The
Birds of America.[134] Brewer, who later became a physician and
distinguished ornithologist, for many years was one of Audubon's valued
himself did not return east until the close of 1837. One of Audubon's great
ambitions had been to explore the regions which they had recently visited,
and in the circumstances we can sympathize with his desire to acquire so
valuable an acquisition for the work upon which he had been long engaged.
The object of his immediate quest apparently had been entrusted to the
Academy of Natural Sciences, an institution which had not always shown
itself friendly to his claims, and which in this instance is said to have
assisted the travelers with funds to prosecute their journey. The collection,
said Audubon, contained "about forty new species of birds, and its value
cannot be described." Balked in his initial efforts to obtain the coveted
prize, after two days of fruitless efforts on the part of his Philadelphia
friends, he returned to New York; Edward Harris then came forward with
the offer of $500 for the purchase of the collection outright, but negotiations
were not immediately successful.
With his hunger still unappeased, Audubon now visited Boston on a
canvassing tour, while his son remained with Nicholas Berthoud at New
York. Setting out on the 20th of September, he traveled by the steamer
Massachusetts and the Providence Railroad, paying seven dollars fare,
"which included supper and breakfast"; the sail up Providence Bay in early
morning was like a "fairy dream," and the locomotive in waiting then pulled
the passengers from "Providence to Boston at the rate of fifteen miles an
hour." We arrived, said he, at four in the afternoon: "a cart took my trunk,
and placing myself by the side of the owner, we drove to the house of my
friend, Dr. George C. Shattuck."
On the day after his arrival, Audubon visited Thomas M. Brewer, then a
young ornithologist living at Roxbury, to examine his collection of bird
skins and eggs, and upon his return called on David Eckley, "the great
salmon fisher," to whom he later presented a copy of his folio plates of The
Birds of America.[134] Brewer, who later became a physician and
distinguished ornithologist, for many years was one of Audubon's valued
Page 186
correspondents and supplied him with much interesting material. On the
following day Audubon met Thomas Nuttall,[135] who at once promised him
duplicates of all the new birds which he had brought from the West. Colonel
Thomas H. Perkins, an early subscriber, Edward Everett, who had
befriended him in Washington, and who in 1836 became Governor of
Massachusetts, Josiah Quincy, president of Harvard College, Dr. Bowditch,
and other prominent characters, all extended a helping hand. He visited
Salem to deliver his letters, and was successful in obtaining a number of
subscribers; upon invitation of the curator of the Natural History Society
there, he examined "the young collection of that newborn institution," and
had "the good fortune to find one egg of the American bittern." On the 25th
of September he wrote Harris: "Nuttall has arrived—he breakfasted with me
the other day—gave me 6 new species of Birds and tells me that he will
urge both Townsend and the Society at Philadelphia to allow me to portray
all the species which they have procured within the limits of our
Territories."
In Boston, September 27, 1836, Audubon made this note in his journal:
[136]
"The citizens are all excitement; guns are firing, flags flying, and
troops parading and John Quincy Adams is delivering a eulogy on the late
President Madison. The mayor of Boston did me the honor to invite me to
join in the procession, but I am no politician and declined." He noted on the
same day also that Dr. Shattuck had completed the subscription list of the
Boston Society of Natural History "by presenting me to his lady, who
subscribed for one-tenth, and the Dr. then put down his son George's name
for one-twentieth, making his own family one-fourth of the whole, or two
hundred and twenty dollars, for which he gave me his cheque. Without the
assistance of this generous man, it is more than probable that the Society
never would have had a copy of 'The Birds of America.'" Two days later he
met Daniel Webster at the rooms of the Historical Society, and on the same
evening at the home of Isaac P. Davis, where, said Audubon, "we took tea,
talked on ornithology and ornithologists; he promised to send me some
specimens of birds, and finished by subscribing to my work." Webster also
following day Audubon met Thomas Nuttall,[135] who at once promised him
duplicates of all the new birds which he had brought from the West. Colonel
Thomas H. Perkins, an early subscriber, Edward Everett, who had
befriended him in Washington, and who in 1836 became Governor of
Massachusetts, Josiah Quincy, president of Harvard College, Dr. Bowditch,
and other prominent characters, all extended a helping hand. He visited
Salem to deliver his letters, and was successful in obtaining a number of
subscribers; upon invitation of the curator of the Natural History Society
there, he examined "the young collection of that newborn institution," and
had "the good fortune to find one egg of the American bittern." On the 25th
of September he wrote Harris: "Nuttall has arrived—he breakfasted with me
the other day—gave me 6 new species of Birds and tells me that he will
urge both Townsend and the Society at Philadelphia to allow me to portray
all the species which they have procured within the limits of our
Territories."
In Boston, September 27, 1836, Audubon made this note in his journal:
[136]
"The citizens are all excitement; guns are firing, flags flying, and
troops parading and John Quincy Adams is delivering a eulogy on the late
President Madison. The mayor of Boston did me the honor to invite me to
join in the procession, but I am no politician and declined." He noted on the
same day also that Dr. Shattuck had completed the subscription list of the
Boston Society of Natural History "by presenting me to his lady, who
subscribed for one-tenth, and the Dr. then put down his son George's name
for one-twentieth, making his own family one-fourth of the whole, or two
hundred and twenty dollars, for which he gave me his cheque. Without the
assistance of this generous man, it is more than probable that the Society
never would have had a copy of 'The Birds of America.'" Two days later he
met Daniel Webster at the rooms of the Historical Society, and on the same
evening at the home of Isaac P. Davis, where, said Audubon, "we took tea,
talked on ornithology and ornithologists; he promised to send me some
specimens of birds, and finished by subscribing to my work." Webster also
Page 187
gave him a general note of recommendation, in which he said:[137] "I take
this mode of commending Mr. Audubon to any friends of mine he may meet
in his journey to the west. I have not only great respect for Mr. Audubon's
scientific pursuits, but entertain for him personally much esteem and hearty
good wishes." Mr. Davis exerted his influence in other directions, and in
this instance acted as agent for the transmission of Audubon's plates to their
distinguished friend; on October 7, he wrote:[138] "I received the half Nos of
the 'Birds of America' for the worthy and sublime Danl. Webster—they
shall be delivered safely on his return." After urging Audubon to visit
Buffalo, where Dr. Bowditch and his friends thought that a number of new
subscribers might be procured, he appended a list of twelve likely names of
residents of that city, and added: "Bowdoin College shall be remembered as
the opportunity offers."
Webster, who was an ardent sportsman and well acquainted with the
water fowl of the coast, had volunteered to procure for Audubon specimens
of the Labrador Duck, which was even then extremely rare and has since
become extinct, but was unable to fulfill his promise. Audubon had already
found that many American birds, like the common crow, which had been
regarded as identical with those of the Old World, were in reality distinct,
and was now anxious, as he wrote to Thomas Brewer, "to compare the
anatomy of all our birds with those of the same families in Europe." His
letters to young Brewer at this time show how eager he was to secure the
promised specimens. On October 23 he wrote from Philadelphia: "I hope
you will not forget to call on our enlightened statesman D. Webster, and
remind him of his kind promise to assist you in the procuring of specimens
for me. This winter and next spring are my only chances, and I beg you to
do all you can for me." He wrote again from Charleston, January 1, 1837: "I
am sorry that the Hon. D. Webster has not attended to his promises, and will
write to him; yet I would beg you, being on the spot, to trouble him a good
deal."[139]
this mode of commending Mr. Audubon to any friends of mine he may meet
in his journey to the west. I have not only great respect for Mr. Audubon's
scientific pursuits, but entertain for him personally much esteem and hearty
good wishes." Mr. Davis exerted his influence in other directions, and in
this instance acted as agent for the transmission of Audubon's plates to their
distinguished friend; on October 7, he wrote:[138] "I received the half Nos of
the 'Birds of America' for the worthy and sublime Danl. Webster—they
shall be delivered safely on his return." After urging Audubon to visit
Buffalo, where Dr. Bowditch and his friends thought that a number of new
subscribers might be procured, he appended a list of twelve likely names of
residents of that city, and added: "Bowdoin College shall be remembered as
the opportunity offers."
Webster, who was an ardent sportsman and well acquainted with the
water fowl of the coast, had volunteered to procure for Audubon specimens
of the Labrador Duck, which was even then extremely rare and has since
become extinct, but was unable to fulfill his promise. Audubon had already
found that many American birds, like the common crow, which had been
regarded as identical with those of the Old World, were in reality distinct,
and was now anxious, as he wrote to Thomas Brewer, "to compare the
anatomy of all our birds with those of the same families in Europe." His
letters to young Brewer at this time show how eager he was to secure the
promised specimens. On October 23 he wrote from Philadelphia: "I hope
you will not forget to call on our enlightened statesman D. Webster, and
remind him of his kind promise to assist you in the procuring of specimens
for me. This winter and next spring are my only chances, and I beg you to
do all you can for me." He wrote again from Charleston, January 1, 1837: "I
am sorry that the Hon. D. Webster has not attended to his promises, and will
write to him; yet I would beg you, being on the spot, to trouble him a good
deal."[139]
Page 188
After returning to New York, Audubon had a visitor for whom he
expressed the greatest admiration, Washington Irving, who had aided him in
1833; he now received from his hands letters to Martin Van Buren, the
President-elect, and Benjamin F. Butler, who then occupied the post of
Attorney-General. Irving called attention in his letter to the national
character of Audubon's work, and warmly commended it to the patronage of
the country at large. On October 8 Audubon wrote MacGillivray from New
York that he had obtained twelve new subscribers, two at Salem, four at
Boston, and six in New York, but a little later, through the aid of Nicholas
Berthoud, in one week's time eighteen new names were added to his
subscription list in New York City alone.
Meanwhile Nuttall's and Townsend's birds had not been forgotten, and
on October 15 he started with his son for Philadelphia, where he was again
welcomed by Dr. Richard Harlan. No sooner, however, were efforts
renewed to gain permission to study the desired objects than new obstacles
were encountered. To quote the naturalist:[140]
Having obtained access to the collection sent by Dr. Townsend, I
turned over and over the new and rare species, but he was absent at
Fort Vancouver, on the shores of the Columbia River; Thomas Nuttall
had not yet come from Boston, and loud murmurs were uttered by the
soi-disant friends of science, who objected to my seeing, much less
portraying and describing, those valuable relics of birds, many of
which had not yet been introduced into our Fauna.
At length, "it was agreed," to continue his account of the transaction,
that I might purchase duplicates, provided the specific names
agreed upon by Mr. Nuttall and myself were published in Dr.
Townsend's name. This latter part of the affair was perfectly agreeable
to my feelings, as I have seldom cared much about priority in the
naming of species. I therefore paid for the skins which I received, and
have now published such as proved to be new, according to my
expressed the greatest admiration, Washington Irving, who had aided him in
1833; he now received from his hands letters to Martin Van Buren, the
President-elect, and Benjamin F. Butler, who then occupied the post of
Attorney-General. Irving called attention in his letter to the national
character of Audubon's work, and warmly commended it to the patronage of
the country at large. On October 8 Audubon wrote MacGillivray from New
York that he had obtained twelve new subscribers, two at Salem, four at
Boston, and six in New York, but a little later, through the aid of Nicholas
Berthoud, in one week's time eighteen new names were added to his
subscription list in New York City alone.
Meanwhile Nuttall's and Townsend's birds had not been forgotten, and
on October 15 he started with his son for Philadelphia, where he was again
welcomed by Dr. Richard Harlan. No sooner, however, were efforts
renewed to gain permission to study the desired objects than new obstacles
were encountered. To quote the naturalist:[140]
Having obtained access to the collection sent by Dr. Townsend, I
turned over and over the new and rare species, but he was absent at
Fort Vancouver, on the shores of the Columbia River; Thomas Nuttall
had not yet come from Boston, and loud murmurs were uttered by the
soi-disant friends of science, who objected to my seeing, much less
portraying and describing, those valuable relics of birds, many of
which had not yet been introduced into our Fauna.
At length, "it was agreed," to continue his account of the transaction,
that I might purchase duplicates, provided the specific names
agreed upon by Mr. Nuttall and myself were published in Dr.
Townsend's name. This latter part of the affair was perfectly agreeable
to my feelings, as I have seldom cared much about priority in the
naming of species. I therefore paid for the skins which I received, and
have now published such as proved to be new, according to my
Page 189
promise. But, let me assure you, Reader, that seldom, if ever in my
life, have I felt more disgusted with the conduct of any opponents of
mine, than I was with the unfriendly boasters of their zeal for the
advancement of ornithological science, who at that time existed in the
fair city of Philadelphia.
While still in Philadelphia, on October 23, Audubon wrote to Thomas
Brewer that Dr. Morton, the corresponding secretary of the Academy, had
not only permitted him to portray the new birds but had sold him "ninety
odd of the skins, forming a portion of the collection," and added that with
his other acquisitions they would swell his "catalogue to the number of 475,
all of which must be introduced in my fourth volume."
For many years Audubon had expressed great contempt for all seekers
after priority in the naming of new species of animals, but now he began to
find the pressure from without too strong to be resisted. Rivalry in this field
had become keen on both sides of the Atlantic, and in the commendable
desire to render his work as complete as possible, he was inevitably drawn
into a struggle in which the higher aspirations of scientific men are all too
apt to be obscured by petty vanities, suspicions and disputes.
While at Philadelphia Audubon paid this fine tribute to the ornithologist
whom he had met at Louisville twenty-six years before, and whose name
had long been a cover for the jealousies and animosities of supposititious
friends: "Passed poor Alexander Wilson's schoolhouse, and heaved a sigh.
Alas, poor Wilson! Would that I could once more speak to thee, and listen
to thy voice!"
Audubon was planning during the coming year to explore the west
coast of Florida, in company with his son and Edward Harris, and to
proceed as far as possible along the coast of Texas. From Philadelphia he
went to Baltimore, and on November 8 he arrived at Washington. His
steadfast friend and supporter, Colonel John James Abert, then at the head
of the Topographical Bureau, took him to the White House to call on
life, have I felt more disgusted with the conduct of any opponents of
mine, than I was with the unfriendly boasters of their zeal for the
advancement of ornithological science, who at that time existed in the
fair city of Philadelphia.
While still in Philadelphia, on October 23, Audubon wrote to Thomas
Brewer that Dr. Morton, the corresponding secretary of the Academy, had
not only permitted him to portray the new birds but had sold him "ninety
odd of the skins, forming a portion of the collection," and added that with
his other acquisitions they would swell his "catalogue to the number of 475,
all of which must be introduced in my fourth volume."
For many years Audubon had expressed great contempt for all seekers
after priority in the naming of new species of animals, but now he began to
find the pressure from without too strong to be resisted. Rivalry in this field
had become keen on both sides of the Atlantic, and in the commendable
desire to render his work as complete as possible, he was inevitably drawn
into a struggle in which the higher aspirations of scientific men are all too
apt to be obscured by petty vanities, suspicions and disputes.
While at Philadelphia Audubon paid this fine tribute to the ornithologist
whom he had met at Louisville twenty-six years before, and whose name
had long been a cover for the jealousies and animosities of supposititious
friends: "Passed poor Alexander Wilson's schoolhouse, and heaved a sigh.
Alas, poor Wilson! Would that I could once more speak to thee, and listen
to thy voice!"
Audubon was planning during the coming year to explore the west
coast of Florida, in company with his son and Edward Harris, and to
proceed as far as possible along the coast of Texas. From Philadelphia he
went to Baltimore, and on November 8 he arrived at Washington. His
steadfast friend and supporter, Colonel John James Abert, then at the head
of the Topographical Bureau, took him to the White House to call on
Page 190
President Andrew Jackson and present his letters. The General, said
Audubon, looked well and was smoking a pipe; after reading his letters
attentively, he said at once: "Mr. Audubon, I will do all in my power to
serve you, but the Seminole war, will, I fear, prevent you from having a
cutter; however, as we shall have a committee at twelve o'clock, we will
consider this, and give you an answer tomorrow." Levi Woodbury, Secretary
of the Treasury, was as friendly as ever, and offered the party passage to
Charleston on the Campbell, a vessel of fifty-five tons carrying three guns
and twenty-one men, but Audubon, who was a poor sailor, preferred to
travel by land and await the coming of this boat at the Bachman home.
Before leaving the capital the naturalist and his son were invited to dine
informally at the White House, and he had the opportunity of studying at
close range "a man who had done much good and much evil to our
country." Said Audubon of this dinner:
I sat close to him; we spoke of olden times, and touched slightly
on politics, and I found him very averse to the cause of the Texans....
The dinner was what might be called plain and substantial in England;
I dined from a fine young turkey, shot within twenty miles of
Washington. The general drank no wine, but his health was drunk by
us more than once; and he ate very moderately, his last dish consisting
of bread and milk.[141]
Audubon, with his son, John, left Washington on the 10th of November,
and after traveling six days on one of "the most extraordinary railroads in
the world," they reached the city of Charleston, where, under the hospitable
roof of John Bachman, the party eventually passed the winter, though
momentarily expecting their vessel, which did not arrive. During this long
interval of waiting, Audubon made drawings of all the new birds in the
Nuttall-Townsend collection, representing upwards of seventy figures, and
Miss Maria Martin, Bachman's sister-in-law, again assisted him in drawing
plants and insects.
Audubon, looked well and was smoking a pipe; after reading his letters
attentively, he said at once: "Mr. Audubon, I will do all in my power to
serve you, but the Seminole war, will, I fear, prevent you from having a
cutter; however, as we shall have a committee at twelve o'clock, we will
consider this, and give you an answer tomorrow." Levi Woodbury, Secretary
of the Treasury, was as friendly as ever, and offered the party passage to
Charleston on the Campbell, a vessel of fifty-five tons carrying three guns
and twenty-one men, but Audubon, who was a poor sailor, preferred to
travel by land and await the coming of this boat at the Bachman home.
Before leaving the capital the naturalist and his son were invited to dine
informally at the White House, and he had the opportunity of studying at
close range "a man who had done much good and much evil to our
country." Said Audubon of this dinner:
I sat close to him; we spoke of olden times, and touched slightly
on politics, and I found him very averse to the cause of the Texans....
The dinner was what might be called plain and substantial in England;
I dined from a fine young turkey, shot within twenty miles of
Washington. The general drank no wine, but his health was drunk by
us more than once; and he ate very moderately, his last dish consisting
of bread and milk.[141]
Audubon, with his son, John, left Washington on the 10th of November,
and after traveling six days on one of "the most extraordinary railroads in
the world," they reached the city of Charleston, where, under the hospitable
roof of John Bachman, the party eventually passed the winter, though
momentarily expecting their vessel, which did not arrive. During this long
interval of waiting, Audubon made drawings of all the new birds in the
Nuttall-Townsend collection, representing upwards of seventy figures, and
Miss Maria Martin, Bachman's sister-in-law, again assisted him in drawing
plants and insects.
Page 191
As spring approached and the long awaited Campbell had not arrived,
Audubon, with Harris and John, started overland for New Orleans. After
several days of hard traveling by coaches they reached Montgomery, and
descended the Alabama River by steamboat to Mobile. When that district
had been ransacked for birds, they went on to Pensacola, where they
learned that the Government cutter would soon be at their service at New
Orleans; accordingly they retraced their steps to Mobile, passed through the
lakes, and entered the southern capital, the city in which the naturalist had
nearly starved, a penniless stranger, sixteen years before, but which, less
than three-quarters of a century later, was to raise a monument to his
memory. He was still destined to a degree of disappointment, when it was
learned that the Campbell could not be put in readiness before the last of
March, but he was delighted to find that the old pilot of the Marion,
Napoleon Coste, was to command this vessel. At New Orleans Audubon
met for the last time "good M. Le Sueur," artist and naturalist, who had
spent many years at New Harmony, Indiana, and whose acquaintance he
had first made at Philadelphia in 1824.
Audubon and his party finally left New Orleans on the 1st of April and
entered the Gulf by the Southwest Pass, where, on the 3rd of the month,
they were joined by the Crusader, a schooner of twelve tons which was
attached to the Revenue Service; on this journey she carried a crew of four,
with as many guns, and acted as a tender to the larger vessel. The
expedition was provisioned for two months, and aimed to explore the keys,
bayous and shoreline from the Mississippi to the Bay of Galveston. Some of
Audubon's experiences on this cruise were described in a letter to William
MacGillivray,[142] dated "Côte Blanche, 18 April, 1837," which we will
now reproduce:
Audubon to William MacGillivray
My Dear Friend,—
Audubon, with Harris and John, started overland for New Orleans. After
several days of hard traveling by coaches they reached Montgomery, and
descended the Alabama River by steamboat to Mobile. When that district
had been ransacked for birds, they went on to Pensacola, where they
learned that the Government cutter would soon be at their service at New
Orleans; accordingly they retraced their steps to Mobile, passed through the
lakes, and entered the southern capital, the city in which the naturalist had
nearly starved, a penniless stranger, sixteen years before, but which, less
than three-quarters of a century later, was to raise a monument to his
memory. He was still destined to a degree of disappointment, when it was
learned that the Campbell could not be put in readiness before the last of
March, but he was delighted to find that the old pilot of the Marion,
Napoleon Coste, was to command this vessel. At New Orleans Audubon
met for the last time "good M. Le Sueur," artist and naturalist, who had
spent many years at New Harmony, Indiana, and whose acquaintance he
had first made at Philadelphia in 1824.
Audubon and his party finally left New Orleans on the 1st of April and
entered the Gulf by the Southwest Pass, where, on the 3rd of the month,
they were joined by the Crusader, a schooner of twelve tons which was
attached to the Revenue Service; on this journey she carried a crew of four,
with as many guns, and acted as a tender to the larger vessel. The
expedition was provisioned for two months, and aimed to explore the keys,
bayous and shoreline from the Mississippi to the Bay of Galveston. Some of
Audubon's experiences on this cruise were described in a letter to William
MacGillivray,[142] dated "Côte Blanche, 18 April, 1837," which we will
now reproduce:
Audubon to William MacGillivray
My Dear Friend,—
Page 192
Being just now snugly anchored in a bay, the description of which
may prove agreeable to you, I sit down to give you an account of what
I have been doing since I last wrote to you.
After visiting "Rabbit Island," on which, as I have already told
you, not a single Rabbit or Hare is to be seen, we made our way
between it and Frisky Point, by a narrow and somewhat difficult
channel leading to the bay in which I now write. The shores around us
are entirely formed of a bank, from twenty to thirty feet high, and
composed of concrete shells of various kinds, among which the
Common Oyster, however, predominates. This bank, which at present
looks as if bleached by the sunshine and rain of centuries, is so white
that it well might form a guiding line to the vessels which navigate this
bay even in the darkest nights. The bay, however, is so shallow, that it
is rarely entered by vessels larger than schooners of about seventy tons
burthen, which visit its shores to take in the sugars and cottons grown
in the neighbouring country.
The "Crusader" is a somewhat curious craft, small, snug withal,
and considerably roguish looking. She has not fewer than four
"grunters" on her fore deck, her sails are of pure white cotton, and
although she bears the lively flag of our country at the peak, her being
painted purely black gives her the aspect, not merely of a smuggler,
but of a pirate. But here she is, at the entrance of a canal of a sugar
plantation, and close to another craft, much the worse for wear, and,
for aught I know to the contrary, belonging to the captain alone, who, I
would almost venture to assert, belongs to no country at all.
It is now four weeks since a razor came in contact with my chin.
All my companions are equally hircine; or, if you please, hirsute. As to
our clothing, were you to see us at this moment, you would be ready to
exclaim, "What vagabonds these fellows are!" Coats and trousers
plastered with mire, shirts no longer white, guns exhibiting the
appearance of being in constant use, and all sorts of accoutrements that
may prove agreeable to you, I sit down to give you an account of what
I have been doing since I last wrote to you.
After visiting "Rabbit Island," on which, as I have already told
you, not a single Rabbit or Hare is to be seen, we made our way
between it and Frisky Point, by a narrow and somewhat difficult
channel leading to the bay in which I now write. The shores around us
are entirely formed of a bank, from twenty to thirty feet high, and
composed of concrete shells of various kinds, among which the
Common Oyster, however, predominates. This bank, which at present
looks as if bleached by the sunshine and rain of centuries, is so white
that it well might form a guiding line to the vessels which navigate this
bay even in the darkest nights. The bay, however, is so shallow, that it
is rarely entered by vessels larger than schooners of about seventy tons
burthen, which visit its shores to take in the sugars and cottons grown
in the neighbouring country.
The "Crusader" is a somewhat curious craft, small, snug withal,
and considerably roguish looking. She has not fewer than four
"grunters" on her fore deck, her sails are of pure white cotton, and
although she bears the lively flag of our country at the peak, her being
painted purely black gives her the aspect, not merely of a smuggler,
but of a pirate. But here she is, at the entrance of a canal of a sugar
plantation, and close to another craft, much the worse for wear, and,
for aught I know to the contrary, belonging to the captain alone, who, I
would almost venture to assert, belongs to no country at all.
It is now four weeks since a razor came in contact with my chin.
All my companions are equally hircine; or, if you please, hirsute. As to
our clothing, were you to see us at this moment, you would be ready to
exclaim, "What vagabonds these fellows are!" Coats and trousers
plastered with mire, shirts no longer white, guns exhibiting the
appearance of being in constant use, and all sorts of accoutrements that
Page 193
pertain to determined hunters, complete our tout ensemble. But, as I
have said, here we are, and on shore must go. "Man the gig," quoth our
captain. In a trice the gig is manned. One after another, for there are
five or six of us, we swing ourselves into the after-sheets. The word is
given, the oars are plied, and now we are once more on terra firma.
The crossing of large bays, cumbered with shallow bars and banks
of oyster-shells, is always to me extremely disagreeable, and more
especially when all these bars and banks do not contain a single living
specimen of that most delectable shell-fish. Nay, I am assured by our
pilot, who is no youngster, that ever since he first visited this extensive
waste, not an oyster has been procured in these parts. But now, in
single file, like culprits or hungry travellers, we proceed along the
margin of the canal. Ah, my dear friend, would that you were here just
now to see the Snipes innumerable, the Blackbirds, the Gallinules, and
the Curlews that surround us;—that you could listen as I now do, to
the delightful notes of the Mocking-bird, pouring forth his soul in
melody as the glorious orb of day is fast descending towards the
western horizon;—that you could watch the light gambols of the Night
Hawk, or gaze on the Great Herons which, after spreading their broad
wings, croak aloud as if doubtful regarding the purpose of our visit to
these shores! Ah! how well do I know you would enjoy all this; but,
alas! we are more than four thousand miles apart.
Hark! what's that? Nothing but a parcel of men coming to greet us.
Here they are, seven or eight Negroes. Who lives here my good
fellows? Major Gordy, massa. Well, now show us the way to the
house. Yes, gentlemen, come along. So we follow our swarthy guides.
The plantations here are of great value, both on account of their
proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, and the excellence of the soil, which,
as in other parts of Louisiana, is composed of a fat, black mould. The
Indian corn was at least six feet high, and looked most beautiful. As we
approached the mansion of Major Gordy, I observed that it has a
have said, here we are, and on shore must go. "Man the gig," quoth our
captain. In a trice the gig is manned. One after another, for there are
five or six of us, we swing ourselves into the after-sheets. The word is
given, the oars are plied, and now we are once more on terra firma.
The crossing of large bays, cumbered with shallow bars and banks
of oyster-shells, is always to me extremely disagreeable, and more
especially when all these bars and banks do not contain a single living
specimen of that most delectable shell-fish. Nay, I am assured by our
pilot, who is no youngster, that ever since he first visited this extensive
waste, not an oyster has been procured in these parts. But now, in
single file, like culprits or hungry travellers, we proceed along the
margin of the canal. Ah, my dear friend, would that you were here just
now to see the Snipes innumerable, the Blackbirds, the Gallinules, and
the Curlews that surround us;—that you could listen as I now do, to
the delightful notes of the Mocking-bird, pouring forth his soul in
melody as the glorious orb of day is fast descending towards the
western horizon;—that you could watch the light gambols of the Night
Hawk, or gaze on the Great Herons which, after spreading their broad
wings, croak aloud as if doubtful regarding the purpose of our visit to
these shores! Ah! how well do I know you would enjoy all this; but,
alas! we are more than four thousand miles apart.
Hark! what's that? Nothing but a parcel of men coming to greet us.
Here they are, seven or eight Negroes. Who lives here my good
fellows? Major Gordy, massa. Well, now show us the way to the
house. Yes, gentlemen, come along. So we follow our swarthy guides.
The plantations here are of great value, both on account of their
proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, and the excellence of the soil, which,
as in other parts of Louisiana, is composed of a fat, black mould. The
Indian corn was at least six feet high, and looked most beautiful. As we
approached the mansion of Major Gordy, I observed that it has a
Page 194
pleasant aspect, and was furnished with a fine garden, and a yard well
stocked with cattle, together with a good number of horses and mules,
just let loose from labour. A mill for grinding corn and making sugar
particularly drew our notice to it, as the Crusader happened just then to
be destitute of both articles; and as I saw some women milking the
cows, my heart fairly leaped with joy, and the hope that ere long we
might procure a full bowl of the delightful and salubrious beverage.
The short twilight of our southern latitudes had now almost involved
every object in that dim obscurity so congenial to most living creatures
after the toils of the day, as allowing them to enjoy that placid quiet
which is required to restore their faded energies.
Near the entrance of the mansion stood an elderly man, of tall
stature and firm aspect, leaning on what I would call a desperate long
gun. As I approached this Côte Blanche planter, I thought that
something not so very friendly as I could have wished was expressed
in his countenance. As he rested his heavy frame on his monstrous
rifle, he neither moved his head, nor held out his hand to me, until I
presented mine to him, saying, "My good sir, how do you do?" His
answer was a rather suspicious look at me and my companions; but
notwithstanding, and probably because he was on his own ground, he
asked us what was our wish, and then desired us to walk in.
Côte Blanche Bay, you must be informed, has for a number of
years been infested by a set of rascally piratical vagabonds, who have
committed extensive depredations, in consequence of which, a few
years ago, a United States' revenue cutter was sent to protect the coast.
I have no doubt that the major took us, to a man, for members of the
gang who had more than once visited, not his house, but his plantation,
on which they had played many wanton and atrocious freaks.
We now, however, had entered the house. Candles were lighted,
and we at once came face to face, as it were. It curiously happened that
our captain was without his uniform, and fully as rough looking
stocked with cattle, together with a good number of horses and mules,
just let loose from labour. A mill for grinding corn and making sugar
particularly drew our notice to it, as the Crusader happened just then to
be destitute of both articles; and as I saw some women milking the
cows, my heart fairly leaped with joy, and the hope that ere long we
might procure a full bowl of the delightful and salubrious beverage.
The short twilight of our southern latitudes had now almost involved
every object in that dim obscurity so congenial to most living creatures
after the toils of the day, as allowing them to enjoy that placid quiet
which is required to restore their faded energies.
Near the entrance of the mansion stood an elderly man, of tall
stature and firm aspect, leaning on what I would call a desperate long
gun. As I approached this Côte Blanche planter, I thought that
something not so very friendly as I could have wished was expressed
in his countenance. As he rested his heavy frame on his monstrous
rifle, he neither moved his head, nor held out his hand to me, until I
presented mine to him, saying, "My good sir, how do you do?" His
answer was a rather suspicious look at me and my companions; but
notwithstanding, and probably because he was on his own ground, he
asked us what was our wish, and then desired us to walk in.
Côte Blanche Bay, you must be informed, has for a number of
years been infested by a set of rascally piratical vagabonds, who have
committed extensive depredations, in consequence of which, a few
years ago, a United States' revenue cutter was sent to protect the coast.
I have no doubt that the major took us, to a man, for members of the
gang who had more than once visited, not his house, but his plantation,
on which they had played many wanton and atrocious freaks.
We now, however, had entered the house. Candles were lighted,
and we at once came face to face, as it were. It curiously happened that
our captain was without his uniform, and fully as rough looking
Page 195
otherwise as any of us. I was, however, much pleased to see that the
major himself was not much superior to us in respect of apparel; nor
had his razor been employed for many days. I happened to have about
me some unequivocal credentials, from the head departments of the
United States, which, on my observing that some degree of suspicion
still remained, I placed in his hands. He read them, spoke kindly to us,
promised to forward our letters to the nearest post-town, and invited us
to consider his dwelling as our own. From that moment until we
returned to our vessel, we were all as comfortable and merry as men
can be when distant from their own dear homes.
Next morning we received from Major Gordy a barrel of sugar,
another of corn meal, some pails of milk, and a quantity of newly
made butter, together with potatoes and other needful articles—and all
this without being allowed so much as to offer him the least
recompense. The day after, we returned to breakfast by invitation, and
found in the house several strangers armed with rifles and double-
barrelled guns. After we had been introduced to all around, we seated
ourselves, and made a vigorous attack upon our host's eggs and bacon,
coffee, tea, and milk. As this important business was proceeding, I was
delighted to hear the following anecdotes, which I hope you, my dear
friend, will relish as much as I did.
"Gentlemen," said our host, straightening himself up in his chair,
"I am considerably suspicious as regards the strangers who happen to
anchor within the range of my dominions. Indeed, gentlemen, I must
acknowledge that even after you returned on board last night, I sent off
some of my men in various directions, to let my neighbours know that
a strange craft had anchored near the landing-place; and here,
gentlemen, are those neighbours of mine; but as it happens that the
name of the gentleman who calls himself a 'Naturalist' is well known
to some of them, I now feel quite satisfied as respects the purposes you
have in view. But let me tell you what happened to me some years ago.
major himself was not much superior to us in respect of apparel; nor
had his razor been employed for many days. I happened to have about
me some unequivocal credentials, from the head departments of the
United States, which, on my observing that some degree of suspicion
still remained, I placed in his hands. He read them, spoke kindly to us,
promised to forward our letters to the nearest post-town, and invited us
to consider his dwelling as our own. From that moment until we
returned to our vessel, we were all as comfortable and merry as men
can be when distant from their own dear homes.
Next morning we received from Major Gordy a barrel of sugar,
another of corn meal, some pails of milk, and a quantity of newly
made butter, together with potatoes and other needful articles—and all
this without being allowed so much as to offer him the least
recompense. The day after, we returned to breakfast by invitation, and
found in the house several strangers armed with rifles and double-
barrelled guns. After we had been introduced to all around, we seated
ourselves, and made a vigorous attack upon our host's eggs and bacon,
coffee, tea, and milk. As this important business was proceeding, I was
delighted to hear the following anecdotes, which I hope you, my dear
friend, will relish as much as I did.
"Gentlemen," said our host, straightening himself up in his chair,
"I am considerably suspicious as regards the strangers who happen to
anchor within the range of my dominions. Indeed, gentlemen, I must
acknowledge that even after you returned on board last night, I sent off
some of my men in various directions, to let my neighbours know that
a strange craft had anchored near the landing-place; and here,
gentlemen, are those neighbours of mine; but as it happens that the
name of the gentleman who calls himself a 'Naturalist' is well known
to some of them, I now feel quite satisfied as respects the purposes you
have in view. But let me tell you what happened to me some years ago.
Page 196
"Such a shark-looking craft as the one you call the Crusader
happened to drop its anchor abreast of my landing-place, about dusk
one evening, and as I guessed that the fellows on board were not better
than they should be, I watched their motions for a while from my back
piazza. But nothing happened that night. Next morning, however, I
heard the firing of guns down the meadows where my cattle and hogs
were in the habit of feeding. So I took my rifle, walked towards the
spot, and soon found, sure enough, that the rascals had killed a fine ox
and several hogs, which they were dragging to the shore. Indeed,
gentlemen, I saw the yawl crammed with the spoils of my plantation.
Well, I took as good an aim as I could at the nearest man, and cracked
away, but without hitting. At the report of my gun the fellows all took
to their heels, and getting on board hoisted sail and went off. I have
never heard of them since. Well, gentlemen, about the same hour next
morning, a black-looking barge, hardly as large as your Crusader,
came to, off the very same spot, and although I watched it and every
one on board nearly the whole night, and it was a beautiful moon-
shining one, not a soul of them came on shore until morning. Then,
however, I saw some bustle on board. Several men got off in a very
small affair, which was fastened astern of the large boat. I saw them
land, and deliberately walk towards the meadows. No sooner had they
reached the wettest part, and that is where my hogs generally root for
food, than crack, crack, crack, went off their guns in all directions. You
may well suppose how vexed I was at all this, and conceive how soon I
mustered my men with clubs, and armed myself with my rifle. On
reaching the ground, think, gentlemen, what were my thoughts, when I
saw the fellows all advancing towards me and my people, as if they
were the honestest men in the world. I was so mad when they came
close up, that I had a mind to shoot the one in front, for he looked for
all the world as if he cared not a pin for any one. However, I did not
shoot, but asked him why he was shooting my hogs? 'Hogs! good man,
you are quite mistaken; we are shooting snipes until we come in
contact with the rascally pirates who infest the coast, and lay waste
happened to drop its anchor abreast of my landing-place, about dusk
one evening, and as I guessed that the fellows on board were not better
than they should be, I watched their motions for a while from my back
piazza. But nothing happened that night. Next morning, however, I
heard the firing of guns down the meadows where my cattle and hogs
were in the habit of feeding. So I took my rifle, walked towards the
spot, and soon found, sure enough, that the rascals had killed a fine ox
and several hogs, which they were dragging to the shore. Indeed,
gentlemen, I saw the yawl crammed with the spoils of my plantation.
Well, I took as good an aim as I could at the nearest man, and cracked
away, but without hitting. At the report of my gun the fellows all took
to their heels, and getting on board hoisted sail and went off. I have
never heard of them since. Well, gentlemen, about the same hour next
morning, a black-looking barge, hardly as large as your Crusader,
came to, off the very same spot, and although I watched it and every
one on board nearly the whole night, and it was a beautiful moon-
shining one, not a soul of them came on shore until morning. Then,
however, I saw some bustle on board. Several men got off in a very
small affair, which was fastened astern of the large boat. I saw them
land, and deliberately walk towards the meadows. No sooner had they
reached the wettest part, and that is where my hogs generally root for
food, than crack, crack, crack, went off their guns in all directions. You
may well suppose how vexed I was at all this, and conceive how soon I
mustered my men with clubs, and armed myself with my rifle. On
reaching the ground, think, gentlemen, what were my thoughts, when I
saw the fellows all advancing towards me and my people, as if they
were the honestest men in the world. I was so mad when they came
close up, that I had a mind to shoot the one in front, for he looked for
all the world as if he cared not a pin for any one. However, I did not
shoot, but asked him why he was shooting my hogs? 'Hogs! good man,
you are quite mistaken; we are shooting snipes until we come in
contact with the rascally pirates who infest the coast, and lay waste
Page 197
your plantations. My name, my good sir, is Captain ——, of the
United States Navy; and these are some of my men. Will you come on
board, and breakfast with us on your own snipes?'" No wonder that the
major, having been subject to the visits of these marauders, should
have taken us in the dusk, armed as we were, and withal not having
precisely the aspect of sober citizens, for persons not quite as good as
we should be. But I must now conclude, and in my next you shall hear
something of the result of my expedition into the marshes.
BUST OF AUDUBON BY WILLIAM COUPER IN THE
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, NEW YORK.
Published by courtesy of the American Museum of Natural
History.
United States Navy; and these are some of my men. Will you come on
board, and breakfast with us on your own snipes?'" No wonder that the
major, having been subject to the visits of these marauders, should
have taken us in the dusk, armed as we were, and withal not having
precisely the aspect of sober citizens, for persons not quite as good as
we should be. But I must now conclude, and in my next you shall hear
something of the result of my expedition into the marshes.
BUST OF AUDUBON BY WILLIAM COUPER IN THE
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, NEW YORK.
Published by courtesy of the American Museum of Natural
History.
Page 198
After wading through mud for whole days, exposed to scorching heat,
and constantly annoyed by myriads of insects in the course of their
numerous excursions on shore, they reached Galveston Bay on the 24th of
April. The fort of Galveston returned their salute of "26 fires," given by the
big gun on the Campbell, and shortly after they received a visit from the
Secretary of the Navy of the Republic of Texas, which under Sam Houston
had declared its independence but a few weeks before their arrival, and
were invited to proceed to the seat of government, at Houston, eighty miles
distant, in the interior. They landed on the 26th of April, and after three
weeks had been spent in exploring Galveston Island and its adjacent shores
for birds and animals of all sorts, they started for Houston on the 8th of
May. After making about twelve miles, their vessel grounded on Red Fish
Bar, and the party then took to tender and gig, reaching their destination on
the 15th; wild turkeys, ibises, and ducks of many kinds were seen in great
numbers along their course.
Audubon has left a graphic account[143] of what he then saw at the
capital of this short-lived infant Republic, including its picturesque
President, the mêlée of dejected Mexican prisoners then gathered there, and
its drunken Indians, "halooing and stumbling about in the mud in every
direction." Houston's abode was a small log house, "consisting of two
rooms, with a passage through, after the Southern fashion."
The moment we stepped over the threshold, on the right hand of
the passage, we found ourselves ushered into what in other countries
would be called the ante-chamber; the ground floor, however, was
muddy and filthy; a large fire was burning; a small table, covered with
paper and writing materials, was in the centre; camp-beds, trunks, and
different materials were strewn around the room. We were at once
presented to several members of the cabinet, some of whom bore the
stamp of intellectual ability, simple though bold, in their general
appearance....
and constantly annoyed by myriads of insects in the course of their
numerous excursions on shore, they reached Galveston Bay on the 24th of
April. The fort of Galveston returned their salute of "26 fires," given by the
big gun on the Campbell, and shortly after they received a visit from the
Secretary of the Navy of the Republic of Texas, which under Sam Houston
had declared its independence but a few weeks before their arrival, and
were invited to proceed to the seat of government, at Houston, eighty miles
distant, in the interior. They landed on the 26th of April, and after three
weeks had been spent in exploring Galveston Island and its adjacent shores
for birds and animals of all sorts, they started for Houston on the 8th of
May. After making about twelve miles, their vessel grounded on Red Fish
Bar, and the party then took to tender and gig, reaching their destination on
the 15th; wild turkeys, ibises, and ducks of many kinds were seen in great
numbers along their course.
Audubon has left a graphic account[143] of what he then saw at the
capital of this short-lived infant Republic, including its picturesque
President, the mêlée of dejected Mexican prisoners then gathered there, and
its drunken Indians, "halooing and stumbling about in the mud in every
direction." Houston's abode was a small log house, "consisting of two
rooms, with a passage through, after the Southern fashion."
The moment we stepped over the threshold, on the right hand of
the passage, we found ourselves ushered into what in other countries
would be called the ante-chamber; the ground floor, however, was
muddy and filthy; a large fire was burning; a small table, covered with
paper and writing materials, was in the centre; camp-beds, trunks, and
different materials were strewn around the room. We were at once
presented to several members of the cabinet, some of whom bore the
stamp of intellectual ability, simple though bold, in their general
appearance....
Page 199
The President was engaged in the opposite room on national
business, and we could not see him for some time. Meanwhile we
amused ourselves by walking to the capitol, which was yet without a
roof, and the floors, benches and tables of both houses of Congress
were as well saturated with water as our clothes had been in the
morning. Being invited by one of the great men of the place to enter a
booth to take a drink of grog with him, we did so; but I was rather
surprised that he offered his name, instead of the cash, to the bar-
keeper.
We first caught sight of President Houston as he walked from one
of the grog-shops, where he had been to prevent the sale of ardent
spirits. He was on his way to his house, and wore a large gray coarse
hat, and the bulk of his figure reminded me of the appearance of
General Hopkins of Virginia, for like him he is upwards of six feet
high, and strong in proportion. But I observed a scowl in the
expression of his eyes, that was forbidding and disagreeable. We
reached his abode before him, but he soon came, and we were
presented to his excellency. He was dressed in a fancy velvet coat, and
trowsers trimmed with broad gold-lace; around his neck was tied a
cravat somewhat in the style of seventy-six. He received us kindly, was
desirous of retaining us for awhile, and offered us every facility within
his power. He at once removed us from the anteroom to his private
chamber, which by the way was not much cleaner than the former. We
were severally introduced by him to the different members of his
cabinet and staff, and at once asked to drink grog with him, which we
did, wishing success to his new republic. Our talk was short; but the
impression which was made on my mind at the time by himself, his
officers, and his place of abode, can never be forgotten.
The party left Texas on the 18th of May, and on the 27th reached New
Orleans, which was then oppressively hot and nearly deserted. Here
Audubon's collections and equipment were packed to be sent north; his dog
was given to his brother-in-law, William Bakewell, and on the last day of
business, and we could not see him for some time. Meanwhile we
amused ourselves by walking to the capitol, which was yet without a
roof, and the floors, benches and tables of both houses of Congress
were as well saturated with water as our clothes had been in the
morning. Being invited by one of the great men of the place to enter a
booth to take a drink of grog with him, we did so; but I was rather
surprised that he offered his name, instead of the cash, to the bar-
keeper.
We first caught sight of President Houston as he walked from one
of the grog-shops, where he had been to prevent the sale of ardent
spirits. He was on his way to his house, and wore a large gray coarse
hat, and the bulk of his figure reminded me of the appearance of
General Hopkins of Virginia, for like him he is upwards of six feet
high, and strong in proportion. But I observed a scowl in the
expression of his eyes, that was forbidding and disagreeable. We
reached his abode before him, but he soon came, and we were
presented to his excellency. He was dressed in a fancy velvet coat, and
trowsers trimmed with broad gold-lace; around his neck was tied a
cravat somewhat in the style of seventy-six. He received us kindly, was
desirous of retaining us for awhile, and offered us every facility within
his power. He at once removed us from the anteroom to his private
chamber, which by the way was not much cleaner than the former. We
were severally introduced by him to the different members of his
cabinet and staff, and at once asked to drink grog with him, which we
did, wishing success to his new republic. Our talk was short; but the
impression which was made on my mind at the time by himself, his
officers, and his place of abode, can never be forgotten.
The party left Texas on the 18th of May, and on the 27th reached New
Orleans, which was then oppressively hot and nearly deserted. Here
Audubon's collections and equipment were packed to be sent north; his dog
was given to his brother-in-law, William Bakewell, and on the last day of
Page 200
the month the party began to retrace their steps of the previous March. After
more hard traveling by car, coach and railroad, Charleston was reached in
eight and a half days, on June 10, 1837. Edward Harris, who ascended the
Mississippi from New Orleans for the purpose of making further
collections, later rejoined the party at Bachman's home in Charleston.
Audubon said that he lost twelve pounds in weight during this journey,
which proved exceedingly trying, and the hardships encountered were
hardly commensurate with the returns in bird and animal lore; yet Audubon
was by no means dissatisfied at the results, as shown by the following
account which he gave Thomas Brewer two days after his return:[144]
The weather during the principal portion of our absence was
unusually cold, even for the season, and this gave us, perhaps, the very
best opportunities ever afforded to any student of nature to observe the
inward migrations of myriads of the birds that visit us from the south
and west when the imperative laws of nature force them from their
winter retreats towards other countries to multiply. To tell you all
regarding this would be more by a thousand times than can be given in
a letter written in haste, and I will therefore at once touch the spring
with whose sound you are most in harmony. We procured many eggs
for you—ay, a great number—and as soon as we reach New York I
will make up a large box, and take it to you myself.... One thing that
will interest you most, as it did me, is that we found west of the
Mississippi many species of ducks breeding as contented as if in
latitude 68° north. There is, after all, nothing like seeing things or
countries to enable one to judge of their peculiarities, and I now feel
satisfied that through the want of these means many erroneous notions
remain in scientific works that can not otherwise be eradicated. We
found not one new species, but the mass of observations that we have
gathered connected with the ornithology of our country, has, I think,
never been surpassed. I feel myself now tolerably competent to give an
essay on the geographical distribution of the feathered tribes of our
more hard traveling by car, coach and railroad, Charleston was reached in
eight and a half days, on June 10, 1837. Edward Harris, who ascended the
Mississippi from New Orleans for the purpose of making further
collections, later rejoined the party at Bachman's home in Charleston.
Audubon said that he lost twelve pounds in weight during this journey,
which proved exceedingly trying, and the hardships encountered were
hardly commensurate with the returns in bird and animal lore; yet Audubon
was by no means dissatisfied at the results, as shown by the following
account which he gave Thomas Brewer two days after his return:[144]
The weather during the principal portion of our absence was
unusually cold, even for the season, and this gave us, perhaps, the very
best opportunities ever afforded to any student of nature to observe the
inward migrations of myriads of the birds that visit us from the south
and west when the imperative laws of nature force them from their
winter retreats towards other countries to multiply. To tell you all
regarding this would be more by a thousand times than can be given in
a letter written in haste, and I will therefore at once touch the spring
with whose sound you are most in harmony. We procured many eggs
for you—ay, a great number—and as soon as we reach New York I
will make up a large box, and take it to you myself.... One thing that
will interest you most, as it did me, is that we found west of the
Mississippi many species of ducks breeding as contented as if in
latitude 68° north. There is, after all, nothing like seeing things or
countries to enable one to judge of their peculiarities, and I now feel
satisfied that through the want of these means many erroneous notions
remain in scientific works that can not otherwise be eradicated. We
found not one new species, but the mass of observations that we have
gathered connected with the ornithology of our country, has, I think,
never been surpassed. I feel myself now tolerably competent to give an
essay on the geographical distribution of the feathered tribes of our
Page 201
dear country, and I promise that I will do so, with naught but facts and
notes made on the very spot, and at the fitting time.
Maria Rebecca Bachman, eldest of the nine Bachman children, was
married at this time to John Woodhouse Audubon, and the entire party
started north before the end of June. They went by steamer to Norfolk, and
thence to Washington, where Audubon presented his letters to President Van
Buren and tendered his thanks in person to the various officers of the
Government and friends who had aided his expedition; they passed rapidly
through Baltimore and Philadelphia, to New York, where Audubon
remained a fortnight, while his son and daughter-in-law were enjoying a
honeymoon at Niagara Falls. All sailed from New York on the packet
England, and landed at Liverpool on the 2d of August. Five days later the
family was united in London.
notes made on the very spot, and at the fitting time.
Maria Rebecca Bachman, eldest of the nine Bachman children, was
married at this time to John Woodhouse Audubon, and the entire party
started north before the end of June. They went by steamer to Norfolk, and
thence to Washington, where Audubon presented his letters to President Van
Buren and tendered his thanks in person to the various officers of the
Government and friends who had aided his expedition; they passed rapidly
through Baltimore and Philadelphia, to New York, where Audubon
remained a fortnight, while his son and daughter-in-law were enjoying a
honeymoon at Niagara Falls. All sailed from New York on the packet
England, and landed at Liverpool on the 2d of August. Five days later the
family was united in London.
Page 202
Page 203
CHAPTER XXXII
AUDUBON'S GREATEST TRIUMPH
Extension of his work—Financial panic and revolt of patrons—New western collections—His "Book
of Nature" completed—Work on the letterpress in Edinburgh—Vacation in the Highlands—
Commissions to Harris—Parting address to the reader—Dissolution of the Havell engraving
establishment—The residuum of The Birds of America—Robert Havell, engraver, and his family—
Lizars' first edition and the Havell reissues of plates—Brief manual for collectors—Appreciations
—Total edition of The Birds of America—Past and present prices—The Rothschild incident.
After Audubon's return to England in the summer of 1837, the
completion of his magnum opus occupied but two years. Certain now of the
ultimate success which would crown his efforts, he worked with a furious
ardor, determined not only to execute his original plans, but to extend them,
if necessary, to include every bird which had been discovered in America,
or, at least, in the United States.
Audubon wrote Thomas Brewer in September that, for some
unexplained cause, a large part of his collections made in Texas had
probably been lost; when writing on October 29, the box containing all the
eggs collected on the Gulf of Mexico had not come to hand. He continued:
[145]
I authorize you to offer and to pay as much as five dollars for an
old raven, in the flesh, and perfect as far as internals are concerned.
European writers who a few years since were all agog to prove that our
apparently analogous species were identical with those of Europe have
suddenly "faced about," and pronounce our birds to be quite distinct
AUDUBON'S GREATEST TRIUMPH
Extension of his work—Financial panic and revolt of patrons—New western collections—His "Book
of Nature" completed—Work on the letterpress in Edinburgh—Vacation in the Highlands—
Commissions to Harris—Parting address to the reader—Dissolution of the Havell engraving
establishment—The residuum of The Birds of America—Robert Havell, engraver, and his family—
Lizars' first edition and the Havell reissues of plates—Brief manual for collectors—Appreciations
—Total edition of The Birds of America—Past and present prices—The Rothschild incident.
After Audubon's return to England in the summer of 1837, the
completion of his magnum opus occupied but two years. Certain now of the
ultimate success which would crown his efforts, he worked with a furious
ardor, determined not only to execute his original plans, but to extend them,
if necessary, to include every bird which had been discovered in America,
or, at least, in the United States.
Audubon wrote Thomas Brewer in September that, for some
unexplained cause, a large part of his collections made in Texas had
probably been lost; when writing on October 29, the box containing all the
eggs collected on the Gulf of Mexico had not come to hand. He continued:
[145]
I authorize you to offer and to pay as much as five dollars for an
old raven, in the flesh, and perfect as far as internals are concerned.
European writers who a few years since were all agog to prove that our
apparently analogous species were identical with those of Europe have
suddenly "faced about," and pronounce our birds to be quite distinct
Page 204
species, and of course now say that our raven is indeed our raven! and
all this because I proved that the Corvus corone of Europe existed not
in America. All this induces the present natural student of nature to
have his eyes and all his senses fully open, and to see into things
further than we can into grindstones....
Charles Bonaparte, who has just this moment left me, has kindly
proffered me his new North American species, and I hope to figure
them all, thereby rendering my work the more complete, if not quite
perfect, as far as truly well-known species are now thought to exist in
the limits of our country, or indeed those of North America.
When writing his young friend again, on November 18, he implored
him to proceed
with all possible industry, in procuring the birds of my list, in rum.
I hope you will have a pair of pied ducks (Fuligula labradora) for me.
Send me all the drawings of eggs you can so that they reach me here
by the 1st to 10th of March next. If the birds arrive in London by the
middle of April, it will do.... I send you inclosed the copy of an
advertisement of my work, which I wish you to hand over to our most
generous friend George Parkman, Esq., M.D., and ask him to have it
inserted in one or more of the Boston newspapers as soon as
convenient.
Again, on the 22nd, he admonished his friend not to send his "drawings
of eggs by letter," but to forward all such to N. Berthoud, "and ask him to
send them by captains of London packets. The postages are very heavy
these hard times, and I am not a prince."
Although Audubon's "Prospectus" called for only eighty parts of 400
plates, by 1837 the number of new discoveries had multiplied to such an
extent that he faced the dilemma of either enlarging his work or issuing it in
an incomplete state. In the summer of that year large numbers of his British
patrons discontinued their subscriptions, a result, no doubt, of the disastrous
all this because I proved that the Corvus corone of Europe existed not
in America. All this induces the present natural student of nature to
have his eyes and all his senses fully open, and to see into things
further than we can into grindstones....
Charles Bonaparte, who has just this moment left me, has kindly
proffered me his new North American species, and I hope to figure
them all, thereby rendering my work the more complete, if not quite
perfect, as far as truly well-known species are now thought to exist in
the limits of our country, or indeed those of North America.
When writing his young friend again, on November 18, he implored
him to proceed
with all possible industry, in procuring the birds of my list, in rum.
I hope you will have a pair of pied ducks (Fuligula labradora) for me.
Send me all the drawings of eggs you can so that they reach me here
by the 1st to 10th of March next. If the birds arrive in London by the
middle of April, it will do.... I send you inclosed the copy of an
advertisement of my work, which I wish you to hand over to our most
generous friend George Parkman, Esq., M.D., and ask him to have it
inserted in one or more of the Boston newspapers as soon as
convenient.
Again, on the 22nd, he admonished his friend not to send his "drawings
of eggs by letter," but to forward all such to N. Berthoud, "and ask him to
send them by captains of London packets. The postages are very heavy
these hard times, and I am not a prince."
Although Audubon's "Prospectus" called for only eighty parts of 400
plates, by 1837 the number of new discoveries had multiplied to such an
extent that he faced the dilemma of either enlarging his work or issuing it in
an incomplete state. In the summer of that year large numbers of his British
patrons discontinued their subscriptions, a result, no doubt, of the disastrous
Page 205
panic which had driven many into bankruptcy, and still more refused to take
any plates in excess of the stipulated number. To alleviate this anticipated
difficulty, he had already begun to admit composite plates, on which from
two to six different kinds of birds were grouped together, much in the older
style which he abhorred; but, in spite of this concession and omission of the
eggs, colored figures of which he had hoped to give at the end, he was
obliged to add seven parts, thus swelling the total number of large plates to
435, which represented 489 supposedly distinct species of American birds.
When Audubon was facing such protests in England, Dr. J. K.
Townsend[146] returned to Philadelphia with a second great collection from
the Far West. How eager he was, at this psychological moment, to gain
access to these ornithological treasures is clearly shown in the following
letter[147] to Edward Harris:
Audubon to Edward Harris
[Outside address] To Edd Harris Esqr.
Moorestown New Jersey
9 miles from Philadelphia Pennsylvania
U. S. A.
Duplicate
London, Oct. 26th., 1837.
I have this moment received your dear letter of the 4. instant, for
the contents of which, I do indeed most truly thank you, but the most
important point contained in it, Dr. Spencer is now at Paris quite well
and happy. I have not heard of his supposed intentions to visit Russia,
at least not until you have shown yourself in Europe for awhile. When
will you come? I have not received one single letter from Dr. Morton
since my return to England, and have been the more surprised at this,
because I look upon him as a worthy good man and as one whom,
since my last visit to him, I cannot but consider as my friend.
any plates in excess of the stipulated number. To alleviate this anticipated
difficulty, he had already begun to admit composite plates, on which from
two to six different kinds of birds were grouped together, much in the older
style which he abhorred; but, in spite of this concession and omission of the
eggs, colored figures of which he had hoped to give at the end, he was
obliged to add seven parts, thus swelling the total number of large plates to
435, which represented 489 supposedly distinct species of American birds.
When Audubon was facing such protests in England, Dr. J. K.
Townsend[146] returned to Philadelphia with a second great collection from
the Far West. How eager he was, at this psychological moment, to gain
access to these ornithological treasures is clearly shown in the following
letter[147] to Edward Harris:
Audubon to Edward Harris
[Outside address] To Edd Harris Esqr.
Moorestown New Jersey
9 miles from Philadelphia Pennsylvania
U. S. A.
Duplicate
London, Oct. 26th., 1837.
I have this moment received your dear letter of the 4. instant, for
the contents of which, I do indeed most truly thank you, but the most
important point contained in it, Dr. Spencer is now at Paris quite well
and happy. I have not heard of his supposed intentions to visit Russia,
at least not until you have shown yourself in Europe for awhile. When
will you come? I have not received one single letter from Dr. Morton
since my return to England, and have been the more surprised at this,
because I look upon him as a worthy good man and as one whom,
since my last visit to him, I cannot but consider as my friend.
Page 206
The return of Dr. Townsend to our happy land has filled me with
joy, and trebly so when you tell me that he is as friendly disposed to
me as I ever have been towards him. I congratulate you my dear friend,
in the step which you have so kindly taken in my favour, by first
selecting all such Bird-skins as you or Townsend have considered as
new, and also in having given freedom to Dr. Morton to pay Dr.
Townsend Fifty Dollars for the skins selected by you, under the
prudent considerations or restrictions talked of in your letter. May I
receive all the Bird skins very soon, for depend upon it, now or never
is for me the period to push on my publication. If I have any regret to
express it is, that Townsend or Dr. Morton or yourself did not at once
forward to me the whole of the Bird skins brought latterly by
Townsend, for I can assure you that it has become a matter of the
greatest niceity to distinguish the slight though positive species lines of
demarkation between our species of Birds—and if on this reaching
you, the least doubt exists amongst yourselves respecting any one, why
send it to me at once by the very earliest conveyance. If by New York,
with letter to N. Berthoud to lose not a day, provided a packet, either to
Liverpool or London, is ready to sail! Had Townsend sent me the
whole of his disposible birds, I might now have perhaps been able to
have mad[e] him a remittance in cash, which the single arrival of the
German Naturalists, who are now in California may hereafter put an
end to. Mention this to him, nay, shew him this letter if you please and
assure him that I am willing to exert myself in his behalf. Indeed, I
wish you to urge him in forwarding me either his own manuscripts or a
copy of all such parts as appertain to Birds, as soon as possible,
knowing (I think) that he will not undertake to publish them himself
under his present (I am sorry to say) embarrassed pecuniary
circumstances. Tell him that I want all about the habits of any Birds
which he has written upon, especially, however, those found from the
beginning of his journeys until his return, and appertaining to species
belonging to our fauna or otherwise. Their exact measurements, dates,
localities, migratories or vice versa inclinations, descriptions of nests,
joy, and trebly so when you tell me that he is as friendly disposed to
me as I ever have been towards him. I congratulate you my dear friend,
in the step which you have so kindly taken in my favour, by first
selecting all such Bird-skins as you or Townsend have considered as
new, and also in having given freedom to Dr. Morton to pay Dr.
Townsend Fifty Dollars for the skins selected by you, under the
prudent considerations or restrictions talked of in your letter. May I
receive all the Bird skins very soon, for depend upon it, now or never
is for me the period to push on my publication. If I have any regret to
express it is, that Townsend or Dr. Morton or yourself did not at once
forward to me the whole of the Bird skins brought latterly by
Townsend, for I can assure you that it has become a matter of the
greatest niceity to distinguish the slight though positive species lines of
demarkation between our species of Birds—and if on this reaching
you, the least doubt exists amongst yourselves respecting any one, why
send it to me at once by the very earliest conveyance. If by New York,
with letter to N. Berthoud to lose not a day, provided a packet, either to
Liverpool or London, is ready to sail! Had Townsend sent me the
whole of his disposible birds, I might now have perhaps been able to
have mad[e] him a remittance in cash, which the single arrival of the
German Naturalists, who are now in California may hereafter put an
end to. Mention this to him, nay, shew him this letter if you please and
assure him that I am willing to exert myself in his behalf. Indeed, I
wish you to urge him in forwarding me either his own manuscripts or a
copy of all such parts as appertain to Birds, as soon as possible,
knowing (I think) that he will not undertake to publish them himself
under his present (I am sorry to say) embarrassed pecuniary
circumstances. Tell him that I want all about the habits of any Birds
which he has written upon, especially, however, those found from the
beginning of his journeys until his return, and appertaining to species
belonging to our fauna or otherwise. Their exact measurements, dates,
localities, migratories or vice versa inclinations, descriptions of nests,
Page 207
eggs &c. periods of breeding; in a word all that he can, or will be
pleased to send me—and you may assure Townsend, that all he will
confide to me will be published as coming from him, although I may
think fit to alter the phraseology in some instances. Tell him to be
extremely careful in naming his new species, and that [if] he thinks of
difficulties in this matter, to leave it to me, as here I am able to see all
the late published works (and they are not a few) and work out the
species with more advantage than any one can at present in
Philadelphia. Do not take this as egotism far from it, it is in friendship
and for his sake that I venture on undertaking such an arduous task. I
am exceedingly [anxious] to receive a letter from him (for Nuttall,
though an excellent friend of mine and a most worthy man, will not
answer me in time on this subject) of all the birds contained in the
plates now at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philada., which he
saw on the Rocky Mountains, over those mountains, on the Columbia
River and off the coast of our Western boundaries. This I want much,
and if he would simply dictate to you plate 1, not there, plate 2, there,
plate 3 there &c. &c. this would amply answer my purpose, and this I
wish you not to neglect to forward me as soon as possible by
duplicate! Of course I cannot speak upon any one of the new species
of which you speak until I have examined them all. To talk of new
species in London is a matter not now understood in any part of
America, and sorry will you be as well as himself, when I assure you
that out of the twelve supposed to be, and published by Dr. Morton,
from Townsend's first cargo, not more than six are actually
undescribed, although I have taken upon myself the risk of publishing
his names to the Birds on my plate, but which of course I am obliged
to correct in my letter press. The little beautiful owl, I would venture to
say has been described by Vigors at least ten years ago, &c. &c.
Swainson never goes to bed without describing some new species, and
Charles Bonaparte, during his late visit to London, has published as
many as 20 of a night at the Museum of the Zoological Society Insects
&c. &c. Stir, work hard, [be] prompt in every thing. My work must
pleased to send me—and you may assure Townsend, that all he will
confide to me will be published as coming from him, although I may
think fit to alter the phraseology in some instances. Tell him to be
extremely careful in naming his new species, and that [if] he thinks of
difficulties in this matter, to leave it to me, as here I am able to see all
the late published works (and they are not a few) and work out the
species with more advantage than any one can at present in
Philadelphia. Do not take this as egotism far from it, it is in friendship
and for his sake that I venture on undertaking such an arduous task. I
am exceedingly [anxious] to receive a letter from him (for Nuttall,
though an excellent friend of mine and a most worthy man, will not
answer me in time on this subject) of all the birds contained in the
plates now at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philada., which he
saw on the Rocky Mountains, over those mountains, on the Columbia
River and off the coast of our Western boundaries. This I want much,
and if he would simply dictate to you plate 1, not there, plate 2, there,
plate 3 there &c. &c. this would amply answer my purpose, and this I
wish you not to neglect to forward me as soon as possible by
duplicate! Of course I cannot speak upon any one of the new species
of which you speak until I have examined them all. To talk of new
species in London is a matter not now understood in any part of
America, and sorry will you be as well as himself, when I assure you
that out of the twelve supposed to be, and published by Dr. Morton,
from Townsend's first cargo, not more than six are actually
undescribed, although I have taken upon myself the risk of publishing
his names to the Birds on my plate, but which of course I am obliged
to correct in my letter press. The little beautiful owl, I would venture to
say has been described by Vigors at least ten years ago, &c. &c.
Swainson never goes to bed without describing some new species, and
Charles Bonaparte, during his late visit to London, has published as
many as 20 of a night at the Museum of the Zoological Society Insects
&c. &c. Stir, work hard, [be] prompt in every thing. My work must
Page 208
soon be finished, and unless all is received here by the month of May
next, why I shall have to abandon to others what I might myself have
accomplished. God bless you, many happy years. We are all well,
thank God, just now. Remember me and us kindly to all around and
every friend and believe me ever your most truly and sincerely
attached friend,
John J. Audubon.
To Edward Harris, Esqre.
Addressed, care "Messrs. Rathbone, Brothers & Co.
Liverpool."
When you send to Liverpool.
If Townsend has brought Birds Eggs, ask him to send them me. I
will return all to him that he may want. I greatly regret that you did not
find me the water Birds of which you speak, as I might have perchance
found something new or curious among them. The Golden Eye Duck
especially, if any be had?
In reference to the new species of birds which had come into his hands,
Audubon said:
What was I to do? Why, to publish them, to be sure; for this I
should have done, to the best of my power, even if every subscriber in
Europe had refused to take them. What! said I, shall the last volume of
the "Birds of America" be now closed, at a time when new species are
in my hands? No! And in spite of threats from this quarter and that,
that such and such persons would discontinue their subscriptions
(which indeed they have done), and refuse to take the few numbers
that would have rendered their copies complete, my wish to do all that
was in my power has been accomplished.
Doubtless we should hesitate to blame many of Audubon's subscribers
for wishing to be relieved from an obligation which for a period of ten years
had cost them from $50 to $100 per annum, not to speak of any who had
next, why I shall have to abandon to others what I might myself have
accomplished. God bless you, many happy years. We are all well,
thank God, just now. Remember me and us kindly to all around and
every friend and believe me ever your most truly and sincerely
attached friend,
John J. Audubon.
To Edward Harris, Esqre.
Addressed, care "Messrs. Rathbone, Brothers & Co.
Liverpool."
When you send to Liverpool.
If Townsend has brought Birds Eggs, ask him to send them me. I
will return all to him that he may want. I greatly regret that you did not
find me the water Birds of which you speak, as I might have perchance
found something new or curious among them. The Golden Eye Duck
especially, if any be had?
In reference to the new species of birds which had come into his hands,
Audubon said:
What was I to do? Why, to publish them, to be sure; for this I
should have done, to the best of my power, even if every subscriber in
Europe had refused to take them. What! said I, shall the last volume of
the "Birds of America" be now closed, at a time when new species are
in my hands? No! And in spite of threats from this quarter and that,
that such and such persons would discontinue their subscriptions
(which indeed they have done), and refuse to take the few numbers
that would have rendered their copies complete, my wish to do all that
was in my power has been accomplished.
Doubtless we should hesitate to blame many of Audubon's subscribers
for wishing to be relieved from an obligation which for a period of ten years
had cost them from $50 to $100 per annum, not to speak of any who had
Page 209
met financial disaster in the panic of that day, but at this juncture he really
had no choice. When his eightieth Number, originally intended to be the
last, appeared in 1837, many important kinds of birds, including ducks,
swan, tern, and the Flamingo, as well as grouse, warblers and woodpeckers,
were still calling loud for recognition. So generous of space had he been in
the earlier phase of his undertaking that twenty species were each shown on
two distinct plates, while in the end the need of compression compelled him
to introduce thirty-five composite plates.
Subscribers to The Birds of America at the beginning had been
permitted to take a part or the whole, and many incomplete sets were
circulated, upwards of 120, as Audubon declared in 1839, having then
discontinued their subscriptions. Towards the end of his undertaking, owing
to the great expense and uncertainty involved, he was disinclined to supply
any but regular subscribers, as shown by the following letter written from
London, May 25, 1838, to William A. Colman of New York:[148]
... We find that six of the plates you want are not only largest figs,
but some of them extremely full and difficult to colour, and he [Mr.
Havell] says that our Printers and our Colourers would not undertake
to go throu them without charging a most extravagant price. I have no
extra plates whatever on hand, and in consequence of this must be
obliged to decline furnishing you with them.
If at the conclusion of my publication I find any of the plates you
want they will be sent to you forthwith, but I wish you not to calculate
upon this until you hear again from me, or from my sons on this
subject.
My work will [be] entirely finished by the end of next month,
when our engraving and Printing establishment will be broken up, and
few will indeed there be copies to be had by any one, who has not
subscribed to the "Birds of America."
had no choice. When his eightieth Number, originally intended to be the
last, appeared in 1837, many important kinds of birds, including ducks,
swan, tern, and the Flamingo, as well as grouse, warblers and woodpeckers,
were still calling loud for recognition. So generous of space had he been in
the earlier phase of his undertaking that twenty species were each shown on
two distinct plates, while in the end the need of compression compelled him
to introduce thirty-five composite plates.
Subscribers to The Birds of America at the beginning had been
permitted to take a part or the whole, and many incomplete sets were
circulated, upwards of 120, as Audubon declared in 1839, having then
discontinued their subscriptions. Towards the end of his undertaking, owing
to the great expense and uncertainty involved, he was disinclined to supply
any but regular subscribers, as shown by the following letter written from
London, May 25, 1838, to William A. Colman of New York:[148]
... We find that six of the plates you want are not only largest figs,
but some of them extremely full and difficult to colour, and he [Mr.
Havell] says that our Printers and our Colourers would not undertake
to go throu them without charging a most extravagant price. I have no
extra plates whatever on hand, and in consequence of this must be
obliged to decline furnishing you with them.
If at the conclusion of my publication I find any of the plates you
want they will be sent to you forthwith, but I wish you not to calculate
upon this until you hear again from me, or from my sons on this
subject.
My work will [be] entirely finished by the end of next month,
when our engraving and Printing establishment will be broken up, and
few will indeed there be copies to be had by any one, who has not
subscribed to the "Birds of America."
Page 210
Should you see any of my American subscribers who have not as
yet seen any portion of the work, please to assure them that as soon as
the fourth volume is quite finished, and bound according to their
desires, their copies will be forwarded at once to their respective
homes, or to whomsoever they have directed me to send their copies.
On May 26 Audubon wrote Thomas M. Brewer that "Edward Harris,
one of the best men of this world," had reached his house "yesterday at
noon, after a pleasant passage of fourteen days and a few hours." "My
illustrations," he said, "will be finished on the 20th of next month, and the
fourth volume of text shortly afterward"; at the end he added: "When I
return to our beloved land, I intend to spend a full season about the lakes in
Northern Vermont, for, from what I hear, much knowledge is to be acquired
there and thereabouts." After returning to New York in September of the
following year, he again alluded to the ramble he would like to take "along
the borders of the famous lakes of New Hampshire and Vermont," but was
unable to bring it to pass at that time.
To depart but slightly from the chronological sequence, the last to be
preserved of Audubon's letters to William Swainson,[149] written at a time
when his great work was drawing to a close, will be given at this point:
Audubon to William Swainson
London 11th Jan 1838
My dear Mr Swainson,
The severe indisposition of my good wife which has continued
almost unabated now since I had the pleasure of seeing you, is my
excuse for not having ere this answered your two notes, especially the
last of the 8th instant.—
Your box & contents came perfectly safe to hand, and I think will
soon again be in your possession in like good order. I certainly should
yet seen any portion of the work, please to assure them that as soon as
the fourth volume is quite finished, and bound according to their
desires, their copies will be forwarded at once to their respective
homes, or to whomsoever they have directed me to send their copies.
On May 26 Audubon wrote Thomas M. Brewer that "Edward Harris,
one of the best men of this world," had reached his house "yesterday at
noon, after a pleasant passage of fourteen days and a few hours." "My
illustrations," he said, "will be finished on the 20th of next month, and the
fourth volume of text shortly afterward"; at the end he added: "When I
return to our beloved land, I intend to spend a full season about the lakes in
Northern Vermont, for, from what I hear, much knowledge is to be acquired
there and thereabouts." After returning to New York in September of the
following year, he again alluded to the ramble he would like to take "along
the borders of the famous lakes of New Hampshire and Vermont," but was
unable to bring it to pass at that time.
To depart but slightly from the chronological sequence, the last to be
preserved of Audubon's letters to William Swainson,[149] written at a time
when his great work was drawing to a close, will be given at this point:
Audubon to William Swainson
London 11th Jan 1838
My dear Mr Swainson,
The severe indisposition of my good wife which has continued
almost unabated now since I had the pleasure of seeing you, is my
excuse for not having ere this answered your two notes, especially the
last of the 8th instant.—
Your box & contents came perfectly safe to hand, and I think will
soon again be in your possession in like good order. I certainly should
Page 211
like to see the Buteo [?] vulgaris to compare it with mine (that at the
mouth of the Columbia) and the one described by Nuttall before the
return from America of D. [Dr. John] Richardson & of which it seems
you were not aware.—I am glad nevertheless that if differing from the
European bird of that name the Transatlantic bird will be honoured by
your own name.
Charles Bonaparte is at Paris & is to remain there. I am well
informed for about a fortnight.—He left London in great haste and I
assure you has left no parcels or letters for you or anybody else either
with us or with Havell.—I am sorry that he should have disapointed
you & your dear Children but——.
I cannot say just now whether I have a specimen of Muscicapa
Trailli "the Prince" having two of my giving, if however, I have
another I will send it to you with great good will & pleasure—As
regards your queries respecting several species of quiscalus or Crow
black birds You are correct for I have myself discovered two in
America one in the Floridas the other in the Arkansaw River, both of
which will be given in my work.—That more exist I have no doubt
especially further South and West.
You have described a swan in the Fauna Boriali Americana under
the name of the Cygnus Bewicki, but as your measurements there and
then given are very far from those of the swan now known under the
name of Old Bewick I should feel obliged to you to let me know
whether the specimen you described from was the identical bird
procured by Captain Lyons, and of which that gentleman described the
nest? And again I should like you to tell me whether you have seen the
Clangula vulgaris of Linn. that in the months of April & May?
Many thanks for all your kind wishes & may you and yours enjoy
the like return of many many new & happy years.—Call upon us when
you come to Town and believe me my dear Mr Swainson ever sincerily
mouth of the Columbia) and the one described by Nuttall before the
return from America of D. [Dr. John] Richardson & of which it seems
you were not aware.—I am glad nevertheless that if differing from the
European bird of that name the Transatlantic bird will be honoured by
your own name.
Charles Bonaparte is at Paris & is to remain there. I am well
informed for about a fortnight.—He left London in great haste and I
assure you has left no parcels or letters for you or anybody else either
with us or with Havell.—I am sorry that he should have disapointed
you & your dear Children but——.
I cannot say just now whether I have a specimen of Muscicapa
Trailli "the Prince" having two of my giving, if however, I have
another I will send it to you with great good will & pleasure—As
regards your queries respecting several species of quiscalus or Crow
black birds You are correct for I have myself discovered two in
America one in the Floridas the other in the Arkansaw River, both of
which will be given in my work.—That more exist I have no doubt
especially further South and West.
You have described a swan in the Fauna Boriali Americana under
the name of the Cygnus Bewicki, but as your measurements there and
then given are very far from those of the swan now known under the
name of Old Bewick I should feel obliged to you to let me know
whether the specimen you described from was the identical bird
procured by Captain Lyons, and of which that gentleman described the
nest? And again I should like you to tell me whether you have seen the
Clangula vulgaris of Linn. that in the months of April & May?
Many thanks for all your kind wishes & may you and yours enjoy
the like return of many many new & happy years.—Call upon us when
you come to Town and believe me my dear Mr Swainson ever sincerily
Page 212
yours attached friend
John J. Audubon
I have had the jawache for nearly one week & have not been out
of the house
4 Wimpole Street
Audubon's day of greatest triumph came on June 20, 1838, when he
had the supreme satisfaction of seeing the last plate of his "Book of
Nature," The Birds of America, completed. Having been begun virtually in
the autumn of 1826, it was in press nearly twelve years. The sumptuous
character of this work, its commanding beauty, as well as its surprising
accuracy, considering all the obstacles of time and circumstance, mark it,
when combined with its letterpress, as one of the most remarkable and
interesting undertakings in the history of literature and science in the
nineteenth century. Unique as it was in every detail of its workmanship, it
will remain for centuries a shining example of the triumph of human
endeavor and of the spirit and will of man. This is true in spite of any errors
it may disclose, and even if it be conceded that bare bones and plain
photographs are more valuable for elucidating the technicalities of science
than the most artistic productions of the pen, pencil or brush.
Audubon's labors in England, however, did not end with the completion
of his plates, for two volumes of his "Biographies" still remained to be
published. He was in London during the early summer of 1838, when he
recorded a visit from John Bachman, who had come to Europe for the
recuperation of his health. He was then obliged to hasten to Edinburgh,
where he was soon joined by both Bachman and Victor Audubon and later
by other members of his family. For the convenience of work he took rooms
near the museums, on the south side of the city, not far from Lauriston
Place and within easy reach of "The Meadows," a well known recreation
ground.
John J. Audubon
I have had the jawache for nearly one week & have not been out
of the house
4 Wimpole Street
Audubon's day of greatest triumph came on June 20, 1838, when he
had the supreme satisfaction of seeing the last plate of his "Book of
Nature," The Birds of America, completed. Having been begun virtually in
the autumn of 1826, it was in press nearly twelve years. The sumptuous
character of this work, its commanding beauty, as well as its surprising
accuracy, considering all the obstacles of time and circumstance, mark it,
when combined with its letterpress, as one of the most remarkable and
interesting undertakings in the history of literature and science in the
nineteenth century. Unique as it was in every detail of its workmanship, it
will remain for centuries a shining example of the triumph of human
endeavor and of the spirit and will of man. This is true in spite of any errors
it may disclose, and even if it be conceded that bare bones and plain
photographs are more valuable for elucidating the technicalities of science
than the most artistic productions of the pen, pencil or brush.
Audubon's labors in England, however, did not end with the completion
of his plates, for two volumes of his "Biographies" still remained to be
published. He was in London during the early summer of 1838, when he
recorded a visit from John Bachman, who had come to Europe for the
recuperation of his health. He was then obliged to hasten to Edinburgh,
where he was soon joined by both Bachman and Victor Audubon and later
by other members of his family. For the convenience of work he took rooms
near the museums, on the south side of the city, not far from Lauriston
Place and within easy reach of "The Meadows," a well known recreation
ground.
Page 213
LIFE MASK OF AUDUBON MADE BY ROBERT HAVELL IN
LONDON BEFORE 1839, NOW IN POSSESSION OF THE
MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOÖLOGY OF HARVARD
UNIVERSITY.
Published by courtesy of Dr. Samuel Henshaw, Director of the
Museum of Comparative Zoölogy.
The following letter,[150] sent to his son John soon after his arrival at
the Scottish capital, and addressed "No. 4 Wimpole Street, London,"
abounds in interesting personal details, but the student of birds would find
more significant its clear statement of his relations with MacGillivray; it
shows us the anatomist at work, and Audubon as his student and
"secretary." "Under his kind tuition," he said, when writing at a little later
time, "I think I have learned something of anatomy, which may enable me,
at some future period, to produce observations that may prove
interesting...."
Audubon to his Son, John
Edinburgh, July 1st, 1838, Sunday.
My dearest friends
LONDON BEFORE 1839, NOW IN POSSESSION OF THE
MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOÖLOGY OF HARVARD
UNIVERSITY.
Published by courtesy of Dr. Samuel Henshaw, Director of the
Museum of Comparative Zoölogy.
The following letter,[150] sent to his son John soon after his arrival at
the Scottish capital, and addressed "No. 4 Wimpole Street, London,"
abounds in interesting personal details, but the student of birds would find
more significant its clear statement of his relations with MacGillivray; it
shows us the anatomist at work, and Audubon as his student and
"secretary." "Under his kind tuition," he said, when writing at a little later
time, "I think I have learned something of anatomy, which may enable me,
at some future period, to produce observations that may prove
interesting...."
Audubon to his Son, John
Edinburgh, July 1st, 1838, Sunday.
My dearest friends
Page 214
Your joint letter of the 27th Wednesday, did not reach me until
yesterday afternoon, probably because the steamer which brought it
did not leave London on that evening on a/c of the coronation etc.,
Here the festivals were poor beyond description, and although scarcely
anything was to be seen, the whole population was on foot the entire
day, and nearly the whole night, gazing at each other like lost sheep.—
No illuminations except at two shops, Mr. Henderson's and another
close by him.—The fireworks at the castle consisted merely of about
one hundred rockets, not a gun was fired from the batteries.
MacGillivray & I went to see the fireworks at 10 p.m., and soon
returned disgusted.—His museum (College of Surgeons) and the
Edinburgh Museum were thrown open gratis, and were thronged to
excess Upwards of 20000 in the first, and about 25000 in the other; all
was however quite orderly. The day was showery; cloudy and dismal
at times, but the evening was clear and fine.—Mr. Hill's father died on
the morning of the 27th and I have not seen Alexander H., since. Many
thanks to Maria for her bunch of letters, and the few lines of her own
to me, I hope that everything will go on well with you all.
We begin printing tomorrow 2d of July, 1838!! remember that
Mesdames et Messieurs! and I intend to proceed with all possible
despatch and care. All the birds in rum will be inspected as far as
internal or digestive organs, trachea &c are concerned, and as I am
constantly present in the dissecting room, I think I shall know
something about the matter anon.—I am almost in hopes to see Victor
tomorrow night but cannot be sure. There are somewhere at home the
nests of the birds found on the Columbia by Nuttall and Townsend, I
believe that of Bewick's Wren is among them; send them all, very
carefully packed. I want the journal of my first trip to the Floridas,
which was cut out of my large leather journal, previous to going to
Labrador, also a letter on the habits of the Yellow-bellied Cuckoo, by a
gentleman at Charleston. If it cannot be found perhaps Maria will
recollect his name, being a friend of John Bachman, if so send me that,
yesterday afternoon, probably because the steamer which brought it
did not leave London on that evening on a/c of the coronation etc.,
Here the festivals were poor beyond description, and although scarcely
anything was to be seen, the whole population was on foot the entire
day, and nearly the whole night, gazing at each other like lost sheep.—
No illuminations except at two shops, Mr. Henderson's and another
close by him.—The fireworks at the castle consisted merely of about
one hundred rockets, not a gun was fired from the batteries.
MacGillivray & I went to see the fireworks at 10 p.m., and soon
returned disgusted.—His museum (College of Surgeons) and the
Edinburgh Museum were thrown open gratis, and were thronged to
excess Upwards of 20000 in the first, and about 25000 in the other; all
was however quite orderly. The day was showery; cloudy and dismal
at times, but the evening was clear and fine.—Mr. Hill's father died on
the morning of the 27th and I have not seen Alexander H., since. Many
thanks to Maria for her bunch of letters, and the few lines of her own
to me, I hope that everything will go on well with you all.
We begin printing tomorrow 2d of July, 1838!! remember that
Mesdames et Messieurs! and I intend to proceed with all possible
despatch and care. All the birds in rum will be inspected as far as
internal or digestive organs, trachea &c are concerned, and as I am
constantly present in the dissecting room, I think I shall know
something about the matter anon.—I am almost in hopes to see Victor
tomorrow night but cannot be sure. There are somewhere at home the
nests of the birds found on the Columbia by Nuttall and Townsend, I
believe that of Bewick's Wren is among them; send them all, very
carefully packed. I want the journal of my first trip to the Floridas,
which was cut out of my large leather journal, previous to going to
Labrador, also a letter on the habits of the Yellow-bellied Cuckoo, by a
gentleman at Charleston. If it cannot be found perhaps Maria will
recollect his name, being a friend of John Bachman, if so send me that,
Page 215
in full if possible. It is the gentleman in whose garden I procured the
small and large cuckoos in the same nest.—
I have written fortyfour articles for my appendix and will continue
whenever I am not otherwise engaged, so as to save time at last.—I am
sorry for the death of poor Wickliffe but glad that his brother was with
him at New York previously, and that we, at least, have done all that
we could for him. MacGillivray is quite well, and works very hard,
poor fellow—I am glad of John's repainting the head by VanDyke, two
copies of such heads are valuable to him, besides his improving by so
working—When Victor has left for this place, John must pay much
attention to the colourers and call also at the bookbinder. Havell ought
to exert himself in having some 4th vols; delivered as soon as possible.
My last letter which was written last Sunday, was put too late in
the office, which closed on that day at two o'clock, and did not
therefore leave this till four o'clock on Monday afternoon; this one will
have a better chance, for I will take it myself to the general office. I
have seen no one hardly since my last, I am indeed as busily engaged
as ever, and rarely go to bed before eleven—being with Mr.
MacGillivray until generally past ten, describing etc., I rise at four or
earlier, he at ten; but I go to bed at eleven, he at two. I discovered that
he was adverse to the examination of the intestinal canals etc., because
many of my birds which are common to both countries will be
published before his 2d vol., can now possibly be; but as soon as I told
him that I had already said in my introduction, that the anatomical
structure was declared to be his, he was much pleased and began on
the instant.
Today is very dismal, and it will rain probably until night; I wish
we had here some of the warm weather of which dearest Mamma
speaks. I have had but one walk to Arthur's Seat, but now and then I
stroll to the meadows which are close to me, and now look well.—
From the window of my sitting room I overlook the garden of Mr.
small and large cuckoos in the same nest.—
I have written fortyfour articles for my appendix and will continue
whenever I am not otherwise engaged, so as to save time at last.—I am
sorry for the death of poor Wickliffe but glad that his brother was with
him at New York previously, and that we, at least, have done all that
we could for him. MacGillivray is quite well, and works very hard,
poor fellow—I am glad of John's repainting the head by VanDyke, two
copies of such heads are valuable to him, besides his improving by so
working—When Victor has left for this place, John must pay much
attention to the colourers and call also at the bookbinder. Havell ought
to exert himself in having some 4th vols; delivered as soon as possible.
My last letter which was written last Sunday, was put too late in
the office, which closed on that day at two o'clock, and did not
therefore leave this till four o'clock on Monday afternoon; this one will
have a better chance, for I will take it myself to the general office. I
have seen no one hardly since my last, I am indeed as busily engaged
as ever, and rarely go to bed before eleven—being with Mr.
MacGillivray until generally past ten, describing etc., I rise at four or
earlier, he at ten; but I go to bed at eleven, he at two. I discovered that
he was adverse to the examination of the intestinal canals etc., because
many of my birds which are common to both countries will be
published before his 2d vol., can now possibly be; but as soon as I told
him that I had already said in my introduction, that the anatomical
structure was declared to be his, he was much pleased and began on
the instant.
Today is very dismal, and it will rain probably until night; I wish
we had here some of the warm weather of which dearest Mamma
speaks. I have had but one walk to Arthur's Seat, but now and then I
stroll to the meadows which are close to me, and now look well.—
From the window of my sitting room I overlook the garden of Mr.
Page 216
Frazer our printer, and now and then speak to him there, I have not yet
however visited him.—I will recollect the Queen's farthing when next I
see Professor Wilson, but doubt much if he will recollect the least idea
of it. Has Charley written or said anything to Victor about the review
of the work; remember me to Healey.—
I suppose that the crown of England sits very quietly down, and
that all was very superfine. I have not so much as seen a paper since I
left you.
God bless you all, dearest friends, and take good care of Mamma
and Maria,
Ever your firmly attached father and friend
J. J. Audubon.
No. 7 Archibald Place,
Lauriston.
Audubon's fourth volume, the printing of which was announced in this
letter, was published in November, and at the conclusion of the introduction
he said:
I believe the time to be fast approaching when much of the results
obtained from the inspection of the exterior alone will be laid aside;
when museums filled with the stuffed skins will be considered
insufficient to afford a knowledge of birds; and when the student will
go forth not only to observe the habits and haunts of animals, but to
procure specimens of them to be carefully dissected.
These prophetic remarks, which were no doubt inspired by the studies
of MacGillivray, have found ample justification in the later history of
ornithology; to give a single illustration, it was through the aid of anatomy
only, in this instance, of the vocal organs, that modern students have been
however visited him.—I will recollect the Queen's farthing when next I
see Professor Wilson, but doubt much if he will recollect the least idea
of it. Has Charley written or said anything to Victor about the review
of the work; remember me to Healey.—
I suppose that the crown of England sits very quietly down, and
that all was very superfine. I have not so much as seen a paper since I
left you.
God bless you all, dearest friends, and take good care of Mamma
and Maria,
Ever your firmly attached father and friend
J. J. Audubon.
No. 7 Archibald Place,
Lauriston.
Audubon's fourth volume, the printing of which was announced in this
letter, was published in November, and at the conclusion of the introduction
he said:
I believe the time to be fast approaching when much of the results
obtained from the inspection of the exterior alone will be laid aside;
when museums filled with the stuffed skins will be considered
insufficient to afford a knowledge of birds; and when the student will
go forth not only to observe the habits and haunts of animals, but to
procure specimens of them to be carefully dissected.
These prophetic remarks, which were no doubt inspired by the studies
of MacGillivray, have found ample justification in the later history of
ornithology; to give a single illustration, it was through the aid of anatomy
only, in this instance, of the vocal organs, that modern students have been
Page 217
able to define the true Passerine or Oscine birds, as distinguished from all
others, and as the highest representatives of the avian class.
In the autumn of 1838, when Mrs. Audubon was still suffering from
impaired health, the naturalist paused in his work to indulge in a short
vacation, the first in many years. On September 14, he wrote to Edward
Harris, who was then in Scotland:[151]
Audubon to Edward Harris
Edinburgh, 14 Sep'., 1838.
My Dear Friend:
Not having heard anything from you in answer to my last, I
suppose that you may yet be away from Glasgow, but as we ourselves
are going off tomorrow to the "Highlands," with a view to be at
Glasgow on Thursday next, I write to you now, with the hope of
meeting you then. Nothing of importance has occurred here since my
last, but the book has considerably swollen in its progress towards
completion.
We all unite in best wishes to you and I remain as ever your most
truly attached and sincere friend,
John J. Audubon
We intend being home again on Saturday next.
[Addressed] To Edward Harris Esqr.
Comrie's Royal Hotel,
Glasgow.
With MacGillivray as guide, Audubon and his family visited Stirling,
Doun and Callander, where they "marched in a body to the Falls of
Bracklin, guided by a rosy-cheeked Highland lassie, stopping now and then
by the way to pick up a wild flower,—a blue-bell, a 'gowan,' or a dog-rose,
others, and as the highest representatives of the avian class.
In the autumn of 1838, when Mrs. Audubon was still suffering from
impaired health, the naturalist paused in his work to indulge in a short
vacation, the first in many years. On September 14, he wrote to Edward
Harris, who was then in Scotland:[151]
Audubon to Edward Harris
Edinburgh, 14 Sep'., 1838.
My Dear Friend:
Not having heard anything from you in answer to my last, I
suppose that you may yet be away from Glasgow, but as we ourselves
are going off tomorrow to the "Highlands," with a view to be at
Glasgow on Thursday next, I write to you now, with the hope of
meeting you then. Nothing of importance has occurred here since my
last, but the book has considerably swollen in its progress towards
completion.
We all unite in best wishes to you and I remain as ever your most
truly attached and sincere friend,
John J. Audubon
We intend being home again on Saturday next.
[Addressed] To Edward Harris Esqr.
Comrie's Royal Hotel,
Glasgow.
With MacGillivray as guide, Audubon and his family visited Stirling,
Doun and Callander, where they "marched in a body to the Falls of
Bracklin, guided by a rosy-cheeked Highland lassie, stopping now and then
by the way to pick up a wild flower,—a blue-bell, a 'gowan,' or a dog-rose,
Page 218
or to listen to the magpies and titmice." From Callander they ascended to
Loch Katrine, and explored the Trossachs, "admired by many, chiefly or
entirely on account of Scott's description of them"; at the tavern there, said
Audubon, "with that most curious innate desire which there is in us of
becoming older, for the purpose of enjoying the morrow, I went to rest,
anxious to see the morn, and discover what existed beyond the crags that
had bounded my view."
From the wild and beautiful scenes about Loch Katrine, which stirred
the naturalist's emotions and evoked the desire to remain until the curtain of
night had gradually and peacefully closed the landscape from their view,
they proceeded to the rocky shores of Loch Lomond, where they found "a
few small stone cabins, some fat bairns, abundance of ale, and a sufficiency
of capital whisky." After crossing to Tarbet and examining both the head
and the foot of the lake, they went on from Balloch to Dumbarton by stage,
and thence by steamer to Glasgow; there they spent a few days, and
returned to Edinburgh by way of Dumbarton and Lanark. Steamers and
coaches, slow as they then were, were all too fast for Audubon on this
journey, and he declared that if ever again he visited the Highlands, it
should be on foot, "for no man, with nerve and will, and an admirer of the
beauties of nature, can ever truly enjoy the pleasures of travelling, unless he
proceed in this manner."
Mrs. Audubon's health had not improved by the journey, for shortly
after their return she was again taken ill; she was placed in the care of Dr.
John Argyle Robertson, for whose efficient aid and "kind and gentle
treatment," said Audubon, "we can never cease to cherish the most lively
feelings of affection." "It is a curious part of my history," he continues, "that
during the whole of my sojourn in Britain, none of the principal medical
advisers whom we had occasion to employ would receive any recompense
from us."
By the 5th of November, 1838, but a few days after the issue of the
fourth volume of his "Biographies," the printing of the fifth and last had
Loch Katrine, and explored the Trossachs, "admired by many, chiefly or
entirely on account of Scott's description of them"; at the tavern there, said
Audubon, "with that most curious innate desire which there is in us of
becoming older, for the purpose of enjoying the morrow, I went to rest,
anxious to see the morn, and discover what existed beyond the crags that
had bounded my view."
From the wild and beautiful scenes about Loch Katrine, which stirred
the naturalist's emotions and evoked the desire to remain until the curtain of
night had gradually and peacefully closed the landscape from their view,
they proceeded to the rocky shores of Loch Lomond, where they found "a
few small stone cabins, some fat bairns, abundance of ale, and a sufficiency
of capital whisky." After crossing to Tarbet and examining both the head
and the foot of the lake, they went on from Balloch to Dumbarton by stage,
and thence by steamer to Glasgow; there they spent a few days, and
returned to Edinburgh by way of Dumbarton and Lanark. Steamers and
coaches, slow as they then were, were all too fast for Audubon on this
journey, and he declared that if ever again he visited the Highlands, it
should be on foot, "for no man, with nerve and will, and an admirer of the
beauties of nature, can ever truly enjoy the pleasures of travelling, unless he
proceed in this manner."
Mrs. Audubon's health had not improved by the journey, for shortly
after their return she was again taken ill; she was placed in the care of Dr.
John Argyle Robertson, for whose efficient aid and "kind and gentle
treatment," said Audubon, "we can never cease to cherish the most lively
feelings of affection." "It is a curious part of my history," he continues, "that
during the whole of my sojourn in Britain, none of the principal medical
advisers whom we had occasion to employ would receive any recompense
from us."
By the 5th of November, 1838, but a few days after the issue of the
fourth volume of his "Biographies," the printing of the fifth and last had
Page 219
already begun. The following letter[152] is interesting for its personal details,
and in showing that his confidence in the existence of the "bird of
Washington"[153] had not been shaken:
Audubon to Edward Harris
Edinburgh December 19th., 1838.
My dear Friend:
Your letter of the 13th. instant to Victor reached us this morning,
and glad were we all to hear from you.
My object in writing to you is, for the purpose of assuring you that
I feel great [pleasure] in preparing a box of bird skins for you
according to your desire. It is true, however, that I am now on the eve
of commencing my synoptical arrangement of our birds, I shall not be
able to show you as many of my specimens [as] I could otherwise have
done, but you must take the will for the deed. The Box will be taken as
far as London by Victor, who will leave us on the first of January. You
will find in it a list of the contents, and I trust such bird skins as may
answer your purpose well. Besides these Victor will also attend to your
request as soon as in New York and will ship to you by way of Havre
as you direct.
I am glad that you should have seen what you conceive to be the
great rara avis F. Washingtonii. I am sorry you could not have
pocketed it, but who knows if it is not left yet in store for you—and I
to shoot a pair of these noble birds at The West, and that, after having
satisfactorily examined its habits, its eggs, or its young! Bonaparte,
between you and I, is exceedingly ignorant as regards our birds, as I
found to my cost when he was in London, and where he pumped me
sadly too much, but it is now over and I forgive him as I do all others
who have or who may try to injure me.
and in showing that his confidence in the existence of the "bird of
Washington"[153] had not been shaken:
Audubon to Edward Harris
Edinburgh December 19th., 1838.
My dear Friend:
Your letter of the 13th. instant to Victor reached us this morning,
and glad were we all to hear from you.
My object in writing to you is, for the purpose of assuring you that
I feel great [pleasure] in preparing a box of bird skins for you
according to your desire. It is true, however, that I am now on the eve
of commencing my synoptical arrangement of our birds, I shall not be
able to show you as many of my specimens [as] I could otherwise have
done, but you must take the will for the deed. The Box will be taken as
far as London by Victor, who will leave us on the first of January. You
will find in it a list of the contents, and I trust such bird skins as may
answer your purpose well. Besides these Victor will also attend to your
request as soon as in New York and will ship to you by way of Havre
as you direct.
I am glad that you should have seen what you conceive to be the
great rara avis F. Washingtonii. I am sorry you could not have
pocketed it, but who knows if it is not left yet in store for you—and I
to shoot a pair of these noble birds at The West, and that, after having
satisfactorily examined its habits, its eggs, or its young! Bonaparte,
between you and I, is exceedingly ignorant as regards our birds, as I
found to my cost when he was in London, and where he pumped me
sadly too much, but it is now over and I forgive him as I do all others
who have or who may try to injure me.
Page 220
John Bachman wrote to me that he had left in commission to
Trudeau, the purchase for me of a copy of Vieillot's Oiseaux de
l'Amérique Septentrionale, and also a copy of Boié or Bojé work[154]
on birds generally, but I have received neither books or promises of
them from Trudeau as yet, perhaps you would undertake the task
yourself, and show to Havell as soon as possible, for I shall be sadly in
want of them in a few weeks more. I should also like you to try to find
Mr. Augustus Thorndike of Boston, to whom Victor wrote a few days
ago, with the view to inquire from that Gentleman when he wished his
copy of the Birds of America to be delivered. Victor addressed his
letter to "his Hotel" or to the care of the "American Embassy." We are
not sure, however, whether he is in Paris at present, and let me know
what discoveries you have made as regards this.—Victor will remain
ten days in London and wishes you, should you write to him there, to
put your letter under cover to Havell and request him to keep it. Victor
will write you from thence.
I cannot account why Trudeau has not written to me in answer to
my last, now full two months old? Should you perchance discover a
specimen of the Bird of Washington in Paris and purchase the same, I
should like you to send it to me on loan to enable me to compare it
with mine, and the Immature of the F. Albicilla of Europe!
I have got twelve sheets of the 5th. Vol. of Biographies already
printed, and I expect to have quite finished by the 1st. of April next. I
have decided on the Trichas resembling Sylvia Philadelphia of Wilson.
It is a distinct species, but what will probably surprise you more, the S.
Agilis of the same author is also perfectly distinct from either. All this
you will plainly see when you read their separate descriptions and
compare the three species.
I wish you would ask Trudeau whether he recollects the specimen
of an Eagle send by Townsend in his first collection, numbering 54 and
which the latter has lost, though he considered it as a new species. It
Trudeau, the purchase for me of a copy of Vieillot's Oiseaux de
l'Amérique Septentrionale, and also a copy of Boié or Bojé work[154]
on birds generally, but I have received neither books or promises of
them from Trudeau as yet, perhaps you would undertake the task
yourself, and show to Havell as soon as possible, for I shall be sadly in
want of them in a few weeks more. I should also like you to try to find
Mr. Augustus Thorndike of Boston, to whom Victor wrote a few days
ago, with the view to inquire from that Gentleman when he wished his
copy of the Birds of America to be delivered. Victor addressed his
letter to "his Hotel" or to the care of the "American Embassy." We are
not sure, however, whether he is in Paris at present, and let me know
what discoveries you have made as regards this.—Victor will remain
ten days in London and wishes you, should you write to him there, to
put your letter under cover to Havell and request him to keep it. Victor
will write you from thence.
I cannot account why Trudeau has not written to me in answer to
my last, now full two months old? Should you perchance discover a
specimen of the Bird of Washington in Paris and purchase the same, I
should like you to send it to me on loan to enable me to compare it
with mine, and the Immature of the F. Albicilla of Europe!
I have got twelve sheets of the 5th. Vol. of Biographies already
printed, and I expect to have quite finished by the 1st. of April next. I
have decided on the Trichas resembling Sylvia Philadelphia of Wilson.
It is a distinct species, but what will probably surprise you more, the S.
Agilis of the same author is also perfectly distinct from either. All this
you will plainly see when you read their separate descriptions and
compare the three species.
I wish you would ask Trudeau whether he recollects the specimen
of an Eagle send by Townsend in his first collection, numbering 54 and
which the latter has lost, though he considered it as a new species. It
Page 221
was procured in California. Townsend speaks sorrowfully of the loss
of this specimen. It never came under my eye, did it come under
yours? Ask Trudeau whether he ever saw my Hirundo Serripennis in
America. Bachman wrote to me that Trudeau thought he had in the
skins of Frederick Ward. I think Trudeau will be pleased with the
anatomy of our birds, as it opens misteries hitherto unknown in
connection with the relative affinities of some species toward others
and assists in the formation of groups &c., in what some day or other,
will be called a Natural arrangement!
I wish I could have spent a few weeks in Paris with you and
Trudeau, as I readily imagine that some new species of North
American birds, may yet be found there unknown to the World of
Science. I have written to Mr. Chevalier and to Townsend, but will not,
I dare say, hear anything more of the former until through Victor, who
intends to see him very shortly after his arrival in America.
My Dear Wife is much better than when you saw her, and I hope
that when once again she has been safely landed on our shores and
enjoyed the warmth of our own Summers, her health will be quite
restored.
The Little Lucy has grown as fat as butter, and the rest of us are
well.
We all unite in kindest best wishes to you and to Trudeau, and I
remain as ever, my Dear Friend,
Yours,
John J. Audubon.
6 Alva Street.
In May, 1839, Audubon's fifth and last volume of the Ornithological
Biography, consisting of 704 pages, was issued. It was followed almost
of this specimen. It never came under my eye, did it come under
yours? Ask Trudeau whether he ever saw my Hirundo Serripennis in
America. Bachman wrote to me that Trudeau thought he had in the
skins of Frederick Ward. I think Trudeau will be pleased with the
anatomy of our birds, as it opens misteries hitherto unknown in
connection with the relative affinities of some species toward others
and assists in the formation of groups &c., in what some day or other,
will be called a Natural arrangement!
I wish I could have spent a few weeks in Paris with you and
Trudeau, as I readily imagine that some new species of North
American birds, may yet be found there unknown to the World of
Science. I have written to Mr. Chevalier and to Townsend, but will not,
I dare say, hear anything more of the former until through Victor, who
intends to see him very shortly after his arrival in America.
My Dear Wife is much better than when you saw her, and I hope
that when once again she has been safely landed on our shores and
enjoyed the warmth of our own Summers, her health will be quite
restored.
The Little Lucy has grown as fat as butter, and the rest of us are
well.
We all unite in kindest best wishes to you and to Trudeau, and I
remain as ever, my Dear Friend,
Yours,
John J. Audubon.
6 Alva Street.
In May, 1839, Audubon's fifth and last volume of the Ornithological
Biography, consisting of 704 pages, was issued. It was followed almost
Page 222
immediately by A Synopsis of the Birds of North America, in which the
efficient aid of MacGillivray was again enlisted. On May 4 Audubon wrote
to Havell that this work was in press and would be ready in about a month's
time; again, on the 30th of June he announced that it was finished and in the
hands of the binder. With this methodical catalogue of the birds of North
America then known and described, to the number of 491, fifty-two of
which were new, Audubon's life and labors in England were brought to a
close.
The introduction to the last volume of his "Biographies" begins as
follows:
How often, Good Reader, I have longed to see the day on which
my labours should be brought to an end! Many times, when I had laid
myself down in the deepest recesses of the western forests, have I been
suddenly awakened by the apparition of dismal prospects that have
presented themselves to my mind. Now, sickness, methought, had
seized me with burning hand, and hurried me away, in spite of all my
fond wishes, from those wild woods in which I had so long lingered, to
increase my knowledge of the objects which they offered to my view.
Poverty, too, at times walked hand in hand with me, and on more than
one occasion urged me to cast away my pencils, destroy my drawings,
abandon my journals, change my ideas, and return to the world.
Later on he says: "You may well imagine how happy I am at this
moment, when ... I find my journeys all finished, my anxieties vanished, my
mission accomplished;" and he concludes: "I have pleasure in saying that
my enemies have been few, and my friends numerous. May the God who
granted me life, industry, and perseverance to accomplish my task, forgive
the former, and forever bless the latter!"
Audubon's introductions to the five volumes of his "Biographies," from
which we have frequently quoted, are characteristic; in them he cheers his
subscribers, calls all his helpers and correspondents by name, and takes the
efficient aid of MacGillivray was again enlisted. On May 4 Audubon wrote
to Havell that this work was in press and would be ready in about a month's
time; again, on the 30th of June he announced that it was finished and in the
hands of the binder. With this methodical catalogue of the birds of North
America then known and described, to the number of 491, fifty-two of
which were new, Audubon's life and labors in England were brought to a
close.
The introduction to the last volume of his "Biographies" begins as
follows:
How often, Good Reader, I have longed to see the day on which
my labours should be brought to an end! Many times, when I had laid
myself down in the deepest recesses of the western forests, have I been
suddenly awakened by the apparition of dismal prospects that have
presented themselves to my mind. Now, sickness, methought, had
seized me with burning hand, and hurried me away, in spite of all my
fond wishes, from those wild woods in which I had so long lingered, to
increase my knowledge of the objects which they offered to my view.
Poverty, too, at times walked hand in hand with me, and on more than
one occasion urged me to cast away my pencils, destroy my drawings,
abandon my journals, change my ideas, and return to the world.
Later on he says: "You may well imagine how happy I am at this
moment, when ... I find my journeys all finished, my anxieties vanished, my
mission accomplished;" and he concludes: "I have pleasure in saying that
my enemies have been few, and my friends numerous. May the God who
granted me life, industry, and perseverance to accomplish my task, forgive
the former, and forever bless the latter!"
Audubon's introductions to the five volumes of his "Biographies," from
which we have frequently quoted, are characteristic; in them he cheers his
subscribers, calls all his helpers and correspondents by name, and takes the
Page 223
public into his confidence by recording the acts which marked the steady
progress of his work. Frequent appeals to the "good" and "gentle reader"
have gone out of fashion, but in this instance they seem in keeping with the
style and character of the man, and they were not made in vain. Audubon's
belief in his mission was so plainly sincere, his power so manifest and his
enthusiasm so ardent, that there were few who did not gladly acclaim the
extraordinary success of the man who twelve years before had landed in
Liverpool poor and unknown.
In the winter and spring of 1839, while Audubon was engaged in
Edinburgh and Victor was in America, the settlement of his business affairs
in London was entrusted mainly to Robert Havell, his engraver. At that time
Havell was also pulling up roots, for he had caught the spirit of his patron
and had decided to emigrate with his family to the United States; this
involved disposing of his stock and breaking up his engraving and printing
establishment at 77 Oxford Street. Havell had acquired distinction as well
as a competence through his long engagement with Audubon, and being
then in his forty-sixth year, he doubtless looked to America as a field for the
fuller expression of his artistic aspirations and talents. How anxious
Audubon was at this juncture regarding the disposition of the residual stock
of his plates, his drawings, and his books, then in Havell's hands, is seen by
the following letter,[155] written at Edinburgh, in the winter of this year.
Audubon to Robert Havell
Edinburgh, Feb. 20th, Monday, 1839.
My dear Mr. Havell
I perceive by the date of your letter of the 16th instant that you
must have been some days beyond my expectations, in the receiving of
my parcel to you, and that on that account my letter of Saturday last
crossed yours of the same date. I thank you for what you say as regards
the balance in my favor at Wright and Co.
progress of his work. Frequent appeals to the "good" and "gentle reader"
have gone out of fashion, but in this instance they seem in keeping with the
style and character of the man, and they were not made in vain. Audubon's
belief in his mission was so plainly sincere, his power so manifest and his
enthusiasm so ardent, that there were few who did not gladly acclaim the
extraordinary success of the man who twelve years before had landed in
Liverpool poor and unknown.
In the winter and spring of 1839, while Audubon was engaged in
Edinburgh and Victor was in America, the settlement of his business affairs
in London was entrusted mainly to Robert Havell, his engraver. At that time
Havell was also pulling up roots, for he had caught the spirit of his patron
and had decided to emigrate with his family to the United States; this
involved disposing of his stock and breaking up his engraving and printing
establishment at 77 Oxford Street. Havell had acquired distinction as well
as a competence through his long engagement with Audubon, and being
then in his forty-sixth year, he doubtless looked to America as a field for the
fuller expression of his artistic aspirations and talents. How anxious
Audubon was at this juncture regarding the disposition of the residual stock
of his plates, his drawings, and his books, then in Havell's hands, is seen by
the following letter,[155] written at Edinburgh, in the winter of this year.
Audubon to Robert Havell
Edinburgh, Feb. 20th, Monday, 1839.
My dear Mr. Havell
I perceive by the date of your letter of the 16th instant that you
must have been some days beyond my expectations, in the receiving of
my parcel to you, and that on that account my letter of Saturday last
crossed yours of the same date. I thank you for what you say as regards
the balance in my favor at Wright and Co.
Page 224
Does Henry sail from London Docks or from Portsmouth? and
pray what is the name of the Captain of the "Wellington"? I do not
precisely understand what you mean by the loose sets which you desire
to know how they should be packed? let me hear what they are and
how many of them by return of mail. The five perfect sets I think might
all go into one case, tinned as usual and insured of course to the full
amount of their value, as well as all others and to which I pray you to
attend as if for your own self. It is impossible for me to go to London
at present and indeed I cannot exactly tell when I will, and I trust to
you entirely for the seeing that all the volumes are fair and good and
passed through your own inspection of them before they are packed.
No volumes of Biographies must be put in the same boxes.
When you have disposed of your business, what will you do with
what you have on hand belonging to us? This requires an answer from
you at once. You have a great number of volumes of Biographies,
Pictures, &c. &c., a regular list of which you ought to send me. I
cannot yet say when the 5th vol. of Biographies will be finished, but
will let you know as soon as I can. I received yesterday morning a
letter from a gentleman who has procured a copy of the work through
Mr. Eame the bookseller, he says that he has called upon you to say
that he is missing one plate and begs to have a copy of the plate struck
and remitted to Mr. Eame who will pay you whatever price the extra
trouble on this account may amount to, but he does not say what plate
it is, and I therefor suppose that you do? If so as he is the brother-in-
law of Mr. Walker of Ravensfield Park, one of our good subscribers I
would say do it for him! My wife begs of you to save all the loose
prints which were returned to you by our son Victor, as well as any
others whatever, perhaps among them you might find one to send Mr.
Eame's subscriber?
On the 4th of this month the 'Great Western' was nearly half way
across the Atlantic!! Sir William Jardine has published a capital review
of the work! What a strange world we do learn in! Be sure to let me
pray what is the name of the Captain of the "Wellington"? I do not
precisely understand what you mean by the loose sets which you desire
to know how they should be packed? let me hear what they are and
how many of them by return of mail. The five perfect sets I think might
all go into one case, tinned as usual and insured of course to the full
amount of their value, as well as all others and to which I pray you to
attend as if for your own self. It is impossible for me to go to London
at present and indeed I cannot exactly tell when I will, and I trust to
you entirely for the seeing that all the volumes are fair and good and
passed through your own inspection of them before they are packed.
No volumes of Biographies must be put in the same boxes.
When you have disposed of your business, what will you do with
what you have on hand belonging to us? This requires an answer from
you at once. You have a great number of volumes of Biographies,
Pictures, &c. &c., a regular list of which you ought to send me. I
cannot yet say when the 5th vol. of Biographies will be finished, but
will let you know as soon as I can. I received yesterday morning a
letter from a gentleman who has procured a copy of the work through
Mr. Eame the bookseller, he says that he has called upon you to say
that he is missing one plate and begs to have a copy of the plate struck
and remitted to Mr. Eame who will pay you whatever price the extra
trouble on this account may amount to, but he does not say what plate
it is, and I therefor suppose that you do? If so as he is the brother-in-
law of Mr. Walker of Ravensfield Park, one of our good subscribers I
would say do it for him! My wife begs of you to save all the loose
prints which were returned to you by our son Victor, as well as any
others whatever, perhaps among them you might find one to send Mr.
Eame's subscriber?
On the 4th of this month the 'Great Western' was nearly half way
across the Atlantic!! Sir William Jardine has published a capital review
of the work! What a strange world we do learn in! Be sure to let me
Page 225
know about the original drawings at Henry's, if he has finished them,
where they are &c. &c. We all remain as usual with kind good wishes
to you all,
Your friend
John J. Audubon.
6 Alva St.
[Superscribed]
Robert Havell Esq.
Engraver.
77 Oxford st
London.
How fully Audubon's injunctions in regard to his residual stock, and
particularly to scattered plates of the Birds, were followed, is not known,
but it is certain that a part of this residuum remained in England, where it is
occasionally turned up even at the present day. In a considerable number of
the original plates which were found in a bookshop in New Oxford Street in
August, 1912, twelve were in the uncolored state, and several had the
appearance of rejects; moreover, in a collection of these plates received
from England in 1910, there were nine copies of the same subject, the
Painted Bunting (No. 11, Plate 53). Though a complete set of the plain
plates is known,[156] and a considerable number were probably dispersed in
America, they are very rare.
Audubon wrote to Havell again on the 13th of March, when he
complained of the gross mistakes made by the "idle rascals" who were
employed in filling orders in his shop, and who had so sadly mixed matters
that no less than twelve numbers of his Birds had come back to him, some
of them containing one, three, and five copies of the same plate, instead of a
"Number," and mixtures of the most incongruous sort; he thought that "a
clever young man as a clerk was worth a hundred thick heads," and begged
Havell again to send him "a correct list of what he shipped to America on
where they are &c. &c. We all remain as usual with kind good wishes
to you all,
Your friend
John J. Audubon.
6 Alva St.
[Superscribed]
Robert Havell Esq.
Engraver.
77 Oxford st
London.
How fully Audubon's injunctions in regard to his residual stock, and
particularly to scattered plates of the Birds, were followed, is not known,
but it is certain that a part of this residuum remained in England, where it is
occasionally turned up even at the present day. In a considerable number of
the original plates which were found in a bookshop in New Oxford Street in
August, 1912, twelve were in the uncolored state, and several had the
appearance of rejects; moreover, in a collection of these plates received
from England in 1910, there were nine copies of the same subject, the
Painted Bunting (No. 11, Plate 53). Though a complete set of the plain
plates is known,[156] and a considerable number were probably dispersed in
America, they are very rare.
Audubon wrote to Havell again on the 13th of March, when he
complained of the gross mistakes made by the "idle rascals" who were
employed in filling orders in his shop, and who had so sadly mixed matters
that no less than twelve numbers of his Birds had come back to him, some
of them containing one, three, and five copies of the same plate, instead of a
"Number," and mixtures of the most incongruous sort; he thought that "a
clever young man as a clerk was worth a hundred thick heads," and begged
Havell again to send him "a correct list of what he shipped to America on
Page 226
his account, and that list not made by any other person than either himself
or Mrs. Havell." His next injunction, on May 4, was to insure his copper-
plates of The Birds of America for £5,000, and to send them to either Victor
Audubon or Mr. N. Berthoud, Number 2 Hanover Street, New York. At that
moment Audubon was planning to return to America with his family by the
Great Western on July 6. In writing again on June 30, he remarked that he
was not at all certain that Havell, who was then visiting at his native
Reading, in Berkshire, would really sail on the 25th of July, since he had
already postponed the journey so many times; he added that it would not
even surprise him if his work on the Quadrupeds of America might not be
out before they could fish and shoot together in his "native land."
Havell eventually came to America with his wife and daughter on the
ship Wellington, in September, 1839; they landed at New York after the 15th
of that month, and for a time were the guests of the Audubons at Number 86
White Street. His brother, Henry,[157] who visited the United States in 1829,
returned at about this time and established a print shop in Broadway, New
York, but according to Robert's biographer, his enterprise was ruined by a
fire, when he went back to England and he died there about 1840. After a
brief residence in Brooklyn, Robert Havell settled at Sing Sing, now
Ossining, at a beautiful spot on the Hudson, overlooking the Palisades,
which he named "Rocky Mount." There he devoted himself with
characteristic energy to painting and sketching, but he also engraved and
published a number of excellent views of his favorite river, the Hudson, as
well as of New York and other American cities. In 1857 he established
himself at Tarrytown, where he built a house and studio, and where in his
later years he produced many meritorious works in oils. "He never tired,"
says his biographer, "of the great, broad, sweeping Hudson, and propped up
in bed, that he might gaze at will on this mighty river," he died at the age of
eighty-five, November 11, 1878.[158]
Havell has been described as quite the opposite of Audubon in many of
his characteristics, calm, deliberate, not easily discouraged, and fully his
or Mrs. Havell." His next injunction, on May 4, was to insure his copper-
plates of The Birds of America for £5,000, and to send them to either Victor
Audubon or Mr. N. Berthoud, Number 2 Hanover Street, New York. At that
moment Audubon was planning to return to America with his family by the
Great Western on July 6. In writing again on June 30, he remarked that he
was not at all certain that Havell, who was then visiting at his native
Reading, in Berkshire, would really sail on the 25th of July, since he had
already postponed the journey so many times; he added that it would not
even surprise him if his work on the Quadrupeds of America might not be
out before they could fish and shoot together in his "native land."
Havell eventually came to America with his wife and daughter on the
ship Wellington, in September, 1839; they landed at New York after the 15th
of that month, and for a time were the guests of the Audubons at Number 86
White Street. His brother, Henry,[157] who visited the United States in 1829,
returned at about this time and established a print shop in Broadway, New
York, but according to Robert's biographer, his enterprise was ruined by a
fire, when he went back to England and he died there about 1840. After a
brief residence in Brooklyn, Robert Havell settled at Sing Sing, now
Ossining, at a beautiful spot on the Hudson, overlooking the Palisades,
which he named "Rocky Mount." There he devoted himself with
characteristic energy to painting and sketching, but he also engraved and
published a number of excellent views of his favorite river, the Hudson, as
well as of New York and other American cities. In 1857 he established
himself at Tarrytown, where he built a house and studio, and where in his
later years he produced many meritorious works in oils. "He never tired,"
says his biographer, "of the great, broad, sweeping Hudson, and propped up
in bed, that he might gaze at will on this mighty river," he died at the age of
eighty-five, November 11, 1878.[158]
Havell has been described as quite the opposite of Audubon in many of
his characteristics, calm, deliberate, not easily discouraged, and fully his
Page 227
equal in industry, perseverance and determination. Audubon sometimes
complained of his friend's lax business habits, but their long sustained and
cordial relations were never broken during life, and their mutual debt was
great. The engraver's first son, who lived but a year, was named Robert
Audubon, and the naturalist, who was his godfather, held the child at its
baptism at old St. James Church, Oxford Street, in 1827. A descendant of
Luke Havell, who was a drawing master at Reading, uncle of Robert the
second, possesses a silver loving-cup which Audubon presented to his
engraver upon the completion of the second volume of his illustrations; it is
inscribed "To Robert Havell, from his friend J. J. A. 1834."
When we consider the size of Audubon's plates, which required for the
portrayal of his largest subjects, such as the Whooping Crane or Wild
Turkey, an area of no less than five square feet, it will be seen that his
engraver was compelled to adopt the most expeditious methods. This and
kindred difficulties were overcome by Havell's skillful union of aquatint
with etching and line engraving, but some of his smaller figures, as the
Snow Birds (Plate 13), appear to have been etched in the usual way, with
but slight use of either aquatint, dry-point or burin. In aquatinting the plate
was usually bitten to the desired depth for the softer shading of feathers or
foliage, or for the entire expression of sky, water or landscape. Says George
Alfred Williams:[159]
Aquatint proper consists entirely of gradations of tone produced
by biting with aquafortis into the copper through a resinous ground
broken into a multitude of fine granules, that render the personal touch
practically negligible, and in consideration of this we can appreciate
the exceptionally skillful use Havell, Junior, made of the difficult
process. The graining of the aquatint grounds is produced by allowing
fine dust particles to settle upon the freshly prepared plate. It is to
these grainings of different degrees of fineness that the engraver must
look for the subtlety of the tonal surfaces, but strength is obtained
usually through the use of the etched line. The chief limitation of the
complained of his friend's lax business habits, but their long sustained and
cordial relations were never broken during life, and their mutual debt was
great. The engraver's first son, who lived but a year, was named Robert
Audubon, and the naturalist, who was his godfather, held the child at its
baptism at old St. James Church, Oxford Street, in 1827. A descendant of
Luke Havell, who was a drawing master at Reading, uncle of Robert the
second, possesses a silver loving-cup which Audubon presented to his
engraver upon the completion of the second volume of his illustrations; it is
inscribed "To Robert Havell, from his friend J. J. A. 1834."
When we consider the size of Audubon's plates, which required for the
portrayal of his largest subjects, such as the Whooping Crane or Wild
Turkey, an area of no less than five square feet, it will be seen that his
engraver was compelled to adopt the most expeditious methods. This and
kindred difficulties were overcome by Havell's skillful union of aquatint
with etching and line engraving, but some of his smaller figures, as the
Snow Birds (Plate 13), appear to have been etched in the usual way, with
but slight use of either aquatint, dry-point or burin. In aquatinting the plate
was usually bitten to the desired depth for the softer shading of feathers or
foliage, or for the entire expression of sky, water or landscape. Says George
Alfred Williams:[159]
Aquatint proper consists entirely of gradations of tone produced
by biting with aquafortis into the copper through a resinous ground
broken into a multitude of fine granules, that render the personal touch
practically negligible, and in consideration of this we can appreciate
the exceptionally skillful use Havell, Junior, made of the difficult
process. The graining of the aquatint grounds is produced by allowing
fine dust particles to settle upon the freshly prepared plate. It is to
these grainings of different degrees of fineness that the engraver must
look for the subtlety of the tonal surfaces, but strength is obtained
usually through the use of the etched line. The chief limitation of the
Page 228
aquatint process lies in the great difficulty of getting more than a few
differences of shade, as the ground goes to pieces rather rapidly under
successive bitings, and the transitions from one tone to another are
very few, so that half tones are not readily obtainable. It is in the
economical use of these half tones that Havell, Junior, achieved so
much and thereby produced a chiaroscuro seldom, if ever, equaled in
aquatint.
Artists have sometimes frowned upon this combination of aquatint with
other forms of engraving, especially when executed with the burin, for "like
the permanent misery of a quarrelling married couple, they may ruin
everything with discord"; but any such lack of harmony, when not
overcome by Havell's skill, was usually completely subdued by the color
which was subsequently applied to the printed sheet. This is seen by a
comparison of the plain proof of such an elaborate plate as that of the
rattlesnake attacking the mocking birds (Plate xxi) with the result attained
in the finished impression. In replying to a criticism of Havell's work in
1830, Audubon expressed his conviction that "no birds were ever so
beautifully and softly represented on copper," and any hardness, which his
plates rarely showed, was not due to aquatinting, the inherent quality of
which is softness. To quote our authority again:
In Havell's hands aquatint gave the essential structure of forms by
a judicious use of the process called "feathering." This he often did
upon the bare copper plate without a ground, allowing the acid to bite
its own granular surface. In this way he produced the soft gradations
and telling accents so necessary to the portrayal of birds, but by a
further judicious use of line the accurate forms of both bird and plant
life were given with great force and delicacy.
When Audubon first proposed to present the Congressional Library at
Washington with a copy of his Birds, he asked Havell to do all the coloring
himself; Havell
differences of shade, as the ground goes to pieces rather rapidly under
successive bitings, and the transitions from one tone to another are
very few, so that half tones are not readily obtainable. It is in the
economical use of these half tones that Havell, Junior, achieved so
much and thereby produced a chiaroscuro seldom, if ever, equaled in
aquatint.
Artists have sometimes frowned upon this combination of aquatint with
other forms of engraving, especially when executed with the burin, for "like
the permanent misery of a quarrelling married couple, they may ruin
everything with discord"; but any such lack of harmony, when not
overcome by Havell's skill, was usually completely subdued by the color
which was subsequently applied to the printed sheet. This is seen by a
comparison of the plain proof of such an elaborate plate as that of the
rattlesnake attacking the mocking birds (Plate xxi) with the result attained
in the finished impression. In replying to a criticism of Havell's work in
1830, Audubon expressed his conviction that "no birds were ever so
beautifully and softly represented on copper," and any hardness, which his
plates rarely showed, was not due to aquatinting, the inherent quality of
which is softness. To quote our authority again:
In Havell's hands aquatint gave the essential structure of forms by
a judicious use of the process called "feathering." This he often did
upon the bare copper plate without a ground, allowing the acid to bite
its own granular surface. In this way he produced the soft gradations
and telling accents so necessary to the portrayal of birds, but by a
further judicious use of line the accurate forms of both bird and plant
life were given with great force and delicacy.
When Audubon first proposed to present the Congressional Library at
Washington with a copy of his Birds, he asked Havell to do all the coloring
himself; Havell
Page 229
colored his prints in the usual manner by flowing washes of pure
water-color tints over the monochrome proof which was printed from
the copper plate. In this phase of the process the great charm of his
genuine talent for water-color painting asserted itself. Aside from the
first crude washes, put on by artists or colorists employed for the
purpose, he himself applied the salient tones and all the more delicate
tints.
Much misunderstanding has arisen in regard to the engraving and
publication of Audubon's earlier plates owing to the complex relations
which existed between Lizars, the two Havells of the same name, and the
naturalist himself; this involved the reissue of the first two numbers of the
work, and a confusing series of legends upon the plates themselves,
occasioned partly by a division of labor between father and son, and by the
death of Robert Havell, Senior, in 1832. The errors into which some
commentators have fallen, however, are due to their examination of but one
set of plates. The account which follows is based upon a collation of
complete copies at the British Museum, the Radcliffe Library, Oxford, the
Jardin des Plantes, Paris, and the Boston Society of Natural History, and of
numerous scattered plates. Lizars engraved the first ten plates only of the
large folio, but before the summer of 1827 a considerable number of these
early impressions had been distributed. The Havells, as we have seen,
started the work anew, and Robert, the younger, retouched the greater part
of Lizars' plates, so that their reissue in London constitutes for the
bibliophile a second, and in some cases a third, edition. Moreover, the
plates which were eventually executed by the younger Havell, to the
number of 425, were repeatedly printed from to meet the requirements of
new subscribers; on such occasions errors were corrected, minor changes in
the artist's or engraver's name introduced, and the nomenclature of the birds
and plants more or less completely revised. Frequently the Whatman water-
marks, or, indirectly, Audubon's titles, postdate the year of publication as
printed on the plate itself. Conflicting legends, particularly on the earlier
plates, which have often puzzled collectors, are mainly due to one or
water-color tints over the monochrome proof which was printed from
the copper plate. In this phase of the process the great charm of his
genuine talent for water-color painting asserted itself. Aside from the
first crude washes, put on by artists or colorists employed for the
purpose, he himself applied the salient tones and all the more delicate
tints.
Much misunderstanding has arisen in regard to the engraving and
publication of Audubon's earlier plates owing to the complex relations
which existed between Lizars, the two Havells of the same name, and the
naturalist himself; this involved the reissue of the first two numbers of the
work, and a confusing series of legends upon the plates themselves,
occasioned partly by a division of labor between father and son, and by the
death of Robert Havell, Senior, in 1832. The errors into which some
commentators have fallen, however, are due to their examination of but one
set of plates. The account which follows is based upon a collation of
complete copies at the British Museum, the Radcliffe Library, Oxford, the
Jardin des Plantes, Paris, and the Boston Society of Natural History, and of
numerous scattered plates. Lizars engraved the first ten plates only of the
large folio, but before the summer of 1827 a considerable number of these
early impressions had been distributed. The Havells, as we have seen,
started the work anew, and Robert, the younger, retouched the greater part
of Lizars' plates, so that their reissue in London constitutes for the
bibliophile a second, and in some cases a third, edition. Moreover, the
plates which were eventually executed by the younger Havell, to the
number of 425, were repeatedly printed from to meet the requirements of
new subscribers; on such occasions errors were corrected, minor changes in
the artist's or engraver's name introduced, and the nomenclature of the birds
and plants more or less completely revised. Frequently the Whatman water-
marks, or, indirectly, Audubon's titles, postdate the year of publication as
printed on the plate itself. Conflicting legends, particularly on the earlier
plates, which have often puzzled collectors, are mainly due to one or
Page 230
another of the conditions named. Nearly every plate underwent alterations
of some sort, but the various legends show conclusively whether the print
belongs to a first or a subsequent impression. In the British Museum copy,
the younger Havell's first independent legend appears on Plate lxxvi
(Virginia Partridge), as "Engraved, Printed, & Coloured by R. Havell Junr.
1830." The word "London" was later added, but was eventually discarded.
After the senior Havell's death in 1832, the son naturally dropped the suffix
from his own name; thereafter his brief designation of name and date
became gradually stereotyped. It should be noticed, however, that when
Robert Havell needed to reprint from plates which were executed before his
father's death, he would frequently remove only the "Junior," and let the
original date stand, so that legends like the following are not uncommon:
"Engraved, Printed, & Coloured by R. Havell, —— London—1831"; to
avoid the lacuna, designation of place and date were, at times, erased also.
The naturalist's name underwent a different evolution on the plates, but
after 1830, the date of his election to membership in the Royal Society, his
designation gradually settled into the phrase: "Drawn from nature by J.J.
Audubon, F.L.S. F.R.S." (as in Plate lxxxi, 1830); accordingly, all plates
which bear these titles, but an earlier date, are second or later editions. The
previous hints, with examples to be given presently, will enable collectors
to determine whether a given plate is a first or subsequent impression.
of some sort, but the various legends show conclusively whether the print
belongs to a first or a subsequent impression. In the British Museum copy,
the younger Havell's first independent legend appears on Plate lxxvi
(Virginia Partridge), as "Engraved, Printed, & Coloured by R. Havell Junr.
1830." The word "London" was later added, but was eventually discarded.
After the senior Havell's death in 1832, the son naturally dropped the suffix
from his own name; thereafter his brief designation of name and date
became gradually stereotyped. It should be noticed, however, that when
Robert Havell needed to reprint from plates which were executed before his
father's death, he would frequently remove only the "Junior," and let the
original date stand, so that legends like the following are not uncommon:
"Engraved, Printed, & Coloured by R. Havell, —— London—1831"; to
avoid the lacuna, designation of place and date were, at times, erased also.
The naturalist's name underwent a different evolution on the plates, but
after 1830, the date of his election to membership in the Royal Society, his
designation gradually settled into the phrase: "Drawn from nature by J.J.
Audubon, F.L.S. F.R.S." (as in Plate lxxxi, 1830); accordingly, all plates
which bear these titles, but an earlier date, are second or later editions. The
previous hints, with examples to be given presently, will enable collectors
to determine whether a given plate is a first or subsequent impression.
Page 231
PLATE CCCI
Canvas backed Duck
FULIGULA VALLISNERIA, Steph.
1 2 Male, 3 Female View of Baltimore
Drawn from nature by J.J. Engraved Printed & Coloured
Audubon F.R.S. F.L.S. by R. Havell. 1836
Lizars' first edition of plates, Numbers i to x, bore no dates, and, so far
as known, the first date of the entire series was "1828," which was added to
Plate 31 (the White-headed Eagle), but was erased from later issues. When
Robert Havell, Junior, retouched Lizar's engraving of the Turkey Hen (No.
II, Plate vi), he added the date "1829," but in a third or later edition the
name was changed and the date removed. This same date appears also on
the retouched Plate ii, of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and on that of the
Purple Grackle or Crow Blackbird (Plate vii). A curious error crept into the
first impressions of the former plate, which was mislabeled "Black-billed
Cuckoo," a bird then recognized as quite distinct.[160] Plates xxxi to lxxv
(1828-29) were all dated in the first issue, and bore the names of both
Havells; the legends are: "Engraved, Printed & Coloured by R. Havell &
Canvas backed Duck
FULIGULA VALLISNERIA, Steph.
1 2 Male, 3 Female View of Baltimore
Drawn from nature by J.J. Engraved Printed & Coloured
Audubon F.R.S. F.L.S. by R. Havell. 1836
Lizars' first edition of plates, Numbers i to x, bore no dates, and, so far
as known, the first date of the entire series was "1828," which was added to
Plate 31 (the White-headed Eagle), but was erased from later issues. When
Robert Havell, Junior, retouched Lizar's engraving of the Turkey Hen (No.
II, Plate vi), he added the date "1829," but in a third or later edition the
name was changed and the date removed. This same date appears also on
the retouched Plate ii, of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and on that of the
Purple Grackle or Crow Blackbird (Plate vii). A curious error crept into the
first impressions of the former plate, which was mislabeled "Black-billed
Cuckoo," a bird then recognized as quite distinct.[160] Plates xxxi to lxxv
(1828-29) were all dated in the first issue, and bore the names of both
Havells; the legends are: "Engraved, Printed & Coloured by R. Havell &
Page 232
Son, London, 1828," and "Engraved by Robt. Havell, Junr. Printed &
Coloured by R. Havell Senr. London, 1828," or "1829" (British Museum
copy), but when later printed by Robert, the younger, the dates were erased.
All subsequent dating of the plates was somewhat irregular until 1834
(Plate ccii), but from that point to the end of the series, the year of issue was
consistently added to each plate. Ornithologists are specially interested in
the time of publication, since forty-seven new specific names occur on
Audubon's large plates, and should date from them and not from the
letterpress which followed.
To illustrate what has been said of successive editions of Audubon's
plates, we shall give the legends of two or three of the most famous, taken
from copies in the British Museum and Boston Society of Natural History
libraries or from detached plates obtained in London, in 1903:
Plate i (1st edit., Lizars; Brit. Mus.).—"Great American Cock
Male—Vulgo (Wild Turkey) Meleagris Gallopavo. Drawn by J. J.
Audubon, M. W. S. Engraved by W. H. Lizars Edinr."
Plate i (2nd or later edit., Havell; Boston Soc. Nat. Hist.).—"Wild
Turkey. Meleagris Gallopavo. Linn. Male American Cane. Miegia
macrosperma. Drawn from nature by J. J. Audubon F.R.S., F.L.S.
Engraved by W. H. Lizars Edinr. Retouched by R. Havell Junr."
Plate vi (1st edit., Lizars; Brit. Mus.).—"Great American Hen &
Young, Vulgo, Female Wild Turkey—Meleagris Gallopavo. Drawn
from Nature by John J. Audubon F.R.S.E. M.W.S. Engraved by W. H.
Lizars Edinr."
Plate vi (2nd or later edit., Havell; detached plate).—The same
with the exception of "F.L.S.," added to Audubon's name, and
"Retouched by R. Havell. Junr. London, 1829."
Plate vi (3rd or later edit., Havell; Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist.).—"Wild
Turkey, Meleagris Gallopavo. Linn. Female and Young." (Artist's
Coloured by R. Havell Senr. London, 1828," or "1829" (British Museum
copy), but when later printed by Robert, the younger, the dates were erased.
All subsequent dating of the plates was somewhat irregular until 1834
(Plate ccii), but from that point to the end of the series, the year of issue was
consistently added to each plate. Ornithologists are specially interested in
the time of publication, since forty-seven new specific names occur on
Audubon's large plates, and should date from them and not from the
letterpress which followed.
To illustrate what has been said of successive editions of Audubon's
plates, we shall give the legends of two or three of the most famous, taken
from copies in the British Museum and Boston Society of Natural History
libraries or from detached plates obtained in London, in 1903:
Plate i (1st edit., Lizars; Brit. Mus.).—"Great American Cock
Male—Vulgo (Wild Turkey) Meleagris Gallopavo. Drawn by J. J.
Audubon, M. W. S. Engraved by W. H. Lizars Edinr."
Plate i (2nd or later edit., Havell; Boston Soc. Nat. Hist.).—"Wild
Turkey. Meleagris Gallopavo. Linn. Male American Cane. Miegia
macrosperma. Drawn from nature by J. J. Audubon F.R.S., F.L.S.
Engraved by W. H. Lizars Edinr. Retouched by R. Havell Junr."
Plate vi (1st edit., Lizars; Brit. Mus.).—"Great American Hen &
Young, Vulgo, Female Wild Turkey—Meleagris Gallopavo. Drawn
from Nature by John J. Audubon F.R.S.E. M.W.S. Engraved by W. H.
Lizars Edinr."
Plate vi (2nd or later edit., Havell; detached plate).—The same
with the exception of "F.L.S.," added to Audubon's name, and
"Retouched by R. Havell. Junr. London, 1829."
Plate vi (3rd or later edit., Havell; Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist.).—"Wild
Turkey, Meleagris Gallopavo. Linn. Female and Young." (Artist's
Page 233
name apparently cut off by binder.) "Engraved by W. H. Lizars.
Retouched by R. Havell. Junr."
Plate 31. (1st edit., Havell. Brit. Mus.).—"White-headed Eagle,
male. Falco Leucocephalus. Fish Fulgo—Yellow mud Cat. Drawn
from Nature & Published by John J. Audubon, F.R.S.E., F.L.S.,
M.W.S. Engraved, Printed & Coloured by R. Havell & Son, London,
1828."
Plate xxxi (2nd or later edit., Havell; Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist.).
—"White-headed Eagle, Falco Leucocephalus. Linn. Male. Yellow
Cat-fish. Drawn from Nature and Published by John J. Audubon.
F.R.S. F.L.S. Engraved, Printed & Coloured, by R. Havell."
Plates which were wholly the work of Lizars have naturally become
extremely rare; they were evidently disregarded by Audubon when he
recorded on July 2, 1827, that he had given Mr. Children a proof of his first
number, which he called "the first in existence," and declared that the two
guineas then received was the first money that had been returned to his
hands. Lizars' initial number had actually been finished in the previous
winter, and a copy of this is recorded as having been given to the daughter
of Sir Walter Scott on the 9th of March, 1827.
When Audubon had finally closed all his business affairs in Edinburgh
and London, late in the summer of 1839, he returned to America, with the
remaining members of his family, and settled in New York, where he
purchased a house at Number 84 White Street, then in the uptown district.
An anonymous writer in the London Athenæum[161] in giving a final
review of Audubon's labors in 1839, paid this interesting tribute:
It seems but as yesterday that we were walking about with a
transatlantic stranger, picturesque enough in his appearance and garb,
to arrest the eye of every passing gazer; a tall stalwart man, with hair
sufficiently long to qualify him to serve as a model to Gray's "Bard,"
Retouched by R. Havell. Junr."
Plate 31. (1st edit., Havell. Brit. Mus.).—"White-headed Eagle,
male. Falco Leucocephalus. Fish Fulgo—Yellow mud Cat. Drawn
from Nature & Published by John J. Audubon, F.R.S.E., F.L.S.,
M.W.S. Engraved, Printed & Coloured by R. Havell & Son, London,
1828."
Plate xxxi (2nd or later edit., Havell; Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist.).
—"White-headed Eagle, Falco Leucocephalus. Linn. Male. Yellow
Cat-fish. Drawn from Nature and Published by John J. Audubon.
F.R.S. F.L.S. Engraved, Printed & Coloured, by R. Havell."
Plates which were wholly the work of Lizars have naturally become
extremely rare; they were evidently disregarded by Audubon when he
recorded on July 2, 1827, that he had given Mr. Children a proof of his first
number, which he called "the first in existence," and declared that the two
guineas then received was the first money that had been returned to his
hands. Lizars' initial number had actually been finished in the previous
winter, and a copy of this is recorded as having been given to the daughter
of Sir Walter Scott on the 9th of March, 1827.
When Audubon had finally closed all his business affairs in Edinburgh
and London, late in the summer of 1839, he returned to America, with the
remaining members of his family, and settled in New York, where he
purchased a house at Number 84 White Street, then in the uptown district.
An anonymous writer in the London Athenæum[161] in giving a final
review of Audubon's labors in 1839, paid this interesting tribute:
It seems but as yesterday that we were walking about with a
transatlantic stranger, picturesque enough in his appearance and garb,
to arrest the eye of every passing gazer; a tall stalwart man, with hair
sufficiently long to qualify him to serve as a model to Gray's "Bard,"
Page 234
and trousers ample almost as petticoats of "good Harmony cloth," so
absorbed in the enthusiastic prosecution of his gigantic plan—a life's
labour—as to be heedless of the singularity of those meteoric locks,
and those liberal nether garments. Some dozen of years, however, have
elapsed since that day; the American Woodsman's hair—long since cut
short—has grown white; his magnificent undertaking is completed,
and he is now on the point of quitting England, to settle himself for the
remainder of his days whether by the side of a bayou, in some forest
clearing, or as an inhabitant of one of the American cities which have
learned to know his value, report saith not.
We shake hands with the author, tendering him our hearty
congratulations on the completion of a task almost as arduous as has
ever been proposed to a literary man....
The confidential simplicity of Mr. Audubon's own prefaces would
make yet more personal leave-takings and farewells, on the critic's
part, natural and graceful,—but it must suffice to say, that few have
quitted England, carrying with them a larger portion of honest regard
and sincere good wishes.
Possibly it was the same writer who gave this striking picture of
Audubon in the pages of the same journal, thirty years later:[162]
We can remember when his portfolio excited delight in Edinburgh,
London, and Paris, rivalling in smaller circles a new Waverley novel.
The man also was not a man to be seen and forgotten, or passed on the
pavement without glances of surprise and scrutiny. The tall and
somewhat stooping form, the clothes not made by a West-end but by a
Far West tailor, the steady, rapid, springing step, the long hair, the
aquiline features, and the glowing angry eyes,—the expression of a
handsome man conscious of ceasing to be young, and an air and
manner which told you that whoever you might be he was John
Audubon, will never be forgotten by anyone who knew or saw him.
absorbed in the enthusiastic prosecution of his gigantic plan—a life's
labour—as to be heedless of the singularity of those meteoric locks,
and those liberal nether garments. Some dozen of years, however, have
elapsed since that day; the American Woodsman's hair—long since cut
short—has grown white; his magnificent undertaking is completed,
and he is now on the point of quitting England, to settle himself for the
remainder of his days whether by the side of a bayou, in some forest
clearing, or as an inhabitant of one of the American cities which have
learned to know his value, report saith not.
We shake hands with the author, tendering him our hearty
congratulations on the completion of a task almost as arduous as has
ever been proposed to a literary man....
The confidential simplicity of Mr. Audubon's own prefaces would
make yet more personal leave-takings and farewells, on the critic's
part, natural and graceful,—but it must suffice to say, that few have
quitted England, carrying with them a larger portion of honest regard
and sincere good wishes.
Possibly it was the same writer who gave this striking picture of
Audubon in the pages of the same journal, thirty years later:[162]
We can remember when his portfolio excited delight in Edinburgh,
London, and Paris, rivalling in smaller circles a new Waverley novel.
The man also was not a man to be seen and forgotten, or passed on the
pavement without glances of surprise and scrutiny. The tall and
somewhat stooping form, the clothes not made by a West-end but by a
Far West tailor, the steady, rapid, springing step, the long hair, the
aquiline features, and the glowing angry eyes,—the expression of a
handsome man conscious of ceasing to be young, and an air and
manner which told you that whoever you might be he was John
Audubon, will never be forgotten by anyone who knew or saw him.
Page 235
We will add to this the musings of an anonymous American writer[163]
in the North American Review for the following year (1840):
It must have been with mingled and varied feelings that Audubon
published his concluding volume. He was sure then that he had raised
an imperishable monument to commemorate his own renown. All
anxieties and fears which overshadowed his work in its beginning had
passed away. The prophecies of kind but overprudent friends, who did
not understand his self-sustaining energy, had proved untrue; the
malicious hope of his enemies, for even the gentle lover of nature has
enemies,—had been disappointed; he had secured a commanding place
in the respect and gratitude of men; he had secured a treasure of rich
and glowing recollections, to warm his own heart in his declining
years, and to kindle enthusiasm in his children's children....
On the other hand he had lost an employment which for years had
kept all the powers of body and mind in healthy though intense
exertion; whatever else he might do, the great work of his intellectual
life was finished.... His trumpet of victory at the result must have given
an uncertain sound, partly exulting in his success, and partly lamenting
that his great work was finished.
It has often been asked, how many complete sets of Audubon's folio of
The Birds of America were distributed, and how many are in existence
today. No definite answer can be given to either question. His final lists,
appended to the last volume of his "Biographies" in 1839, and reproduced
in Appendix III to the present work, gave the number of standing names as
161 (calling for 166 copies), of which 79 (with 84 copies) pertained to
Europe, and 82 were American; inasmuch as 118 subscribers had dropped
off, with incompleted sets on their hands, this brought the total number of
original patrons at that time to 279, and the number of copies which had
been originally ordered to 284. On the other hand, the following
advertisement, evidently from the hand of Audubon himself, appeared in
in the North American Review for the following year (1840):
It must have been with mingled and varied feelings that Audubon
published his concluding volume. He was sure then that he had raised
an imperishable monument to commemorate his own renown. All
anxieties and fears which overshadowed his work in its beginning had
passed away. The prophecies of kind but overprudent friends, who did
not understand his self-sustaining energy, had proved untrue; the
malicious hope of his enemies, for even the gentle lover of nature has
enemies,—had been disappointed; he had secured a commanding place
in the respect and gratitude of men; he had secured a treasure of rich
and glowing recollections, to warm his own heart in his declining
years, and to kindle enthusiasm in his children's children....
On the other hand he had lost an employment which for years had
kept all the powers of body and mind in healthy though intense
exertion; whatever else he might do, the great work of his intellectual
life was finished.... His trumpet of victory at the result must have given
an uncertain sound, partly exulting in his success, and partly lamenting
that his great work was finished.
It has often been asked, how many complete sets of Audubon's folio of
The Birds of America were distributed, and how many are in existence
today. No definite answer can be given to either question. His final lists,
appended to the last volume of his "Biographies" in 1839, and reproduced
in Appendix III to the present work, gave the number of standing names as
161 (calling for 166 copies), of which 79 (with 84 copies) pertained to
Europe, and 82 were American; inasmuch as 118 subscribers had dropped
off, with incompleted sets on their hands, this brought the total number of
original patrons at that time to 279, and the number of copies which had
been originally ordered to 284. On the other hand, the following
advertisement, evidently from the hand of Audubon himself, appeared in
Page 236
The Athenæum, under date of "London, November 1, 1837," and was
reprinted in America a few weeks later:[164]
The number of perfect copies at present subscribed for does not
exceed 190, of which upwards of 80 are subscribed for in America;
and the expense of getting them up is so great, that not more than ten
or fifteen copies, above the number subscribed for, will be prepared.
The Establishment necessary for its publication will be broken up
when the last Number is coloured; and any application for the Work
must be made to the Author, 4, Wimpole—street, London; or Mr. R.
Havell, Engraver, 77 Oxford—street, before the first of May next, as
after that time no subscription can be received.
Assuming that Audubon's final published lists, calling for 166 copies,
were correct, and that ten additional sets were prepared, this would bring
the total original number known to have been complete to 176, which
agrees with an estimate attributed to Victor Audubon, who once expressed
the belief that "about 175 copies" were in existence, of which about 80 were
in America.[165] It is probable, however, that of the 118 persons who
allowed their subscriptions to lapse, a number completed their sets from the
residual stock, which must have been great, though the later plates would be
the hardest to obtain; in this event the number of perfect sets of Audubon's
Birds probably never exceeded 190 or 200.
The proprietor of a well known Philadelphia bookshop[166] has stated
that during his experience as an antiquary, he has had personal knowledge
of forty or fifty copies of the folio edition of Audubon's Birds in America,
and he thought it probable that a single New England print dealer, in the
course of twenty years, had broken up thirty or forty volumes for the
purpose of selling the plates. This is not surprising, since from the sale of a
single volume upwards of $1,500 might be realized in this way, but no
reputable dealer would now think of breaking up an unimpaired set.
reprinted in America a few weeks later:[164]
The number of perfect copies at present subscribed for does not
exceed 190, of which upwards of 80 are subscribed for in America;
and the expense of getting them up is so great, that not more than ten
or fifteen copies, above the number subscribed for, will be prepared.
The Establishment necessary for its publication will be broken up
when the last Number is coloured; and any application for the Work
must be made to the Author, 4, Wimpole—street, London; or Mr. R.
Havell, Engraver, 77 Oxford—street, before the first of May next, as
after that time no subscription can be received.
Assuming that Audubon's final published lists, calling for 166 copies,
were correct, and that ten additional sets were prepared, this would bring
the total original number known to have been complete to 176, which
agrees with an estimate attributed to Victor Audubon, who once expressed
the belief that "about 175 copies" were in existence, of which about 80 were
in America.[165] It is probable, however, that of the 118 persons who
allowed their subscriptions to lapse, a number completed their sets from the
residual stock, which must have been great, though the later plates would be
the hardest to obtain; in this event the number of perfect sets of Audubon's
Birds probably never exceeded 190 or 200.
The proprietor of a well known Philadelphia bookshop[166] has stated
that during his experience as an antiquary, he has had personal knowledge
of forty or fifty copies of the folio edition of Audubon's Birds in America,
and he thought it probable that a single New England print dealer, in the
course of twenty years, had broken up thirty or forty volumes for the
purpose of selling the plates. This is not surprising, since from the sale of a
single volume upwards of $1,500 might be realized in this way, but no
reputable dealer would now think of breaking up an unimpaired set.
Page 237
Mr. Ruthven Deane, who has compiled a careful record of copies of
The Birds of America known to exist in the United States, recorded in 1908
that he had ascertained the resting-place of seventy-five sets which, with
few exceptions, were complete and in good condition. "A set in the library
of the Mechanics-Mercantile Institute, San Francisco, California, which had
been there for some thirty years, and another set in the San Francisco Art
Association, presented in 1894 by Mr. Edward F. Searles, Methuen,
Massachusetts, were both destroyed by the disastrous earthquake and fire
which visited that city April 18, 1906."[167]
Audubon's own copy of his Birds, the plates of which were naturally
selected with the greatest care, was sold by Mrs. Audubon after the death of
her last surviving son, in 1862, to John T. Johnson, of New York, for
$1,200; the subsequent history of these volumes has not been traced. Havell
brought with him to America a copy, every plate of which is said to have
been selected by himself, and it is undoubtedly one of the finest sets in
existence. It passed from the family's possession to the hands of the
publishers and booksellers, Messrs. C. S. Francis & Company, of 554
Broadway, New York, who in 1856 had charge of the sale of all of
Audubon's works,[168] and was later purchased by Dr. W. Gurdon Russell,
of Hartford, Connecticut, who presented it to Trinity College, July 10, 1900.
[169]
After recording the facts of the case, so far as they have been
ascertained, the following extract from the minutes of a meeting of the New
York Historical Society, held October 3, 1865, will be read with interest:
[170]
The Librarian presented the following copy of a manuscript
memorandum preserved in the first volume of Audubon's
Ornithological Biography, formerly belonging to the late J. Prescott
Hall,[171] and now in possession of David G. Francis, Esq.:
The Birds of America known to exist in the United States, recorded in 1908
that he had ascertained the resting-place of seventy-five sets which, with
few exceptions, were complete and in good condition. "A set in the library
of the Mechanics-Mercantile Institute, San Francisco, California, which had
been there for some thirty years, and another set in the San Francisco Art
Association, presented in 1894 by Mr. Edward F. Searles, Methuen,
Massachusetts, were both destroyed by the disastrous earthquake and fire
which visited that city April 18, 1906."[167]
Audubon's own copy of his Birds, the plates of which were naturally
selected with the greatest care, was sold by Mrs. Audubon after the death of
her last surviving son, in 1862, to John T. Johnson, of New York, for
$1,200; the subsequent history of these volumes has not been traced. Havell
brought with him to America a copy, every plate of which is said to have
been selected by himself, and it is undoubtedly one of the finest sets in
existence. It passed from the family's possession to the hands of the
publishers and booksellers, Messrs. C. S. Francis & Company, of 554
Broadway, New York, who in 1856 had charge of the sale of all of
Audubon's works,[168] and was later purchased by Dr. W. Gurdon Russell,
of Hartford, Connecticut, who presented it to Trinity College, July 10, 1900.
[169]
After recording the facts of the case, so far as they have been
ascertained, the following extract from the minutes of a meeting of the New
York Historical Society, held October 3, 1865, will be read with interest:
[170]
The Librarian presented the following copy of a manuscript
memorandum preserved in the first volume of Audubon's
Ornithological Biography, formerly belonging to the late J. Prescott
Hall,[171] and now in possession of David G. Francis, Esq.:
Page 238
"This work is presented to J. Prescott Hall by his poor Friend and
sincerely attached servant
John J. Audubon"
"New York April 4, 1844."
"Mr Audubon told me in the year 184— that he did not sell more
than 40 copies of his great work in England, Ireland, Scotland, and
France, of which Louis Phillippe took 10.
"The following received their copies but never paid for them:
George IV., Dutchess of Clarence, Marquis of Londonderry, Princess
of Hesse Homburg.
"An Irish lord whose name he would not give, took two copies and
paid for neither. Rothschild paid for his copy, but with great
reluctance.
"He further said that he sold 75 copies in America, 26 in New
York and 24 in Boston; that the work cost him £27,000 and that he lost
$25,000 by it.
"He said that Louis Phillippe offered to subscribe for 100 copies if
he would publish the work in Paris. This he found could not be done,
as it would have required 40 years to finish it as things were then in
Paris. Of this conversation I made a memorandum at the time which I
read over to Mr. Audubon and he pronounced it correct.
"J. Prescott Hall."
As regards the subscription of Rothschild the following account of his
interview with the famous banker has been recorded by Audubon himself.
[172]
The naturalist, it appears, received a letter to Baron Rothschild from
the American banking-house of Prime, Ward & King, and presented it in the
summer of 1834. The banker was not in when Audubon and his son, Victor,
sincerely attached servant
John J. Audubon"
"New York April 4, 1844."
"Mr Audubon told me in the year 184— that he did not sell more
than 40 copies of his great work in England, Ireland, Scotland, and
France, of which Louis Phillippe took 10.
"The following received their copies but never paid for them:
George IV., Dutchess of Clarence, Marquis of Londonderry, Princess
of Hesse Homburg.
"An Irish lord whose name he would not give, took two copies and
paid for neither. Rothschild paid for his copy, but with great
reluctance.
"He further said that he sold 75 copies in America, 26 in New
York and 24 in Boston; that the work cost him £27,000 and that he lost
$25,000 by it.
"He said that Louis Phillippe offered to subscribe for 100 copies if
he would publish the work in Paris. This he found could not be done,
as it would have required 40 years to finish it as things were then in
Paris. Of this conversation I made a memorandum at the time which I
read over to Mr. Audubon and he pronounced it correct.
"J. Prescott Hall."
As regards the subscription of Rothschild the following account of his
interview with the famous banker has been recorded by Audubon himself.
[172]
The naturalist, it appears, received a letter to Baron Rothschild from
the American banking-house of Prime, Ward & King, and presented it in the
summer of 1834. The banker was not in when Audubon and his son, Victor,
Page 239
called upon him, but "soon a corpulent man appeared, hitching up his
trousers, and a face red with the exertion of walking, and without noticing
any one present, dropped his fat body into a comfortable chair, as if caring
for no one else in this wide world but himself." When Audubon presented
his credentials, the banker asked: "Is this a letter of business, or is it a mere
letter of introduction?'" As Audubon had not read the letter, he was obliged
to answer rather awkwardly that he could not tell. "The banker then opened
the letter, read it with the manner of one who was looking only at the
temporal side of things, and after reading it said, 'This is only a letter of
introduction, and I expect from its contents that you are the publisher of
some book or other and need my subscription.'" Audubon continues:
Had a man the size of a mountain spoken to me in that arrogant
style in America I should have indignantly resented it; but where I then
was it seemed best to swallow and digest it as well as I could. So in
reply ... I said I should be honored by his subscription to the "Birds of
America." "Sir," he said, "I never sign my name to any subscription
list, but you may send in your work and I will pay for a copy of it.
Gentlemen, I am busy, I wish you good morning." We were busy men,
too, and so bowing respectfully, we retired, pretty well satisfied with
the small slice of his opulence which our labor was likely to obtain.
A few days afterwards I sent the first volume of my work half
bound, and all the numbers besides, then published. On seeing them
we were told that he ordered the bearer to take them to his house,
which was done directly. Number after number was sent and delivered
to the Baron, and after eight or ten months my son made out his
account and sent it by Mr. Havell, my engraver, to his banking-house.
The Baron looked at it with amazement, and cried out, "What, a
hundred pounds for birds! Why, sir, I will give you five pounds, and
not a farthing more!" Representations were made to him of the
magnificence and expense of the work, and how pleased his Baroness
and wealthy children would be to have a copy; but the great financier
was unrelenting. The copy of the work was actually sent back to Mr.
trousers, and a face red with the exertion of walking, and without noticing
any one present, dropped his fat body into a comfortable chair, as if caring
for no one else in this wide world but himself." When Audubon presented
his credentials, the banker asked: "Is this a letter of business, or is it a mere
letter of introduction?'" As Audubon had not read the letter, he was obliged
to answer rather awkwardly that he could not tell. "The banker then opened
the letter, read it with the manner of one who was looking only at the
temporal side of things, and after reading it said, 'This is only a letter of
introduction, and I expect from its contents that you are the publisher of
some book or other and need my subscription.'" Audubon continues:
Had a man the size of a mountain spoken to me in that arrogant
style in America I should have indignantly resented it; but where I then
was it seemed best to swallow and digest it as well as I could. So in
reply ... I said I should be honored by his subscription to the "Birds of
America." "Sir," he said, "I never sign my name to any subscription
list, but you may send in your work and I will pay for a copy of it.
Gentlemen, I am busy, I wish you good morning." We were busy men,
too, and so bowing respectfully, we retired, pretty well satisfied with
the small slice of his opulence which our labor was likely to obtain.
A few days afterwards I sent the first volume of my work half
bound, and all the numbers besides, then published. On seeing them
we were told that he ordered the bearer to take them to his house,
which was done directly. Number after number was sent and delivered
to the Baron, and after eight or ten months my son made out his
account and sent it by Mr. Havell, my engraver, to his banking-house.
The Baron looked at it with amazement, and cried out, "What, a
hundred pounds for birds! Why, sir, I will give you five pounds, and
not a farthing more!" Representations were made to him of the
magnificence and expense of the work, and how pleased his Baroness
and wealthy children would be to have a copy; but the great financier
was unrelenting. The copy of the work was actually sent back to Mr.
Page 240
Havell's shop, and as I found that instituting legal proceedings against
him would cost more than it would come to, I kept the work, and
afterwards sold it to a man with less money but a nobler heart. What a
distance there is between two such men as Baron Rothschild of
London and the merchant of Savannah!
him would cost more than it would come to, I kept the work, and
afterwards sold it to a man with less money but a nobler heart. What a
distance there is between two such men as Baron Rothschild of
London and the merchant of Savannah!
Page 241
Page 242
CHAPTER XXXIII
NEW ENTERPRISES AND LIFE AT "MINNIE'S LAND"
Settlement in New York—The Birds in miniature, and work on the Quadrupeds—Marriage of Victor
Audubon—Coöperation of Bachman in the Quadrupeds secured—Prospectuses—History of the
octavo edition of the Birds—Baird's enthusiasm and efficient aid—Parkman's wren—Baird's visit
to Audubon in New York—"Look out for Martens!" and wildcats—New home on the Hudson—
Godwin's pilgrimage to "Minnie's Land" in 1842.
After thirteen years of unmitigated labor, Audubon could have basked
in a fame already secure, and could have enjoyed, for a time at least, a
leisure handsomely earned. But no sooner had he settled in New York than
he entered upon two formidable tasks: one of these was the complete
revision of his Birds of America, to be issued with its text in "miniature," as
its reduced form was sometimes described; the other, which he did not live
to see brought to completion, was an elaborate work on the Quadrupeds of
North America, eventually carried forward in collaboration with the
Reverend John Bachman.
In his confident and characteristic manner, Audubon at once issued a
"Prospectus" of both these undertakings. The more cautious Bachman, in
writing on September 13, 1839, to congratulate him upon their safe return,
"in spite of storms, calms, and hurricane," said:
I am glad that you are about to do something with regard to the
"Small Edition of Birds." But are you not too fast in issuing your
prospectus of The Birds and Quadrupeds, without having numbers of
both works, by which the public can judge of their merits? My idea, in
NEW ENTERPRISES AND LIFE AT "MINNIE'S LAND"
Settlement in New York—The Birds in miniature, and work on the Quadrupeds—Marriage of Victor
Audubon—Coöperation of Bachman in the Quadrupeds secured—Prospectuses—History of the
octavo edition of the Birds—Baird's enthusiasm and efficient aid—Parkman's wren—Baird's visit
to Audubon in New York—"Look out for Martens!" and wildcats—New home on the Hudson—
Godwin's pilgrimage to "Minnie's Land" in 1842.
After thirteen years of unmitigated labor, Audubon could have basked
in a fame already secure, and could have enjoyed, for a time at least, a
leisure handsomely earned. But no sooner had he settled in New York than
he entered upon two formidable tasks: one of these was the complete
revision of his Birds of America, to be issued with its text in "miniature," as
its reduced form was sometimes described; the other, which he did not live
to see brought to completion, was an elaborate work on the Quadrupeds of
North America, eventually carried forward in collaboration with the
Reverend John Bachman.
In his confident and characteristic manner, Audubon at once issued a
"Prospectus" of both these undertakings. The more cautious Bachman, in
writing on September 13, 1839, to congratulate him upon their safe return,
"in spite of storms, calms, and hurricane," said:
I am glad that you are about to do something with regard to the
"Small Edition of Birds." But are you not too fast in issuing your
prospectus of The Birds and Quadrupeds, without having numbers of
both works, by which the public can judge of their merits? My idea, in
Page 243
regard to the latter, is that you should carefully get up, in your best
style, a volume about the size of "Holbrook's Reptiles." This would
enable you to decide on the terms of the book, I think that two
thousand subscribers at $1.00 for each number, might be obtained. But
it must be no half-way affair.
The animals have never been carefully described, and you will
find difficulties at every step. Books cannot aid you much. Long
journeys will have to be undertaken. Several species remain to be
added and their habits ascertained. The drawings you can easily make,
if you can procure the specimens. I wish I had you here, if only for two
days. I think that I have studied the subject more than you have. You
will be bothered with the Wolves and the Foxes, to begin with. I have
two new species of Bats and Shrews to add. The Western Deer are no
joke, and the ever varying Squirrels seem sent by Satan himself, to
puzzle the Naturalists.
It is evident from this letter that Audubon was then intending to
proceed with the work on the Quadrupeds alone and that Bachman's active
coöperation was secured later. On September 15, shortly after his return to
America, he wrote to Thomas M. Brewer on this subject as follows:[173]
Now that I am about to commence the publication of the
Quadrupeds of North America, I will expect your assistance in the
procuring for me of all such subjects as may easily be obtained around
you. John Bachman is about to give the whole of his collections and
his notes to me; and as I intend to open a pretty general
correspondence in different parts of the Union, I trust to be enabled to
proceed roundly on this fresh undertaking.
Victor Gifford Audubon, who had preceded his father to America early
in 1839, was married in that year to Mary Eliza, second daughter of John
and Harriet Bachman. This double union of the two naturalists' families
called forth mutual congratulations, but Bachman, who was inconsolable at
style, a volume about the size of "Holbrook's Reptiles." This would
enable you to decide on the terms of the book, I think that two
thousand subscribers at $1.00 for each number, might be obtained. But
it must be no half-way affair.
The animals have never been carefully described, and you will
find difficulties at every step. Books cannot aid you much. Long
journeys will have to be undertaken. Several species remain to be
added and their habits ascertained. The drawings you can easily make,
if you can procure the specimens. I wish I had you here, if only for two
days. I think that I have studied the subject more than you have. You
will be bothered with the Wolves and the Foxes, to begin with. I have
two new species of Bats and Shrews to add. The Western Deer are no
joke, and the ever varying Squirrels seem sent by Satan himself, to
puzzle the Naturalists.
It is evident from this letter that Audubon was then intending to
proceed with the work on the Quadrupeds alone and that Bachman's active
coöperation was secured later. On September 15, shortly after his return to
America, he wrote to Thomas M. Brewer on this subject as follows:[173]
Now that I am about to commence the publication of the
Quadrupeds of North America, I will expect your assistance in the
procuring for me of all such subjects as may easily be obtained around
you. John Bachman is about to give the whole of his collections and
his notes to me; and as I intend to open a pretty general
correspondence in different parts of the Union, I trust to be enabled to
proceed roundly on this fresh undertaking.
Victor Gifford Audubon, who had preceded his father to America early
in 1839, was married in that year to Mary Eliza, second daughter of John
and Harriet Bachman. This double union of the two naturalists' families
called forth mutual congratulations, but Bachman, who was inconsolable at
Page 244
the departure of his children, preferred to talk of birds: "By that time," said
he, "four or five numbers [of the 'Small Edition of the Birds'] are published,
you may turn over the work to your sons; but, till then, you should carefully
review every page and plate. The next thing will be to get subscribers. This
would be purgatory to me; but it is necessary to success. While drumming
up subscribers, you may obtain specimens for the Quadrupeds." When
writing again January 13, 1840, Bachman, whose cooperation in the
proposed work had been sought, continued:
The descriptions in the "Small Edition of Birds" will have to be
abridged—your "worthy friend" and other humbugs may be left out to
advantage. I am not at all surprised at your success at getting
subscribers; but let me say, cities are not the only places to obtain
them. Birds sing and nestle among the groves of the country—The
planters and farmers are the men to become subscribers. An intelligent
planter from the up country said, a few days ago, that if the right
person would thoroughly canvass the whole State of South Carolina,
he would insure three hundred subscribers to the "Small Work." Old
Jostle would be the man, and when his legs failed, the Young Jostle
should go forward. Get the Editors to notice your work—this is a
puffing world—from the porpoise to the steamboat.
When we meet, we shall talk about the partnership in the
quadrupeds. I am willing to have my name stand with yours, if it will
help the sale of the book. The expenses and the profits shall be yours
or the boys'. I am anxious to do something for the benefit of Victor and
John, in addition to the treasures I have given them—and this is all I
can do.... Employ yourself now in drawing every quadruped you can
lay your hands upon. If you can find me a live Ermine, buy it in New
York. I must once more examine and study its change of pilage.
Don't flatter yourself that the quadrupeds will be child's play. I
have studied them all my life. We have much, both in Europe and
America, to learn on this subject. The skulls and the teeth must be
he, "four or five numbers [of the 'Small Edition of the Birds'] are published,
you may turn over the work to your sons; but, till then, you should carefully
review every page and plate. The next thing will be to get subscribers. This
would be purgatory to me; but it is necessary to success. While drumming
up subscribers, you may obtain specimens for the Quadrupeds." When
writing again January 13, 1840, Bachman, whose cooperation in the
proposed work had been sought, continued:
The descriptions in the "Small Edition of Birds" will have to be
abridged—your "worthy friend" and other humbugs may be left out to
advantage. I am not at all surprised at your success at getting
subscribers; but let me say, cities are not the only places to obtain
them. Birds sing and nestle among the groves of the country—The
planters and farmers are the men to become subscribers. An intelligent
planter from the up country said, a few days ago, that if the right
person would thoroughly canvass the whole State of South Carolina,
he would insure three hundred subscribers to the "Small Work." Old
Jostle would be the man, and when his legs failed, the Young Jostle
should go forward. Get the Editors to notice your work—this is a
puffing world—from the porpoise to the steamboat.
When we meet, we shall talk about the partnership in the
quadrupeds. I am willing to have my name stand with yours, if it will
help the sale of the book. The expenses and the profits shall be yours
or the boys'. I am anxious to do something for the benefit of Victor and
John, in addition to the treasures I have given them—and this is all I
can do.... Employ yourself now in drawing every quadruped you can
lay your hands upon. If you can find me a live Ermine, buy it in New
York. I must once more examine and study its change of pilage.
Don't flatter yourself that the quadrupeds will be child's play. I
have studied them all my life. We have much, both in Europe and
America, to learn on this subject. The skulls and the teeth must be
Page 245
studied, and color is as variable as the wind; down, down in the earth
they grovel, while we, in digging and studying, may grow old and
cross. Our work must be thorough. I would as soon stick my name to a
forged Bank Note as to a mess of soupmaigre.
VICTOR GIFFORD AUDUBON
Published by courtesy Of Charles Scribner's Sons.
they grovel, while we, in digging and studying, may grow old and
cross. Our work must be thorough. I would as soon stick my name to a
forged Bank Note as to a mess of soupmaigre.
VICTOR GIFFORD AUDUBON
Published by courtesy Of Charles Scribner's Sons.
Page 246
JOHN WOODHOUSE AUDUBON
Published by courtesy Of Dr. R. W. Shufeldt.
The "Prospectus" of Audubon's "miniature" edition of the Birds was as
follows:[174]
To those who have not seen any portion of Mr. Audubon's Original
Drawings, it may be proper to state, that their superiority consists in
the accuracy as to proportion and outline, and the variety and truth of
the attitudes and positions of the figures, resulting from peculiar means
discovered and employed by him, and his attentive examination of the
objects portrayed, during a long series of years. Mr. Audubon has not
contented himself with single profile views, but in many instances has
grouped his figures, so as to represent the originals in their natural
Published by courtesy Of Dr. R. W. Shufeldt.
The "Prospectus" of Audubon's "miniature" edition of the Birds was as
follows:[174]
To those who have not seen any portion of Mr. Audubon's Original
Drawings, it may be proper to state, that their superiority consists in
the accuracy as to proportion and outline, and the variety and truth of
the attitudes and positions of the figures, resulting from peculiar means
discovered and employed by him, and his attentive examination of the
objects portrayed, during a long series of years. Mr. Audubon has not
contented himself with single profile views, but in many instances has
grouped his figures, so as to represent the originals in their natural
Page 247
avocations, and has placed them on branches of trees decorated with
foliage, blossoms and fruits, or amidst plants of numerous species—
some are seen pursuing their prey in the air, searching for food
amongst the leaves and herbage, sitting on their nests, or feeding their
young; whilst others, of a different nature, swim, wade, or glide in or
over their allotted element. The insects, reptiles and fishes that form
the food of some of the birds, have now and then been introduced in
the drawings. In nearly every instance where a difference of plumage
exists between the sexes, both male and female have been represented,
and the extraordinary changes which some species undergo in their
progress from youth to maturity, have been depicted.
The plants are all copied from nature, and as many are remarkable
for their beauty, their usefulness, or their rarity, the Botanist cannot fail
to look upon them with delight.
The particulars of the plan of the work can be reduced to the
following heads:
1. The size of the work is royal octavo, the paper being of the
finest quality.
2. The Plates representing the Birds are correctly reduced from the
original drawings, and are coloured in the most careful manner.
3. The work will appear in numbers, on the first and fifteenth of
every month.
4. Each number will consist of Five Plates, accompanied with full
descriptions of the habits and localities of the birds, their anatomy and
digestive organs, (with occasionally wood cuts representing the latter,)
and will be furnished to subscribers for one dollar, payable on delivery.
5. The work will be published in accordance with a scientific
arrangement of the genera and species, and will complete the
Ornithology of our country, it is believed, in the most perfect manner.
foliage, blossoms and fruits, or amidst plants of numerous species—
some are seen pursuing their prey in the air, searching for food
amongst the leaves and herbage, sitting on their nests, or feeding their
young; whilst others, of a different nature, swim, wade, or glide in or
over their allotted element. The insects, reptiles and fishes that form
the food of some of the birds, have now and then been introduced in
the drawings. In nearly every instance where a difference of plumage
exists between the sexes, both male and female have been represented,
and the extraordinary changes which some species undergo in their
progress from youth to maturity, have been depicted.
The plants are all copied from nature, and as many are remarkable
for their beauty, their usefulness, or their rarity, the Botanist cannot fail
to look upon them with delight.
The particulars of the plan of the work can be reduced to the
following heads:
1. The size of the work is royal octavo, the paper being of the
finest quality.
2. The Plates representing the Birds are correctly reduced from the
original drawings, and are coloured in the most careful manner.
3. The work will appear in numbers, on the first and fifteenth of
every month.
4. Each number will consist of Five Plates, accompanied with full
descriptions of the habits and localities of the birds, their anatomy and
digestive organs, (with occasionally wood cuts representing the latter,)
and will be furnished to subscribers for one dollar, payable on delivery.
5. The work will be published in accordance with a scientific
arrangement of the genera and species, and will complete the
Ornithology of our country, it is believed, in the most perfect manner.
Page 248
TITLE PAGE OF PAPER COVERS IN WHICH PARTS OF THE
FIRST AMERICAN (OCTAVO) EDITION OF "THE BIRDS OF
AMERICA" WERE ORIGINALLY ISSUED.
The octavo edition of Audubon's Birds began to appear, in parts, late in
1839, and was in press four years. It was illustrated with 500 lithographic
plates, which were reduced by John Woodhouse Audubon from his father's
old or new originals, with such changes as the breaking up of composite
plates and other considerations rendered necessary. Many new flowers and
trees made their appearance in these plates, and seventeen new birds were
added to the last volume; the text was also greatly improved by the process
of addition and subtraction, as well as by the correction of many errors
FIRST AMERICAN (OCTAVO) EDITION OF "THE BIRDS OF
AMERICA" WERE ORIGINALLY ISSUED.
The octavo edition of Audubon's Birds began to appear, in parts, late in
1839, and was in press four years. It was illustrated with 500 lithographic
plates, which were reduced by John Woodhouse Audubon from his father's
old or new originals, with such changes as the breaking up of composite
plates and other considerations rendered necessary. Many new flowers and
trees made their appearance in these plates, and seventeen new birds were
added to the last volume; the text was also greatly improved by the process
of addition and subtraction, as well as by the correction of many errors
Page 249
which it was then possible to effect: as twelve species were noticed without
figures, this brought the total number of American birds finally recognized
by Audubon to 507.[175] The first considerable list of American birds with
any pretense to accuracy appeared in Notes on Virginia, published in 1782,
by Thomas Jefferson, who then named 109 species peculiar to the United
States; William Bartram, in 1791, gave 191; Alexander Wilson, 278; Wilson
and Ord, in 1808-14, 320, and Charles Bonaparte, in 1825-33, is said to
have extended the number to 382. The present number of North American
birds, omitting sub-species, admitted to the third revised edition of the
"Check-List," prepared by a Committee of the American Ornithologists'
Union and published in New York in 1910, is 768. To this is added a
hypothetical list of 26 names, the validity of which is still in doubt; these
embrace Townsend's Bunting—Spiza townsendi (Audubon); Carbonated
Warbler—Dendroica carbonata (Audubon), Blue Mountain Warbler—
Dendroica montana (Wilson), known only in the works of Wilson and
Audubon; the mysterious Small-headed "Flycatcher," or Warbler—
Musicapa minuta (Wilson) or Wilsonia (?) microcephala (Ridgway), an
account of which is given in Chapter XIV and which is known only in
Wilson's and Audubon's works; and Cuvier's Regulus—Regulus cuvieri
(Audubon), which has never been seen beyond the covers of The Birds of
America, and its descriptive text: "I shot this bird," said Audubon, "on my
father-in-law's plantation of Fatland Ford, on the Skuylkill River in
Pennsylvania, on the 8th June 1812, while on a visit to my honoured
relative Mr. William Bakewell.... I have not seen another since."
Audubon was soon canvassing the principal cities for this work, with
what success is shown by the following letter[176] to his family:
Audubon to his Family
Baltimore, Feb. 21. 1840.
11 o'clock at night.
My dear friends
figures, this brought the total number of American birds finally recognized
by Audubon to 507.[175] The first considerable list of American birds with
any pretense to accuracy appeared in Notes on Virginia, published in 1782,
by Thomas Jefferson, who then named 109 species peculiar to the United
States; William Bartram, in 1791, gave 191; Alexander Wilson, 278; Wilson
and Ord, in 1808-14, 320, and Charles Bonaparte, in 1825-33, is said to
have extended the number to 382. The present number of North American
birds, omitting sub-species, admitted to the third revised edition of the
"Check-List," prepared by a Committee of the American Ornithologists'
Union and published in New York in 1910, is 768. To this is added a
hypothetical list of 26 names, the validity of which is still in doubt; these
embrace Townsend's Bunting—Spiza townsendi (Audubon); Carbonated
Warbler—Dendroica carbonata (Audubon), Blue Mountain Warbler—
Dendroica montana (Wilson), known only in the works of Wilson and
Audubon; the mysterious Small-headed "Flycatcher," or Warbler—
Musicapa minuta (Wilson) or Wilsonia (?) microcephala (Ridgway), an
account of which is given in Chapter XIV and which is known only in
Wilson's and Audubon's works; and Cuvier's Regulus—Regulus cuvieri
(Audubon), which has never been seen beyond the covers of The Birds of
America, and its descriptive text: "I shot this bird," said Audubon, "on my
father-in-law's plantation of Fatland Ford, on the Skuylkill River in
Pennsylvania, on the 8th June 1812, while on a visit to my honoured
relative Mr. William Bakewell.... I have not seen another since."
Audubon was soon canvassing the principal cities for this work, with
what success is shown by the following letter[176] to his family:
Audubon to his Family
Baltimore, Feb. 21. 1840.
11 o'clock at night.
My dear friends
Page 250
So far so good, but alas! I am now out of numbers to deliver to my
subscribers here. Here! where I expected to procure a good number
more. This list is composed of excellent men and all good pay. I have
in my pocket upwards of one hundred names, whom I am assured are
likely to subscribe. Therefor I will not leave Baltimore for some days
to come at least. I forward a copy of this list to Chevalier by the same
mail and yet you may as well inquire if he has received it. More
numbers I must have as soon as possible as all my subscribers here are
anxious about receiving their copies, unfortunately I had only 90 No.
2. I look upon this list as a capital list. I have sent Mr. Ridgley of
Annapolis a No. 1 and a prospectus, and expect some names tomorrow
evening from that quarter.
I will remit money to Phila. and let you know how much as soon
as I can. The box has arrived here safely and tomorrow or Monday I
will deliver Biographies &c. D. Potter is very ill and poor and yet I
hope to get his note before I leave here.
I received a note from dear Jonny dated at Norfolk, all well and
going on. I expect they are at this moment at John Bachman's. I am
fatigued beyond description and had the misfortune last evening of
skinning my shin bones, they bled profusely however, and I hope will
soon get well, though feel rather sore at this very moment, but I will
take care of them.
The amount of attention which I have received here is quite
bewildering, the very streets resound with my name, and I feel quite
alarmed and queer as I trudge along. Mess. Meckle, Oldfield and the
Brune family have all assisted me in the most kind and brotherly
manner, indeed I may say that my success is mostly derived from these
excellent persons.
I have written to Mr. Mifflins. I feel that Theodore Anderson will
not live long. Mr. Morris has not yet returned from Annapolis. See that
subscribers here. Here! where I expected to procure a good number
more. This list is composed of excellent men and all good pay. I have
in my pocket upwards of one hundred names, whom I am assured are
likely to subscribe. Therefor I will not leave Baltimore for some days
to come at least. I forward a copy of this list to Chevalier by the same
mail and yet you may as well inquire if he has received it. More
numbers I must have as soon as possible as all my subscribers here are
anxious about receiving their copies, unfortunately I had only 90 No.
2. I look upon this list as a capital list. I have sent Mr. Ridgley of
Annapolis a No. 1 and a prospectus, and expect some names tomorrow
evening from that quarter.
I will remit money to Phila. and let you know how much as soon
as I can. The box has arrived here safely and tomorrow or Monday I
will deliver Biographies &c. D. Potter is very ill and poor and yet I
hope to get his note before I leave here.
I received a note from dear Jonny dated at Norfolk, all well and
going on. I expect they are at this moment at John Bachman's. I am
fatigued beyond description and had the misfortune last evening of
skinning my shin bones, they bled profusely however, and I hope will
soon get well, though feel rather sore at this very moment, but I will
take care of them.
The amount of attention which I have received here is quite
bewildering, the very streets resound with my name, and I feel quite
alarmed and queer as I trudge along. Mess. Meckle, Oldfield and the
Brune family have all assisted me in the most kind and brotherly
manner, indeed I may say that my success is mostly derived from these
excellent persons.
I have written to Mr. Mifflins. I feel that Theodore Anderson will
not live long. Mr. Morris has not yet returned from Annapolis. See that
Page 251
the notice in the Baltimore Patriot which I sent you yesterday is
inserted in the Albion, the New York Gazette and if possible in the
Courrier and Enquirer.
I have sent one to Chevalier and another to Dr. Parkman. I ought
to have at this moment 300 copies Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, for Washington City
and really I think it would be better to stop the publication of the work
for one month to effect this. Therefor loose no time in urging Mr.
Bowen (write to him) and Chevalier also on this all important subject.
If ever I was in want of assistance it is at this moment and you my
dear Victor must be on the alert and second my endeavors to render
you all Happy! I would be delighted to have a few lines from Mamma
and Eliza at the end of your next letter, which I hope to receive in
immediate answer to this, Here. I have marked all your items in your
last letter. Call from time to time at the Mercantile Library. I am glad
you have remitted to the Rathbone's. Do write to Mr. Hoppenstall and
see the daughter of Capt. Brittan. I was invited last evening to a great
ball, and should have gone had not my accident of shin bones
prevented me. I am told that I would have had some 20 names there.
Recollect that our agents name is Gideon B. Smith and a most
worthy man he is, highly recommended by Robert Gilmor and others.
[No signature]
To the gratification of Audubon and his friends, the octavo edition of
his Birds of America was an immediate and great success. Only 300 copies
of the plates of the first number, which was ready on December 3, 1839,
were printed, but in little more than a month 300 more were demanded, and
the number of plates required rose steadily until January 9, 1841, when it
stood at 1,475 copies.[177] The total number of subscribers given in
Audubon's published lists was 1,198, of which 198 are credited to Boston,
164 to Baltimore, 141 to New York, sixty-five to Philadelphia, and forty-
three to foreign countries, ten of which went to England; Mr. George Oates
inserted in the Albion, the New York Gazette and if possible in the
Courrier and Enquirer.
I have sent one to Chevalier and another to Dr. Parkman. I ought
to have at this moment 300 copies Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, for Washington City
and really I think it would be better to stop the publication of the work
for one month to effect this. Therefor loose no time in urging Mr.
Bowen (write to him) and Chevalier also on this all important subject.
If ever I was in want of assistance it is at this moment and you my
dear Victor must be on the alert and second my endeavors to render
you all Happy! I would be delighted to have a few lines from Mamma
and Eliza at the end of your next letter, which I hope to receive in
immediate answer to this, Here. I have marked all your items in your
last letter. Call from time to time at the Mercantile Library. I am glad
you have remitted to the Rathbone's. Do write to Mr. Hoppenstall and
see the daughter of Capt. Brittan. I was invited last evening to a great
ball, and should have gone had not my accident of shin bones
prevented me. I am told that I would have had some 20 names there.
Recollect that our agents name is Gideon B. Smith and a most
worthy man he is, highly recommended by Robert Gilmor and others.
[No signature]
To the gratification of Audubon and his friends, the octavo edition of
his Birds of America was an immediate and great success. Only 300 copies
of the plates of the first number, which was ready on December 3, 1839,
were printed, but in little more than a month 300 more were demanded, and
the number of plates required rose steadily until January 9, 1841, when it
stood at 1,475 copies.[177] The total number of subscribers given in
Audubon's published lists was 1,198, of which 198 are credited to Boston,
164 to Baltimore, 141 to New York, sixty-five to Philadelphia, and forty-
three to foreign countries, ten of which went to England; Mr. George Oates
Page 252
of Charleston subscribed for seven copies. Such a reception for an
expensive work on natural history was unprecedented in the United States,
and has had few parallels in any country.
At the very beginning of this new undertaking, the hand of disease and
bereavement rested heavily on the Audubon and Bachman families; they
were obliged to see first one and then another of their daughters swept by
the same terrible malady, tuberculosis, to an early grave. Mrs. John
Woodhouse Audubon died at her old home in Charleston, whither she had
gone for the benefit of her health in the previous winter, on September 23,
1840, at the age of twenty-three; and Mrs. Victor Audubon, after a long
sojourn in Cuba, and shortly after returning to her home in New York, died
there on May 25, 1841, at the age of twenty-two. Audubon was very fond of
his daughters-in-law, and his "beloved Rosy," as Victor's wife was
familiarly called, is said to have been a particular favorite and the life of his
family circle. If work at this time brought no pleasure, it at least afforded
him relief from painful thoughts.
In June, 1840, a boy who lived in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, mustered up
courage to write to the naturalist and give him an account of a new bird, the
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, which he and his brother had discovered, under
the very noses, as it were, of all the ornithologists in America. With that fine
sense of modesty which characterized the man in after life, for his name
was Spencer Fullerton Baird, he wrote:[178] "You see Sir that I have taken
(after much hesitation) the liberty of writing you. I am but a boy, and very
inexperienced, as you no doubt will observe from my description of the
Flycatcher."
Audubon, who had just returned from the sick-bed of his daughter-in-
law, replied promptly as follows:
Audubon to Spencer Fullerton Baird
New York, June 13, 1840.
expensive work on natural history was unprecedented in the United States,
and has had few parallels in any country.
At the very beginning of this new undertaking, the hand of disease and
bereavement rested heavily on the Audubon and Bachman families; they
were obliged to see first one and then another of their daughters swept by
the same terrible malady, tuberculosis, to an early grave. Mrs. John
Woodhouse Audubon died at her old home in Charleston, whither she had
gone for the benefit of her health in the previous winter, on September 23,
1840, at the age of twenty-three; and Mrs. Victor Audubon, after a long
sojourn in Cuba, and shortly after returning to her home in New York, died
there on May 25, 1841, at the age of twenty-two. Audubon was very fond of
his daughters-in-law, and his "beloved Rosy," as Victor's wife was
familiarly called, is said to have been a particular favorite and the life of his
family circle. If work at this time brought no pleasure, it at least afforded
him relief from painful thoughts.
In June, 1840, a boy who lived in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, mustered up
courage to write to the naturalist and give him an account of a new bird, the
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, which he and his brother had discovered, under
the very noses, as it were, of all the ornithologists in America. With that fine
sense of modesty which characterized the man in after life, for his name
was Spencer Fullerton Baird, he wrote:[178] "You see Sir that I have taken
(after much hesitation) the liberty of writing you. I am but a boy, and very
inexperienced, as you no doubt will observe from my description of the
Flycatcher."
Audubon, who had just returned from the sick-bed of his daughter-in-
law, replied promptly as follows:
Audubon to Spencer Fullerton Baird
New York, June 13, 1840.
Page 253
Dear Sir,
On my return home from Charleston S. C. yesterday, I found your
kind favor of the 4th inst. in which you have the goodness to inform
me that you have discovered a new species of fly-catcher, and which,
if the bird corresponds to your description, is, indeed, likely to prove
itself hitherto undescribed, for although you speak of yourself as being
a youth, your style and the descriptions you have sent me prove that an
old head may from time to time be found on young shoulders!
I wish you would send me one of the stuffed specimens as well as
the one preserved in spirits, and wish you also to rest assured that if the
little Muscicapa stands as a nondescript that I shall feel pleased to
name it after your friend.
I have never seen a male of the Cape May warbler with the upper
part of the head pure black. Have you compared the Regulus with the
description of Regulus Cuvieri? Could you not send me your bird to
look at? Being on the eve of publishing the Quadrupeds of our
Country, I have thought that you might have it in your power to
procure several of the smaller species for me, and thereby assist me
considerably. Please write to me again soon, as I must resume my
travels in 8 or 10 days. Have you seen a copy of the small edition of
The Birds of America which I am now publishing? Believe me, dear
sir,
With good wishes, your obt. sert.,
John J. Audubon
Thus began a correspondence between the youth of fifteen and the
veteran of fifty-five, which led to an intimate friendship that lasted during
Audubon's active career, and was an undoubted stimulus to young Baird,
whose talents, enthusiasm and industry were quickly appreciated by the
older naturalist. Baird answered Audubon's letter on June 20, and proffered
On my return home from Charleston S. C. yesterday, I found your
kind favor of the 4th inst. in which you have the goodness to inform
me that you have discovered a new species of fly-catcher, and which,
if the bird corresponds to your description, is, indeed, likely to prove
itself hitherto undescribed, for although you speak of yourself as being
a youth, your style and the descriptions you have sent me prove that an
old head may from time to time be found on young shoulders!
I wish you would send me one of the stuffed specimens as well as
the one preserved in spirits, and wish you also to rest assured that if the
little Muscicapa stands as a nondescript that I shall feel pleased to
name it after your friend.
I have never seen a male of the Cape May warbler with the upper
part of the head pure black. Have you compared the Regulus with the
description of Regulus Cuvieri? Could you not send me your bird to
look at? Being on the eve of publishing the Quadrupeds of our
Country, I have thought that you might have it in your power to
procure several of the smaller species for me, and thereby assist me
considerably. Please write to me again soon, as I must resume my
travels in 8 or 10 days. Have you seen a copy of the small edition of
The Birds of America which I am now publishing? Believe me, dear
sir,
With good wishes, your obt. sert.,
John J. Audubon
Thus began a correspondence between the youth of fifteen and the
veteran of fifty-five, which led to an intimate friendship that lasted during
Audubon's active career, and was an undoubted stimulus to young Baird,
whose talents, enthusiasm and industry were quickly appreciated by the
older naturalist. Baird answered Audubon's letter on June 20, and proffered
Page 254
his services in collecting mammals, saying that while they were more
difficult to find than birds, he hoped "by increased exertion to make up the
difference"; he also added: "I have seen some numbers of your work now
publishing, and admire them very much. I have no doubt that it will do
more to spread a love of Natural history, than any work ever published. For
my part I read the description of birds and the episodes in your
Ornithological Biography with the same motive of pleasure as I used to
read a favorite novel." In Audubon's immediate reply of the 22nd, he said:
It is impossible at present for me to give you any precise idea of
the work on our quadrupeds which I have in contemplation to publish,
any further than to say to you, that it is my intention, as well as that of
my friend, the Revd John Bachman, of Charleston, S. C., assisted by
several others of our best naturalists, to issue a work on the Mammalia
of North America worthy of the naturalist's attention, both at home and
abroad.—Through our joint efforts, and assisted as we hope and trust
to be, by numerous friends and acquaintances in different portions of
our Wide Union, we expect to collect, not only new species, but much
of valuable matter connected with their geographical range, and
particular habits. For instance, in your assistance in this department as
well as in ornithology, you may be able to send us valuable
intelligence respecting the Shrews, Mice, Rats, Squirrels, etc., found in
your immediate vicinity &c.—and by saving and forwarding
specimens to us, be able also, in all probability, to place into our hands,
objects never before known to the World of Science. Whatever
information we thus receive is sacredly published under the name of
the friend from whom we receive the information, etc. I have sent you
the Zoological report of Docr. De Kay. His Corvus cocolotle [cacolotl]
is really our Raven. Supposed by some inexperienced European
naturalists to be distinct from the Raven of Europe, which, however, is
a gross error.[179]...
difficult to find than birds, he hoped "by increased exertion to make up the
difference"; he also added: "I have seen some numbers of your work now
publishing, and admire them very much. I have no doubt that it will do
more to spread a love of Natural history, than any work ever published. For
my part I read the description of birds and the episodes in your
Ornithological Biography with the same motive of pleasure as I used to
read a favorite novel." In Audubon's immediate reply of the 22nd, he said:
It is impossible at present for me to give you any precise idea of
the work on our quadrupeds which I have in contemplation to publish,
any further than to say to you, that it is my intention, as well as that of
my friend, the Revd John Bachman, of Charleston, S. C., assisted by
several others of our best naturalists, to issue a work on the Mammalia
of North America worthy of the naturalist's attention, both at home and
abroad.—Through our joint efforts, and assisted as we hope and trust
to be, by numerous friends and acquaintances in different portions of
our Wide Union, we expect to collect, not only new species, but much
of valuable matter connected with their geographical range, and
particular habits. For instance, in your assistance in this department as
well as in ornithology, you may be able to send us valuable
intelligence respecting the Shrews, Mice, Rats, Squirrels, etc., found in
your immediate vicinity &c.—and by saving and forwarding
specimens to us, be able also, in all probability, to place into our hands,
objects never before known to the World of Science. Whatever
information we thus receive is sacredly published under the name of
the friend from whom we receive the information, etc. I have sent you
the Zoological report of Docr. De Kay. His Corvus cocolotle [cacolotl]
is really our Raven. Supposed by some inexperienced European
naturalists to be distinct from the Raven of Europe, which, however, is
a gross error.[179]...
Page 255
The thrush which you have described, and which you kindly offer
to send me, may be new, but perhaps you are not acquainted with the
Turdus Nanus of my work, to which it appears, if not the same,
probably a new variety! Nous verrons....
Please to collect all the Shrews, Mice, (field or wood), rats, bats,
Squirrels, etc., and put them in a jar in common Rum, not whiskey,
brandy or alcohol. All of the latter spirits are sure to injure the subjects.
Audubon, who was now "killing two birds with one stone"—collecting
subscribers for one work and mammals for another, had found a strong and
willing helper in the young naturalist of Carlisle. On December 10 of the
same year Baird wrote that he had discovered another Flycatcher, as well as
a small Woodpecker, which was apparently new, and had shot a "Bay Lynx
or Wild Cat a mile & a quarter from Carlisle; the cat ... was 2½ feet long &
weighed 12½ pounds.... It was a source of great regret," said Baird, "that I
was not able to meet you in Philadelphia when I was there during the latter
part of September. I saw Mr. Chevalier[180] several times, and found him a
very agreeable gentleman." Audubon replied to this letter on Christmas
Day, as follows:
Audubon to Spencer Fullerton Baird
New York, December 25, 1840.
My dear sir,
On my return yesterday from a tour of a month, I found your kind
favor of the 10th inst. at my house. I regret exceedingly that you and I
should not have met at Philadelphia, as I feel sure by the style and
contents of your letters to me that you are fond of the study of natural
objects, as much as I am.
I have no doubt that your journey during the last summer and
autumn was a pleasing one to you, as I can well conceive from the
to send me, may be new, but perhaps you are not acquainted with the
Turdus Nanus of my work, to which it appears, if not the same,
probably a new variety! Nous verrons....
Please to collect all the Shrews, Mice, (field or wood), rats, bats,
Squirrels, etc., and put them in a jar in common Rum, not whiskey,
brandy or alcohol. All of the latter spirits are sure to injure the subjects.
Audubon, who was now "killing two birds with one stone"—collecting
subscribers for one work and mammals for another, had found a strong and
willing helper in the young naturalist of Carlisle. On December 10 of the
same year Baird wrote that he had discovered another Flycatcher, as well as
a small Woodpecker, which was apparently new, and had shot a "Bay Lynx
or Wild Cat a mile & a quarter from Carlisle; the cat ... was 2½ feet long &
weighed 12½ pounds.... It was a source of great regret," said Baird, "that I
was not able to meet you in Philadelphia when I was there during the latter
part of September. I saw Mr. Chevalier[180] several times, and found him a
very agreeable gentleman." Audubon replied to this letter on Christmas
Day, as follows:
Audubon to Spencer Fullerton Baird
New York, December 25, 1840.
My dear sir,
On my return yesterday from a tour of a month, I found your kind
favor of the 10th inst. at my house. I regret exceedingly that you and I
should not have met at Philadelphia, as I feel sure by the style and
contents of your letters to me that you are fond of the study of natural
objects, as much as I am.
I have no doubt that your journey during the last summer and
autumn was a pleasing one to you, as I can well conceive from the
Page 256
fresh recollections of my many rambles.
You would oblige me much by sending me (through Mr.
Chevelier) the Muscicapa you obtained Oct. 12th, and also the small
woodpecker "with the very broad bill". I am anxious to see those birds,
and will take especial care of them, and also return them to you, free of
all expense.
I cannot at this moment return to the specimens you have already
sent me, but in my next letter, I will assure you of the names of the
subjects. I wish I could see your Bay Lynx, as I feel somewhat
confident that we have more than two species within our limits.
Your anecdote connected with the sagacity of the Weasel is quite
pleasing to me, and will appear in my biographies of quadrupeds bye
and bye. I cannot, as yet, give you any estimate of my work on the
Quadrupeds of our Country but will do so as soon as possible. With
my best wishes, for your health and prosperity, I pray you to consider
me as your friend and obt. servant,
John J. Audubon.
In the following letter by William Yarrell,[181] English naturalist and
sportsman, are interesting references to Audubon's smaller edition of The
Birds of America as well as to the writer's History of British Birds, which
later became the standard work on the ornithology of Great Britain:
William Yarrell to Audubon
[Addressed] J. J. Audubon Esqr
No. 86 White Street
New York.
[Superscribed by Audubon]
March 10, 1841.
You would oblige me much by sending me (through Mr.
Chevelier) the Muscicapa you obtained Oct. 12th, and also the small
woodpecker "with the very broad bill". I am anxious to see those birds,
and will take especial care of them, and also return them to you, free of
all expense.
I cannot at this moment return to the specimens you have already
sent me, but in my next letter, I will assure you of the names of the
subjects. I wish I could see your Bay Lynx, as I feel somewhat
confident that we have more than two species within our limits.
Your anecdote connected with the sagacity of the Weasel is quite
pleasing to me, and will appear in my biographies of quadrupeds bye
and bye. I cannot, as yet, give you any estimate of my work on the
Quadrupeds of our Country but will do so as soon as possible. With
my best wishes, for your health and prosperity, I pray you to consider
me as your friend and obt. servant,
John J. Audubon.
In the following letter by William Yarrell,[181] English naturalist and
sportsman, are interesting references to Audubon's smaller edition of The
Birds of America as well as to the writer's History of British Birds, which
later became the standard work on the ornithology of Great Britain:
William Yarrell to Audubon
[Addressed] J. J. Audubon Esqr
No. 86 White Street
New York.
[Superscribed by Audubon]
March 10, 1841.
Page 257
[English postmark] D
Paid
4 MR 4
1841
My dear Sir,
Your letter, and also that of your son, are now before me, both
received so long ago as the middle of last year—how time flies with
those who are fully occupied—I reproach myself for having allowed
them to remain so long unanswered—and hope my numerous
avocations, which absorb my whole time, will be admitted as my
excuse. I see Mr. B. Phillips every now and then, we meet only to talk
about you—I have received from his hands the first 17 Nos of your
smaller American Birds and like them much—as I could not afford to
have the large work I make myself content with the small one, and
shall be happy to receive the continuation—pray tell me to whom shall
I make payment for them, shall it be to Mr. Phillips if so, let me or him
know, and it shall be done immediately—I am quite of your opinion
that there would be some sale for it here—if it was advertised and
made known, but a commission of 10. p cent will not tempt any
London Bookseller who is sufficiently known and influential to be of
any service to you—I exhibited my numbers at the meetings of the
Linnean and Zoological Socities and gave the loose plates between
them to lay on the table, but without the name of a London Bookseller
on the cover no one knows where to get the work if Desirous of buying
it.
I will now answer your inquiries for English Friends. Earl Derby
remains much the same—very well in health, but deprived of the use
of one side entirely, limbs as well as body—unable to attend to other
things, he appears to devote himself almost entirely to Zoology—
Thomson his Superintendent of the Aviary is at this time in London
buying some new or rare pheasants lately arrived here from China—
Paid
4 MR 4
1841
My dear Sir,
Your letter, and also that of your son, are now before me, both
received so long ago as the middle of last year—how time flies with
those who are fully occupied—I reproach myself for having allowed
them to remain so long unanswered—and hope my numerous
avocations, which absorb my whole time, will be admitted as my
excuse. I see Mr. B. Phillips every now and then, we meet only to talk
about you—I have received from his hands the first 17 Nos of your
smaller American Birds and like them much—as I could not afford to
have the large work I make myself content with the small one, and
shall be happy to receive the continuation—pray tell me to whom shall
I make payment for them, shall it be to Mr. Phillips if so, let me or him
know, and it shall be done immediately—I am quite of your opinion
that there would be some sale for it here—if it was advertised and
made known, but a commission of 10. p cent will not tempt any
London Bookseller who is sufficiently known and influential to be of
any service to you—I exhibited my numbers at the meetings of the
Linnean and Zoological Socities and gave the loose plates between
them to lay on the table, but without the name of a London Bookseller
on the cover no one knows where to get the work if Desirous of buying
it.
I will now answer your inquiries for English Friends. Earl Derby
remains much the same—very well in health, but deprived of the use
of one side entirely, limbs as well as body—unable to attend to other
things, he appears to devote himself almost entirely to Zoology—
Thomson his Superintendent of the Aviary is at this time in London
buying some new or rare pheasants lately arrived here from China—
Page 258
and will have a valuable addition to the stock to take back with him—
Lord Derby came to London by the Rail Road last March (1840) and
Thomson tells me, his Lordship means to come up again this Spring.
The Prince of Musignano now P. of Canino I hear of by report from
others—He is quite well, continually publishing, and we hear that he
means to visit London in the course of the present year—of Mr. Lear
we hear the most satisfactory accounts—generally through Mr.
Hullmandill—he is greatly improved in health and finances—a
favorite with every body, patronized by all who go there—and he too,
we hear, means to visit England in the course of the present year. Mr.
Gould returned safe to England in August last, after an absence of two
years and 8 months—Two years of the time were passed on Van
Diemans land and various parts of New Holland—he did not go to
New Zealand—He has brought home a very large collection of Birds,
with, in many cases, the eggs and nests—He has commenced the
publication of the Birds on the same scale as his Birds of Europe, but
improved in execution—two parts are out: it is to be published every
three months. I sent off a letter this day to your Edinburgh friend Mr.
MacGillivray—he is a candidate for the Professorship of Natural
History in the Marischall College of Aberdeen and wrote to ask me for
a testimonial of recommendation—this was the object of my letter to
him.—My second volume of the British Birds will be complete in July
next, I will send it to you in one lump. Pray remember me to your good
lady and thank your son Victoire for me for his letter. I hope you are all
well, and with best wishes for a continuance to you of all that is good
—I remain very sincerely yours
Wm. Yarrell.
J. J. Audubon Esqr
New York—
Spencer Baird and his brother, William, were soon able to announce
another discovery, now well known the country over as the Least
Lord Derby came to London by the Rail Road last March (1840) and
Thomson tells me, his Lordship means to come up again this Spring.
The Prince of Musignano now P. of Canino I hear of by report from
others—He is quite well, continually publishing, and we hear that he
means to visit London in the course of the present year—of Mr. Lear
we hear the most satisfactory accounts—generally through Mr.
Hullmandill—he is greatly improved in health and finances—a
favorite with every body, patronized by all who go there—and he too,
we hear, means to visit England in the course of the present year. Mr.
Gould returned safe to England in August last, after an absence of two
years and 8 months—Two years of the time were passed on Van
Diemans land and various parts of New Holland—he did not go to
New Zealand—He has brought home a very large collection of Birds,
with, in many cases, the eggs and nests—He has commenced the
publication of the Birds on the same scale as his Birds of Europe, but
improved in execution—two parts are out: it is to be published every
three months. I sent off a letter this day to your Edinburgh friend Mr.
MacGillivray—he is a candidate for the Professorship of Natural
History in the Marischall College of Aberdeen and wrote to ask me for
a testimonial of recommendation—this was the object of my letter to
him.—My second volume of the British Birds will be complete in July
next, I will send it to you in one lump. Pray remember me to your good
lady and thank your son Victoire for me for his letter. I hope you are all
well, and with best wishes for a continuance to you of all that is good
—I remain very sincerely yours
Wm. Yarrell.
J. J. Audubon Esqr
New York—
Spencer Baird and his brother, William, were soon able to announce
another discovery, now well known the country over as the Least
Page 259
Flycatcher, and in some sections by the onomatopœic name of Chebec. In
referring to it in his letter of June 21, 1841, Baird wrote:
There is one flycatcher respecting which we are in doubt, and
which was very abundant this spring. It is the one we had considered
M. Pusilla but a thorough examination of the Biography, has thrown
doubt on this supposition, it agrees pretty well with the M. Acadica of
Nuttall, but not with the Acadica, of the Synopsis. I will send you one
as soon as possible, as there is no set of Plates in Carlisle to which we
might refer.
In conclusion Baird added: "May we not expect to see you in Carlisle
before a great while? It would give us very great pleasure indeed."
Though Audubon gladly admitted this new-found species of bird at a
later day, he was not at first disposed to accept its validity, as will appear in
the following interesting letter which he sent to his young friend:
Audubon to Spencer Fullerton Baird
New York, July 29, 1841.
My dear Sir,—
I have not had time to answer your interesting favor of the 21st
until this morning, being now constantly engaged in the figuring, &c.,
of the Quadrupeds of Our Country; by which I mean that I actually
work from daylight every day until I retire to my necessary repose at
night.
Your observations upon the birds of passage the last spring are
what they have been almost throughout the U. S. The very backward
spring which we have experienced this year did no doubt retard the
coming into the States the millions of passenger birds that come to us
from beyond our limits. The Fly-catcher of which you are in doubt is
nevertheless the M. Pusilla, and you must not be surprised to find
referring to it in his letter of June 21, 1841, Baird wrote:
There is one flycatcher respecting which we are in doubt, and
which was very abundant this spring. It is the one we had considered
M. Pusilla but a thorough examination of the Biography, has thrown
doubt on this supposition, it agrees pretty well with the M. Acadica of
Nuttall, but not with the Acadica, of the Synopsis. I will send you one
as soon as possible, as there is no set of Plates in Carlisle to which we
might refer.
In conclusion Baird added: "May we not expect to see you in Carlisle
before a great while? It would give us very great pleasure indeed."
Though Audubon gladly admitted this new-found species of bird at a
later day, he was not at first disposed to accept its validity, as will appear in
the following interesting letter which he sent to his young friend:
Audubon to Spencer Fullerton Baird
New York, July 29, 1841.
My dear Sir,—
I have not had time to answer your interesting favor of the 21st
until this morning, being now constantly engaged in the figuring, &c.,
of the Quadrupeds of Our Country; by which I mean that I actually
work from daylight every day until I retire to my necessary repose at
night.
Your observations upon the birds of passage the last spring are
what they have been almost throughout the U. S. The very backward
spring which we have experienced this year did no doubt retard the
coming into the States the millions of passenger birds that come to us
from beyond our limits. The Fly-catcher of which you are in doubt is
nevertheless the M. Pusilla, and you must not be surprised to find
Page 260
perhaps some discrepancy between the specimens you have procured
and the descriptions you may have read, as among mine these
differences are quite obvious and belonging to either sex or age, as is
indeed the case with most of our birds as well as among many of our
quadrupeds....
I cannot at present tell you when I may have the pleasure of
meeting you at your own domicile, and yet this may happen quite
unexpectedly.
Do you pay attention to the quadrupeds around you? If not, I wish
you would!—and moreover I should be highly pleased to hear of your
procuring for us all such as may be found in your vicinity. You have
Bats, Wood Rats, & Mice, Weasels, &c., &c., all of which I should like
to possess specimens at your hands. Could you not save all that you
come across with in this way, place them in common good Rum, and
forward them to me at once or as soon as you have some 2 or three
species. I will most cheerfully pay all expenses to Philadelphia
addressed to J. B. Chevalier, No. 70 Dock Street.
I am now as anxious about the publication of the Quadrupeds as I
ever was in the procuring of our Birds, indeed my present interest in
Zoology is altogether bent toward the Completion of this department
of Natural Science.
Do please write to me often as I am always glad to hear from you,
and when I am somewhat slow in answering your letters, be assured
that it is altogether on a/c of the excess of Labour that I have to go
through.
Believe me with sincere good wishes
Your friend and servant,
John J. Audubon.
and the descriptions you may have read, as among mine these
differences are quite obvious and belonging to either sex or age, as is
indeed the case with most of our birds as well as among many of our
quadrupeds....
I cannot at present tell you when I may have the pleasure of
meeting you at your own domicile, and yet this may happen quite
unexpectedly.
Do you pay attention to the quadrupeds around you? If not, I wish
you would!—and moreover I should be highly pleased to hear of your
procuring for us all such as may be found in your vicinity. You have
Bats, Wood Rats, & Mice, Weasels, &c., &c., all of which I should like
to possess specimens at your hands. Could you not save all that you
come across with in this way, place them in common good Rum, and
forward them to me at once or as soon as you have some 2 or three
species. I will most cheerfully pay all expenses to Philadelphia
addressed to J. B. Chevalier, No. 70 Dock Street.
I am now as anxious about the publication of the Quadrupeds as I
ever was in the procuring of our Birds, indeed my present interest in
Zoology is altogether bent toward the Completion of this department
of Natural Science.
Do please write to me often as I am always glad to hear from you,
and when I am somewhat slow in answering your letters, be assured
that it is altogether on a/c of the excess of Labour that I have to go
through.
Believe me with sincere good wishes
Your friend and servant,
John J. Audubon.
Page 261
AUDUBON
AFTER A PORTRAIT PAINTED BY JOHN WOODHOUSE AND VICTOR
GIFFORD AUDUBON ABOUT 1841, NOW IN POSSESSION OF THE AMERICAN
MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, NEW YORK. PUBLISHED BY COURTESY
OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY.
Although Audubon never went to Carlisle, young Baird, as we shall
see, repeatedly visited him in New York and became a favorite with his
family. A description of the new Flycatchers was published by the Baird
brothers in 1843, and represented Spencer's first contribution to his favorite
science; Audubon included their discovery in the Appendix to the seventh
and last volume of The Birds of America in 1844.
AFTER A PORTRAIT PAINTED BY JOHN WOODHOUSE AND VICTOR
GIFFORD AUDUBON ABOUT 1841, NOW IN POSSESSION OF THE AMERICAN
MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, NEW YORK. PUBLISHED BY COURTESY
OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY.
Although Audubon never went to Carlisle, young Baird, as we shall
see, repeatedly visited him in New York and became a favorite with his
family. A description of the new Flycatchers was published by the Baird
brothers in 1843, and represented Spencer's first contribution to his favorite
science; Audubon included their discovery in the Appendix to the seventh
and last volume of The Birds of America in 1844.
Page 262
Audubon's occupations in the summer of this year are clearly reflected
in the following letter:[182]
Audubon to Dr. George Parkman
New York, June 20th 1841
My Dear Friend.—
I intended having written to you yesterday by Miss Shatuck, who
was good enough to spend the day with us, but I was so deeply
engaged on a drawing of Rocky Mountain Flying Squirrels, that the
time of her departure came suddenly and I could merely ask of her to
say to you, that your last letter and remittance had reached us in safety,
and with the unexampled promptness shewn by you on the three
occasions you have been troubled with the delivery of 46 parts of our
work to 46 of our Boston subscribers; and for which as I have said
before I am very sorry to have nought but our sincerest thanks and
gratitude to you for this, so remarkable, proceeding. May God reward
you and yours for all your generous actions.
I thank you also for your memorandums about the quadrupeds in
the Boston Museum as I see that our animal there may save me the
trouble of going to the State of Maine for it. When I was last under the
hospitable roof of our Friend Docr Shattuck, I saw in George's room a
No. of the "Penny Magazine" in which there is a plate representing a
family of Beavers at work, that reminded me greatly of what I have
seen in the ponds of Indiana some thirty years ago, and which I should
like to have for a few days to assist in part in the making of the
background to my Drawing of these animals, drawn from the
Individual you procured for me. I will take good care of the No. and
will return it safely very soon.
Should George Shattuck have forwarded that No. to Mr. B. of
Baltimore, pray ask him to write to the later to send it to me as soon as
in the following letter:[182]
Audubon to Dr. George Parkman
New York, June 20th 1841
My Dear Friend.—
I intended having written to you yesterday by Miss Shatuck, who
was good enough to spend the day with us, but I was so deeply
engaged on a drawing of Rocky Mountain Flying Squirrels, that the
time of her departure came suddenly and I could merely ask of her to
say to you, that your last letter and remittance had reached us in safety,
and with the unexampled promptness shewn by you on the three
occasions you have been troubled with the delivery of 46 parts of our
work to 46 of our Boston subscribers; and for which as I have said
before I am very sorry to have nought but our sincerest thanks and
gratitude to you for this, so remarkable, proceeding. May God reward
you and yours for all your generous actions.
I thank you also for your memorandums about the quadrupeds in
the Boston Museum as I see that our animal there may save me the
trouble of going to the State of Maine for it. When I was last under the
hospitable roof of our Friend Docr Shattuck, I saw in George's room a
No. of the "Penny Magazine" in which there is a plate representing a
family of Beavers at work, that reminded me greatly of what I have
seen in the ponds of Indiana some thirty years ago, and which I should
like to have for a few days to assist in part in the making of the
background to my Drawing of these animals, drawn from the
Individual you procured for me. I will take good care of the No. and
will return it safely very soon.
Should George Shattuck have forwarded that No. to Mr. B. of
Baltimore, pray ask him to write to the later to send it to me as soon as
Page 263
convenient. If per chance you could procure for me a live Hare in the
Summer dress (It is pure white in winter) pray do so and do not mind
the price or the cost of its conveyance to me. This animal is abundant
in the northern portions of your State and is fully double the size of the
common Hare called the "Rabbit."
With sincerest regards and kindest remembrances to all around
you and our mutual Friends,
believe [me] yours always
John J. Audubon.
The "Parkman Wren"
well mounted will soon be
on your chimney mantle!
The unique specimen of the little Wren, referred to in the postscript of
this letter, had been discovered on the Columbia River by Dr. Townsend
some years before, and though Audubon had described it in 1839, his figure
of it had but just appeared; this was doubtless included, as Mr. Thayer
remarks, in the parts of the octavo edition of The Birds of America, which
Dr. Parkman distributed at Boston in the summer of this year.
As an indication of the zeal and energy with which Audubon undertook
his work on the quadrupeds, the following letter (dated "New York, August
15, 1841," and addressed to "W. O. Ayres,[183] Esq., Miller's Place, Suffolk
county, Long Island, New York") will be read with interest:
Audubon to W. O. Ayres
I am now closely engaged in conjunction with my friend the Revd.
John Bachman—of Charleston, S. C., in the preparing of a work on the
viviparous quadrupeds of North America, and I have already drawn
about one hundred figures of these, including thirty-six species.
Summer dress (It is pure white in winter) pray do so and do not mind
the price or the cost of its conveyance to me. This animal is abundant
in the northern portions of your State and is fully double the size of the
common Hare called the "Rabbit."
With sincerest regards and kindest remembrances to all around
you and our mutual Friends,
believe [me] yours always
John J. Audubon.
The "Parkman Wren"
well mounted will soon be
on your chimney mantle!
The unique specimen of the little Wren, referred to in the postscript of
this letter, had been discovered on the Columbia River by Dr. Townsend
some years before, and though Audubon had described it in 1839, his figure
of it had but just appeared; this was doubtless included, as Mr. Thayer
remarks, in the parts of the octavo edition of The Birds of America, which
Dr. Parkman distributed at Boston in the summer of this year.
As an indication of the zeal and energy with which Audubon undertook
his work on the quadrupeds, the following letter (dated "New York, August
15, 1841," and addressed to "W. O. Ayres,[183] Esq., Miller's Place, Suffolk
county, Long Island, New York") will be read with interest:
Audubon to W. O. Ayres
I am now closely engaged in conjunction with my friend the Revd.
John Bachman—of Charleston, S. C., in the preparing of a work on the
viviparous quadrupeds of North America, and I have already drawn
about one hundred figures of these, including thirty-six species.
Page 264
Now knowing the interest you feel towards the advancement of
Natural Science, in every department, I have thought that should you
assist us in the procuring specimens, whether in the flesh or skin, dead
or alive; that we would be much benefitted by such aid.—Long Island
possesses rare and valuable species, and although many of them are
plentiful they are rarely procured unless accidentally as it were. In
your Rambles after the feathered Tribe, you surely come across at
times with quadrupeds, and if you were good enough to shoot them or
to catch them and send them to me in the manner mentioned below, I
personally would feel extremely obliged to you.
Bats, Wood Rats and Wood Mice, Shrews, Shrew Moles and all
the smaller animals can be forwarded in an earthern jar immersed in
good Yankee Rum.—The larger kinds can be skinned, preserving the
skull entire, and also the legbone and the clavicles. One fore & one
hind foot ought to be pinned on a board or cork until perfectly dried,
and actual measurements and weights forwarded with the specimens.
Nos. accordingly with the notes of localities and dates. Young and old
are wanted. The Cat Squirrel is now and then procured about you of a
very large size—the Woodchuck &c. but it is unnecessary for me to
give you a list as we are anxious to procure every thing we can from
every portion of the Union with the view to ascertain their
geographical range.
The expense involved in producing the early numbers of the small
edition of his Birds must have been great, and Audubon was feeling the
strain, when the letter,[184] dated "New York—April 29, 1841," from which
the following extract is taken, was sent to his Boston agent: "I doubt much
if you are actually aware that we have at this moment in this city and at
Philadelphia upwards of Seventy persons employed upon the present work,
and that all these ... are to be paid regularly each Saturday evening, and that
when we are out of temper it is not without cause."
Natural Science, in every department, I have thought that should you
assist us in the procuring specimens, whether in the flesh or skin, dead
or alive; that we would be much benefitted by such aid.—Long Island
possesses rare and valuable species, and although many of them are
plentiful they are rarely procured unless accidentally as it were. In
your Rambles after the feathered Tribe, you surely come across at
times with quadrupeds, and if you were good enough to shoot them or
to catch them and send them to me in the manner mentioned below, I
personally would feel extremely obliged to you.
Bats, Wood Rats and Wood Mice, Shrews, Shrew Moles and all
the smaller animals can be forwarded in an earthern jar immersed in
good Yankee Rum.—The larger kinds can be skinned, preserving the
skull entire, and also the legbone and the clavicles. One fore & one
hind foot ought to be pinned on a board or cork until perfectly dried,
and actual measurements and weights forwarded with the specimens.
Nos. accordingly with the notes of localities and dates. Young and old
are wanted. The Cat Squirrel is now and then procured about you of a
very large size—the Woodchuck &c. but it is unnecessary for me to
give you a list as we are anxious to procure every thing we can from
every portion of the Union with the view to ascertain their
geographical range.
The expense involved in producing the early numbers of the small
edition of his Birds must have been great, and Audubon was feeling the
strain, when the letter,[184] dated "New York—April 29, 1841," from which
the following extract is taken, was sent to his Boston agent: "I doubt much
if you are actually aware that we have at this moment in this city and at
Philadelphia upwards of Seventy persons employed upon the present work,
and that all these ... are to be paid regularly each Saturday evening, and that
when we are out of temper it is not without cause."
Page 265
When Baird visited the Audubons, in New York, in January, 1842, he
was fascinated by the masterly drawings of birds and quadrupeds which
were then being produced, and was determined to pay more attention
himself to an art for which presumably he had little natural aptitude; he
seems also to have received a hint for the improvement of his somewhat
loose chirography. Upon leaving, Audubon presented his pupil with a copy
of the Biography of Birds. After returning to his home, Baird wrote from
Carlisle, on February 8 of that year:
Spencer Fullerton Baird to Audubon
After a trial of two weeks I begin to find that I am getting over the
shock caused by the sudden transition from the bustle of Broadway to
the lifelessness of Carlisle, and hope that by the application of the
proper means I may in time perfectly recover. Philadelphia seemed
dull but Carlisle was death itself. My visit now however seems but as a
dream, and I have settled down into my old regular monotonous life as
if I had never been absent a day. When I arrived my friends had a great
many questions to ask of course, but almost the first ones on every lip
were about Mr. Audubon,—how he looked? What was his age,
whether the idea they had formed of him from his writings was correct,
many queries also were respecting Mrs. A. and her sons; and they all
said that they would be ever grateful to them for their kindness, to one
away from home....
For want of other objects I have commenced to draw the sternal
and shoulder apparatus of our birds, a pretty large collection of which I
have been making for a year past.... Have you heard from Mr. Lyon of
Bedford yet about the money he owes you? I was asking about him the
other day, of an acquaintance of his, who told me that he was as good
as gold in all his debts, & expressed some surprise at his not having
paid, as he generaly is very punctual.... Last week I walked up to
Pinegrove an iron works about sixteen miles in the mountains where
was fascinated by the masterly drawings of birds and quadrupeds which
were then being produced, and was determined to pay more attention
himself to an art for which presumably he had little natural aptitude; he
seems also to have received a hint for the improvement of his somewhat
loose chirography. Upon leaving, Audubon presented his pupil with a copy
of the Biography of Birds. After returning to his home, Baird wrote from
Carlisle, on February 8 of that year:
Spencer Fullerton Baird to Audubon
After a trial of two weeks I begin to find that I am getting over the
shock caused by the sudden transition from the bustle of Broadway to
the lifelessness of Carlisle, and hope that by the application of the
proper means I may in time perfectly recover. Philadelphia seemed
dull but Carlisle was death itself. My visit now however seems but as a
dream, and I have settled down into my old regular monotonous life as
if I had never been absent a day. When I arrived my friends had a great
many questions to ask of course, but almost the first ones on every lip
were about Mr. Audubon,—how he looked? What was his age,
whether the idea they had formed of him from his writings was correct,
many queries also were respecting Mrs. A. and her sons; and they all
said that they would be ever grateful to them for their kindness, to one
away from home....
For want of other objects I have commenced to draw the sternal
and shoulder apparatus of our birds, a pretty large collection of which I
have been making for a year past.... Have you heard from Mr. Lyon of
Bedford yet about the money he owes you? I was asking about him the
other day, of an acquaintance of his, who told me that he was as good
as gold in all his debts, & expressed some surprise at his not having
paid, as he generaly is very punctual.... Last week I walked up to
Pinegrove an iron works about sixteen miles in the mountains where
Page 266
resides the Mr. Ege I have so often spoken about as the mighty Nimrod
of our county. On my arrival I found a fine wild cat hanging in the
stable which had been killed a few days before. On returning the next
day I took the cat with me slung across my shoulders, and on reaching
home after measuring & weighing it skinned it. I am in hopes of
getting some more from here, as they promised to catch all they could
for me.
Baird signed himself "Your affectionate pupil," and added in a postscript: "I
forgot to say that I had a fine steak of the wild cat broiled and it tasted like a
tender piece of fresh pork. I will certainly eat the whole of the next one
obtained. I intend to taste all the Quadrupeds inhabiting this part of the
country."
Audubon's interesting reply was in part as follows:
Audubon to Spencer Fullerton Baird
New York, Feby. 10, 1842.
My dear young Friend.
It is about half an hour since I had the real pleasure of receiving
your letter of the 8th inst. and my earnest thanks to you for it and its
contents; to all of which I will try to answer at your request.
That beautiful Carlisle, its surrounding hills bordering its valleys,
all within the bosom of quiet nature should appear to you as a small
affair when compared to our largest city in the Union, is not at all
remarkable, but let me ask you the following questions. Did you meet
all your dear Parents and Friends quite well? Did they not receive you
with the kindest of welcomes? Were not their hearts and feelings
towards you the same as ever? Surely all this was fact, and being so,
would you not after all prefer Little Carlisle than Great New York with
all its humbug, rascality, and immorality? Surely or do I mistake your
of our county. On my arrival I found a fine wild cat hanging in the
stable which had been killed a few days before. On returning the next
day I took the cat with me slung across my shoulders, and on reaching
home after measuring & weighing it skinned it. I am in hopes of
getting some more from here, as they promised to catch all they could
for me.
Baird signed himself "Your affectionate pupil," and added in a postscript: "I
forgot to say that I had a fine steak of the wild cat broiled and it tasted like a
tender piece of fresh pork. I will certainly eat the whole of the next one
obtained. I intend to taste all the Quadrupeds inhabiting this part of the
country."
Audubon's interesting reply was in part as follows:
Audubon to Spencer Fullerton Baird
New York, Feby. 10, 1842.
My dear young Friend.
It is about half an hour since I had the real pleasure of receiving
your letter of the 8th inst. and my earnest thanks to you for it and its
contents; to all of which I will try to answer at your request.
That beautiful Carlisle, its surrounding hills bordering its valleys,
all within the bosom of quiet nature should appear to you as a small
affair when compared to our largest city in the Union, is not at all
remarkable, but let me ask you the following questions. Did you meet
all your dear Parents and Friends quite well? Did they not receive you
with the kindest of welcomes? Were not their hearts and feelings
towards you the same as ever? Surely all this was fact, and being so,
would you not after all prefer Little Carlisle than Great New York with
all its humbug, rascality, and immorality? Surely or do I mistake your
Page 267
nature sadly, you do! It is now a good long time since I was young, and
resided near Norristown in Pennsylvania. It was then and is now a very
indifferent place as compared with New York; but still my heart and
mind oftentime dwell in the pleasure that I felt there, and it always
reminds me that within a few miles of that village, my Mother[185] did
live, and it was there also that my good fortune led me to know and to
marry the excellent Wife I have yet, at whose hands yourself have tried
to be rendered comfortable. Say what you will. "there is nothing like
home"... I wish I could be with you, if only for one week, for then I
imagine that between your friends of the mountains, yourself, and
myself, we could Tree a "Catamount" and soon untree him. The
tugging part of that far-famed animal, I would cheerfully give up to
your youthful shoulders, but not so with the figuring of it, yet for a
while. Is there such a Beast in existence? Do let me know as soon as
you can. I am heartily glad that you have procured a wild cat from the
mountainous part of Pennsylvania, and that you have preserved its
skin, which I beg you to forward as soon as you please, along with
whatever other quadrupeds you may have in hand, that we may say
more on those Beasts of the Central States, than has ever been before
told....
Look out for Martens, and try to find me some youself! I am glad
that you find wild cat meat pretty good, as it corroborates the sayings
of many others, who pronounce it equal to young veal.
Let me say to you ("en passant") that your handwriting is
considerably improved, and depend upon it that your attention to
Drawing will soon enable you as of "copper plate." Go ahead!
I now wish you earnestly to offer our joint respects, regards, and
best wishes to all your family and friends, and to believe me always,
resided near Norristown in Pennsylvania. It was then and is now a very
indifferent place as compared with New York; but still my heart and
mind oftentime dwell in the pleasure that I felt there, and it always
reminds me that within a few miles of that village, my Mother[185] did
live, and it was there also that my good fortune led me to know and to
marry the excellent Wife I have yet, at whose hands yourself have tried
to be rendered comfortable. Say what you will. "there is nothing like
home"... I wish I could be with you, if only for one week, for then I
imagine that between your friends of the mountains, yourself, and
myself, we could Tree a "Catamount" and soon untree him. The
tugging part of that far-famed animal, I would cheerfully give up to
your youthful shoulders, but not so with the figuring of it, yet for a
while. Is there such a Beast in existence? Do let me know as soon as
you can. I am heartily glad that you have procured a wild cat from the
mountainous part of Pennsylvania, and that you have preserved its
skin, which I beg you to forward as soon as you please, along with
whatever other quadrupeds you may have in hand, that we may say
more on those Beasts of the Central States, than has ever been before
told....
Look out for Martens, and try to find me some youself! I am glad
that you find wild cat meat pretty good, as it corroborates the sayings
of many others, who pronounce it equal to young veal.
Let me say to you ("en passant") that your handwriting is
considerably improved, and depend upon it that your attention to
Drawing will soon enable you as of "copper plate." Go ahead!
I now wish you earnestly to offer our joint respects, regards, and
best wishes to all your family and friends, and to believe me always,
Page 268
Yours most truly,
John J. Audubon.
86 White Street.
P. S. Thank you for what you say of the Bedford gentleman. When
I write next, I will mention him at greater length. I wish you could let
me know whether we could procure first rate peach trees from your
vicinity, and how much 50 of them would cost. I should like to have
them assorted, soft, and clings yellow, or red, or blood-red. We wish to
plant these as early in March as possible, if young trees, two years old
could be had, we might, perhaps, have fruit on some of them during
the next summer? Try what you can do for your New York friend. [The
following on outside of letter-sheet] I will make up a box for you in a
few days, and send it to you through Mr. Chevalier.
Audubon, who ever found city life irksome, as early as 1841 had begun
to look about for a farm, or some retired spot within easy access to New
York, where he could establish the families of himself, of his two sons, and
have about him many of the animals which he then wished to study and
depict for his new work. Edward Harris would have been glad to have had
him for a neighbor, and wrote from Moorestown, New Jersey, on July 5,
1841, suggesting that he examine "a small farm close to his village,
containing about 25 acres of very good land," which the owner was then
willing to sell for $3,500, though, added Harris, "when Mr. Havell was here,
he asked $5,000 for it." A spot more to his liking, however, was found on
the Hudson River, in Carmansville, later known as Washington Heights,
where he purchased from thirty to forty acres of land which had a river
frontage of a thousand feet, from the present One Hundred and Fifty-fifth to
One Hundred and Fifty-eighth Streets, and extended to the easterly limits of
the village at the old Bloomingdale Road, near the present Amsterdam
Avenue. This tract was well wooded, and among the grand forest trees on
the place a large tulip or white wood attracted general attention from its
John J. Audubon.
86 White Street.
P. S. Thank you for what you say of the Bedford gentleman. When
I write next, I will mention him at greater length. I wish you could let
me know whether we could procure first rate peach trees from your
vicinity, and how much 50 of them would cost. I should like to have
them assorted, soft, and clings yellow, or red, or blood-red. We wish to
plant these as early in March as possible, if young trees, two years old
could be had, we might, perhaps, have fruit on some of them during
the next summer? Try what you can do for your New York friend. [The
following on outside of letter-sheet] I will make up a box for you in a
few days, and send it to you through Mr. Chevalier.
Audubon, who ever found city life irksome, as early as 1841 had begun
to look about for a farm, or some retired spot within easy access to New
York, where he could establish the families of himself, of his two sons, and
have about him many of the animals which he then wished to study and
depict for his new work. Edward Harris would have been glad to have had
him for a neighbor, and wrote from Moorestown, New Jersey, on July 5,
1841, suggesting that he examine "a small farm close to his village,
containing about 25 acres of very good land," which the owner was then
willing to sell for $3,500, though, added Harris, "when Mr. Havell was here,
he asked $5,000 for it." A spot more to his liking, however, was found on
the Hudson River, in Carmansville, later known as Washington Heights,
where he purchased from thirty to forty acres of land which had a river
frontage of a thousand feet, from the present One Hundred and Fifty-fifth to
One Hundred and Fifty-eighth Streets, and extended to the easterly limits of
the village at the old Bloomingdale Road, near the present Amsterdam
Avenue. This tract was well wooded, and among the grand forest trees on
the place a large tulip or white wood attracted general attention from its
Page 269
great girth and commanding height. Audubon decided to place his house at
the foot of the river bluff, amid a cluster of fine oaks, chestnuts and
evergreens, and a clearing had to be made before the site could be laid off;
it was some years before the railroad came to mar his river view and
interrupt access to the beach. Audubon began to build in 1841, and on
February 24, 1842, Victor wrote to Edward Harris: "Our house in the
country is going on well, and will probably be ready for us in about two
months. John is at work out there every day"; they were planning, he said,
to raise pigs and poultry, and he inquired after "draining tiles, such as are
made near Philadelphia."
Audubon named his new estate "Minnie's Land," in honor of his wife,
Lucy, to whom he deeded the property, the Scotch form of her name having
no doubt come into familiar use during their residence abroad. In April,
1842, they turned their backs on the city and occupied their new home.
Spencer Baird, when writing on May 3 of that year, said:
I have been in some doubt where this letter should be addressed,
since "86 White St." will not reach you, and you must by this time be
snugly fixed I hope in your beautiful place up the River. Do not laugh
therefore if I prefix "Formerly" to the old superscription....
I suppose that the First Number of the "Quadrupeds of North
America" is out by this time, I hope that it will be hailed by a large list
of subscribers, and will do what I can for this desirable end.
Submerged as Audubon was, with painting the Quadrupeds, keeping
the small edition of his Birds in motion, and canvassing for subscribers to
both works, which he published himself, he nevertheless found time for an
extraordinary number of letters, which were written with an elegance of
chirography that diverts our attention from their orthographic defects. In the
labor of drawing and in all his business affairs he was constantly aided by
his sons.
the foot of the river bluff, amid a cluster of fine oaks, chestnuts and
evergreens, and a clearing had to be made before the site could be laid off;
it was some years before the railroad came to mar his river view and
interrupt access to the beach. Audubon began to build in 1841, and on
February 24, 1842, Victor wrote to Edward Harris: "Our house in the
country is going on well, and will probably be ready for us in about two
months. John is at work out there every day"; they were planning, he said,
to raise pigs and poultry, and he inquired after "draining tiles, such as are
made near Philadelphia."
Audubon named his new estate "Minnie's Land," in honor of his wife,
Lucy, to whom he deeded the property, the Scotch form of her name having
no doubt come into familiar use during their residence abroad. In April,
1842, they turned their backs on the city and occupied their new home.
Spencer Baird, when writing on May 3 of that year, said:
I have been in some doubt where this letter should be addressed,
since "86 White St." will not reach you, and you must by this time be
snugly fixed I hope in your beautiful place up the River. Do not laugh
therefore if I prefix "Formerly" to the old superscription....
I suppose that the First Number of the "Quadrupeds of North
America" is out by this time, I hope that it will be hailed by a large list
of subscribers, and will do what I can for this desirable end.
Submerged as Audubon was, with painting the Quadrupeds, keeping
the small edition of his Birds in motion, and canvassing for subscribers to
both works, which he published himself, he nevertheless found time for an
extraordinary number of letters, which were written with an elegance of
chirography that diverts our attention from their orthographic defects. In the
labor of drawing and in all his business affairs he was constantly aided by
his sons.
Page 270
In Audubon's time the center of Carmansville was a quarter of a mile to
the east of his house, while at a short distance below, on the river, lay
Manhattanville, at the present One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Street, from
which men frequently came on summer evenings to help handle the seine,
fish then being plentiful in that part of the Hudson. The place came to
possess a good garden and orchard, with stable, dairy, and poultry yards;
enclosures also were made for deer, elk, wolves, foxes and other wild
animals. The old barn of the Audubon place stood higher on the slope where
the naturalist built his studio or painting house, but no traces of either now
exist. Though standing low, the house commanded a wide sweep of the
river with the Palisades on its opposite shore, and such attractive
surroundings were a never failing source of delight and inspiration to the
naturalist to his dying day.
In describing Audubon's activities, Parke Godwin made this note in the
spring of 1842:[186]
During the last winter, which he spent in this city, he has worked
on an average fourteen hours a day, preparing a work on the
Quadrupeds of America, similar to his work on the Birds. The
drawings already finished, of the size of life, are master-pieces in their
way, surpassing if that be possible, in fidelity and brilliancy, all that he
has done before. Early in the summer he will depart to continue his
labors in the woods.
the east of his house, while at a short distance below, on the river, lay
Manhattanville, at the present One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Street, from
which men frequently came on summer evenings to help handle the seine,
fish then being plentiful in that part of the Hudson. The place came to
possess a good garden and orchard, with stable, dairy, and poultry yards;
enclosures also were made for deer, elk, wolves, foxes and other wild
animals. The old barn of the Audubon place stood higher on the slope where
the naturalist built his studio or painting house, but no traces of either now
exist. Though standing low, the house commanded a wide sweep of the
river with the Palisades on its opposite shore, and such attractive
surroundings were a never failing source of delight and inspiration to the
naturalist to his dying day.
In describing Audubon's activities, Parke Godwin made this note in the
spring of 1842:[186]
During the last winter, which he spent in this city, he has worked
on an average fourteen hours a day, preparing a work on the
Quadrupeds of America, similar to his work on the Birds. The
drawings already finished, of the size of life, are master-pieces in their
way, surpassing if that be possible, in fidelity and brilliancy, all that he
has done before. Early in the summer he will depart to continue his
labors in the woods.
Page 271
"MINNIE'S LAND" AS IT APPEARED IN 1865.
After a lithograph published in D. T. Valentine's Manual of the
Council of the City of New York.
After a lithograph published in D. T. Valentine's Manual of the
Council of the City of New York.
Page 272
"MINNIE'S LAND" AS IT APPEARS TO-DAY FROM THE
RIVER FRONT, POCKETED BY THE RETAINING WALL OF
RIVERSIDE DRIVE.
Before we glance at the half-submerged relic of Audubon's old house as
it stands today in upper New York,[187] we shall follow the same writer in a
visit which he made to "Minnie's Land" in the summer of 1842 but did not
describe until eleven years later;[188] we will only add that at this time
Audubon was in his fifty-eighth year, and not over sixty, as this writer
surmised. After passing beyond the outposts of the city of that day, and
turning into a rustic road which led directly to the river, his walk
soon brought a secluded country house into view,—a house not
entirely adapted to the nature of the scenery, yet simple and
unpretending in its architecture, and beautifully embowered amid elms
and oaks. Several graceful fawns and noble elk were stalking in the
shade of the trees, apparently unconscious of the presence of a few
RIVER FRONT, POCKETED BY THE RETAINING WALL OF
RIVERSIDE DRIVE.
Before we glance at the half-submerged relic of Audubon's old house as
it stands today in upper New York,[187] we shall follow the same writer in a
visit which he made to "Minnie's Land" in the summer of 1842 but did not
describe until eleven years later;[188] we will only add that at this time
Audubon was in his fifty-eighth year, and not over sixty, as this writer
surmised. After passing beyond the outposts of the city of that day, and
turning into a rustic road which led directly to the river, his walk
soon brought a secluded country house into view,—a house not
entirely adapted to the nature of the scenery, yet simple and
unpretending in its architecture, and beautifully embowered amid elms
and oaks. Several graceful fawns and noble elk were stalking in the
shade of the trees, apparently unconscious of the presence of a few
Page 273
dogs, and not caring for the numerous turkeys, geese, and other
domestic animals that gabbled and screamed among them....
"Is the master at home?" I asked of the pretty maid-servant who
answered my tap at the door, and who after informing me that he was,
led me into a room on the left side of the broad hall. It was not,
however, a parlor, or any ordinary reception-room that I entered, but
evidently a room for work. In one corner stood a painter's easel, with a
half-finished sketch of a beaver on paper; in the other lay the skin of
an American panther. The antlers of elks hung upon the walls, stuffed
birds of every description of gay plumage ornamented the mantle-
piece; and exquisite drawings of field-mice, orioles, and woodpeckers
were scattered promiscuously in other parts of the room, across one
end of which a long rude table was stretched to hold artist materials,
scraps of drawing paper and immense folio volumes filled with the
delicious paintings of birds taken in their haunts.
The master, who soon appeared,
was a tall, thin man, with a high arched and serene forehead, and a
bright penetrating gray eye; his white locks fell in clusters upon his
shoulders, but were the only signs of age, for his form was erect, and
his step as light as that of a deer. The expression of his face was sharp,
but noble and commanding, and there was something in it, partly
derived from the aquiline nose and partly from the shutting of the
mouth, which made you think of the imperial eagle.
His greeting, as he entered, was at once frank and cordial, and
showed you the sincere and true man. "How kind it is," he said with a
slight French accent, and in a pensive tone, "to come and see me; and
how wise, too, to leave that crazy city!" He then shook me warmly by
the hand. "Do you know," he continued, "how I wonder that men can
consent to swelter and fret their lives away amid those hot bricks and
pestilent vapors, when the woods and fields are all so near?"
domestic animals that gabbled and screamed among them....
"Is the master at home?" I asked of the pretty maid-servant who
answered my tap at the door, and who after informing me that he was,
led me into a room on the left side of the broad hall. It was not,
however, a parlor, or any ordinary reception-room that I entered, but
evidently a room for work. In one corner stood a painter's easel, with a
half-finished sketch of a beaver on paper; in the other lay the skin of
an American panther. The antlers of elks hung upon the walls, stuffed
birds of every description of gay plumage ornamented the mantle-
piece; and exquisite drawings of field-mice, orioles, and woodpeckers
were scattered promiscuously in other parts of the room, across one
end of which a long rude table was stretched to hold artist materials,
scraps of drawing paper and immense folio volumes filled with the
delicious paintings of birds taken in their haunts.
The master, who soon appeared,
was a tall, thin man, with a high arched and serene forehead, and a
bright penetrating gray eye; his white locks fell in clusters upon his
shoulders, but were the only signs of age, for his form was erect, and
his step as light as that of a deer. The expression of his face was sharp,
but noble and commanding, and there was something in it, partly
derived from the aquiline nose and partly from the shutting of the
mouth, which made you think of the imperial eagle.
His greeting, as he entered, was at once frank and cordial, and
showed you the sincere and true man. "How kind it is," he said with a
slight French accent, and in a pensive tone, "to come and see me; and
how wise, too, to leave that crazy city!" He then shook me warmly by
the hand. "Do you know," he continued, "how I wonder that men can
consent to swelter and fret their lives away amid those hot bricks and
pestilent vapors, when the woods and fields are all so near?"
Page 274
When writing in 1845, Godwin gave further intimations of the
naturalist's appearance: "His forehead [was] high, arched, and unclouded;
the hairs of the brow prominent, particularly at the root of the nose, which
was long and aquiline; chin prominent, and mouth characterized by energy
and determination. The eyes were deep-gray, set deeply in the head, and as
restless as the glance of an eagle."
naturalist's appearance: "His forehead [was] high, arched, and unclouded;
the hairs of the brow prominent, particularly at the root of the nose, which
was long and aquiline; chin prominent, and mouth characterized by energy
and determination. The eyes were deep-gray, set deeply in the head, and as
restless as the glance of an eagle."
Page 275
Page 276
CHAPTER XXXIV
EXPEDITION TO THE UPPER MISSOURI
Ambitions at fifty-seven—Plans his last expedition in the rôle of naturalist—Credentials from public
men—Canvassing tour in Canada described—Baird's plans to accompany Audubon west frustrated
—Western expedition begun—Ascent of the Missouri and Yellowstone—Discoveries of new birds
—A wilderness that howls—Buffalo hunting—Passing of the great herds—Return from Fort
Union—Incident on the canal boat—Completion of the octavo edition of the Birds.
In the summer of 1842, when his two new undertakings were well in
hand, Audubon was planning a journey which he felt would help them both,
his long cherished but ever deferred expedition to the Far West; in the dim
perspective his mind's eye could trace the snowy summits of the Rocky
Mountains, a promised land he was never destined to see, though, with true
poetic justice, one of those grand peaks now bears his name. At this time he
was in his fifty-eighth year, and although his family thought him too old for
so arduous a journey, he would not be thwarted, for his eye was undimmed
and his natural force unabated.
The letters which passed between Audubon and Baird at this time show
how eager was his young friend to attach himself to the party. While in
Washington, July 27, 1842, Baird wrote:
After making several unsuccessful efforts to get a second sight of
you day before yesterday, I was obliged to give up the attempt in
despair. I went to the Capitol at half past twelve and wandered over the
whole building, Library, Senate Chamber and House, without being
able to see or hear anything of your excellency. In the evening as in the
EXPEDITION TO THE UPPER MISSOURI
Ambitions at fifty-seven—Plans his last expedition in the rôle of naturalist—Credentials from public
men—Canvassing tour in Canada described—Baird's plans to accompany Audubon west frustrated
—Western expedition begun—Ascent of the Missouri and Yellowstone—Discoveries of new birds
—A wilderness that howls—Buffalo hunting—Passing of the great herds—Return from Fort
Union—Incident on the canal boat—Completion of the octavo edition of the Birds.
In the summer of 1842, when his two new undertakings were well in
hand, Audubon was planning a journey which he felt would help them both,
his long cherished but ever deferred expedition to the Far West; in the dim
perspective his mind's eye could trace the snowy summits of the Rocky
Mountains, a promised land he was never destined to see, though, with true
poetic justice, one of those grand peaks now bears his name. At this time he
was in his fifty-eighth year, and although his family thought him too old for
so arduous a journey, he would not be thwarted, for his eye was undimmed
and his natural force unabated.
The letters which passed between Audubon and Baird at this time show
how eager was his young friend to attach himself to the party. While in
Washington, July 27, 1842, Baird wrote:
After making several unsuccessful efforts to get a second sight of
you day before yesterday, I was obliged to give up the attempt in
despair. I went to the Capitol at half past twelve and wandered over the
whole building, Library, Senate Chamber and House, without being
able to see or hear anything of your excellency. In the evening as in the
Page 277
morning I was again at Fuller's without avail, went up the street,
listened awhile to the Circus music, came back, you were in bed.
One thing I wanted to ask you about, was respecting your
proposed trip next spring.... Nothing would delight me more than to
go, if I can afford it. Next what preparation would I have to make to fit
myself to accompany you. The journey ought to be a sort of
"Humboldt & Bonpland" one, for the purpose of increasing the general
sum of knowledge in every department of science, physical as well as
natural.... If there is anything I can do for you here, do not hesitate to
command me.
Audubon's interesting reply to this letter will be given in full:
Audubon to Spencer Fullerton Baird
New York, July 30, 1842.
My Dear Young Friend,—
Your letter of the 27th Inst. reached me yesterday. I am truly vexed
that I should have missed you at the Library or the Congress
Chambers, where I went (perhaps too late) between 3 and 4 o'clock of
the afternoon, having been detained at the different Departments of
State where it was my duty to call, preparatory to the next coming
Great Western Journey.
Now it proves by your letter that you feel favorably disposed to
accompany me on this long thought-of and contemplated Tour, and
wish me to give you some idea of the expenses, attached to such an
undertaking; but to this question I am quite unable to reply at present,
although I may do so in a few weeks, and which I shall do, provided
you write to me again on the subject.
I have no very particular desire to embark as deep in the Cause of
Science as the great Humboldt has done, and that, simply because I am
listened awhile to the Circus music, came back, you were in bed.
One thing I wanted to ask you about, was respecting your
proposed trip next spring.... Nothing would delight me more than to
go, if I can afford it. Next what preparation would I have to make to fit
myself to accompany you. The journey ought to be a sort of
"Humboldt & Bonpland" one, for the purpose of increasing the general
sum of knowledge in every department of science, physical as well as
natural.... If there is anything I can do for you here, do not hesitate to
command me.
Audubon's interesting reply to this letter will be given in full:
Audubon to Spencer Fullerton Baird
New York, July 30, 1842.
My Dear Young Friend,—
Your letter of the 27th Inst. reached me yesterday. I am truly vexed
that I should have missed you at the Library or the Congress
Chambers, where I went (perhaps too late) between 3 and 4 o'clock of
the afternoon, having been detained at the different Departments of
State where it was my duty to call, preparatory to the next coming
Great Western Journey.
Now it proves by your letter that you feel favorably disposed to
accompany me on this long thought-of and contemplated Tour, and
wish me to give you some idea of the expenses, attached to such an
undertaking; but to this question I am quite unable to reply at present,
although I may do so in a few weeks, and which I shall do, provided
you write to me again on the subject.
I have no very particular desire to embark as deep in the Cause of
Science as the great Humboldt has done, and that, simply because I am
Page 278
too poor in pecuniary means and too incompetent; but I wish
nevertheless to attempt to open the Eyes of naturalists to Riches
untold, and facts hitherto untold. The portions of the country through
which it is my intention to pass, never having been trodden by white
Man previously.
I have some very strong doubts whether the results of the
Antarctic Expedition will be published for some time yet; for, alas, our
Government has not the means, at present, of paying some half a
Million of Dollars to produce publications such as they should publish,
and connected with the vast stores of Information, collected by so
many Scientific Men in no less than Four Years of Constant Toil and
privation, and which ought to come to the World of Science at least as
brightly as the brightest rays of the Orb of Day during the Mid-
summer Solstice. Oh, my dear young friend, that I did possess the
wealth of the Emperor of Russia, or of the King of the French; then,
indeed, I would address the Congress of our Country, ask of them to
throw open these stores of Natural Curiosities, and Comply with mine
every wish to publish, and to Give away Copies of the invaluable
Works thus produced to every Scientific Institution throughout our
Country, and throughout the World.
As you however appear desirous to present my thoughts of your
capabilities as one of the assistants in that Stupendous undertaking, I
send you enclosed what I hope most sincerely may prove beneficial for
such purposes.
Now as you have been kind enough to offer me your services at
Washington, I ask you to call upon Mr. Cushing, M. C., of Mass.tts,
and to ask him to have the goodness to forward me the Letter promised
me by the President of the U. S., for, as I have not yet had it, I
somewhat fear that it has been missent.
nevertheless to attempt to open the Eyes of naturalists to Riches
untold, and facts hitherto untold. The portions of the country through
which it is my intention to pass, never having been trodden by white
Man previously.
I have some very strong doubts whether the results of the
Antarctic Expedition will be published for some time yet; for, alas, our
Government has not the means, at present, of paying some half a
Million of Dollars to produce publications such as they should publish,
and connected with the vast stores of Information, collected by so
many Scientific Men in no less than Four Years of Constant Toil and
privation, and which ought to come to the World of Science at least as
brightly as the brightest rays of the Orb of Day during the Mid-
summer Solstice. Oh, my dear young friend, that I did possess the
wealth of the Emperor of Russia, or of the King of the French; then,
indeed, I would address the Congress of our Country, ask of them to
throw open these stores of Natural Curiosities, and Comply with mine
every wish to publish, and to Give away Copies of the invaluable
Works thus produced to every Scientific Institution throughout our
Country, and throughout the World.
As you however appear desirous to present my thoughts of your
capabilities as one of the assistants in that Stupendous undertaking, I
send you enclosed what I hope most sincerely may prove beneficial for
such purposes.
Now as you have been kind enough to offer me your services at
Washington, I ask you to call upon Mr. Cushing, M. C., of Mass.tts,
and to ask him to have the goodness to forward me the Letter promised
me by the President of the U. S., for, as I have not yet had it, I
somewhat fear that it has been missent.
Page 279
Write me at once, and believe me,
Your friend, John J. Audubon.
Audubon enclosed with this letter a warm recommendation of his
friend for the position of curator of the rich collections made by the United
States Exploring Expedition to the Antarctic, under command of Lieutenant
Charles Wilkes, then stored at the Patent Office and National Institute, but
nothing came of it and Baird went away disappointed.
During the summer, in accordance with his usual custom, Audubon had
taken pains to fortify himself with credentials from the Government, and
had obtained excellent letters from President John Tyler, Daniel Webster,
Secretary of State, General Winfield Scott, who then held the highest
commission in the Army, John C. Spencer, Secretary of War, and Lord
Ashburton, a member of a special commission to settle the disputed
boundary between Maine and the British provinces. The letters given him
by Daniel Webster and President Tyler were as follows:[189]
Daniel Webster to Whom it May Concern
United States of America,
Department of State.
To all to whom these presents shall come—greeting.
Know Ye, that the bearer hereof, John James Audubon, a
distinguished naturalist and native citizen of the United States, has
made known to me his intention of travelling on the continent with the
view principally of aiding the cause of science by extending his
researches and explorations in natural history, and as he is known to
me to be a man of character and honor and worthy of all friendly
offices and of all personal regard, these are therefore to request all
whom it may concern, to permit him to pass freely, without let or
molestation, and to extend to him all such aid and protection as he may
Your friend, John J. Audubon.
Audubon enclosed with this letter a warm recommendation of his
friend for the position of curator of the rich collections made by the United
States Exploring Expedition to the Antarctic, under command of Lieutenant
Charles Wilkes, then stored at the Patent Office and National Institute, but
nothing came of it and Baird went away disappointed.
During the summer, in accordance with his usual custom, Audubon had
taken pains to fortify himself with credentials from the Government, and
had obtained excellent letters from President John Tyler, Daniel Webster,
Secretary of State, General Winfield Scott, who then held the highest
commission in the Army, John C. Spencer, Secretary of War, and Lord
Ashburton, a member of a special commission to settle the disputed
boundary between Maine and the British provinces. The letters given him
by Daniel Webster and President Tyler were as follows:[189]
Daniel Webster to Whom it May Concern
United States of America,
Department of State.
To all to whom these presents shall come—greeting.
Know Ye, that the bearer hereof, John James Audubon, a
distinguished naturalist and native citizen of the United States, has
made known to me his intention of travelling on the continent with the
view principally of aiding the cause of science by extending his
researches and explorations in natural history, and as he is known to
me to be a man of character and honor and worthy of all friendly
offices and of all personal regard, these are therefore to request all
whom it may concern, to permit him to pass freely, without let or
molestation, and to extend to him all such aid and protection as he may
Page 280
need, and which becomes the hospitality of civilized and friendly
nations.
In testimony whereof I, Daniel Webster, Secretary of State of the
United States, have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of this
department to be affixed at the City of Washington, this the 24th day of
July, A. D. 1842.
[Signed] Daniel Webster
President John Tyler to Whom it May Concern
United States of America,
Washington, 28th July 1842.
The bearer of this, John James Audubon, is a native citizen of the
United States, who has informed me of his intention of travelling on
the continent of America, chiefly to promote the cause of science by
researches in natural history. He is known to me to be a naturalist of
eminent acquirements and estimation, a man of character and honor
and worthy of all personal respect and regard. I recommend him to my
countrymen abroad and to the authorities and inhabitants of other
countries that he may receive the friendly offices, aid and countenance
which are due to the interests of science and the rites of hospitality
among civilized nations.
John Tyler,
President of the U. States.
John Bachman, who had agreed to be responsible for the letterpress of
the Quadrupeds, was already at work, as shown by the following note[190]
sent to Audubon at this time:
nations.
In testimony whereof I, Daniel Webster, Secretary of State of the
United States, have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of this
department to be affixed at the City of Washington, this the 24th day of
July, A. D. 1842.
[Signed] Daniel Webster
President John Tyler to Whom it May Concern
United States of America,
Washington, 28th July 1842.
The bearer of this, John James Audubon, is a native citizen of the
United States, who has informed me of his intention of travelling on
the continent of America, chiefly to promote the cause of science by
researches in natural history. He is known to me to be a naturalist of
eminent acquirements and estimation, a man of character and honor
and worthy of all personal respect and regard. I recommend him to my
countrymen abroad and to the authorities and inhabitants of other
countries that he may receive the friendly offices, aid and countenance
which are due to the interests of science and the rites of hospitality
among civilized nations.
John Tyler,
President of the U. States.
John Bachman, who had agreed to be responsible for the letterpress of
the Quadrupeds, was already at work, as shown by the following note[190]
sent to Audubon at this time:
Page 281
John Bachman to Audubon
Charleston, August, 1842.
My Dear Friend:
I have just returned from a visit to the country, where I left Mrs.
Bachman for the benefit of her health. I have a season ticket on the
railroad, and, on my weekly visits, I do much of my writing on Natural
History. The moment the clock strikes four I am up, and soon at work.
From this hour until seven, I have no interruptions. I hope in this way
to steal time to write about Quadrupeds. When I get fairly under way,
as I am now, I am not easily diverted from the object before me, and
nothing but ill health or domestic affliction will keep me back.
J. B.
On September 12 Audubon set out on a canvassing tour of Canada, on
which he went as far north as Quebec; as he passed his home, he hailed his
sons, who were sailing on the river, and the sight of them at this moment
brought tears to his eyes. Whitehall, New York, was reached on September
13, St. Johns, Canada, on the following day, and on the 15th he was in
Montreal; three days were spent at Quebec (September 16-18), where, as at
other points, he met with the most gratifying success. After reaching home
in October, the following glowing account of this tour and of the attractions
of his new estate on the Hudson was given in a letter to Dr. Benjamin
Phillips of London,[191] dated from "New York, 7th Nov., 1842":
Charleston, August, 1842.
My Dear Friend:
I have just returned from a visit to the country, where I left Mrs.
Bachman for the benefit of her health. I have a season ticket on the
railroad, and, on my weekly visits, I do much of my writing on Natural
History. The moment the clock strikes four I am up, and soon at work.
From this hour until seven, I have no interruptions. I hope in this way
to steal time to write about Quadrupeds. When I get fairly under way,
as I am now, I am not easily diverted from the object before me, and
nothing but ill health or domestic affliction will keep me back.
J. B.
On September 12 Audubon set out on a canvassing tour of Canada, on
which he went as far north as Quebec; as he passed his home, he hailed his
sons, who were sailing on the river, and the sight of them at this moment
brought tears to his eyes. Whitehall, New York, was reached on September
13, St. Johns, Canada, on the following day, and on the 15th he was in
Montreal; three days were spent at Quebec (September 16-18), where, as at
other points, he met with the most gratifying success. After reaching home
in October, the following glowing account of this tour and of the attractions
of his new estate on the Hudson was given in a letter to Dr. Benjamin
Phillips of London,[191] dated from "New York, 7th Nov., 1842":
Page 282
AUDUBON
AFTER A PORTRAIT PAINTED BY JOHN WOODHOUSE AUDUBON ABOUT
1841, NOW IN POSSESSION OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL
HISTORY, NEW YORK. PUBLISHED BY COURTESY OF THE AMERICAN
MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY.
Audubon to Dr. Benjamin Phillips
I went on a tramp to the Canadas, leaving our comfortable abode
on the 12th of Sepr. last and was absent for a whole month. My
Journey extended to something like 1500 miles: during which I visited
for the first time, the North-American Gibralter [Quebec], the sight of
which was as new to me as it was wonderful in the days of old. The
views (for I must speak in the plural) from the Citadel, are as far as I
have seen the grandest and the most sublime I ever gazed upon. The
St. Laurence River, is noble indeed, and when we know that that
stream carried forth to the Atlantic the congregating waters of all our
sea-lakes, we must not be astonished at her great breadth, depth, and
strength of current to about 60 miles below Montreal. About the latter
AFTER A PORTRAIT PAINTED BY JOHN WOODHOUSE AUDUBON ABOUT
1841, NOW IN POSSESSION OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL
HISTORY, NEW YORK. PUBLISHED BY COURTESY OF THE AMERICAN
MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY.
Audubon to Dr. Benjamin Phillips
I went on a tramp to the Canadas, leaving our comfortable abode
on the 12th of Sepr. last and was absent for a whole month. My
Journey extended to something like 1500 miles: during which I visited
for the first time, the North-American Gibralter [Quebec], the sight of
which was as new to me as it was wonderful in the days of old. The
views (for I must speak in the plural) from the Citadel, are as far as I
have seen the grandest and the most sublime I ever gazed upon. The
St. Laurence River, is noble indeed, and when we know that that
stream carried forth to the Atlantic the congregating waters of all our
sea-lakes, we must not be astonished at her great breadth, depth, and
strength of current to about 60 miles below Montreal. About the latter
Page 283
city that noble stream is intercepted by many rapids, and a vast number
of Islands, the latter of which so intersect the view that in some
instances it would prove quite out of the question to discover with
certainty either of the main shores. I visited the falls of Montmorency,
those of the Rivierre Serria and of La Chan[u]diere. I besides made
many an acquaintance and a few very valuable friends. At Quebec I
sold a copy of our large Work to the Earl of Caledon who also
subscribed to our quadrupeds. At Montreal I sold several Copies of our
Small Edition of the Birds of America and procured several good
names to the quadrupeds. At Kingston where I had the pleasure of
becoming acquainted with Sir Charles Bagot and family (all delightful
persons) I sold two copies of the large work to both Houses of
Parliament, and also procured their double subscriptions to the
Animals. Thus I returned home highly pleased with all that I had done
and seen. The more perhaps because I procured in the meantime most
valuable specimens of rare quadrupeds and a fund of information that
can never be met with unless on the ground of action....
Our dear "Minnie's Land" is improving as fast as our poor
pecuniary means will allow. We have done a good deal since our
purchase of it, in a wild state as it was, and next spring we will have a
good garden and probably some fruit from our own young trees, of
which we have planted nearly 200 of the very best description,
including pears, aples, quinces, apricote, plumbs, vines, nectarines,
apricotes, etc., etc.... We have fish whenever we draw the seine, and
this summer we have caught one sturgeon that measured upwards of 8
feet ... weight more than 200 pounds.... The "Boys" take a sailing
pretty frequently in their sail boat, but I never join them in that, for
attempts I have crossed the Atlantic pretty frequently I have an inward
dislike to the water, after it is more than 2 or 3 fathoms deep! We have
now been enjoying that delightful season, which our Americans call
the "Indian Summer" and not a drop of rain have we had for several
weeks.... Would that you all were here at this moment, at my elbow,
of Islands, the latter of which so intersect the view that in some
instances it would prove quite out of the question to discover with
certainty either of the main shores. I visited the falls of Montmorency,
those of the Rivierre Serria and of La Chan[u]diere. I besides made
many an acquaintance and a few very valuable friends. At Quebec I
sold a copy of our large Work to the Earl of Caledon who also
subscribed to our quadrupeds. At Montreal I sold several Copies of our
Small Edition of the Birds of America and procured several good
names to the quadrupeds. At Kingston where I had the pleasure of
becoming acquainted with Sir Charles Bagot and family (all delightful
persons) I sold two copies of the large work to both Houses of
Parliament, and also procured their double subscriptions to the
Animals. Thus I returned home highly pleased with all that I had done
and seen. The more perhaps because I procured in the meantime most
valuable specimens of rare quadrupeds and a fund of information that
can never be met with unless on the ground of action....
Our dear "Minnie's Land" is improving as fast as our poor
pecuniary means will allow. We have done a good deal since our
purchase of it, in a wild state as it was, and next spring we will have a
good garden and probably some fruit from our own young trees, of
which we have planted nearly 200 of the very best description,
including pears, aples, quinces, apricote, plumbs, vines, nectarines,
apricotes, etc., etc.... We have fish whenever we draw the seine, and
this summer we have caught one sturgeon that measured upwards of 8
feet ... weight more than 200 pounds.... The "Boys" take a sailing
pretty frequently in their sail boat, but I never join them in that, for
attempts I have crossed the Atlantic pretty frequently I have an inward
dislike to the water, after it is more than 2 or 3 fathoms deep! We have
now been enjoying that delightful season, which our Americans call
the "Indian Summer" and not a drop of rain have we had for several
weeks.... Would that you all were here at this moment, at my elbow,
Page 284
from which by a peep at the window, I gaze on the "Pallisades" and the
breath of the Hudson, between the trunks of the many trees that stand
at rest at present awaiting the return of spring for a renewal of fragrant
verdure, and fruits innumerable....
We would be glad if you would ascertain whether a good agent
can be had to procure subscribers in England for it [the Quadrupeds],
or whether a responsible bookseller would buy the copyright, & a
certain number of plates either coloured or plain.
A few weeks later Audubon wrote also to William Yarrell, hoping to
interest him in the foreign sale of his new publication, but as will be seen by
his friend's reply, now to be given, with indifferent success:
William Yarrell to Audubon
[Superscribed by Audubon]
Recd 28 Jany
1843
[Addressed] J. J. Audubon Esqr.
77 William Street
New York
[Superscribed by Yarrell]
single letter.
P. Paid, W.Y.
Ryder Street St. James
London 17th Decr. 1842.
My dear MR. Audubon,
I have this morning received your letter of the 28th. Novr. last, and
as it is strictly a letter of business, I reply to its various parts
immediately.
breath of the Hudson, between the trunks of the many trees that stand
at rest at present awaiting the return of spring for a renewal of fragrant
verdure, and fruits innumerable....
We would be glad if you would ascertain whether a good agent
can be had to procure subscribers in England for it [the Quadrupeds],
or whether a responsible bookseller would buy the copyright, & a
certain number of plates either coloured or plain.
A few weeks later Audubon wrote also to William Yarrell, hoping to
interest him in the foreign sale of his new publication, but as will be seen by
his friend's reply, now to be given, with indifferent success:
William Yarrell to Audubon
[Superscribed by Audubon]
Recd 28 Jany
1843
[Addressed] J. J. Audubon Esqr.
77 William Street
New York
[Superscribed by Yarrell]
single letter.
P. Paid, W.Y.
Ryder Street St. James
London 17th Decr. 1842.
My dear MR. Audubon,
I have this morning received your letter of the 28th. Novr. last, and
as it is strictly a letter of business, I reply to its various parts
immediately.
Page 285
About a month ago I received a note from Mr. Phillips to say that
he had received the Plates of the first number of your work on the
Quadrupeds of America—would I come and look at them, and would I
exhibit them at the meetings of the Societies I belonged to for the
promotion of Natural History. I went to see them, and have with
pleasure exhibited them at the Linnean Society on the third Tuesday in
Novr. and at the Scientific evening, as well as the monthly general
meeting of the Zoological Society, both of which occurred early in
Decr. and I then returned the 5 Plates to Mr. Phillips—They were very
much admired but I did not obtain any request for a supply.
In reference to your next request, I must decline any connection
with the sale or publication of this, or indeed any other foreign work,
in this country. The truth is, that having now been in the business
nearly forty years, I begin to be tired of work; the last part of my
History of British Birds will be published on the 1st of June 1843; with
that part I shall give up my pen, and write for money no more.
You are kind enough to give me some credit for experience as a
publisher, and some knowledge of the persons who are likely to be
purchasers of works on Natural History here—My conviction is that
you would gain more by paying full commission to an established
Bookseller in London who would by advertising make your works
known, and where they might be obtained—than you will by the best
efforts of any private friend, even though his kindness should induce
him to take all the trouble for nothing.
You say nothing about your family. I hope they are all well.
I remain, Dear Sir,
Yours very truly
Wm Yarrell.
he had received the Plates of the first number of your work on the
Quadrupeds of America—would I come and look at them, and would I
exhibit them at the meetings of the Societies I belonged to for the
promotion of Natural History. I went to see them, and have with
pleasure exhibited them at the Linnean Society on the third Tuesday in
Novr. and at the Scientific evening, as well as the monthly general
meeting of the Zoological Society, both of which occurred early in
Decr. and I then returned the 5 Plates to Mr. Phillips—They were very
much admired but I did not obtain any request for a supply.
In reference to your next request, I must decline any connection
with the sale or publication of this, or indeed any other foreign work,
in this country. The truth is, that having now been in the business
nearly forty years, I begin to be tired of work; the last part of my
History of British Birds will be published on the 1st of June 1843; with
that part I shall give up my pen, and write for money no more.
You are kind enough to give me some credit for experience as a
publisher, and some knowledge of the persons who are likely to be
purchasers of works on Natural History here—My conviction is that
you would gain more by paying full commission to an established
Bookseller in London who would by advertising make your works
known, and where they might be obtained—than you will by the best
efforts of any private friend, even though his kindness should induce
him to take all the trouble for nothing.
You say nothing about your family. I hope they are all well.
I remain, Dear Sir,
Yours very truly
Wm Yarrell.
Page 286
J. J. Audubon Esqr.
77 William Street.
New York.
In the following letter to Spencer Baird, Audubon was able to outline
more fully his final plans for the western journey:
Audubon to Spencer Fullerton Baird
New York, Nov. 29, 1842.
My dear Young Friend,
It seems to me as if an age had already elapsed since I have heard
from you or your whereabouts. Neither do I know clearly whether in
the way of correspondence, you are in my debt, or I am in yours.
Nevertheless I now write to you, and request you to read this letter
more than once, and think deeply on the purport of its contents that
you may be the [more] able to form a true Idea of what I intend to say
[to] you, and for yourself to give me a true answer, on which I can
depend, no matter whether it is to my liking or not.
It is now determined that I shall go towards the Rocky Mountains
at least to the Yellowstone River, and up the latter Stream four hundred
miles, and perhaps go across the Rocky Mountains. I have it in my
power to proceed to the Yellowstone by Steamer from St. Louis on the
1st day of April next; or to go to the "Mountains of the Wind" in the
very heart and bosom of the Rocky Mountains in the company of Sir
William Drommond Stewart, Baronet who will leave on the 1st of May
next also from St. Louis.
It has occurred to me that perchance you would like to spare a few
months of your life, to visit the great Western Wilderness, and perhaps
again prefer going in my Company in preference to that of any other
person? Of this of course I cannot Judge without your answer to this. I
thought that you would have been in New York long ere this, but not a
77 William Street.
New York.
In the following letter to Spencer Baird, Audubon was able to outline
more fully his final plans for the western journey:
Audubon to Spencer Fullerton Baird
New York, Nov. 29, 1842.
My dear Young Friend,
It seems to me as if an age had already elapsed since I have heard
from you or your whereabouts. Neither do I know clearly whether in
the way of correspondence, you are in my debt, or I am in yours.
Nevertheless I now write to you, and request you to read this letter
more than once, and think deeply on the purport of its contents that
you may be the [more] able to form a true Idea of what I intend to say
[to] you, and for yourself to give me a true answer, on which I can
depend, no matter whether it is to my liking or not.
It is now determined that I shall go towards the Rocky Mountains
at least to the Yellowstone River, and up the latter Stream four hundred
miles, and perhaps go across the Rocky Mountains. I have it in my
power to proceed to the Yellowstone by Steamer from St. Louis on the
1st day of April next; or to go to the "Mountains of the Wind" in the
very heart and bosom of the Rocky Mountains in the company of Sir
William Drommond Stewart, Baronet who will leave on the 1st of May
next also from St. Louis.
It has occurred to me that perchance you would like to spare a few
months of your life, to visit the great Western Wilderness, and perhaps
again prefer going in my Company in preference to that of any other
person? Of this of course I cannot Judge without your answer to this. I
thought that you would have been in New York long ere this, but not a
Page 287
Word of you has reached any friend of yours here for several months. I
have had an abundance of applications from different sections of the
country, from Young Gents who proffer much efficiency, etc., but I do
not know them as I know you, and if the terms which I am about to
propose to you will answer your own views, I wish you to write to me
at once so that I may know how to prepare myself for such a Journey,
and under such circumstances.
Would you like to go with me at any rate? By which I mean,
whether by Land, or by Water, and undertake, besides acting towards
me as a friend, to prepare whatever skins of Birds or Quadrupeds, I
may think fit for us to bring home. The Birds, you might have one half
as your own, the Quadrupeds, (should you wish it) you might have a
4th or every 4th specimen of the same species, reserving to myself all
that is new or exceedingly rare.
I will procure and furnish all the materials for skinning, preparing,
and saving whatever we may find in Ornithology and in Mammalia,
and in all probability (if you think it absolutely necessary) pay one half
your expenses from the time we leave St. Louis until our return to that
city. You will have to work hard, of course, but then I trust to that the
knowledge alone which you must acquire would prove a sufficient
compensation, and as you already know me pretty well, I need not say
to you that I am not "hard on the trigger."
It will be necessary for you to provide a good double barrelled
Gun, and an excellent Rifle, Shot bag, powder flask, &c, a good
hatchet, and a sufficiency of clothes for something like a 12 month's
Campaign. But if you will write me at once upon the subject, I can
give you a more and a better a/c of all my intentions, than is at present
necessary.
If all goes on as I trust it will go on, we may be back home by
Octr. or Novr. next, 1843.
have had an abundance of applications from different sections of the
country, from Young Gents who proffer much efficiency, etc., but I do
not know them as I know you, and if the terms which I am about to
propose to you will answer your own views, I wish you to write to me
at once so that I may know how to prepare myself for such a Journey,
and under such circumstances.
Would you like to go with me at any rate? By which I mean,
whether by Land, or by Water, and undertake, besides acting towards
me as a friend, to prepare whatever skins of Birds or Quadrupeds, I
may think fit for us to bring home. The Birds, you might have one half
as your own, the Quadrupeds, (should you wish it) you might have a
4th or every 4th specimen of the same species, reserving to myself all
that is new or exceedingly rare.
I will procure and furnish all the materials for skinning, preparing,
and saving whatever we may find in Ornithology and in Mammalia,
and in all probability (if you think it absolutely necessary) pay one half
your expenses from the time we leave St. Louis until our return to that
city. You will have to work hard, of course, but then I trust to that the
knowledge alone which you must acquire would prove a sufficient
compensation, and as you already know me pretty well, I need not say
to you that I am not "hard on the trigger."
It will be necessary for you to provide a good double barrelled
Gun, and an excellent Rifle, Shot bag, powder flask, &c, a good
hatchet, and a sufficiency of clothes for something like a 12 month's
Campaign. But if you will write me at once upon the subject, I can
give you a more and a better a/c of all my intentions, than is at present
necessary.
If all goes on as I trust it will go on, we may be back home by
Octr. or Novr. next, 1843.
Page 288
Do not lose a moment in writing to me in answer to this after you
have thought deeply upon the matter.
Remember me kindly to all your friends, and believe me,
Yours Always,
John J. Audubon.
77 Williams Street, New York.
Baird was unable to reach a decision in the matter, and Audubon
actually wrote five more letters on the subject and kept a place open for his
young friend for nearly three months. On January 2, 1843, he said that
while it was impossible to determine with any degree of accuracy the
amount of money the journey might require, he could "safely say that the
sum of $500. would prove all sufficient, as our passages to the Yellow Stone
will be granted us free; and the expenses from here or from Carlisle cannot
exceed 50$ to St. Louis, and may be less." "I have given up," he added, "all
Idea of going South this season, being determined to draw quadrupeds until
a few days of my leaving home for this grand and Last Journey, I intend to
make as a Naturalist." Again, on January 31, he wrote:
It appears from the whole tenure of your letter, that that rascally
article cash is the cause which prevents you from going along with me
to the Yellowstone River and back. Now, it happens that although we
are far from being rich, we are all desirous that you should go along
with me, because we all know you, and I particularly so. Therefore, if
you will go with me, and assist me all you can, in the way of hunting,
measuring and dissecting Specimens when I am otherwise engaged,
etc. etc. I will furnish you with all that may be necessary for your
expenses, excepting your clothing and your gun or guns, as you may
have them.
have thought deeply upon the matter.
Remember me kindly to all your friends, and believe me,
Yours Always,
John J. Audubon.
77 Williams Street, New York.
Baird was unable to reach a decision in the matter, and Audubon
actually wrote five more letters on the subject and kept a place open for his
young friend for nearly three months. On January 2, 1843, he said that
while it was impossible to determine with any degree of accuracy the
amount of money the journey might require, he could "safely say that the
sum of $500. would prove all sufficient, as our passages to the Yellow Stone
will be granted us free; and the expenses from here or from Carlisle cannot
exceed 50$ to St. Louis, and may be less." "I have given up," he added, "all
Idea of going South this season, being determined to draw quadrupeds until
a few days of my leaving home for this grand and Last Journey, I intend to
make as a Naturalist." Again, on January 31, he wrote:
It appears from the whole tenure of your letter, that that rascally
article cash is the cause which prevents you from going along with me
to the Yellowstone River and back. Now, it happens that although we
are far from being rich, we are all desirous that you should go along
with me, because we all know you, and I particularly so. Therefore, if
you will go with me, and assist me all you can, in the way of hunting,
measuring and dissecting Specimens when I am otherwise engaged,
etc. etc. I will furnish you with all that may be necessary for your
expenses, excepting your clothing and your gun or guns, as you may
have them.
Page 289
LETTER OF EDWARD HARRIS TO AUDUBON, REGARDING
HIS INTENTION OF JOINING THE EXPEDITION TO THE
UPPER MISSOURI, JANUARY 31, 1843.
From the Deane MSS.
In still another letter, of February 10, Audubon said:
That your kind mother should feel great reluctance in the
premises, does not astonish me, as my own good Wife was much
against my going on so long a Journey; but her Strong Sense of what is
best for us all, and as well as in myself, the perfect confidence that our
HIS INTENTION OF JOINING THE EXPEDITION TO THE
UPPER MISSOURI, JANUARY 31, 1843.
From the Deane MSS.
In still another letter, of February 10, Audubon said:
That your kind mother should feel great reluctance in the
premises, does not astonish me, as my own good Wife was much
against my going on so long a Journey; but her Strong Sense of what is
best for us all, and as well as in myself, the perfect confidence that our
Page 290
Maker's Will will be done, she has now no Scruples of any kind, and as
for myself I rely as much as I ever have done in the Support of the
Almighty Being who has supported and secured me against evils of all
sorts in my Various undertakings, and with this Idea at my heart, I feel
confident that although an Old Man, I could undertake any Journey
whatever, and no matter of their lengths or difficulties. But I wish you
would assure your good mother that to go to Yellow Stone River, in a
good Steamer, as passengers by the courteous offers of the President of
the American Fur Company who himself will go along with us, that the
difficulties that existed some 30 years ago in such undertakings are
now rendered as Smooth and easy as it is to go to Carlisle and return to
N. Y. as many times as would make up the Sum in Miles of about
3000: Our difficulties (if any there are) will be felt on our return; when
we must come back to St. Louis in one or 2 open boats in Sepr and part
of Octr next. The passage being longer or shorter accordingly with the
state of the Missouri at that Season.[192]
Young Baird would gladly have accompanied Audubon, but the fears of
his friends for his health and safety interposed, and the party as eventually
made up comprised, beside the naturalist, John G. Bell, as taxidermist, Isaac
Sprague, artist, Lewis Squires, general assistant and secretary, and his old
friend Edward Harris.
Audubon left his home on March 11, 1843, with Victor, who
accompanied him as far as Philadelphia, where a rendezvous was made
before starting west. The party went first to Baltimore, and by steam cars to
Cumberland, then by coach through the Gap, and across the Alleghanies to
Wheeling, where a steamer took them down river to Cincinnati. On March
19 they reached Louisville, where Audubon spent four days with his
brother-in-law, William G. Bakewell, and on the 28th they arrived at St.
Louis, where the party completed their outfit. On April 25 they began their
ascent to the Missouri, in the steamer Magnet, a small vessel belonging to
the American Fur Company, with a motley crowd of trappers, employed by
for myself I rely as much as I ever have done in the Support of the
Almighty Being who has supported and secured me against evils of all
sorts in my Various undertakings, and with this Idea at my heart, I feel
confident that although an Old Man, I could undertake any Journey
whatever, and no matter of their lengths or difficulties. But I wish you
would assure your good mother that to go to Yellow Stone River, in a
good Steamer, as passengers by the courteous offers of the President of
the American Fur Company who himself will go along with us, that the
difficulties that existed some 30 years ago in such undertakings are
now rendered as Smooth and easy as it is to go to Carlisle and return to
N. Y. as many times as would make up the Sum in Miles of about
3000: Our difficulties (if any there are) will be felt on our return; when
we must come back to St. Louis in one or 2 open boats in Sepr and part
of Octr next. The passage being longer or shorter accordingly with the
state of the Missouri at that Season.[192]
Young Baird would gladly have accompanied Audubon, but the fears of
his friends for his health and safety interposed, and the party as eventually
made up comprised, beside the naturalist, John G. Bell, as taxidermist, Isaac
Sprague, artist, Lewis Squires, general assistant and secretary, and his old
friend Edward Harris.
Audubon left his home on March 11, 1843, with Victor, who
accompanied him as far as Philadelphia, where a rendezvous was made
before starting west. The party went first to Baltimore, and by steam cars to
Cumberland, then by coach through the Gap, and across the Alleghanies to
Wheeling, where a steamer took them down river to Cincinnati. On March
19 they reached Louisville, where Audubon spent four days with his
brother-in-law, William G. Bakewell, and on the 28th they arrived at St.
Louis, where the party completed their outfit. On April 25 they began their
ascent to the Missouri, in the steamer Magnet, a small vessel belonging to
the American Fur Company, with a motley crowd of trappers, employed by
Page 291
the Company, representing French creoles, Canadian French, Indians, and
other nationalities.
During this journey, which lasted eight months, Audubon kept a
voluminous journal, which was written in a fine hand on large sheets of
linen paper that could be easily rolled and carried in his pocket; this was
afterwards sent to Bachman, was returned, and was lost for fifty years, or
until 1896, when it was recovered from an old secretary by Audubon's
granddaughters, one of whom published it in 1898.[193] It is a highly
interesting and spirited narrative from beginning to end, and abounds in
graphic pictures of the Indians and trappers, the military posts and pioneer
settlements, the abundant bird life and big game, the biggest of which, the
buffalo, was then seen by Audubon in a state of nature for the first time, the
grand and turbulent rivers, and the smiling or frowning face of the great
wilderness so soon to be changed by the devastating hands of civilized man.
What Audubon thought to be a new finch, discovered near the Snake
Hills in Missouri, was named for Edward Harris, and though it proved to
have been previously described, the bird is still known as "Harris' Finch"; a
few days later a new vireo, Vireo bellii, received the name of John G. Bell,
his taxidermist, and similar honors were passed to artist Isaac Sprague, to
whom was dedicated the little titlark, Alauda spragueii, now Anthus
spraguei.
In those days of river navigation, the frequent tying up for fuel or
necessary repairs, not to speak of grounding in a treacherous channel, gave
almost daily opportunities for the hunters to go ashore, and these occasions
seldom failed to produce something interesting, new, or rare. In the Indian
country, at Bellevue, Nebraska, where they touched to land a part of their
cargo, Audubon "saw a trick of the trade, which made him laugh. Eight
cords of wood were paid for with five tin cups of sugar and three of coffee
—value at St. Louis about twenty-five cents."
other nationalities.
During this journey, which lasted eight months, Audubon kept a
voluminous journal, which was written in a fine hand on large sheets of
linen paper that could be easily rolled and carried in his pocket; this was
afterwards sent to Bachman, was returned, and was lost for fifty years, or
until 1896, when it was recovered from an old secretary by Audubon's
granddaughters, one of whom published it in 1898.[193] It is a highly
interesting and spirited narrative from beginning to end, and abounds in
graphic pictures of the Indians and trappers, the military posts and pioneer
settlements, the abundant bird life and big game, the biggest of which, the
buffalo, was then seen by Audubon in a state of nature for the first time, the
grand and turbulent rivers, and the smiling or frowning face of the great
wilderness so soon to be changed by the devastating hands of civilized man.
What Audubon thought to be a new finch, discovered near the Snake
Hills in Missouri, was named for Edward Harris, and though it proved to
have been previously described, the bird is still known as "Harris' Finch"; a
few days later a new vireo, Vireo bellii, received the name of John G. Bell,
his taxidermist, and similar honors were passed to artist Isaac Sprague, to
whom was dedicated the little titlark, Alauda spragueii, now Anthus
spraguei.
In those days of river navigation, the frequent tying up for fuel or
necessary repairs, not to speak of grounding in a treacherous channel, gave
almost daily opportunities for the hunters to go ashore, and these occasions
seldom failed to produce something interesting, new, or rare. In the Indian
country, at Bellevue, Nebraska, where they touched to land a part of their
cargo, Audubon "saw a trick of the trade, which made him laugh. Eight
cords of wood were paid for with five tin cups of sugar and three of coffee
—value at St. Louis about twenty-five cents."
Page 292
They began to meet with buffalo about the mouth of the James River, in
South Dakota, on May 20; the ground, said Audubon, was literally covered
with their tracks, and the bushes with their hair. On the same day they
discovered "Meadow Larks whose songs and single notes were quite
different from those of the Eastern States," and this proved to be the first
notice of the Western Meadow Lark, which later appeared as the Sturnella
neglecta in the small edition of his Birds of America, then in course of
publication.
Audubon's opinion of the Indian was modified considerably after
having seen him in the western wilderness, and his confidence in George
Catlin's descriptions was completely shattered; "His book," he said, "must,
after all, be altogether a humbug. Poor devil! I pity him from the bottom of
my soul; had he studied, and kept up to the old French proverb that says,
'Bon Renommé vaut mieux que ceinture doré,' he might have become an
honest man—the quintessence of God's works."
After forty-eight days and seven hours out of St. Louis, on the 12th of
June, they reached Fort Union, at the mouth of the Yellowstone, where the
Omega left them and returned down river. The country proved so interesting
that the naturalist remained two months at the fort, where he occupied the
room which had been used by Maximilian, Prince of Neuwied, when
traveling through the western parts of America ten years before; here
Audubon made many drawings. Buffalo were abundant on all sides, and a
favorite occupation was shooting wolves from the ramparts of the fort. On
June 18 they killed two antelope and two deer before noon, and
"immediately after dinner," he said, "the head of the old male was cut off,
and I went to work outlining it; first small, with the camera lucida, and then
by squares." On the 30th he wrote: "I began drawing at five this morning,
and worked almost without cessation till after three, when becoming
fatigued for want of practice, I took a short walk, regretting that I could no
longer draw twelve or fourteen hours without a pause, or thought of
weariness."
South Dakota, on May 20; the ground, said Audubon, was literally covered
with their tracks, and the bushes with their hair. On the same day they
discovered "Meadow Larks whose songs and single notes were quite
different from those of the Eastern States," and this proved to be the first
notice of the Western Meadow Lark, which later appeared as the Sturnella
neglecta in the small edition of his Birds of America, then in course of
publication.
Audubon's opinion of the Indian was modified considerably after
having seen him in the western wilderness, and his confidence in George
Catlin's descriptions was completely shattered; "His book," he said, "must,
after all, be altogether a humbug. Poor devil! I pity him from the bottom of
my soul; had he studied, and kept up to the old French proverb that says,
'Bon Renommé vaut mieux que ceinture doré,' he might have become an
honest man—the quintessence of God's works."
After forty-eight days and seven hours out of St. Louis, on the 12th of
June, they reached Fort Union, at the mouth of the Yellowstone, where the
Omega left them and returned down river. The country proved so interesting
that the naturalist remained two months at the fort, where he occupied the
room which had been used by Maximilian, Prince of Neuwied, when
traveling through the western parts of America ten years before; here
Audubon made many drawings. Buffalo were abundant on all sides, and a
favorite occupation was shooting wolves from the ramparts of the fort. On
June 18 they killed two antelope and two deer before noon, and
"immediately after dinner," he said, "the head of the old male was cut off,
and I went to work outlining it; first small, with the camera lucida, and then
by squares." On the 30th he wrote: "I began drawing at five this morning,
and worked almost without cessation till after three, when becoming
fatigued for want of practice, I took a short walk, regretting that I could no
longer draw twelve or fourteen hours without a pause, or thought of
weariness."
Page 293
On the 15th of July they started up the shore of the Yellowstone in a
cart. The party soon had had enough of buffalo hunting, and on one day the
naturalist was nearly speared by a charging bull that had been wounded.
"What a terrible destruction of life," he says, "as it were for nothing, or next
to it, as the tongues only were brought in, and the flesh of these fine animals
was left to beasts and birds of prey, or to rot on the spots where they fell.
The prairies are literally covered with the skulls of the victims, and the
roads the Buffalo make in crossing the prairies have all the appearance of
heavy wagon tracks." Foreseeing the departure of the buffalo, he wrote:
One can hardly conceive how it happens, notwithstanding these
many deaths and the immense numbers that are murdered almost daily
on these boundless wastes called prairies, besides the hosts that are
drowned in the freshets, and the hundreds of young calves who die in
early spring, so many are yet to be found. Daily we see so many that
we hardly notice them more than the cattle in our pastures about our
homes. But this cannot last; even now there is a perceptible difference
in the size of the herds, and before many years the Buffalo, like the
Great Auk, will have disappeared.
On the 9th of August he added: "I have scarcely done anything but
write this day, and my memorandum books are now crowded with sketches,
measurements, and descriptions." Those who maintain that a "howling
wilderness" is a place that never howls, should read his note for August 19:
"Wolves howling, and bulls roaring, just like the long continued roll of a
hundred drums"; or this for the 21st: "Buffaloes all over the bars and
prairies, and many swimming; the roaring can be heard for miles."
At Fort Union they built a Mackinaw barge forty feet long, which they
christened the "Union," and on the 16th of August they started for St. Louis,
which was reached in safety on the 19th of October. There they unloaded,
and "sent all things to Nicholas Berthoud's warehouse." "Reached home,"
said Audubon, "at 3 p. m., November 6th, 1843, and thank God, found all
my family quite well."
cart. The party soon had had enough of buffalo hunting, and on one day the
naturalist was nearly speared by a charging bull that had been wounded.
"What a terrible destruction of life," he says, "as it were for nothing, or next
to it, as the tongues only were brought in, and the flesh of these fine animals
was left to beasts and birds of prey, or to rot on the spots where they fell.
The prairies are literally covered with the skulls of the victims, and the
roads the Buffalo make in crossing the prairies have all the appearance of
heavy wagon tracks." Foreseeing the departure of the buffalo, he wrote:
One can hardly conceive how it happens, notwithstanding these
many deaths and the immense numbers that are murdered almost daily
on these boundless wastes called prairies, besides the hosts that are
drowned in the freshets, and the hundreds of young calves who die in
early spring, so many are yet to be found. Daily we see so many that
we hardly notice them more than the cattle in our pastures about our
homes. But this cannot last; even now there is a perceptible difference
in the size of the herds, and before many years the Buffalo, like the
Great Auk, will have disappeared.
On the 9th of August he added: "I have scarcely done anything but
write this day, and my memorandum books are now crowded with sketches,
measurements, and descriptions." Those who maintain that a "howling
wilderness" is a place that never howls, should read his note for August 19:
"Wolves howling, and bulls roaring, just like the long continued roll of a
hundred drums"; or this for the 21st: "Buffaloes all over the bars and
prairies, and many swimming; the roaring can be heard for miles."
At Fort Union they built a Mackinaw barge forty feet long, which they
christened the "Union," and on the 16th of August they started for St. Louis,
which was reached in safety on the 19th of October. There they unloaded,
and "sent all things to Nicholas Berthoud's warehouse." "Reached home,"
said Audubon, "at 3 p. m., November 6th, 1843, and thank God, found all
my family quite well."
Page 294
When Audubon was returning by the canal route from Pittsburgh to
Philadelphia, he was sought out by a young traveler, who afterwards related
the following incident.[194] The naturalist, he was told, was under "a huge
pile of green blankets and fur," which he had already noticed on one of the
benches, and had taken for the fat pile of some western trader. Having
waived his choice of a berth in Audubon's favor, he observed that "the green
bale stirred a little,—half turned upon its narrow resting place, and after a
while sat erect, and showed us, to our no small surprise, that a man was
inside of it. A patriarchal beard fell white and wavy down his breast; a pair
of hawk-like eyes glanced sharply out of a fuzzy shroud of cap and collar."
When this stranger, drawn by a sense of irrepressible curiosity, had ventured
near enough to recognize the "noble Roman countenance" thus obscured, he
saw that it was Audubon in his wilderness dress; he was "hale and erect,
with sixty winters upon his shoulders, and like one of his old eagles,
feathered to the heel." Audubon's conversation, said this writer, was
impulsive and fragmentary, but he showed him with pleasure some of his
original drawings of animals, as well as a living collection of foxes, badgers
and Rocky Mountain deer, which he was bringing home.
To follow this narrator further:
The confinement we were subjected to on board the canal-boat
was very tiresome to his habits of freedom. We used to get ashore and
walk for hours along the tow-path ahead of the boat; and I observed
with astonishment that, though over sixty, he could walk us down with
ease.... His physical energies seemed to be entirely unimpaired....
Another striking evidence of this he gave us. A number of us were
standing grouped around him on the top of the boat, one clear sunshiny
morning; we were at the time passing through a broken and very
picturesque region; his keen eyes, with an abstracted, intense
expression, peculiar to them, were glancing over the scenery we were
gliding through, when suddenly he pointed with his finger towards the
fence of a field, about two hundred yards off. "See! Yonder is a Fox
Philadelphia, he was sought out by a young traveler, who afterwards related
the following incident.[194] The naturalist, he was told, was under "a huge
pile of green blankets and fur," which he had already noticed on one of the
benches, and had taken for the fat pile of some western trader. Having
waived his choice of a berth in Audubon's favor, he observed that "the green
bale stirred a little,—half turned upon its narrow resting place, and after a
while sat erect, and showed us, to our no small surprise, that a man was
inside of it. A patriarchal beard fell white and wavy down his breast; a pair
of hawk-like eyes glanced sharply out of a fuzzy shroud of cap and collar."
When this stranger, drawn by a sense of irrepressible curiosity, had ventured
near enough to recognize the "noble Roman countenance" thus obscured, he
saw that it was Audubon in his wilderness dress; he was "hale and erect,
with sixty winters upon his shoulders, and like one of his old eagles,
feathered to the heel." Audubon's conversation, said this writer, was
impulsive and fragmentary, but he showed him with pleasure some of his
original drawings of animals, as well as a living collection of foxes, badgers
and Rocky Mountain deer, which he was bringing home.
To follow this narrator further:
The confinement we were subjected to on board the canal-boat
was very tiresome to his habits of freedom. We used to get ashore and
walk for hours along the tow-path ahead of the boat; and I observed
with astonishment that, though over sixty, he could walk us down with
ease.... His physical energies seemed to be entirely unimpaired....
Another striking evidence of this he gave us. A number of us were
standing grouped around him on the top of the boat, one clear sunshiny
morning; we were at the time passing through a broken and very
picturesque region; his keen eyes, with an abstracted, intense
expression, peculiar to them, were glancing over the scenery we were
gliding through, when suddenly he pointed with his finger towards the
fence of a field, about two hundred yards off. "See! Yonder is a Fox
Page 295
Squirrel, running along the top rail. It is not often I have seen them in
Pennsylvania." Now his power of vision must have been singularly
acute, to have distinguished that it was a Fox Squirrel; for only one
other person ... detected the creature at all.
The second Mrs. Victor G. Audubon[195] said that on the day the
naturalist returned, "the whole family, with his old friend, Captain
Cummings, were on the piazza waiting for the carriage to come from
Harlem.... He had on a green blanket coat with fur collar and cuffs; his hair
and beard were very long, and he made a fine striking appearance. In this
dress his son John painted his portrait."[196] This interesting portrait, which
is still in possession of the family, and which is reproduced by his
granddaughter in the work from which we have just quoted, shows a man
whose apparent age, as suggested by his flowing white hair and grayish
white beard, overshoots the clearer testimony of his smooth face and bright
eye; as already noticed, Audubon had not then attained his sixtieth year.
Upon his return at this time Audubon is said to have been mistaken for
a Dunker, or member of a sect of Quakers noted for their ample beards. On
November 29 Bachman wrote: "I am glad to hear that your great beard is
now cut off. I pictured you to myself, as I saw you in my home, when you
came from Florida, via Savannah. You jumped down from the top of the
stage. Your beard, two months old, was as gray as a Badger's. I think a
grizzly-bear, forty-seven years old, would have claimed you as 'par nobile
fratrum.'" Bachman was apparently disturbed about Audubon's personal
habits at this time, for he added in the letter just quoted: "I am a teatotaler. I
drink no wine, and do not use snuff. I hope that you are able to say the
same."[197]
Spencer Baird wrote to Audubon from Washington, November 24,
1843, to congratulate him upon the safe return of his western party, saying:
"From time to time short notices of your whereabouts and doings appeared
in the newspaper and a thousand times I wished that the fears of my friends
Pennsylvania." Now his power of vision must have been singularly
acute, to have distinguished that it was a Fox Squirrel; for only one
other person ... detected the creature at all.
The second Mrs. Victor G. Audubon[195] said that on the day the
naturalist returned, "the whole family, with his old friend, Captain
Cummings, were on the piazza waiting for the carriage to come from
Harlem.... He had on a green blanket coat with fur collar and cuffs; his hair
and beard were very long, and he made a fine striking appearance. In this
dress his son John painted his portrait."[196] This interesting portrait, which
is still in possession of the family, and which is reproduced by his
granddaughter in the work from which we have just quoted, shows a man
whose apparent age, as suggested by his flowing white hair and grayish
white beard, overshoots the clearer testimony of his smooth face and bright
eye; as already noticed, Audubon had not then attained his sixtieth year.
Upon his return at this time Audubon is said to have been mistaken for
a Dunker, or member of a sect of Quakers noted for their ample beards. On
November 29 Bachman wrote: "I am glad to hear that your great beard is
now cut off. I pictured you to myself, as I saw you in my home, when you
came from Florida, via Savannah. You jumped down from the top of the
stage. Your beard, two months old, was as gray as a Badger's. I think a
grizzly-bear, forty-seven years old, would have claimed you as 'par nobile
fratrum.'" Bachman was apparently disturbed about Audubon's personal
habits at this time, for he added in the letter just quoted: "I am a teatotaler. I
drink no wine, and do not use snuff. I hope that you are able to say the
same."[197]
Spencer Baird wrote to Audubon from Washington, November 24,
1843, to congratulate him upon the safe return of his western party, saying:
"From time to time short notices of your whereabouts and doings appeared
in the newspaper and a thousand times I wished that the fears of my friends
Page 296
had not prevented me from accompanying you to the scenes of action."
Audubon thought that he might well regret the difficulties that had stood in
his way; in replying he said that he had seen "not one Rattlesnake and heard
not a Word of bilious fever, or [experienced] anything more troublesome
than Moschitoes and of these by no means many"; they had brought home a
Swift Fox, an American Badger, and a live Deer, which they thought might
prove to be new, fifteen new birds, as well as a certain number of
quadrupeds, besides "many of the Birds procured on the Western side of the
Big Rocky Hills by Nuttall and Townsend." He felt that much still remained
to be done, his only regret being that he was not what he "was 25 Years ago,
Strong and Active, for willing he was as much as ever."
In 1844 Audubon brought to a close his octavo edition of the Birds by
adding seventeen species, eleven of which were new and represented his
discoveries on the Upper Missouri of the previous year. The 500th plate,
and last of the series which marked the end of Audubon's life-long labors in
ornithology, was dedicated to "Baird's Bunting," Emberiza bairdii. "If a
trace of sentiment be permissible in bibliography," said Elliott Coues,[198] "I
should say that the completion of that splendid series of plates with the
name bairdii was significant; the glorious Audubonian sun had set indeed,
but in the dedicating of the species to his young friend Spencer F. Baird the
scepter was handed to one who was to wield it with a force that no other
ornithologist of America has ever exercised."
Audubon thought that he might well regret the difficulties that had stood in
his way; in replying he said that he had seen "not one Rattlesnake and heard
not a Word of bilious fever, or [experienced] anything more troublesome
than Moschitoes and of these by no means many"; they had brought home a
Swift Fox, an American Badger, and a live Deer, which they thought might
prove to be new, fifteen new birds, as well as a certain number of
quadrupeds, besides "many of the Birds procured on the Western side of the
Big Rocky Hills by Nuttall and Townsend." He felt that much still remained
to be done, his only regret being that he was not what he "was 25 Years ago,
Strong and Active, for willing he was as much as ever."
In 1844 Audubon brought to a close his octavo edition of the Birds by
adding seventeen species, eleven of which were new and represented his
discoveries on the Upper Missouri of the previous year. The 500th plate,
and last of the series which marked the end of Audubon's life-long labors in
ornithology, was dedicated to "Baird's Bunting," Emberiza bairdii. "If a
trace of sentiment be permissible in bibliography," said Elliott Coues,[198] "I
should say that the completion of that splendid series of plates with the
name bairdii was significant; the glorious Audubonian sun had set indeed,
but in the dedicating of the species to his young friend Spencer F. Baird the
scepter was handed to one who was to wield it with a force that no other
ornithologist of America has ever exercised."
Page 297
Page 298
CHAPTER XXXV
FINAL WORK DAYS
Painting the Quadrupeds—Assistance of Bachman and Audubon's sons—Copper plates of the Birds
go through the fire in New York—Audubon a spectator at the ruins—Bachman's ultimatum—
Success of the illustrations of the Quadrupeds—Bachman's letterpress—Recommendation of
Baird—John W. Audubon in London—Bachman's assistants—His life and labors—Decline of
Audubon's powers—Dr. Brewer's visit—Audubon's last letters—His death at "Minnie's Land."
After 1844 Audubon's remaining energies were devoted exclusively to
his work on the Quadrupeds, in which it is necessary to discriminate
between the large folio of illustrations, which began to appear, in parts, as
early as 1842 and which was completed in 1846; the text, of which he lived
to see but one volume finished; and lastly, the first and only composite
edition of both text and plates, which was published by Victor Audubon in
1854.[199] This series of works, as already noticed, was produced in
collaboration with the Reverend John Bachman, of Charleston, South
Carolina; Bachman assumed entire responsibility for the text, but owing to
his comparative isolation from large libraries, and to the demands of
professional duties, he depended on the Audubons to supply him with
specimens and books.
Honest John Bachman, whose motto was, "Nature, Truth, and no
Humbug," was suffering sadly, he said, from lack of tools, when he wrote to
Victor Audubon in November, 1844:[200]
The books are to be found in New York and Philadelphia, but are
expensive. I would not have you buy them; but could you not copy for
FINAL WORK DAYS
Painting the Quadrupeds—Assistance of Bachman and Audubon's sons—Copper plates of the Birds
go through the fire in New York—Audubon a spectator at the ruins—Bachman's ultimatum—
Success of the illustrations of the Quadrupeds—Bachman's letterpress—Recommendation of
Baird—John W. Audubon in London—Bachman's assistants—His life and labors—Decline of
Audubon's powers—Dr. Brewer's visit—Audubon's last letters—His death at "Minnie's Land."
After 1844 Audubon's remaining energies were devoted exclusively to
his work on the Quadrupeds, in which it is necessary to discriminate
between the large folio of illustrations, which began to appear, in parts, as
early as 1842 and which was completed in 1846; the text, of which he lived
to see but one volume finished; and lastly, the first and only composite
edition of both text and plates, which was published by Victor Audubon in
1854.[199] This series of works, as already noticed, was produced in
collaboration with the Reverend John Bachman, of Charleston, South
Carolina; Bachman assumed entire responsibility for the text, but owing to
his comparative isolation from large libraries, and to the demands of
professional duties, he depended on the Audubons to supply him with
specimens and books.
Honest John Bachman, whose motto was, "Nature, Truth, and no
Humbug," was suffering sadly, he said, from lack of tools, when he wrote to
Victor Audubon in November, 1844:[200]
The books are to be found in New York and Philadelphia, but are
expensive. I would not have you buy them; but could you not copy for
Page 299
me such articles as we need?
I enclose my plan. I wish always, a month before the time, that
you would give me notice of the species you intend to put into the
hands of the engraver, and send me, at the same time, the specimen. I
cannot describe without it; I will guess at nothing.
I find the labor greater than I expected, and fear that I may break
down and, therefore, cry in time, "Help me Cassius or I sink!" Writing
descriptions is slow and fatiguing work. I cannot, in the careful manner
that I am doing them write more than three in a week. My son-in-law,
Haskell, has copied forty-two closely written pages for me. I cannot
shorten the articles, many of them I ought rather to lengthen. With
patience and the help of all, I hope, however, to get on—the work may
be lighter as we proceed.
The following is my daily practice: I am up at 4 A. M., and work
till breakfast, and recently, when parochial duties would permit, have
kept on until 3 P. M.
The brush of my old friend, Audubon, is a truth-teller. I regard his
drawings as the best in the world. Let us be very careful to correct any
errors of description that have crept in on the plates—I see a few in the
lettering—they can be corrected in the letter-press; and let us be so
cautious as to have nothing in the future to correct. There is but one
principle on which a just man can act; that is, always to seek the truth
and to abide by it.
Bachman wrote again on the 29th of that month:
About the little mouse—I cannot see a needle in a haystack; or
give it a name without knowing what it is. Friend, descriptions cannot
be written, as a man works at making Jews-harps—so many a dozen in
a given time. My credit, as well as your father's, is so deeply
concerned, that I will not publish a day before I am ready....
I enclose my plan. I wish always, a month before the time, that
you would give me notice of the species you intend to put into the
hands of the engraver, and send me, at the same time, the specimen. I
cannot describe without it; I will guess at nothing.
I find the labor greater than I expected, and fear that I may break
down and, therefore, cry in time, "Help me Cassius or I sink!" Writing
descriptions is slow and fatiguing work. I cannot, in the careful manner
that I am doing them write more than three in a week. My son-in-law,
Haskell, has copied forty-two closely written pages for me. I cannot
shorten the articles, many of them I ought rather to lengthen. With
patience and the help of all, I hope, however, to get on—the work may
be lighter as we proceed.
The following is my daily practice: I am up at 4 A. M., and work
till breakfast, and recently, when parochial duties would permit, have
kept on until 3 P. M.
The brush of my old friend, Audubon, is a truth-teller. I regard his
drawings as the best in the world. Let us be very careful to correct any
errors of description that have crept in on the plates—I see a few in the
lettering—they can be corrected in the letter-press; and let us be so
cautious as to have nothing in the future to correct. There is but one
principle on which a just man can act; that is, always to seek the truth
and to abide by it.
Bachman wrote again on the 29th of that month:
About the little mouse—I cannot see a needle in a haystack; or
give it a name without knowing what it is. Friend, descriptions cannot
be written, as a man works at making Jews-harps—so many a dozen in
a given time. My credit, as well as your father's, is so deeply
concerned, that I will not publish a day before I am ready....
Page 300
I have such confidence in you, that I believe that you will do all
that I wish. In doing this, however, you will have your hands full.
Mine are so—God knows! Will not my old friend, Audubon, wake up,
and work as he used to do, when we banged at the Herons and the
fresh water Marsh-hens?
Bachman explained that he was the "schoolmaster," and when the boys
were a little lazy, he would have to apply the whip.
In March, 1844, Spencer Baird sent Audubon a live Pennant's Marten
or Fisher, a rather rare animal even at that time, and now all but extinct.
Said Baird:[201]
It was found in company with an older one, in Peter's mountain,
six miles above Harrisburg about five weeks ago. After a most
desperate resistance the old one was killed, having beaten off a large
pack of dogs, to whose assistance the hunters were obliged to run. This
individual ran up a tree, and being stoned by the men, jumped off to a
distance of forty feet! when being a little stunned by the leap they ran
up quickly and threw their coats over it, and then secured it. The old
one measured three feet and a half from nose to end of tail, and was
about one third larger than this.... It seems to be in very good health,
and is without exception the most unmitigatedly savage beast I ever
saw. The Royal Bengal Tiger, or the Laughing Hyena are neither of
them circumstances to it.
Audubon used this marten as the model for his illustration of the
species (shown in natural size, Plate xli of the Quadrupeds); in noticing its
habits later, he said:[202]
We kept this individual alive for some days, feeding it on raw
meat, pieces of chicken, and now and then a bird. It was voracious, and
very spiteful, growling, snarling and spitting when approached, but did
not appear to suffer much uneasiness from being held in captivity, as,
that I wish. In doing this, however, you will have your hands full.
Mine are so—God knows! Will not my old friend, Audubon, wake up,
and work as he used to do, when we banged at the Herons and the
fresh water Marsh-hens?
Bachman explained that he was the "schoolmaster," and when the boys
were a little lazy, he would have to apply the whip.
In March, 1844, Spencer Baird sent Audubon a live Pennant's Marten
or Fisher, a rather rare animal even at that time, and now all but extinct.
Said Baird:[201]
It was found in company with an older one, in Peter's mountain,
six miles above Harrisburg about five weeks ago. After a most
desperate resistance the old one was killed, having beaten off a large
pack of dogs, to whose assistance the hunters were obliged to run. This
individual ran up a tree, and being stoned by the men, jumped off to a
distance of forty feet! when being a little stunned by the leap they ran
up quickly and threw their coats over it, and then secured it. The old
one measured three feet and a half from nose to end of tail, and was
about one third larger than this.... It seems to be in very good health,
and is without exception the most unmitigatedly savage beast I ever
saw. The Royal Bengal Tiger, or the Laughing Hyena are neither of
them circumstances to it.
Audubon used this marten as the model for his illustration of the
species (shown in natural size, Plate xli of the Quadrupeds); in noticing its
habits later, he said:[202]
We kept this individual alive for some days, feeding it on raw
meat, pieces of chicken, and now and then a bird. It was voracious, and
very spiteful, growling, snarling and spitting when approached, but did
not appear to suffer much uneasiness from being held in captivity, as,
Page 301
like many other predacious quadrupeds it grew fat, being better
supplied with food than when it had been obliged to cater for itself in
the woods.
Baird also tried to secure for Audubon the "far-famed catamount" alive,
which, from stories related by hunters, he thought might be different from
the young of the panther or puma, and also a specimen of the true black fox
in the flesh; though unsuccessful in either quest, his efficient aid was
greatly appreciated by his friend. In February, 1845, Baird paid a visit to the
Audubons at their Hudson River home, where he was warmly received; as
his biographer relates,[203] upon leaving he was invited to select any
duplicate bird skins he desired from the naturalist's collection, then at John
G. Bell's taxidermist shop in New York; he accepted this generous offer, and
chose about forty specimens.
It is evident that some trouble-maker had disturbed the serenity of John
Bachman's mind when the following interesting letter was written by
Audubon to balm the feelings of his old friend. It is evident that Audubon at
this time expected to collaborate in the letterpress of their work, but that
plan, according to Bachman's own statement, was never carried out:
supplied with food than when it had been obliged to cater for itself in
the woods.
Baird also tried to secure for Audubon the "far-famed catamount" alive,
which, from stories related by hunters, he thought might be different from
the young of the panther or puma, and also a specimen of the true black fox
in the flesh; though unsuccessful in either quest, his efficient aid was
greatly appreciated by his friend. In February, 1845, Baird paid a visit to the
Audubons at their Hudson River home, where he was warmly received; as
his biographer relates,[203] upon leaving he was invited to select any
duplicate bird skins he desired from the naturalist's collection, then at John
G. Bell's taxidermist shop in New York; he accepted this generous offer, and
chose about forty specimens.
It is evident that some trouble-maker had disturbed the serenity of John
Bachman's mind when the following interesting letter was written by
Audubon to balm the feelings of his old friend. It is evident that Audubon at
this time expected to collaborate in the letterpress of their work, but that
plan, according to Bachman's own statement, was never carried out:
Page 302
DRAWINGS FOR "THE VIVIPAROUS QUADRUPEDS OF
NORTH AMERICA": ABOVE, AMERICAN PORCUPINE,
DATED "NEW YORK, MARCH 6, 1842," AND PUBLISHED IN
1844; BELOW, RABBITS.
After the originals in water color in possession of the American
Museum of Natural History, New York.
Audubon to John Bachman
[Minnie's Land] Jan. 8, 1845.
My dear friend
NORTH AMERICA": ABOVE, AMERICAN PORCUPINE,
DATED "NEW YORK, MARCH 6, 1842," AND PUBLISHED IN
1844; BELOW, RABBITS.
After the originals in water color in possession of the American
Museum of Natural History, New York.
Audubon to John Bachman
[Minnie's Land] Jan. 8, 1845.
My dear friend
Page 303
Never have I been so much astonished as I have been at reading
your letter to Victor, and to which I feel myself bound to answer at
once.
In the first place you must have been most unmercifully misled by
the "mutual friend" of whom you speak, when saying that through that
individual you did understand that I never used your name as a
coadjutor in the work, which is now publishing on the Quadrupeds of
North America under the names of both I and you—Why you should
have taken such a report or saying as truth is actually beyond my most
remote thought, and again, why did you not long ago, write to me at
once on this mysterious subject.
But to put an end to all this stuff, let me assure you that nothing of
the kind has ever taken place, and this I could well prove by upwards
of one hundred of our last subscribers, all of whom would be ready to
testify that before receiving their names on my list, I always mentioned
your name to each of them, and many that know you were glad that I
had so good and so learned a man at my elbow—I should amazingly
be glad to know who the "mutual friend" is, as I think I could give him
a lesson on propriety, being a mutual friend, that would serve that kind
gentleman for the residue of his life—But enough of this, and all that I
am sorry for is that you should not have answered "my short letters," in
some of which I particularly requested you to forward me a fine black
bear and one or two wolves, by which you would have saved me fully
fifty dollars as I have had to pay sixty dollars for two of these vile
rascals, and two hundred dollars for a pair of Elks besides paying the
highest of prices to draw other animals—
Now my friend I wish you would set in real earnest, and whenever
it is convenient to you in preparing the letter-press for our work. I have
made a beginning and have written Ten articles already in — days, to
wit all the plates of No 1, and the first of No 2 which are as follows—
your letter to Victor, and to which I feel myself bound to answer at
once.
In the first place you must have been most unmercifully misled by
the "mutual friend" of whom you speak, when saying that through that
individual you did understand that I never used your name as a
coadjutor in the work, which is now publishing on the Quadrupeds of
North America under the names of both I and you—Why you should
have taken such a report or saying as truth is actually beyond my most
remote thought, and again, why did you not long ago, write to me at
once on this mysterious subject.
But to put an end to all this stuff, let me assure you that nothing of
the kind has ever taken place, and this I could well prove by upwards
of one hundred of our last subscribers, all of whom would be ready to
testify that before receiving their names on my list, I always mentioned
your name to each of them, and many that know you were glad that I
had so good and so learned a man at my elbow—I should amazingly
be glad to know who the "mutual friend" is, as I think I could give him
a lesson on propriety, being a mutual friend, that would serve that kind
gentleman for the residue of his life—But enough of this, and all that I
am sorry for is that you should not have answered "my short letters," in
some of which I particularly requested you to forward me a fine black
bear and one or two wolves, by which you would have saved me fully
fifty dollars as I have had to pay sixty dollars for two of these vile
rascals, and two hundred dollars for a pair of Elks besides paying the
highest of prices to draw other animals—
Now my friend I wish you would set in real earnest, and whenever
it is convenient to you in preparing the letter-press for our work. I have
made a beginning and have written Ten articles already in — days, to
wit all the plates of No 1, and the first of No 2 which are as follows—
Page 304
Lynx Rufus—Wild-Cat
Arctomys monax—Maryland Marmot
Lepus Townsendii
Neotoma Floridana
Sciurus Richardsonii
Canis (Vulpes) fulvus
The Beaver
The history of the Bison 28 pages
and Fiber Zybethicus (muskrat) 12 pages,
Tamias quadrivittatus
This will shew you that I have not been very Idle since I began
and I should like to know from you, whether you would like to see
what I have said of these, as if you do, I will have them copied as soon
as I receive your letter, and will forward the whole, and the additional
written in the interim, at the same time. I have a beautiful drawing of a
fine male moose, that of the Elk is already engraved, and next week we
will forward to the engraver no less than five or six drawings of the
best quality. by the way I am sorry that you should look upon the
Texan Skunk as a bad figure. The animal is an ungraceful one in its
Singular Colouring, but it is nevertheless quite true to nature, with all
its specific characters to a T.
Victor wrote to you that I was anxious to have your opinion about
the Title page and I hope you will send me your ideas forthwith on that
subject. I send you now by mail a long article about our work which I
conceive and hope will prove to you that the "mutual friend" knew but
very little of my feelings or actions or sayings as regards you—
I really & most truly regret that you should have been put out, and
mis-led about this our work by a third party, who must to say the least
of it [have] abused your credulity to the very extreme.
However, the sooner forgotten, the sooner mended. it is with
deeply felt regret from every one of my Family that we read the
Arctomys monax—Maryland Marmot
Lepus Townsendii
Neotoma Floridana
Sciurus Richardsonii
Canis (Vulpes) fulvus
The Beaver
The history of the Bison 28 pages
and Fiber Zybethicus (muskrat) 12 pages,
Tamias quadrivittatus
This will shew you that I have not been very Idle since I began
and I should like to know from you, whether you would like to see
what I have said of these, as if you do, I will have them copied as soon
as I receive your letter, and will forward the whole, and the additional
written in the interim, at the same time. I have a beautiful drawing of a
fine male moose, that of the Elk is already engraved, and next week we
will forward to the engraver no less than five or six drawings of the
best quality. by the way I am sorry that you should look upon the
Texan Skunk as a bad figure. The animal is an ungraceful one in its
Singular Colouring, but it is nevertheless quite true to nature, with all
its specific characters to a T.
Victor wrote to you that I was anxious to have your opinion about
the Title page and I hope you will send me your ideas forthwith on that
subject. I send you now by mail a long article about our work which I
conceive and hope will prove to you that the "mutual friend" knew but
very little of my feelings or actions or sayings as regards you—
I really & most truly regret that you should have been put out, and
mis-led about this our work by a third party, who must to say the least
of it [have] abused your credulity to the very extreme.
However, the sooner forgotten, the sooner mended. it is with
deeply felt regret from every one of my Family that we read the
Page 305
account in your letter of the condition of your dear wife, but hope that
she will accompany you early next spring to visit our humble but
comfortable residence. Now do Come! Present our joint regards to
every one of your family, and believe me when I say that none will
ever feel more delighted than I, to hear of the welfare of the beautiful
"Rabbit"—
And now that I am exceedingly fatigued, having been writing for
upwards of seven hours, I will wish you good night & all the blessings
that God may grant to [the] good man and to every member of his
family—Do not forget me near your Sweet heart.
Your ever faithfully attached &
Sincere friend
J. J. A.
In July, 1845, a destructive fire devastated a large section of the city of
New York, including the warehouse in which the copperplates of Audubon's
Birds were stored; many believed that the plates had been ruined, and one
of these was the writer who after witnessing the event gave the following
dramatic account:[204]
But who had lost most of all that pale crowd that hung like ghosts
around the scene, and gazed with watery eyes, and blue compressed
lips, over the ruin? An erect old man, with long white hair, glanced his
strong bright eye as coldly over the glowing, smoking desolation, as an
eagle would, who watched the sunrise chasing mists up from the
valley. J. J. Audubon looks over the grave of the labor of forty years!
The Plates of the Birds of America are buried beneath those
smoldering piles! Ye money changers dare not break the stillness with
a sob, though the last cent of your sordid hoards be gone! ... go away!
Ye have lost nothing!... Yet that dauntless old man is not dismayed; he
she will accompany you early next spring to visit our humble but
comfortable residence. Now do Come! Present our joint regards to
every one of your family, and believe me when I say that none will
ever feel more delighted than I, to hear of the welfare of the beautiful
"Rabbit"—
And now that I am exceedingly fatigued, having been writing for
upwards of seven hours, I will wish you good night & all the blessings
that God may grant to [the] good man and to every member of his
family—Do not forget me near your Sweet heart.
Your ever faithfully attached &
Sincere friend
J. J. A.
In July, 1845, a destructive fire devastated a large section of the city of
New York, including the warehouse in which the copperplates of Audubon's
Birds were stored; many believed that the plates had been ruined, and one
of these was the writer who after witnessing the event gave the following
dramatic account:[204]
But who had lost most of all that pale crowd that hung like ghosts
around the scene, and gazed with watery eyes, and blue compressed
lips, over the ruin? An erect old man, with long white hair, glanced his
strong bright eye as coldly over the glowing, smoking desolation, as an
eagle would, who watched the sunrise chasing mists up from the
valley. J. J. Audubon looks over the grave of the labor of forty years!
The Plates of the Birds of America are buried beneath those
smoldering piles! Ye money changers dare not break the stillness with
a sob, though the last cent of your sordid hoards be gone! ... go away!
Ye have lost nothing!... Yet that dauntless old man is not dismayed; he
Page 306
and Fate knew each other's faces in battle long ago. Let those who
know how to love and venerate such labors—to sympathize with such
grievous calamities, exhibit it in their prompt patronage of the new
work now issuing—The Quadrupeds of America—and in the care
which shall be taken to preserve the volumes of the Plates of the Birds,
now in existence—the value of which will be five-fold increased!
When Baird heard the untoward news, he wrote from Carlisle, August
4, 1845: "It is with sincerest regret that I see by the papers that your copper
plates were injured or perhaps ruined by the fire which occurred a few
weeks ago. Various reports are circulated respecting your loss, and among
so many contradictory ones it is difficult to get at the truth of the case.
Might I ask you to let me know the truth of the matter." In a postscript to
this letter he added: "I forgot to say that I have been elected professor of
Natural History in Dickinson College. The situation is entirely nominal,
nothing to do & no salary whatever." Audubon replied promptly on the 7th
of August:[205] "You have been too well-informed about the plates of our
large work. They have indeed passed through the great fire of the 19 ul°;
but we are now engaged in trying to restore them to their wonted former
existence; although a few of them will have to be reingraved for use, if ever
that work is republished in its original size at all."
Bachman, who paid a long visit to the Audubons in the late summer or
early autumn of 1845, said that while he was at "Minnie's Land," Audubon
painted "Le Conte's Pine Mouse" with his usual facility and skill, but he
detected a change in his mental powers. For a long time Bachman had
complained of the want of books, which the younger Audubons failed to
supply, and of lack of specimens, which no doubt their father wished to
retain for use in his own studies, until at length his patience was gone and
he tried another form of appeal. The following letter[206] to their mutual
friend, Edward Harris, shows that he was then determined to throw up the
responsibility which had been assumed in the Quadrupeds unless what he
regarded as "reasonable requests" were complied with forthwith:
know how to love and venerate such labors—to sympathize with such
grievous calamities, exhibit it in their prompt patronage of the new
work now issuing—The Quadrupeds of America—and in the care
which shall be taken to preserve the volumes of the Plates of the Birds,
now in existence—the value of which will be five-fold increased!
When Baird heard the untoward news, he wrote from Carlisle, August
4, 1845: "It is with sincerest regret that I see by the papers that your copper
plates were injured or perhaps ruined by the fire which occurred a few
weeks ago. Various reports are circulated respecting your loss, and among
so many contradictory ones it is difficult to get at the truth of the case.
Might I ask you to let me know the truth of the matter." In a postscript to
this letter he added: "I forgot to say that I have been elected professor of
Natural History in Dickinson College. The situation is entirely nominal,
nothing to do & no salary whatever." Audubon replied promptly on the 7th
of August:[205] "You have been too well-informed about the plates of our
large work. They have indeed passed through the great fire of the 19 ul°;
but we are now engaged in trying to restore them to their wonted former
existence; although a few of them will have to be reingraved for use, if ever
that work is republished in its original size at all."
Bachman, who paid a long visit to the Audubons in the late summer or
early autumn of 1845, said that while he was at "Minnie's Land," Audubon
painted "Le Conte's Pine Mouse" with his usual facility and skill, but he
detected a change in his mental powers. For a long time Bachman had
complained of the want of books, which the younger Audubons failed to
supply, and of lack of specimens, which no doubt their father wished to
retain for use in his own studies, until at length his patience was gone and
he tried another form of appeal. The following letter[206] to their mutual
friend, Edward Harris, shows that he was then determined to throw up the
responsibility which had been assumed in the Quadrupeds unless what he
regarded as "reasonable requests" were complied with forthwith:
Page 307
John Bachman to Edward Harris
Charleston, Decem. 24, 1845.
Friend Harris, you can be of service to me, to the Audubons & the
cause of science. I will tell you how.
I find the Audubons are not aware of what is wanted in the
publication of the Quadrupeds. All they care about is to get out a No.
of engravings in two months. They have not sent me one single book
out of a list of 100 I gave them and only 6 lines copied from a book
after having written for them for 4 years. When he published his birds
he collected hundreds of thousands of specimens. In his Quadrupeds—
tell it not in Gath—He never collected or sent me one skin from New
York to Louisiana along the whole of the Atlantic States. Now he is
clamorous for the letter press—on many of the Quadrupeds he has not
sent me one line & and on others he has omitted even the geographical
range—I know nothing of what he did in the West having never
received his journal & not twenty lines on the subject. I am to write a
book without the information he promised to give—without books of
reference & above all what is a sine qua non to me without specimens.
In the meantime my name is attached to the book, and the public look
to us to settle our American species, and alas I have not the materials
to do so.
Now this you can do for me. I am willing to write every
description and every line of the book. I do it without fee or reward.
But—1. Books of reference or copies of them he must obtain. 2. He
must publish no species without my approbation. He has made some
sad mistakes already. 3. He must procure such information as I shall
write for. 4. He must send some person—say when John returns—to
make a tour for collecting specimens through the states of the west
especially. I find the smaller Rodentia differing every 600 miles.
Richardson's species differ from those of New York—ours are once
Charleston, Decem. 24, 1845.
Friend Harris, you can be of service to me, to the Audubons & the
cause of science. I will tell you how.
I find the Audubons are not aware of what is wanted in the
publication of the Quadrupeds. All they care about is to get out a No.
of engravings in two months. They have not sent me one single book
out of a list of 100 I gave them and only 6 lines copied from a book
after having written for them for 4 years. When he published his birds
he collected hundreds of thousands of specimens. In his Quadrupeds—
tell it not in Gath—He never collected or sent me one skin from New
York to Louisiana along the whole of the Atlantic States. Now he is
clamorous for the letter press—on many of the Quadrupeds he has not
sent me one line & and on others he has omitted even the geographical
range—I know nothing of what he did in the West having never
received his journal & not twenty lines on the subject. I am to write a
book without the information he promised to give—without books of
reference & above all what is a sine qua non to me without specimens.
In the meantime my name is attached to the book, and the public look
to us to settle our American species, and alas I have not the materials
to do so.
Now this you can do for me. I am willing to write every
description and every line of the book. I do it without fee or reward.
But—1. Books of reference or copies of them he must obtain. 2. He
must publish no species without my approbation. He has made some
sad mistakes already. 3. He must procure such information as I shall
write for. 4. He must send some person—say when John returns—to
make a tour for collecting specimens through the states of the west
especially. I find the smaller Rodentia differing every 600 miles.
Richardson's species differ from those of New York—ours are once
Page 308
more different from those of N. Y. Leib [?] found a number of new
species in Illinois. The New Orleans squirrels differ from ours—
California once more new. Now on this last particular—the necessity
of giving me specimens to describe from I wish you to speak to
Audubon. I cannot consent to impose on the public. I cannot settle the
species without specimens. [Tell] him what I have written and [of what
I have] complained. Show him this letter if you should [think] it will
accomplish the end. I shall soon have the volume finished as well as I
am able from the scanty materials with which I am furnished. Then
they will be clamorous for the second volume. Now I do not like to
make any threats, but if my reasonable requests are not complied with
I have made up my mind not to write another line at the end of the first
volume. I have not made up my mind hastily. It is the result of four
years remonstrance, mortification, and disappointment. Once and for
nearly a year I gave up the matter in hopeless despair. I again resumed
it on the solemn promise of Victor to do all I wished. Three months
have since gone round and not one book sent—only ten lines copied—
and a constant clamor for the letter press. But I am called off.
If Audubon was remiss in supplying the necessary materials, it is
possible that Bachman, in turn, may have failed to appreciate the load
which his friend's shoulders had carried for the five years then past. To
Bachman specimens and books were, of course, absolutely essential, but
Audubon needed them also, as well as subscribers and the large sums of
money necessary to keep his great enterprises in orderly movement. At all
events, Bachman's ultimatum brought immediate results, and it might not be
wide of the mark to affirm that to the tactful Harris we virtually owe the
completion of that admirable work, The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North
America. It should be noticed that at the time the complaining letter was
sent, John W. Audubon was in Texas, engaged in making collections,
though, as it proved, with little success; Victor searched the country for the
needed books, and his father's Missouri River journal was despatched to
Charleston, without delay.
species in Illinois. The New Orleans squirrels differ from ours—
California once more new. Now on this last particular—the necessity
of giving me specimens to describe from I wish you to speak to
Audubon. I cannot consent to impose on the public. I cannot settle the
species without specimens. [Tell] him what I have written and [of what
I have] complained. Show him this letter if you should [think] it will
accomplish the end. I shall soon have the volume finished as well as I
am able from the scanty materials with which I am furnished. Then
they will be clamorous for the second volume. Now I do not like to
make any threats, but if my reasonable requests are not complied with
I have made up my mind not to write another line at the end of the first
volume. I have not made up my mind hastily. It is the result of four
years remonstrance, mortification, and disappointment. Once and for
nearly a year I gave up the matter in hopeless despair. I again resumed
it on the solemn promise of Victor to do all I wished. Three months
have since gone round and not one book sent—only ten lines copied—
and a constant clamor for the letter press. But I am called off.
If Audubon was remiss in supplying the necessary materials, it is
possible that Bachman, in turn, may have failed to appreciate the load
which his friend's shoulders had carried for the five years then past. To
Bachman specimens and books were, of course, absolutely essential, but
Audubon needed them also, as well as subscribers and the large sums of
money necessary to keep his great enterprises in orderly movement. At all
events, Bachman's ultimatum brought immediate results, and it might not be
wide of the mark to affirm that to the tactful Harris we virtually owe the
completion of that admirable work, The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North
America. It should be noticed that at the time the complaining letter was
sent, John W. Audubon was in Texas, engaged in making collections,
though, as it proved, with little success; Victor searched the country for the
needed books, and his father's Missouri River journal was despatched to
Charleston, without delay.
Page 309
On New Year's Day, 1846, Bachman wrote to his friend:
As I do not like to disappoint you in anything, I send you one of
the articles. It is about a fair sample of the whole.... I try to incorporate
as much as I can of your own, but, in most cases, your notes have
come too late.
You see how plain Haskell writes: I should think that by this time,
he has copied three hundred pages as correctly as the inclosed.
In his letter of March 6 he said:
For the last four nights, I have been reading your journal. I am
much interested, though I find less about the quadrupeds than I
expected. The narratives are particularly spirited, and often instructive,
as well as amusing. All that you write on the spot, I can depend on, but
I never trust to the memory of others, any more than to my own....
To return to your Journal. I am afraid that the shadows of the Elk,
Buffalo, and Bighorn hid the little Marmots, Squirrels and Jumping
Mice. I wish you had engaged some of the hunters to set traps. I should
like to get the Rabbit that led you so weary a chase. Write to C.[207]
and find out some way of getting—not his princess brain-eating, horse-
straddling squaw, but what is better than such a specimen from the
Blackfoot country—1st. The Skunk; 2nd, Hares, in Winter colors; and
3rd, the Rabbit that you chased. In your Journal your descriptions of
Buffalo hunts are first rate. I don't like my article on the "Beaver"; I
shall have to write it over again. If I could only borrow Temminck's
large work. Every library here is open to me, and you would be
astonished to see the number of books in my own library; but the
scientific works of close comparison are not among them. I had written
letter after letter, but might have saved ten dollars postage.
Audubon wrote to Baird on February 2, 1846, to remind him of the
Catamount, which was thought not to be "the Cougar," and of the Black
As I do not like to disappoint you in anything, I send you one of
the articles. It is about a fair sample of the whole.... I try to incorporate
as much as I can of your own, but, in most cases, your notes have
come too late.
You see how plain Haskell writes: I should think that by this time,
he has copied three hundred pages as correctly as the inclosed.
In his letter of March 6 he said:
For the last four nights, I have been reading your journal. I am
much interested, though I find less about the quadrupeds than I
expected. The narratives are particularly spirited, and often instructive,
as well as amusing. All that you write on the spot, I can depend on, but
I never trust to the memory of others, any more than to my own....
To return to your Journal. I am afraid that the shadows of the Elk,
Buffalo, and Bighorn hid the little Marmots, Squirrels and Jumping
Mice. I wish you had engaged some of the hunters to set traps. I should
like to get the Rabbit that led you so weary a chase. Write to C.[207]
and find out some way of getting—not his princess brain-eating, horse-
straddling squaw, but what is better than such a specimen from the
Blackfoot country—1st. The Skunk; 2nd, Hares, in Winter colors; and
3rd, the Rabbit that you chased. In your Journal your descriptions of
Buffalo hunts are first rate. I don't like my article on the "Beaver"; I
shall have to write it over again. If I could only borrow Temminck's
large work. Every library here is open to me, and you would be
astonished to see the number of books in my own library; but the
scientific works of close comparison are not among them. I had written
letter after letter, but might have saved ten dollars postage.
Audubon wrote to Baird on February 2, 1846, to remind him of the
Catamount, which was thought not to be "the Cougar," and of the Black
Page 310
Fox: "for the latter," he said, "I do give you my word that I would willingly
pay you Twenty Dollars by a draft upon us at Sight." In another letter from
"Minnie's Land, N. Y.," of March 14, he said:[208]
Could you procure a black and a Silver Fox for us, we will be
willing to give a good price for either in the flesh, and preserved in
common New England Rum, and forwarded by express to 78 John St,
N.Y.
We expect to see John at home in about Six or Seven weeks. He
has made a very poor Journey of this one, and will have to go to
Europe this summer, I have no doubt.
Concerning his son's journey to Texas, Audubon had written Spencer
Baird, September 30, 1845:[209]
My son John will leave this for the West and South-West, as far as
the confines of Texas, about the last of next month, and intends being
absent until the first of March. Would you like to go with him provided
you can pay your own expenses? He will take one of our Servant men
along to help him in the procuring of Quadrupeds and Birds, of which
he hopes to procure some, if not a good number of new Species.
As Baird gave no reply, Audubon sat down on Christmas Day, 1845,
and wrote again to his young friend:[210]
I hope and trust that you were not offended at my letter, when I
wrote you on the Subject of accompanying our son John to Texas
where he is now I hope safe and sound, and I believe at Corpus
Christi....
... I have at last received a fine Red Fox from our Friend Ed.
Harris, who although he did not kill it, obtained the Cunning Animal
very shortly after its death. I have drawn it to the size of life, and I
think made a good figure of it.
pay you Twenty Dollars by a draft upon us at Sight." In another letter from
"Minnie's Land, N. Y.," of March 14, he said:[208]
Could you procure a black and a Silver Fox for us, we will be
willing to give a good price for either in the flesh, and preserved in
common New England Rum, and forwarded by express to 78 John St,
N.Y.
We expect to see John at home in about Six or Seven weeks. He
has made a very poor Journey of this one, and will have to go to
Europe this summer, I have no doubt.
Concerning his son's journey to Texas, Audubon had written Spencer
Baird, September 30, 1845:[209]
My son John will leave this for the West and South-West, as far as
the confines of Texas, about the last of next month, and intends being
absent until the first of March. Would you like to go with him provided
you can pay your own expenses? He will take one of our Servant men
along to help him in the procuring of Quadrupeds and Birds, of which
he hopes to procure some, if not a good number of new Species.
As Baird gave no reply, Audubon sat down on Christmas Day, 1845,
and wrote again to his young friend:[210]
I hope and trust that you were not offended at my letter, when I
wrote you on the Subject of accompanying our son John to Texas
where he is now I hope safe and sound, and I believe at Corpus
Christi....
... I have at last received a fine Red Fox from our Friend Ed.
Harris, who although he did not kill it, obtained the Cunning Animal
very shortly after its death. I have drawn it to the size of life, and I
think made a good figure of it.
Page 311
I have been drawing pretty constantly these last past weeks and
have finished 6 plates for the Engravers.... We are all hard at Work
preparing the letterpress for the 1st Vol. of the Quadrupeds, a copy of
which I hope to send to you about the beginning of April.
Audubon's prediction in regard to his son was correct, and after John's
return from Texas, in April, 1846, he started for England on June 10, with
his wife and family; he remained in Europe until May, 1847, engaged, as
his father said, "in making figures of those arctic animals, of which
accessible specimens exist only in the museums of that quarter of the
globe."
The Audubons, as we have seen, now tried to keep John Bachman
better supplied, and in the spring of 1846 sent him several boxes of skins,
with the urgent request that all which pertained to animals that had not been
figured be returned as soon as possible. On March 13 Victor wrote that
Temminck's monograph could not be found in all America, not in Boston,
or Philadelphia, but that a copy would be ordered from Europe at once. In
those days Charleston was farther removed in time from New York than
California is now from Boston; two weeks was required for a letter of one
naturalist to reach the other, and the difficulties of coöperation were
correspondingly great. On May 31 Audubon acknowledged the return of the
skins, but said: "Judge of my astonishment, when I could not find a single
one of the small animals, Shrews, and Scalops argentatus, the latter of
which I am anxious to draw at once."
The summer and autumn of 1846 bore heavily on John Bachman,
subject as he then was to a "thousand calls and interruptions," and "bowed
down, and almost distracted, with anxieties and grief."[211] But the first
volume of the letterpress which had given him so much trouble was
finished in November, and was published by Audubon at the close of this
year. It was at once recognized as a standard and authoritative work, which
was then without a competitor in America, and as Louis Agassiz affirmed,
without an equal in Europe. At the time of its issue the twentieth number of
have finished 6 plates for the Engravers.... We are all hard at Work
preparing the letterpress for the 1st Vol. of the Quadrupeds, a copy of
which I hope to send to you about the beginning of April.
Audubon's prediction in regard to his son was correct, and after John's
return from Texas, in April, 1846, he started for England on June 10, with
his wife and family; he remained in Europe until May, 1847, engaged, as
his father said, "in making figures of those arctic animals, of which
accessible specimens exist only in the museums of that quarter of the
globe."
The Audubons, as we have seen, now tried to keep John Bachman
better supplied, and in the spring of 1846 sent him several boxes of skins,
with the urgent request that all which pertained to animals that had not been
figured be returned as soon as possible. On March 13 Victor wrote that
Temminck's monograph could not be found in all America, not in Boston,
or Philadelphia, but that a copy would be ordered from Europe at once. In
those days Charleston was farther removed in time from New York than
California is now from Boston; two weeks was required for a letter of one
naturalist to reach the other, and the difficulties of coöperation were
correspondingly great. On May 31 Audubon acknowledged the return of the
skins, but said: "Judge of my astonishment, when I could not find a single
one of the small animals, Shrews, and Scalops argentatus, the latter of
which I am anxious to draw at once."
The summer and autumn of 1846 bore heavily on John Bachman,
subject as he then was to a "thousand calls and interruptions," and "bowed
down, and almost distracted, with anxieties and grief."[211] But the first
volume of the letterpress which had given him so much trouble was
finished in November, and was published by Audubon at the close of this
year. It was at once recognized as a standard and authoritative work, which
was then without a competitor in America, and as Louis Agassiz affirmed,
without an equal in Europe. At the time of its issue the twentieth number of
Page 312
the folio illustrations was nearly ready; the text itself had 271 subscribers,
calling for 281 copies,[212] though only the eastern cities had then been
canvassed.
TITLE PAGE OF VOLUME I OF THE ENGLISH EDITION OF
THE TEXT OF "THE VIVIPAROUS QUADRUPEDS OF
NORTH AMERICA."
calling for 281 copies,[212] though only the eastern cities had then been
canvassed.
TITLE PAGE OF VOLUME I OF THE ENGLISH EDITION OF
THE TEXT OF "THE VIVIPAROUS QUADRUPEDS OF
NORTH AMERICA."
Page 313
Early in 1846 Baird wrote to Audubon:[213] "I have made drawings of
the sculls of our quadrupeds which are at your service if you want them.
They are Mink, Wild Cat, Ground Hog, Lepus Sylvaticus, Neotoma
Floridana and others. I have got a Camera Lucida now and intend trying to
draw with it. Anything I can do for you in this way will be cheerfully done."
When he wrote again, towards the close of this year, some important events
had happened, as shown by this letter:
Spencer Fullerton Baird to Audubon
Carlisle Nov. 4, 1846.
Dear Mr. Audubon
I have been intending to write for a long time, to find out how you
all are at Minnie's Landing, and how yourself is particularly, but have
put it off from time to time for various reasons. I can do so no longer,
and must beg you to let me know these particulars.
Since my last visit to you, two pretty important events have
happened to me. The first was getting married, the second, settling
down steadily in my Professional chair.[214] My wife is the only
daughter of Col. Churchill Inspector Gen. of the Army, now with Gen.
Wool in Mexico. She suits me exactly, being as fond of birds & snakes
& fishes etc. as myself. I have even given her a lesson or two in
taxidermy.
My duties as professor consist in teaching Animal Physiology,
Natural Theology & Mathematics. My salary is small $400 but I hope
will be larger hereafter. I have to work hard, but that is good for me.
Please let me know how the quadrupeds get along. Is the first vol.
published? How does John get along in England? What has become of
his Texas birds?
the sculls of our quadrupeds which are at your service if you want them.
They are Mink, Wild Cat, Ground Hog, Lepus Sylvaticus, Neotoma
Floridana and others. I have got a Camera Lucida now and intend trying to
draw with it. Anything I can do for you in this way will be cheerfully done."
When he wrote again, towards the close of this year, some important events
had happened, as shown by this letter:
Spencer Fullerton Baird to Audubon
Carlisle Nov. 4, 1846.
Dear Mr. Audubon
I have been intending to write for a long time, to find out how you
all are at Minnie's Landing, and how yourself is particularly, but have
put it off from time to time for various reasons. I can do so no longer,
and must beg you to let me know these particulars.
Since my last visit to you, two pretty important events have
happened to me. The first was getting married, the second, settling
down steadily in my Professional chair.[214] My wife is the only
daughter of Col. Churchill Inspector Gen. of the Army, now with Gen.
Wool in Mexico. She suits me exactly, being as fond of birds & snakes
& fishes etc. as myself. I have even given her a lesson or two in
taxidermy.
My duties as professor consist in teaching Animal Physiology,
Natural Theology & Mathematics. My salary is small $400 but I hope
will be larger hereafter. I have to work hard, but that is good for me.
Please let me know how the quadrupeds get along. Is the first vol.
published? How does John get along in England? What has become of
his Texas birds?
Page 314
Please to tell me the address of your friend Ayres. I have been
collecting fishes for some weeks, and wish to correspond & exchange
with him on this subject. I can send him a good many species.
Please give my love to all your kind family. My wife (to whom
two years ago I gave a picture of yourself, as the most acceptable
present) sends hers also, and desires exceedingly to see one to whom
her husband owes so many obligations of every kind. Believe to be as
ever
Yours most affectionately
Spencer F. Baird.
Audubon's immediate reply was as follows:[215]
Audubon to Spencer Fullerton Baird
Minniesland.
Nov. 8th, 1846.
My dear Friend,
We were very happy to hear of your Success in obtaining a
Professorship. I wish you had been more minute as to the amount of
your Salary as I consider 400$ as a very small sum. If you have not a
house, fuel, and furniture, &c &c &c to compensate for so small a
sum, and having so much to perform for it. We are all glad that you
have a good helpmate in the shape of a wife, and we would be very
glad to have you under our roof, even now; but as the winter is now
fast approaching we hope to see you certainly some time next spring,
or during the summer, as you know that then our place is worthy to
reside at. The fishing is then Capital. The residence of our Friend, W.
collecting fishes for some weeks, and wish to correspond & exchange
with him on this subject. I can send him a good many species.
Please give my love to all your kind family. My wife (to whom
two years ago I gave a picture of yourself, as the most acceptable
present) sends hers also, and desires exceedingly to see one to whom
her husband owes so many obligations of every kind. Believe to be as
ever
Yours most affectionately
Spencer F. Baird.
Audubon's immediate reply was as follows:[215]
Audubon to Spencer Fullerton Baird
Minniesland.
Nov. 8th, 1846.
My dear Friend,
We were very happy to hear of your Success in obtaining a
Professorship. I wish you had been more minute as to the amount of
your Salary as I consider 400$ as a very small sum. If you have not a
house, fuel, and furniture, &c &c &c to compensate for so small a
sum, and having so much to perform for it. We are all glad that you
have a good helpmate in the shape of a wife, and we would be very
glad to have you under our roof, even now; but as the winter is now
fast approaching we hope to see you certainly some time next spring,
or during the summer, as you know that then our place is worthy to
reside at. The fishing is then Capital. The residence of our Friend, W.
Page 315
O. Ayers, is on Long Island, and I think that a letter addressed to him at
Sag-Harbor, will be sure to be received by that good Friend of ours.
He will be glad to receive the collection of fishes which you have
procured for him, and I know will be most happy to exchange for other
fishes or subjects if you should desire any at his hands. Please to give
your Dear Lady our best love, and congratulations on her having such
a capitally perfect husband. We are all well at present. I have not done
anything with the Birds which, indeed, my son Victor has sent to the
Academy of Philadelphia. I suppose I need not look any more for a
Black Fox in the flesh from you during the next winter.
Consider me always my Dear Friend,
Your most sincerely attached,
John J. Audubon.
Should you procure a black fox, be sure to forward him uncut to
our office New York 78 John Street. Adieu, and God bless both you
and your Dear Wife.
This is a mistake, I brought them back, V. G. A.
The letter press will be ready in a few days. I will forward a Copy
to you to Philada. from whence you can no doubt easily get it. I will
join my Father, dear Mr. Baird, in congratulations, and in sincere
wishes for your happiness & welfare.
Yours faithfully,
V. G. Audubon.
Victor Audubon's gift of the volume was acknowledged by Baird on
January 19, 1847, when he said:
Sag-Harbor, will be sure to be received by that good Friend of ours.
He will be glad to receive the collection of fishes which you have
procured for him, and I know will be most happy to exchange for other
fishes or subjects if you should desire any at his hands. Please to give
your Dear Lady our best love, and congratulations on her having such
a capitally perfect husband. We are all well at present. I have not done
anything with the Birds which, indeed, my son Victor has sent to the
Academy of Philadelphia. I suppose I need not look any more for a
Black Fox in the flesh from you during the next winter.
Consider me always my Dear Friend,
Your most sincerely attached,
John J. Audubon.
Should you procure a black fox, be sure to forward him uncut to
our office New York 78 John Street. Adieu, and God bless both you
and your Dear Wife.
This is a mistake, I brought them back, V. G. A.
The letter press will be ready in a few days. I will forward a Copy
to you to Philada. from whence you can no doubt easily get it. I will
join my Father, dear Mr. Baird, in congratulations, and in sincere
wishes for your happiness & welfare.
Yours faithfully,
V. G. Audubon.
Victor Audubon's gift of the volume was acknowledged by Baird on
January 19, 1847, when he said:
Page 316
I have been trying for some time past to find time for writing and
thanking you for the copy of the Viviparous text. Never had mortal
man such a feast as I in turning over the pages and reading the
interesting and copious accounts of the habits of animals, many of
which were unknown to me beyond the name. I was exceedingly
gratified by the kind terms I found myself mentioned throughout the
book, more so than I deserve. Be assured that no effort of mine
however humble shall be spared to assist in the perfecting a labor so
stupendous and important as that in which you are engaged. Would
that I could be of more substantial aid by sending half a dozen
subscribers, I may do so yet, who knows.
There was soon another matter of vital importance which Baird wished
to announce to his friend, and, on February 8, he wrote Audubon:
Very much to my astonishment I received last Saturday a letter
from Mr. Dana saying that he had written to Dr. Pickering that I would
make a good curator of the Smithsonian institute, and advising me if I
wished the place to write immediately to Prof. Henry and enclose my
credentials. Now I would like the situation amazingly and write to ask
you to make out a flaming recommendation for the place & send me as
soon as possible. Say what you please about qualification &c. I would
be obliged to you for the exertion of any personal influence you may
have on the board of Regents. When there I would hope to be
materially useful to you in your labors.
This was followed, on February 11, by a cordial letter from Audubon,
in which he said:
I am quite convinced myself that no one can easily be found so
well adapted for such a trust as yourself and if my testimoney as to
your knowledge and high character and industry, and your zeal in
seeking a perfect acquaintance with the various branches of Natural
History, and all the scientific and literary pursuits which have
thanking you for the copy of the Viviparous text. Never had mortal
man such a feast as I in turning over the pages and reading the
interesting and copious accounts of the habits of animals, many of
which were unknown to me beyond the name. I was exceedingly
gratified by the kind terms I found myself mentioned throughout the
book, more so than I deserve. Be assured that no effort of mine
however humble shall be spared to assist in the perfecting a labor so
stupendous and important as that in which you are engaged. Would
that I could be of more substantial aid by sending half a dozen
subscribers, I may do so yet, who knows.
There was soon another matter of vital importance which Baird wished
to announce to his friend, and, on February 8, he wrote Audubon:
Very much to my astonishment I received last Saturday a letter
from Mr. Dana saying that he had written to Dr. Pickering that I would
make a good curator of the Smithsonian institute, and advising me if I
wished the place to write immediately to Prof. Henry and enclose my
credentials. Now I would like the situation amazingly and write to ask
you to make out a flaming recommendation for the place & send me as
soon as possible. Say what you please about qualification &c. I would
be obliged to you for the exertion of any personal influence you may
have on the board of Regents. When there I would hope to be
materially useful to you in your labors.
This was followed, on February 11, by a cordial letter from Audubon,
in which he said:
I am quite convinced myself that no one can easily be found so
well adapted for such a trust as yourself and if my testimoney as to
your knowledge and high character and industry, and your zeal in
seeking a perfect acquaintance with the various branches of Natural
History, and all the scientific and literary pursuits which have
Page 317
heretofore occupied you, may be of any service, please present this
note to the Honorable Board of Regents, who I trust will receive it as
an evidence of my ardent desire for your success, the more readily as I
have the honor, I think, of knowing some of the Board personally.
Spencer Fullerton Baird's subsequent career, following his appointment
as Assistant Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution in July, 1850, as
successor to Professor Henry, its first Secretary, as the organizer of the
United States National Museum and the Fish Commission, now the Bureau
of Fisheries, as one of the ablest students of birds and fishes which the
country has ever produced, as well as the friend of science and scientific
men everywhere, is now well known, and has been ably set forth by his
most recent biographer.[216]
JOHN W. AUDUBON'S INSCRIPTION IN A COPY OF
VOLUME I OF THE TEXT OF THE "QUADRUPEDS"
(ENGLISH EDITION) PRESENTED TO JOHN E. GRAY.
John W. Audubon spent the winter of 1846-47 in London, where he was
engaged in painting subjects for his father's work on the Quadrupeds. While
he was there, arrangements were made for the publication in that city of the
first volume of the letterpress; this appeared in May, 1847,[217] closely
following the American edition of the previous year, and it was the only
note to the Honorable Board of Regents, who I trust will receive it as
an evidence of my ardent desire for your success, the more readily as I
have the honor, I think, of knowing some of the Board personally.
Spencer Fullerton Baird's subsequent career, following his appointment
as Assistant Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution in July, 1850, as
successor to Professor Henry, its first Secretary, as the organizer of the
United States National Museum and the Fish Commission, now the Bureau
of Fisheries, as one of the ablest students of birds and fishes which the
country has ever produced, as well as the friend of science and scientific
men everywhere, is now well known, and has been ably set forth by his
most recent biographer.[216]
JOHN W. AUDUBON'S INSCRIPTION IN A COPY OF
VOLUME I OF THE TEXT OF THE "QUADRUPEDS"
(ENGLISH EDITION) PRESENTED TO JOHN E. GRAY.
John W. Audubon spent the winter of 1846-47 in London, where he was
engaged in painting subjects for his father's work on the Quadrupeds. While
he was there, arrangements were made for the publication in that city of the
first volume of the letterpress; this appeared in May, 1847,[217] closely
following the American edition of the previous year, and it was the only
Page 318
European issue of the text of that work. At this time also John Audubon
made the acquaintance of the distinguished zoölogist, John Edward Gray,
then in charge of the great collections which were being brought together
under his direction at the British Museum. Gray was asked to furnish
descriptions of the animals which the younger Audubon had painted, but, as
will appear from the following letter, he declined:[218]
AUDUBON
AFTER THE ENGRAVING BY NORDHEIM OF A DAGUERREOTYPE MADE BY
BRADY, IN NEW YORK, ABOUT 1848.
made the acquaintance of the distinguished zoölogist, John Edward Gray,
then in charge of the great collections which were being brought together
under his direction at the British Museum. Gray was asked to furnish
descriptions of the animals which the younger Audubon had painted, but, as
will appear from the following letter, he declined:[218]
AUDUBON
AFTER THE ENGRAVING BY NORDHEIM OF A DAGUERREOTYPE MADE BY
BRADY, IN NEW YORK, ABOUT 1848.
Page 319
AUDUBON
AFTER HIS LAST PORTRAIT, A DAGUERREOTYPE MADE IN NEW YORK
ABOUT 1850. PUBLISHED BY COURTESY OF CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS.
John Edward Gray to John Woodhouse Audubon
4 May 1847
Brit. Museum
My dear Sir
I am very sorry that I am so occupied that I cannot undertake to
furnish you with the descriptions of the American Mammalia which
AFTER HIS LAST PORTRAIT, A DAGUERREOTYPE MADE IN NEW YORK
ABOUT 1850. PUBLISHED BY COURTESY OF CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS.
John Edward Gray to John Woodhouse Audubon
4 May 1847
Brit. Museum
My dear Sir
I am very sorry that I am so occupied that I cannot undertake to
furnish you with the descriptions of the American Mammalia which
Page 320
you have figured here but I think you will find that Dr Richardsons
descriptions are so accurate and detailed that you had better copy them
for the work than have more imperfect descriptions by a less
experienced and minute describer.
at the same time should Dr Bachman on composing the Work want
any note or the distinction between any two species or the description
of any one wh have not contained in Richardson Work & he will write
to me I shall have great pleasure in immediately replying to his request
—
Wishing you and your family a pleasant voyage believe me
Yours truly
J. E. Gray
Bachman was married in 1849 to Maria Martin,[219] his former wife's
sister, who had aided Audubon in drawing the accessories of his large
plates. While engaged upon the Quadrupeds, he wrote to Victor Audubon,
from Madison Springs, Georgia, on June 30 of that year, as follows:[220]
I began working four hours a day, now I can work for twelve. I
shall lessen the hours, should I find my strength failing. This is my
tenth working-day. I have finished seventeen articles, and arranged
notes for another. I have used as many of your notes as I could. Maria
copies carefully. She lops off to the right and the left with your notes
and mine: she corrects, criticizes, abuses, and praises us by turns. Your
father's notes, copied from his journal, are valuable—they contain real
information; some of the others are humbug and rigmarole; but you
have done so well as to surprise us....
I hope that if nothing untoward happens, the Second Volume will
be finished in a month, and the Third Volume next winter.
descriptions are so accurate and detailed that you had better copy them
for the work than have more imperfect descriptions by a less
experienced and minute describer.
at the same time should Dr Bachman on composing the Work want
any note or the distinction between any two species or the description
of any one wh have not contained in Richardson Work & he will write
to me I shall have great pleasure in immediately replying to his request
—
Wishing you and your family a pleasant voyage believe me
Yours truly
J. E. Gray
Bachman was married in 1849 to Maria Martin,[219] his former wife's
sister, who had aided Audubon in drawing the accessories of his large
plates. While engaged upon the Quadrupeds, he wrote to Victor Audubon,
from Madison Springs, Georgia, on June 30 of that year, as follows:[220]
I began working four hours a day, now I can work for twelve. I
shall lessen the hours, should I find my strength failing. This is my
tenth working-day. I have finished seventeen articles, and arranged
notes for another. I have used as many of your notes as I could. Maria
copies carefully. She lops off to the right and the left with your notes
and mine: she corrects, criticizes, abuses, and praises us by turns. Your
father's notes, copied from his journal, are valuable—they contain real
information; some of the others are humbug and rigmarole; but you
have done so well as to surprise us....
I hope that if nothing untoward happens, the Second Volume will
be finished in a month, and the Third Volume next winter.
Page 321
LETTER OF JOHN BACHMAN, NOVEMBER 7, 1846,
ADDRESSED TO MR. GEORGE OATES, CHARLESTON,
SOUTH CAROLINA.
From the Jeanes MSS.
About thirty years later, when Victor Audubon's sister-in-law[221] was
making a disposition of his literary effects, a bundle of manuscripts was
saved and given to Mr. George Bird Grinnell. Included in it were a number
of Audubon's letters, which are now reproduced, as well as a considerable
section of the printer's copy of The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North
ADDRESSED TO MR. GEORGE OATES, CHARLESTON,
SOUTH CAROLINA.
From the Jeanes MSS.
About thirty years later, when Victor Audubon's sister-in-law[221] was
making a disposition of his literary effects, a bundle of manuscripts was
saved and given to Mr. George Bird Grinnell. Included in it were a number
of Audubon's letters, which are now reproduced, as well as a considerable
section of the printer's copy of The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North
Page 322
America, Volume I; this was in various handwritings, including little of
Bachman's himself, much of Victor's and of John G. Bell's; a little of this
copy also was made by the second Mrs. Bachman and by other and
unknown hands, possibly those of one of Bachman's daughters and of his
son-in-law, Reverend John Haskell, all of whom are known to have assisted
in this labor.
When we recall the disadvantages under which John Bachman worked,
it must be acknowledged that he was deserving of all the credit which he
received. Born of Swiss and German stock at Rheinbeck, New York, in
1790, he clearly remembered walking in the mock funeral procession that
was held in his village when the country was mourning the death of
Washington in 1799. From early boyhood he was an ardent enthusiast in the
study of nature, at a time when such studies were generally frowned upon in
country districts as not only idle but positively harmful. He trapped the
beaver, and from the sale of its skins was able to make his first purchase of
books on natural history. While a young man he became acquainted with
Alexander Wilson and learned to know him well, having joined him in field
excursions and collected birds for him in northern New York; on Wilson's
recommendation he succeeded both him and his nephew, William Duncan,
in the Elwood School, at Milestown, Pennsylvania, where he taught for a
year. While there, a youth of barely fifteen, he was invited, no doubt
through the influence of Wilson, to meet Alexander von Humboldt at a
dinner given in honor of the great traveler at Philadelphia in 1804. From a
pastorate in Shagticoke, New York, Bachman in 1815 went to Charleston,
South Carolina, where he presided over the Lutheran church for nearly sixty
years, and became thoroughly identified with the South. Beloved as few
men ever are in their community, he was widely honored for his attainments
in natural science.
In an address on Humboldt, dictated by Bachman when in his eightieth
year, and too feeble to deliver it himself, he alluded to the event noticed
above to show "how scanty, in those days, was the material in natural
Bachman's himself, much of Victor's and of John G. Bell's; a little of this
copy also was made by the second Mrs. Bachman and by other and
unknown hands, possibly those of one of Bachman's daughters and of his
son-in-law, Reverend John Haskell, all of whom are known to have assisted
in this labor.
When we recall the disadvantages under which John Bachman worked,
it must be acknowledged that he was deserving of all the credit which he
received. Born of Swiss and German stock at Rheinbeck, New York, in
1790, he clearly remembered walking in the mock funeral procession that
was held in his village when the country was mourning the death of
Washington in 1799. From early boyhood he was an ardent enthusiast in the
study of nature, at a time when such studies were generally frowned upon in
country districts as not only idle but positively harmful. He trapped the
beaver, and from the sale of its skins was able to make his first purchase of
books on natural history. While a young man he became acquainted with
Alexander Wilson and learned to know him well, having joined him in field
excursions and collected birds for him in northern New York; on Wilson's
recommendation he succeeded both him and his nephew, William Duncan,
in the Elwood School, at Milestown, Pennsylvania, where he taught for a
year. While there, a youth of barely fifteen, he was invited, no doubt
through the influence of Wilson, to meet Alexander von Humboldt at a
dinner given in honor of the great traveler at Philadelphia in 1804. From a
pastorate in Shagticoke, New York, Bachman in 1815 went to Charleston,
South Carolina, where he presided over the Lutheran church for nearly sixty
years, and became thoroughly identified with the South. Beloved as few
men ever are in their community, he was widely honored for his attainments
in natural science.
In an address on Humboldt, dictated by Bachman when in his eightieth
year, and too feeble to deliver it himself, he alluded to the event noticed
above to show "how scanty, in those days, was the material in natural
Page 323
science." Among the few naturalists who were present on the occasion of
the dinner, which was held in Peale's Museum, were, he said:[222]
the two Bartrams, Wilson, the ornithologist, Lawson, his engraver,
George Ord and a few others.... Few speeches were made and those
were short—there was no formality.... Humboldt was then, as he was
afterwards, in every society, "the observed of all observers".... I saw
him every day during the few days he remained in Philadelphia. He
inserted my name in his note-book, and for the last sixty years we
corresponded at long intervals.... It would be very gratifying to me,
and interesting to your societies, if I could have exhibited to you his
autograph in some of his letters; but, alas! my whole library and all my
collections in Natural History, the accumulation of the labors of a long
life, were burnt by Sherman's vandal army, and, with the exception of a
single letter, which, by accident, fell into the hands of another member
of my family, I possess no memorials of one who condescended to
speak of me as a friend.
As we have noticed, Audubon's large illustrations of the Quadrupeds
were completed in 1846; this marked the ebb tide of his powers, and his
son, John, who had painted nearly one-half of the originals of the large
plates, like Victor, continued to aid Bachman in the prosecution of that
work. The first number of this lithographic series was introduced by the
common American wildcat, or Lynx rufus, in three-quarters natural size,
followed by the proverbial ground hog, "Maryland marmot," or woodchuck,
shown in both young and adult state, in the size of life. Plate No. 4
reproduced an exquisite drawing of four Florida rats climbing over a pine
branch. Some of the elder Audubon's plates of squirrels are particularly fine
and recall the best of his more famous bird pictures; the gray fox (No. 3,
Plate xxi) is sniffing at a feather blown from a farmer's yard; in another
drawing a rascally old black rat and its three young ones are robbing a hen's
nest and breaking up the eggs; Hudson Bay squirrels reach after hazel nuts
which hang in clusters from green boughs above; opossums, with sardonic
the dinner, which was held in Peale's Museum, were, he said:[222]
the two Bartrams, Wilson, the ornithologist, Lawson, his engraver,
George Ord and a few others.... Few speeches were made and those
were short—there was no formality.... Humboldt was then, as he was
afterwards, in every society, "the observed of all observers".... I saw
him every day during the few days he remained in Philadelphia. He
inserted my name in his note-book, and for the last sixty years we
corresponded at long intervals.... It would be very gratifying to me,
and interesting to your societies, if I could have exhibited to you his
autograph in some of his letters; but, alas! my whole library and all my
collections in Natural History, the accumulation of the labors of a long
life, were burnt by Sherman's vandal army, and, with the exception of a
single letter, which, by accident, fell into the hands of another member
of my family, I possess no memorials of one who condescended to
speak of me as a friend.
As we have noticed, Audubon's large illustrations of the Quadrupeds
were completed in 1846; this marked the ebb tide of his powers, and his
son, John, who had painted nearly one-half of the originals of the large
plates, like Victor, continued to aid Bachman in the prosecution of that
work. The first number of this lithographic series was introduced by the
common American wildcat, or Lynx rufus, in three-quarters natural size,
followed by the proverbial ground hog, "Maryland marmot," or woodchuck,
shown in both young and adult state, in the size of life. Plate No. 4
reproduced an exquisite drawing of four Florida rats climbing over a pine
branch. Some of the elder Audubon's plates of squirrels are particularly fine
and recall the best of his more famous bird pictures; the gray fox (No. 3,
Plate xxi) is sniffing at a feather blown from a farmer's yard; in another
drawing a rascally old black rat and its three young ones are robbing a hen's
nest and breaking up the eggs; Hudson Bay squirrels reach after hazel nuts
which hang in clusters from green boughs above; opossums, with sardonic
Page 324
grin, are making for the ripe, orange fruits of the persimmon, holding to the
branch with their rat-like, coiled tails; the swift fox (Vulpes velox) sits on
the ground, barking like a dog, with head up-turned, while the better known
red fox (No. 18, Plate lxxxvii) struggles in an old-fashioned steel trap, the
toothed jaws of which have gripped a paw above the heel, and you observe
that his tail is where, in the circumstances, it is bound to be—between his
legs. While many of these plates are of the highest degree of excellence, the
colors are apt to be too vivid and the execution is far from uniform.
branch with their rat-like, coiled tails; the swift fox (Vulpes velox) sits on
the ground, barking like a dog, with head up-turned, while the better known
red fox (No. 18, Plate lxxxvii) struggles in an old-fashioned steel trap, the
toothed jaws of which have gripped a paw above the heel, and you observe
that his tail is where, in the circumstances, it is bound to be—between his
legs. While many of these plates are of the highest degree of excellence, the
colors are apt to be too vivid and the execution is far from uniform.
Page 325
AUDUBON'S LAST (?) LETTER TO EDWARD HARRIS,
FEBRUARY 22, 1847.
From the Jeanes MSS.
Thomas M. Brewer, a valued friend and correspondent,[223] in response
to an urgent request, "ere it be too late," paid a visit to the famous naturalist
on the Fourth of July, 1846, of which he has given this record:[224]
I found him in a retreat well worthy of so true a lover of nature. It
was a lovely spot, on a well-wooded point running out in the river. His
FEBRUARY 22, 1847.
From the Jeanes MSS.
Thomas M. Brewer, a valued friend and correspondent,[223] in response
to an urgent request, "ere it be too late," paid a visit to the famous naturalist
on the Fourth of July, 1846, of which he has given this record:[224]
I found him in a retreat well worthy of so true a lover of nature. It
was a lovely spot, on a well-wooded point running out in the river. His
Page 326
dwelling was a large old-fashioned wooden house, from the veranda of
which was a fine view, looking both up and down the stream, and
around the dwelling were grouped several fine old forest trees of beech
and oak. The grounds were well stocked with pets of various kinds,
both birds and beasts, while his wild feathered favorites, hardly less
confiding, had their nests over his very doorway. Through the grounds
ran a small rivulet, over which was a picturesque rural bridge.
The patriarch ... had greatly changed since I had last seen him. He
wore his hair longer, and it now hung in locks of snowy whiteness over
his shoulders. His once piercing gray eyes, though still bright, had
already begun to fail him. He could no longer paint with his wonted
accuracy, and had at last, most reluctantly, been forced to surrender to
his sons the task of completing his Quadrupeds of North America.
Surrounded by his large family, including his devoted wife, his two
sons, and their wives, his enjoyment of life seemed to leave little to
him to desire. He was very fond of the rising generation, and they were
as devoted in their affectionate regards for him. He seemed to enjoy to
the utmost each moment of time, content at last to submit to an
inevitable and well earned leisure, and to throw upon his gifted sons
his uncompleted tasks. A pleasanter scene or a more interesting
household it has never been the writer's good fortune to witness.
Audubon's last (?) letter to Edward Harris, here reproduced, is dated at
"Minnie's Land, Feby 22, 1847," and refers to the letterpress of the
Quadrupeds. His last published letter to Baird, in which he recommended
him to the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution,[225] was written
at "Minnie's Land, Feb. 11, 1847." In Spencer F. Baird's last published
letter[226] to him, dated at "Carlisle April 24, 1847," he refers to "a fine
specimen living of a Red Fox," and added: "If you want him let me know
immediately and I will send him on immediately." On July 16 of that year
Baird entered this note in his diary:[227] "Went to Mr. Audubon's by stage.
Found him much changed."
which was a fine view, looking both up and down the stream, and
around the dwelling were grouped several fine old forest trees of beech
and oak. The grounds were well stocked with pets of various kinds,
both birds and beasts, while his wild feathered favorites, hardly less
confiding, had their nests over his very doorway. Through the grounds
ran a small rivulet, over which was a picturesque rural bridge.
The patriarch ... had greatly changed since I had last seen him. He
wore his hair longer, and it now hung in locks of snowy whiteness over
his shoulders. His once piercing gray eyes, though still bright, had
already begun to fail him. He could no longer paint with his wonted
accuracy, and had at last, most reluctantly, been forced to surrender to
his sons the task of completing his Quadrupeds of North America.
Surrounded by his large family, including his devoted wife, his two
sons, and their wives, his enjoyment of life seemed to leave little to
him to desire. He was very fond of the rising generation, and they were
as devoted in their affectionate regards for him. He seemed to enjoy to
the utmost each moment of time, content at last to submit to an
inevitable and well earned leisure, and to throw upon his gifted sons
his uncompleted tasks. A pleasanter scene or a more interesting
household it has never been the writer's good fortune to witness.
Audubon's last (?) letter to Edward Harris, here reproduced, is dated at
"Minnie's Land, Feby 22, 1847," and refers to the letterpress of the
Quadrupeds. His last published letter to Baird, in which he recommended
him to the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution,[225] was written
at "Minnie's Land, Feb. 11, 1847." In Spencer F. Baird's last published
letter[226] to him, dated at "Carlisle April 24, 1847," he refers to "a fine
specimen living of a Red Fox," and added: "If you want him let me know
immediately and I will send him on immediately." On July 16 of that year
Baird entered this note in his diary:[227] "Went to Mr. Audubon's by stage.
Found him much changed."
Page 327
While Audubon never became blind, as has been erroneously stated, it
troubled him to use glasses, and when from failing powers he could no
longer paint, his heart seemed broken. Like Jonathan Swift, who compared
his own case with that of the proud forest tree whose withering top showed
to every passerby the first sign of decrepitude, so the mind of Audubon
gave way before his splendid physique utterly broke down.
Bachman, who visited his old friend in the spring of 1848, has given
this picture of the naturalist's household in a letter[228] from "Minnie's Land,
May 11, 1848":
I found all well here, as far as health is concerned. Mrs. Audubon
is straight as an arrow, and in fine health, but sadly worried. John has
just come in from feeding his dogs. Audubon has heard his little song
sung in French, and has gone to bed. Alas, my poor friend, Audubon,
the outlines of his countenance and his form are there, but his noble
mind is all in ruins.
The following letter was written by Victor Audubon to his father-in-
law, John Bachman, before February 8, 1849, when his brother started on
the ill-fated expedition to which he refers:
My brother will leave in a few days for California, he will be
absent, perhaps for eighteen months.
This journey is undertaken with the hope that he may be able to
get gold. What may be the result, God only knows. John will be
accompanied by Col. H. L. Webb, as military leader; the party consists
of about eighty picked men. One of Dr. Mayer's sons wished to go
with John, but unluckily, his application came after the party was made
up, so they could not take him.
I should like much to see you all, but now it will be impossible for
me to go so far from home.
troubled him to use glasses, and when from failing powers he could no
longer paint, his heart seemed broken. Like Jonathan Swift, who compared
his own case with that of the proud forest tree whose withering top showed
to every passerby the first sign of decrepitude, so the mind of Audubon
gave way before his splendid physique utterly broke down.
Bachman, who visited his old friend in the spring of 1848, has given
this picture of the naturalist's household in a letter[228] from "Minnie's Land,
May 11, 1848":
I found all well here, as far as health is concerned. Mrs. Audubon
is straight as an arrow, and in fine health, but sadly worried. John has
just come in from feeding his dogs. Audubon has heard his little song
sung in French, and has gone to bed. Alas, my poor friend, Audubon,
the outlines of his countenance and his form are there, but his noble
mind is all in ruins.
The following letter was written by Victor Audubon to his father-in-
law, John Bachman, before February 8, 1849, when his brother started on
the ill-fated expedition to which he refers:
My brother will leave in a few days for California, he will be
absent, perhaps for eighteen months.
This journey is undertaken with the hope that he may be able to
get gold. What may be the result, God only knows. John will be
accompanied by Col. H. L. Webb, as military leader; the party consists
of about eighty picked men. One of Dr. Mayer's sons wished to go
with John, but unluckily, his application came after the party was made
up, so they could not take him.
I should like much to see you all, but now it will be impossible for
me to go so far from home.
Page 328
My dear old father is apparently comfortable, and enjoys his little
notions; but requires constant care and attendance; the rest are well.
Your granddaughters are growing finely, and are well educated; soon
we shall call in a "Maitre de danse," to polish them up and improve
their understanding.
I am just about to start for Washington, to get letters from the
President for John and I will try and see the collection brought back by
the exploring expedition, including the famous Black-tail Deer. I am in
a great bustle, the office is full of Californians.
The California party, which eventually consisted of nearly one hundred
young men, sought to reach the goldfields by way of Texas, Mexico and
Arizona; attacked by cholera in the valley of the Rio Grande and deserted
by their leader, a remnant of the company chose in his stead young
Audubon, who bravely conducted them to their destination. John Audubon
returned in the following year, after thirteen of the members of the party
and $27,000 had been lost in the venture.
Like a patriarch of old, as a friend had once pictured him, Audubon
passed the end of his days surrounded by loving and able retainers, who,
like "ministers of state," were only too glad to execute his every wish.
Distinguished and handsome in age, appearing to many older than he
actually was, for years his snowy locks and benign countenance attracted
every passer on the street, and for each he had a friendly look, word, or
greeting, until in him were fulfilled the words of the Psalmist: "When thou
art young thou goest whither thou willest, but when thou art old another
shall lead thee, and thou shalt go whither thou willest not." On the 27th of
January, 1851, Jean Jacques Fougère Audubon died, before attaining his
sixty-seventh year, "as gently as a child composing himself for his beautiful
sleep."
notions; but requires constant care and attendance; the rest are well.
Your granddaughters are growing finely, and are well educated; soon
we shall call in a "Maitre de danse," to polish them up and improve
their understanding.
I am just about to start for Washington, to get letters from the
President for John and I will try and see the collection brought back by
the exploring expedition, including the famous Black-tail Deer. I am in
a great bustle, the office is full of Californians.
The California party, which eventually consisted of nearly one hundred
young men, sought to reach the goldfields by way of Texas, Mexico and
Arizona; attacked by cholera in the valley of the Rio Grande and deserted
by their leader, a remnant of the company chose in his stead young
Audubon, who bravely conducted them to their destination. John Audubon
returned in the following year, after thirteen of the members of the party
and $27,000 had been lost in the venture.
Like a patriarch of old, as a friend had once pictured him, Audubon
passed the end of his days surrounded by loving and able retainers, who,
like "ministers of state," were only too glad to execute his every wish.
Distinguished and handsome in age, appearing to many older than he
actually was, for years his snowy locks and benign countenance attracted
every passer on the street, and for each he had a friendly look, word, or
greeting, until in him were fulfilled the words of the Psalmist: "When thou
art young thou goest whither thou willest, but when thou art old another
shall lead thee, and thou shalt go whither thou willest not." On the 27th of
January, 1851, Jean Jacques Fougère Audubon died, before attaining his
sixty-seventh year, "as gently as a child composing himself for his beautiful
sleep."
Page 329
Page 330
CHAPTER XXXVI
AFTERWORD: AUDUBON'S FAMILY IN AMERICA
Bachman completes his text on the Quadrupeds—Victor Audubon's success in canvassing—John
Woodhouse Audubon's family—New houses at "Minnie's Land"—Second octavo edition of the
Birds—Victor Audubon's illness and death—Attempt to reissue The Birds of America in America
—The residual stock of this imperfect edition—Death of John Woodhouse Audubon—His career
and work as an artist and field collector—Mrs. Audubon resumes her old vocation—Fate of
"Minnie's Land"—Death of Mrs. Audubon—Her share in her husband's fame—Story written on
Audubon's original drawings—Fate of the original copper plates of the Birds—A boy comes to the
rescue—"Minnie's Land" today—The "Cave"—A real "Audubon Park."
After the death of the elder Audubon, his sons, under the leadership of
Bachman, continued the work on the Quadrupeds until the third and last
volume of the letterpress was completed in 1852. On March 13 of that year
Bachman wrote to Edward Harris:[229]
Rejoice with me, the book is finished. I did not expect to have
lived to complete it. But Victor Audubon came on, and I made him
hold the pen, while I dictated with specimens and books before me,
and we went on rapidly; we worked hard, and now we are at the end of
our labors. I have, at last, prevailed on them to give the Bats. At the
end of the work, I intend to give a synopsis and scientific arrangement
of all our American species, including seals, whales and porpoises.
This will be included in the letter-press of the Third Volume.
Here I will venture to consult you in regard to the publication of
additional plates of species, not figured in the Large Work. A very
small Arvicola and Shrews, we may not obtain, and they cannot be
AFTERWORD: AUDUBON'S FAMILY IN AMERICA
Bachman completes his text on the Quadrupeds—Victor Audubon's success in canvassing—John
Woodhouse Audubon's family—New houses at "Minnie's Land"—Second octavo edition of the
Birds—Victor Audubon's illness and death—Attempt to reissue The Birds of America in America
—The residual stock of this imperfect edition—Death of John Woodhouse Audubon—His career
and work as an artist and field collector—Mrs. Audubon resumes her old vocation—Fate of
"Minnie's Land"—Death of Mrs. Audubon—Her share in her husband's fame—Story written on
Audubon's original drawings—Fate of the original copper plates of the Birds—A boy comes to the
rescue—"Minnie's Land" today—The "Cave"—A real "Audubon Park."
After the death of the elder Audubon, his sons, under the leadership of
Bachman, continued the work on the Quadrupeds until the third and last
volume of the letterpress was completed in 1852. On March 13 of that year
Bachman wrote to Edward Harris:[229]
Rejoice with me, the book is finished. I did not expect to have
lived to complete it. But Victor Audubon came on, and I made him
hold the pen, while I dictated with specimens and books before me,
and we went on rapidly; we worked hard, and now we are at the end of
our labors. I have, at last, prevailed on them to give the Bats. At the
end of the work, I intend to give a synopsis and scientific arrangement
of all our American species, including seals, whales and porpoises.
This will be included in the letter-press of the Third Volume.
Here I will venture to consult you in regard to the publication of
additional plates of species, not figured in the Large Work. A very
small Arvicola and Shrews, we may not obtain, and they cannot be
Page 331
figured; but nearly all are within our reach. Some of the subscribers
have bound up their plates, and there cannot be a sufficient number to
make even half of another Volume. I propose, as all these figures will
be contained in the Small Work, that they should be inserted in the
letter-press of the Large Work, so that subscribers, by merely paying
the cost of the small plates, would have the work complete—what do
you think of this?
What do you think of Victor's obtaining one hundred and twenty-
nine subscribers in about three days, and I think he will double the
number, next week; so, if the "Large Work" will not pay, the "Small"
one, and this is large enough, is sure to do it.
When Victor was canvassing the South for the second or composite
edition of this work, Bachman wrote to a friend in Savannah, on March 25,
1852:[230]
My son-in-law, Victor G. Audubon, is on a rapid visit to the South,
and has a week or two to spare, which he is desirous of devoting to the
obtaining of subscribers to the "American Quadrupeds." The Work
(Miniature) will be complete in about thirty numbers, furnished
monthly at $1.00 per number.
The figures were made by the Audubons, and the descriptions and
letter-press were prepared by myself.
I have no pecuniary interest in this work, as I have cheerfully
given my own labors without any other reward than the hope of having
contributed something toward the advancement of the cause of Natural
History in our country. I am, however, anxious that the Audubons
should, by a liberal subscription, receive some remuneration for the
labors and heavy expenses incurred in getting up this work. Of the
character of the work it does not become me to say much. I will only
add that in my department is summed up the result of investigations
have bound up their plates, and there cannot be a sufficient number to
make even half of another Volume. I propose, as all these figures will
be contained in the Small Work, that they should be inserted in the
letter-press of the Large Work, so that subscribers, by merely paying
the cost of the small plates, would have the work complete—what do
you think of this?
What do you think of Victor's obtaining one hundred and twenty-
nine subscribers in about three days, and I think he will double the
number, next week; so, if the "Large Work" will not pay, the "Small"
one, and this is large enough, is sure to do it.
When Victor was canvassing the South for the second or composite
edition of this work, Bachman wrote to a friend in Savannah, on March 25,
1852:[230]
My son-in-law, Victor G. Audubon, is on a rapid visit to the South,
and has a week or two to spare, which he is desirous of devoting to the
obtaining of subscribers to the "American Quadrupeds." The Work
(Miniature) will be complete in about thirty numbers, furnished
monthly at $1.00 per number.
The figures were made by the Audubons, and the descriptions and
letter-press were prepared by myself.
I have no pecuniary interest in this work, as I have cheerfully
given my own labors without any other reward than the hope of having
contributed something toward the advancement of the cause of Natural
History in our country. I am, however, anxious that the Audubons
should, by a liberal subscription, receive some remuneration for the
labors and heavy expenses incurred in getting up this work. Of the
character of the work it does not become me to say much. I will only
add that in my department is summed up the result of investigations
Page 332
pursued through a long life, and, I think, the figures have never been
equalled in any publication either in Europe or America.
May I bespeak from you a little aid to my esteemed son-in-law,
Mr. Audubon, in assisting him to procure subscribers. He is a stranger
in your city; his time is limited, and his stay among you will
necessarily be short.
By the aid of two friends here, he obtained two hundred and fifty
subscribers in a few days.
On the 9th of April Bachman wrote to his son-in-law: "Will you not
return to New York by the way of Charleston and sail from here, take a
manuscript volume in your pocket, and four hundred good and true names
on your list?"
The reception accorded to the illustrations and text of this work had
encouraged the brothers to do for the Quadrupeds what their father, with
their aid, had so successfully accomplished for the Birds, by presenting text
and plates, as Bachman said, in "Miniature." In this they succeeded as
admirably as before, John reducing all the large plates, by the aid of the
camera lucida, for the octavo edition which was published in 1854.
The following historical evidence of the appreciation which Audubon's
works have received at the hands of the National Government I owe to Mr.
Ruthven Deane, to whom the reader of these pages is already indebted for
many illuminating facts. Dr. Theodore S. Palmer was recently inspecting
governmental records at Washington, when he accidentally came upon the
following entry:
Chap. CXXIX.—An act making appropriations for certain Civil
Expenses of the Government for the Year ending the thirtieth of June,
eighteen hundred and fifty-seven.
To enable the Secretary of State to purchase one hundred copies,
each, of Audubon's "Birds of America" and "Quadrupeds of America,"
equalled in any publication either in Europe or America.
May I bespeak from you a little aid to my esteemed son-in-law,
Mr. Audubon, in assisting him to procure subscribers. He is a stranger
in your city; his time is limited, and his stay among you will
necessarily be short.
By the aid of two friends here, he obtained two hundred and fifty
subscribers in a few days.
On the 9th of April Bachman wrote to his son-in-law: "Will you not
return to New York by the way of Charleston and sail from here, take a
manuscript volume in your pocket, and four hundred good and true names
on your list?"
The reception accorded to the illustrations and text of this work had
encouraged the brothers to do for the Quadrupeds what their father, with
their aid, had so successfully accomplished for the Birds, by presenting text
and plates, as Bachman said, in "Miniature." In this they succeeded as
admirably as before, John reducing all the large plates, by the aid of the
camera lucida, for the octavo edition which was published in 1854.
The following historical evidence of the appreciation which Audubon's
works have received at the hands of the National Government I owe to Mr.
Ruthven Deane, to whom the reader of these pages is already indebted for
many illuminating facts. Dr. Theodore S. Palmer was recently inspecting
governmental records at Washington, when he accidentally came upon the
following entry:
Chap. CXXIX.—An act making appropriations for certain Civil
Expenses of the Government for the Year ending the thirtieth of June,
eighteen hundred and fifty-seven.
To enable the Secretary of State to purchase one hundred copies,
each, of Audubon's "Birds of America" and "Quadrupeds of America,"
Page 333
for presentation to foreign governments, in return for valuable works
sent by them to the Government of the United States, sixteen thousand
dollars.
[Act of August 18, 1858 (LL State., 90).]
In John Woodhouse Audubon's family there were two sets of children,
two by his former wife, Maria R. Bachman, and seven by Caroline Hall, to
whom he was married on October 2, 1841. Victor Gifford Audubon, who
had no children by his first wife, May Eliza Bachman, was married on
March 2, 1843, to Georgiana Richards Mallory, an Englishwoman, and six
children were born to them between 1845 and 1854. Of the naturalist's
fifteen grandchildren, six are believed to be now living (1917).[231]
HOUSE FORMERLY BELONGING TO VICTOR GIFFORD
AUDUBON, EAST FRONT, AS IT APPEARS TO-DAY; MRS.
JOHN JAMES AUDUBON KEPT HER PRIVATE SCHOOL IN
THE CORNER ROOM ON THE SECOND FLOOR.
sent by them to the Government of the United States, sixteen thousand
dollars.
[Act of August 18, 1858 (LL State., 90).]
In John Woodhouse Audubon's family there were two sets of children,
two by his former wife, Maria R. Bachman, and seven by Caroline Hall, to
whom he was married on October 2, 1841. Victor Gifford Audubon, who
had no children by his first wife, May Eliza Bachman, was married on
March 2, 1843, to Georgiana Richards Mallory, an Englishwoman, and six
children were born to them between 1845 and 1854. Of the naturalist's
fifteen grandchildren, six are believed to be now living (1917).[231]
HOUSE FORMERLY BELONGING TO VICTOR GIFFORD
AUDUBON, EAST FRONT, AS IT APPEARS TO-DAY; MRS.
JOHN JAMES AUDUBON KEPT HER PRIVATE SCHOOL IN
THE CORNER ROOM ON THE SECOND FLOOR.
Page 334
HOUSE FORMERLY BELONGING TO JOHN WOODHOUSE
AUDUBON, SOUTH FRONT, AS IT APPEARS TO-DAY; AT
THE RIGHT IS "THE CAVE," WHERE THE COPPER PLATES
OF "THE BIRDS OF AMERICA" WERE STORED.
In 1852-3 Audubon's sons built houses for their growing families on
their mother's estate; Victor's was placed just north of the original
homestead, and John's not far away. On the slope behind John Audubon's
house, a small building, later known as the "Cave," was specially
constructed for the safer keeping of the famous copper plates, which had
already passed through fire,[232] and not wholly unscathed. Mr. John
Hardin, now (1915) a serene and clear-eyed man of eighty-four, who settled
in that neighborhood in 1852 and who was intermittently employed by the
younger Audubons for a decade, has told me that he boxed with his own
hands all of the copper plates, after wrapping each in tissue paper, and
stored them in that building; whenever John Audubon wanted a plate, John
Hardin would go to the "Cave" and get it for him.
AUDUBON, SOUTH FRONT, AS IT APPEARS TO-DAY; AT
THE RIGHT IS "THE CAVE," WHERE THE COPPER PLATES
OF "THE BIRDS OF AMERICA" WERE STORED.
In 1852-3 Audubon's sons built houses for their growing families on
their mother's estate; Victor's was placed just north of the original
homestead, and John's not far away. On the slope behind John Audubon's
house, a small building, later known as the "Cave," was specially
constructed for the safer keeping of the famous copper plates, which had
already passed through fire,[232] and not wholly unscathed. Mr. John
Hardin, now (1915) a serene and clear-eyed man of eighty-four, who settled
in that neighborhood in 1852 and who was intermittently employed by the
younger Audubons for a decade, has told me that he boxed with his own
hands all of the copper plates, after wrapping each in tissue paper, and
stored them in that building; whenever John Audubon wanted a plate, John
Hardin would go to the "Cave" and get it for him.
Page 335
In 1856 Victor Audubon published a second reduced edition of his
father's Birds of America, in which the text and plates of the first octavo
were reproduced with little or no change. At about that time Victor suffered
an injury to the spine,[233] and after 1857 he was completely invalided; he
died in his own home, August 18, 1860.
To quote the daughter of John W. Audubon:[234]
During this long period of my uncle's illness all the care of both
families devolved on my father. Never a "business man," saddened by
his brother's condition, and utterly unable to manage, at the same time,
a fairly large estate, the publication of two illustrated works, every
plate of which he felt he must personally examine, the securing of
subscribers and the financial condition of everything—what wonder
that he rapidly aged, what wonder that the burden was overwhelming!
After my uncle's death matters became still more difficult to handle,
owing to the unsettled condition of the southern states where most of
the subscribers to Audubon's books resided, and when the open rupture
came between north and south, the condition of affairs can hardly be
imagined, except by those who lived through similar bitter and painful
experiences.
In 1858 or 1859 John W. Audubon entered upon an ambitious project,
which the outbreak of the Civil War, aided, it is believed, by the
unscrupulous dealings of business partners, rendered disastrous. In
association with Messrs. Roe Lockwood, & Son, New York, and the
lithographers, Messrs. J. Bien & Company, Number 180 Broadway, with
whom considerable money had been invested, a second and American
edition of his father's great folio on The Birds of America was attempted. An
atlas of 106 double elephant plates, reproduced in colors on stone with
slight but numerous changes from the original copper plates, was completed
as Volume I in 1860;[235] the war, which broke immediately afterwards,
completely ruined the enterprise, so that but few copies of the work were
father's Birds of America, in which the text and plates of the first octavo
were reproduced with little or no change. At about that time Victor suffered
an injury to the spine,[233] and after 1857 he was completely invalided; he
died in his own home, August 18, 1860.
To quote the daughter of John W. Audubon:[234]
During this long period of my uncle's illness all the care of both
families devolved on my father. Never a "business man," saddened by
his brother's condition, and utterly unable to manage, at the same time,
a fairly large estate, the publication of two illustrated works, every
plate of which he felt he must personally examine, the securing of
subscribers and the financial condition of everything—what wonder
that he rapidly aged, what wonder that the burden was overwhelming!
After my uncle's death matters became still more difficult to handle,
owing to the unsettled condition of the southern states where most of
the subscribers to Audubon's books resided, and when the open rupture
came between north and south, the condition of affairs can hardly be
imagined, except by those who lived through similar bitter and painful
experiences.
In 1858 or 1859 John W. Audubon entered upon an ambitious project,
which the outbreak of the Civil War, aided, it is believed, by the
unscrupulous dealings of business partners, rendered disastrous. In
association with Messrs. Roe Lockwood, & Son, New York, and the
lithographers, Messrs. J. Bien & Company, Number 180 Broadway, with
whom considerable money had been invested, a second and American
edition of his father's great folio on The Birds of America was attempted. An
atlas of 106 double elephant plates, reproduced in colors on stone with
slight but numerous changes from the original copper plates, was completed
as Volume I in 1860;[235] the war, which broke immediately afterwards,
completely ruined the enterprise, so that but few copies of the work were
Page 336
dispersed and an immense stock of plates was rendered useless; the burden
of debt was undoubtedly increased by the issue of seven octavo volumes of
text.[236]
Many years later, hundreds of persons who knew of Audubon's work
only through its great reputation, and who had never learned to discriminate
between a hand-colored copper-plate engraving and a lithograph, were
deceived by an adroit, but essentially spurious advertisement of these
inferior reproductions when they were being exploited by a firm of Boston
book dealers. The original bulk of these large lithographs must have been
vast indeed, if the following story, which was attributed to a member of the
firm in question, be true: "We bought the entire stock of those plates, many
years ago," so this man is reported to have said, "and, though the sales of
every succeeding year since have been sufficient to cover the original cost,
the number of plates has not appreciably diminished."
When this larger venture failed, one of the publishers, who was not
satisfied with the surplusage of books and plates left on his hands, is said to
have placed encumbrances upon the Audubon estate. At about this time
John W. Audubon's health broke down; "Worn out," as his daughter has
said,[237] "in body and spirit, overburdened with anxieties, saddened by the
condition of his country, it is no matter of surprise that my father could not
throw off a heavy cold which attacked him early in 1862." He died at the
age of forty-nine, on the 18th of February of that year.
John Woodhouse Audubon, like his brother, Victor, had inherited
decided artistic abilities, and from a youth had been his father's assistant,
field companion and friend. Victor Audubon, on the other hand, was never a
field collector, but aided his father more in a financial and secretarial
capacity. Both in adult life were fond of music and good cheer, and at one
time John was probably as devoted to adventure and sport as his father had
ever been in his palmiest days. One of his youthful pranks is thus guardedly
referred to by the senior Audubon when writing at American Harbor, on the
of debt was undoubtedly increased by the issue of seven octavo volumes of
text.[236]
Many years later, hundreds of persons who knew of Audubon's work
only through its great reputation, and who had never learned to discriminate
between a hand-colored copper-plate engraving and a lithograph, were
deceived by an adroit, but essentially spurious advertisement of these
inferior reproductions when they were being exploited by a firm of Boston
book dealers. The original bulk of these large lithographs must have been
vast indeed, if the following story, which was attributed to a member of the
firm in question, be true: "We bought the entire stock of those plates, many
years ago," so this man is reported to have said, "and, though the sales of
every succeeding year since have been sufficient to cover the original cost,
the number of plates has not appreciably diminished."
When this larger venture failed, one of the publishers, who was not
satisfied with the surplusage of books and plates left on his hands, is said to
have placed encumbrances upon the Audubon estate. At about this time
John W. Audubon's health broke down; "Worn out," as his daughter has
said,[237] "in body and spirit, overburdened with anxieties, saddened by the
condition of his country, it is no matter of surprise that my father could not
throw off a heavy cold which attacked him early in 1862." He died at the
age of forty-nine, on the 18th of February of that year.
John Woodhouse Audubon, like his brother, Victor, had inherited
decided artistic abilities, and from a youth had been his father's assistant,
field companion and friend. Victor Audubon, on the other hand, was never a
field collector, but aided his father more in a financial and secretarial
capacity. Both in adult life were fond of music and good cheer, and at one
time John was probably as devoted to adventure and sport as his father had
ever been in his palmiest days. One of his youthful pranks is thus guardedly
referred to by the senior Audubon when writing at American Harbor, on the
Page 337
coast of Labrador, June 25, 1833:[238] "The young men, who are always
ready for sport, caught a hundred codfish in half an hour, and somewhere
secured three fine salmon, one of which was sent to the 'Gulnare' with some
cod." Whether the fishermen at American Harbor, who had obstinately
refused to sell, ever missed those fine salmon from their pounds, is not
recorded. Another adventure has been related by Mr. Fraser,[239] whose
family was on intimate terms with the Audubons and MacGillivrays at
Edinburgh, when John Audubon, John MacGillivray (William
MacGillivray's eldest son), and himself were caught in the Ravelston woods
while shooting birds; the boys, he said "were rather roughly handled," but
got off by giving up their guns.
Under his father's tuition John Audubon became an observant and self-
reliant collector in the field, and an animal painter and draughtsman of no
mean powers. At twenty-one, as we have seen, he accompanied his father's
expedition to Labrador, was with him and Harris in Florida and Texas in
1837, made successive visits to England, and traveled again in Texas and in
Mexico, all in the interests of his father's works. He painted nearly one-half
of the large plates of the Quadrupeds of North America, besides reducing
all the drawings for the smaller editions of the Birds and Quadrupeds, an
enormous labor in itself, representing the redrawing, with numerous
alterations, of 655 elaborate octavo plates. After his return from California
in 1850, he began to bring out an account of his western travels, —
projected for ten monthly numbers, but this never advanced beyond the first
part.[240]
If not a "business man" by instinct or training, John Audubon in
emergencies could turn his hand to many things. For a time he
superintended the building of houses, including his own and Victor's, which
were completed in 1853, as well as another that was built on the Audubon
estate for Mr. Hall, a brother-in-law; he also took charge of lighting the
streets, and at another time was superintendent of a quarry in Vermont. "He
was a bluff, gruff, but friendly man," writes George Bird Grinnell,[241] and
ready for sport, caught a hundred codfish in half an hour, and somewhere
secured three fine salmon, one of which was sent to the 'Gulnare' with some
cod." Whether the fishermen at American Harbor, who had obstinately
refused to sell, ever missed those fine salmon from their pounds, is not
recorded. Another adventure has been related by Mr. Fraser,[239] whose
family was on intimate terms with the Audubons and MacGillivrays at
Edinburgh, when John Audubon, John MacGillivray (William
MacGillivray's eldest son), and himself were caught in the Ravelston woods
while shooting birds; the boys, he said "were rather roughly handled," but
got off by giving up their guns.
Under his father's tuition John Audubon became an observant and self-
reliant collector in the field, and an animal painter and draughtsman of no
mean powers. At twenty-one, as we have seen, he accompanied his father's
expedition to Labrador, was with him and Harris in Florida and Texas in
1837, made successive visits to England, and traveled again in Texas and in
Mexico, all in the interests of his father's works. He painted nearly one-half
of the large plates of the Quadrupeds of North America, besides reducing
all the drawings for the smaller editions of the Birds and Quadrupeds, an
enormous labor in itself, representing the redrawing, with numerous
alterations, of 655 elaborate octavo plates. After his return from California
in 1850, he began to bring out an account of his western travels, —
projected for ten monthly numbers, but this never advanced beyond the first
part.[240]
If not a "business man" by instinct or training, John Audubon in
emergencies could turn his hand to many things. For a time he
superintended the building of houses, including his own and Victor's, which
were completed in 1853, as well as another that was built on the Audubon
estate for Mr. Hall, a brother-in-law; he also took charge of lighting the
streets, and at another time was superintendent of a quarry in Vermont. "He
was a bluff, gruff, but friendly man," writes George Bird Grinnell,[241] and
Page 338
was always willing to talk about birds, mammals, or, indeed, any natural
history object, to any boy who asked him questions." On the other hand, an
ardent sportsman, who had lived with the family for years,[242] has
described him as a lovable companion, "genial in speech, full of anecdote,
and a capital conversationalist;... in person of more than median height, and
of commanding appearance, his face told plainly of the humanity of the
man; he was as tender-hearted as a girl, and his expressive voice could
command any key of which the vocal organs were capable; to the last he
retained the Southern habit of softly clipping the ends of words."
John Woodhouse Audubon will be remembered chiefly as his father's
aid and companion, although in his Western Journal,[243] written in his
thirty-eighth year but not published until forty-two years after his death, he
has left a record of which anyone could be rightfully proud.
Mrs. John James Audubon was very active in body and mind for a long
period after her husband's death, and in 1857, when in her seventieth year,
she returned in a degree to her old vocation of school teaching, which had
been so successfully followed in Ohio and Louisiana when her husband was
on the threshold of his extraordinary career. Her pupils now consisted of
some of her numerous grandchildren and a few others drawn from the
neighborhood; among the latter was the well known writer and father of the
original Audubon Society, George Bird Grinnell, who pointed out to me the
room in Victor Audubon's old house where his revered and venerable
teacher had gathered her little flock. "She loved to read, to study, and to
teach," said one who had known her, and "she knew how to gain the
attention of the young, and to fix knowledge in their minds. 'If I can hold
the mind of a child to a subject for five minutes, he will never forget what I
teach him,' she once remarked; and, acting upon this principle, she was as
successful, at three score and ten years, in imparting knowledge, as she had
been in early life when she taught in Louisiana."
Mrs. Audubon's own house was rented and eventually sold. Meanwhile,
it seems, she lived for a number of years with the family of her eldest son,
history object, to any boy who asked him questions." On the other hand, an
ardent sportsman, who had lived with the family for years,[242] has
described him as a lovable companion, "genial in speech, full of anecdote,
and a capital conversationalist;... in person of more than median height, and
of commanding appearance, his face told plainly of the humanity of the
man; he was as tender-hearted as a girl, and his expressive voice could
command any key of which the vocal organs were capable; to the last he
retained the Southern habit of softly clipping the ends of words."
John Woodhouse Audubon will be remembered chiefly as his father's
aid and companion, although in his Western Journal,[243] written in his
thirty-eighth year but not published until forty-two years after his death, he
has left a record of which anyone could be rightfully proud.
Mrs. John James Audubon was very active in body and mind for a long
period after her husband's death, and in 1857, when in her seventieth year,
she returned in a degree to her old vocation of school teaching, which had
been so successfully followed in Ohio and Louisiana when her husband was
on the threshold of his extraordinary career. Her pupils now consisted of
some of her numerous grandchildren and a few others drawn from the
neighborhood; among the latter was the well known writer and father of the
original Audubon Society, George Bird Grinnell, who pointed out to me the
room in Victor Audubon's old house where his revered and venerable
teacher had gathered her little flock. "She loved to read, to study, and to
teach," said one who had known her, and "she knew how to gain the
attention of the young, and to fix knowledge in their minds. 'If I can hold
the mind of a child to a subject for five minutes, he will never forget what I
teach him,' she once remarked; and, acting upon this principle, she was as
successful, at three score and ten years, in imparting knowledge, as she had
been in early life when she taught in Louisiana."
Mrs. Audubon's own house was rented and eventually sold. Meanwhile,
it seems, she lived for a number of years with the family of her eldest son,
Page 339
and it was at Victor's house, as just noticed, that she started a small school.
Finally, in 1863, at the age of seventy-five, bereft of children and fortune,
she left the scenes of her once happy home, then "Minnie's Land" no longer,
and for a considerable period lived with a granddaughter at Washington
Heights, as that section on the river, including Carmansville, came to be
called, and a little later at Manhattanville, a short distance below; there at
the home of the Reverend Charles Coffin Adams, who prepared the original
draft of the Life of her husband, the history of which has been given,[244]
she passed a number of years after 1865.
In a letter written to a relative from "Washington Heights, N. Y., July
11, 1865," Mrs. Audubon spoke thus of the present, while memories, not
untinged with sorrow, filled the retrospect:
We have passed through a very cold winter which tried both my
Granddaughter ... and myself much. I have hoped until I almost despair
that [she] would have a short Holiday so that we could go up to
Hudson for a week and see you all and mingle with those who
sympathize and care for us, but in a Boarding house, one seems a
stranger in the world, and as I pass my days alone generally from
breakfast till our dinner hour six o'clock evening when [my
granddaughter] comes home from her music Pupils of whom she has
now ten, and from that time I am glad when she is invited out to
refresh her mind.
I seldom leave home but to go up to see my other Grand Daughter
Lucy Williams, but being sixteen miles off we do not go there often....
I have heard from my Sister Gordon lately of Orleans, she has her
Son at home! but they are likely to lose all their Property on account of
Sister's Son having been engaged in the Confederate War. It does seem
to me ... as if we were a doomed family for all of us are in pecuniary
difficulty more or less. As to myself I find it hard to look back
patiently upon my great ignorance of business and the want of a wise
Finally, in 1863, at the age of seventy-five, bereft of children and fortune,
she left the scenes of her once happy home, then "Minnie's Land" no longer,
and for a considerable period lived with a granddaughter at Washington
Heights, as that section on the river, including Carmansville, came to be
called, and a little later at Manhattanville, a short distance below; there at
the home of the Reverend Charles Coffin Adams, who prepared the original
draft of the Life of her husband, the history of which has been given,[244]
she passed a number of years after 1865.
In a letter written to a relative from "Washington Heights, N. Y., July
11, 1865," Mrs. Audubon spoke thus of the present, while memories, not
untinged with sorrow, filled the retrospect:
We have passed through a very cold winter which tried both my
Granddaughter ... and myself much. I have hoped until I almost despair
that [she] would have a short Holiday so that we could go up to
Hudson for a week and see you all and mingle with those who
sympathize and care for us, but in a Boarding house, one seems a
stranger in the world, and as I pass my days alone generally from
breakfast till our dinner hour six o'clock evening when [my
granddaughter] comes home from her music Pupils of whom she has
now ten, and from that time I am glad when she is invited out to
refresh her mind.
I seldom leave home but to go up to see my other Grand Daughter
Lucy Williams, but being sixteen miles off we do not go there often....
I have heard from my Sister Gordon lately of Orleans, she has her
Son at home! but they are likely to lose all their Property on account of
Sister's Son having been engaged in the Confederate War. It does seem
to me ... as if we were a doomed family for all of us are in pecuniary
difficulty more or less. As to myself I find it hard to look back
patiently upon my great ignorance of business and the want of a wise
Page 340
adviser who I now find could have saved me half the property I have
under errour and ignorance sacrificed and have just enough left to keep
us but not enjoy life by any travelling about in this beautiful World. I
sat on Sunday night after Church on the Piazza, contemplating the
beautiful Moon & its Creator, and I cannot yet say I wish to leave it,
notwithstanding all my disappointments and mortifications. Excuse
this long detail about myself. I cannot help looking back as well as to
the present and future.
After Mrs. Audubon had passed her eightieth year she left New York
and again made her home in the West. In 1874, when with a granddaughter
at Louisville, she dictated and signed the following letter to a gentleman
who had asked for an autograph of her husband:
Mrs. Audubon to William R. Dorlan
Louisville Jan. 30 1874
Mr. Wm. R. Dorlan
Dear Sir
I regret that your letter of Jan. 10th has remained so long
unanswered, but my granddaughter who usually writes for me, is so
constantly occupied with her pupils that until to-day she has not been
able to find time to write to you. I regret that I cannot give you a letter
of my husband John James Audubon with the autograph attached.
The enclosed, the best I have to send you is one from which the
autograph and a portion of the letter were cut off many years ago.
With many regrets that I cannot more fully grant your request
under errour and ignorance sacrificed and have just enough left to keep
us but not enjoy life by any travelling about in this beautiful World. I
sat on Sunday night after Church on the Piazza, contemplating the
beautiful Moon & its Creator, and I cannot yet say I wish to leave it,
notwithstanding all my disappointments and mortifications. Excuse
this long detail about myself. I cannot help looking back as well as to
the present and future.
After Mrs. Audubon had passed her eightieth year she left New York
and again made her home in the West. In 1874, when with a granddaughter
at Louisville, she dictated and signed the following letter to a gentleman
who had asked for an autograph of her husband:
Mrs. Audubon to William R. Dorlan
Louisville Jan. 30 1874
Mr. Wm. R. Dorlan
Dear Sir
I regret that your letter of Jan. 10th has remained so long
unanswered, but my granddaughter who usually writes for me, is so
constantly occupied with her pupils that until to-day she has not been
able to find time to write to you. I regret that I cannot give you a letter
of my husband John James Audubon with the autograph attached.
The enclosed, the best I have to send you is one from which the
autograph and a portion of the letter were cut off many years ago.
With many regrets that I cannot more fully grant your request
Page 341
I am dear Sir
Yours respectfully,
Lucy Audubon
Mrs. Audubon's closing days were spent at the home of her sister-in-
law, Mrs. William G. Bakewell, at Shelbyville, Kentucky, where she died,
with her mental faculties unimpaired, at the age of eighty-six, June 13,
1874, having outlived this sister-in-law and her younger sisters, Mrs.
Alexander Gordon, of New Orleans, and Mrs. Nicholas Augustus Berthoud,
of St. Louis.
Not long after John W. Audubon's death, his family disposed of their
house on what had been the "Minnie's Land" estate, and lived successively
at Harlem, New Haven, Connecticut, and Salem, New York, where Mrs.
John W. Audubon died, and where her daughter, Maria Rebecca, the
biographer of her father and grandfather, with a sister, still resides. Victor
Audubon's family, with some of their kinsfolk, remained at the Hudson
River place, which was included in the section known as "Audubon Park,"
until May, 1878, when they took a house in New York, where Mrs. Victor
Audubon died in 1882.
A brother of Mrs. Victor Audubon, Mr. E. Mallory, in writing to a
friend in Buffalo from "Audubon Park, August 31, 1874," said that it was a
source of deep regret to Mrs. John James Audubon that her last years were
not passed with them, under the shadow of her old home on the Hudson;
and he continued: "She was a kind and good friend, very intelligent, and
much beloved here; I remember her telling a young lady, who asked her if
she had read some fashionable novel, that she had no time; 'at my age,' said
she, 'I must make the most of my time.' As she was a wide reader, it was a
great trial when, in age, her eyesight completely failed her. The minister
who pronounced her eulogy[245] said:
Yours respectfully,
Lucy Audubon
Mrs. Audubon's closing days were spent at the home of her sister-in-
law, Mrs. William G. Bakewell, at Shelbyville, Kentucky, where she died,
with her mental faculties unimpaired, at the age of eighty-six, June 13,
1874, having outlived this sister-in-law and her younger sisters, Mrs.
Alexander Gordon, of New Orleans, and Mrs. Nicholas Augustus Berthoud,
of St. Louis.
Not long after John W. Audubon's death, his family disposed of their
house on what had been the "Minnie's Land" estate, and lived successively
at Harlem, New Haven, Connecticut, and Salem, New York, where Mrs.
John W. Audubon died, and where her daughter, Maria Rebecca, the
biographer of her father and grandfather, with a sister, still resides. Victor
Audubon's family, with some of their kinsfolk, remained at the Hudson
River place, which was included in the section known as "Audubon Park,"
until May, 1878, when they took a house in New York, where Mrs. Victor
Audubon died in 1882.
A brother of Mrs. Victor Audubon, Mr. E. Mallory, in writing to a
friend in Buffalo from "Audubon Park, August 31, 1874," said that it was a
source of deep regret to Mrs. John James Audubon that her last years were
not passed with them, under the shadow of her old home on the Hudson;
and he continued: "She was a kind and good friend, very intelligent, and
much beloved here; I remember her telling a young lady, who asked her if
she had read some fashionable novel, that she had no time; 'at my age,' said
she, 'I must make the most of my time.' As she was a wide reader, it was a
great trial when, in age, her eyesight completely failed her. The minister
who pronounced her eulogy[245] said:
Page 342
Many of you can recall that aged form and benignant countenance,
as she moved along these streets upon errands of usefulness and
benevolence, with benedictions on her tongue, and smiles that were a
blessing to all who met her.
Madame Audubon interested herself in all that pertained to the
welfare of the neighborhood where she lived. Although it was not
without a pang that she saw her sylvan home invaded by the growth of
the city, and all old associations broken up, she did not treat those who
came to live near her as strangers. She had a large and generous heart,
and with her husband had always exercised a liberal hospitality and
hearty kindness towards all. In prosperity and adversity she was
equally sincere and humble, a friend of all worthy people....
Mrs. Audubon, during the period of her husband's greatest activity, had
traveled much and met people distinguished in every walk of life. If, as
some have thought, when Audubon was struggling for recognition, he was
somewhat oblivious of the privations which his wife endured, in the
sunshine of later years, when fame and fortune had smiled upon him, he
showed by every token of affection how fully he realized his debt. Let it
also be remembered that the monument by which Americans have
signalized their appreciation of his labors, is honored by the ashes of his
beloved Lucy, which rest by his side.
as she moved along these streets upon errands of usefulness and
benevolence, with benedictions on her tongue, and smiles that were a
blessing to all who met her.
Madame Audubon interested herself in all that pertained to the
welfare of the neighborhood where she lived. Although it was not
without a pang that she saw her sylvan home invaded by the growth of
the city, and all old associations broken up, she did not treat those who
came to live near her as strangers. She had a large and generous heart,
and with her husband had always exercised a liberal hospitality and
hearty kindness towards all. In prosperity and adversity she was
equally sincere and humble, a friend of all worthy people....
Mrs. Audubon, during the period of her husband's greatest activity, had
traveled much and met people distinguished in every walk of life. If, as
some have thought, when Audubon was struggling for recognition, he was
somewhat oblivious of the privations which his wife endured, in the
sunshine of later years, when fame and fortune had smiled upon him, he
showed by every token of affection how fully he realized his debt. Let it
also be remembered that the monument by which Americans have
signalized their appreciation of his labors, is honored by the ashes of his
beloved Lucy, which rest by his side.
Page 343
LUCY BAKEWELL AUDUBON
AFTER AN UNPUBLISHED PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN IN 1871. PUBLISHED BY
COURTESY OF MISS FLORENCE AUDUBON.
AFTER AN UNPUBLISHED PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN IN 1871. PUBLISHED BY
COURTESY OF MISS FLORENCE AUDUBON.
Page 344
LUCY BAKEWELL AUDUBON
AFTER A MINIATURE PAINTED BY FREDERICK CRUIKSHANK IN LONDON,
ABOUT 1831. PUBLISHED BY COURTESY OF CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS.
The original drawings of the plates of The Birds of America were sold
by Mrs. Audubon on June 2, 1863, to the Historical Society of New York,
[246]
and a few of them are now displayed in its building in that city; it is
still hoped that a fire-proof and adequately lighted hall can be constructed
so that the whole of this great series of pictures may be exhibited under
more perfect conditions. The artistic beauty and historical value of these
drawings, with the added charm which personal association has so richly
supplied, would render Audubon's "Book of Nature" one of the most unique
and interesting exhibits in the New World. The collection appears to be
AFTER A MINIATURE PAINTED BY FREDERICK CRUIKSHANK IN LONDON,
ABOUT 1831. PUBLISHED BY COURTESY OF CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS.
The original drawings of the plates of The Birds of America were sold
by Mrs. Audubon on June 2, 1863, to the Historical Society of New York,
[246]
and a few of them are now displayed in its building in that city; it is
still hoped that a fire-proof and adequately lighted hall can be constructed
so that the whole of this great series of pictures may be exhibited under
more perfect conditions. The artistic beauty and historical value of these
drawings, with the added charm which personal association has so richly
supplied, would render Audubon's "Book of Nature" one of the most unique
and interesting exhibits in the New World. The collection appears to be
Page 345
nearly complete, although some notable pieces, such as the Wild Turkeys,
are lacking, but there are other drawings, and some of early date, which
were never reproduced; all are inclosed in the original portfolios, scarred by
hard knocks and the tooth of time, massive, leather-bound containers, which
two strong arms would raise with difficulty from the ground. Most of these
originals are mounted on a gray backing, with plate margins in each case
indicated by ink lines. As was noticed in an earlier chapter, many original
legends and notes written by Audubon's pencil or pen still remain on the
drawings, though many have been trimmed off or erased; these include
names of localities and dates, and directions to the engraver for changes in
the background and composition or for any improvement of the whole or a
part.
As a further illustration of the care which Audubon exercised over the
minute details of his great undertaking, we will reproduce the penciled
orders on the drawing of the Great White Heron (Plate cclxxxi), which
shows an adult male performing the gymnastic feat of seizing a large striped
fish, a view of Key West forming the background: "Keep closely to the sky
in depth & colouring! have the water a Pea-green tint. Keep the division of
the scales on the leg in fact white in your engraving—The colouring over
these will subdue them enough! finish the houses better from the original
which you have; have the upper back portion very mellowing in the
outline." Again, on the drawing of the Great Cinereous Owl (Plate cccli),
we read: "Raise the bird about 4 inches on the copper—higher than in the
Drawing, and put in a landscape below of Wild Mountains," a direction
which in this instance was not followed, for the bird was eventually shown
on a branch against the sky.
In many instances towards the end of his work, Audubon furnished
Havell with drawings of the birds only, with directions to supply "an old
rotten stick" for perch, or to "amend this rascally sky and water"; as we
have already seen, he often depended upon him to combine several
detached pictures into one plate, but not always with happy results. The
following note was written on a drawing of the Carolina Parrot, reproduced
are lacking, but there are other drawings, and some of early date, which
were never reproduced; all are inclosed in the original portfolios, scarred by
hard knocks and the tooth of time, massive, leather-bound containers, which
two strong arms would raise with difficulty from the ground. Most of these
originals are mounted on a gray backing, with plate margins in each case
indicated by ink lines. As was noticed in an earlier chapter, many original
legends and notes written by Audubon's pencil or pen still remain on the
drawings, though many have been trimmed off or erased; these include
names of localities and dates, and directions to the engraver for changes in
the background and composition or for any improvement of the whole or a
part.
As a further illustration of the care which Audubon exercised over the
minute details of his great undertaking, we will reproduce the penciled
orders on the drawing of the Great White Heron (Plate cclxxxi), which
shows an adult male performing the gymnastic feat of seizing a large striped
fish, a view of Key West forming the background: "Keep closely to the sky
in depth & colouring! have the water a Pea-green tint. Keep the division of
the scales on the leg in fact white in your engraving—The colouring over
these will subdue them enough! finish the houses better from the original
which you have; have the upper back portion very mellowing in the
outline." Again, on the drawing of the Great Cinereous Owl (Plate cccli),
we read: "Raise the bird about 4 inches on the copper—higher than in the
Drawing, and put in a landscape below of Wild Mountains," a direction
which in this instance was not followed, for the bird was eventually shown
on a branch against the sky.
In many instances towards the end of his work, Audubon furnished
Havell with drawings of the birds only, with directions to supply "an old
rotten stick" for perch, or to "amend this rascally sky and water"; as we
have already seen, he often depended upon him to combine several
detached pictures into one plate, but not always with happy results. The
following note was written on a drawing of the Carolina Parrot, reproduced
Page 346
in a very striking plate (No. xxvi), in which seven gaudy individuals of this
nearly extinct species are represented feeding on a favorite weed, the
cockle-bur: "The upper specimen was shot near Bayou Sarah, and appeared
as very uncommon having 14 Tail feathers all very distinct—uniformly
affixed in 14 distinct receptacles that I drew it more to exhibit one of those
astonishing fits of nature than anything else—it was a female.—The Green
headed is also a Singular although not so uncommon a variety as the above
one. Louisiana—December (1821?) J. J. Audubon." The upper bird, which
is here referred to, is noticed in his "Biography" of the species as "a kind of
occasional variety."
On the drawing of the Swamp Sparrow (Plate lxiv), which was
published in 1829, Audubon wrote, evidently with the wish of having his
wife's name appear: "Drawn from Nature by Lucy Audubon, Mr. Havell
will please have Lucy Audubon name on this plate instead of mine...!"
Vandalism is always short-sighted, but seldom has its vision been more
myopic and sinister than in the case of the copper plates of The Birds of
America, most of which were sold for old metal and converted into copper
bars. Had they been preserved to this day, their value would have been an
hundred-fold greater than that of the few paltry tons of metallic copper
which they were supposed to represent. Mr. Ruthven Deane, whose
researches in the field of "Auduboniana" have added greatly to this subject,
has given a history of these plates,[247] and of the interesting way in which a
remnant came to be snatched, as it were, from the very mouth of the
furnace, through the persistence and enthusiasm of a lad of fourteen. To
follow this writer's account, it seems that shortly after the death of her son
John, Mrs. Audubon sold the copper plates to a firm in New York, where
they remained until about 1865, stored in the warehouse of Messrs. Phelps,
Dodge & Company. Not far from that time the plates were sorted and a few
were given away; the large remainder was sent to a brass and copper
company, of which William E. Dodge was president, at Ansonia,
Connecticut. How some of these were fortunately rescued, in about the year
nearly extinct species are represented feeding on a favorite weed, the
cockle-bur: "The upper specimen was shot near Bayou Sarah, and appeared
as very uncommon having 14 Tail feathers all very distinct—uniformly
affixed in 14 distinct receptacles that I drew it more to exhibit one of those
astonishing fits of nature than anything else—it was a female.—The Green
headed is also a Singular although not so uncommon a variety as the above
one. Louisiana—December (1821?) J. J. Audubon." The upper bird, which
is here referred to, is noticed in his "Biography" of the species as "a kind of
occasional variety."
On the drawing of the Swamp Sparrow (Plate lxiv), which was
published in 1829, Audubon wrote, evidently with the wish of having his
wife's name appear: "Drawn from Nature by Lucy Audubon, Mr. Havell
will please have Lucy Audubon name on this plate instead of mine...!"
Vandalism is always short-sighted, but seldom has its vision been more
myopic and sinister than in the case of the copper plates of The Birds of
America, most of which were sold for old metal and converted into copper
bars. Had they been preserved to this day, their value would have been an
hundred-fold greater than that of the few paltry tons of metallic copper
which they were supposed to represent. Mr. Ruthven Deane, whose
researches in the field of "Auduboniana" have added greatly to this subject,
has given a history of these plates,[247] and of the interesting way in which a
remnant came to be snatched, as it were, from the very mouth of the
furnace, through the persistence and enthusiasm of a lad of fourteen. To
follow this writer's account, it seems that shortly after the death of her son
John, Mrs. Audubon sold the copper plates to a firm in New York, where
they remained until about 1865, stored in the warehouse of Messrs. Phelps,
Dodge & Company. Not far from that time the plates were sorted and a few
were given away; the large remainder was sent to a brass and copper
company, of which William E. Dodge was president, at Ansonia,
Connecticut. How some of these were fortunately rescued, in about the year
Page 347
1873, is told in a letter to Mr. Deane from Mr. Charles A. Cowles, of
Ansonia:
At that time I was about fourteen years old. I was beginning the
study of taxidermy, and was naturally deeply interested in birds. I
happened to be at the refinery watching the process of loading one of
the furnaces, and noticed on one of the sheets of copper that a man was
throwing into the furnace, what appeared to me to be the picture of a
bird's foot. I took the plate from him, cleaned it with acid, and
thereupon discovered the engraving, or as I termed it, the picture, of a
bird (Plate cvi, Black Vulture), I made an immediate but unsuccessful
request to the foreman of the furnace not to melt the plates; and then I
appealed to the superintendent, but without avail. I next brought the
matter to the general manager of the concern, my father, from whom I
received no encouragement. This sort of treatment was evidently what
I needed, for I hastened back to the works in a state of mind so
determined that I succeeded in having all the plates, that had not been
melted, removed to a place of safety. This occurred in the spring of
that year; and the plates remained undisturbed until the annual
inventory was taken the first of the following year. At that time the
disposition of the plates was taken up. I appealed to my mother and
interested her to such an extent that she drove to the factory and looked
at one of the plates. She of course recognized that they were Audubon
plates; and instructions were given by my father to keep them intact.
The plates were subsequently submitted to a treatment which removed
all oxidation and then taken to the main office of the company, and to
the best of my recollection, distributed as follows: Mr. Wm. E. Dodge,
president of the company, had a few plates sent to the American
Museum of Natural History, New York City, and a few plates to the
Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C., and I think he retained one
or two for himself. The remainder of them, with the exception of two,
my father kept; and they have since come into my possession by
purchase from the estate. The two plates just excepted were Nos. xxii
Ansonia:
At that time I was about fourteen years old. I was beginning the
study of taxidermy, and was naturally deeply interested in birds. I
happened to be at the refinery watching the process of loading one of
the furnaces, and noticed on one of the sheets of copper that a man was
throwing into the furnace, what appeared to me to be the picture of a
bird's foot. I took the plate from him, cleaned it with acid, and
thereupon discovered the engraving, or as I termed it, the picture, of a
bird (Plate cvi, Black Vulture), I made an immediate but unsuccessful
request to the foreman of the furnace not to melt the plates; and then I
appealed to the superintendent, but without avail. I next brought the
matter to the general manager of the concern, my father, from whom I
received no encouragement. This sort of treatment was evidently what
I needed, for I hastened back to the works in a state of mind so
determined that I succeeded in having all the plates, that had not been
melted, removed to a place of safety. This occurred in the spring of
that year; and the plates remained undisturbed until the annual
inventory was taken the first of the following year. At that time the
disposition of the plates was taken up. I appealed to my mother and
interested her to such an extent that she drove to the factory and looked
at one of the plates. She of course recognized that they were Audubon
plates; and instructions were given by my father to keep them intact.
The plates were subsequently submitted to a treatment which removed
all oxidation and then taken to the main office of the company, and to
the best of my recollection, distributed as follows: Mr. Wm. E. Dodge,
president of the company, had a few plates sent to the American
Museum of Natural History, New York City, and a few plates to the
Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C., and I think he retained one
or two for himself. The remainder of them, with the exception of two,
my father kept; and they have since come into my possession by
purchase from the estate. The two plates just excepted were Nos. xxii
Page 348
and lxxxii [Purple Martin and Whippoorwill], and they particularly
struck my fancy, so much that when the plates were first discovered I
managed to secure them on the quiet, cleaned them myself and hid
them; and when the plates were distributed no one knew of the
existence of these two and they later became my property.
It was thought possible that some of these plates had been sold in New
York City before the bulk of them were condemned as junk and sent to
Connecticut, but in 1898 Mr. Deane was able to give the designation and
resting place of only thirty-seven;[248] among these, however, were the Wild
Turkeys, Canada Goose, Great Northern Diver, Raven, American Robin,
and Ruby-throated Hummingbird, all among the finest of the original 435.
Under the guidance of Mr. George Bird Grinnell, on April 6, 1916, I
paid a visit to "Audubon Park," now "Minnie's Land" no longer, where
country roads have given way to business streets and forests to subways and
skyscraper apartment houses. Notwithstanding the momentous changes
which the extension of upper New York City has effected both above and
below ground during the recent era of rapid transportation, the old Audubon
houses still remain, like boulders amid stream, the impact of the city which
has flowed around and beyond them being checked for the moment by a
rampart of solid masonry, the retaining wall of the far-famed Riverside
Drive, which rises above Audubon's old house close to its rear veranda and
there makes a wide turn. For Mr. Grinnell this was a return to the scenes of
his boyhood; the home of his father, Mr. George Blake Grinnell, stood on
the hill just above the Audubon house, not far from the present "Riviera"
building at One Hundred and Fifty-Seventh Street; the Grinnell apartment
house which towers aloft close at hand stands in their old cow pasture,
while their garden site is marked by the present entrance to the subway
station on Broadway.
The first part of Audubon's original tract to be sold was the easterly
section, extending from what is now the east side of Broadway to the
Bloomingdale Road, and between the present One Hundred and Fifty-sixth
struck my fancy, so much that when the plates were first discovered I
managed to secure them on the quiet, cleaned them myself and hid
them; and when the plates were distributed no one knew of the
existence of these two and they later became my property.
It was thought possible that some of these plates had been sold in New
York City before the bulk of them were condemned as junk and sent to
Connecticut, but in 1898 Mr. Deane was able to give the designation and
resting place of only thirty-seven;[248] among these, however, were the Wild
Turkeys, Canada Goose, Great Northern Diver, Raven, American Robin,
and Ruby-throated Hummingbird, all among the finest of the original 435.
Under the guidance of Mr. George Bird Grinnell, on April 6, 1916, I
paid a visit to "Audubon Park," now "Minnie's Land" no longer, where
country roads have given way to business streets and forests to subways and
skyscraper apartment houses. Notwithstanding the momentous changes
which the extension of upper New York City has effected both above and
below ground during the recent era of rapid transportation, the old Audubon
houses still remain, like boulders amid stream, the impact of the city which
has flowed around and beyond them being checked for the moment by a
rampart of solid masonry, the retaining wall of the far-famed Riverside
Drive, which rises above Audubon's old house close to its rear veranda and
there makes a wide turn. For Mr. Grinnell this was a return to the scenes of
his boyhood; the home of his father, Mr. George Blake Grinnell, stood on
the hill just above the Audubon house, not far from the present "Riviera"
building at One Hundred and Fifty-Seventh Street; the Grinnell apartment
house which towers aloft close at hand stands in their old cow pasture,
while their garden site is marked by the present entrance to the subway
station on Broadway.
The first part of Audubon's original tract to be sold was the easterly
section, extending from what is now the east side of Broadway to the
Bloomingdale Road, and between the present One Hundred and Fifty-sixth
Page 349
and One Hundred and Fifty-seventh Streets; on that portion John
Woodhouse Audubon built a large frame structure which, for a number of
years, served as a boarding house for workmen employed in the sugar
refinery of Messrs. Plume & Lamont that stood on the river-bank, at the
foot of the present One Hundred and Sixtieth Street. Victor and John W.
Audubon also built three houses on the hill, one of which, between One
Hundred and Fifty-sixth and One Hundred and Fifty-seventh Streets, was
occupied by Mr. Grinnell; another, at one time the dwelling of Henry A.
Smythe, a former Collector of the Port of New York, was on land now
covered by the Numismatic Building, while a third, which was occupied by
Wellington Clapp, was on a part of the Archer M. Huntington estate, south
of One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Street, and stood a little easterly of the
present Riverside Drive; all of these houses have disappeared. In
September, 1842, the Corporation of Trinity Parish acquired from Richard
F. Carman, in Carmansville, the tract of land later known as "Trinity
Cemetery"; this extended from Bloomingdale Road to the River, and
between the present One Hundred and Fifty-third and One Hundred and
Fifty-fifth Streets.[249]
The original Audubon house, standing in the angle nearly opposite One
Hundred and Fifty-fifth Street, is all but concealed, except from the river
side, but may be approached by a lane which leads off from One Hundred
and Fifty-eighth Street. In 1913, when this old landmark was in imminent
danger of demolition, the Commissioner of Public Parks made an eloquent
plea for its preservation to the Audubon Societies and to lovers of birds and
nature everywhere. It was then suggested that instead of permitting the
historic structure to be destroyed, the city should acquire it, float it up the
Hudson River to Fort Washington Park, and re-establish it there as a
permanent memorial to the naturalist; it was also noticed that the public
interest was enhanced by the fact that the father of telegraphy, Samuel F. B.
Morse, had worked upon his invention while Audubon's guest, and that the
first message to be received from Philadelphia came over a wire which
entered his room at the northwest corner of the building.
Woodhouse Audubon built a large frame structure which, for a number of
years, served as a boarding house for workmen employed in the sugar
refinery of Messrs. Plume & Lamont that stood on the river-bank, at the
foot of the present One Hundred and Sixtieth Street. Victor and John W.
Audubon also built three houses on the hill, one of which, between One
Hundred and Fifty-sixth and One Hundred and Fifty-seventh Streets, was
occupied by Mr. Grinnell; another, at one time the dwelling of Henry A.
Smythe, a former Collector of the Port of New York, was on land now
covered by the Numismatic Building, while a third, which was occupied by
Wellington Clapp, was on a part of the Archer M. Huntington estate, south
of One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Street, and stood a little easterly of the
present Riverside Drive; all of these houses have disappeared. In
September, 1842, the Corporation of Trinity Parish acquired from Richard
F. Carman, in Carmansville, the tract of land later known as "Trinity
Cemetery"; this extended from Bloomingdale Road to the River, and
between the present One Hundred and Fifty-third and One Hundred and
Fifty-fifth Streets.[249]
The original Audubon house, standing in the angle nearly opposite One
Hundred and Fifty-fifth Street, is all but concealed, except from the river
side, but may be approached by a lane which leads off from One Hundred
and Fifty-eighth Street. In 1913, when this old landmark was in imminent
danger of demolition, the Commissioner of Public Parks made an eloquent
plea for its preservation to the Audubon Societies and to lovers of birds and
nature everywhere. It was then suggested that instead of permitting the
historic structure to be destroyed, the city should acquire it, float it up the
Hudson River to Fort Washington Park, and re-establish it there as a
permanent memorial to the naturalist; it was also noticed that the public
interest was enhanced by the fact that the father of telegraphy, Samuel F. B.
Morse, had worked upon his invention while Audubon's guest, and that the
first message to be received from Philadelphia came over a wire which
entered his room at the northwest corner of the building.
Page 350
An early engraving[250] represents the naturalist's house essentially as it
appeared during his lifetime, surrounded by goodly forest trees of oak and
chestnut, but these, when standing at all, are now reduced to gaunt and
scarred remnants. A later print[251] shows the three Audubon houses, the
river, and between it and the lawn "that eye-sore of a railroad,"[252] which
was built not long after Audubon settled upon his estate. The original house
was sold before 1862,[253] and about eight years later its new owner
occupied it, after having given it a mansard roof and made numerous
changes which were sanctioned by an era of bad taste. The naturalist's
house overlooked the river and commanded a grand view from its high
veranda on the front, while Victor's, which later adjoined it to the north,
owing probably to the encroachments of the railroad, was built to face the
hill-slope opposite; a top studio, at a corner of its roof, is an addition of a
later purchaser.[254]
Adjoining Victor's house on the north was that of his brother, John, and
on the east side of this was built the "Cave" and a barn since converted into
a dwelling; at one time the loft of this barn was piled with boxes of bird
skins and the surplus stock of the Ornithological Biography, good copies of
which now bring from $30 to $50.
The three houses which were built and occupied by the great nature
lover and his two sons, though in dire neglect, are not beyond repair; if such
a project were practicable, they should be converted into a museum, and
their walls once more ornamented with those beautiful pictures of birds and
beasts which father and sons united to create. The triangle of ground
between Riverside Drive and the Hudson River should be spared by the
proud city that for years was the home of America's pioneer naturalist and
animal painter, as well as the scene of his youthful experiments in trade, and
converted into a true "Audubon Park." Such a memorial would contribute to
the instruction and pleasure of all the people, for every generation of
Americans that is to come.
appeared during his lifetime, surrounded by goodly forest trees of oak and
chestnut, but these, when standing at all, are now reduced to gaunt and
scarred remnants. A later print[251] shows the three Audubon houses, the
river, and between it and the lawn "that eye-sore of a railroad,"[252] which
was built not long after Audubon settled upon his estate. The original house
was sold before 1862,[253] and about eight years later its new owner
occupied it, after having given it a mansard roof and made numerous
changes which were sanctioned by an era of bad taste. The naturalist's
house overlooked the river and commanded a grand view from its high
veranda on the front, while Victor's, which later adjoined it to the north,
owing probably to the encroachments of the railroad, was built to face the
hill-slope opposite; a top studio, at a corner of its roof, is an addition of a
later purchaser.[254]
Adjoining Victor's house on the north was that of his brother, John, and
on the east side of this was built the "Cave" and a barn since converted into
a dwelling; at one time the loft of this barn was piled with boxes of bird
skins and the surplus stock of the Ornithological Biography, good copies of
which now bring from $30 to $50.
The three houses which were built and occupied by the great nature
lover and his two sons, though in dire neglect, are not beyond repair; if such
a project were practicable, they should be converted into a museum, and
their walls once more ornamented with those beautiful pictures of birds and
beasts which father and sons united to create. The triangle of ground
between Riverside Drive and the Hudson River should be spared by the
proud city that for years was the home of America's pioneer naturalist and
animal painter, as well as the scene of his youthful experiments in trade, and
converted into a true "Audubon Park." Such a memorial would contribute to
the instruction and pleasure of all the people, for every generation of
Americans that is to come.
Page 351
APPENDICES
Page 352
APPENDIX I
Original Documents
Original Documents
Page 353
. Copy of the original bill rendered by Doctor Sanson, physician at Les
Cayes, Santo Domingo, to Jean Audubon, containing the only record known
to exist of the birth of his son, Jean Jacques Fougère Audubon (see entry for
April 26, 1785). Les Cayes, December 29, 1783-October 19, 1785; paid,
June 7, 1787.
DOIT Mr. AUDUBON ngt. A SANSON
Chirurgien aux Cayes
SAVOIR
|
L
1783 Xbre " 29 ipecacuanha pour un
" nègre Bossal " 6""
" 31 ipecacuanha pour un
" nègre Bossal " 6""
1784 janvier " 3 une medecine pour un
" nègre Bossal " 6""
" 5 une medecine pour un
" nègre Bossal " 6""
" 7 une medecine pour un
" nègre Bossal " 6""
" 9 une medecine pour un
" Bossal " 6""
" 10 une medecine pour un
" Bossal " 6""
" 14 une medecine pour le
" mulâtre joue " 6""
" 26 une medecine pour Mr 10 "
" Audubon " "
Cayes, Santo Domingo, to Jean Audubon, containing the only record known
to exist of the birth of his son, Jean Jacques Fougère Audubon (see entry for
April 26, 1785). Les Cayes, December 29, 1783-October 19, 1785; paid,
June 7, 1787.
DOIT Mr. AUDUBON ngt. A SANSON
Chirurgien aux Cayes
SAVOIR
|
L
1783 Xbre " 29 ipecacuanha pour un
" nègre Bossal " 6""
" 31 ipecacuanha pour un
" nègre Bossal " 6""
1784 janvier " 3 une medecine pour un
" nègre Bossal " 6""
" 5 une medecine pour un
" nègre Bossal " 6""
" 7 une medecine pour un
" nègre Bossal " 6""
" 9 une medecine pour un
" Bossal " 6""
" 10 une medecine pour un
" Bossal " 6""
" 14 une medecine pour le
" mulâtre joue " 6""
" 26 une medecine pour Mr 10 "
" Audubon " "
Page 354
mars " 27 inoculé cezard 30 "
" inoculé jupiter 30 90 "
inoculé Rose 30 " " "
avril " 1 apozême purgatif pour
" joue mulâtre " 6""
" 3 une medecine pour le
" mulâtre joue " 6""
" 8 apozême purgatif pour
" le nègre Dominique " 6""
" 10 une medecine pour
" Dominique " 6""
" 15 une medecine pour
" Zemire " 6""
" 20 une medecine pour
" Rose " 6""
" apozême purgatif pour
jupiter " 6""
" 21 une medecine pour
" Dominique " 6""
may " 2 une medecine pour la
" negresse therese " 6""
" 11 pour soins, visites et
" remedes pendant la
petite verole du 66 "
mulâtre joue " "
" 21 Liqueur minerale
" d'hoffman pour mlle.
Rabin " 6""
juin " 20 inoculé un petit nègre 30 "
" Bossal nommé joue " "
juillet " 20 Remis a mr audubon le
" compte du traitement
de la galle de
marianne et de sa 36 "
fille, tout acquité " "
" inoculé jupiter 30 90 "
inoculé Rose 30 " " "
avril " 1 apozême purgatif pour
" joue mulâtre " 6""
" 3 une medecine pour le
" mulâtre joue " 6""
" 8 apozême purgatif pour
" le nègre Dominique " 6""
" 10 une medecine pour
" Dominique " 6""
" 15 une medecine pour
" Zemire " 6""
" 20 une medecine pour
" Rose " 6""
" apozême purgatif pour
jupiter " 6""
" 21 une medecine pour
" Dominique " 6""
may " 2 une medecine pour la
" negresse therese " 6""
" 11 pour soins, visites et
" remedes pendant la
petite verole du 66 "
mulâtre joue " "
" 21 Liqueur minerale
" d'hoffman pour mlle.
Rabin " 6""
juin " 20 inoculé un petit nègre 30 "
" Bossal nommé joue " "
juillet " 20 Remis a mr audubon le
" compte du traitement
de la galle de
marianne et de sa 36 "
fille, tout acquité " "
Page 355
7bre " 14 apozême purgatif pour
" le nègre jean maçon " 6""
" 16 une medecine pour jean
" maçon " 6""
" 21 saigné au bras mr
" audubon " 3""
" 23 eau de tamarinds
" compee. pour mr 10 "
Audubon " "
" 24 une medecine en deux
" Dozes pour mr 10 "
audubon " "
8bre. " 22 une medecine pour le
" negrillon joue " 6""
" 23 traité soigné et fourni le
" medicament a joue 132 "
attaqué de piano " "
513 "
L "
[Page 2]
513 "
Suite de l'autre part L "
8bre. " 25 saigné au bras mlle.
" Rabin " 3""
" 26 Liqueur minerale
" d'hoffman pour mlle.
Rabin " 6""
" 30 une medecine pour le
" negrillon joue " 6""
9bre " 15 une medecine pour le
" negrillon joue " 6""
Xbre " 8 une medecine pour
" joue " 6""
" le nègre jean maçon " 6""
" 16 une medecine pour jean
" maçon " 6""
" 21 saigné au bras mr
" audubon " 3""
" 23 eau de tamarinds
" compee. pour mr 10 "
Audubon " "
" 24 une medecine en deux
" Dozes pour mr 10 "
audubon " "
8bre. " 22 une medecine pour le
" negrillon joue " 6""
" 23 traité soigné et fourni le
" medicament a joue 132 "
attaqué de piano " "
513 "
L "
[Page 2]
513 "
Suite de l'autre part L "
8bre. " 25 saigné au bras mlle.
" Rabin " 3""
" 26 Liqueur minerale
" d'hoffman pour mlle.
Rabin " 6""
" 30 une medecine pour le
" negrillon joue " 6""
9bre " 15 une medecine pour le
" negrillon joue " 6""
Xbre " 8 une medecine pour
" joue " 6""
Page 356
1785 janvier " 18 une medecine pour mr 10 "
" audubon " "
" 21 une medecine pour le
" negrillon joue " 6""
fevrier " 15 2once. manne pour mlle.
" Rabin " 3""
" 18 une medecine pour le
" tonneliere " 6""
mars " 6 une medecine pour le
" tonneliere " 6""
" 10 une medecine pour le
" tonneliere " 6""
" 11 trois Dozes de kina
" pour le tonneliere " 9""
" 12 trois Dozes de kina
" pour le tonneliere " 9""
" 13 trois Dozes de kina
" pour le tonneliere " 9""
" 14 trois Dozes de kina
" pour le tonneliere " 9""
avril " 2 une visite de nuit pour 10 "
" mlle Rabin " "
" 3 une Lotion pour un
" Erésipèle, que mlle.
Rabin a à la jambe. " 6""
" 5 une Lotion pour mlle.
" Rabin " 6""
" 7 une Lotion pour mlle.
" Rabin " 6""
" 8 une medecine pour le
" tonneliere " 6""
" 9 trois Dozes de kina
" pour le tonneliere " 9""
" audubon " "
" 21 une medecine pour le
" negrillon joue " 6""
fevrier " 15 2once. manne pour mlle.
" Rabin " 3""
" 18 une medecine pour le
" tonneliere " 6""
mars " 6 une medecine pour le
" tonneliere " 6""
" 10 une medecine pour le
" tonneliere " 6""
" 11 trois Dozes de kina
" pour le tonneliere " 9""
" 12 trois Dozes de kina
" pour le tonneliere " 9""
" 13 trois Dozes de kina
" pour le tonneliere " 9""
" 14 trois Dozes de kina
" pour le tonneliere " 9""
avril " 2 une visite de nuit pour 10 "
" mlle Rabin " "
" 3 une Lotion pour un
" Erésipèle, que mlle.
Rabin a à la jambe. " 6""
" 5 une Lotion pour mlle.
" Rabin " 6""
" 7 une Lotion pour mlle.
" Rabin " 6""
" 8 une medecine pour le
" tonneliere " 6""
" 9 trois Dozes de kina
" pour le tonneliere " 9""
Page 357
" 10 trois Dozes de kina
" pour le tonneliere " 9""
" 11 trois Dozes de kina
" pour le tonneliere " 9""
" 12 trois Dozes de kina
" pour le tonneliere " 9""
" 24 Passé la nuit pres de
" mlle. Rabin. en mal d 66 "
enfant " "
" 25 Passé la nuit pres de 66 "
" mlle. Rabin " "
" 26 mlle. Rabin est
" accouchée " ... " "
may " 2 une visite de nuit et
" Liqueur minerale 16 "
d'h. p. mlle. Rabin " "
" 3 Liqueur minerale
" d'hoffman p. mlle.
Rabin " 6""
" 4 six Bouteilles d'eau
" blanche pour les
cataplasmes
nécessaires au mal
de sein de mlle. 18 "
Rabin " "
juin " 19 ouvert un abcès au sein
" de mlle. Rabin soins 36 "
et pour pansements " "
" 26 une medecine pour
" augustin negrillon " 6""
897 "
L "
[Page 3]
" pour le tonneliere " 9""
" 11 trois Dozes de kina
" pour le tonneliere " 9""
" 12 trois Dozes de kina
" pour le tonneliere " 9""
" 24 Passé la nuit pres de
" mlle. Rabin. en mal d 66 "
enfant " "
" 25 Passé la nuit pres de 66 "
" mlle. Rabin " "
" 26 mlle. Rabin est
" accouchée " ... " "
may " 2 une visite de nuit et
" Liqueur minerale 16 "
d'h. p. mlle. Rabin " "
" 3 Liqueur minerale
" d'hoffman p. mlle.
Rabin " 6""
" 4 six Bouteilles d'eau
" blanche pour les
cataplasmes
nécessaires au mal
de sein de mlle. 18 "
Rabin " "
juin " 19 ouvert un abcès au sein
" de mlle. Rabin soins 36 "
et pour pansements " "
" 26 une medecine pour
" augustin negrillon " 6""
897 "
L "
[Page 3]
Page 358
897 "
Suite de l'autre part L "
juin " 30 une medecine pour
" augustin L 6""
juillet " 1 une medecine pour la
" vielle jeanne " 6""
" 16 une medecine pour 10 "
" mlle. Rabin " "
aout " 15 une medecine pour 10 "
" mlle. Rabin " "
" eau blanche pour mr
audubon " 3""
" 20 une medecine pour mr 10 "
" aubinais commis " "
" 22 une medecine pour mr 10 "
" aubinais " "
" 24 tinture de Rhubarbe
" pour mr aubinais " 6""
" 26 tinture de Rhubarbe
" pour mr aubinais " 6""
7bre. " 23 une bouteille vin
" medicinal pour le 15 "
nègre enflé " "
" 27 une medecine pour la
" vielle jeanne " 6""
8bre " 7 une medecine pour le
" nègre enflé " 6""
" 11 une medecine pour le
" nègre enflé " 6""
" 16 une medecine pour
" thérése " 6""
" 19 une medecine pour
" therese " 6""
Suite de l'autre part L "
juin " 30 une medecine pour
" augustin L 6""
juillet " 1 une medecine pour la
" vielle jeanne " 6""
" 16 une medecine pour 10 "
" mlle. Rabin " "
aout " 15 une medecine pour 10 "
" mlle. Rabin " "
" eau blanche pour mr
audubon " 3""
" 20 une medecine pour mr 10 "
" aubinais commis " "
" 22 une medecine pour mr 10 "
" aubinais " "
" 24 tinture de Rhubarbe
" pour mr aubinais " 6""
" 26 tinture de Rhubarbe
" pour mr aubinais " 6""
7bre. " 23 une bouteille vin
" medicinal pour le 15 "
nègre enflé " "
" 27 une medecine pour la
" vielle jeanne " 6""
8bre " 7 une medecine pour le
" nègre enflé " 6""
" 11 une medecine pour le
" nègre enflé " 6""
" 16 une medecine pour
" thérése " 6""
" 19 une medecine pour
" therese " 6""
Page 359
acceptée apercu [?] Le 12 1009
octob 1786 L ""
330
Audubon
1339
""
Pour acquit aux cayes ce 7 juin 1787
—— Sanson
Recu de Mr
Sanson
7. Juin 1787.
1784 janvier traité mr ...
soins et fourni services 330 "
octob 1786 L ""
330
Audubon
1339
""
Pour acquit aux cayes ce 7 juin 1787
—— Sanson
Recu de Mr
Sanson
7. Juin 1787.
1784 janvier traité mr ...
soins et fourni services 330 "
Page 360
a. Translation of the Sanson bill. (For comment, see Chapter IV.)
M. AUDUBON, merchant, to SANSON,
Physician at Cayes
Dr.
TO WIT
|
Francs
1783 December " 29 Ipecacuanha for a
" negro Bossal " 6""
" 31 Ipecacuanha for a
" negro Bossal " 6""
1784 January " 3 A medicine for a
" negro Bossal " 6""
" 5 A medicine for a
" negro Bossal " 6""
" 7 A medicine for a
" negro Bossal " 6""
" 9 A medicine for a
" Bossal " 6""
" 10 A medicine for a
" Bossal " 6""
" 14 A medicine for the
" mulatto Joue[255] " 16 " "
" 26 A medicine for M.
" Audubon " 10 " "
March " 27 Inoculated Cæsar, " 90 " "
" 30f; inoculated
Jupiter, 30f;
M. AUDUBON, merchant, to SANSON,
Physician at Cayes
Dr.
TO WIT
|
Francs
1783 December " 29 Ipecacuanha for a
" negro Bossal " 6""
" 31 Ipecacuanha for a
" negro Bossal " 6""
1784 January " 3 A medicine for a
" negro Bossal " 6""
" 5 A medicine for a
" negro Bossal " 6""
" 7 A medicine for a
" negro Bossal " 6""
" 9 A medicine for a
" Bossal " 6""
" 10 A medicine for a
" Bossal " 6""
" 14 A medicine for the
" mulatto Joue[255] " 16 " "
" 26 A medicine for M.
" Audubon " 10 " "
March " 27 Inoculated Cæsar, " 90 " "
" 30f; inoculated
Jupiter, 30f;
Page 361
inoculated Rose,
30f
April " 1 Purgative decoction
" for Joue, [the]
mulatto " 6""
" 3 A medicine for the
" mulatto, Joue " 6""
" 8 Purgative decoction
" for the negro
Dominique " 6""
" 10 A medicine for
" Dominique " 6""
" 15 A medicine for
" Zemire " 6""
" 20 A medicine for Rose
" " 6""
" Purgative decoction
for Jupiter " 6""
" 21 A medicine for
" Dominique " 6""
May " 2 A medicine for the
" negress Theresa " 6""
" 11 For attentions, visits,
" and remedies
during the
smallpox of the
mulatto Joue " 66 " "
" 21 Hoffman's mineral
" water for Mlle.
Rabin " 6""
June " 20 Inoculated a little
" negro Bossal
named Joue " 30 " "
July " 20 Account rendered to " 36 " "
" M. Audubon for
30f
April " 1 Purgative decoction
" for Joue, [the]
mulatto " 6""
" 3 A medicine for the
" mulatto, Joue " 6""
" 8 Purgative decoction
" for the negro
Dominique " 6""
" 10 A medicine for
" Dominique " 6""
" 15 A medicine for
" Zemire " 6""
" 20 A medicine for Rose
" " 6""
" Purgative decoction
for Jupiter " 6""
" 21 A medicine for
" Dominique " 6""
May " 2 A medicine for the
" negress Theresa " 6""
" 11 For attentions, visits,
" and remedies
during the
smallpox of the
mulatto Joue " 66 " "
" 21 Hoffman's mineral
" water for Mlle.
Rabin " 6""
June " 20 Inoculated a little
" negro Bossal
named Joue " 30 " "
July " 20 Account rendered to " 36 " "
" M. Audubon for
Page 362
treatment of the
gale[256] in
Marian and her
daughter, all
receipted
September " 14 Purgative decoction
" for the negro,
John Mason [or
John, mason(?)] " 6""
" 16 A medicine for John
" Mason " 6""
" 21 Bled M. Audubon at
" the arm " 3""
" 23 Tamarind water
" compound for M.
Audubon " 10 " "
" 24 A medicine in two
" doses for M.
Audubon " 10 " "
October " 22 A medicine for the
" little negro Joue " 6""
" 23 Treated, attended,
" and furnished
remedies for Joue
attacked by the 132 "
pian[257] " "
513 "
L "
[Page 2]
Brought forward 513 "
from other part L "
October " 25 Bled Mlle. Rabin at
" the arm " 3""
gale[256] in
Marian and her
daughter, all
receipted
September " 14 Purgative decoction
" for the negro,
John Mason [or
John, mason(?)] " 6""
" 16 A medicine for John
" Mason " 6""
" 21 Bled M. Audubon at
" the arm " 3""
" 23 Tamarind water
" compound for M.
Audubon " 10 " "
" 24 A medicine in two
" doses for M.
Audubon " 10 " "
October " 22 A medicine for the
" little negro Joue " 6""
" 23 Treated, attended,
" and furnished
remedies for Joue
attacked by the 132 "
pian[257] " "
513 "
L "
[Page 2]
Brought forward 513 "
from other part L "
October " 25 Bled Mlle. Rabin at
" the arm " 3""
Page 363
" 26 Hoffman's mineral
" water for Mlle.
Rabin " 6""
" 30 A medicine for the
" little negro Joue " 6""
November " 15 A medicine for the
" little negro Joue " 6""
December " 8 A medicine for Joue
" " 6""
1785 January " 18 A medicine for M.
" Audubon " 10 " "
" 21 A medicine for the
" little negro Joue " 6""
February " 15 Two ounces of
" manna for Mlle.
Rabin " 3""
" 18 A medicine for the
" cooper " 6""
March " 6 A medicine for the
" cooper " 6""
" 10 A medicine for the
" cooper " 6""
" 11 Three doses of
" kino[258] for the
cooper " 9""
" 12 Three doses of kino
" for the cooper " 9""
" 13 Three doses of kino
" for the cooper " 9""
" 14 Three doses of kino
" for the cooper " 9""
April " 2 A night visit for
" Mlle. Rabin " 10 " "
" water for Mlle.
Rabin " 6""
" 30 A medicine for the
" little negro Joue " 6""
November " 15 A medicine for the
" little negro Joue " 6""
December " 8 A medicine for Joue
" " 6""
1785 January " 18 A medicine for M.
" Audubon " 10 " "
" 21 A medicine for the
" little negro Joue " 6""
February " 15 Two ounces of
" manna for Mlle.
Rabin " 3""
" 18 A medicine for the
" cooper " 6""
March " 6 A medicine for the
" cooper " 6""
" 10 A medicine for the
" cooper " 6""
" 11 Three doses of
" kino[258] for the
cooper " 9""
" 12 Three doses of kino
" for the cooper " 9""
" 13 Three doses of kino
" for the cooper " 9""
" 14 Three doses of kino
" for the cooper " 9""
April " 2 A night visit for
" Mlle. Rabin " 10 " "
Page 364
" 3 A lotion for an
" erysipelas which
Mlle. Rabin has
on the leg " 6""
" 5 A lotion for Mlle.
" Rabin " 6""
" 7 A lotion for Mlle.
" Rabin " 6""
" 8 A medicine for the
" cooper " 6""
" 9 Three doses of kino
" for the cooper " 9""
" 10 Three doses of kino
" for the cooper " 9""
" 11 Three doses of kino
" for the cooper " 9""
" 12 Three doses of kino
" for the cooper " 9""
" 24 Passed the night
" with Mlle. Rabin
[who was] in
child-birth " 66 " "
" 25 Passed the night
" with Mlle. Rabin " 66 " "
" 26 Mlle. Rabin is
" delivered " ... " "
May " 2 A night visit and
" Hoffman's mineral
water for Mlle.
Rabin " 16 " "
" 3 Hoffman's mineral
" water for Mlle.
Rabin " 6""
" 4 Six bottles of eau " 18 " "
" blanche for
" erysipelas which
Mlle. Rabin has
on the leg " 6""
" 5 A lotion for Mlle.
" Rabin " 6""
" 7 A lotion for Mlle.
" Rabin " 6""
" 8 A medicine for the
" cooper " 6""
" 9 Three doses of kino
" for the cooper " 9""
" 10 Three doses of kino
" for the cooper " 9""
" 11 Three doses of kino
" for the cooper " 9""
" 12 Three doses of kino
" for the cooper " 9""
" 24 Passed the night
" with Mlle. Rabin
[who was] in
child-birth " 66 " "
" 25 Passed the night
" with Mlle. Rabin " 66 " "
" 26 Mlle. Rabin is
" delivered " ... " "
May " 2 A night visit and
" Hoffman's mineral
water for Mlle.
Rabin " 16 " "
" 3 Hoffman's mineral
" water for Mlle.
Rabin " 6""
" 4 Six bottles of eau " 18 " "
" blanche for
Page 365
poultices needed
in an affection of
the breast of Mlle.
Rabin
June " 19 Opened an abscess
" in the breast of
Mlle. Rabin; for
attentions and
dressings " 36 " "
" 26 A medicine for the
" little negro
Augustine " 6""
897 "
L "
[Page 3]
Brought forward
from the other 897 "
part L "
June " 30 A medicine for
" Augustine " 6""
July " 1 A medicine for old
" Jane " 6""
" 16 A medicine for Mlle.
" Rabin " 10 " "
August " 15 A medicine for Mlle.
" Rabin " 10 " "
" Eau blanche for M.
Audubon " 3""
" 20 A medicine for M.
" Aubinais, clerk " 10 " "
" 22 A medicine for M.
" Aubinais " 10 " "
in an affection of
the breast of Mlle.
Rabin
June " 19 Opened an abscess
" in the breast of
Mlle. Rabin; for
attentions and
dressings " 36 " "
" 26 A medicine for the
" little negro
Augustine " 6""
897 "
L "
[Page 3]
Brought forward
from the other 897 "
part L "
June " 30 A medicine for
" Augustine " 6""
July " 1 A medicine for old
" Jane " 6""
" 16 A medicine for Mlle.
" Rabin " 10 " "
August " 15 A medicine for Mlle.
" Rabin " 10 " "
" Eau blanche for M.
Audubon " 3""
" 20 A medicine for M.
" Aubinais, clerk " 10 " "
" 22 A medicine for M.
" Aubinais " 10 " "
Page 366
" 24 Tincture of rhubarb
" for M. Aubinais " 6""
" 26 Tincture of rhubarb
" for M. Aubinais " 6""
September " 23 A bottle of medicinal
" wine for a swollen
negro " 15 " "
" 27 A medicine for old
" Jane " 6""
October " 7 A medicine for the
" swollen negro " 6""
" 11 A medicine for the
" swollen negro " 6""
" 16 A medicine for
" Theresa " 6""
" 19 A medicine for
" Theresa " 6""
Accepted viséd [?] October 1009 "
12 1786 L "
Audubon 330
1339 "
"
Paid at Les Cayes this 7th June,
1787
—— Sanson
M. Sanson's receipt
June 7, 1787.
1784 January Treated M....
For care and services
rendered 330 "
" for M. Aubinais " 6""
" 26 Tincture of rhubarb
" for M. Aubinais " 6""
September " 23 A bottle of medicinal
" wine for a swollen
negro " 15 " "
" 27 A medicine for old
" Jane " 6""
October " 7 A medicine for the
" swollen negro " 6""
" 11 A medicine for the
" swollen negro " 6""
" 16 A medicine for
" Theresa " 6""
" 19 A medicine for
" Theresa " 6""
Accepted viséd [?] October 1009 "
12 1786 L "
Audubon 330
1339 "
"
Paid at Les Cayes this 7th June,
1787
—— Sanson
M. Sanson's receipt
June 7, 1787.
1784 January Treated M....
For care and services
rendered 330 "
Page 367
. Copy of the Act of Adoption of Fougère (John James Audubon) and Muguet
(Rosa Audubon). Nantes, March 7, 1794. (For translation, see Chapter IV.)
Extrait des registres des naissances des sections de la Halle et de Jean-
Jacques de la commune de Nantes, département de la Loire-Inférieure, le 17
Ventose, an 2 de la République, une et indivisible, 10 heures du matin.
Devant moi Joseph Theulier, officier public élu pour constater l'état-
civil des citoyens, ont comparu en la maison commune Jean Audubon,
commandant la corvette "le Cerbère," bâtiment de la République, âgé de 49
ans, natif des Sables-d'Olonne, département de la Vendée et Anne Moinet
son épouse, agée de 58 ans, native de la ci-devant paroisse de Saint-
Léonard, de cette commune, lesquels assistés de René Toussaint Julien
Beuscher, fabricant, âgé de 25 ans demeurant section de la Halle rue
Rubens et de Julien Pierre Beuscher, chirurgien marin, âgé de 24 ans,
demeurant section de la Fraternité, rue du Marchix, et employé par
continuation sur la dite corvette le Cerbère, m'ont déclaré adopter et
reconnaître dès ce moment comme leurs propres enfants savoir:
Un enfant mâle nommé Fougère, issu depuis le mariage d'eux
comparant contrôlé le 24 Août 1772 dans la commune de Paimboeuf en ce
département de lui Jean Audubon avec une habitante de l'Amérique morte il
y a environ huit ans et une enfant femelle nommée Muguet issue aussi
depuis le mariage sus dit de lui Jean Audubon d'une autre habitant de
l'Amérique nommée Catherine Bouffard dont il ignore le sort.
Les deux enfants ci-présents, âgés le premier de 9 ans qui échoieront le
3 Floréal prochain, le second de 7 ans que échoieront aussi au 7 Floréal
prochain tous deux nés en Amérique d'après cette déclaration que les
témoins ci-dessus ont certifié véritable, j'ai rédigé le présent acte que le père
(Rosa Audubon). Nantes, March 7, 1794. (For translation, see Chapter IV.)
Extrait des registres des naissances des sections de la Halle et de Jean-
Jacques de la commune de Nantes, département de la Loire-Inférieure, le 17
Ventose, an 2 de la République, une et indivisible, 10 heures du matin.
Devant moi Joseph Theulier, officier public élu pour constater l'état-
civil des citoyens, ont comparu en la maison commune Jean Audubon,
commandant la corvette "le Cerbère," bâtiment de la République, âgé de 49
ans, natif des Sables-d'Olonne, département de la Vendée et Anne Moinet
son épouse, agée de 58 ans, native de la ci-devant paroisse de Saint-
Léonard, de cette commune, lesquels assistés de René Toussaint Julien
Beuscher, fabricant, âgé de 25 ans demeurant section de la Halle rue
Rubens et de Julien Pierre Beuscher, chirurgien marin, âgé de 24 ans,
demeurant section de la Fraternité, rue du Marchix, et employé par
continuation sur la dite corvette le Cerbère, m'ont déclaré adopter et
reconnaître dès ce moment comme leurs propres enfants savoir:
Un enfant mâle nommé Fougère, issu depuis le mariage d'eux
comparant contrôlé le 24 Août 1772 dans la commune de Paimboeuf en ce
département de lui Jean Audubon avec une habitante de l'Amérique morte il
y a environ huit ans et une enfant femelle nommée Muguet issue aussi
depuis le mariage sus dit de lui Jean Audubon d'une autre habitant de
l'Amérique nommée Catherine Bouffard dont il ignore le sort.
Les deux enfants ci-présents, âgés le premier de 9 ans qui échoieront le
3 Floréal prochain, le second de 7 ans que échoieront aussi au 7 Floréal
prochain tous deux nés en Amérique d'après cette déclaration que les
témoins ci-dessus ont certifié véritable, j'ai rédigé le présent acte que le père
Page 368
naturel et la mère adoptive ainsi que leurs témoins ont signé avec moi les
dits jour et an.
Signé au registre: Audubon Citoyenne Anne Moinet
Jean Audubon, Beuscher & Beuscher Jeune.
dits jour et an.
Signé au registre: Audubon Citoyenne Anne Moinet
Jean Audubon, Beuscher & Beuscher Jeune.
Page 369
. Copy of the Act of Baptism of Jean Jacques Fougère Audubon. Nantes,
October 23, 1800. (For translation, see Chapter IV.)
Premier brumaire, an neuvième.
Nous soussignés certifions avoir baptisé ce jour, premier brumaire, an 9
de la République, Jean Jacques Fougère Audubon fils adoptif de Jean
Audubon lieutenant de vaisseau de la République et d'Anne Moinet sa
légitime épouse, présents et certifiant l'adoption qu'ils ont fait du dit
Fougère ainsi et de la même manière qu'il est porté dans l'acte ci-dessus.
Signé: Tardiveau, prêtre de Saint-Similien
de la Ville de Nantes.
October 23, 1800. (For translation, see Chapter IV.)
Premier brumaire, an neuvième.
Nous soussignés certifions avoir baptisé ce jour, premier brumaire, an 9
de la République, Jean Jacques Fougère Audubon fils adoptif de Jean
Audubon lieutenant de vaisseau de la République et d'Anne Moinet sa
légitime épouse, présents et certifiant l'adoption qu'ils ont fait du dit
Fougère ainsi et de la même manière qu'il est porté dans l'acte ci-dessus.
Signé: Tardiveau, prêtre de Saint-Similien
de la Ville de Nantes.
Page 370
. Copy of a bill of sale of Negroes rendered by Monsieur Ollivier to Monsieur
Audubon. Les Cayes, Santo Domingo, 1785.
1785.—M. Audubon doit à Ollivier ce qui suit:
Juillet pour 4 négresses à 1750 7.000
— — 1 " 1750 1.750
— — 1 négresse borgne 1.600
— — 1 négritte 1.200
11.590
Pour acquit en compte et billet à mon ordre sous la réserve d'une
augmentation de cent livres sur la négritte si elle vit an delà de six mois.
Aux Cayes, le 25 Juillet 1785.
Signé: Ollivier.
Audubon. Les Cayes, Santo Domingo, 1785.
1785.—M. Audubon doit à Ollivier ce qui suit:
Juillet pour 4 négresses à 1750 7.000
— — 1 " 1750 1.750
— — 1 négresse borgne 1.600
— — 1 négritte 1.200
11.590
Pour acquit en compte et billet à mon ordre sous la réserve d'une
augmentation de cent livres sur la négritte si elle vit an delà de six mois.
Aux Cayes, le 25 Juillet 1785.
Signé: Ollivier.
Page 371
. Statement of Accounts of Messrs. Audubon, Lacroix, Formon, & Jacques in
the purchase of negroes from M. Th. Johnston, Les Cayes, Santo Domingo,
1785. (For comment, see Chapter III.)
Compte de vente frais et net produit de quarante nègres achetés de
Monsieur Th. JOHNSTON, de compte à demi entre MM. AUDUBON
LACROIX FORMON & JACQUES, pour prix la somme de soixante mille
livres, payée au dit sieurs la dite somme comme suit:
Par Monsieur Audubon 20.000}
Par Lacroix Formon & Jacques 40.000}
60.000
1785 Vendu par Monsieur AUDUBON, dont il se charge:
11 1 à. Reynaud f
Février Chateaudun 1650
12 1 —Garreau 2100
— 12 3 —Bourseret 6000
— 12 1 —Lui-même 1500
— 14 2 —Cossard 3564
— 15 1 —Lenoir 1782
— 18 1 —Blanchet 1782
— 19 3 —Jacques Bourry 6000
Mars 24 3 —Bouffard 4950
— 24 1 —Lui-même 1500
— 24 1 —Ch. Gettée 1800
— 24 1 —Bouffard 1650
19 têtes 34.278
Vendu par Lacroix Formon & Jacques dont il se charge:
the purchase of negroes from M. Th. Johnston, Les Cayes, Santo Domingo,
1785. (For comment, see Chapter III.)
Compte de vente frais et net produit de quarante nègres achetés de
Monsieur Th. JOHNSTON, de compte à demi entre MM. AUDUBON
LACROIX FORMON & JACQUES, pour prix la somme de soixante mille
livres, payée au dit sieurs la dite somme comme suit:
Par Monsieur Audubon 20.000}
Par Lacroix Formon & Jacques 40.000}
60.000
1785 Vendu par Monsieur AUDUBON, dont il se charge:
11 1 à. Reynaud f
Février Chateaudun 1650
12 1 —Garreau 2100
— 12 3 —Bourseret 6000
— 12 1 —Lui-même 1500
— 14 2 —Cossard 3564
— 15 1 —Lenoir 1782
— 18 1 —Blanchet 1782
— 19 3 —Jacques Bourry 6000
Mars 24 3 —Bouffard 4950
— 24 1 —Lui-même 1500
— 24 1 —Ch. Gettée 1800
— 24 1 —Bouffard 1650
19 têtes 34.278
Vendu par Lacroix Formon & Jacques dont il se charge:
Page 372
Février 12 3 à. Bourseret 6000
— 12 1 —Menard 2000
— 12 2 —Reynaud fils 3780
— 13 2 —Peridigon 3800
— 13 3 —Maillet Lacoste 5700
— 15 1 —Dugay 1712
— 19 3 —Jacques Bourry 6000
— 19 1 —Lui-même 1782
— 19 1 —Eux-mêmes 1500
— 19 1 —Begon M. 1700
— 19 2 —Millet 3300
Mars 2 A. 1 de mort chez Villeneuve chirurgien
pour mémoire...;
37.274
f 71.552
Frais à deduire payés par Lacroix Formon & Jacques
Pour 80 régimes de bannanes 15 60}
— 8 têtes de boeuf 3 24}
Payé à Villeneuve chirurgien pour le 99}
traitement du nègre mort 183
Net produit: f 71.369
La demi de Monsieur Audubon 35.684.10
Il a reçu en les reprises dont il se charge: 34.278. "
Il lui est dû pour Lacroix Formon & Jacques 1.406.10
Clos et arrêté le présent compte en double par lequel il résulte que M.
Audubon doit à Lacroix Formon & Jacques dix mille livres pour sa demi du
payement des dits nègres dont il les débite au compte courant arrêté ce jour
en double, et les dits Lacroix Formon & Jacques devant au dit Sieur
Audubon celle de cent six livres dix pour sa demi qui lui revient du net
produit de la vente des dits nègres, lesquels portés au crédit des deux
— 12 1 —Menard 2000
— 12 2 —Reynaud fils 3780
— 13 2 —Peridigon 3800
— 13 3 —Maillet Lacoste 5700
— 15 1 —Dugay 1712
— 19 3 —Jacques Bourry 6000
— 19 1 —Lui-même 1782
— 19 1 —Eux-mêmes 1500
— 19 1 —Begon M. 1700
— 19 2 —Millet 3300
Mars 2 A. 1 de mort chez Villeneuve chirurgien
pour mémoire...;
37.274
f 71.552
Frais à deduire payés par Lacroix Formon & Jacques
Pour 80 régimes de bannanes 15 60}
— 8 têtes de boeuf 3 24}
Payé à Villeneuve chirurgien pour le 99}
traitement du nègre mort 183
Net produit: f 71.369
La demi de Monsieur Audubon 35.684.10
Il a reçu en les reprises dont il se charge: 34.278. "
Il lui est dû pour Lacroix Formon & Jacques 1.406.10
Clos et arrêté le présent compte en double par lequel il résulte que M.
Audubon doit à Lacroix Formon & Jacques dix mille livres pour sa demi du
payement des dits nègres dont il les débite au compte courant arrêté ce jour
en double, et les dits Lacroix Formon & Jacques devant au dit Sieur
Audubon celle de cent six livres dix pour sa demi qui lui revient du net
produit de la vente des dits nègres, lesquels portés au crédit des deux
Page 373
comptes courant, dont quitté aux Cayes, le plus porté au crédit de M.
Audubon la somme de dix sept cent quatre-vingt deux livres pour la demi
du billet du sieur Collard qui nous reste aux Cayes le 16 Septembre 1785.
Pour MM. Lacroix Formon & Jacques
Signé: Clerc
Nous avons reçu de M. Audubon la somme de trente mille livres pour
la portion d'achat des dits nègres au-dessus.
Aux Cayes, le 16 Septembre 1785.
Pour MM. Lacroix Formon & Jacques
Signé: Clerc.
Audubon la somme de dix sept cent quatre-vingt deux livres pour la demi
du billet du sieur Collard qui nous reste aux Cayes le 16 Septembre 1785.
Pour MM. Lacroix Formon & Jacques
Signé: Clerc
Nous avons reçu de M. Audubon la somme de trente mille livres pour
la portion d'achat des dits nègres au-dessus.
Aux Cayes, le 16 Septembre 1785.
Pour MM. Lacroix Formon & Jacques
Signé: Clerc.
Page 374
. Copy of bill of sale of Negroes to Monsieur Audubon, and a statement of his
account with Messrs. Lucas Brothers & Constant. Les Cayes, Santo
Domingo, August 7, 1785-June 9, 1788. (For comment, see Chapter III.)
Nous soussignés déclarons avoir vendu et livré à Monsieur Audubon,
négociant de cette ville les nègres ci-après, nation Hibo et Canga....
Savoir:
1 nommé Autron Etampé Lucas
1 — Jupiter — —
1 — Antoine — —
1 — Pitre — —
1 — Thehimaque — —
1 — Jeanpierre — —
1 — Magloire — Jh.
Lucas
1 — Lagrilade — —
1 — Patté — —
1 — Parisse — —
—.Négresses.—
1 nommée Françoise — —
1 — Lucie — —
1 — Julie — —
13 Ensemble treize nègres ou négresses à deux mille livres
chaque formant la somme de vingt six mille livres sur laquelle
somme nous avons reçu vingt-quatre mille livres comme suit:
16.000 en un mandat en sucre sur MM. Lacroix Formon
& Jacques.
7.100 —17—8 en un billet de Formon Plumardière.
account with Messrs. Lucas Brothers & Constant. Les Cayes, Santo
Domingo, August 7, 1785-June 9, 1788. (For comment, see Chapter III.)
Nous soussignés déclarons avoir vendu et livré à Monsieur Audubon,
négociant de cette ville les nègres ci-après, nation Hibo et Canga....
Savoir:
1 nommé Autron Etampé Lucas
1 — Jupiter — —
1 — Antoine — —
1 — Pitre — —
1 — Thehimaque — —
1 — Jeanpierre — —
1 — Magloire — Jh.
Lucas
1 — Lagrilade — —
1 — Patté — —
1 — Parisse — —
—.Négresses.—
1 nommée Françoise — —
1 — Lucie — —
1 — Julie — —
13 Ensemble treize nègres ou négresses à deux mille livres
chaque formant la somme de vingt six mille livres sur laquelle
somme nous avons reçu vingt-quatre mille livres comme suit:
16.000 en un mandat en sucre sur MM. Lacroix Formon
& Jacques.
7.100 —17—8 en un billet de Formon Plumardière.
Page 375
889 —24 en son billet.
24.000 pour payement et à compte des treize nègres ci-
dessus détaillés, dans le nombre desquels le
nommé Patté pour engagement de le livrer à M.
Audubon dès qu'il sera en état de se rendre aux
Cayes. Le dit sieur Audubon se réservant vue
dessus quand nous lui en ferons la remise pour le
prix de la somme de deux mille livres en argent
comptant et moi Audubon accepte le dit marché
et déclare avoir reçu livraison des douze têtes de
nègres ou négresses que j'ai bien vus et visités et
desquels je suis satisfait, aux Cayes, le 7 Août
1785.
Signé: Audubon—Lucas frères.
Nous avons reçu à compte de M. Audubon 162
660
882
Pour acquit porté en debit de notre compte courant arrêté ce jour, au
Fond, le 9 Juin 1788.
Lucas frères & Constant.
24.000 pour payement et à compte des treize nègres ci-
dessus détaillés, dans le nombre desquels le
nommé Patté pour engagement de le livrer à M.
Audubon dès qu'il sera en état de se rendre aux
Cayes. Le dit sieur Audubon se réservant vue
dessus quand nous lui en ferons la remise pour le
prix de la somme de deux mille livres en argent
comptant et moi Audubon accepte le dit marché
et déclare avoir reçu livraison des douze têtes de
nègres ou négresses que j'ai bien vus et visités et
desquels je suis satisfait, aux Cayes, le 7 Août
1785.
Signé: Audubon—Lucas frères.
Nous avons reçu à compte de M. Audubon 162
660
882
Pour acquit porté en debit de notre compte courant arrêté ce jour, au
Fond, le 9 Juin 1788.
Lucas frères & Constant.
Page 376
. Accounts of William Bakewell, of "Fatland Ford," as protégé of his future
son-in-law and as attorney or agent for Audubon & Rosier, giving certain
exact indications of the naturalist's movements and personal relations,
before and after finally leaving "Mill Grove." January 4, 1805-April 9,
1810. (For further reference, see Chapter VIII.)
Messrs Audubon & Rozier in a/c with Wm Bakewell Cr
1805
Jan 4 Cash for 11 .25 March 18 Cash 5
sundries
12 do 1
18 Brother 150
1807
Apl 22 Cash Mr Rozier 66 Apl 1 Cash of 150
Miller
Advertists in 7 do of 50
Philada & Jackson
Norristown
Cash pd M 40
Fisher
do paid 3
Vendreman
1808
Adv.ts & hand 3.75 Jan 8 do of 50
bills Longacre
Cash Mr Pears 14.50 Apl 2 do of 50
Longacre
May 3 Exps of Horses 4.76 do 25 d 100
to Philada
son-in-law and as attorney or agent for Audubon & Rosier, giving certain
exact indications of the naturalist's movements and personal relations,
before and after finally leaving "Mill Grove." January 4, 1805-April 9,
1810. (For further reference, see Chapter VIII.)
Messrs Audubon & Rozier in a/c with Wm Bakewell Cr
1805
Jan 4 Cash for 11 .25 March 18 Cash 5
sundries
12 do 1
18 Brother 150
1807
Apl 22 Cash Mr Rozier 66 Apl 1 Cash of 150
Miller
Advertists in 7 do of 50
Philada & Jackson
Norristown
Cash pd M 40
Fisher
do paid 3
Vendreman
1808
Adv.ts & hand 3.75 Jan 8 do of 50
bills Longacre
Cash Mr Pears 14.50 Apl 2 do of 50
Longacre
May 3 Exps of Horses 4.76 do 25 d 100
to Philada
Page 377
20 Sundries 18.50 May 12 do formon 31.84
June 8 Cash 3.18 Dec 20 Cash of 30
Longacre
17 Smith's work 5.00
Advertiset 1
Oct 10 Exchange of 10
Horse
Keep of Horses 42.50
23 weeks
Decr 31 Cash pd Mr 18.92
Pears
1809
Advertisets & 12.82 Apl 18 Clennell 20
Vendue Exps
25 Bills payable to 607.10 Sept 30 Kymar 22
W. Thomas
Cash pd Mr Page 1.37 Oct 27 d 47
for powr of
Attorney
13 Paid Attachment 9.28 Nov 6 d 22.50
fees
Cash paid for 2.91 Dec 23 do 10
tax
25 mortes [?] & 7
half taxes
Commission 119 .97
7998 a 1½ per
Cent
1810
Jany 23 omitted Exps at 3.77 Jan 23 Cash of 299.44
Vendue Dacosta
June 8 Cash 3.18 Dec 20 Cash of 30
Longacre
17 Smith's work 5.00
Advertiset 1
Oct 10 Exchange of 10
Horse
Keep of Horses 42.50
23 weeks
Decr 31 Cash pd Mr 18.92
Pears
1809
Advertisets & 12.82 Apl 18 Clennell 20
Vendue Exps
25 Bills payable to 607.10 Sept 30 Kymar 22
W. Thomas
Cash pd Mr Page 1.37 Oct 27 d 47
for powr of
Attorney
13 Paid Attachment 9.28 Nov 6 d 22.50
fees
Cash paid for 2.91 Dec 23 do 10
tax
25 mortes [?] & 7
half taxes
Commission 119 .97
7998 a 1½ per
Cent
1810
Jany 23 omitted Exps at 3.77 Jan 23 Cash of 299.44
Vendue Dacosta
Page 378
$1176 .91 Feb 13 do of 20
Miller
Balle of 237.32
Neckland
Apl 3 Miller 8
9 do 6.12½
$1159 .22½
NOTE BY THE AUTHOR. This record proves that Audubon upon
his first return to France from the United States, must have left "Mill
Grove" on the 12th of January, 1805, or not more than a day later;
three days were required to walk to New York, which could not have
been reached later than the 15th, and probably as many more were
needed for a letter to go to "Fatland Ford." He probably sailed for
Nantes shortly before January 18, the day when William Bakewell
recorded that he had sent his "brother," Benjamin Bakewell,
commission merchant in New York, $150; this was undoubtedly in
payment of the loan which the brother in New York had made to young
Audubon for his passage to France. The next item, of April 22, 1807,
was for money advanced to Ferdinand Rozier, probably when he was
acting as clerk to Laurence Huron, in Philadelphia; "advertisements in
Philadelphia and Norristown" possibly had reference to the lease and
final sale of "Mill Grove" of the year before. Miers Fisher was the
Quaker merchant, who for many years served as Lieutenant Audubon's
American agent and attorney, and who was later the adviser of his son
and Ferdinand Rozier. Thomas W. Pears, a relative by marriage of the
Bakewells, was with Audubon in Benjamin Bakewell's office in New
York, and afterwards associated with him and Thomas W. Bakewell in
their disastrous mill experiment at Henderson, Kentucky. The bill of
William Thomas, former Quaker tenant of "Mill Grove," was possibly
in liquidation of his claim against Lieutenant Audubon and Dacosta in
their mining operations at this farm (see the letters to Dacosta, Vol. I,
p. 117). The credit entry under May 12, 1808, "formon—31.84," may
Miller
Balle of 237.32
Neckland
Apl 3 Miller 8
9 do 6.12½
$1159 .22½
NOTE BY THE AUTHOR. This record proves that Audubon upon
his first return to France from the United States, must have left "Mill
Grove" on the 12th of January, 1805, or not more than a day later;
three days were required to walk to New York, which could not have
been reached later than the 15th, and probably as many more were
needed for a letter to go to "Fatland Ford." He probably sailed for
Nantes shortly before January 18, the day when William Bakewell
recorded that he had sent his "brother," Benjamin Bakewell,
commission merchant in New York, $150; this was undoubtedly in
payment of the loan which the brother in New York had made to young
Audubon for his passage to France. The next item, of April 22, 1807,
was for money advanced to Ferdinand Rozier, probably when he was
acting as clerk to Laurence Huron, in Philadelphia; "advertisements in
Philadelphia and Norristown" possibly had reference to the lease and
final sale of "Mill Grove" of the year before. Miers Fisher was the
Quaker merchant, who for many years served as Lieutenant Audubon's
American agent and attorney, and who was later the adviser of his son
and Ferdinand Rozier. Thomas W. Pears, a relative by marriage of the
Bakewells, was with Audubon in Benjamin Bakewell's office in New
York, and afterwards associated with him and Thomas W. Bakewell in
their disastrous mill experiment at Henderson, Kentucky. The bill of
William Thomas, former Quaker tenant of "Mill Grove," was possibly
in liquidation of his claim against Lieutenant Audubon and Dacosta in
their mining operations at this farm (see the letters to Dacosta, Vol. I,
p. 117). The credit entry under May 12, 1808, "formon—31.84," may
Page 379
represent interest collected on an unsettled claim of Lieutenant
Audubon against Mr. Formon, a former partner in Santo Domingo, in
relation to the sale of the ships, the Count of Artois and the Annette
(see Chapter II, p. 33). Dacosta had been urged to apply to Mr.
Formon's son-in-law, who appears to have lived at Philadelphia, but
was unable to obtain anything from the Formon estate. The "Cash of
Dacosta 299.44" possibly represented interest on the mortgage which
we have assumed was given to Audubon and Rozier when Dacosta and
his mining company came into possession of "Mill Grove," September
15, 1806 (see Chapter XI, p. 148).
Audubon against Mr. Formon, a former partner in Santo Domingo, in
relation to the sale of the ships, the Count of Artois and the Annette
(see Chapter II, p. 33). Dacosta had been urged to apply to Mr.
Formon's son-in-law, who appears to have lived at Philadelphia, but
was unable to obtain anything from the Formon estate. The "Cash of
Dacosta 299.44" possibly represented interest on the mortgage which
we have assumed was given to Audubon and Rozier when Dacosta and
his mining company came into possession of "Mill Grove," September
15, 1806 (see Chapter XI, p. 148).
Page 380
. Concerning a Power of Attorney issued by Lieutenant Audubon and Anne
Moynet Audubon to Ferdinand Rosier and John Audubon, the Younger, at
Couëron, France, in 1805; parts in French translated by a Philadelphia
notary; signatures of original document authenticated by the Mayor of
Couëron, October 21, 1805; his attest of the legality of Anne Moynet
Audubon's signature, at Couëron, October 27, 1805; authentication of the
signature of the Mayor of Couëron by the Subprefect's of Savenay,
November 27, 1805; attest of the Subprefect's signature by the Prefect.
(Remainder of document missing.)
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ss:
I, Peter Stephan Du Ponceau, notary public & Sworn Interpreter of
foreign Languages for the Commonwealth aforesaid, residing in the City of
Philadelphia, do hereby certify that I have carefully translated into English
so much of the Instrument of writing hereunto annexed as is written in the
French language, as follows, to wit:
At the bottom of the Deed [act] and immediately after the
Signatures of the Witnesses, there is a Certificate in France [French],
which being translated, is as follows:
Seen by us, the Mayor of the commune of Coueron, who attest the above Signatures
of G. Loyen, assistant mayor, C. D'orbigny, Doctor of medicine, Audubon, & Anne
Moynet Audubon, to which full faith and credit is to be given, whereever it may be
necessary—Done in our Office at Coueron, the thirtieth of vendemiaire fourteenth year of
the French Empire [sic].
G. Vallin, mayor.
[Mayor's seal]
And on the back of the said Deed [Act] is written in French what
follows.
Moynet Audubon to Ferdinand Rosier and John Audubon, the Younger, at
Couëron, France, in 1805; parts in French translated by a Philadelphia
notary; signatures of original document authenticated by the Mayor of
Couëron, October 21, 1805; his attest of the legality of Anne Moynet
Audubon's signature, at Couëron, October 27, 1805; authentication of the
signature of the Mayor of Couëron by the Subprefect's of Savenay,
November 27, 1805; attest of the Subprefect's signature by the Prefect.
(Remainder of document missing.)
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ss:
I, Peter Stephan Du Ponceau, notary public & Sworn Interpreter of
foreign Languages for the Commonwealth aforesaid, residing in the City of
Philadelphia, do hereby certify that I have carefully translated into English
so much of the Instrument of writing hereunto annexed as is written in the
French language, as follows, to wit:
At the bottom of the Deed [act] and immediately after the
Signatures of the Witnesses, there is a Certificate in France [French],
which being translated, is as follows:
Seen by us, the Mayor of the commune of Coueron, who attest the above Signatures
of G. Loyen, assistant mayor, C. D'orbigny, Doctor of medicine, Audubon, & Anne
Moynet Audubon, to which full faith and credit is to be given, whereever it may be
necessary—Done in our Office at Coueron, the thirtieth of vendemiaire fourteenth year of
the French Empire [sic].
G. Vallin, mayor.
[Mayor's seal]
And on the back of the said Deed [Act] is written in French what
follows.
Page 381
We, Germain Vallin, Mayor of the commune of Coueron in the
Department of Lower Loire in the French Empire, certify to all whom
it may concern, that on this day, personally appeared before me John
Audubon and Anne Moynette, his wife, both now residing in this said
commune, and represented to us, That in order to give its full force &
effect to the Instrument written on the other side hereof, in the English
language, which they have declared to be a letter of attorney in favor
of Messieurs Ferdinand Rozier, & John Audubon, junior for the
purposes therein mentioned, it was necessary that the said Instrument
be by them acknowledged before us, according to the forms prescribed
by the Laws of the State of Pennsylvania, and that the said Anne
Moynette Audubon should be examined by us separate from her said
husband, in order to declare that she has signed and executed the said
Deed [Act] of her own free will and accord, and without being
compelled thereto by her husband; That this formality is rigorously
required by the Laws of the State of Pennsylvania, and no other act,
not even a notarial Instrument, can in any manner Supply the same.
In consideration thereof, we have received the acknowledgment
which the said appearers have made before us, by which they have
declared and acknowledged that the said Instrument, written in the
English Language on the other sides hereof is their own Act and Deed,
and that they desire that it may be recorded as such, whenever it may
be necessary.
And the said John Audubon having withdrawn, we have examined
the said Anne Moynette Audubon separately and apart from her said
husband, and She declared to us, That She knows & perfectly
understands the contents of the said Deed [Act], and that She has
Signed, Sealed, and declared [delivered] the same, of her own free will
and accord, without being compelled thereto by her said husband,
either by threats or by any other means of compulsion whatever. In
faith whereof, we the Mayor aforesaid, have Signed the present
Certificate, and have caused the Seal of this mayoralty to be thereunto
Department of Lower Loire in the French Empire, certify to all whom
it may concern, that on this day, personally appeared before me John
Audubon and Anne Moynette, his wife, both now residing in this said
commune, and represented to us, That in order to give its full force &
effect to the Instrument written on the other side hereof, in the English
language, which they have declared to be a letter of attorney in favor
of Messieurs Ferdinand Rozier, & John Audubon, junior for the
purposes therein mentioned, it was necessary that the said Instrument
be by them acknowledged before us, according to the forms prescribed
by the Laws of the State of Pennsylvania, and that the said Anne
Moynette Audubon should be examined by us separate from her said
husband, in order to declare that she has signed and executed the said
Deed [Act] of her own free will and accord, and without being
compelled thereto by her husband; That this formality is rigorously
required by the Laws of the State of Pennsylvania, and no other act,
not even a notarial Instrument, can in any manner Supply the same.
In consideration thereof, we have received the acknowledgment
which the said appearers have made before us, by which they have
declared and acknowledged that the said Instrument, written in the
English Language on the other sides hereof is their own Act and Deed,
and that they desire that it may be recorded as such, whenever it may
be necessary.
And the said John Audubon having withdrawn, we have examined
the said Anne Moynette Audubon separately and apart from her said
husband, and She declared to us, That She knows & perfectly
understands the contents of the said Deed [Act], and that She has
Signed, Sealed, and declared [delivered] the same, of her own free will
and accord, without being compelled thereto by her said husband,
either by threats or by any other means of compulsion whatever. In
faith whereof, we the Mayor aforesaid, have Signed the present
Certificate, and have caused the Seal of this mayoralty to be thereunto
Page 382
affixed—Given at Couëron the thirtieth of vendemiaire fourteenth year
of the French Empire [sic]
G. Vallin.
[Seal of the mayoralty
of Couëron.]
(Afterwards is written also in the French Language, as follows:)
I have seen the above and attest the Signature of G. Vallin, mayor
of the commune of Couëron, above and on the other side affixed.
Done in the Subprefect's office, at Savenay, the fifth Brumaire
fourteenth year.
The Subprefect of the first District.
Magonet Tremelotrie
[Seal of the District
of Savenay]
I attest the above Signature of Magonet Tremelotrie.—
Nantz, the 7th. Frimaire 14th. year
The Prefect
Belleville
which [remainder
wanting.]
of the French Empire [sic]
G. Vallin.
[Seal of the mayoralty
of Couëron.]
(Afterwards is written also in the French Language, as follows:)
I have seen the above and attest the Signature of G. Vallin, mayor
of the commune of Couëron, above and on the other side affixed.
Done in the Subprefect's office, at Savenay, the fifth Brumaire
fourteenth year.
The Subprefect of the first District.
Magonet Tremelotrie
[Seal of the District
of Savenay]
I attest the above Signature of Magonet Tremelotrie.—
Nantz, the 7th. Frimaire 14th. year
The Prefect
Belleville
which [remainder
wanting.]
Page 383
. Articles of Association of Jean Audubon and Ferdinand Rozier to govern
their partnership in business; drawn up at Nantes, March 23, 1806. (See
Chapter IX.)
[stamp] Entre nous soussignés Ferdinand Rozier et Jean Audubon,
REP. FRA. nous proposant de passer aux états Unis sommes Convenus de
50
former une société de Commerce aux Conditions Suivantes.
cen
Article Premier.
La société sera régie sous les noms Collectifs de Ferdinand Rozier et
Jean Audubon et chacun de nous aura la Signature pour toute affaire de
notre Commerce seulement.
Art. 2.
a Notre arrivée nous prendrons possession de La terre de Mill-Grove, et
nous ferons rendre Compte a Mr. Dacosta qui a la procuration d Mr.
Audubon pére. nous nous occuperons des moyens de faire valoir cet
établissement ou prendre Connoissance de La mine de Plomb Découverte,
et avant d'y continuer les travaux Commencés, nous Examinerons si les
dépenses faites par le Sr. Dacosta ont été et peuvent nous etre utiles. enfin
nous fairons où fairons faire des devis Estimatifs des frais et des produits
qui peuvent en résulter. et nous n'entreprendrons rien que nous ne soyons
tous deux parfaitement d'accord sur le principe en Conséquence nous
signerons l'un et l'autre le projet que nous en arrêterons afin que l'un de
nous ne s'en écarte, et il en sera de meme pour toute les nouvelles Dépences
qui changeraient les profits arrêtes.
Art. 3.
Il est convenu que la Moitié du produit de cette habitation seront entre
nous par Moitié et pour en Connoitre ainsi que la perte, nous aurons un
their partnership in business; drawn up at Nantes, March 23, 1806. (See
Chapter IX.)
[stamp] Entre nous soussignés Ferdinand Rozier et Jean Audubon,
REP. FRA. nous proposant de passer aux états Unis sommes Convenus de
50
former une société de Commerce aux Conditions Suivantes.
cen
Article Premier.
La société sera régie sous les noms Collectifs de Ferdinand Rozier et
Jean Audubon et chacun de nous aura la Signature pour toute affaire de
notre Commerce seulement.
Art. 2.
a Notre arrivée nous prendrons possession de La terre de Mill-Grove, et
nous ferons rendre Compte a Mr. Dacosta qui a la procuration d Mr.
Audubon pére. nous nous occuperons des moyens de faire valoir cet
établissement ou prendre Connoissance de La mine de Plomb Découverte,
et avant d'y continuer les travaux Commencés, nous Examinerons si les
dépenses faites par le Sr. Dacosta ont été et peuvent nous etre utiles. enfin
nous fairons où fairons faire des devis Estimatifs des frais et des produits
qui peuvent en résulter. et nous n'entreprendrons rien que nous ne soyons
tous deux parfaitement d'accord sur le principe en Conséquence nous
signerons l'un et l'autre le projet que nous en arrêterons afin que l'un de
nous ne s'en écarte, et il en sera de meme pour toute les nouvelles Dépences
qui changeraient les profits arrêtes.
Art. 3.
Il est convenu que la Moitié du produit de cette habitation seront entre
nous par Moitié et pour en Connoitre ainsi que la perte, nous aurons un
Page 384
Livre particulier pour cet Objet, d'un Coté seront Inséres les articles de
dépences par Jour, et au moment que nous en fairons, de l'autre Coté les
ventes et Produits des fermes et de tout ce qui pourra résulter de cette
Opération en sorte que le Bénéfice se verra tous les jours par l'addition des
articles qui Composeront le débit et le Crédit.
Art. 4.
La Maison cy dessus sera un objet distinct. de tout Commerce afin de
pouvoir régler cette propriété tant et tant de fois que Nous le désirerons. il
est même Convenu que joindrons aux frais de cette Exploitation ceux
nécessaires pour la vie et autres dépences communes tant qu'il nous
Conviendra de vivre et d'habiter ensemble.
Art. 5.
Il ne peut nous etre interdit de faire tout autre Commerce, mais avant
d'en entreprendre nous resterons six mois a prendre des Informations aux
pays de ce qui pourroit nous etre avantageux, alors nous nous livrerions à
quelque opération de commerce ou Intérieur ou Maritime.
Art. 6.
Nous pourrons l'un et l'autre faire quelque voyage a l'effet de nous
procurer des Connoissances, et s'il arrivait que nous decidions quelque
Négociants a envoyer des Marchandises à la vente ou à la Consignation de
Mr. Rozier pére nous fairions la Condition que le Bénéfice qui resulteroit de
ces Consignations seroit partages entre nous et le Sur. F. Rozier pere.
Art. 7.
Tous les bénéfices comme les pertes résultant de nos Opérations
Commerciales seront partagées Egalement entre les associes.
Art. 8.
dépences par Jour, et au moment que nous en fairons, de l'autre Coté les
ventes et Produits des fermes et de tout ce qui pourra résulter de cette
Opération en sorte que le Bénéfice se verra tous les jours par l'addition des
articles qui Composeront le débit et le Crédit.
Art. 4.
La Maison cy dessus sera un objet distinct. de tout Commerce afin de
pouvoir régler cette propriété tant et tant de fois que Nous le désirerons. il
est même Convenu que joindrons aux frais de cette Exploitation ceux
nécessaires pour la vie et autres dépences communes tant qu'il nous
Conviendra de vivre et d'habiter ensemble.
Art. 5.
Il ne peut nous etre interdit de faire tout autre Commerce, mais avant
d'en entreprendre nous resterons six mois a prendre des Informations aux
pays de ce qui pourroit nous etre avantageux, alors nous nous livrerions à
quelque opération de commerce ou Intérieur ou Maritime.
Art. 6.
Nous pourrons l'un et l'autre faire quelque voyage a l'effet de nous
procurer des Connoissances, et s'il arrivait que nous decidions quelque
Négociants a envoyer des Marchandises à la vente ou à la Consignation de
Mr. Rozier pére nous fairions la Condition que le Bénéfice qui resulteroit de
ces Consignations seroit partages entre nous et le Sur. F. Rozier pere.
Art. 7.
Tous les bénéfices comme les pertes résultant de nos Opérations
Commerciales seront partagées Egalement entre les associes.
Art. 8.
Page 385
Les frais de Passage et autre communs entre nous fairont le premier
article de nos dépences sociales....
Art. 9.
Nous nous promettons l'un et l'autre amitié et Intelligence, et
convenons très expressement qua la moindre difficulté, nous prendrons
chacun un arbitre qui sera authorisé a se choisir un troisieme et nous
engageons sur notre honneur a en passer par tout ce qui sera décidé, sans
que jamais nous puissions en faire appel devant aucuns tribunaux.
Art. 10.
En cas de mort de l'un ou l'autre (ce qu'a Dieu ne plaise) le survivant
sera seul charge de la Liquidation pour en tenir Compte à qui de droit, c'est
a dire aux héritiers du Déffunt, mais la societé ne pourra etre dissoute que
neuf années à Compter du Jour de la Datte du présent. ce Cas seulement
arrivant, il sera alloué au survivant une Commission sur les produits de
l'Etablissement fixe à Dix pour Cent.
Fait double et de bonne foy entre nous.
Nantes ce 23 Mars 1806.
Jean Audubon
ferdinand Rozier
article de nos dépences sociales....
Art. 9.
Nous nous promettons l'un et l'autre amitié et Intelligence, et
convenons très expressement qua la moindre difficulté, nous prendrons
chacun un arbitre qui sera authorisé a se choisir un troisieme et nous
engageons sur notre honneur a en passer par tout ce qui sera décidé, sans
que jamais nous puissions en faire appel devant aucuns tribunaux.
Art. 10.
En cas de mort de l'un ou l'autre (ce qu'a Dieu ne plaise) le survivant
sera seul charge de la Liquidation pour en tenir Compte à qui de droit, c'est
a dire aux héritiers du Déffunt, mais la societé ne pourra etre dissoute que
neuf années à Compter du Jour de la Datte du présent. ce Cas seulement
arrivant, il sera alloué au survivant une Commission sur les produits de
l'Etablissement fixe à Dix pour Cent.
Fait double et de bonne foy entre nous.
Nantes ce 23 Mars 1806.
Jean Audubon
ferdinand Rozier
Page 386
a. Translation of the Articles of Association of John Audubon and Ferdinand
Rozier.
[stamp] We, the undersigned, Ferdinand Rozier and John
REP. FRA. Audubon, who are intending to go to the United States, are
50
agreed to form a partnership in business upon the following
cen
conditions:
Article First.
The partnership will be administered under the joint names of
Ferdinand Rozier and John Audubon, and each of us will have the power of
signature for all matters of our business only.
Art. 2.
Upon our arrival we will take possession of the farm of Mill-Grove,
and we will call to account Mr. Dacosta, who has the power of attorney of
Mr. Audubon, Senior. We shall take measures to improve the establishment,
or make an investigation of the lead mine discovered [on the property], and
before continuing the work already begun we will ascertain whether the
expenditures made by Sr. Dacosta, have been, and can still be,
advantageous to us. Finally we shall prepare, or attempt to prepare,
estimates of the expenses and the products which accrue from these, and we
shall undertake nothing upon which we are not both perfectly agreed in
principle; consequently we shall both subscribe to the project which we
shall decide upon, in order that neither of us may depart from it, and it will
be the same for all new expenses which might alter the plans that are
reached.
Art. 3.
Rozier.
[stamp] We, the undersigned, Ferdinand Rozier and John
REP. FRA. Audubon, who are intending to go to the United States, are
50
agreed to form a partnership in business upon the following
cen
conditions:
Article First.
The partnership will be administered under the joint names of
Ferdinand Rozier and John Audubon, and each of us will have the power of
signature for all matters of our business only.
Art. 2.
Upon our arrival we will take possession of the farm of Mill-Grove,
and we will call to account Mr. Dacosta, who has the power of attorney of
Mr. Audubon, Senior. We shall take measures to improve the establishment,
or make an investigation of the lead mine discovered [on the property], and
before continuing the work already begun we will ascertain whether the
expenditures made by Sr. Dacosta, have been, and can still be,
advantageous to us. Finally we shall prepare, or attempt to prepare,
estimates of the expenses and the products which accrue from these, and we
shall undertake nothing upon which we are not both perfectly agreed in
principle; consequently we shall both subscribe to the project which we
shall decide upon, in order that neither of us may depart from it, and it will
be the same for all new expenses which might alter the plans that are
reached.
Art. 3.
Page 387
It is agreed that half the product of this plantation shall be divided
between us on a one half basis, and in order to recognize this [profit], as
well as the loss, we shall keep a special book for the purpose; on one side
shall be entered the items of expense, day by day, and, at the moment this is
done, on the other side [shall also be given] the sales and products of the
farms, and of all that can result from this business, in such a way that the
profit shall be always apparent by the addition of the items which compose
the debit and the credit.
Art. 4.
The house above mentioned [Mill-Grove farmhouse] shall be an object
separate from all business, in order that we may settle matters as completely
as we desire. It is agreed that we shall add to the expenses of this
exploitation, those necessary for life, and others of a common character, so
long as it shall suit us to live and dwell together.
Art. 5.
We cannot be prevented from engaging in any other kind of business,
but before undertaking it we shall remain six months in order to gather from
the country information of a kind that would be advantageous to us; we
shall then apply ourselves to some commercial occupation, whether inland
or maritime.
Art. 6.
We are both at liberty to make any journey in order to procure
information, and should it happen that we persuade any merchants to send
goods to Mr. Rozier, Senior, we would establish the condition that the
benefit which might result from these consignments would be divided
between us and the Mr. F. Rozier, Senior.
Art. 7.
between us on a one half basis, and in order to recognize this [profit], as
well as the loss, we shall keep a special book for the purpose; on one side
shall be entered the items of expense, day by day, and, at the moment this is
done, on the other side [shall also be given] the sales and products of the
farms, and of all that can result from this business, in such a way that the
profit shall be always apparent by the addition of the items which compose
the debit and the credit.
Art. 4.
The house above mentioned [Mill-Grove farmhouse] shall be an object
separate from all business, in order that we may settle matters as completely
as we desire. It is agreed that we shall add to the expenses of this
exploitation, those necessary for life, and others of a common character, so
long as it shall suit us to live and dwell together.
Art. 5.
We cannot be prevented from engaging in any other kind of business,
but before undertaking it we shall remain six months in order to gather from
the country information of a kind that would be advantageous to us; we
shall then apply ourselves to some commercial occupation, whether inland
or maritime.
Art. 6.
We are both at liberty to make any journey in order to procure
information, and should it happen that we persuade any merchants to send
goods to Mr. Rozier, Senior, we would establish the condition that the
benefit which might result from these consignments would be divided
between us and the Mr. F. Rozier, Senior.
Art. 7.
Page 388
All the benefits as well as the losses resulting from our commercial
transactions shall be divided equally between the partners.
Art. 8.
The expenses of the journey and others of a common nature shall make
the first item of our social expenses....
Art. 9.
We both resolve to maintain friendship and mutual understanding, and
we agree very expressly that, upon the least difficulty, we shall each select
one arbitrator, who will be authorized to choose a third, and we promise
upon our honor to fully accept the decision that shall be reached, without
ever having it in our power to make an appeal from it before any courts.
Art. 10.
In case of the death of one or the other (which, God forbid), the
survivor shall have sole charge of making a settlement, in order to give an
accounting to those entitled to it by law, that is to say to the heirs of the
deceased, but the partnership cannot be dissolved until after nine years,
counting from the day of the date of the present [instrument]. Only in this
event, the survivor will be allowed a commission upon the products of the
establishment fixed at ten per cent.
Done in duplicate and in good faith between us.
Nantes this 23 March 1806.
John Audubon
ferdinand Rozier
transactions shall be divided equally between the partners.
Art. 8.
The expenses of the journey and others of a common nature shall make
the first item of our social expenses....
Art. 9.
We both resolve to maintain friendship and mutual understanding, and
we agree very expressly that, upon the least difficulty, we shall each select
one arbitrator, who will be authorized to choose a third, and we promise
upon our honor to fully accept the decision that shall be reached, without
ever having it in our power to make an appeal from it before any courts.
Art. 10.
In case of the death of one or the other (which, God forbid), the
survivor shall have sole charge of making a settlement, in order to give an
accounting to those entitled to it by law, that is to say to the heirs of the
deceased, but the partnership cannot be dissolved until after nine years,
counting from the day of the date of the present [instrument]. Only in this
event, the survivor will be allowed a commission upon the products of the
establishment fixed at ten per cent.
Done in duplicate and in good faith between us.
Nantes this 23 March 1806.
John Audubon
ferdinand Rozier
Page 389
0. Power of Attorney issued by Lieutenant Jean Audubon, Anne Moynet
Audubon, and Claude François Rozier to their respective sons, Jean
Audubon and Ferdinand Rozier, at Nantes, France, April 4, 1806, eight
days before the latter embarked to America to enter upon their partnership
in business.
[stamp] Par devant Royer et Son Collégue, notaires à la résidence
REP. FRA. de Nantes, département de la Loire-inférieure soussignés,
75
——————ont comparu le Sieur Jean Audubon, rentier, et
cen
dame Anne Moinet, son épouse qu'il autorise, demeurants rue
Rubens, No. 39, et monsieur Claude-françois Rozier,
négociant, rue de la fosse, tous trois commune de nantes, Les quels
constituent pour leurs Procureurs généraux et spéciaux Jean Audubon, fils,
et ferdinand Rozier, fils, aux quels, l'un en l'absence de l'autre, ils donnent
pouvoir et procuration de faire, pour et au mieux de l'intérêt de
Constituants, tous réglements de comptes, éligements de crédits,
recovrements, payements, et autres actes analogues avec tous fermiers,
correspondants, débiteurs et créanciers des Constituants aux Etats-unis
d'Amérique; plaider, constituer, transiger, recevoir, donner quittances,
renouveler, prendre termes, expedier et géréralement faire pour leur utilité,
tout ce qui leur semblera le plus convenable; le tout, d'après les
renseignements, pieces et documents relatifs, qui leur ont été, leur sont ou
leur seront fournis tant par les constituants que par autres leurs précédents
chargés d'affaires et fondés de pouvoirs aux dits Etats-unis de régir, gérer et
administrer la moitié appartenante aux constituants de la terre de Mill
Grove en Pensylvania même d'exploiter ou faire exploiter la mine de plomb
récemment découverte sur la dite terre: consulter dans tous les cas
importants, monsieur Miers fisher,—négociant à Philadelphie, comme ami
commun et bon conseil; tenir tous livres et registres nécessaires, faire à la
fin de chaque année ou plutôt, la balance de la recette et dépense pour la
Audubon, and Claude François Rozier to their respective sons, Jean
Audubon and Ferdinand Rozier, at Nantes, France, April 4, 1806, eight
days before the latter embarked to America to enter upon their partnership
in business.
[stamp] Par devant Royer et Son Collégue, notaires à la résidence
REP. FRA. de Nantes, département de la Loire-inférieure soussignés,
75
——————ont comparu le Sieur Jean Audubon, rentier, et
cen
dame Anne Moinet, son épouse qu'il autorise, demeurants rue
Rubens, No. 39, et monsieur Claude-françois Rozier,
négociant, rue de la fosse, tous trois commune de nantes, Les quels
constituent pour leurs Procureurs généraux et spéciaux Jean Audubon, fils,
et ferdinand Rozier, fils, aux quels, l'un en l'absence de l'autre, ils donnent
pouvoir et procuration de faire, pour et au mieux de l'intérêt de
Constituants, tous réglements de comptes, éligements de crédits,
recovrements, payements, et autres actes analogues avec tous fermiers,
correspondants, débiteurs et créanciers des Constituants aux Etats-unis
d'Amérique; plaider, constituer, transiger, recevoir, donner quittances,
renouveler, prendre termes, expedier et géréralement faire pour leur utilité,
tout ce qui leur semblera le plus convenable; le tout, d'après les
renseignements, pieces et documents relatifs, qui leur ont été, leur sont ou
leur seront fournis tant par les constituants que par autres leurs précédents
chargés d'affaires et fondés de pouvoirs aux dits Etats-unis de régir, gérer et
administrer la moitié appartenante aux constituants de la terre de Mill
Grove en Pensylvania même d'exploiter ou faire exploiter la mine de plomb
récemment découverte sur la dite terre: consulter dans tous les cas
importants, monsieur Miers fisher,—négociant à Philadelphie, comme ami
commun et bon conseil; tenir tous livres et registres nécessaires, faire à la
fin de chaque année ou plutôt, la balance de la recette et dépense pour la
Page 390
régie de la dite terre et l'exploitation de la mine, s'il y a lieu; vendre aux
prix, charges, clauses et conditions dont il conviendront, mais d'accord avec
monsieur Dacosta, propriétaire de l'autre moitié, la moitié de la dite terre de
Mill grove, appartenante aux constituants, en toucher le prix, en donner
quittances, faire tous partages, accepter tout lot et généralement faire pour
l'intérêt des constituants tous actes conservatoires et definitifs en tous
tribunaux, devant toutes administrations et officiers publics, qui leur
paraitront nécessaires ou utiles; à l'effet de quoi, tous pouvoirs analogues
exprimés ou non exprimés pour tous cas prévus ou imprévus, même de
substituer en tout ou partie des dits pourvoirs, qui bon leur semblera et de le
revoquer, leur sont donnés par la présente procuration qui ne sera pas sujette
à surannation.——
fait et passé en l'étude et au rapport de Royer, l'un de nous, sous les
seings des comparants, après lecture, ce jour trois avril mil-huit-cent six. la
minute est signée des parties et des Notaires soussignés; elle est restée à
Royer, l'un d'eux, enregistrée à nantes le trois avril mil-huit-cent-six par
Dufau, qui a reçu un franc dix centimes.
Varsavaux J. Noyer
vu par nous président du tribunal de première instance
séant à nantes, pour légalisation des Signatures
varsavaux et Noyer apposées ci-dessus.
Ce jour trois avril mil huit cent six
Gandon
Commercial Agency of the United
States of America
I William D. Patterson Commercial agent of the United States of
America for the Port and District of Nantes do hereby certify that the
Signatures affixed to the foregoing Document are those of Messrs J
Royer and Varsavaux both Notaries publick for the City of Nantes and
of Mr Gandon President of the Tribunal of premiere Instance at the
prix, charges, clauses et conditions dont il conviendront, mais d'accord avec
monsieur Dacosta, propriétaire de l'autre moitié, la moitié de la dite terre de
Mill grove, appartenante aux constituants, en toucher le prix, en donner
quittances, faire tous partages, accepter tout lot et généralement faire pour
l'intérêt des constituants tous actes conservatoires et definitifs en tous
tribunaux, devant toutes administrations et officiers publics, qui leur
paraitront nécessaires ou utiles; à l'effet de quoi, tous pouvoirs analogues
exprimés ou non exprimés pour tous cas prévus ou imprévus, même de
substituer en tout ou partie des dits pourvoirs, qui bon leur semblera et de le
revoquer, leur sont donnés par la présente procuration qui ne sera pas sujette
à surannation.——
fait et passé en l'étude et au rapport de Royer, l'un de nous, sous les
seings des comparants, après lecture, ce jour trois avril mil-huit-cent six. la
minute est signée des parties et des Notaires soussignés; elle est restée à
Royer, l'un d'eux, enregistrée à nantes le trois avril mil-huit-cent-six par
Dufau, qui a reçu un franc dix centimes.
Varsavaux J. Noyer
vu par nous président du tribunal de première instance
séant à nantes, pour légalisation des Signatures
varsavaux et Noyer apposées ci-dessus.
Ce jour trois avril mil huit cent six
Gandon
Commercial Agency of the United
States of America
I William D. Patterson Commercial agent of the United States of
America for the Port and District of Nantes do hereby certify that the
Signatures affixed to the foregoing Document are those of Messrs J
Royer and Varsavaux both Notaries publick for the City of Nantes and
of Mr Gandon President of the Tribunal of premiere Instance at the
Page 391
said City and that to their Signatures and Ads as such, full faith and
Credit is and ought to be due and given
[Seal] In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my Hand &
affixed my Seal of Office at Nantes this 4th. of april 1806.
W D Patterson
Credit is and ought to be due and given
[Seal] In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my Hand &
affixed my Seal of Office at Nantes this 4th. of april 1806.
W D Patterson
Page 392
0a. Translation of the Power of Attorney issued by Jean Audubon, Anne
Moinet Audubon, and Claude François Rozier to Jean Audubon and
Ferdinand Rosier, April 4, 1806.
[stamp] In presence of Royer and his colleague, notaries, living at
REP. FRA. Nantes, department of the Loire-inférieure undersigned,
75
—————————have appeared Sieur Jean Audubon,
cen
capitalist, and Madame Anne Moinet, his wife, whom he
authorizes [to act], living at Number 39, rue Rubens, and
Monsieur Claude François Rozier, of rue de la Fosse, all three of the
commune of Nantes: who empower, to act as their general and special
attorneys, Jean Audubon, the younger, and Ferdinand Rozier, the son, to
whom, jointly and severally, they give authority and warrant of attorney to
make, for and in the best interest of the grantors, all settlements of accounts,
assignments of credits, recoveries of debts, payments, and other analogous
acts with all tenants, representatives, debtors and creditors of the grantors in
the United States of America; to go into court, settle, compromise, receive,
to give receipts, to renew [loans or notes], to grant time, to expedite, and in
general to do for their benefit all that shall seem to them most fitting; the
whole, according to the instructions, papers, and documents relating thereto,
which have been, are, or shall be furnished them, as well by the grantors as
by their previous agents and attorneys in the aforesaid United States, to
govern, conduct, and administer the half, belonging to the grantors, of the
farm of Mill Grove in Pennsylvania, as well as to exploit, or cause to be
exploited the lead mine recently discovered on the said farm; to consult, in
every important matter, Mr. Miers Fisher,—merchant at Philadelphia, as a
common friend and good counsellor; to keep all necessary books and
registers; at the end of each year, or sooner, to strike the balance of receipts
and expenses for the control of the said farm and the exploitation of the
mine, should there be reason for it; to sell at prices, charges, stipulations,
Moinet Audubon, and Claude François Rozier to Jean Audubon and
Ferdinand Rosier, April 4, 1806.
[stamp] In presence of Royer and his colleague, notaries, living at
REP. FRA. Nantes, department of the Loire-inférieure undersigned,
75
—————————have appeared Sieur Jean Audubon,
cen
capitalist, and Madame Anne Moinet, his wife, whom he
authorizes [to act], living at Number 39, rue Rubens, and
Monsieur Claude François Rozier, of rue de la Fosse, all three of the
commune of Nantes: who empower, to act as their general and special
attorneys, Jean Audubon, the younger, and Ferdinand Rozier, the son, to
whom, jointly and severally, they give authority and warrant of attorney to
make, for and in the best interest of the grantors, all settlements of accounts,
assignments of credits, recoveries of debts, payments, and other analogous
acts with all tenants, representatives, debtors and creditors of the grantors in
the United States of America; to go into court, settle, compromise, receive,
to give receipts, to renew [loans or notes], to grant time, to expedite, and in
general to do for their benefit all that shall seem to them most fitting; the
whole, according to the instructions, papers, and documents relating thereto,
which have been, are, or shall be furnished them, as well by the grantors as
by their previous agents and attorneys in the aforesaid United States, to
govern, conduct, and administer the half, belonging to the grantors, of the
farm of Mill Grove in Pennsylvania, as well as to exploit, or cause to be
exploited the lead mine recently discovered on the said farm; to consult, in
every important matter, Mr. Miers Fisher,—merchant at Philadelphia, as a
common friend and good counsellor; to keep all necessary books and
registers; at the end of each year, or sooner, to strike the balance of receipts
and expenses for the control of the said farm and the exploitation of the
mine, should there be reason for it; to sell at prices, charges, stipulations,
Page 393
and conditions, upon which they shall agree, but In accord with Monsieur
Dacosta, owner of the other half, the half of the said farm of Mill Grove,
belonging to the grantors; to receive the price thereof, to give receipt for it,
to make all divisions, to receive all allotments, and in general to perform for
the interest of the grantors all conservative and final acts in every court of
justice before all jurisdictions and public officers, which shall seem to them
necessary or useful: to the effect of which all analogous powers, expressed
or unexpressed, foreseen or unforeseen, even of substituting in whole or in
part of the aforesaid powers, whosoever shall seem good to them, and of
revoking him, are given to them by the present bill of attorney, which will
not be subject to expiration.—— Done and granted in the office and on the
report of Royer, one of us, under the signatures of the persons in
appearance, after reading, this third day of April, one thousand eight
hundred and six. The minute is signed by the parties and the undersigned
notaries; it remains with Royer, one of us, recorded at Nantes the third of
April one thousand eight hundred and six, by Dufau, who has received one
franc, ten centimes.
Varsavaux J. Noyer
[Seal] Examined by us, judge of the Court of the First Instance, sitting at
Nantes, for the authentication of the signatures Varsavaux
and Royer, affixed above, this third day of April, one
thousand eight hundred and six.
Gandon
Dacosta, owner of the other half, the half of the said farm of Mill Grove,
belonging to the grantors; to receive the price thereof, to give receipt for it,
to make all divisions, to receive all allotments, and in general to perform for
the interest of the grantors all conservative and final acts in every court of
justice before all jurisdictions and public officers, which shall seem to them
necessary or useful: to the effect of which all analogous powers, expressed
or unexpressed, foreseen or unforeseen, even of substituting in whole or in
part of the aforesaid powers, whosoever shall seem good to them, and of
revoking him, are given to them by the present bill of attorney, which will
not be subject to expiration.—— Done and granted in the office and on the
report of Royer, one of us, under the signatures of the persons in
appearance, after reading, this third day of April, one thousand eight
hundred and six. The minute is signed by the parties and the undersigned
notaries; it remains with Royer, one of us, recorded at Nantes the third of
April one thousand eight hundred and six, by Dufau, who has received one
franc, ten centimes.
Varsavaux J. Noyer
[Seal] Examined by us, judge of the Court of the First Instance, sitting at
Nantes, for the authentication of the signatures Varsavaux
and Royer, affixed above, this third day of April, one
thousand eight hundred and six.
Gandon
Page 394
1. Account Current of John Audubon and Ferdinand Rozier with the estate of
Benjamin Bakewell, late commission merchant in New York, showing their
dealings and standing with this house during the first sixteen months of their
business experience in the West. Covers the period, August 1, 1807 to
December 13, 1808. (Statement accompanying the letter of Thomas Bakewell,
reproduced in Vol. I, p. 196.)
Drs Messrs John Audubon & Ferdinand Rozier in Account Current Crs.
with Benjn Bakewell
1807
Augt 1 To Sundry $2482 35 Augt. 4 By your note at 8 $3647 29
Merchdize mos
pr Invoice
31 " Cash 6 44 Decr. 31 " net 4.50
sundry proceeds
expences sales on
on the your a/c
above
Septr 29 " 57 319.35 323 85
Merch dize
Powder
Horns
shot bags
&c
Novr 13 " W 3 77 " Francis Rozier 816 56
Taylor balance his a/c
exps on
Do to
Pittsburgh
" Cash 2 $4787 50
certificate
property
pr Mentor
to Nantes
Benjamin Bakewell, late commission merchant in New York, showing their
dealings and standing with this house during the first sixteen months of their
business experience in the West. Covers the period, August 1, 1807 to
December 13, 1808. (Statement accompanying the letter of Thomas Bakewell,
reproduced in Vol. I, p. 196.)
Drs Messrs John Audubon & Ferdinand Rozier in Account Current Crs.
with Benjn Bakewell
1807
Augt 1 To Sundry $2482 35 Augt. 4 By your note at 8 $3647 29
Merchdize mos
pr Invoice
31 " Cash 6 44 Decr. 31 " net 4.50
sundry proceeds
expences sales on
on the your a/c
above
Septr 29 " 57 319.35 323 85
Merch dize
Powder
Horns
shot bags
&c
Novr 13 " W 3 77 " Francis Rozier 816 56
Taylor balance his a/c
exps on
Do to
Pittsburgh
" Cash 2 $4787 50
certificate
property
pr Mentor
to Nantes
Page 395
30 " Do 3 14
postage
sundry
french
letters
Decer 31 " Advt pr 1516 43
Jane # for
Indigo &
expences
1808
Jany 29 " Cash frt 12 45 Feby 1 By Balance as pr a/c $ 695 12
& cartge rendered
Oil from
Philada
30 " Do pd 9 March 1 " your dft on U S 2000
Hislop for Bank Philada
breast pins
on your
a/c
Balance 695 12 " $118.20 [paper
commission torn]
on goods
allowed
you
deduct ⅓ 24.26 [ 93.94 ]
profit on
french
goods
4787 50 25 " R Kinder & Co's [paper
accept @ 6 mo .
e s torn]
March 1 To Merche $ 161 " L Huron's note — " ["]
pr Bill @ 9 days.
6 mos
April 7 " your 3647 29 your note @ 4 mos ["]
note due for balance
this day
postage
sundry
french
letters
Decer 31 " Advt pr 1516 43
Jane # for
Indigo &
expences
1808
Jany 29 " Cash frt 12 45 Feby 1 By Balance as pr a/c $ 695 12
& cartge rendered
Oil from
Philada
30 " Do pd 9 March 1 " your dft on U S 2000
Hislop for Bank Philada
breast pins
on your
a/c
Balance 695 12 " $118.20 [paper
commission torn]
on goods
allowed
you
deduct ⅓ 24.26 [ 93.94 ]
profit on
french
goods
4787 50 25 " R Kinder & Co's [paper
accept @ 6 mo .
e s torn]
March 1 To Merche $ 161 " L Huron's note — " ["]
pr Bill @ 9 days.
6 mos
April 7 " your 3647 29 your note @ 4 mos ["]
note due for balance
this day
Page 396
" R. 72 12 Balance [ 924.49 ]
Henderson
amt due
him by
you
June 27 " Cash 7 50 New York Decemr. 13th. 1808 for
cartge & the Assignees of the [estate of
Lighterage Benjamin Bakewell]
on
tobacco
" Freight 105 Th[omas Bakewell]
& primage
— " Do
July 28 " your 787 73
note due
this day
Septr 23 " Mdse 1 24 24
doz sans
paraitres
$4804 90
Decr 13 To $924 49
Balance
Note by the Author. For brig Mentor, see Chapter XI, Vol. I, p. 163,
and for the ship Jane, Captain Sammis, ibid., p. 158. For Messrs. Robert
Kinder & Company, see accompanying letter of Thomas Bakewell, Vol. I,
p. 196, and letter of William Bakewell, his uncle, ibid., p. 199. Laurence
Huron was a French importer, resident in Philadelphia; for his award in
the disputed Dacosta claim, see Vol. I, p. 168. At this time Benjamin
Bakewell's importing business was in the hands of his creditors, but his
son, Thomas Bakewell, was still employed in the office.
Henderson
amt due
him by
you
June 27 " Cash 7 50 New York Decemr. 13th. 1808 for
cartge & the Assignees of the [estate of
Lighterage Benjamin Bakewell]
on
tobacco
" Freight 105 Th[omas Bakewell]
& primage
— " Do
July 28 " your 787 73
note due
this day
Septr 23 " Mdse 1 24 24
doz sans
paraitres
$4804 90
Decr 13 To $924 49
Balance
Note by the Author. For brig Mentor, see Chapter XI, Vol. I, p. 163,
and for the ship Jane, Captain Sammis, ibid., p. 158. For Messrs. Robert
Kinder & Company, see accompanying letter of Thomas Bakewell, Vol. I,
p. 196, and letter of William Bakewell, his uncle, ibid., p. 199. Laurence
Huron was a French importer, resident in Philadelphia; for his award in
the disputed Dacosta claim, see Vol. I, p. 168. At this time Benjamin
Bakewell's importing business was in the hands of his creditors, but his
son, Thomas Bakewell, was still employed in the office.
Page 397
1a. Final Account of Francis Dacosta, rendered July 25, 1807, to Lieutenant
Jean Audubon, his partner in the unfortunate mining enterprise at "Mill
Grove"; later contested and settled by arbitration. (For comment, see Vol. I,
p. 168.)
Dr. Mill Grove Farm—in account with Francis Dacosta Cr.
1806 1806
July 15th. To printers 4 44 Sepbre 26 By lead ore 160
Charges for valued &
advertising divided
Aug. 23d To horse hired 4 50 ditto By tools & 189 36
furniture—
ditto—ditto
Octb 15 To housing the 4 By M. 2 00
chair 4 months Mackley s/
refunding
money /
Nov. 29 To Notariat and 29 52 Oct. 11 By sale of 75
Consular charges the Chair
in Bordeaux for
Certificate to
make void the
mortgage & bond
given to M. Fisher
as agent
1807 1807
July 25 Ballance 390 62 april 6 By Sale of 6 72
84 panes of
Glass to
John
Pawling
$433 8 $433 8
Jean Audubon, his partner in the unfortunate mining enterprise at "Mill
Grove"; later contested and settled by arbitration. (For comment, see Vol. I,
p. 168.)
Dr. Mill Grove Farm—in account with Francis Dacosta Cr.
1806 1806
July 15th. To printers 4 44 Sepbre 26 By lead ore 160
Charges for valued &
advertising divided
Aug. 23d To horse hired 4 50 ditto By tools & 189 36
furniture—
ditto—ditto
Octb 15 To housing the 4 By M. 2 00
chair 4 months Mackley s/
refunding
money /
Nov. 29 To Notariat and 29 52 Oct. 11 By sale of 75
Consular charges the Chair
in Bordeaux for
Certificate to
make void the
mortgage & bond
given to M. Fisher
as agent
1807 1807
July 25 Ballance 390 62 april 6 By Sale of 6 72
84 panes of
Glass to
John
Pawling
$433 8 $433 8
Page 398
Dr. John Audubon of Nantz in Account Current with Cr.
Francis Dacosta
1806
June 1st To Balance 316 27
brought from the
last account
1807 1807
July 25 to interest of the 21 15 By cash 6 47
same to this day
13 m., 25 Dc
Sepbr 26 to his half in the 80 July 25 By half of 195 31
Lead ore delivered the ballance
to him & valued of the Mill
as above $160 Grove Farm
—account
current
amounting
as per the
above
account to
390.62
ditto to ditto in the tools 94 67 do do Ballance 950 64
and furniture do do claimed this
at $189.36 day
Octbr 15 to ditto in the 37 50
chair Sold 75
Dollars
to the recorder in 2 83
Norristown for
entering
satisfaction of
John Audubon
mortgage to John
Augustine Prevost
Francis Dacosta
1806
June 1st To Balance 316 27
brought from the
last account
1807 1807
July 25 to interest of the 21 15 By cash 6 47
same to this day
13 m., 25 Dc
Sepbr 26 to his half in the 80 July 25 By half of 195 31
Lead ore delivered the ballance
to him & valued of the Mill
as above $160 Grove Farm
—account
current
amounting
as per the
above
account to
390.62
ditto to ditto in the tools 94 67 do do Ballance 950 64
and furniture do do claimed this
at $189.36 day
Octbr 15 to ditto in the 37 50
chair Sold 75
Dollars
to the recorder in 2 83
Norristown for
entering
satisfaction of
John Audubon
mortgage to John
Augustine Prevost
Page 399
to compensation 600 00
claimed by
Francis Dacosta
for making up half
of his expences, in
managing the
mining Works, the
mills repairs, &
taking up the
formation of a
Company, during
two years of
constant cares—
troubles—and loss
of time at 300
dollars a year
$1152 42 $1152 42
E. E. Philadelphia the 25th July 1807
[Signed] Francis Dacosta.
Erreurs à réléver dans le Compte de M. J. Audubon
Veritables valeurs " an lieu de Difference
dans le Balance " 125"8 300 " 174.92
do Furnitures " 189"36 270 " 80.64
do Chairs " 75" 125 " 50 "
do Mine 120.29 400" 119 "71
280.29
do —160 " —— ——
$425-27
la moitié est de 212.63½
Omis $300 payé par francis Dacosta à Miers Fisher le 24 May 300
1803
Ditto $176"67 La proportion de Fis Dacosta dans la rente de la 176.67
premiere annee qui ne lui a pas été payé
$689.30
claimed by
Francis Dacosta
for making up half
of his expences, in
managing the
mining Works, the
mills repairs, &
taking up the
formation of a
Company, during
two years of
constant cares—
troubles—and loss
of time at 300
dollars a year
$1152 42 $1152 42
E. E. Philadelphia the 25th July 1807
[Signed] Francis Dacosta.
Erreurs à réléver dans le Compte de M. J. Audubon
Veritables valeurs " an lieu de Difference
dans le Balance " 125"8 300 " 174.92
do Furnitures " 189"36 270 " 80.64
do Chairs " 75" 125 " 50 "
do Mine 120.29 400" 119 "71
280.29
do —160 " —— ——
$425-27
la moitié est de 212.63½
Omis $300 payé par francis Dacosta à Miers Fisher le 24 May 300
1803
Ditto $176"67 La proportion de Fis Dacosta dans la rente de la 176.67
premiere annee qui ne lui a pas été payé
$689.30
Page 400
2. Quit Claim or Release given by John James Audubon to Ferdinand Rozier
on the Dissolution of their Partnership in Business at Sainte Geneviève,
Upper Louisiana (Missouri), April 6, 1811.
I John Audibon having this day by mutual Consent with Ferdinand
Rozier, dissolved and forever closed the partnership and firm of Audibon &
Rozier,—and having Received from said Ferdinand Rozier, payments and
notes to the full amount of my part of the goods & debts of the late firm of
Audibon & Rozier—I the said John Audibon one of the firm aforesaid, do
hereby release and forever quit Claim to all or any Interest which I have or
may have in the Stock on hand and debts due to the Late Firm of Audibon
& Rozier unto him the said Ferdinand Rozier, all my rights titles, claimes
and Interest in the goods merchandise and debts due to the late Firm of
Audibon & Rozier—and do hereby authorize and empower him for my part
to collect the same in any manner whatseer. either privately or by suit or
suits in law or equity—hereby acclaiming him sole and absolute proprietor
and rightful owner of all the goods merchandises & debts of the firm
aforesaid, as completely as they were the goods and property of the Late
firm of Audibon & Rozier—
In witness whereof I have hereto Set my hand & Seal this Sixth day of
April 1811
[Seal]
John Audubon
Ed D. De Villmonte
Note by the Author. It will be noticed that the naturalist writes
his name seven times as "Audibon," in this document, but signs in the
way usual with him at the period. See Vol. I, p. 24.
on the Dissolution of their Partnership in Business at Sainte Geneviève,
Upper Louisiana (Missouri), April 6, 1811.
I John Audibon having this day by mutual Consent with Ferdinand
Rozier, dissolved and forever closed the partnership and firm of Audibon &
Rozier,—and having Received from said Ferdinand Rozier, payments and
notes to the full amount of my part of the goods & debts of the late firm of
Audibon & Rozier—I the said John Audibon one of the firm aforesaid, do
hereby release and forever quit Claim to all or any Interest which I have or
may have in the Stock on hand and debts due to the Late Firm of Audibon
& Rozier unto him the said Ferdinand Rozier, all my rights titles, claimes
and Interest in the goods merchandise and debts due to the late Firm of
Audibon & Rozier—and do hereby authorize and empower him for my part
to collect the same in any manner whatseer. either privately or by suit or
suits in law or equity—hereby acclaiming him sole and absolute proprietor
and rightful owner of all the goods merchandises & debts of the firm
aforesaid, as completely as they were the goods and property of the Late
firm of Audibon & Rozier—
In witness whereof I have hereto Set my hand & Seal this Sixth day of
April 1811
[Seal]
John Audubon
Ed D. De Villmonte
Note by the Author. It will be noticed that the naturalist writes
his name seven times as "Audibon," in this document, but signs in the
way usual with him at the period. See Vol. I, p. 24.
Page 401
3. Copy of a portion of the first Will of Lieutenant Jean Audubon. Couëron,
May 20, 1812. (For comment on this and documents Nos. 14 to 18, see
Chapter IV.)
Jean AUDUBON, propriétaire demeurant à sa maison de la Gerbetière
commune de Couëron, lequel sain d'esprit a fait son testament comme suit:
Par les présentes mon testament.
Je donne et lègue à dame Anne Moinette mon épouse, la part et portion
disponible en usufruit à raison de ce que j'aurai ou non de descendants de
généralement tous les biens meubles et immeubles qui m'appartiendront à
l'instant de mon décès.
Je donne et lègue à Monsieur Jean Audubon que je crois actuellement
aux Etats-Unis sans cependant en être sûr, la moitié en toute propriété de
généralement tous les biens meubles et immeubles qui m'appartiendront à
l'instant de mon décès pour par lui en faire et disposer en toute propriété et à
sa volonté à la charge toutefois par lui de laisser dame Anne Moinette mon
épouse jouir sur iceux du legs fait ci-dessus en sa faveur.
Je donne et lègue à dame Rose Bouffard épouse de Monsieur Gabriel
Loyen du Puigaudeau, demeurant actuellement an Port-Launay en Couëron,
la moitié en propre de généralement tous les biens meubles et immeubles
qui m'appartiendront à l'instant de mon décès pour par lui en faire et
disposer en toute propriété et à sa volonté à la charge toutefois par elle de
laisser dame Anne Moinette mon épouse, jouir sur iceux du legs que je fais
ci-dessus en sa faveur.
Je veux et entends qu'en cas de mort de Monsieur Audubon ou de
madame Puigaudeau, mes deux derniers légataires aux présentes ou même
de tous les deux, les héritiers en ligne directe de l'un ou de l'autre recueillent
May 20, 1812. (For comment on this and documents Nos. 14 to 18, see
Chapter IV.)
Jean AUDUBON, propriétaire demeurant à sa maison de la Gerbetière
commune de Couëron, lequel sain d'esprit a fait son testament comme suit:
Par les présentes mon testament.
Je donne et lègue à dame Anne Moinette mon épouse, la part et portion
disponible en usufruit à raison de ce que j'aurai ou non de descendants de
généralement tous les biens meubles et immeubles qui m'appartiendront à
l'instant de mon décès.
Je donne et lègue à Monsieur Jean Audubon que je crois actuellement
aux Etats-Unis sans cependant en être sûr, la moitié en toute propriété de
généralement tous les biens meubles et immeubles qui m'appartiendront à
l'instant de mon décès pour par lui en faire et disposer en toute propriété et à
sa volonté à la charge toutefois par lui de laisser dame Anne Moinette mon
épouse jouir sur iceux du legs fait ci-dessus en sa faveur.
Je donne et lègue à dame Rose Bouffard épouse de Monsieur Gabriel
Loyen du Puigaudeau, demeurant actuellement an Port-Launay en Couëron,
la moitié en propre de généralement tous les biens meubles et immeubles
qui m'appartiendront à l'instant de mon décès pour par lui en faire et
disposer en toute propriété et à sa volonté à la charge toutefois par elle de
laisser dame Anne Moinette mon épouse, jouir sur iceux du legs que je fais
ci-dessus en sa faveur.
Je veux et entends qu'en cas de mort de Monsieur Audubon ou de
madame Puigaudeau, mes deux derniers légataires aux présentes ou même
de tous les deux, les héritiers en ligne directe de l'un ou de l'autre recueillent
Page 402
entr'eux le legs fait en leur faveur, c'est-à-dire que les héritiers de M.
Audubon recueilleront le legs qui lui est fait et ceux de Madame
Puigaudeau celui fait à la dite; en cas toutefois que les sieurs Audubon et la
dame Puigaudeau ne recueilleraient pas eux-mêmes le legs, soit parce qu'ils
précéderaient moi le testateur, ou autrement,...
Audubon recueilleront le legs qui lui est fait et ceux de Madame
Puigaudeau celui fait à la dite; en cas toutefois que les sieurs Audubon et la
dame Puigaudeau ne recueilleraient pas eux-mêmes le legs, soit parce qu'ils
précéderaient moi le testateur, ou autrement,...
Page 403
4. Copy of the second and last Will of Lieutenant Jean Audubon. March 15,
1816.
Moi, soussigné, Jean AUDUBON, demeurant à la Gerbetière en la
commune de Couëron, département de la Loire-Inférieure.
Par les présentes mon testament.
Je donne et lègue a dame Anne MOINETTE, mon épouse la part et
portion disponible en usufruit à raison de ce que j'aurai de descendants de
généralement tous les biens meubles et immeubles qui m'appartiendront à
l'instant de mon décès.
Je donne et lègue à Monsieur Jean RABAIN créole de Saint-
Domingue, que je crois actuellement aux Etats-Unis, sans cependant en être
sûr, époux de Mademoiselle Lucy BACKWELL, la moitié en toute
propriété de généralement tous les biens meubles et immeubles qui
m'appartiendront à l'instant de mon décès pour par lui en faire et disposer en
toute propriété et à sa volonté, à la charge toutefois par lui de laisser dame
Anne Moinette, mon épouse jouir sur iceux du legs fait ci-dessus en sa
faveur.
Je donne et lègue à dame Rose BOUFFARD, créole de Saint-Domingue
épouse de M. Gabriel Loyen du Puigaudeau, demeurant actuellement an
Port-Launay en Couëron, la moitié en propre de généralement tous les biens
meubles qui m'appartiendront à l'instant de mon décès pour par elle en faire
et disposer en toute propriété et à sa volonté, à la charge toutefois par elle
de laisser à dame Anne Moinette, mon épouse jouir sur iceux du legs fait ci-
dessus en sa faveur.
Je veux et entends qu'en cas de mort de M. RABAIN ou Madame
Puigaudeau, mes deux derniers légataires aux présentes, ou même de tous
1816.
Moi, soussigné, Jean AUDUBON, demeurant à la Gerbetière en la
commune de Couëron, département de la Loire-Inférieure.
Par les présentes mon testament.
Je donne et lègue a dame Anne MOINETTE, mon épouse la part et
portion disponible en usufruit à raison de ce que j'aurai de descendants de
généralement tous les biens meubles et immeubles qui m'appartiendront à
l'instant de mon décès.
Je donne et lègue à Monsieur Jean RABAIN créole de Saint-
Domingue, que je crois actuellement aux Etats-Unis, sans cependant en être
sûr, époux de Mademoiselle Lucy BACKWELL, la moitié en toute
propriété de généralement tous les biens meubles et immeubles qui
m'appartiendront à l'instant de mon décès pour par lui en faire et disposer en
toute propriété et à sa volonté, à la charge toutefois par lui de laisser dame
Anne Moinette, mon épouse jouir sur iceux du legs fait ci-dessus en sa
faveur.
Je donne et lègue à dame Rose BOUFFARD, créole de Saint-Domingue
épouse de M. Gabriel Loyen du Puigaudeau, demeurant actuellement an
Port-Launay en Couëron, la moitié en propre de généralement tous les biens
meubles qui m'appartiendront à l'instant de mon décès pour par elle en faire
et disposer en toute propriété et à sa volonté, à la charge toutefois par elle
de laisser à dame Anne Moinette, mon épouse jouir sur iceux du legs fait ci-
dessus en sa faveur.
Je veux et entends qu'en cas de mort de M. RABAIN ou Madame
Puigaudeau, mes deux derniers légataires aux présentes, ou même de tous
Page 404
les deux, les héritiers en ligne directe de l'un ou de l'autre recueillent
entr'eux le legs fait en leur faveur.
Cela dit, que les héritiers de M. RABAIN recueilleront le legs qu'il lui
est fait et ceux de dame Puigaudeau celui fait à la dite dame en cas toutefois
que les dits sieurs Rabain et dame Puigaudeau ne recueilleront pas eux-
mêmes les legs faits, parce qu'ils précéderaient moi le testataire, ou
autrement et dans le cas ou par quelque motif que ce puisse être les
présentes dispositions en faveur de Jean Rabain et Rose Bouffard épouse
Loyen du Puigaudeau seraient attaquées et annulées, je déclare donner mes
biens meubles et immeubles sans exception quelconque à la dame Anne
Moinette mon épouse en toute propriété.
Fait dans ma demeure susdite à la Gerbetière en Couëron le 15 Mars
1816. Vive le Roi!
Signé: Audubon.
entr'eux le legs fait en leur faveur.
Cela dit, que les héritiers de M. RABAIN recueilleront le legs qu'il lui
est fait et ceux de dame Puigaudeau celui fait à la dite dame en cas toutefois
que les dits sieurs Rabain et dame Puigaudeau ne recueilleront pas eux-
mêmes les legs faits, parce qu'ils précéderaient moi le testataire, ou
autrement et dans le cas ou par quelque motif que ce puisse être les
présentes dispositions en faveur de Jean Rabain et Rose Bouffard épouse
Loyen du Puigaudeau seraient attaquées et annulées, je déclare donner mes
biens meubles et immeubles sans exception quelconque à la dame Anne
Moinette mon épouse en toute propriété.
Fait dans ma demeure susdite à la Gerbetière en Couëron le 15 Mars
1816. Vive le Roi!
Signé: Audubon.
Page 405
5. Copy of a portion of the first Will of Madame Anne Moynet, wife of
Lieutenant Audubon. December 4, 1814.
Par les preséntes mon testament.
Je donne et lègue à Monsieur Jean AUDUBON, mon mari, la
jouissance en toute propriété des biens meubles et celle en usufruit des
biens immeubles qui m'appartiendront à l'instant de mon décès, pour qu'à
l'un et l'autre titre de cette epoque, il en jouisse fasse et dispose comme de
tous ses autres biens sans être tenu d'en donner caution, voulant et entendant
qu'il puisse faire sur les immeubles tous changements, coupes de bois et
autres qu'il lui plaira, le tout avec dispense des dommages et intérêts.
Je donne et lègue en toute propriété à Monsieur Jean Audubon fils et à
dame Rose Bouffard, épouse de Monsieur Gabriel Loyen du Puigaudeau à
chacun par moitié, la totalité de tous les biens qui composeront ma
succession immobilière à l'instant de mon décès, duquel néanmoins par
suite du legs fait ci-dessus en faveur de mon mari, ils ne pourront se mettre
en possession qu'a sa mort.
Arrivant que mon mari fut mort avant moi, je veux et entends que M.
Jean AUDUBON fils et la dame Rose Bouffard, épouse Puigaudeau,
recueillent aussi ma sucession mobilière à l'effet de quoi le cas arrivant, je
leur lègue et donne en toute propriété.
Mes intentions que si M. Jean Audubon fils ou la dite dame Puigaudeau
étaient morts l'un ou l'autre avant moi ou même tous les deux, leurs enfants
soient mes légataires, c'est-à-dire que les enfants de M. Audubon
recueilleraient entr'eux ce que celui-ci doit avoir et que ceux de Madame
Puigaudeau recueilleraient aussi entr'eux ce que celle-ci doit avoir à l'effet
de quoi je les donne et lègue aux dits enfants.
Lieutenant Audubon. December 4, 1814.
Par les preséntes mon testament.
Je donne et lègue à Monsieur Jean AUDUBON, mon mari, la
jouissance en toute propriété des biens meubles et celle en usufruit des
biens immeubles qui m'appartiendront à l'instant de mon décès, pour qu'à
l'un et l'autre titre de cette epoque, il en jouisse fasse et dispose comme de
tous ses autres biens sans être tenu d'en donner caution, voulant et entendant
qu'il puisse faire sur les immeubles tous changements, coupes de bois et
autres qu'il lui plaira, le tout avec dispense des dommages et intérêts.
Je donne et lègue en toute propriété à Monsieur Jean Audubon fils et à
dame Rose Bouffard, épouse de Monsieur Gabriel Loyen du Puigaudeau à
chacun par moitié, la totalité de tous les biens qui composeront ma
succession immobilière à l'instant de mon décès, duquel néanmoins par
suite du legs fait ci-dessus en faveur de mon mari, ils ne pourront se mettre
en possession qu'a sa mort.
Arrivant que mon mari fut mort avant moi, je veux et entends que M.
Jean AUDUBON fils et la dame Rose Bouffard, épouse Puigaudeau,
recueillent aussi ma sucession mobilière à l'effet de quoi le cas arrivant, je
leur lègue et donne en toute propriété.
Mes intentions que si M. Jean Audubon fils ou la dite dame Puigaudeau
étaient morts l'un ou l'autre avant moi ou même tous les deux, leurs enfants
soient mes légataires, c'est-à-dire que les enfants de M. Audubon
recueilleraient entr'eux ce que celui-ci doit avoir et que ceux de Madame
Puigaudeau recueilleraient aussi entr'eux ce que celle-ci doit avoir à l'effet
de quoi je les donne et lègue aux dits enfants.
Page 406
Si à ma mort l'un ou l'autre de M. Audubon fils ou de Madame
Puigaudeau étaient eux-mêmes morts sans enfants, je veux que ce soit alors
les survivants d'eux deux ou ses enfants qui recueillent ma succession
entière, pourquoi à cette cause, je lègue la totalité de mes biens meubles et
immeubles,...
Puigaudeau étaient eux-mêmes morts sans enfants, je veux que ce soit alors
les survivants d'eux deux ou ses enfants qui recueillent ma succession
entière, pourquoi à cette cause, je lègue la totalité de mes biens meubles et
immeubles,...
Page 407
6. Copy of a portion of the second Will of Madame Jean Audubon. May 10,
1816.
... Je donne et lègue à Monsieur Jean AUDUBON, mon époux, la part
et portion disponible en usufruit à raison de ce que j'aurai ou non d'enfants
de généralement tous les biens meubles et immeubles qui m'appartiendront
à l'instant de mon décès pour par lui en jouir sa vie durant, sans pouvoir être
tenu à en fournir caution et à ma mort mes héritiers les prendre dans l'état
où ils seront.
Je donne et lègue en toute propriété à M. Jean RABIN, créole de Saint-
Domingue, époux de demoiselle Lucy BACHWELL, laquelle je crois aux
Etats-Unis d'Amérique, sans cependant en être sûre et à dame Rose
Bouffard, créole de Saint-Domingue, épouse de Monsieur Gabriel Loyen du
Puigaudeau, demeurant an Plessis commune de Couëron, la généralité de
tous les biens meubles et immeubles qui m'appartiendront à l'instant de mon
décès, pour par eux s'en mettre en possession, les partager par moitié et
chacun jouir faire et disposer de ceux qui lui échoieront comme de ses
autres biens propres de ce jour. Si M. Jean Audubon mon époux, est mort
avant moi, mais seulement du jour de sa mort s'il me survit parce que je
veux expressément que le legs fait ci-dessus en sa faveur ait sa pleine et
entière exécution de préférence et avant tout.
Je veux et entends qu'en cas de mort de Monsieur RABIN ou de
Madame Puigaudeau mes deux derniers légataires ou même de tous les
deux, les héritiers en ligne directe de l'un ou de l'autre réunis recueillent le
legs fait en faveur de leur auteur, c'est-à-dire que les héritiers de M. RABIN
recueuilleraient le legs à lui fait et ceux de Madame PUIGAUDEAU ce que
celle-ci aurait recueilli.
1816.
... Je donne et lègue à Monsieur Jean AUDUBON, mon époux, la part
et portion disponible en usufruit à raison de ce que j'aurai ou non d'enfants
de généralement tous les biens meubles et immeubles qui m'appartiendront
à l'instant de mon décès pour par lui en jouir sa vie durant, sans pouvoir être
tenu à en fournir caution et à ma mort mes héritiers les prendre dans l'état
où ils seront.
Je donne et lègue en toute propriété à M. Jean RABIN, créole de Saint-
Domingue, époux de demoiselle Lucy BACHWELL, laquelle je crois aux
Etats-Unis d'Amérique, sans cependant en être sûre et à dame Rose
Bouffard, créole de Saint-Domingue, épouse de Monsieur Gabriel Loyen du
Puigaudeau, demeurant an Plessis commune de Couëron, la généralité de
tous les biens meubles et immeubles qui m'appartiendront à l'instant de mon
décès, pour par eux s'en mettre en possession, les partager par moitié et
chacun jouir faire et disposer de ceux qui lui échoieront comme de ses
autres biens propres de ce jour. Si M. Jean Audubon mon époux, est mort
avant moi, mais seulement du jour de sa mort s'il me survit parce que je
veux expressément que le legs fait ci-dessus en sa faveur ait sa pleine et
entière exécution de préférence et avant tout.
Je veux et entends qu'en cas de mort de Monsieur RABIN ou de
Madame Puigaudeau mes deux derniers légataires ou même de tous les
deux, les héritiers en ligne directe de l'un ou de l'autre réunis recueillent le
legs fait en faveur de leur auteur, c'est-à-dire que les héritiers de M. RABIN
recueuilleraient le legs à lui fait et ceux de Madame PUIGAUDEAU ce que
celle-ci aurait recueilli.
Page 408
Arrivant que les libéralités faites en faveur de Monsieur Rabin ou celles
faites en fabeur de Madame Puigaudeau ou même toutes les deux par
quelles causes ou raisons que ce soit viendraient à être déclarées nulles, je
veux que Monsieur Audubon, mon époux recueille en toute propriété les
biens meubles et immeubles qui en font l'objet et auraient passé aux mains
de celui ou ceux qui ne pourraient les faire à l'effet de quoi je l'institue mon
héritier en droits, fonds et propriétés pour les biens que mes autres
légataires ci-dessus ou l'un d'eux seulement ne recueilleraient pas,...
faites en fabeur de Madame Puigaudeau ou même toutes les deux par
quelles causes ou raisons que ce soit viendraient à être déclarées nulles, je
veux que Monsieur Audubon, mon époux recueille en toute propriété les
biens meubles et immeubles qui en font l'objet et auraient passé aux mains
de celui ou ceux qui ne pourraient les faire à l'effet de quoi je l'institue mon
héritier en droits, fonds et propriétés pour les biens que mes autres
légataires ci-dessus ou l'un d'eux seulement ne recueilleraient pas,...
Page 409
7. Copy of the third Will—"No 169—of Madame Anne Moynet, widow of M.
Jean Audubon, living at his house of La Gerbetière, situated near the
village of Port-Launay, not far from Couëron." December 26, 1819.
Par les présentes mon testament;
Je donne et lègue en toute propriété à Monsieur Jean RABIN époux de
dame Lucy BACKWELL, que je crois présentement aux Etats-Units
d'Amérique et à dame Rose BOUFFARD, épouse de M. Gabriel Loyen du
Puigaudeau aîné la généralité de tous les biens meubles et immeubles de
toute espèce et nature qui m'appartiendront à l'instant de mon décès en
quelles mains et lieux qu'ils soient et par quelques personnes qu'ils soient
dûs ou possédés pour par eux deux en jouir faire et disposer en toute
propriété comme de leurs autres biens, et ainsi qu'ils le jugeront convenable,
sauf à les partager par égale portion s'ils le trouvent à propos et nécessaire
et sans que qui que ce soit étant ou se prétendant mes héritiers, puissent y
apporter aucune opposition, parce que par ces mêmes présentes, j'institue le
dit M. Rabin et la dame Puigaudeau, mes seuls et uniques héritiers.
Je veux que dans le cas de mort de M. Rabin, ses enfants recueillent
entr'eux le legs fait en sa faveur, je veux également qu'en cas de mort de
Madame Loyen du Puigaudeau, ses enfants recueillent entr'eux le legs fait
en faveur de la dite leur mère.
Je veux également qu'en cas de mort de M. Rabin sans enfants,
Madame Loyen du Puigaudeau ou ses enfants, recueillent seuls la totalité de
ma fortune et par ces mêmes raisons, qu'en cas de mort de Mme Loyen du
Puigaudeau sans enfants, Jean Rabin ou ses enfants recueillent seuls la
totalité de ma dite fortune.
Jean Audubon, living at his house of La Gerbetière, situated near the
village of Port-Launay, not far from Couëron." December 26, 1819.
Par les présentes mon testament;
Je donne et lègue en toute propriété à Monsieur Jean RABIN époux de
dame Lucy BACKWELL, que je crois présentement aux Etats-Units
d'Amérique et à dame Rose BOUFFARD, épouse de M. Gabriel Loyen du
Puigaudeau aîné la généralité de tous les biens meubles et immeubles de
toute espèce et nature qui m'appartiendront à l'instant de mon décès en
quelles mains et lieux qu'ils soient et par quelques personnes qu'ils soient
dûs ou possédés pour par eux deux en jouir faire et disposer en toute
propriété comme de leurs autres biens, et ainsi qu'ils le jugeront convenable,
sauf à les partager par égale portion s'ils le trouvent à propos et nécessaire
et sans que qui que ce soit étant ou se prétendant mes héritiers, puissent y
apporter aucune opposition, parce que par ces mêmes présentes, j'institue le
dit M. Rabin et la dame Puigaudeau, mes seuls et uniques héritiers.
Je veux que dans le cas de mort de M. Rabin, ses enfants recueillent
entr'eux le legs fait en sa faveur, je veux également qu'en cas de mort de
Madame Loyen du Puigaudeau, ses enfants recueillent entr'eux le legs fait
en faveur de la dite leur mère.
Je veux également qu'en cas de mort de M. Rabin sans enfants,
Madame Loyen du Puigaudeau ou ses enfants, recueillent seuls la totalité de
ma fortune et par ces mêmes raisons, qu'en cas de mort de Mme Loyen du
Puigaudeau sans enfants, Jean Rabin ou ses enfants recueillent seuls la
totalité de ma dite fortune.
Page 410
8. Copy of a portion of the fourth and last Will of "Madame Jean Audubon,
living at the house of Les Tourterelles ('The Turtle Doves') at Couëron."
July 16, 1821.
Par les présentes, mon testament,
Je donne et lègue en toute propriété à Monsieur Jean AUDUBON, dit
Jean RABIN, époux de dame Lucy BACKWELL, et que je crois
présentement aux Etats-Unis d'Amérique et à dame Rose BOUFFARD,
épouse de Monsieur Gabriel Loyen du Puigaudeau aîné, demeurant à
Couëron. Je leur donne et lègue, dis-je la généralité de tous biens meubles
et immeubles de toute espèce et nature que je laisserai et qui
m'appartiendront à l'instant de mon décès, en quelques mains et lieux qu'ils
soient et par quelques personnes qu'ils soient dûs ou possédés pour par eux
deux en jouir, faire et disposer comme de leurs autres biens et ainsi qu'il le
jugeront convenables, sauf à les partager par égale portion quand et comme
ils le voudront sans que qui que ce soit se disant ou prétendant les héritiers
puissent y apporter aucune opposition parce que par les dites présentes,
j'institue les dits M. Jean Audubon, dit Jean Rabin et la dame Rose
Bouffard, épouse Loyen du Puigaudeau, les deux seuls et uniques héritiers
de mes droits, actions, possessions et généralement tous autres, sans
exception pas même pour les préventions.
Je veux et entends que dans le cas où l'un ou l'autre ou même tous les
deux ne pourraient pas recueillir les effets de ma libéralité, soit parce que je
leur survivrais ou par toute autre raison, les enfants qu'ils laisseraient soient
mes héritiers et légataires, c'est-à-dire que les enfants de Monsieur Jean
Audubon dit Rabin, recueilleraient entr'eux la moitié de ma succession que
je leur lègue et ceux de dame Rose Bouffard, épouse Loyen du Puigaudeau,
recueilleraient aussi ensemble l'autre moitié que je leur lègue également.
living at the house of Les Tourterelles ('The Turtle Doves') at Couëron."
July 16, 1821.
Par les présentes, mon testament,
Je donne et lègue en toute propriété à Monsieur Jean AUDUBON, dit
Jean RABIN, époux de dame Lucy BACKWELL, et que je crois
présentement aux Etats-Unis d'Amérique et à dame Rose BOUFFARD,
épouse de Monsieur Gabriel Loyen du Puigaudeau aîné, demeurant à
Couëron. Je leur donne et lègue, dis-je la généralité de tous biens meubles
et immeubles de toute espèce et nature que je laisserai et qui
m'appartiendront à l'instant de mon décès, en quelques mains et lieux qu'ils
soient et par quelques personnes qu'ils soient dûs ou possédés pour par eux
deux en jouir, faire et disposer comme de leurs autres biens et ainsi qu'il le
jugeront convenables, sauf à les partager par égale portion quand et comme
ils le voudront sans que qui que ce soit se disant ou prétendant les héritiers
puissent y apporter aucune opposition parce que par les dites présentes,
j'institue les dits M. Jean Audubon, dit Jean Rabin et la dame Rose
Bouffard, épouse Loyen du Puigaudeau, les deux seuls et uniques héritiers
de mes droits, actions, possessions et généralement tous autres, sans
exception pas même pour les préventions.
Je veux et entends que dans le cas où l'un ou l'autre ou même tous les
deux ne pourraient pas recueillir les effets de ma libéralité, soit parce que je
leur survivrais ou par toute autre raison, les enfants qu'ils laisseraient soient
mes héritiers et légataires, c'est-à-dire que les enfants de Monsieur Jean
Audubon dit Rabin, recueilleraient entr'eux la moitié de ma succession que
je leur lègue et ceux de dame Rose Bouffard, épouse Loyen du Puigaudeau,
recueilleraient aussi ensemble l'autre moitié que je leur lègue également.
Page 411
Je veux et entends qu'avant de mort avant moi de Monsieur Jean
Audubon, dit Jean Rabin sans enfants, Madame Rose Bouffard épouse
Loyen du Puigaudeau ou ses enfants recueillent seuls la totalité de ma
fortune, et par même raison qu'en cas de mort avant moi de Madame Rose
Bouffard, épouse Loyen du Puigaudeau; sans enfants, Monsieur Jean
Audubon, dit Jean Rabin ou ses enfants recueillent seuls cette totalité,...
Audubon, dit Jean Rabin sans enfants, Madame Rose Bouffard épouse
Loyen du Puigaudeau ou ses enfants recueillent seuls la totalité de ma
fortune, et par même raison qu'en cas de mort avant moi de Madame Rose
Bouffard, épouse Loyen du Puigaudeau; sans enfants, Monsieur Jean
Audubon, dit Jean Rabin ou ses enfants recueillent seuls cette totalité,...
Page 412
9. Notice of the Death of Lieutenant Jean Audubon, from the Official
Registry of Nantes, Nantes, February 19, 1818. (For translation, see
Chapter V.)
Extrait du registre des actes de décès des 3o & 4o cantons de la Ville de
Nantes, département de la Loire-Inférieure.
L'an 1818, le 19 Février à 11 heures du matin, devant nous soussignés,
adjoints et officiers de l'état civil, délégués de M. le Maire de Nantes,
chevalier de Saint-Louis, ont comparu les sieurs Gabriel Loyen du
Puigaudeau rentier, gendre du défunt ci-après demeurant à Couëron et
François Guillet, épicier demeurant quai de la Fosse, majeurs, lesquels nous
ont déclaré que ce jour à six heures du matin, Jean Audubon, ancien
capitaine de navire, pensionnaire de l'Etat, né aux Sables d'Olonne
département de la Vendée, époux de dame Anne Moinet, est décédé en la
demeure de demoiselle Berthier, située chaussée de la Madeleine, No 24, 4o
canton.
Les déclarants ont signé avec nous le présent acte, d'après lecture leur
faite. Le dit défunt âgé de 74 ans.
Signé an registre: Gabriel Loyen du Puigaudeau,
Gillet et Joseph de la Tullaye,
adjoint.
Registry of Nantes, Nantes, February 19, 1818. (For translation, see
Chapter V.)
Extrait du registre des actes de décès des 3o & 4o cantons de la Ville de
Nantes, département de la Loire-Inférieure.
L'an 1818, le 19 Février à 11 heures du matin, devant nous soussignés,
adjoints et officiers de l'état civil, délégués de M. le Maire de Nantes,
chevalier de Saint-Louis, ont comparu les sieurs Gabriel Loyen du
Puigaudeau rentier, gendre du défunt ci-après demeurant à Couëron et
François Guillet, épicier demeurant quai de la Fosse, majeurs, lesquels nous
ont déclaré que ce jour à six heures du matin, Jean Audubon, ancien
capitaine de navire, pensionnaire de l'Etat, né aux Sables d'Olonne
département de la Vendée, époux de dame Anne Moinet, est décédé en la
demeure de demoiselle Berthier, située chaussée de la Madeleine, No 24, 4o
canton.
Les déclarants ont signé avec nous le présent acte, d'après lecture leur
faite. Le dit défunt âgé de 74 ans.
Signé an registre: Gabriel Loyen du Puigaudeau,
Gillet et Joseph de la Tullaye,
adjoint.
Page 413
0. Letter of Lieutenant Jean Audubon to Francis Dacosta, his American
agent and attorney, relating to the conduct of his son and to the lead mine
at "Mill Grove" farm; transliterated from photographic copy of duplicate
(Letter No 4) in Jean Audubon's letter-book. Nantes, March 10, 1805. (For
translation, see Chapter VIII.)
Nantes Le 19 ventose an 13, 10 mars 1805
Mr Dacosta
a phyladelphie
p Duplicata.
Je viens de recevoir dans ce moment votre duplicata du 12. 9bre. & la
votre du 5. Decembre, qui n'est pas aussi avantageuse, Sous plusiers
rapports que votre précédente, mais enfin il faut espérer que l'item vous
prouvera que votre dernier sillon ne sera point déserteur, et que les occides
de fer qui se trouvent se dissiperont en fouillant plus avant, an moins c'est
ce que je désire, vous faites bien de faire tous vos efforts pour avoir des
associés & Si cela ne réussit pas, & que vous vouliez travailler pour notre
compte Je trouverai toujours bon, tout ce que vous ferez, puisque vous avez
ma confiance dans ce cas je crois que vous s... igé[?], de faire faire des
reparations les plus urgentes Surtout à la maison principale, Devant vous y
loger. Quand à Mr W. Thomas, vous ferez bien de vous le garder, pour
toutes les raisons, que vous me dites & Je crois qu'il ne doit pas sopiniatrer
à se retirer, qu'il ne sache, s'il à mérité, oui ou non, sa récompense.
Je suis Mr. on ne peut plus faché de ce que vous ayez à vous plaindre,
de la conduite de mon fils, car le tout, bien considéré n'est occasionné, que
par de mauvais conseils & un deffaut d'usage on a aiguillonné son amour
propre, et peut être avait-il été assez jeune pour se vanter, dans la maison ou
il va que cette plantation devait lui echoir, à lui seul; vous avez tous les
moyens de detruire cette présomption, on n' ignore point a philadelphie, que
agent and attorney, relating to the conduct of his son and to the lead mine
at "Mill Grove" farm; transliterated from photographic copy of duplicate
(Letter No 4) in Jean Audubon's letter-book. Nantes, March 10, 1805. (For
translation, see Chapter VIII.)
Nantes Le 19 ventose an 13, 10 mars 1805
Mr Dacosta
a phyladelphie
p Duplicata.
Je viens de recevoir dans ce moment votre duplicata du 12. 9bre. & la
votre du 5. Decembre, qui n'est pas aussi avantageuse, Sous plusiers
rapports que votre précédente, mais enfin il faut espérer que l'item vous
prouvera que votre dernier sillon ne sera point déserteur, et que les occides
de fer qui se trouvent se dissiperont en fouillant plus avant, an moins c'est
ce que je désire, vous faites bien de faire tous vos efforts pour avoir des
associés & Si cela ne réussit pas, & que vous vouliez travailler pour notre
compte Je trouverai toujours bon, tout ce que vous ferez, puisque vous avez
ma confiance dans ce cas je crois que vous s... igé[?], de faire faire des
reparations les plus urgentes Surtout à la maison principale, Devant vous y
loger. Quand à Mr W. Thomas, vous ferez bien de vous le garder, pour
toutes les raisons, que vous me dites & Je crois qu'il ne doit pas sopiniatrer
à se retirer, qu'il ne sache, s'il à mérité, oui ou non, sa récompense.
Je suis Mr. on ne peut plus faché de ce que vous ayez à vous plaindre,
de la conduite de mon fils, car le tout, bien considéré n'est occasionné, que
par de mauvais conseils & un deffaut d'usage on a aiguillonné son amour
propre, et peut être avait-il été assez jeune pour se vanter, dans la maison ou
il va que cette plantation devait lui echoir, à lui seul; vous avez tous les
moyens de detruire cette présomption, on n' ignore point a philadelphie, que
Page 414
vous avez autant de droits que moi & que vous ne faites rien que pour notre
mutuel avantage.
Je lui ecris a ce sujet, car il ne men parle point, et je lui donne la
cémonce que mérite son indiscrétion; vous lirez cette lettre et voudrez bien
avoir la complaisance de la cacheter avant de lui remettre. Vous me dites
que je puis m'en rapporter sur son compte an rapport que m'en fait Mr.
Meyers fisher, dans sa longue lettre du mois de Septembre que
Malheureusement je n'ai pas reçu, car Mr fisher, ne me parle point de lui, ni
en bien, ni en mal. Quand à venir dans le pays, cela me parraît
presqu'impossible, rappeller mon fils n'est pas plus aisé, les raisons qui me
l'en fait l'envoyer existent toujours; il ne faut qu'un instant pour le faire
changer du mal au bien, sa grande jeunesse et sa pétulance sont tous ses
torts et si vous avez la Bonté de lui donner l'indispensable, il sentira bientot
la Nécessité de se rapprocher de vous et pourra vous être d'une grande
utilité, si vous exploitez par vous même.
Il faut donc Mon cher monsieur, que nous tachions de le ramener par la
douceur à son Devoir. Si vous avez de l'indulgence pour lui ce sera moi qui
vous en aurai toute l'aubligation; j'espere que la lettre cy-jointe operera chez
lui un changement. C'est mon seul fils, mon heritier, & je suis vieux. Quand
Mr Meiers fisher aura montré ma lettre au prétendu beaupere, il verra qu'il
s'est trompé dans son calcul sur le prétendu Mariage de sa fille, car s'il avait
lieu sans mon consentement tout secours de ma part cesserait des cet
instant; et c'est ce que vous pouvez bien si vous voulez avoir cette bonté,
dire an prétendu beau pere, ne voulant pas que mon fils se marie aussi
jeune; vos lettres du 28 Octobre & 12 Novembre sont à la campagne. Je ne
puis point répondre categoriquement sur leurs contents; Je les examinerai &
vous dirai par ma prochaine ce que J'en pense. Votre famille que J'ai vu se
porte bien. Nos dames vous rémercient de votre bon souvenir. Je suis &.
[Jean Audubon.]
mutuel avantage.
Je lui ecris a ce sujet, car il ne men parle point, et je lui donne la
cémonce que mérite son indiscrétion; vous lirez cette lettre et voudrez bien
avoir la complaisance de la cacheter avant de lui remettre. Vous me dites
que je puis m'en rapporter sur son compte an rapport que m'en fait Mr.
Meyers fisher, dans sa longue lettre du mois de Septembre que
Malheureusement je n'ai pas reçu, car Mr fisher, ne me parle point de lui, ni
en bien, ni en mal. Quand à venir dans le pays, cela me parraît
presqu'impossible, rappeller mon fils n'est pas plus aisé, les raisons qui me
l'en fait l'envoyer existent toujours; il ne faut qu'un instant pour le faire
changer du mal au bien, sa grande jeunesse et sa pétulance sont tous ses
torts et si vous avez la Bonté de lui donner l'indispensable, il sentira bientot
la Nécessité de se rapprocher de vous et pourra vous être d'une grande
utilité, si vous exploitez par vous même.
Il faut donc Mon cher monsieur, que nous tachions de le ramener par la
douceur à son Devoir. Si vous avez de l'indulgence pour lui ce sera moi qui
vous en aurai toute l'aubligation; j'espere que la lettre cy-jointe operera chez
lui un changement. C'est mon seul fils, mon heritier, & je suis vieux. Quand
Mr Meiers fisher aura montré ma lettre au prétendu beaupere, il verra qu'il
s'est trompé dans son calcul sur le prétendu Mariage de sa fille, car s'il avait
lieu sans mon consentement tout secours de ma part cesserait des cet
instant; et c'est ce que vous pouvez bien si vous voulez avoir cette bonté,
dire an prétendu beau pere, ne voulant pas que mon fils se marie aussi
jeune; vos lettres du 28 Octobre & 12 Novembre sont à la campagne. Je ne
puis point répondre categoriquement sur leurs contents; Je les examinerai &
vous dirai par ma prochaine ce que J'en pense. Votre famille que J'ai vu se
porte bien. Nos dames vous rémercient de votre bon souvenir. Je suis &.
[Jean Audubon.]
Page 415
1. Letters of John James Audubon to Claude François Rozier, father, and to
Ferdinand Rozier, son, immediately preceding and following his active
partnership in business with the latter: 1807 and 1812. (For translations see
Chapters XI and XV.)
[Letter No. 2, superscribed] Monsieur Fr. Rozier,
Negociant
Nantes.
Loire inferieure.
New York avril 24 1807—
Mr. Rozier Negociant
Nantes
Mon Cher Monsieur
Je profite d'une bonne occasion pour Bordeaux pour vous accuser
reception d'un Duplicats des pouvoirs que nous vous demandai plusieurs
mois passes. Vous saurez aussi que les vins consignes a M. L. Huron de
Philadelphia sont arrives en cette ville et ont sauves les assurances; votre
fils s'est transporte sur la place et par une de ses lettres m'apprend que les
60 caisses sont vendues il me dit que vous pouvez compter sur un profit net
d'a peu pres 20 p. ct. s'il s'est trouve tres bons et le reste ne manquera de
trouver acheteur: Mr. Le Ray est arrive et a apporte avec lui une petite Boite
de dentelles pour M. Benjamin Bakewell d'icy elle doit arriver en peu de
jours de Philadelphia. Mr. B. B. a paru satisfait de la vente de son Bois
Futtie. il lui tarde seulement de voir les retours il est malheureux que le
commerce de votre ville avec ce pays ne soye pas aussi regulierement suivi
qu'a Bordeaux d'ou nous avons des Batiments tous les mois et par plusieurs.
Comme notre ami Ferdinand vous ecriva de Philadelphia concernant Mr.
Huron je ne m'ettendray pas sur son compte: dans plusieurs de vos Lettres
que si nous nous decidions obtenir un magasin de detail que vous pourriez
Ferdinand Rozier, son, immediately preceding and following his active
partnership in business with the latter: 1807 and 1812. (For translations see
Chapters XI and XV.)
[Letter No. 2, superscribed] Monsieur Fr. Rozier,
Negociant
Nantes.
Loire inferieure.
New York avril 24 1807—
Mr. Rozier Negociant
Nantes
Mon Cher Monsieur
Je profite d'une bonne occasion pour Bordeaux pour vous accuser
reception d'un Duplicats des pouvoirs que nous vous demandai plusieurs
mois passes. Vous saurez aussi que les vins consignes a M. L. Huron de
Philadelphia sont arrives en cette ville et ont sauves les assurances; votre
fils s'est transporte sur la place et par une de ses lettres m'apprend que les
60 caisses sont vendues il me dit que vous pouvez compter sur un profit net
d'a peu pres 20 p. ct. s'il s'est trouve tres bons et le reste ne manquera de
trouver acheteur: Mr. Le Ray est arrive et a apporte avec lui une petite Boite
de dentelles pour M. Benjamin Bakewell d'icy elle doit arriver en peu de
jours de Philadelphia. Mr. B. B. a paru satisfait de la vente de son Bois
Futtie. il lui tarde seulement de voir les retours il est malheureux que le
commerce de votre ville avec ce pays ne soye pas aussi regulierement suivi
qu'a Bordeaux d'ou nous avons des Batiments tous les mois et par plusieurs.
Comme notre ami Ferdinand vous ecriva de Philadelphia concernant Mr.
Huron je ne m'ettendray pas sur son compte: dans plusieurs de vos Lettres
que si nous nous decidions obtenir un magasin de detail que vous pourriez
Page 416
nous tenir constamment employe nos idees sur ce sujet sont parfaitement
d'accord et ce serait avec bien du plaisir que nous commenserions sous
auspices et les bons avis de Mr. Bakewell ici; les objects bien choisis bien
achette et envoye avec soins sont toujours sur de rencontrer un bon marche:
j'ose esperer que le Navire la Jeanne Capt Sammis sera arrive a votre port et
que les Indigos charges par M. B. Bakewell pourront y etre venu en temp de
vente de cette marchandise dont j'ai neanmoins quelque crainte vu le prix
qu'ils lui avaient coute. Nous vous remercions sincerement pour le prix
courant que vous nous avez envoye, dans une de mes dernieres ecrite par
voye de Bordeaux je vous priais de demander a Mr. Fleury Emery une boite
de graines de la Martinique et de se pays cy. nous esperons sous peu vous
envoyer quelque marchandises et peut etre Mr. Bakewell profitera d'une
occasion que nous allons avoir en peu de jour pour votre port. A peu plus
trois semaines passees Je fus a Mill Grove et l'affermais pour un an ne
pouvant faire mieux pour le present. Votre fils a Philadelphia a present va
essayer de terminer les comptes de mon pere avec Mr. Dacotta [Dacosta]
qui n'oublie pas aisement d'etre chicanneur... presentez Je vous prie mes
respects et amities a votre bonne famille et epouse et croyez en moi comme
votre devoue
et constant
serviteur
J. J. Audubon
Ayez la complaisance de faire parvenie l'incluse a mon bon pere.
[Superscribed]Mrs F. Roziers
Mercht
St Genevieve
u. L.
Shippingport, 10th. Augst. 1812
Mon cher Rozier:—
d'accord et ce serait avec bien du plaisir que nous commenserions sous
auspices et les bons avis de Mr. Bakewell ici; les objects bien choisis bien
achette et envoye avec soins sont toujours sur de rencontrer un bon marche:
j'ose esperer que le Navire la Jeanne Capt Sammis sera arrive a votre port et
que les Indigos charges par M. B. Bakewell pourront y etre venu en temp de
vente de cette marchandise dont j'ai neanmoins quelque crainte vu le prix
qu'ils lui avaient coute. Nous vous remercions sincerement pour le prix
courant que vous nous avez envoye, dans une de mes dernieres ecrite par
voye de Bordeaux je vous priais de demander a Mr. Fleury Emery une boite
de graines de la Martinique et de se pays cy. nous esperons sous peu vous
envoyer quelque marchandises et peut etre Mr. Bakewell profitera d'une
occasion que nous allons avoir en peu de jour pour votre port. A peu plus
trois semaines passees Je fus a Mill Grove et l'affermais pour un an ne
pouvant faire mieux pour le present. Votre fils a Philadelphia a present va
essayer de terminer les comptes de mon pere avec Mr. Dacotta [Dacosta]
qui n'oublie pas aisement d'etre chicanneur... presentez Je vous prie mes
respects et amities a votre bonne famille et epouse et croyez en moi comme
votre devoue
et constant
serviteur
J. J. Audubon
Ayez la complaisance de faire parvenie l'incluse a mon bon pere.
[Superscribed]Mrs F. Roziers
Mercht
St Genevieve
u. L.
Shippingport, 10th. Augst. 1812
Mon cher Rozier:—
Page 417
Come il est presque probable que l'occasion que je trouve est sur, je
suis avec elle le plaisir de t'écrire quelque mots—
Je reçus en temps ta lettre envoyé a Phila a lequelle je repondis alors;
depuis je n'ai entendu de tes nouvelles que par voies très indirectes, je serais
bien content si tu peux donner quelques instants a tes amis que tu me
compte aux nombre et m'écrire par temps; je partis avec ma femme et mon
fils de Phila au mois passé, la plus grande parties de ce temps a été à
descendre L'Ohio qui est actuellement très bas nous avons eu la Barge et
L'Equipage du Gl Clark, avec la compagnie de Mr R. A. Maupin et de Mde
Gait qui avaient rester plusieurs mois a New York & a Phila. Je vais
probablement descendre a la N. Orléans cet autumn avec N. Berthoud, les
merchandizes sont extremement rare et très chere, partout, mais plus encore
les gros Lainages que l'on ne trouve du tout.
Je n'ai pas de doute que ton plomb ne se vende tres bien cet article
ayant augmenté considerablement depuis la guerre.—dans les derniers jours
que j'etais dans l'Est j'ai recu une lettre de mon père et une de ton frère toute
ta famille se portait alors bien dit 4 mois passés, ton frère desire beaucoup
entendre de toi, si la paix vient un jour non bien loin (ce qu'à Dieu plaise)
j'espere entrer en liaison avec lui.
Je lui est écrit et l'engage a faire de même tes lettres pouront se rendre
si envoyers a N. York et de la dans la Cartel. Ma femme se porte bien et
mon fils sois de même et compte au nombre de tes amis est ce que dison
celui qui t'estimera toujours.
Adieu
J. Audubon
suis avec elle le plaisir de t'écrire quelque mots—
Je reçus en temps ta lettre envoyé a Phila a lequelle je repondis alors;
depuis je n'ai entendu de tes nouvelles que par voies très indirectes, je serais
bien content si tu peux donner quelques instants a tes amis que tu me
compte aux nombre et m'écrire par temps; je partis avec ma femme et mon
fils de Phila au mois passé, la plus grande parties de ce temps a été à
descendre L'Ohio qui est actuellement très bas nous avons eu la Barge et
L'Equipage du Gl Clark, avec la compagnie de Mr R. A. Maupin et de Mde
Gait qui avaient rester plusieurs mois a New York & a Phila. Je vais
probablement descendre a la N. Orléans cet autumn avec N. Berthoud, les
merchandizes sont extremement rare et très chere, partout, mais plus encore
les gros Lainages que l'on ne trouve du tout.
Je n'ai pas de doute que ton plomb ne se vende tres bien cet article
ayant augmenté considerablement depuis la guerre.—dans les derniers jours
que j'etais dans l'Est j'ai recu une lettre de mon père et une de ton frère toute
ta famille se portait alors bien dit 4 mois passés, ton frère desire beaucoup
entendre de toi, si la paix vient un jour non bien loin (ce qu'à Dieu plaise)
j'espere entrer en liaison avec lui.
Je lui est écrit et l'engage a faire de même tes lettres pouront se rendre
si envoyers a N. York et de la dans la Cartel. Ma femme se porte bien et
mon fils sois de même et compte au nombre de tes amis est ce que dison
celui qui t'estimera toujours.
Adieu
J. Audubon
Page 418
Page 419
APPENDIX II
Audubon's Early Dated Drawings Made in France and
America
Drawings now in the Collections of Mr. Joseph Y. Jeanes, of Philadelphia,
and formerly belonging to Mr. Edward Harris, of Moorestown, New
Jersey; of Mr. John E. Thayer, Lancaster, Massachusetts; and of Harvard
University. (See Chapter XII.)
In addition to the serial numbers, here given, the drawings usually bear
French and English names, with various notes in French relating to weights
and measurements, and rarely with sketches of detail.
Mr. Jeanes' collection contains the following:
No. 5. Long-tailed Mountain Tit, 22 January, 1805
13. Sedge Sparrow, near Nantes, 1805
22. Reed Sparrow, near Nantes, 1805
78. Hawk's Eye,—Spotted Plover, 18 March, 1805
—France, [?]
97. The Creeper, France, June 7, 1805
86. Shrike, near Nantes, July, 1805
93. Nuthatch, near Nantes, July 9, 1805
Terns, France, July 12, 1805
50. The Redstart, near Nantes, August, 1805
61. The Great Swallow (Le martin 1805
noir), near Nantes,
65. The Wagtail, near Nantes, Dec. 22, 1805
Audubon's Early Dated Drawings Made in France and
America
Drawings now in the Collections of Mr. Joseph Y. Jeanes, of Philadelphia,
and formerly belonging to Mr. Edward Harris, of Moorestown, New
Jersey; of Mr. John E. Thayer, Lancaster, Massachusetts; and of Harvard
University. (See Chapter XII.)
In addition to the serial numbers, here given, the drawings usually bear
French and English names, with various notes in French relating to weights
and measurements, and rarely with sketches of detail.
Mr. Jeanes' collection contains the following:
No. 5. Long-tailed Mountain Tit, 22 January, 1805
13. Sedge Sparrow, near Nantes, 1805
22. Reed Sparrow, near Nantes, 1805
78. Hawk's Eye,—Spotted Plover, 18 March, 1805
—France, [?]
97. The Creeper, France, June 7, 1805
86. Shrike, near Nantes, July, 1805
93. Nuthatch, near Nantes, July 9, 1805
Terns, France, July 12, 1805
50. The Redstart, near Nantes, August, 1805
61. The Great Swallow (Le martin 1805
noir), near Nantes,
65. The Wagtail, near Nantes, Dec. 22, 1805
Page 420
69. The Green Finch, near Nantes, Dec., 1805
92. L'Ecorcheur à tête rouge, near 1805
Nantes,
6. "Grosbec," near Nantes, 1806
[?]
94. Woodpecker, near Nantes, March 8, 1806
Fish Hawk, Perkioming Creek, 1806
209. Wood Thrush, Mill Grove, August 14, 1806
145. Long-tailed Duck, New York, Dec. 17, 1806
Golden Eye, New York, Dec. 28, 1806
153. American Widgeon, New Dec. 28, 1806
York,
102. Robin (eggs dated May 8th), Jany. 4, 1807
New York,
156. Shelldrake, New York, Jany. 28, 1807
143. Widgeon, New York, Feby. 23, 1807
146. Canvasback, New York, March 22, 1807
163. Shoveller, New York, April 3, 1807
163. Sprig-tail, New York, Feby. 22, 1807
Wood Duck, 1807
48. Orchard Oriole, Falls of the June 5, 1808
Ohio,
214. Chimney Swallow, Falls of the July 27, 1808
Ohio,
188. Kentucky Warbler, 20 miles (June?), 1809
from Philadelphia,
109. Passenger Pigeon, Falls of the Dec. 11, 1809
Ohio,
Hooded Merganser, Falls of March 7, 1810
the Ohio,
41. Catbird, Red Banks, June, 1810
105. Red-wing Blackbird, June, 1810
92. L'Ecorcheur à tête rouge, near 1805
Nantes,
6. "Grosbec," near Nantes, 1806
[?]
94. Woodpecker, near Nantes, March 8, 1806
Fish Hawk, Perkioming Creek, 1806
209. Wood Thrush, Mill Grove, August 14, 1806
145. Long-tailed Duck, New York, Dec. 17, 1806
Golden Eye, New York, Dec. 28, 1806
153. American Widgeon, New Dec. 28, 1806
York,
102. Robin (eggs dated May 8th), Jany. 4, 1807
New York,
156. Shelldrake, New York, Jany. 28, 1807
143. Widgeon, New York, Feby. 23, 1807
146. Canvasback, New York, March 22, 1807
163. Shoveller, New York, April 3, 1807
163. Sprig-tail, New York, Feby. 22, 1807
Wood Duck, 1807
48. Orchard Oriole, Falls of the June 5, 1808
Ohio,
214. Chimney Swallow, Falls of the July 27, 1808
Ohio,
188. Kentucky Warbler, 20 miles (June?), 1809
from Philadelphia,
109. Passenger Pigeon, Falls of the Dec. 11, 1809
Ohio,
Hooded Merganser, Falls of March 7, 1810
the Ohio,
41. Catbird, Red Banks, June, 1810
105. Red-wing Blackbird, June, 1810
Page 421
81. The Frog-eater (Hawk), Red Nov. 29, 1810
Banks,
186. Killdeer, 1811
200, Pewit, and Great-crested May 22, 1811
201. Flycatcher, Henderson,
207. Carolina Parrot, Henderson, June 9, 1811
49. Swamp Sparrow, March 12, 1812
Pennsylvania,
6. Spotted Sandpiper, April 22, 1812
Pennsylvania,
11. Whippoorwill, Pennsylvania, May 7, 1812
10. Nighthawk, May 8, 1812
58. Great American Shrike, Nov. 30, 1812
Henderson,
76. Red-crowned black Oct. 15, 1814
Woodpecker, Henderson,
66. Black-capped Nuthatch, Feby. 16, 1815
Henderson,
Willet, Henderson, May 8, 1815
Snipe, Henderson, March 17, 1816
300. Yellow-billed Rail, Henderson, Oct. 9, 1816
Purple Gallinule, New April 23, 1821
Orleans,
Chuck Wills Widow, Red June, 1821
River,
The Harvard University collections contain the following:
No. 91. L'Ecorcheur,
42. The Sedge-bird, near Nantes, 1805
43. The Nightingale, near July 6, 1805
Nantes,
57. Brown Thrush, near New May 10, 1807
York,
Banks,
186. Killdeer, 1811
200, Pewit, and Great-crested May 22, 1811
201. Flycatcher, Henderson,
207. Carolina Parrot, Henderson, June 9, 1811
49. Swamp Sparrow, March 12, 1812
Pennsylvania,
6. Spotted Sandpiper, April 22, 1812
Pennsylvania,
11. Whippoorwill, Pennsylvania, May 7, 1812
10. Nighthawk, May 8, 1812
58. Great American Shrike, Nov. 30, 1812
Henderson,
76. Red-crowned black Oct. 15, 1814
Woodpecker, Henderson,
66. Black-capped Nuthatch, Feby. 16, 1815
Henderson,
Willet, Henderson, May 8, 1815
Snipe, Henderson, March 17, 1816
300. Yellow-billed Rail, Henderson, Oct. 9, 1816
Purple Gallinule, New April 23, 1821
Orleans,
Chuck Wills Widow, Red June, 1821
River,
The Harvard University collections contain the following:
No. 91. L'Ecorcheur,
42. The Sedge-bird, near Nantes, 1805
43. The Nightingale, near July 6, 1805
Nantes,
57. Brown Thrush, near New May 10, 1807
York,
Page 422
Excellent examples of Audubon's early work in the collection of Mr.
John E. Thayer are:
No. 96. Woodpecker: prior to 1803
(see note, vol. i, p. 178).
112. Water Thrush, Mill Grove, Aug. 2, 1806
Pennsylvania,
144. Malaga Shell Drake. 17 1809
64. Goosander, Mergus December,
Merganser A. W. Chute de
L'Ohio
175. Crested Titmouse, Redbanks, July 1, 1810
71. 44. The Spirit or Butterball- Mar. 19, 1815
Bufflehead, Henderson,
154. Golden Crested Wren A. W., Jany. 28, 1820
Sylvia Regulus,
Shippingport, Kentucky;
drawn by J. J. Audubon—
Mistletoe on Black
Walnut.
Hermit Thrush, opposite Oct. 16, 1820
Fredericksburg, Ky.,
315. Rose-breasted Grosbeak (on
spray of dogwood).
Among the drawings of the Harris-Jeanes collection which may be
earlier than 1805, though they bear no date, are "The Black Crow of
Buffon, Corneille noire," also the head of a Jackdaw wholly in crayon and
pastel: "No. 160, Le grand Duc, âgé vingt un an, Buffon,—the large horned
owl, Eagle owl. J. J. L. Audubon," a crayon sketch on paper measuring
eighteen by twenty-six inches, and water-marked "J. Kool"; also "No. 164.
La corneille mantelle de Buffon, Royalton crow, Sea crane, hooded crow,
crow—British,—J. J. L. Audubon," a crude sketch in pastels of the same
size as the last.
John E. Thayer are:
No. 96. Woodpecker: prior to 1803
(see note, vol. i, p. 178).
112. Water Thrush, Mill Grove, Aug. 2, 1806
Pennsylvania,
144. Malaga Shell Drake. 17 1809
64. Goosander, Mergus December,
Merganser A. W. Chute de
L'Ohio
175. Crested Titmouse, Redbanks, July 1, 1810
71. 44. The Spirit or Butterball- Mar. 19, 1815
Bufflehead, Henderson,
154. Golden Crested Wren A. W., Jany. 28, 1820
Sylvia Regulus,
Shippingport, Kentucky;
drawn by J. J. Audubon—
Mistletoe on Black
Walnut.
Hermit Thrush, opposite Oct. 16, 1820
Fredericksburg, Ky.,
315. Rose-breasted Grosbeak (on
spray of dogwood).
Among the drawings of the Harris-Jeanes collection which may be
earlier than 1805, though they bear no date, are "The Black Crow of
Buffon, Corneille noire," also the head of a Jackdaw wholly in crayon and
pastel: "No. 160, Le grand Duc, âgé vingt un an, Buffon,—the large horned
owl, Eagle owl. J. J. L. Audubon," a crayon sketch on paper measuring
eighteen by twenty-six inches, and water-marked "J. Kool"; also "No. 164.
La corneille mantelle de Buffon, Royalton crow, Sea crane, hooded crow,
crow—British,—J. J. L. Audubon," a crude sketch in pastels of the same
size as the last.
Page 423
The following legends appear on the drawing of the Canvasback Duck:
"Cet Oiseau est nommé Canvas Back Canard very much esteemed par les
Americans and very rare ici [c]elui est male et étais beau"; "New York le 22
Mars 1807—J. J. L. Audubon" "No. 146."
"Cet Oiseau est nommé Canvas Back Canard very much esteemed par les
Americans and very rare ici [c]elui est male et étais beau"; "New York le 22
Mars 1807—J. J. L. Audubon" "No. 146."
Page 424
APPENDIX III
"The Birds of America"
. Final Lists of Subscribers to "The Birds of America," folio edition, as
published by Audubon in 1839. (See Ornithological Biography, vol. v, pp.
647-651.)
List of American Subscribers
1. Library of Congress of the United States, Washington City.
2. State Departments, Washington City.
3. Library of the General Court of Massachusetts.
4. Legislature of South Carolina, for the Columbia College.
5. Legislature of Louisiana.
6. Legislature of Maryland.
7. Legislature of New York.
8. Legislature of Michigan.
9. Boston Athenæum.
10. Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
11. Providence Athenæum, Rhode Island.
12. Salem Athenæum, Salem, Massachusetts.
13. American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia.
14. Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia.
15. Columbia College of New York.
16. Boston Natural History Society.
17. Charleston Library, South Carolina.
18. Charleston Natural History Society, South Carolina.
19. Charleston Citizens' Library, South Carolina
"The Birds of America"
. Final Lists of Subscribers to "The Birds of America," folio edition, as
published by Audubon in 1839. (See Ornithological Biography, vol. v, pp.
647-651.)
List of American Subscribers
1. Library of Congress of the United States, Washington City.
2. State Departments, Washington City.
3. Library of the General Court of Massachusetts.
4. Legislature of South Carolina, for the Columbia College.
5. Legislature of Louisiana.
6. Legislature of Maryland.
7. Legislature of New York.
8. Legislature of Michigan.
9. Boston Athenæum.
10. Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
11. Providence Athenæum, Rhode Island.
12. Salem Athenæum, Salem, Massachusetts.
13. American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia.
14. Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia.
15. Columbia College of New York.
16. Boston Natural History Society.
17. Charleston Library, South Carolina.
18. Charleston Natural History Society, South Carolina.
19. Charleston Citizens' Library, South Carolina
Page 425
20. Richard Harlaw [Harlan], Esq., M.D., Philadelphia.
21. John P. Wetherell, Esq. Philadelphia.
22. Mrs. Ford, Philadelphia.
23. Mrs. Douglas Cruger, New York.
24. Edward Prime, Esq., banker, New York.
25. James G. King, Esq., banker, New York.
26. Cornelius C. Low, Esq., New York.
27. P. J. Stuyvesant, Esq., M.D., New York.
28. Robert Ray, Esq., New York.
29. J. L. Joseph, Esq. , New York.
30. Richard N. Carman, Esq., New York.
31. Mrs. Bailey, New York.
32. Stephen Van Rensselaer, Esq., Albany, New York.
33. Hogden Haggerty, Esq., Albany, New York.
34. W. L. Colman, Esq., Albany, New York.
35. Samuel Swartout, Esq., Albany, New York.
36. James Watson Webb, Esq., Albany, New York.
37. Thomas H. Faile, Esq., Albany, New York.
38. Lewis Rogers, Esq., Albany, New York.
39. Jer. Van Rensselaer, Esq. M.D., Albany, New York.
40. H. C. De Rham, junior, Esq., Albany, New York.
41. Stephen A. Halsey, Esq. Long Island, New York.
42. Edward Harris, Esq. Moorestown, New Jersey.
43. Thomas H. Perkins, Esq. Boston.
44. J. G. Cushing, Esq. Boston.
45. Samuel Appleton, Esq. Boston.
46. George C. Shattuck, Esq. M.D. Boston.
47. P. J. Jackson, Esq. Boston.
48. James Brown, Esq. Boston.
49. Frederick Tudor, Esq. Boston.
50. The Honourable Daniel Webster, Boston.
51. Augustus Thorndike, Esq. Boston.
52. L. Baldwin, Esq. Civil Engineer, Boston.
53. E. Greenwood, Esq. Museum, Boston.
54. George Pratt, Esq. Boston.
55. William Sturges, Esq. Boston.
56. Robert Gilmor, Esq. Baltimore.
21. John P. Wetherell, Esq. Philadelphia.
22. Mrs. Ford, Philadelphia.
23. Mrs. Douglas Cruger, New York.
24. Edward Prime, Esq., banker, New York.
25. James G. King, Esq., banker, New York.
26. Cornelius C. Low, Esq., New York.
27. P. J. Stuyvesant, Esq., M.D., New York.
28. Robert Ray, Esq., New York.
29. J. L. Joseph, Esq. , New York.
30. Richard N. Carman, Esq., New York.
31. Mrs. Bailey, New York.
32. Stephen Van Rensselaer, Esq., Albany, New York.
33. Hogden Haggerty, Esq., Albany, New York.
34. W. L. Colman, Esq., Albany, New York.
35. Samuel Swartout, Esq., Albany, New York.
36. James Watson Webb, Esq., Albany, New York.
37. Thomas H. Faile, Esq., Albany, New York.
38. Lewis Rogers, Esq., Albany, New York.
39. Jer. Van Rensselaer, Esq. M.D., Albany, New York.
40. H. C. De Rham, junior, Esq., Albany, New York.
41. Stephen A. Halsey, Esq. Long Island, New York.
42. Edward Harris, Esq. Moorestown, New Jersey.
43. Thomas H. Perkins, Esq. Boston.
44. J. G. Cushing, Esq. Boston.
45. Samuel Appleton, Esq. Boston.
46. George C. Shattuck, Esq. M.D. Boston.
47. P. J. Jackson, Esq. Boston.
48. James Brown, Esq. Boston.
49. Frederick Tudor, Esq. Boston.
50. The Honourable Daniel Webster, Boston.
51. Augustus Thorndike, Esq. Boston.
52. L. Baldwin, Esq. Civil Engineer, Boston.
53. E. Greenwood, Esq. Museum, Boston.
54. George Pratt, Esq. Boston.
55. William Sturges, Esq. Boston.
56. Robert Gilmor, Esq. Baltimore.
Page 426
57. John B. Morris, Esq. Baltimore.
58. —— Smith, Esq. Baltimore.
59. Thomas Edmonston, jun. Esq. Baltimore.
60. William Gaston, Esq. Savannah, Georgia.
61. James Potter, Esq. Savannah, Georgia.
62. Alexander Telfair, Esq. Savannah, Georgia.
63. Thomas Young, Esq. Savannah, Georgia.
64. John David Mongin, Esq. Savannah, Georgia.
65. Daniel Blake, Esq. Savannah, Georgia.
66. Thomas Butler King, Esq. St. Simon Island, Georgia.
67. Thomas Metcalf, Esq. Augusta, Georgia.
68. E. Geddings, Esq. M.D., Charleston, South Carolina.
69. William J. Rees, Esq. Stateburgh, South Carolina.
70. R. O. Anderson, Esq. Georgetown, South Carolina.
71. Miss Burley, Salem, Massachusetts.
72. Miss Elizabeth L. Pickman, Salem, Massachusetts.
73. William Oakes, Esq. Ipswich, Massachusetts.
74. James Arnold, Esq. New Bedford, Rhode Island.
75. Garnet Duncan, Esq. Louisville, Kentucky.
76. John Croghan, Esq. M. D. Louisville, Kentucky.
77. Henry Clay, jun. Esq. Ashland, Kentucky.
78. James Grimshaw, Esq. New Orleans.
79. Gustavus Schmidt, Esq. New Orleans.
80. J. J. Hughes, Esq. Manchester, Mississippi.
81. John Hunt, Esq. Mobile, Alabama.
82. Henry Hunt, Esq. Mobile, Alabama.
Europe
1. Her Most Excellent Majesty, Queen Adelaide, England.
2. (His Most Christian Majesty, Charles X).
3. His Majesty Philippe I. King of the French.
4. Her Royal Highness Mademoiselle d'Orleans.
5. Prince Massena, Paris.
6. His Grace the Duke of Rutland, London.
7. The Honourable W. C. Wentworth Fitzwilliam, London.
58. —— Smith, Esq. Baltimore.
59. Thomas Edmonston, jun. Esq. Baltimore.
60. William Gaston, Esq. Savannah, Georgia.
61. James Potter, Esq. Savannah, Georgia.
62. Alexander Telfair, Esq. Savannah, Georgia.
63. Thomas Young, Esq. Savannah, Georgia.
64. John David Mongin, Esq. Savannah, Georgia.
65. Daniel Blake, Esq. Savannah, Georgia.
66. Thomas Butler King, Esq. St. Simon Island, Georgia.
67. Thomas Metcalf, Esq. Augusta, Georgia.
68. E. Geddings, Esq. M.D., Charleston, South Carolina.
69. William J. Rees, Esq. Stateburgh, South Carolina.
70. R. O. Anderson, Esq. Georgetown, South Carolina.
71. Miss Burley, Salem, Massachusetts.
72. Miss Elizabeth L. Pickman, Salem, Massachusetts.
73. William Oakes, Esq. Ipswich, Massachusetts.
74. James Arnold, Esq. New Bedford, Rhode Island.
75. Garnet Duncan, Esq. Louisville, Kentucky.
76. John Croghan, Esq. M. D. Louisville, Kentucky.
77. Henry Clay, jun. Esq. Ashland, Kentucky.
78. James Grimshaw, Esq. New Orleans.
79. Gustavus Schmidt, Esq. New Orleans.
80. J. J. Hughes, Esq. Manchester, Mississippi.
81. John Hunt, Esq. Mobile, Alabama.
82. Henry Hunt, Esq. Mobile, Alabama.
Europe
1. Her Most Excellent Majesty, Queen Adelaide, England.
2. (His Most Christian Majesty, Charles X).
3. His Majesty Philippe I. King of the French.
4. Her Royal Highness Mademoiselle d'Orleans.
5. Prince Massena, Paris.
6. His Grace the Duke of Rutland, London.
7. The Honourable W. C. Wentworth Fitzwilliam, London.
Page 427
8. The Right Honourable the Countess of Ravensworth, Ravensworth
Castle.
9. The University of Edinburgh.
10. The Society of Writers to her Majesty's Signet, Edinburgh.
11. Henry Witham, Esq. of Lartington, Durham.
12. John Rutter, Esq., M.D., Liverpool.
13. Doctor Bickersteth, Liverpool.
14. Armorer Donkin, Esq. Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
15. Yorkshire Philosophical Society, York.
16. John Clough, Esq., Oxton Hall, Yorkshire.
17. Jos. S. Crompton, jun., Esq., Eshott Hall, Bradford, Yorkshire.
18. Thomas Walker, Esq. Killinbeck, near Leeds.
19. Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society.
20. John Marshall, jun. Esq., Headlinglay, Leeds.
21. Samuel Greg [Gregg], Esq., Quarry Bank, near Manchester.
22. Edward Lloyd, Esq., Greenhill, near Manchester.
23. The Manchester Society for the promotion of Natural History.
24. The Reverend Peter Horden, M.A., for the Cheetham Library,
Manchester.
25. G. W. Wood, Esq., Manchester.
26. Mrs. Rattsbone [Rathbone], Greenbank, Liverpool.
27. J. G. Children, Esq., British Museum, London.
28. The Right Honourable the Earl of Carnarvon, London.
29. S. P. Atkins, Esq., Walbrook, London.
30. The Right Honourable the Earl of Derby, P. Z. S. [President of the
Zoological Society], &c. &c. &c.
31. The Right Honourable Earl Spencer, London.
32. John Heathcote, Esq., London.
33. Joseph John Gurney, Esq. Earlham Hall, Norfolk.
34. James Darbyshire, Esq., Manchester.
35. John Blackwell, Esq., Manchester.
36. A. J. Cresswell Baker, Esq., Prowin Park.
37. Reverend Edward Craig, Edinburgh.
38. The College of Glasgow, as Trustees of the Hunterian Museum.
39. John Buddle, Esq., Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
40. The York Subscription Library, York.
41. Kirk Patrick, Esq., London.
Castle.
9. The University of Edinburgh.
10. The Society of Writers to her Majesty's Signet, Edinburgh.
11. Henry Witham, Esq. of Lartington, Durham.
12. John Rutter, Esq., M.D., Liverpool.
13. Doctor Bickersteth, Liverpool.
14. Armorer Donkin, Esq. Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
15. Yorkshire Philosophical Society, York.
16. John Clough, Esq., Oxton Hall, Yorkshire.
17. Jos. S. Crompton, jun., Esq., Eshott Hall, Bradford, Yorkshire.
18. Thomas Walker, Esq. Killinbeck, near Leeds.
19. Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society.
20. John Marshall, jun. Esq., Headlinglay, Leeds.
21. Samuel Greg [Gregg], Esq., Quarry Bank, near Manchester.
22. Edward Lloyd, Esq., Greenhill, near Manchester.
23. The Manchester Society for the promotion of Natural History.
24. The Reverend Peter Horden, M.A., for the Cheetham Library,
Manchester.
25. G. W. Wood, Esq., Manchester.
26. Mrs. Rattsbone [Rathbone], Greenbank, Liverpool.
27. J. G. Children, Esq., British Museum, London.
28. The Right Honourable the Earl of Carnarvon, London.
29. S. P. Atkins, Esq., Walbrook, London.
30. The Right Honourable the Earl of Derby, P. Z. S. [President of the
Zoological Society], &c. &c. &c.
31. The Right Honourable Earl Spencer, London.
32. John Heathcote, Esq., London.
33. Joseph John Gurney, Esq. Earlham Hall, Norfolk.
34. James Darbyshire, Esq., Manchester.
35. John Blackwell, Esq., Manchester.
36. A. J. Cresswell Baker, Esq., Prowin Park.
37. Reverend Edward Craig, Edinburgh.
38. The College of Glasgow, as Trustees of the Hunterian Museum.
39. John Buddle, Esq., Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
40. The York Subscription Library, York.
41. Kirk Patrick, Esq., London.
Page 428
42. T. B. L. L. Baker, Esq. Christ Church, Oxford.
43. Doctor Lodge, for the University Library, Cambridge.
44. George Thackeray, D.D., Provost of King's College, Cambridge.
45. The Cambridge Philosophical Society.
46. The Fitzwilliam Museum, by M. Davy, Vice Chancellor.
47. Dr. Kidd, for the Anatomical School, Christ Church, Oxford.
48. Doctor Williams, for the Radcliffe Library, Oxford.
49. James Pickering Ord, Esq., Hedge Hill, near Derby.
50. The Right Honourable Viscount Milton, London.
51. M. Feuillet, for the Library of the Royal Institute of France.
52. Vicounte [Viscount] Simeon, for the Ministry of the Interior, 6
copies.
53. M. Pitois, Paris.
54. Mrs. Warden, London.
55. Mr. Hearne, bookseller, London.
56. Henry Ellisan, Esq., Beverly, Yorkshire.
57. Benjamin Smith, Esq. M. P., London.
58. The Right Honourable the Earl of Bradford, London.
59. Thomas Frost, Esq., Gorton Hall, near Manchester.
60. John G. Reeves, Esq., Birmingham.
61. Birmingham Old Library, by Beilby, Knott, and Beilby.
62. Joseph C. Dyer, Esq., Manchester.
63. Thomas Walker, Esq., Ravensfield, near Doncaster.
64. George Lamb Fox, Esq., Yorkshire.
65. Haarlem Library, Holland.
66. Mrs. [Miss] Euphemia Gifford, Duffield Bank, Derby.
67. Charles Fox, Esq., Perrair, near Truro, England.
68. George Lane Fox, Esq., Yorkshire.
69. Sir John Tobin, Liverpool.
70. His Grace the Duke of Buccleuch, Dalkeith Palace, Scotland.
71. His Imperial and Royal Highness the Grand Duke of Tuscany, &c.
&c. &c.
72. London Institution, by Mr. Bradley, Librarian.
73. Benjamin Phillips, Esq., F. R. S. L., &c. &c. &c., 17 Wimpole
Street, London.
74. Henry G. Bohn, Esq., London.
75. Charles J. Warde, Esq. Welcomb, near Stratford-on-Avon.
43. Doctor Lodge, for the University Library, Cambridge.
44. George Thackeray, D.D., Provost of King's College, Cambridge.
45. The Cambridge Philosophical Society.
46. The Fitzwilliam Museum, by M. Davy, Vice Chancellor.
47. Dr. Kidd, for the Anatomical School, Christ Church, Oxford.
48. Doctor Williams, for the Radcliffe Library, Oxford.
49. James Pickering Ord, Esq., Hedge Hill, near Derby.
50. The Right Honourable Viscount Milton, London.
51. M. Feuillet, for the Library of the Royal Institute of France.
52. Vicounte [Viscount] Simeon, for the Ministry of the Interior, 6
copies.
53. M. Pitois, Paris.
54. Mrs. Warden, London.
55. Mr. Hearne, bookseller, London.
56. Henry Ellisan, Esq., Beverly, Yorkshire.
57. Benjamin Smith, Esq. M. P., London.
58. The Right Honourable the Earl of Bradford, London.
59. Thomas Frost, Esq., Gorton Hall, near Manchester.
60. John G. Reeves, Esq., Birmingham.
61. Birmingham Old Library, by Beilby, Knott, and Beilby.
62. Joseph C. Dyer, Esq., Manchester.
63. Thomas Walker, Esq., Ravensfield, near Doncaster.
64. George Lamb Fox, Esq., Yorkshire.
65. Haarlem Library, Holland.
66. Mrs. [Miss] Euphemia Gifford, Duffield Bank, Derby.
67. Charles Fox, Esq., Perrair, near Truro, England.
68. George Lane Fox, Esq., Yorkshire.
69. Sir John Tobin, Liverpool.
70. His Grace the Duke of Buccleuch, Dalkeith Palace, Scotland.
71. His Imperial and Royal Highness the Grand Duke of Tuscany, &c.
&c. &c.
72. London Institution, by Mr. Bradley, Librarian.
73. Benjamin Phillips, Esq., F. R. S. L., &c. &c. &c., 17 Wimpole
Street, London.
74. Henry G. Bohn, Esq., London.
75. Charles J. Warde, Esq. Welcomb, near Stratford-on-Avon.
Page 429
76. The British Museum, London (in part).
77. His Grace the Duke of Northumberland, &c. &c. &c.
78. Earl Hardwicke, &c. &c. &c. Wimpole, Arrington, Cambridge.
79. Sir Jacob Hastley, Bart, &c. &c. &c., Cavendish Square, London.
77. His Grace the Duke of Northumberland, &c. &c. &c.
78. Earl Hardwicke, &c. &c. &c. Wimpole, Arrington, Cambridge.
79. Sir Jacob Hastley, Bart, &c. &c. &c., Cavendish Square, London.
Page 430
. Prospectus of "The Birds of America," as issued in 1828, when ten Numbers
of the original folio were engraved. (Compare Ornithological Biography,
vol. i, pp. 1-16, as supplementary text, at the end.)
Under the Particular Patronage and Approbation
of
His Most Gracious Majesty
BIRDS OF AMERICA
from
Drawings
made
During a Residence of Twenty-five Years
in
The United States and its Territories,
by
John James Audubon,
Citizen of the United States.
Member of the Lyceum of New York; Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh; of the Linnean
Society of London; Member of the Wernerian Natural History Society of Edinburgh; of the
Zoölogical Society, London; Fellow of the Society of Scottish Antiquaries; Member of the Society
for promoting the useful Arts of Scotland; of the Literary and Philosophical Societies of
Cambridge, Liverpool, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne; of the Horticultural Society of Edinburgh; of
of the original folio were engraved. (Compare Ornithological Biography,
vol. i, pp. 1-16, as supplementary text, at the end.)
Under the Particular Patronage and Approbation
of
His Most Gracious Majesty
BIRDS OF AMERICA
from
Drawings
made
During a Residence of Twenty-five Years
in
The United States and its Territories,
by
John James Audubon,
Citizen of the United States.
Member of the Lyceum of New York; Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh; of the Linnean
Society of London; Member of the Wernerian Natural History Society of Edinburgh; of the
Zoölogical Society, London; Fellow of the Society of Scottish Antiquaries; Member of the Society
for promoting the useful Arts of Scotland; of the Literary and Philosophical Societies of
Cambridge, Liverpool, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne; of the Horticultural Society of Edinburgh; of
Page 431
the Natural History Society of Manchester; of the Scottish Academy of Painting, Sculpture and
Architecture, &c., &c.
PROSPECTUS.
To those who have not seen any portion of the Author's splendid
Collection of Original Drawings it may be proper to explain, that their
superiority consists in every specimen being of the full size of life,
portrayed with a degree of accuracy as to proportion and outline, the result
of peculiar means discovered and employed by the Author, and lately
exhibited to a meeting of the Wernerian Society. Besides, in every instance
where a difference of plumage exists between the two sexes, both the Male
and Female Birds have been represented. The Author has not contented
himself with single profile views of the originals, but in very many
instances he has grouped them, as it were, at their natural avocations, in all
sorts of attitudes, either on branches of trees, or amidst plants and flowers:
some are seen pursuing with avidity their prey through the air, or searching
diligently their food amongst the fragrant foliage; whilst others of an
aquatic nature swim, wade, or glide over their allotted element. The Insects,
Reptiles, or Fishes, that form the food of the birds, have been introduced
into the drawings; and the nests of the birds have been frequently
represented. The Plants are all copied from Nature, and the Botanist, it is
hoped, will look upon them with delight. The Eggs of most of the species
will appear in the course of the publication.
The Particulars of the Plan of the Work will be found detailed below:—
1. The Engravings in every instance to be of the exact dimensions of the
Drawings, which, without any exception, represent the Birds of their
natural size.
2. The Plates will be Coloured, in the most careful manner, from the
original Drawings.
3. The Size of the work will be Double Elephant, and printed on the finest
Drawing Paper.
Architecture, &c., &c.
PROSPECTUS.
To those who have not seen any portion of the Author's splendid
Collection of Original Drawings it may be proper to explain, that their
superiority consists in every specimen being of the full size of life,
portrayed with a degree of accuracy as to proportion and outline, the result
of peculiar means discovered and employed by the Author, and lately
exhibited to a meeting of the Wernerian Society. Besides, in every instance
where a difference of plumage exists between the two sexes, both the Male
and Female Birds have been represented. The Author has not contented
himself with single profile views of the originals, but in very many
instances he has grouped them, as it were, at their natural avocations, in all
sorts of attitudes, either on branches of trees, or amidst plants and flowers:
some are seen pursuing with avidity their prey through the air, or searching
diligently their food amongst the fragrant foliage; whilst others of an
aquatic nature swim, wade, or glide over their allotted element. The Insects,
Reptiles, or Fishes, that form the food of the birds, have been introduced
into the drawings; and the nests of the birds have been frequently
represented. The Plants are all copied from Nature, and the Botanist, it is
hoped, will look upon them with delight. The Eggs of most of the species
will appear in the course of the publication.
The Particulars of the Plan of the Work will be found detailed below:—
1. The Engravings in every instance to be of the exact dimensions of the
Drawings, which, without any exception, represent the Birds of their
natural size.
2. The Plates will be Coloured, in the most careful manner, from the
original Drawings.
3. The Size of the work will be Double Elephant, and printed on the finest
Drawing Paper.
Page 432
4. Five Plates will constitute a Number; one Plate from one of the largest
Drawings, one from one of the second size, and three from the smaller
Drawings.
5. There are 400 Drawings; and it is proposed that they shall comprise
Three Volumes, each containing about 133 Plates, to which an Index will
be given at the end of each, to be bound up with the Volume.
6. Five Numbers will come out annually.
7. The Price of each Number will be Two Guineas; payable on delivery.
TEN Numbers being now completed, will give an exact idea of the
nature and style of the Work. All the other Numbers will at least equal these
in interest and execution. It would be advisable for the Subscribers to
procure a Portfolio, to keep the Numbers till a Volume is completed.
⁂Persons desirous of becoming Subscribers are requested to apply to
Mr. Audubon, or Mr. Robert Havell, Jun. (Engraver), 79, Newman Street,
Oxford Street, London.
Where Specimens of the Work may be seen: or, to any of the following
Agents:—Messrs. Treuttel, Würz & Co., Soho Square, and Mr. S. Highly,
Fleet Street, London; MM. Levrault and Pitois, Paris; Messrs. Robinsons,
Liverpool; Mr. T. Sowler, Manchester; Mr. M. A. Barclay, York; Messrs.
Hernaman and Robinson, Leeds; Mr. E. Charnley, Newcastle-upon-Tyne;
and J. B. Kidd, Esq., Edinburgh.
Note by the Author. Audubon's first Prospectus was issued on
March 17, 1827, when two Numbers of his large work were ready, and
the last which I have seen bears the date of 1831, when one hundred
plates had been published. The present citation is from a copy in
possession of the Boston Public Library; it is printed on two sides of
white paper, octavo, and bears the autograph of "Wm. Everett, Esq.,
Aug. 7, 1867."
Drawings, one from one of the second size, and three from the smaller
Drawings.
5. There are 400 Drawings; and it is proposed that they shall comprise
Three Volumes, each containing about 133 Plates, to which an Index will
be given at the end of each, to be bound up with the Volume.
6. Five Numbers will come out annually.
7. The Price of each Number will be Two Guineas; payable on delivery.
TEN Numbers being now completed, will give an exact idea of the
nature and style of the Work. All the other Numbers will at least equal these
in interest and execution. It would be advisable for the Subscribers to
procure a Portfolio, to keep the Numbers till a Volume is completed.
⁂Persons desirous of becoming Subscribers are requested to apply to
Mr. Audubon, or Mr. Robert Havell, Jun. (Engraver), 79, Newman Street,
Oxford Street, London.
Where Specimens of the Work may be seen: or, to any of the following
Agents:—Messrs. Treuttel, Würz & Co., Soho Square, and Mr. S. Highly,
Fleet Street, London; MM. Levrault and Pitois, Paris; Messrs. Robinsons,
Liverpool; Mr. T. Sowler, Manchester; Mr. M. A. Barclay, York; Messrs.
Hernaman and Robinson, Leeds; Mr. E. Charnley, Newcastle-upon-Tyne;
and J. B. Kidd, Esq., Edinburgh.
Note by the Author. Audubon's first Prospectus was issued on
March 17, 1827, when two Numbers of his large work were ready, and
the last which I have seen bears the date of 1831, when one hundred
plates had been published. The present citation is from a copy in
possession of the Boston Public Library; it is printed on two sides of
white paper, octavo, and bears the autograph of "Wm. Everett, Esq.,
Aug. 7, 1867."
Page 433
. Prospectus of the Second (partial) Edition of "The Birds of America," issued
by John Woodhouse Audubon, through Messrs. Trübner & Company,
London, 1859. (See Bibliography, Nos. 9 and 10.)
AUDUBON'S
Celebrated Work
BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA
To be published in Numbers, by Subscription only, at one half the original
price.
The undersigned proposes to publish, by Subscription, this well-known
Work of his late Father, J. J. Audubon, F.R.SS.L.&E., etc., from the original
Copperplates transferred to stone.
This Edition, in softness, finish, and correctness of coloring, will be
superior to the first, and every Plate will be colored from the original
Drawings, still in possession of the family.
It will contain all the Plates and Text of the original Work, embracing
more than one thousand figures of Birds, all of the size of nature,
represented in action amid the scenes or on the plants most common to their
habits,—together with seven volumes royal octavo, of Ornithological
Biography.
The Work will be issued in forty-five numbers viz., forty-four of Plates
and one of Text, each number of Plates containing ten—printed on seven
sheets double-elephant paper, of the best quality for the purpose, 27 by 40
inches, and will be delivered to Subscribers Monthly, at £2, 8s. per number;
by John Woodhouse Audubon, through Messrs. Trübner & Company,
London, 1859. (See Bibliography, Nos. 9 and 10.)
AUDUBON'S
Celebrated Work
BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA
To be published in Numbers, by Subscription only, at one half the original
price.
The undersigned proposes to publish, by Subscription, this well-known
Work of his late Father, J. J. Audubon, F.R.SS.L.&E., etc., from the original
Copperplates transferred to stone.
This Edition, in softness, finish, and correctness of coloring, will be
superior to the first, and every Plate will be colored from the original
Drawings, still in possession of the family.
It will contain all the Plates and Text of the original Work, embracing
more than one thousand figures of Birds, all of the size of nature,
represented in action amid the scenes or on the plants most common to their
habits,—together with seven volumes royal octavo, of Ornithological
Biography.
The Work will be issued in forty-five numbers viz., forty-four of Plates
and one of Text, each number of Plates containing ten—printed on seven
sheets double-elephant paper, of the best quality for the purpose, 27 by 40
inches, and will be delivered to Subscribers Monthly, at £2, 8s. per number;
Page 434
the last Number, comprising seven volumes of Text, to be delivered bound
with the fifteenth number.
It is intended that each Number shall contain as follows: Viz. two large
Plates, each occupying the whole sheet; two of a medium size, each
occupying also the entire sheet; and six of the smaller size, two Plates on a
sheet; thus presenting ten of the original Plates on seven sheets, giving a
variety in each number. The text is properly and scientifically classified,
and when the Work shall be completed the Plates can be placed and be
bound corresponding with the order of the Text, in either three or four
Volumes. The regular issue of the Numbers will commence so soon as the
number of Subscribers will justify the undertaking.
As the Work will be published for Subscribers alone, few or none being
printed beyond the number subscribed for, it is not possible that its
pecuniary value can ever be much reduced; on the other hand, the
probabilities are that it will rather be increased. Nor will there ever be a
time when it can be published at a less price than the present; for in
estimating the cost the mere expense of manufacturing has been taken into
consideration, without reference to the original cost of the Copper-plates,
which was nearly One hundred thousand Dollars; and a very small profit
has been charged on the expense thus estimated.
The first Number is considered superior in many respects to the same
Plates in the first Edition, and it is confidently hoped that subsequent
Numbers will exhibit still greater superiority as the Artists gain experience.
A full list of Subscribers will be published with the Work. The Numbers
will not be sold separately, except the first, which will be sent, properly
packed, as a Specimen, to any part of the country, free of expense, on the
receipt of £2, 8s.
Orders or communications to Trübner & Co., Booksellers, 60,
Paternoster Row, London.
New York, March 31, 1859.
with the fifteenth number.
It is intended that each Number shall contain as follows: Viz. two large
Plates, each occupying the whole sheet; two of a medium size, each
occupying also the entire sheet; and six of the smaller size, two Plates on a
sheet; thus presenting ten of the original Plates on seven sheets, giving a
variety in each number. The text is properly and scientifically classified,
and when the Work shall be completed the Plates can be placed and be
bound corresponding with the order of the Text, in either three or four
Volumes. The regular issue of the Numbers will commence so soon as the
number of Subscribers will justify the undertaking.
As the Work will be published for Subscribers alone, few or none being
printed beyond the number subscribed for, it is not possible that its
pecuniary value can ever be much reduced; on the other hand, the
probabilities are that it will rather be increased. Nor will there ever be a
time when it can be published at a less price than the present; for in
estimating the cost the mere expense of manufacturing has been taken into
consideration, without reference to the original cost of the Copper-plates,
which was nearly One hundred thousand Dollars; and a very small profit
has been charged on the expense thus estimated.
The first Number is considered superior in many respects to the same
Plates in the first Edition, and it is confidently hoped that subsequent
Numbers will exhibit still greater superiority as the Artists gain experience.
A full list of Subscribers will be published with the Work. The Numbers
will not be sold separately, except the first, which will be sent, properly
packed, as a Specimen, to any part of the country, free of expense, on the
receipt of £2, 8s.
Orders or communications to Trübner & Co., Booksellers, 60,
Paternoster Row, London.
New York, March 31, 1859.
Page 435
J. W. Audubon.
Trübner & Co. also offer to the Trade and the Public the following
Editions of Audubon's Birds and Quadrupeds of North America:
Birds of North America—Library Edition, 7 vols., royal 8vo., with 500
finely colored Plates, from Drawings made in the United States and their
Territories. Price £25.
Quadrupeds of North America,—By J. J. Audubon and Rev. John
Bachman. Original Edition, 3 vols. imperial folio, bound in half russia. One
hundred and fifty superbly colored Plates. With descriptive letter-press, in 3
vols., royal 8vo. Price £63. The same work,—Library Edition, 3 vols. royal
8vo. with one hundred and fifty-five finely colored Plates. Price £9, 9s.
Note by the Author. For the citation of this rare document, from
the only copy known to exist, I am indebted to the kindness of Mr.
Ruthven Deane, who writes: "I found this Prospectus bound in the first
volume of The Ibis (1859). This copy was previously in possession of
the late Pierre Verreaux, of Paris, France, and is now in the John Crerar
Library, Chicago, Illinois."
Ornithologists will be pleased to find that it immediately sets at
rest numerous disputed questions concerning the plates and text of this
sole, but ill-fated, attempt at the republication of the original folio of
The Birds of America in America. (See Bibliography, Nos. 9 and 10,
and Chapter XXXVI, p. 296.)
Mr. Ruthven Deane has written me that an examination of the
account books kept by the Audubons during the publication of the
large and small editions of The Birds of America showed partial
payments on the Folio by 23 subscribers; the only name among those
Trübner & Co. also offer to the Trade and the Public the following
Editions of Audubon's Birds and Quadrupeds of North America:
Birds of North America—Library Edition, 7 vols., royal 8vo., with 500
finely colored Plates, from Drawings made in the United States and their
Territories. Price £25.
Quadrupeds of North America,—By J. J. Audubon and Rev. John
Bachman. Original Edition, 3 vols. imperial folio, bound in half russia. One
hundred and fifty superbly colored Plates. With descriptive letter-press, in 3
vols., royal 8vo. Price £63. The same work,—Library Edition, 3 vols. royal
8vo. with one hundred and fifty-five finely colored Plates. Price £9, 9s.
Note by the Author. For the citation of this rare document, from
the only copy known to exist, I am indebted to the kindness of Mr.
Ruthven Deane, who writes: "I found this Prospectus bound in the first
volume of The Ibis (1859). This copy was previously in possession of
the late Pierre Verreaux, of Paris, France, and is now in the John Crerar
Library, Chicago, Illinois."
Ornithologists will be pleased to find that it immediately sets at
rest numerous disputed questions concerning the plates and text of this
sole, but ill-fated, attempt at the republication of the original folio of
The Birds of America in America. (See Bibliography, Nos. 9 and 10,
and Chapter XXXVI, p. 296.)
Mr. Ruthven Deane has written me that an examination of the
account books kept by the Audubons during the publication of the
large and small editions of The Birds of America showed partial
payments on the Folio by 23 subscribers; the only name among those
Page 436
not listed in the Ornithological Biography was that of J. R. Peters, who
was credited with a payment of $412.00. Mr. Deane adds: "I have a list
of the subscribers to the 1840, 8vo., edition, of 1,095 names, New
York, Baltimore and Boston taking 501; also a list of subscribers to the
Quadrupeds of North America, 3 volume, 8vo., edition, of 2,004
names, New York, Boston and Charleston, South Carolina, taking
1,102."
was credited with a payment of $412.00. Mr. Deane adds: "I have a list
of the subscribers to the 1840, 8vo., edition, of 1,095 names, New
York, Baltimore and Boston taking 501; also a list of subscribers to the
Quadrupeds of North America, 3 volume, 8vo., edition, of 2,004
names, New York, Boston and Charleston, South Carolina, taking
1,102."
Page 437
APPENDIX IV
Authentic Likenesses of Jean Jacques Fougère Audubon
1. 1824.—Oil portrait by himself; painted at "Beech Grove," William
Garrett Johnson's plantation, West Feliciana, Louisiana;
presented by Audubon to Mrs. Johnson; inherited by her
daughter and granddaughter, and now in possession of Dr. D.
G. Murrell, Paducah, Kentucky. Size of original, 12 by 9
inches. Reproduced in The Auk, vol. iii, 1886 (see
Bibliography, No. 184).
2. 1826 (?).—Oil portrait by himself (?), 18 by 32 inches, West Feliciana;
presented by Audubon to Col. Edward Durrive's father, later
acquired by Mr. E. Curtis, and now in the possession of Mr.
Thomas P. Thompson, New Orleans.
My information concerning this doubtful portrait has been derived
entirely from Mr. Ruthven Deane, to whom its present owner recently
wrote: "My Audubon, by himself, attracts much interest, and grows more
real as time makes it familiar."
3. 1826.—Pencil sketch by himself; signed
"Audubon at Green Bank
Almost, Happy!!— Sepr 1826."
Made at the home of Mr. William Rathbone, Sr., and presented
to Mrs. Rathbone; now in possession of Mr. Richard R.
Authentic Likenesses of Jean Jacques Fougère Audubon
1. 1824.—Oil portrait by himself; painted at "Beech Grove," William
Garrett Johnson's plantation, West Feliciana, Louisiana;
presented by Audubon to Mrs. Johnson; inherited by her
daughter and granddaughter, and now in possession of Dr. D.
G. Murrell, Paducah, Kentucky. Size of original, 12 by 9
inches. Reproduced in The Auk, vol. iii, 1886 (see
Bibliography, No. 184).
2. 1826 (?).—Oil portrait by himself (?), 18 by 32 inches, West Feliciana;
presented by Audubon to Col. Edward Durrive's father, later
acquired by Mr. E. Curtis, and now in the possession of Mr.
Thomas P. Thompson, New Orleans.
My information concerning this doubtful portrait has been derived
entirely from Mr. Ruthven Deane, to whom its present owner recently
wrote: "My Audubon, by himself, attracts much interest, and grows more
real as time makes it familiar."
3. 1826.—Pencil sketch by himself; signed
"Audubon at Green Bank
Almost, Happy!!— Sepr 1826."
Made at the home of Mr. William Rathbone, Sr., and presented
to Mrs. Rathbone; now in possession of Mr. Richard R.
Page 438
Rathbone, Glen-y-Menai, Anglesey; for reproduction see The
Life and Adventures of John James Audubon, edited by Robert
Buchanan, and Maria R. Audubon, Audubon and His Journals.
4. 1826 (?).—Oil portrait by W. H. Holmes, 36 by 28 inches; painted for
Audubon's friend, Walter Horton Bentley, Manchester,
England, and in possession of the Bentley family ever since.
Audubon is represented in a green coat, a crimson cloak with
deep fur edging thrown over one shoulder, and with portfolio in
hand.
For information concerning this fine but little known portrait, as well as
for the photograph reproduced in Vol. I, p. 412, I am indebted to Mr.
Ruthven Deane. In 1913, Mr. John Conway Bentley, a grandson of the
former owner, formerly of Glasgow, but then living in Cheshire, England,
attempted to dispose of the Holmes portrait in this country.
5. 1826.—Oil portrait by John Syme; painted at Edinburgh, November,
1826; supposed to have been engraved by W. H. Lizars, but no
trace of painting or engraving has been found. See Maria R.
Audubon, op. cit., vol. i, pp. 157 and 165.
On November 27, 1826, Audubon wrote: "At twelve I went to stand up
for my picture, and sick enough I was of it by two; at the request of Mr.
Lizars I wear my wolf-skin coat, and if the head is not a strong likeness,
perhaps the coat may be." In writing to his son, Victor, in 1833 (see Chapter
XXVII, p. 57), Audubon said: "I am glad to hear of Kidd & Co.'s
publication of Parrots, but I regret that my face should have been there from
Syme's picture, which in my estimation is none of the best."
6. 1828.—Oil portrait painted in London by an American artist named
Parker, in August, 1828; Parker subsequently accompanied
Audubon and Swainson to Paris, where he is said to have
executed portraits of Cuvier and Redouté. On August 25, a few
days before starting on this journey, Audubon wrote: "Mr.
Life and Adventures of John James Audubon, edited by Robert
Buchanan, and Maria R. Audubon, Audubon and His Journals.
4. 1826 (?).—Oil portrait by W. H. Holmes, 36 by 28 inches; painted for
Audubon's friend, Walter Horton Bentley, Manchester,
England, and in possession of the Bentley family ever since.
Audubon is represented in a green coat, a crimson cloak with
deep fur edging thrown over one shoulder, and with portfolio in
hand.
For information concerning this fine but little known portrait, as well as
for the photograph reproduced in Vol. I, p. 412, I am indebted to Mr.
Ruthven Deane. In 1913, Mr. John Conway Bentley, a grandson of the
former owner, formerly of Glasgow, but then living in Cheshire, England,
attempted to dispose of the Holmes portrait in this country.
5. 1826.—Oil portrait by John Syme; painted at Edinburgh, November,
1826; supposed to have been engraved by W. H. Lizars, but no
trace of painting or engraving has been found. See Maria R.
Audubon, op. cit., vol. i, pp. 157 and 165.
On November 27, 1826, Audubon wrote: "At twelve I went to stand up
for my picture, and sick enough I was of it by two; at the request of Mr.
Lizars I wear my wolf-skin coat, and if the head is not a strong likeness,
perhaps the coat may be." In writing to his son, Victor, in 1833 (see Chapter
XXVII, p. 57), Audubon said: "I am glad to hear of Kidd & Co.'s
publication of Parrots, but I regret that my face should have been there from
Syme's picture, which in my estimation is none of the best."
6. 1828.—Oil portrait painted in London by an American artist named
Parker, in August, 1828; Parker subsequently accompanied
Audubon and Swainson to Paris, where he is said to have
executed portraits of Cuvier and Redouté. On August 25, a few
days before starting on this journey, Audubon wrote: "Mr.
Page 439
Parker has nearly finished my portrait, which he considers a
good one, and so do I" (Maria R. Audubon, op. cit., vol. i, p.
303). No further mention of this painting has been found.
7. 1830-31.—Miniature painted on ivory by Frederick Cruikshank,
probably in London, and before Audubon's return to America
on August 2, 1831. This portrait has become well known
through the excellent engraving of it by C. Turner, A.R.A., first
published in London, "Jany. 12, 1835, for the Proprietor, by
Robert Havell, Print-seller, 77, Oxford Street," with Audubon's
characteristic autograph. Good copies of the original engraving
have become very rare. (See Frontispiece, Vol. I.)
Miss Maria R. Audubon possesses a very faint water-color sketch of the
original, which, as she has recently written me, "was destroyed by fire at
Shelbyville, Kentucky, with many other rare and valuable belongings of my
grandmother's, soon after her death [in 1874]."
8. 1833.—Portrait in oils by Henry Inman; half-length, natural size; in
possession of Miss Harriet B. Audubon. "Mr. Inman has
painted my Portrait in Oil, and I say that it is a truer portrait of
me than even the Miniature" (see Chapter XXVII, p. 39).
Engraved by H. B. Hall for the second Octavo Edition of The
Birds of America, published in 1856, and the same engraving
has appeared in later editions of The Life of John James
Audubon, the Naturalist, edited by Lucy Audubon; for
reproduction of a photograph of the original portrait, see Maria
R. Audubon, op. cit., vol. i, p. 206; and for reproduction of the
Hall engraving, Vol. II, p. 130, of the present work.
This portrait, like the Cruikshank miniature, has become well known
through frequent reproduction; both represent the naturalist at the full
meridian of his working powers, and are among the finest likenesses of him
extant.
good one, and so do I" (Maria R. Audubon, op. cit., vol. i, p.
303). No further mention of this painting has been found.
7. 1830-31.—Miniature painted on ivory by Frederick Cruikshank,
probably in London, and before Audubon's return to America
on August 2, 1831. This portrait has become well known
through the excellent engraving of it by C. Turner, A.R.A., first
published in London, "Jany. 12, 1835, for the Proprietor, by
Robert Havell, Print-seller, 77, Oxford Street," with Audubon's
characteristic autograph. Good copies of the original engraving
have become very rare. (See Frontispiece, Vol. I.)
Miss Maria R. Audubon possesses a very faint water-color sketch of the
original, which, as she has recently written me, "was destroyed by fire at
Shelbyville, Kentucky, with many other rare and valuable belongings of my
grandmother's, soon after her death [in 1874]."
8. 1833.—Portrait in oils by Henry Inman; half-length, natural size; in
possession of Miss Harriet B. Audubon. "Mr. Inman has
painted my Portrait in Oil, and I say that it is a truer portrait of
me than even the Miniature" (see Chapter XXVII, p. 39).
Engraved by H. B. Hall for the second Octavo Edition of The
Birds of America, published in 1856, and the same engraving
has appeared in later editions of The Life of John James
Audubon, the Naturalist, edited by Lucy Audubon; for
reproduction of a photograph of the original portrait, see Maria
R. Audubon, op. cit., vol. i, p. 206; and for reproduction of the
Hall engraving, Vol. II, p. 130, of the present work.
This portrait, like the Cruikshank miniature, has become well known
through frequent reproduction; both represent the naturalist at the full
meridian of his working powers, and are among the finest likenesses of him
extant.
Page 440
9. 1834.—"John J. Audubon"; portrait drawn and engraved on steel by J.
Brown; published by Geo. Henderson, 2, Old Bailey, Ludgate
Hill, London, 1834. A poor drawing of Audubon, in hunting
dress, published with a biographical sketch, in an English
edition of Cuvier's Le régne animal (see Bibliography, No. 56).
This drawing served as the basis of a wood engraving, in which
Audubon is represented as a much younger man, three-quarters
length, gun in hand, with thumb on trigger, which appeared in
Gleason's Pictorial for 1852 (see Bibliography, No. 67.).
10. (Before) 1839.—Life Mask, made in London by Robert Havell, Junior,
and formerly in his possession; acquired from his daughters,
Mrs. Amelia Jane Lockwood and Miss Marion Elington Havell,
by Mr. John E. Thayer, and by him presented to Harvard
University. For reproduction of the mask, for excellent
photographs of which I am indebted to Dr. Samuel Henshaw,
Director of the Museum of Comparative Zoölogy, Harvard
University, see Vol. II, p. 188.
The original was made from a dark colored plaster (?), and has a
decidedly coarse texture. Mr. Harry P. Havell, who possesses a replica of
the original in wax, writes that he obtained from the Misses Havell, his
cousins, the information that this mask was made while Audubon was at
their home in London; the matter was treated in a jocular way, as Audubon
lay upon a sofa with straws in his nose, while submitting to the rather
unpleasant ordeal of having a mold made of his countenance. Mr. Havell, to
whom I am indebted for the substance of this note, also possesses the silver
loving cup, which Audubon presented to Robert Havell upon the
completion of the second volume of his illustrations in 1834 (see Chapter
XXXII, p. 192). For notice of another mask by O'Neill, Edinburgh, 1827,
see Maria R. Audubon, op. cit., vol. i, p. 205.
11. 1838.—Portrait in oils, three-quarters length, by George P. A. Healy;
represents Audubon in hunting shirt, with flowing collar open
Brown; published by Geo. Henderson, 2, Old Bailey, Ludgate
Hill, London, 1834. A poor drawing of Audubon, in hunting
dress, published with a biographical sketch, in an English
edition of Cuvier's Le régne animal (see Bibliography, No. 56).
This drawing served as the basis of a wood engraving, in which
Audubon is represented as a much younger man, three-quarters
length, gun in hand, with thumb on trigger, which appeared in
Gleason's Pictorial for 1852 (see Bibliography, No. 67.).
10. (Before) 1839.—Life Mask, made in London by Robert Havell, Junior,
and formerly in his possession; acquired from his daughters,
Mrs. Amelia Jane Lockwood and Miss Marion Elington Havell,
by Mr. John E. Thayer, and by him presented to Harvard
University. For reproduction of the mask, for excellent
photographs of which I am indebted to Dr. Samuel Henshaw,
Director of the Museum of Comparative Zoölogy, Harvard
University, see Vol. II, p. 188.
The original was made from a dark colored plaster (?), and has a
decidedly coarse texture. Mr. Harry P. Havell, who possesses a replica of
the original in wax, writes that he obtained from the Misses Havell, his
cousins, the information that this mask was made while Audubon was at
their home in London; the matter was treated in a jocular way, as Audubon
lay upon a sofa with straws in his nose, while submitting to the rather
unpleasant ordeal of having a mold made of his countenance. Mr. Havell, to
whom I am indebted for the substance of this note, also possesses the silver
loving cup, which Audubon presented to Robert Havell upon the
completion of the second volume of his illustrations in 1834 (see Chapter
XXXII, p. 192). For notice of another mask by O'Neill, Edinburgh, 1827,
see Maria R. Audubon, op. cit., vol. i, p. 205.
11. 1838.—Portrait in oils, three-quarters length, by George P. A. Healy;
represents Audubon in hunting shirt, with flowing collar open
Page 441
at neck, knapsack at side and gun in hand (see Frontispiece,
Vol. II); painted in London upon the initiative of the artist, still
struggling for recognition.
This portrait, with a number of other paintings, was raffled at Boston, at
a later day, when it was won by the artist, who then gave it to a former
patron, Mr. Bradlee, by whom it was presented to the Boston Society of
Natural History, and it now hangs in the library of that institution. The
present reproduction is from a photograph received through the kindness of
Mr. Ruthven Deane, who still owns the negative, which was reproduced in
Mr. Healy's Reminiscences (see Bibliography, No. 197).
12. 1840-45 (?).—Cameo, by John C. King; original intaglio, in shell, a cast
of which was given by the artist to Mr. Kennard, and is now in
possession of Mr. Frederic H. Kennard, of Boston; cast first
reproduced by C. Hart Merriam, in The Auk for 1908 (see
Bibliography, No. 226).
Mr. King was a Scotch artist and sculptor, who died at Boston, April
21, 1882.
13. 1841 (?).—Portrait in oils, full length and size, by John Woodhouse
Audubon; figure seated, with landscape background; gun
resting on arm, and dog at side. For reproduction, see Maria R.
Audubon, op. cit. This or the following used as the basis of a
painting by Alonzo Chappel (see No. 23).
14. 1841 (?).—Half-length portrait in oils, natural size, by John Woodhouse
and Victor Gifford Audubon. Original presented to the
American Museum of Natural History by Mr. Fordham Morris
in 1900; for reproduction, see Vol. II, p. 226.
15. 1841 (?).—Full-length portrait, in oils, by John Woodhouse Audubon;
original now in possession of the American Museum of Natural
History; for reproduction, see Vol. II, p. 250.
Vol. II); painted in London upon the initiative of the artist, still
struggling for recognition.
This portrait, with a number of other paintings, was raffled at Boston, at
a later day, when it was won by the artist, who then gave it to a former
patron, Mr. Bradlee, by whom it was presented to the Boston Society of
Natural History, and it now hangs in the library of that institution. The
present reproduction is from a photograph received through the kindness of
Mr. Ruthven Deane, who still owns the negative, which was reproduced in
Mr. Healy's Reminiscences (see Bibliography, No. 197).
12. 1840-45 (?).—Cameo, by John C. King; original intaglio, in shell, a cast
of which was given by the artist to Mr. Kennard, and is now in
possession of Mr. Frederic H. Kennard, of Boston; cast first
reproduced by C. Hart Merriam, in The Auk for 1908 (see
Bibliography, No. 226).
Mr. King was a Scotch artist and sculptor, who died at Boston, April
21, 1882.
13. 1841 (?).—Portrait in oils, full length and size, by John Woodhouse
Audubon; figure seated, with landscape background; gun
resting on arm, and dog at side. For reproduction, see Maria R.
Audubon, op. cit. This or the following used as the basis of a
painting by Alonzo Chappel (see No. 23).
14. 1841 (?).—Half-length portrait in oils, natural size, by John Woodhouse
and Victor Gifford Audubon. Original presented to the
American Museum of Natural History by Mr. Fordham Morris
in 1900; for reproduction, see Vol. II, p. 226.
15. 1841 (?).—Full-length portrait, in oils, by John Woodhouse Audubon;
original now in possession of the American Museum of Natural
History; for reproduction, see Vol. II, p. 250.
Page 442
16. 1842.—Pencil sketch by Isaac Sprague (1811-1895), an artist noted for
his paintings of plants and birds. Sprague accompanied
Audubon on his expedition to the Missouri River in 1843.
According to Miss Maria R. Audubon, the original drawing is
still in possession of the Sprague family, Wellesley Hills,
Massachusetts. For reproduction, see Maria R. Audubon, op.
cit.
17. 1843.—Half-length portrait in oils, by John Woodhouse Audubon,
representing the naturalist as he appeared when returning from
his expedition to the Missouri River in November, 1843, with
flowing white hair and beard; he wears a green overcoat, with
fur collar, and with both hands holds a favorite gun. The
original, which was never quite finished, is now in possession
of his granddaughters, at Salem, New York. For reproduction,
see Maria R. Audubon, op. cit., vol. i., frontispiece.
18. 1844.—Cameo by John C. King, now known only from the photograph
made from a cast of the original intaglio, which the artist
presented to the father of Mr. O. A. Farwell, of Detroit, in
1871.
"My father and Mr. King were great friends, and on one occasion, when
father dropped into Mr. King's studio, he found Mr. Audubon sitting for the
cameo. Mr. King introduced the two gentlemen and asked them to start a
conversation, which was continued during the sitting. The two men became
so animated in their very interesting conversation that they forgot where
they were, and thus the artist was enabled to catch the natural and striking
expression of the great ornithologist." See "The King Cameos of Audubon,"
by C. Hart Merriam (Bibl. No. 226), who published the first account of this
photograph, and of the previously mentioned Kennard cast, with
reproductions, in 1908. No trace of the original cameos, which were cut in
shell, has yet been found. The Farwell photograph has been reproduced as a
medallion on the covers of the present work.
his paintings of plants and birds. Sprague accompanied
Audubon on his expedition to the Missouri River in 1843.
According to Miss Maria R. Audubon, the original drawing is
still in possession of the Sprague family, Wellesley Hills,
Massachusetts. For reproduction, see Maria R. Audubon, op.
cit.
17. 1843.—Half-length portrait in oils, by John Woodhouse Audubon,
representing the naturalist as he appeared when returning from
his expedition to the Missouri River in November, 1843, with
flowing white hair and beard; he wears a green overcoat, with
fur collar, and with both hands holds a favorite gun. The
original, which was never quite finished, is now in possession
of his granddaughters, at Salem, New York. For reproduction,
see Maria R. Audubon, op. cit., vol. i., frontispiece.
18. 1844.—Cameo by John C. King, now known only from the photograph
made from a cast of the original intaglio, which the artist
presented to the father of Mr. O. A. Farwell, of Detroit, in
1871.
"My father and Mr. King were great friends, and on one occasion, when
father dropped into Mr. King's studio, he found Mr. Audubon sitting for the
cameo. Mr. King introduced the two gentlemen and asked them to start a
conversation, which was continued during the sitting. The two men became
so animated in their very interesting conversation that they forgot where
they were, and thus the artist was enabled to catch the natural and striking
expression of the great ornithologist." See "The King Cameos of Audubon,"
by C. Hart Merriam (Bibl. No. 226), who published the first account of this
photograph, and of the previously mentioned Kennard cast, with
reproductions, in 1908. No trace of the original cameos, which were cut in
shell, has yet been found. The Farwell photograph has been reproduced as a
medallion on the covers of the present work.
Page 443
19. 1848-49 (?).—A daguerreotype made by Brady, in New York, probably
before 1850, since it was published in that year, and a
considerable interval of time is clearly represented between this
first camera likeness and the last which was ever made of the
naturalist (see No. 20, and Vol. II, p. 280). This daguerreotype
was first published as a steel engraving by D'Avignon, in
Lester's Gallery of Illustrious Americans (for which it was, in
all probability, originally made), in New York, 1850 (see
Bibliography, No. 62).
The same sun portrait was again engraved on steel (size 4¼ by
3¼ inches) by Nordheim, and published by Hermann J. Meyer,
164 William Street, New York. It also appeared as a wood
engraving, brought out by M. P.-A. Cap, in Le Muséum
D'Histoire Naturelle, p. 175, Paris, 1854: a better reproduction,
by the same process, was given in Scribner's Magazine, vol.
xiii, p. 275 (see "Audubon's Story of his Youth," by Maria R.
Audubon, Bibl. No. 40), in 1893.
The original daguerreotype was finally discovered in the collections at
the National Museum, at Washington, where it had been deposited by Mrs.
Elizabeth Berthoud Grimshaw, a daughter of Mrs. Nicholas Berthoud, and
niece of Mrs. Audubon; it was again published by Dr. R. W. Shufeldt, and
Miss M. R. Audubon, in 1894 (see "The Last Portrait of Audubon," Bibl.
No. 196). According to the writers just cited, the daguerreotype was
formerly in possession of Mrs. Gordon, a sister of Mrs. J. J. Audubon, who
gave it to the present owner.
20. 1850 (?).—A daguerreotype, representing Audubon as he appeared at
the close of his career; original in possession of Miss Mary
Eliza Audubon; for reproduction see Audubon and his
Journals, vol. I, p. 74, and Vol. II, p. 280, of the present work.
As to the probable date of this picture, see the preceding notice.
before 1850, since it was published in that year, and a
considerable interval of time is clearly represented between this
first camera likeness and the last which was ever made of the
naturalist (see No. 20, and Vol. II, p. 280). This daguerreotype
was first published as a steel engraving by D'Avignon, in
Lester's Gallery of Illustrious Americans (for which it was, in
all probability, originally made), in New York, 1850 (see
Bibliography, No. 62).
The same sun portrait was again engraved on steel (size 4¼ by
3¼ inches) by Nordheim, and published by Hermann J. Meyer,
164 William Street, New York. It also appeared as a wood
engraving, brought out by M. P.-A. Cap, in Le Muséum
D'Histoire Naturelle, p. 175, Paris, 1854: a better reproduction,
by the same process, was given in Scribner's Magazine, vol.
xiii, p. 275 (see "Audubon's Story of his Youth," by Maria R.
Audubon, Bibl. No. 40), in 1893.
The original daguerreotype was finally discovered in the collections at
the National Museum, at Washington, where it had been deposited by Mrs.
Elizabeth Berthoud Grimshaw, a daughter of Mrs. Nicholas Berthoud, and
niece of Mrs. Audubon; it was again published by Dr. R. W. Shufeldt, and
Miss M. R. Audubon, in 1894 (see "The Last Portrait of Audubon," Bibl.
No. 196). According to the writers just cited, the daguerreotype was
formerly in possession of Mrs. Gordon, a sister of Mrs. J. J. Audubon, who
gave it to the present owner.
20. 1850 (?).—A daguerreotype, representing Audubon as he appeared at
the close of his career; original in possession of Miss Mary
Eliza Audubon; for reproduction see Audubon and his
Journals, vol. I, p. 74, and Vol. II, p. 280, of the present work.
As to the probable date of this picture, see the preceding notice.
Page 444
21. 1851.—Death mask; profile from original, since destroyed by fire,
reproduced in Scribner's Magazine, vol. xiii, by Maria R.
Audubon (Bibl. No. 40), March, 1893.
22. 1851.—Profile of head; pencil sketch, after death, made by John W.
Audubon; reproduced by Maria R. Audubon, Audubon and his
Journals, vol. ii, p. 526.
23. 1861.—Oil portrait by Alonzo Chappel, engraved on steel for
Duyckinck's National Portrait Gallery of Eminent Americans
(see Bibliography, No. 74), and published by Messrs. Johnson,
Fry & Company, New York, 1862.
The original of this portrait, which was evidently drawn, with slight
changes, from the large painting of the same subject by John Woodhouse
Audubon, executed about 1841 (see No. 13), is now in possession of Mr.
Ruthven Deane, who has written me that it is done in black and white, like
all of Chappel's work which was designed for the purposes of steel
engraving, and measures 12 by 17 inches. Concerning this artist, Mr. Arthur
Lumley wrote to Mr. Deane on April 26, 1905, as follows: "I knew Chappel
in my boyhood days, when he ranked next to Felix O. C. Darley as an
illustrator; at the same time he was a good portrait painter in oil. Chappel,
in many ways, was a gifted man, and his historical pictures were fine in
composition and color. He held a high rank, and had no occasion to seek
orders, having all he could do, and at his own terms; most of his work was
reproduced by steel-plate engravings": Chappel, he adds, who died about
1875, was "a quiet, genial gentleman who was ever ready to help and guide
rising aspirants in the field of art."
24. 1907 (unveiled).—Bust by William Couper; unveiled at the American
Museum of Natural History, New York, December 29, 1906.
Reproduced through courtesy of the Museum, at p. 160 of Vol.
II of the present work.
reproduced in Scribner's Magazine, vol. xiii, by Maria R.
Audubon (Bibl. No. 40), March, 1893.
22. 1851.—Profile of head; pencil sketch, after death, made by John W.
Audubon; reproduced by Maria R. Audubon, Audubon and his
Journals, vol. ii, p. 526.
23. 1861.—Oil portrait by Alonzo Chappel, engraved on steel for
Duyckinck's National Portrait Gallery of Eminent Americans
(see Bibliography, No. 74), and published by Messrs. Johnson,
Fry & Company, New York, 1862.
The original of this portrait, which was evidently drawn, with slight
changes, from the large painting of the same subject by John Woodhouse
Audubon, executed about 1841 (see No. 13), is now in possession of Mr.
Ruthven Deane, who has written me that it is done in black and white, like
all of Chappel's work which was designed for the purposes of steel
engraving, and measures 12 by 17 inches. Concerning this artist, Mr. Arthur
Lumley wrote to Mr. Deane on April 26, 1905, as follows: "I knew Chappel
in my boyhood days, when he ranked next to Felix O. C. Darley as an
illustrator; at the same time he was a good portrait painter in oil. Chappel,
in many ways, was a gifted man, and his historical pictures were fine in
composition and color. He held a high rank, and had no occasion to seek
orders, having all he could do, and at his own terms; most of his work was
reproduced by steel-plate engravings": Chappel, he adds, who died about
1875, was "a quiet, genial gentleman who was ever ready to help and guide
rising aspirants in the field of art."
24. 1907 (unveiled).—Bust by William Couper; unveiled at the American
Museum of Natural History, New York, December 29, 1906.
Reproduced through courtesy of the Museum, at p. 160 of Vol.
II of the present work.
Page 445
25. 1910 (unveiled).—Statue, by Edward Virginius Valentine; unveiled in
Audubon Park, New Orleans, November 26, 1910; reproduced
at p. 14 of Vol. I of the present work.
Audubon Park, New Orleans, November 26, 1910; reproduced
at p. 14 of Vol. I of the present work.
Page 446
APPENDIX V
Bibliography
Besides the published writings of Audubon, I have included in this
Bibliography such references to his life and times as occur in the text or
which possess some degree of merit; all other important literary and
historical authorities are cited in footnotes to the text. The titles appear in a
single numerical series, but the arrangement under each head is strictly
chronological. All references to this list in the text are indicated usually by
title, with the name of the author, and always by Arabic numerals, in
correspondence with the series which follows. If some chaff has been
admitted to this garner, no corn, I hope, has been thrown into the fire.
a. Principal Works
1. Audubon, John James:
The Birds of America, from Original Drawings by John James
Audubon, Fellow of the Royal Societies of London & Edinburgh
and of the Linnæan & Zoölogical Societies of London, Member of
the Natural History Society of Paris, of the Lyceum of New York,
&c. &c. &c. 4 vols. colored plates, double elephant folio. Published
by the Author. London, 1827-1838.
Issued without text, titles excepted, to subscribers, in 87 Numbers of 5
plates each, or 435 copper-plate engravings, colored by hand, and
representing 1,065 life-size figures of 489 supposedly distinct species of
Bibliography
Besides the published writings of Audubon, I have included in this
Bibliography such references to his life and times as occur in the text or
which possess some degree of merit; all other important literary and
historical authorities are cited in footnotes to the text. The titles appear in a
single numerical series, but the arrangement under each head is strictly
chronological. All references to this list in the text are indicated usually by
title, with the name of the author, and always by Arabic numerals, in
correspondence with the series which follows. If some chaff has been
admitted to this garner, no corn, I hope, has been thrown into the fire.
a. Principal Works
1. Audubon, John James:
The Birds of America, from Original Drawings by John James
Audubon, Fellow of the Royal Societies of London & Edinburgh
and of the Linnæan & Zoölogical Societies of London, Member of
the Natural History Society of Paris, of the Lyceum of New York,
&c. &c. &c. 4 vols. colored plates, double elephant folio. Published
by the Author. London, 1827-1838.
Issued without text, titles excepted, to subscribers, in 87 Numbers of 5
plates each, or 435 copper-plate engravings, colored by hand, and
representing 1,065 life-size figures of 489 supposedly distinct species of
Page 447
birds. Titles the same, except that in volumes II-IV, after "New York," in list
of societies following author's name, is added, "of the Philosophical Society
and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia." Begun at Edinburgh
in autumn of 1826, and completed in London, June 20, 1838.
A more detailed citation is:
Vol. I. Parts 1-22, pll. i- cx, 1827-
30.
Vol. II. Parts 23- pll. cxi- ccxx, 1831-
44, 34.
Vol.III. Parts 45- pll. ccxxi- cccxxx, 1834-
66, 35.
Vol. IV. Parts 67- pll. cccxxxi- ccccxxxv, 1835-
87, 38.
More exact data on publication of individual plates are:
1827 pll. 1- 25
1828 pll. 26- 50
1829 pll. 51- 75
1830 pll. 76-100
1831 pll. 101(?)-125
1832 pll. 126-155(?)
1833 pll. 156-185
1834 pll. 186-235
1835 pll. 236-285
1836 pll. 286-350
1837 pll. 351-400
1838 pll. 400[401]-435
The first ten plates were executed by William Home Lizars, Edinburgh,
1826-7, but were later retouched or reëngraved (?) by Robert Havell, Junior,
who produced all the rest in London; printed on Whatman's drawing paper,
size (untrimmed), 39½ x 29½ inches, and colored after the originals. A
of societies following author's name, is added, "of the Philosophical Society
and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia." Begun at Edinburgh
in autumn of 1826, and completed in London, June 20, 1838.
A more detailed citation is:
Vol. I. Parts 1-22, pll. i- cx, 1827-
30.
Vol. II. Parts 23- pll. cxi- ccxx, 1831-
44, 34.
Vol.III. Parts 45- pll. ccxxi- cccxxx, 1834-
66, 35.
Vol. IV. Parts 67- pll. cccxxxi- ccccxxxv, 1835-
87, 38.
More exact data on publication of individual plates are:
1827 pll. 1- 25
1828 pll. 26- 50
1829 pll. 51- 75
1830 pll. 76-100
1831 pll. 101(?)-125
1832 pll. 126-155(?)
1833 pll. 156-185
1834 pll. 186-235
1835 pll. 236-285
1836 pll. 286-350
1837 pll. 351-400
1838 pll. 400[401]-435
The first ten plates were executed by William Home Lizars, Edinburgh,
1826-7, but were later retouched or reëngraved (?) by Robert Havell, Junior,
who produced all the rest in London; printed on Whatman's drawing paper,
size (untrimmed), 39½ x 29½ inches, and colored after the originals. A
Page 448
considerable number of the plain plates were dispersed, and at least one
complete set exists in this state (see Note, Chapter XXVI, Vol. II, p. 7, and
also Chapter XXXII, Vol. II, p. 190); scientific and common names, with
legends of author and engraver, and eventually the date of publication, were
given on each plate. Issued to subscribers at two guineas a Part, and sold in
Europe at £182, 14s; in America, at $1,000. The Turkey Cock (Plate No. 1)
now brings upwards of $140, and perfect sets upwards of $4,000, according
to binding and state. Total number of original sets probably did not exceed
190 or 200.
2. Audubon, John James, F. R. SS. L. & E. [with list of societies]:
Ornithological Biography, or an account of the habits of the
Birds of the United States of America; accompanied by descriptions
of the objects represented in the work entitled The Birds of America,
and interspersed with delineations of American scenery and
manners. 5 vols. roy. 8vo. Edinburgh, 1831-1839.
Vol. I (original ed.). Preface dated "March 1831." Pp. i-xxiv, 1-512,
and 1-16, including "Prospectus," "Contents" to Vol. I, and
names of subscribers to The Birds of America. Text to
accompany plates i-c of the large folio. Adam Black, 55 North
Bridge (with names of agents; Neill & Co. Printers, Old
Fishmarket), Edinburgh, MDCCCXXXI.
Vol. I (American reprint). Pagination the same. Judah Dobson,
Agent, 108 Chestnut St., and H. H. Porter, Literary Rooms, 121
Chestnut St., Philadelphia, MDCCCXXXI. Copyright by R.
Harlan, M.D., 1831. Printed by James Kay, Jun. & Co., Printers
to the American Philosophical Society, No. 4 Minor St.
Vol. I (American reprint). The same, but bearing the imprint of E. L.
Carey and A. Hart, Chestnut St., Philadelphia, MDCCCXXXV.
complete set exists in this state (see Note, Chapter XXVI, Vol. II, p. 7, and
also Chapter XXXII, Vol. II, p. 190); scientific and common names, with
legends of author and engraver, and eventually the date of publication, were
given on each plate. Issued to subscribers at two guineas a Part, and sold in
Europe at £182, 14s; in America, at $1,000. The Turkey Cock (Plate No. 1)
now brings upwards of $140, and perfect sets upwards of $4,000, according
to binding and state. Total number of original sets probably did not exceed
190 or 200.
2. Audubon, John James, F. R. SS. L. & E. [with list of societies]:
Ornithological Biography, or an account of the habits of the
Birds of the United States of America; accompanied by descriptions
of the objects represented in the work entitled The Birds of America,
and interspersed with delineations of American scenery and
manners. 5 vols. roy. 8vo. Edinburgh, 1831-1839.
Vol. I (original ed.). Preface dated "March 1831." Pp. i-xxiv, 1-512,
and 1-16, including "Prospectus," "Contents" to Vol. I, and
names of subscribers to The Birds of America. Text to
accompany plates i-c of the large folio. Adam Black, 55 North
Bridge (with names of agents; Neill & Co. Printers, Old
Fishmarket), Edinburgh, MDCCCXXXI.
Vol. I (American reprint). Pagination the same. Judah Dobson,
Agent, 108 Chestnut St., and H. H. Porter, Literary Rooms, 121
Chestnut St., Philadelphia, MDCCCXXXI. Copyright by R.
Harlan, M.D., 1831. Printed by James Kay, Jun. & Co., Printers
to the American Philosophical Society, No. 4 Minor St.
Vol. I (American reprint). The same, but bearing the imprint of E. L.
Carey and A. Hart, Chestnut St., Philadelphia, MDCCCXXXV.
Page 449
Vol. II (original ed.). Preface dated "1st December 1834." Pp. i-
xxxii, 1-588. Text of plates ci-cc. Adam and Charles Black.
Edinburgh, MDCCCXXXIV.
Vol. II (American reprint). The same, but with imprint of Hilliard,
Gray, and Company. Boston, MDCCCXXXV.
Vol. III (original and only ed., as are IV and V). Preface dated "1st
December 1835." Pp. i-xvi, 1-638, with 9 woodcuts. Text to
plates cci-ccc. Same imprint as Vol. II. Edinburgh,
MDCCCXXXV.
Vol. IV. Preface dated "1st November 1838." Pp. i-xxviii, 1-618.
Text to plates ccci-ccclxxxvii. Imprint, the same. Edinburgh,
MDCCCXXXVIII.
Vol. V. Preface dated "1st May 1839." Pp. i-xl, 1-664, with 98
woodcuts. Text to plates ccclxxxviii-ccccxxxv. Same imprint.
Edinburgh, MDCCCXXXIX.
According to Stone, 5 species recognized in the folio are suppressed in
the "Biography"; 26 new names are given, and 502 species are recognized,
but as 11 were more or less hypothetical, 491 remain in supposedly good
standing.
3. Audubon, John James, F. R. SS. L. & E. Member of various scientific
associations in Europe and America:
A Synopsis of the Birds of North America. Pp. i-xi, 1-359. 8vo.
Adam and Charles Black, Edinburgh; Longman, Rees, Brown,
Green and Longman, London. MDCCCXXXIX.
A methodical index to the birds of America, with special reference to
the large folio plates and Ornithological Biography; 45 families and 139
genera are defined; 5 new names are added, making the total number of
recognized species 491.
xxxii, 1-588. Text of plates ci-cc. Adam and Charles Black.
Edinburgh, MDCCCXXXIV.
Vol. II (American reprint). The same, but with imprint of Hilliard,
Gray, and Company. Boston, MDCCCXXXV.
Vol. III (original and only ed., as are IV and V). Preface dated "1st
December 1835." Pp. i-xvi, 1-638, with 9 woodcuts. Text to
plates cci-ccc. Same imprint as Vol. II. Edinburgh,
MDCCCXXXV.
Vol. IV. Preface dated "1st November 1838." Pp. i-xxviii, 1-618.
Text to plates ccci-ccclxxxvii. Imprint, the same. Edinburgh,
MDCCCXXXVIII.
Vol. V. Preface dated "1st May 1839." Pp. i-xl, 1-664, with 98
woodcuts. Text to plates ccclxxxviii-ccccxxxv. Same imprint.
Edinburgh, MDCCCXXXIX.
According to Stone, 5 species recognized in the folio are suppressed in
the "Biography"; 26 new names are given, and 502 species are recognized,
but as 11 were more or less hypothetical, 491 remain in supposedly good
standing.
3. Audubon, John James, F. R. SS. L. & E. Member of various scientific
associations in Europe and America:
A Synopsis of the Birds of North America. Pp. i-xi, 1-359. 8vo.
Adam and Charles Black, Edinburgh; Longman, Rees, Brown,
Green and Longman, London. MDCCCXXXIX.
A methodical index to the birds of America, with special reference to
the large folio plates and Ornithological Biography; 45 families and 139
genera are defined; 5 new names are added, making the total number of
recognized species 491.
Page 450
4. Audubon, John James, F. R. SS. L. & E. (&c., &c.):
The Birds of America from Drawings made in the United States
and its Territories. 7 vols. of text and plates, roy. 8vo. Published by
the Author and J. B. Chevalier. New York and Philadelphia, 1840-
1844.
The "Birds in Miniature," or first octavo edition of text and plates
combined; issued to subscribers in 100 Parts, each with 5 lithographic
colored plates, at $1.00 a Part.
Vol. I. Parts 1-14; pll. 1-70; pp. i-viii, 9-256. 1840.
Vol. II. Parts 15-28; pll. 71-140; pp. i-viii, 9-206. 1841.
Vol. III. Parts 29-42; pll. 141-210; pp. i-viii, 9-236. 1841.
Vol. IV. Parts 43-56; pll. 211-280; pp. i-viii, 9-324. 1842.
Vol. V. Parts 57-70; pll. 281-350; pp. i-viii, 9-348. 1842.
Vol. VI. Parts 71-84; pll. 251[351]-420; pp. i-viii, 9-460. 1843.
Vol. VII. Parts85-100; pll. 421-500; pp. i-x, 9[11]-374. 1844.
In this "miniature" edition, the "delineations of American scenery and
manners" are omitted, the text revised, and the nomenclature made to
conform with the Synopsis; the plates of the large folio were broken up, and
their accessories reduced, so that but one species appears on each; 7
species, described in the Biography and Synopsis are figured for the first
time in an Appendix, in which also appear 17 species that had been neither
figured nor described before, thus bringing the total number of birds
represented on the octavo plates to 500; four of the largest birds receive two
plates each, thus leaving the number of distinct species figured at 496,
while the 12 species herein described brings the total number of species
recognized by Audubon in 1844 to 508. The plates of this edition are
rearranged and renumbered to conform with the new arrangement of the
text, which was considerably improved. The series begins with the
California Vulture, and ends with Baird's Bunting.
The Birds of America from Drawings made in the United States
and its Territories. 7 vols. of text and plates, roy. 8vo. Published by
the Author and J. B. Chevalier. New York and Philadelphia, 1840-
1844.
The "Birds in Miniature," or first octavo edition of text and plates
combined; issued to subscribers in 100 Parts, each with 5 lithographic
colored plates, at $1.00 a Part.
Vol. I. Parts 1-14; pll. 1-70; pp. i-viii, 9-256. 1840.
Vol. II. Parts 15-28; pll. 71-140; pp. i-viii, 9-206. 1841.
Vol. III. Parts 29-42; pll. 141-210; pp. i-viii, 9-236. 1841.
Vol. IV. Parts 43-56; pll. 211-280; pp. i-viii, 9-324. 1842.
Vol. V. Parts 57-70; pll. 281-350; pp. i-viii, 9-348. 1842.
Vol. VI. Parts 71-84; pll. 251[351]-420; pp. i-viii, 9-460. 1843.
Vol. VII. Parts85-100; pll. 421-500; pp. i-x, 9[11]-374. 1844.
In this "miniature" edition, the "delineations of American scenery and
manners" are omitted, the text revised, and the nomenclature made to
conform with the Synopsis; the plates of the large folio were broken up, and
their accessories reduced, so that but one species appears on each; 7
species, described in the Biography and Synopsis are figured for the first
time in an Appendix, in which also appear 17 species that had been neither
figured nor described before, thus bringing the total number of birds
represented on the octavo plates to 500; four of the largest birds receive two
plates each, thus leaving the number of distinct species figured at 496,
while the 12 species herein described brings the total number of species
recognized by Audubon in 1844 to 508. The plates of this edition are
rearranged and renumbered to conform with the new arrangement of the
text, which was considerably improved. The series begins with the
California Vulture, and ends with Baird's Bunting.
Page 451
Vols. I-V were published by J. J. Audubon, New York, and
simultaneously issued by J. B. Chevalier, Philadelphia; Vols. VI-VII,
published by J. J. Audubon, 77 Williams St., New York, and 34 North First
St., Philadelphia.
The Numbers or Parts were issued in blue paper covers, or drab when
without plates (7 x 11 inches), on which were printed the "Prospectus," lists
of subscribers and agents, besides other information which the author
wished to convey to his patrons. The printer's legend at the right lower
corner reads: "Lithd. Printed & Cold. by J. T. Bowen, Philada." Parts in
original covers are extremely rare; a set in this condition was offered in
1914 at $750.
5. Audubon, John James, and Bachman, Rev. John:
The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America. 2 vols. of 150
lithographic, colored plates; imp. folio. Published by J. J. Audubon,
New York, 1845-1846.
Vol. I. Parts 1-15, pll. 1-75, 1845.
Vol. II. Parts 16-30, pll. 76-150, 1846.
Issued to subscribers in 30 Parts of 5 plates each, size 28 x 22 inches, at
$10 a part, or $300, without text except titles, tables of contents, and names
on plates; 76 of the originals by J. J. Audubon, and 74 by J. W. Audubon,
assisted by V. G. Audubon. Author's and printer's legends read: "Drawn
from Nature by J. J. Audubon, F. R. S. F. L. S.," and "Lith. Printed & Cold.
by J. T. Bowen, Phila. 1842[-1845]."
6. Audubon, John James, F. R. S. (&c., &c.), and Bachman, Rev. John, D.
D. (&c., &c.):
The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America. 3 vols., roy. 8vo.
Published by J. J. Audubon and V. G. Audubon, New York, 1846-
1854.
simultaneously issued by J. B. Chevalier, Philadelphia; Vols. VI-VII,
published by J. J. Audubon, 77 Williams St., New York, and 34 North First
St., Philadelphia.
The Numbers or Parts were issued in blue paper covers, or drab when
without plates (7 x 11 inches), on which were printed the "Prospectus," lists
of subscribers and agents, besides other information which the author
wished to convey to his patrons. The printer's legend at the right lower
corner reads: "Lithd. Printed & Cold. by J. T. Bowen, Philada." Parts in
original covers are extremely rare; a set in this condition was offered in
1914 at $750.
5. Audubon, John James, and Bachman, Rev. John:
The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America. 2 vols. of 150
lithographic, colored plates; imp. folio. Published by J. J. Audubon,
New York, 1845-1846.
Vol. I. Parts 1-15, pll. 1-75, 1845.
Vol. II. Parts 16-30, pll. 76-150, 1846.
Issued to subscribers in 30 Parts of 5 plates each, size 28 x 22 inches, at
$10 a part, or $300, without text except titles, tables of contents, and names
on plates; 76 of the originals by J. J. Audubon, and 74 by J. W. Audubon,
assisted by V. G. Audubon. Author's and printer's legends read: "Drawn
from Nature by J. J. Audubon, F. R. S. F. L. S.," and "Lith. Printed & Cold.
by J. T. Bowen, Phila. 1842[-1845]."
6. Audubon, John James, F. R. S. (&c., &c.), and Bachman, Rev. John, D.
D. (&c., &c.):
The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America. 3 vols., roy. 8vo.
Published by J. J. Audubon and V. G. Audubon, New York, 1846-
1854.
Page 452
Issued to subscribers, as text to foregoing:
Vol. I. Pp. i-xvi, 1-390. Text only. Published by J. J. Audubon, New
York, 1846.
Vol. I (European ed.). The same as foregoing with imprint of Wiley
& Putnam, London, 1847.
Vol. II. Pp. 1-336. Text only. Published by V. G. Audubon, 1851.
Vol. III. Pp. i-vi, 1-350. Text, with 6 colored plates. Published by V.
G. Audubon, 1854.
7. Audubon, John James, F. R. S. (&c., &c.), and Bachman, Rev. John, D.
D. (&c., &c.):
The Quadrupeds of North America [in "Miniature"]. 3 vols.,
roy. 8vo., with 155 colored plates. Published by V. G. Audubon,
New York, 1854.
Vol. I. Nos. 1-10, pll. i-l, pp.i-viii, 1-384.
Vol. II. Nos. 11-20, pll. li-c, pp.1-334.
Vol. III. Nos. 21-31, pll. ci-clv, pp.i-vi, 1-348.
First and only edition of the text and plates reduced to octavo size;
most of the plates lithographed, printed and colored by J. T. Bowen. In Vol.
I the introduction is cut down, the list of subscribers omitted, and tables of
contents and genera placed at end; Vol. II is same as first edition, with
omission of subscribers' lists; Vol. III same as in first edition, except for
omission of table of genera at back. All plates in Vol. I, and 28 in Vol. II, or
78 in all, are by J. J. Audubon, and 77 are by J. W. Audubon.
8. Audubon, John James, F. R. S. (&c., &c.):
The Birds of America, from Drawings made in the United States
and their Territories. Vols. I-VII, roy. 8vo. Published by V. G.
Audubon, New York, 1856.
Vol. I. Pp. i-xvi, 1-390. Text only. Published by J. J. Audubon, New
York, 1846.
Vol. I (European ed.). The same as foregoing with imprint of Wiley
& Putnam, London, 1847.
Vol. II. Pp. 1-336. Text only. Published by V. G. Audubon, 1851.
Vol. III. Pp. i-vi, 1-350. Text, with 6 colored plates. Published by V.
G. Audubon, 1854.
7. Audubon, John James, F. R. S. (&c., &c.), and Bachman, Rev. John, D.
D. (&c., &c.):
The Quadrupeds of North America [in "Miniature"]. 3 vols.,
roy. 8vo., with 155 colored plates. Published by V. G. Audubon,
New York, 1854.
Vol. I. Nos. 1-10, pll. i-l, pp.i-viii, 1-384.
Vol. II. Nos. 11-20, pll. li-c, pp.1-334.
Vol. III. Nos. 21-31, pll. ci-clv, pp.i-vi, 1-348.
First and only edition of the text and plates reduced to octavo size;
most of the plates lithographed, printed and colored by J. T. Bowen. In Vol.
I the introduction is cut down, the list of subscribers omitted, and tables of
contents and genera placed at end; Vol. II is same as first edition, with
omission of subscribers' lists; Vol. III same as in first edition, except for
omission of table of genera at back. All plates in Vol. I, and 28 in Vol. II, or
78 in all, are by J. J. Audubon, and 77 are by J. W. Audubon.
8. Audubon, John James, F. R. S. (&c., &c.):
The Birds of America, from Drawings made in the United States
and their Territories. Vols. I-VII, roy. 8vo. Published by V. G.
Audubon, New York, 1856.
Page 453
The second octavo edition of the Birds, with 500 plates, published
without change, except in pagination. The portrait of Audubon, which
appears in this or in some of the later editions, was engraved by H. B. Hall
after the painting by Henry Inman.
9. Audubon, John James:
The Birds of America; from Original Drawings by John James
Audubon, Fellow of the Royal Societies of London & Edinburgh,
&c., &c., &c. Reissued by J. W. Audubon. 1 vol. of 106 double
elephant folio plates, in chromolithography, by J. Bien, 180
Broadway, representing 151 of the original copper plates. Roe
Lockwood & Son, Publishers. New York, 1860.
The only (and partial) reissue of the original folio; plates, in many
instances double, renumbered to correspond with the octavo edition, with
backgrounds often simplified or changed, and much inferior to the original
hand-colored engravings; the plates are dated "1858" or "1859." Checked
by the Civil War, the residual stock of plates found a ready sale thirty years
later. Citation from copy in the Public Library, New York City. (See
Appendix III, Document No. 3).
10. Audubon, John James:
The Birds of America, from Drawings made in the United States
and their Territories, by John James Audubon, F. R. S., &c., &c.
Reissued by J. W. Audubon. Vols. I-VII, roy. 8vo. Text only. Roe
Lockwood & Son, Publishers. New York, 1861. Vol. I, pp. i-viii, 11-
246; Vol. II, pp. i-viii, 11-200; Vol. III, pp. i-viii, 9-234; Vol. IV, pp.
i-viii, 9-322; Vol. V, pp. i-viii, 9-346; Vol. VI, pp. i-viii, 2-456; Vol.
VII (not seen).
Issued as the letterpress of the imperfect folio (see No. 9) described
above. According to Sabin, quoted by Coues (see No. 181 of this
Bibliography), only 4 royal octavo volumes of this text was issued; the
without change, except in pagination. The portrait of Audubon, which
appears in this or in some of the later editions, was engraved by H. B. Hall
after the painting by Henry Inman.
9. Audubon, John James:
The Birds of America; from Original Drawings by John James
Audubon, Fellow of the Royal Societies of London & Edinburgh,
&c., &c., &c. Reissued by J. W. Audubon. 1 vol. of 106 double
elephant folio plates, in chromolithography, by J. Bien, 180
Broadway, representing 151 of the original copper plates. Roe
Lockwood & Son, Publishers. New York, 1860.
The only (and partial) reissue of the original folio; plates, in many
instances double, renumbered to correspond with the octavo edition, with
backgrounds often simplified or changed, and much inferior to the original
hand-colored engravings; the plates are dated "1858" or "1859." Checked
by the Civil War, the residual stock of plates found a ready sale thirty years
later. Citation from copy in the Public Library, New York City. (See
Appendix III, Document No. 3).
10. Audubon, John James:
The Birds of America, from Drawings made in the United States
and their Territories, by John James Audubon, F. R. S., &c., &c.
Reissued by J. W. Audubon. Vols. I-VII, roy. 8vo. Text only. Roe
Lockwood & Son, Publishers. New York, 1861. Vol. I, pp. i-viii, 11-
246; Vol. II, pp. i-viii, 11-200; Vol. III, pp. i-viii, 9-234; Vol. IV, pp.
i-viii, 9-322; Vol. V, pp. i-viii, 9-346; Vol. VI, pp. i-viii, 2-456; Vol.
VII (not seen).
Issued as the letterpress of the imperfect folio (see No. 9) described
above. According to Sabin, quoted by Coues (see No. 181 of this
Bibliography), only 4 royal octavo volumes of this text was issued; the
Page 454
present citation is from the 6 volumes in the Public Library of New York;
all are without plates, and it should be noted that Vols. I and II, and III and
IV are bound as two volumes. In 1914 a set of this edition, in seven
volumes, bound in cloth, was advertised by a bookseller in New York at
$40. (See Appendix III, Document No. 3).
11. Audubon, John James:
The Birds of America ... Reissued by J. W. Audubon, in 7 vols.,
imper. 8vo., with 500 colored plates, 10 x 7 inches. Roe Lockwood
& Son. New York, 1861.
Third complete octavo edition, to be distinguished from the 7 vols. (No.
10) referred to above, and the V. G. Audubon reissue of 1856 (No. 8).
Reference partly from Coues.
12. Audubon, John James:
The Birds of North America: a popular and scientific description
of the Birds of the United States and their Territories. New edition.
New York, 1863.
Not seen, but given on the authority of Coues.
13. Audubon, John James:
The Birds of America ... 8 vols. 8vo. New York, 1865.
According to Coues, a later edition of J. W. Audubon's reissue of 1861,
but in 8 instead of 7 volumes.
14. Audubon, John James, F. R. S. (&c., &c.):
The Birds of America, from drawings made in the United States
and their Territories. Vols. I-VIII, imper. 8vo. George R. Lockwood,
late Roe Lockwood & Son, 812 Broadway, New York. No date.
(1871.) Vol. I, pp. i-viii, i-xv (memoir), 11-246, pll. 1-70; Vol. II, pp.
all are without plates, and it should be noted that Vols. I and II, and III and
IV are bound as two volumes. In 1914 a set of this edition, in seven
volumes, bound in cloth, was advertised by a bookseller in New York at
$40. (See Appendix III, Document No. 3).
11. Audubon, John James:
The Birds of America ... Reissued by J. W. Audubon, in 7 vols.,
imper. 8vo., with 500 colored plates, 10 x 7 inches. Roe Lockwood
& Son. New York, 1861.
Third complete octavo edition, to be distinguished from the 7 vols. (No.
10) referred to above, and the V. G. Audubon reissue of 1856 (No. 8).
Reference partly from Coues.
12. Audubon, John James:
The Birds of North America: a popular and scientific description
of the Birds of the United States and their Territories. New edition.
New York, 1863.
Not seen, but given on the authority of Coues.
13. Audubon, John James:
The Birds of America ... 8 vols. 8vo. New York, 1865.
According to Coues, a later edition of J. W. Audubon's reissue of 1861,
but in 8 instead of 7 volumes.
14. Audubon, John James, F. R. S. (&c., &c.):
The Birds of America, from drawings made in the United States
and their Territories. Vols. I-VIII, imper. 8vo. George R. Lockwood,
late Roe Lockwood & Son, 812 Broadway, New York. No date.
(1871.) Vol. I, pp. i-viii, i-xv (memoir), 11-246, pll. 1-70; Vol. II, pp.
Page 455
i-vii, 11-199, pll. 71-140; Vol. III, pp. i-viii, 9-233, pll. 141-210; Vol.
IV, pp. i-viii, 9-321, pll. 211-280; Vol. V, pp. i-viii, 9-346, pll. 281-
250; Vol. VI, pp. i-vii, 9-298, pll. 351-394; Vol. VII, pp. i-vii, 9-285,
pll. 395-440; Vol. VIII, pp. i-viii, 9-256, pll. 441-500. (Pagination
taken from Coues.)
Sixth and last complete octavo edition of text and plates, being a
reissue of the 1865 edition. In the biography, signed "G. R. L[ockwood].,
1870," it is stated that Jean Audubon died "at Rochefort on the Loire [sic],
where he had a large estate" at the age of ninety-five, and that J. J. Audubon
was born on his father's plantation at New Orleans in 1780. This memoir
was issued separately as an advertising pamphlet by J. L. Sibole ("Fine
Book Dealer, 109 So. 15th. Street, New York"), to exploit the octavo
editions of the Birds and Quadrupeds (pp. 1-15, paper cover, no date).
b. Minor Papers and Reprints
15. Audubon, John James:
"On the Hirundo fulva of Vieillot." Annals of the Lyceum of
Natural History of New York, vol. i, pp. 163-166. New York, 1824.
16. Audubon, John James:
"Facts and Observations connected with the permanent
residence of swallows in the United States." Annals of the Lyceum of
Natural History of New York, vol. i, pp. 166-168. New York, 1824.
17. Audubon, John James (a citizen of the United States):
"Account of the Habits of the Turkey Buzzard (Vultur aura)
particularly with the view of exploding the opinion generally
entertained of its extraordinary power of Smelling." In a letter to
Professor Jameson. [Note.] This communication was originally
IV, pp. i-viii, 9-321, pll. 211-280; Vol. V, pp. i-viii, 9-346, pll. 281-
250; Vol. VI, pp. i-vii, 9-298, pll. 351-394; Vol. VII, pp. i-vii, 9-285,
pll. 395-440; Vol. VIII, pp. i-viii, 9-256, pll. 441-500. (Pagination
taken from Coues.)
Sixth and last complete octavo edition of text and plates, being a
reissue of the 1865 edition. In the biography, signed "G. R. L[ockwood].,
1870," it is stated that Jean Audubon died "at Rochefort on the Loire [sic],
where he had a large estate" at the age of ninety-five, and that J. J. Audubon
was born on his father's plantation at New Orleans in 1780. This memoir
was issued separately as an advertising pamphlet by J. L. Sibole ("Fine
Book Dealer, 109 So. 15th. Street, New York"), to exploit the octavo
editions of the Birds and Quadrupeds (pp. 1-15, paper cover, no date).
b. Minor Papers and Reprints
15. Audubon, John James:
"On the Hirundo fulva of Vieillot." Annals of the Lyceum of
Natural History of New York, vol. i, pp. 163-166. New York, 1824.
16. Audubon, John James:
"Facts and Observations connected with the permanent
residence of swallows in the United States." Annals of the Lyceum of
Natural History of New York, vol. i, pp. 166-168. New York, 1824.
17. Audubon, John James (a citizen of the United States):
"Account of the Habits of the Turkey Buzzard (Vultur aura)
particularly with the view of exploding the opinion generally
entertained of its extraordinary power of Smelling." In a letter to
Professor Jameson. [Note.] This communication was originally
Page 456
intended to be sent to a friend unacquainted with the habits of birds
—J. J. A. Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal, vol. 2 (Oct.-Apr.),
pp. 172-184. Edinburgh, 1826-1827. Dated "Edinburgh, Dec. 7,
1826."
18. Audubon, John James:
"Observations on the Natural History of the Alligator." In a
letter to Sir William Jardine, Baronet, &c. Edinburgh New
Philosophical Journal, vol. 2, (Oct.-April), pp. 270-280. Edinburgh,
1826-1827.
Gives the first account of the nesting habits of the American alligator.
19. Audubon, John James:
"Account of the Carrion Crow or Vultur atratus." Edinburgh
Journal of Science, vol. vi (Nov.-April), pp. 156-161. Edinburgh,
1826-1827.
Notices the nesting and other habits, and maintains that this species,
like the Turkey Buzzard, is guided to its food by sight and not by smell.
20. Audubon, John James:
"Notes on the Habits of the Wild Pigeon of America, Columba
migratoria." Edinburgh Journal of Science, vol. vi (Nov.-April), pp.
256-265. Edinburgh, 1826-1827.
Read before the Royal Society of Edinburgh, February 19, 1827.
21. Audubon, John James:
"Notes on the Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), in a letter
addressed to Thomas Stuart Traill, M. D., &c." Edinburgh New
Philosophical Journal, vol. 3 (April-Oct.), pp. 21-30. Edinburgh,
1827.
—J. J. A. Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal, vol. 2 (Oct.-Apr.),
pp. 172-184. Edinburgh, 1826-1827. Dated "Edinburgh, Dec. 7,
1826."
18. Audubon, John James:
"Observations on the Natural History of the Alligator." In a
letter to Sir William Jardine, Baronet, &c. Edinburgh New
Philosophical Journal, vol. 2, (Oct.-April), pp. 270-280. Edinburgh,
1826-1827.
Gives the first account of the nesting habits of the American alligator.
19. Audubon, John James:
"Account of the Carrion Crow or Vultur atratus." Edinburgh
Journal of Science, vol. vi (Nov.-April), pp. 156-161. Edinburgh,
1826-1827.
Notices the nesting and other habits, and maintains that this species,
like the Turkey Buzzard, is guided to its food by sight and not by smell.
20. Audubon, John James:
"Notes on the Habits of the Wild Pigeon of America, Columba
migratoria." Edinburgh Journal of Science, vol. vi (Nov.-April), pp.
256-265. Edinburgh, 1826-1827.
Read before the Royal Society of Edinburgh, February 19, 1827.
21. Audubon, John James:
"Notes on the Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), in a letter
addressed to Thomas Stuart Traill, M. D., &c." Edinburgh New
Philosophical Journal, vol. 3 (April-Oct.), pp. 21-30. Edinburgh,
1827.
Page 457
Read before the Wernerian Society of Natural History, February 24,
1827. Reproduced in Journal of the Franklin Institute and American
Mechanics' Magazine, vol. ii, N. S., pp. 32-37. Philadelphia, 1828. Later
repudiated by the editor; see Thomas P. Jones, "The Romance of the
Rattlesnake," No. 93 of this Bibliography.
22. Audubon, J. J.:
"Account of the Method of Drawing Birds employed by J. J.
Audubon, Esq., F. R. S. E." In a letter to a friend. Edinburgh Journal
of Science, vol. viii, pp. 48-54. Edinburgh, 1828.
22a. Audubon, John James:
"Journey up the Mississippi." The Winter's Wreath for 1829, pp.
104-127. Liverpool and Philadelphia, 1828.
23. Audubon, John James:
"Notes on the Bird of Washington—(Falco Washingtonia) or
Great American Sea Eagle" (with figure). Loudon's Magazine of
Natural History, vol. i, pp. 115-120. London, 1828-1829.
Dated "London, April, 1828."
24. Audubon, John J.:
"The Flood of the Mississippi." Edinburgh Literary Journal.
February, 1831, pp. 140-142.
See "Episode" entitled "A Flood," Ornithological Biography, vol. i.
25. Audubon, J. J.:
"An Account of the Habits of the American Goshawk (Falco
palumbarius, Wils.)." In a letter to Sir William Jardine, Bart.
Edinburgh Journal of Natural and Geographical Science, vol. 3
(March), pp. 145-147. Edinburgh, 1831.
1827. Reproduced in Journal of the Franklin Institute and American
Mechanics' Magazine, vol. ii, N. S., pp. 32-37. Philadelphia, 1828. Later
repudiated by the editor; see Thomas P. Jones, "The Romance of the
Rattlesnake," No. 93 of this Bibliography.
22. Audubon, J. J.:
"Account of the Method of Drawing Birds employed by J. J.
Audubon, Esq., F. R. S. E." In a letter to a friend. Edinburgh Journal
of Science, vol. viii, pp. 48-54. Edinburgh, 1828.
22a. Audubon, John James:
"Journey up the Mississippi." The Winter's Wreath for 1829, pp.
104-127. Liverpool and Philadelphia, 1828.
23. Audubon, John James:
"Notes on the Bird of Washington—(Falco Washingtonia) or
Great American Sea Eagle" (with figure). Loudon's Magazine of
Natural History, vol. i, pp. 115-120. London, 1828-1829.
Dated "London, April, 1828."
24. Audubon, John J.:
"The Flood of the Mississippi." Edinburgh Literary Journal.
February, 1831, pp. 140-142.
See "Episode" entitled "A Flood," Ornithological Biography, vol. i.
25. Audubon, J. J.:
"An Account of the Habits of the American Goshawk (Falco
palumbarius, Wils.)." In a letter to Sir William Jardine, Bart.
Edinburgh Journal of Natural and Geographical Science, vol. 3
(March), pp. 145-147. Edinburgh, 1831.
Page 458
26. Audubon, John James:
"Improvements in the Navigation of the Mississippi."
Edinburgh Literary Journal, March 26, 1831, pp. 194-195.
See Ornithological Biography, vol. i.
27. Audubon, John James:
"Hunting the Cougar, or the American Lion." Edinburgh New
Philosophical Journal, vol. 11, pp. 103-115. Edinburgh, 1831.
See "The Cougar," Ornithological Biography, vol. i. "It having been
remarked, and rather sharply, that in our article on 'Audubon's
Ornithological Biography,' we have overrated that gentleman's talents, we,
in our own vindication, and as proofs of Audubon's descriptive powers,
submit to the judgment of our readers the above sketch, taken at random
from his work." (Editor's note.)
28. Audubon, J. J.:
"Account of a Hurricane in North America." Edinburgh New
Philosophical Journal, vol. 12 (Oct.-April), pp. 278-281. Edinburgh,
1831-1832.
See "The Hurricane," Ornithological Biography, vol. i.
29. Audubon, J. J.:
"The Ohio." Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal, vol. 12, pp.
122-126. Edinburgh, 1832.
See the same, Ornithological Biography, vol. i.
30. Audubon, J. J., and Bachman, Rev. John, D. D.:
"Descriptions of New Species of Quadrupeds inhabiting North
America." Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences, vol. viii, pt.
"Improvements in the Navigation of the Mississippi."
Edinburgh Literary Journal, March 26, 1831, pp. 194-195.
See Ornithological Biography, vol. i.
27. Audubon, John James:
"Hunting the Cougar, or the American Lion." Edinburgh New
Philosophical Journal, vol. 11, pp. 103-115. Edinburgh, 1831.
See "The Cougar," Ornithological Biography, vol. i. "It having been
remarked, and rather sharply, that in our article on 'Audubon's
Ornithological Biography,' we have overrated that gentleman's talents, we,
in our own vindication, and as proofs of Audubon's descriptive powers,
submit to the judgment of our readers the above sketch, taken at random
from his work." (Editor's note.)
28. Audubon, J. J.:
"Account of a Hurricane in North America." Edinburgh New
Philosophical Journal, vol. 12 (Oct.-April), pp. 278-281. Edinburgh,
1831-1832.
See "The Hurricane," Ornithological Biography, vol. i.
29. Audubon, J. J.:
"The Ohio." Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal, vol. 12, pp.
122-126. Edinburgh, 1832.
See the same, Ornithological Biography, vol. i.
30. Audubon, J. J., and Bachman, Rev. John, D. D.:
"Descriptions of New Species of Quadrupeds inhabiting North
America." Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences, vol. viii, pt.
Page 459
ii, pp. 280-329. Philadelphia, 1839-1842.
Read, Oct. 5, 1841.
31. Audubon, J. J., and Bachman, J.:
"Descriptions of New Species of Quadrupeds inhabiting North
America." Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences, vol. i
(Oct., 1841), pp. 92-103. Philadelphia, 1843.
32. Audubon, John James, and Bachman, John:
"Description of a new North American Fox, genus Vulpes, Cuv.,
(Utah)." Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences, vol. vi,
pp. 114-116. Philadelphia, 1852-1853.
33. Audubon, John James:
"Earthquake in Kentucky." Reproduced in Magazine of
American History, vol. 16, pp. 342-344, with portrait. New York,
1886.
See "The Earthquake," Ornithological Biography, vol. i.
c. Epistolary Articles
34. Audubon, John James:
"Letter to the Editor" (No. 1). Dated "St. Augustine, East
Florida, Dec. 7, 1831." Monthly American Journal of Geology and
Natural Science, vol. i, pp. 358-363. Philadelphia, 1832.
35. Audubon, J. J.:
"Letter from J. J. Audubon to the Editor" (No. 2). Dated
"Bulowville, East Florida, December 31, 1831." Monthly American
Read, Oct. 5, 1841.
31. Audubon, J. J., and Bachman, J.:
"Descriptions of New Species of Quadrupeds inhabiting North
America." Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences, vol. i
(Oct., 1841), pp. 92-103. Philadelphia, 1843.
32. Audubon, John James, and Bachman, John:
"Description of a new North American Fox, genus Vulpes, Cuv.,
(Utah)." Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences, vol. vi,
pp. 114-116. Philadelphia, 1852-1853.
33. Audubon, John James:
"Earthquake in Kentucky." Reproduced in Magazine of
American History, vol. 16, pp. 342-344, with portrait. New York,
1886.
See "The Earthquake," Ornithological Biography, vol. i.
c. Epistolary Articles
34. Audubon, John James:
"Letter to the Editor" (No. 1). Dated "St. Augustine, East
Florida, Dec. 7, 1831." Monthly American Journal of Geology and
Natural Science, vol. i, pp. 358-363. Philadelphia, 1832.
35. Audubon, J. J.:
"Letter from J. J. Audubon to the Editor" (No. 2). Dated
"Bulowville, East Florida, December 31, 1831." Monthly American
Page 460
Journal of Geology and Natural Science, vol. i, pp. 407-414.
Philadelphia, 1832.
36. Audubon, J. J.:
"Letter to the Editor" (No. 3). Monthly American Journal of
Geology and Natural Science, vol. i (June), pp. 529-537.
Philadelphia, 1832.
37. Audubon, J. J.:
"Letter from J. J. Audubon to William MacGillivray."
Edinburgh Journal of Natural History, vol. i (for Dec., 1838), p.
171. Edinburgh, 1835-1839.
Dated, "On board the Crusader, Cote Blanche, 18 April, 1837."
d. Translations
38. Bazin, Eugène:
Scènes de la Nature dans les Etats-Unis et le Nord de
l'Amérique. Ouvrage traduit d'Audubon, avec Preface et Notes du
Traducteur. T. 1-2, pp. 1-460, 1-512. 8vo. Paris, 1857.
Selections from the Ornithological Biography, with Introduction;
dedicated to Charles Lucien Bonaparte.
39. (Anon.):
"Drei Ziegenmelker Nordamerika's." Naumannia: Archiv für die
Ornithologie, vorzugsweise Europas, herausg. von E. Baldamus, pp.
158-163. Stuttgart und Leipzig, 1858.
Philadelphia, 1832.
36. Audubon, J. J.:
"Letter to the Editor" (No. 3). Monthly American Journal of
Geology and Natural Science, vol. i (June), pp. 529-537.
Philadelphia, 1832.
37. Audubon, J. J.:
"Letter from J. J. Audubon to William MacGillivray."
Edinburgh Journal of Natural History, vol. i (for Dec., 1838), p.
171. Edinburgh, 1835-1839.
Dated, "On board the Crusader, Cote Blanche, 18 April, 1837."
d. Translations
38. Bazin, Eugène:
Scènes de la Nature dans les Etats-Unis et le Nord de
l'Amérique. Ouvrage traduit d'Audubon, avec Preface et Notes du
Traducteur. T. 1-2, pp. 1-460, 1-512. 8vo. Paris, 1857.
Selections from the Ornithological Biography, with Introduction;
dedicated to Charles Lucien Bonaparte.
39. (Anon.):
"Drei Ziegenmelker Nordamerika's." Naumannia: Archiv für die
Ornithologie, vorzugsweise Europas, herausg. von E. Baldamus, pp.
158-163. Stuttgart und Leipzig, 1858.
Page 461
e. Autobiography
40. Audubon, Maria R.:
"Audubon's Story of his Youth." Scribner's Magazine, vol. xiii,
pp. 267-287, illust. New York, 1893.
First appearance of autobiographical sketch, entitled, "Myself, J. J.
Audubon." Reproduced also in Audubon and his Journals (see No. 86), vol.
i.
f. Journals
41. Deane, Ruthven:
"Extracts from an Unpublished Journal of John James
Audubon." The Auk, vol. xxi, pp. 334-338. Cambridge, 1904.
Including entries for fourteen days, extending from October 12, 1820,
to November 25, 1821.
42. (Anon.):
"A Story of Meadville from John J. Audubon, F. R. S., August
28, 1824." Pamphlet (in blue paper cover), pp. 1-4. Dated April 9th,
1846.
An early version, taken from the original journal, and probably given
by Audubon himself to some of his friends, possibly Spencer F. Baird, who
visited him in both early and late April of this year. For passages not since
reproduced, see Vol. I, p. 341. Citation from copy in the Public Library,
New York City.
For fuller journal records, see Audubon and his Journals (No. 86),
including "European Journals," (1826-1827), vol. i, pp. 79-242; the
40. Audubon, Maria R.:
"Audubon's Story of his Youth." Scribner's Magazine, vol. xiii,
pp. 267-287, illust. New York, 1893.
First appearance of autobiographical sketch, entitled, "Myself, J. J.
Audubon." Reproduced also in Audubon and his Journals (see No. 86), vol.
i.
f. Journals
41. Deane, Ruthven:
"Extracts from an Unpublished Journal of John James
Audubon." The Auk, vol. xxi, pp. 334-338. Cambridge, 1904.
Including entries for fourteen days, extending from October 12, 1820,
to November 25, 1821.
42. (Anon.):
"A Story of Meadville from John J. Audubon, F. R. S., August
28, 1824." Pamphlet (in blue paper cover), pp. 1-4. Dated April 9th,
1846.
An early version, taken from the original journal, and probably given
by Audubon himself to some of his friends, possibly Spencer F. Baird, who
visited him in both early and late April of this year. For passages not since
reproduced, see Vol. I, p. 341. Citation from copy in the Public Library,
New York City.
For fuller journal records, see Audubon and his Journals (No. 86),
including "European Journals," (1826-1827), vol. i, pp. 79-242; the
Page 462
"Labrador Journal," 1833, vol. i, pp. 343-446; and the "Missouri River
Journals," 1843, vol. i, pp. 447-532, and vol. ii, pp. 1-196.
g. Familiar Letters
43. Coues, Elliott:
"Behind the Veil." Bulletin Nuttall Ornithological Club, vol. v,
pp. 193-204. Cambridge, 1880.
Gives interesting letters by Audubon and MacGillivray, which are
reproduced in the present work.
44. Gordon, Mrs.:
"Christopher North": A Memoir of John Wilson. New York,
1894.
For letter of J. J. Audubon to J. Wilson, no date [Jany. 1, 1836], see pp.
363-364.
45. Shufeldt, R. W., and Audubon, M. R.:
"The Last Portrait of Audubon, together with a Letter to his
Son." The Auk, vol. xi, pp. 309-313. New York, 1894.
46. Rhoads, S. N.:
"Auduboniana," The Auk, vol. xx, pp. 377-383. Cambridge,
1903.
Gives three letters to Edward Harris, partly reproduced in the present
work.
47. Deane, Ruthven:
Journals," 1843, vol. i, pp. 447-532, and vol. ii, pp. 1-196.
g. Familiar Letters
43. Coues, Elliott:
"Behind the Veil." Bulletin Nuttall Ornithological Club, vol. v,
pp. 193-204. Cambridge, 1880.
Gives interesting letters by Audubon and MacGillivray, which are
reproduced in the present work.
44. Gordon, Mrs.:
"Christopher North": A Memoir of John Wilson. New York,
1894.
For letter of J. J. Audubon to J. Wilson, no date [Jany. 1, 1836], see pp.
363-364.
45. Shufeldt, R. W., and Audubon, M. R.:
"The Last Portrait of Audubon, together with a Letter to his
Son." The Auk, vol. xi, pp. 309-313. New York, 1894.
46. Rhoads, S. N.:
"Auduboniana," The Auk, vol. xx, pp. 377-383. Cambridge,
1903.
Gives three letters to Edward Harris, partly reproduced in the present
work.
47. Deane, Ruthven:
Page 463
"Unpublished Letters of John James Audubon and Spencer F.
Baird," The Auk, vol. xxi, pp. 255-259. Cambridge, 1904.
First installment.
48. Deane, Ruthven:
(a) "A Hitherto Unpublished Letter of John James Audubon,"
The Auk, vol. xxii, pp. 170-171. Cambridge, 1905.
(b) See also "An Unpublished Letter of John James Audubon to
his Family," The Auk, vol. xxv, pp. 166-169. Cambridge, 1908.
49. Deane, Ruthven:
"Unpublished Letters of John James Audubon and Spencer F.
Baird," I, The Auk, vol. xxiii, pp. 194-209. Cambridge, 1906.
Second installment.
50. Deane, Ruthven:
"Unpublished Letters of John James Audubon and Spencer F.
Baird," II, The Auk, vol. xxiii, pp. 318-334. Cambridge, 1906.
Third installment.
51. Deane, Ruthven:
"Unpublished Letters of John James Audubon and Spencer F.
Baird," III, The Auk, vol. xxiv, pp. 53-70. Cambridge, 1907.
Fourth installment.
52. Dall, William Healey:
Spencer Fullerton Baird: A Biography. Pp. i-xvi, 1-462. 8vo. 19
illust. Philadelphia and London, 1915.
Baird," The Auk, vol. xxi, pp. 255-259. Cambridge, 1904.
First installment.
48. Deane, Ruthven:
(a) "A Hitherto Unpublished Letter of John James Audubon,"
The Auk, vol. xxii, pp. 170-171. Cambridge, 1905.
(b) See also "An Unpublished Letter of John James Audubon to
his Family," The Auk, vol. xxv, pp. 166-169. Cambridge, 1908.
49. Deane, Ruthven:
"Unpublished Letters of John James Audubon and Spencer F.
Baird," I, The Auk, vol. xxiii, pp. 194-209. Cambridge, 1906.
Second installment.
50. Deane, Ruthven:
"Unpublished Letters of John James Audubon and Spencer F.
Baird," II, The Auk, vol. xxiii, pp. 318-334. Cambridge, 1906.
Third installment.
51. Deane, Ruthven:
"Unpublished Letters of John James Audubon and Spencer F.
Baird," III, The Auk, vol. xxiv, pp. 53-70. Cambridge, 1907.
Fourth installment.
52. Dall, William Healey:
Spencer Fullerton Baird: A Biography. Pp. i-xvi, 1-462. 8vo. 19
illust. Philadelphia and London, 1915.
Page 464
Reproduces eighteen letters of Audubon to Baird, dating from June 13,
1840, to February 11, 1847.
53. Thayer, John E.:
"Auduboniana," The Auk, vol. xxxiii, pp. 115-118, 4 plates.
Cambridge, 1916.
Reproduces four original water-color drawings, and two letters
addressed to Dr. George Parkman, dated "New York, June 20th," and
"August 13th 1841."
54. Grinnell, George Bird:
"Some Audubon Letters," The Auk, vol. xxxiii, pp. 119-130.
Cambridge, 1916.
Gives two letters written to Victor G. Audubon from New York, April
28 and Sept. 9, 1833.
See also Caledonian Mercury, November 3, 1831, for letter to Joseph
B. Kidd (No. 163), Brewer (No. 79), Bachman (No. 191), Günther (No.
204), Deane (No. 225), and Alexander Bliss, in Autograph Leaves of our
Country's Authors, for facsimile letter of Audubon to Thomas Sully, dated
"Manchester (England), Sept. 16, 1826" (Baltimore, 1864).
h. Biographies
55. Christopher North (John Wilson):
"Noctes Ambrosianae," No. XXX, Blackwood's Edinburgh
Magazine, vol. xxi (Jan.), pp. 112-105 (sic). Edinburgh, 1827.
56. (Anon.):
1840, to February 11, 1847.
53. Thayer, John E.:
"Auduboniana," The Auk, vol. xxxiii, pp. 115-118, 4 plates.
Cambridge, 1916.
Reproduces four original water-color drawings, and two letters
addressed to Dr. George Parkman, dated "New York, June 20th," and
"August 13th 1841."
54. Grinnell, George Bird:
"Some Audubon Letters," The Auk, vol. xxxiii, pp. 119-130.
Cambridge, 1916.
Gives two letters written to Victor G. Audubon from New York, April
28 and Sept. 9, 1833.
See also Caledonian Mercury, November 3, 1831, for letter to Joseph
B. Kidd (No. 163), Brewer (No. 79), Bachman (No. 191), Günther (No.
204), Deane (No. 225), and Alexander Bliss, in Autograph Leaves of our
Country's Authors, for facsimile letter of Audubon to Thomas Sully, dated
"Manchester (England), Sept. 16, 1826" (Baltimore, 1864).
h. Biographies
55. Christopher North (John Wilson):
"Noctes Ambrosianae," No. XXX, Blackwood's Edinburgh
Magazine, vol. xxi (Jan.), pp. 112-105 (sic). Edinburgh, 1827.
56. (Anon.):
Page 465
"Biographical Sketch of John James Audubon," with portrait
(drawn and engraved by J. Brown); insert in G. Cuvier and P. A.
Latreille, The Animal Kingdom, vol. i, pp. 197*-204*. London,
1830.
57. Lander, Sir Thomas Dick, Bart., and Brown, Capt. Thomas:
Biographical Sketch, with engravings by Joseph B. Kidd. Pp. i-
x, 1-184, 16mo. Edinburgh, 1833.
Mainly extracted from vol. i of the Ornithological Biography; refers to
the false rumor of Audubon's death in October, 1831, and to his plan of
forming a Gallery of Paintings in Natural History, started in association
with Kidd.
58. (Anon.):
"Biographical Sketch of J. J. Audubon." Miscellany of Natural
History, vol. i. 1833.
Not seen.
59. Dunlap, William:
History of the Rise and Progress of the Arts of Design in the
United States. 2 vols. New York, 1834. For John James Audubon,
see vol. ii, pp. 402-408.
60. (Anon.) Godwin, Parke:
"John James Audubon." United States Magazine and
Democratic Review, N. S., vol. x, pp. 436-450. New York, 1842.
See also Out of the Past; Critical and Literary Papers, pp. 89-110
(New York, 1870), and Homes of American Authors; for the last, see No.
68.
61. Griswold, Rufus W.:
(drawn and engraved by J. Brown); insert in G. Cuvier and P. A.
Latreille, The Animal Kingdom, vol. i, pp. 197*-204*. London,
1830.
57. Lander, Sir Thomas Dick, Bart., and Brown, Capt. Thomas:
Biographical Sketch, with engravings by Joseph B. Kidd. Pp. i-
x, 1-184, 16mo. Edinburgh, 1833.
Mainly extracted from vol. i of the Ornithological Biography; refers to
the false rumor of Audubon's death in October, 1831, and to his plan of
forming a Gallery of Paintings in Natural History, started in association
with Kidd.
58. (Anon.):
"Biographical Sketch of J. J. Audubon." Miscellany of Natural
History, vol. i. 1833.
Not seen.
59. Dunlap, William:
History of the Rise and Progress of the Arts of Design in the
United States. 2 vols. New York, 1834. For John James Audubon,
see vol. ii, pp. 402-408.
60. (Anon.) Godwin, Parke:
"John James Audubon." United States Magazine and
Democratic Review, N. S., vol. x, pp. 436-450. New York, 1842.
See also Out of the Past; Critical and Literary Papers, pp. 89-110
(New York, 1870), and Homes of American Authors; for the last, see No.
68.
61. Griswold, Rufus W.:
Page 466
The Prose Writers of America, article "Audubon." Philadelphia,
1847.
62. Lester, C. Edwards (editor):
The Gallery of Illustrious Americans, containing the Portraits
and Biographical Sketches of Twenty-four of the most eminent
Citizens of the American Republic since the death of Washington.
Plates from daguerreotypes by Brady; engraved by D'Avignon.
Published from 205 Broadway, New York, by G. P. Putnam, D.
Appleton & Company, and C. S. Francis & Company. New York,
1850.
Issued in 24 Parts. For John James Audubon, see Part No. 7;
reproduced in Spooner's Biographical History of the Fine Arts, vol. i, pp.
53-55 (New York, 1867). See also No. 196.
63. Philarète-Chasles:
Etudes sur la Littérature et les Moeurs des Anglo-Américains
au xixe siècle. Pp. i-viii, 1-516. Paris, 1851. See "Audubon. Le
Voyageur et le Naturaliste," pp. 68-106.
An excellent review by an experienced French critic and author, who
appears to have met Audubon and to have attended one of his exhibitions in
Edinburgh.
64. (Anon.) Thorpe, Col. Thomas B.:
"Incidents in the Life of Audubon," Godey's Lady's Book, vol.
xlii, pp. 306-309, with portrait. Philadelphia, 1851.
65. Griswold, Rufus W.:
"John James Audubon," International Monthly Magazine, vol.
ii, pp. 469-474. New York, 1850-1851.
1847.
62. Lester, C. Edwards (editor):
The Gallery of Illustrious Americans, containing the Portraits
and Biographical Sketches of Twenty-four of the most eminent
Citizens of the American Republic since the death of Washington.
Plates from daguerreotypes by Brady; engraved by D'Avignon.
Published from 205 Broadway, New York, by G. P. Putnam, D.
Appleton & Company, and C. S. Francis & Company. New York,
1850.
Issued in 24 Parts. For John James Audubon, see Part No. 7;
reproduced in Spooner's Biographical History of the Fine Arts, vol. i, pp.
53-55 (New York, 1867). See also No. 196.
63. Philarète-Chasles:
Etudes sur la Littérature et les Moeurs des Anglo-Américains
au xixe siècle. Pp. i-viii, 1-516. Paris, 1851. See "Audubon. Le
Voyageur et le Naturaliste," pp. 68-106.
An excellent review by an experienced French critic and author, who
appears to have met Audubon and to have attended one of his exhibitions in
Edinburgh.
64. (Anon.) Thorpe, Col. Thomas B.:
"Incidents in the Life of Audubon," Godey's Lady's Book, vol.
xlii, pp. 306-309, with portrait. Philadelphia, 1851.
65. Griswold, Rufus W.:
"John James Audubon," International Monthly Magazine, vol.
ii, pp. 469-474. New York, 1850-1851.
Page 467
66. Cap, P. A.:
"Jean Jacques Audubon," L'Illustration, vol. xviii, pp. 70-71,
illust. Paris, 1851.
67. (Anon.):
"Audubon, the Naturalist," Gleason's Pictorial, vol. iii, p. 196,
with portrait of Audubon as a young man. Boston, Sept. 25, 1852.
Audubon is said to have been born in New Orleans, May 4, 1780, and
"in 1810 he embarked in a skiff with his wife and young child for his only
companions, and with his gun and pencil for baggage, and commenced an
adventurous and wandering life—the life of a hunter and naturalist, which
he did not abandon until 1834."
68. Godwin, Parke:
"John James Audubon," in The Homes of American Authors.
New York, 1853.
See also "The Home of Audubon," The Leisure Hour, vol. 2, pp. 300-
303 (London, 1853), and Little Journeys to the Homes of American Authors,
New York and London, 1896.
69. Smiles, Samuel:
Brief Biographies. Boston, 1861. See "Audubon the
Ornithologist," pp. 171-197.
70. St. John, Mrs. Horace:
Life of Audubon, the Naturalist in the New World. His
Adventures and Discoveries. Pp. i-xiv, 1-172. London, 1856.
71. St. John, Mrs. Horace:
"Jean Jacques Audubon," L'Illustration, vol. xviii, pp. 70-71,
illust. Paris, 1851.
67. (Anon.):
"Audubon, the Naturalist," Gleason's Pictorial, vol. iii, p. 196,
with portrait of Audubon as a young man. Boston, Sept. 25, 1852.
Audubon is said to have been born in New Orleans, May 4, 1780, and
"in 1810 he embarked in a skiff with his wife and young child for his only
companions, and with his gun and pencil for baggage, and commenced an
adventurous and wandering life—the life of a hunter and naturalist, which
he did not abandon until 1834."
68. Godwin, Parke:
"John James Audubon," in The Homes of American Authors.
New York, 1853.
See also "The Home of Audubon," The Leisure Hour, vol. 2, pp. 300-
303 (London, 1853), and Little Journeys to the Homes of American Authors,
New York and London, 1896.
69. Smiles, Samuel:
Brief Biographies. Boston, 1861. See "Audubon the
Ornithologist," pp. 171-197.
70. St. John, Mrs. Horace:
Life of Audubon, the Naturalist in the New World. His
Adventures and Discoveries. Pp. i-xiv, 1-172. London, 1856.
71. St. John, Mrs. Horace:
Page 468
Life of Audubon, the Naturalist of the New World. His
Adventures and Discoveries. Revised and corrected, with additions,
and illustrated with engravings by J. W. Orr from original designs.
Pp. 1-24, 1-312. Boston, 1856.
First American edition, followed by others in 1861, 1864, 1870, 1876
and later; citation from edition of 1864.
72. Buchanan, Robert (editor):
The Life and Adventures of John James Audubon, the
Naturalist. Edited from materials supplied by his widow. 8vo. Pp. i-
viii, 1-366. Portrait and vignette on title. London, 1868.
This was followed by a second and third English edition in 1869, the
latter without frontispiece, but with vignette stamped on cover. The editor
assumed no responsibility for the fidelity of his record, which was based on
a manuscript by the Rev. Charles Coffin Adams, of New York. Reproduced
in "Everyman's Library," with an Introduction by John Burroughs
(originally appearing as a review of Buchanan's work in 1869; see No. 153).
12mo. Pp. i-xx, 1-336. London and New York (no date).
73. Audubon, Lucy (editor):
The Life of John James Audubon, the Naturalist. Edited by his
Widow. With an Introduction by James Grant Wilson. 8vo. Pp. i-x,
1-444. Portrait, and vignette on title. New York, 1869.
Reprinted at various times; citation from a copy bearing date of 1906.
This work is a reproduction, with but slight changes, of Buchanan's
rendering of the original Adams manuscript.
74. Duyckinck, Evert Augustus:
"John James Audubon," in the National Portrait Gallery of
Eminent Americans, illustrated from paintings by Alonzo Chappel. 2
vols., 4to. New York, 1862.
Adventures and Discoveries. Revised and corrected, with additions,
and illustrated with engravings by J. W. Orr from original designs.
Pp. 1-24, 1-312. Boston, 1856.
First American edition, followed by others in 1861, 1864, 1870, 1876
and later; citation from edition of 1864.
72. Buchanan, Robert (editor):
The Life and Adventures of John James Audubon, the
Naturalist. Edited from materials supplied by his widow. 8vo. Pp. i-
viii, 1-366. Portrait and vignette on title. London, 1868.
This was followed by a second and third English edition in 1869, the
latter without frontispiece, but with vignette stamped on cover. The editor
assumed no responsibility for the fidelity of his record, which was based on
a manuscript by the Rev. Charles Coffin Adams, of New York. Reproduced
in "Everyman's Library," with an Introduction by John Burroughs
(originally appearing as a review of Buchanan's work in 1869; see No. 153).
12mo. Pp. i-xx, 1-336. London and New York (no date).
73. Audubon, Lucy (editor):
The Life of John James Audubon, the Naturalist. Edited by his
Widow. With an Introduction by James Grant Wilson. 8vo. Pp. i-x,
1-444. Portrait, and vignette on title. New York, 1869.
Reprinted at various times; citation from a copy bearing date of 1906.
This work is a reproduction, with but slight changes, of Buchanan's
rendering of the original Adams manuscript.
74. Duyckinck, Evert Augustus:
"John James Audubon," in the National Portrait Gallery of
Eminent Americans, illustrated from paintings by Alonzo Chappel. 2
vols., 4to. New York, 1862.
Page 469
For Audubon, see vol. i, pp. 47-54.
75. Parton, James:
Peoples' Book of Biography, or Short Lives of the most
interesting Persons of all Ages and Countries. Hartford, 1869. For
Audubon, see pp. 163-167.
A second edition appeared under the title Illustrious Men and their
Achievements, &c. (New York, 1881).
76. (Anon.):
"Audubon," Chambers' Journal, vol. 46, pp. 85-89. London and
Edinburgh, 1869.
A compilation from Buchanan's Life.
77. (Anon.):
"The Life of John James Audubon, the Naturalist," Harper's
New Monthly Magazine, vol. xxxix, pp. 613-614. New York, 1869.
78. Audubon, Maria R.:
"Reminiscences of Audubon by a Granddaughter," Scribner's
Monthly Magazine, vol. xiii, pp. 333-336. New York, 1876.
79. Brewer, Thomas M.:
"Reminiscences of John James Audubon," Harper's New
Monthly Magazine, vol. lxi, pp. 666-675. New York, 1880.
Reproduces a number of interesting letters.
80. (Anon.) Larrabee, W. H.:
"Sketch of J. J. Audubon," Popular Science Monthly, vol. xxxi,
pp. 687-697, with portrait. New York, 1887.
75. Parton, James:
Peoples' Book of Biography, or Short Lives of the most
interesting Persons of all Ages and Countries. Hartford, 1869. For
Audubon, see pp. 163-167.
A second edition appeared under the title Illustrious Men and their
Achievements, &c. (New York, 1881).
76. (Anon.):
"Audubon," Chambers' Journal, vol. 46, pp. 85-89. London and
Edinburgh, 1869.
A compilation from Buchanan's Life.
77. (Anon.):
"The Life of John James Audubon, the Naturalist," Harper's
New Monthly Magazine, vol. xxxix, pp. 613-614. New York, 1869.
78. Audubon, Maria R.:
"Reminiscences of Audubon by a Granddaughter," Scribner's
Monthly Magazine, vol. xiii, pp. 333-336. New York, 1876.
79. Brewer, Thomas M.:
"Reminiscences of John James Audubon," Harper's New
Monthly Magazine, vol. lxi, pp. 666-675. New York, 1880.
Reproduces a number of interesting letters.
80. (Anon.) Larrabee, W. H.:
"Sketch of J. J. Audubon," Popular Science Monthly, vol. xxxi,
pp. 687-697, with portrait. New York, 1887.
Page 470
See also reprint in Pioneers of Science in America. Sketches of their
lives and Scientific Work. From the Popular Science Monthly, with
additions. "John James Audubon, 1780-1851," pp. 152-156. New York,
1896.
81. Pentz, Jacob:
"The Audubons." Shooting and Fishing, May 11, 1893, illust.
New York.
Interesting reminiscences and portraits of John Woodhouse Audubon
and his family, with whom the author lived for a number of years.
82. Elliot, Daniel Giraud:
"The Life and Services of John James Audubon," Transactions
of the New York Academy of Sciences, vol. xiii, pp. 43-57. New
York, 1893.
An address delivered before the New York Academy of Sciences, April
26, 1893.
83. Godwin, Parke:
"John James Audubon," in Commemorative Addresses, pp. 149-
192.
An interesting sketch by one who had known Audubon as early as
1842, but replete with errors in dates and questions of fact; condensed from
earlier papers. See Nos. 60 and 68.
84. Mitchell, Donald G.:
American Lands and Letters. 2 vols. London, 1897, 1899. For
Audubon, see vol. i, pp. 204-213.
85. Bradford, Mary Fluker:
lives and Scientific Work. From the Popular Science Monthly, with
additions. "John James Audubon, 1780-1851," pp. 152-156. New York,
1896.
81. Pentz, Jacob:
"The Audubons." Shooting and Fishing, May 11, 1893, illust.
New York.
Interesting reminiscences and portraits of John Woodhouse Audubon
and his family, with whom the author lived for a number of years.
82. Elliot, Daniel Giraud:
"The Life and Services of John James Audubon," Transactions
of the New York Academy of Sciences, vol. xiii, pp. 43-57. New
York, 1893.
An address delivered before the New York Academy of Sciences, April
26, 1893.
83. Godwin, Parke:
"John James Audubon," in Commemorative Addresses, pp. 149-
192.
An interesting sketch by one who had known Audubon as early as
1842, but replete with errors in dates and questions of fact; condensed from
earlier papers. See Nos. 60 and 68.
84. Mitchell, Donald G.:
American Lands and Letters. 2 vols. London, 1897, 1899. For
Audubon, see vol. i, pp. 204-213.
85. Bradford, Mary Fluker:
Page 471
Audubon. Pp. 1-72, illust. New Orleans, 1897.
Originally read before the Quarante Club, and privately printed in the
interests of a fund for the erection of a monument to Audubon in New
Orleans, a project which has since been realized (see Vol. I, p. 13).
86. Audubon, Maria R.:
Audubon and His Journals, with zoölogical and other notes by
Elliott Coues. With 37 Illustrations, including 10 Portraits of
Audubon, and 3 hitherto unpublished Bird Drawings. 2 vols., 8vo.
Vol. i, pp. i-xiv, 1-532; vol. ii, pp. i-viii, 1-554. With reproduction of
diplomas, etc. New York, 1898.
The first volume of this excellent work is devoted to a biography of the
naturalist, pp. 1-78, and to his Journals (see No. 42); the second continues
the Journals, and reproduces most of the "Episodes" from the
Ornithological Biography.
87. Burroughs, John:
John James Audubon. Pp. i-xviii, 1-144. With portrait. 16mo.
and (large paper) 8vo. Boston. 1902.
Citation from second edition of 1904.
88. Merriam, C. Hart:
"John James Audubon," Popular Science Monthly, vol. lxx, pp.
301-303, with portrait. New York, 1907.
Delivered on the occasion of the unveiling of marble busts of ten
eminent scientific men at the American Museum of Natural History,
December 29, 1906.
89. Merriam C. Hart:
Originally read before the Quarante Club, and privately printed in the
interests of a fund for the erection of a monument to Audubon in New
Orleans, a project which has since been realized (see Vol. I, p. 13).
86. Audubon, Maria R.:
Audubon and His Journals, with zoölogical and other notes by
Elliott Coues. With 37 Illustrations, including 10 Portraits of
Audubon, and 3 hitherto unpublished Bird Drawings. 2 vols., 8vo.
Vol. i, pp. i-xiv, 1-532; vol. ii, pp. i-viii, 1-554. With reproduction of
diplomas, etc. New York, 1898.
The first volume of this excellent work is devoted to a biography of the
naturalist, pp. 1-78, and to his Journals (see No. 42); the second continues
the Journals, and reproduces most of the "Episodes" from the
Ornithological Biography.
87. Burroughs, John:
John James Audubon. Pp. i-xviii, 1-144. With portrait. 16mo.
and (large paper) 8vo. Boston. 1902.
Citation from second edition of 1904.
88. Merriam, C. Hart:
"John James Audubon," Popular Science Monthly, vol. lxx, pp.
301-303, with portrait. New York, 1907.
Delivered on the occasion of the unveiling of marble busts of ten
eminent scientific men at the American Museum of Natural History,
December 29, 1906.
89. Merriam C. Hart:
Page 472
"John James Audubon," Bird Lore, vol. 9, pp. 3-5. New York,
1907.
89a. Stone, Witmer:
"John James Audubon," in Leading American Men of Science,
ed. by David Starr Jordan, pp. 71-87. New York, 1910.
90. Bakewell, Rev. Gordon:
"Reminiscences of John James Audubon." Publications of the
Louisiana Historical Society, vol. v, pp. 31-41. New Orleans, 1911.
An address delivered before the Louisiana Historical Society,
November 16, 1910. Affirms, on the testimony of Bernard de Marigny, that
Audubon was a Louisianian by birth. See Vol. I, p. 69 of the present work.
i. Reviews and Criticism
91. (Anon.) Brewster, David:
"Mr. Audubon's Ornithology of the United States of America,"
Edinburgh Journal of Science, vol. vi, p. 184. Edinburgh, 1826-
1827.
This highly commendatory paper by David Brewster, and that by
Robert Jameson, which follows, gives the first formal announcement of
Audubon's work in the scientific journals of the day.
92. (Anon.) Jameson, Robert:
"Mr. Audubon's great work on Birds of the United States of
America," Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal, vol. 2, pp. 210-
211. Edinburgh, 1826-1827.
1907.
89a. Stone, Witmer:
"John James Audubon," in Leading American Men of Science,
ed. by David Starr Jordan, pp. 71-87. New York, 1910.
90. Bakewell, Rev. Gordon:
"Reminiscences of John James Audubon." Publications of the
Louisiana Historical Society, vol. v, pp. 31-41. New Orleans, 1911.
An address delivered before the Louisiana Historical Society,
November 16, 1910. Affirms, on the testimony of Bernard de Marigny, that
Audubon was a Louisianian by birth. See Vol. I, p. 69 of the present work.
i. Reviews and Criticism
91. (Anon.) Brewster, David:
"Mr. Audubon's Ornithology of the United States of America,"
Edinburgh Journal of Science, vol. vi, p. 184. Edinburgh, 1826-
1827.
This highly commendatory paper by David Brewster, and that by
Robert Jameson, which follows, gives the first formal announcement of
Audubon's work in the scientific journals of the day.
92. (Anon.) Jameson, Robert:
"Mr. Audubon's great work on Birds of the United States of
America," Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal, vol. 2, pp. 210-
211. Edinburgh, 1826-1827.
Page 473
The editor stated that Audubon had spent twenty-two years in the study
of American birds, and that the engravings, of which several had already
appeared, would be accompanied by a quarto volume of letterpress,
containing all his observations on the natural history of the species, in the
form of letters, an example of which was given in the paper on the Turkey
Buzzard in the present number of that Journal (see No. 17).
93. (Anon.) Jones, Thomas P.:
"The Romance of the Rattlesnake," Franklin Journal and
American Mechanics' Magazine, vol. ii (August), N. S., p. 144.
Philadelphia, 1828.
This notorious attack upon Audubon's veracity was followed by
Waterton (see No. 115), and referred to by Victor Audubon (see No. 118), in
his reply. Audubon's original article (see No. 21) was published by this
editor, who knew so little of its author that not even his name was given
correctly.
93a. Cuvier, Georges:
"Rapport verbal fait à L'Académie Royale des Sciences, sur
L'Histoire naturelle des Oiseaux de L'Amérique Septemtrionale, de
M. Audubon," Le Moniteur, 1re. octobre. Paris, 1828.
For extracts from Cuvier's report, see Chapter XXIII, p. 413.
94. (Anon.):
"Ueber die Abbildungen von Vögeln," in Froriep, Notizen, Bd.
xxi, col. 49-54. Berlin, 1828.
95. W[illiam]. S[wainson].:
"Some Account of the Work now publishing by Mr. Audubon,"
Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, vol. i, pp. 43-52 (May).
London, 1828-1829.
of American birds, and that the engravings, of which several had already
appeared, would be accompanied by a quarto volume of letterpress,
containing all his observations on the natural history of the species, in the
form of letters, an example of which was given in the paper on the Turkey
Buzzard in the present number of that Journal (see No. 17).
93. (Anon.) Jones, Thomas P.:
"The Romance of the Rattlesnake," Franklin Journal and
American Mechanics' Magazine, vol. ii (August), N. S., p. 144.
Philadelphia, 1828.
This notorious attack upon Audubon's veracity was followed by
Waterton (see No. 115), and referred to by Victor Audubon (see No. 118), in
his reply. Audubon's original article (see No. 21) was published by this
editor, who knew so little of its author that not even his name was given
correctly.
93a. Cuvier, Georges:
"Rapport verbal fait à L'Académie Royale des Sciences, sur
L'Histoire naturelle des Oiseaux de L'Amérique Septemtrionale, de
M. Audubon," Le Moniteur, 1re. octobre. Paris, 1828.
For extracts from Cuvier's report, see Chapter XXIII, p. 413.
94. (Anon.):
"Ueber die Abbildungen von Vögeln," in Froriep, Notizen, Bd.
xxi, col. 49-54. Berlin, 1828.
95. W[illiam]. S[wainson].:
"Some Account of the Work now publishing by Mr. Audubon,"
Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, vol. i, pp. 43-52 (May).
London, 1828-1829.
Page 474
Dated at "Tittenhanger Green. April 11, 1828." A highly laudatory
article on Audubon's plates, quoted in his "Prospectus" of The Birds of
America.
96. (Anon.):
"Report of a committee appointed by the Lyceum of Natural
History of New York to examine the splendid work of Mr. Audubon
upon the Birds of North America; May, 1829," American Journal of
Science and Arts, vol. xvi, pp. 353-354. New Haven, 1829.
Applauds The Birds of America, and recommends that the Lyceum
become a subscriber.
97. "Ornithophilus":
"Remarks on Audubon's Birds of America, and Ornithological
Biography," Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal, vol. 10, pp.
317-332. Edinburgh, 1830-1831.
A highly favorable and elaborate review, mistakenly attributed to
Swainson. Reprinted in the National Gazette and Literary Register, vol. xii
(June 10), Philadelphia, 1831. In an editorial note it is said that the
Ornithological Biography is about to be reprinted in Philadelphia by James
Kay, Jr., & Company.
98. Christopher North (John Wilson):
"Audubon's Ornithological Biography Introduction,"
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, vol. xxx, pp. 1-16 (July).
Edinburgh, 1831.
The second of Wilson's articles in praise of Audubon; reprinted with his
later reviews of the same work in Critical and Miscellaneous Essays, vol. v,
pp. 91-149.
99. Christopher North (John Wilson):
article on Audubon's plates, quoted in his "Prospectus" of The Birds of
America.
96. (Anon.):
"Report of a committee appointed by the Lyceum of Natural
History of New York to examine the splendid work of Mr. Audubon
upon the Birds of North America; May, 1829," American Journal of
Science and Arts, vol. xvi, pp. 353-354. New Haven, 1829.
Applauds The Birds of America, and recommends that the Lyceum
become a subscriber.
97. "Ornithophilus":
"Remarks on Audubon's Birds of America, and Ornithological
Biography," Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal, vol. 10, pp.
317-332. Edinburgh, 1830-1831.
A highly favorable and elaborate review, mistakenly attributed to
Swainson. Reprinted in the National Gazette and Literary Register, vol. xii
(June 10), Philadelphia, 1831. In an editorial note it is said that the
Ornithological Biography is about to be reprinted in Philadelphia by James
Kay, Jr., & Company.
98. Christopher North (John Wilson):
"Audubon's Ornithological Biography Introduction,"
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, vol. xxx, pp. 1-16 (July).
Edinburgh, 1831.
The second of Wilson's articles in praise of Audubon; reprinted with his
later reviews of the same work in Critical and Miscellaneous Essays, vol. v,
pp. 91-149.
99. Christopher North (John Wilson):
Page 475
"Audubon's Ornithological Biography. Second Survey. Wilson's
American Ornithology," Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, vol.
xxx, pp. 247-280. Edinburgh, 1831.
100. (Anon.):
"Ornithological Biography ... By John James Audubon. &c. &c.
Edinburgh, 1831," Edinburgh Literary Journal or Weekly Register
of Criticism and Belles Lettres, April 16, 1831, pp. 248-249.
101. (Anon.) Featherstonhaugh, G. W.:
"Ornithological Biography." By John James Audubon, F. R. S.
Published by Judah Dobson and H. H. Porter, Literary Rooms,
Philadelphia," Monthly American Journal of Geology and Natural
Science, vol. i, September, pp. 136-139. Philadelphia, 1831.
102. (Anon.):
"Ornithological Biography," American Quarterly Review, vol.
x, pp. 245-258. Philadelphia, 1831.
103. (Anon.):
"The Birds of America ... By John James Audubon, F. R. S. ...
vol. i, folio. London, 1831. Ornithological Biography ... 1 vol. 8vo.
Edinburgh, 1831," Quarterly Review, vol. xlvii, pp. 332-366.
London, 1832.
In the same article are reviewed Jameson's edition of Wilson's
American Ornithology, and Part II of Swainson's and Richardson's Fauna
Boreali-Americana.
104. Waterton, Charles:
"On the Faculty of Scent of the Vulture," Loudon's Magazine of
Natural History, vol. v (April), pp. 233-241. London, 1832.
American Ornithology," Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, vol.
xxx, pp. 247-280. Edinburgh, 1831.
100. (Anon.):
"Ornithological Biography ... By John James Audubon. &c. &c.
Edinburgh, 1831," Edinburgh Literary Journal or Weekly Register
of Criticism and Belles Lettres, April 16, 1831, pp. 248-249.
101. (Anon.) Featherstonhaugh, G. W.:
"Ornithological Biography." By John James Audubon, F. R. S.
Published by Judah Dobson and H. H. Porter, Literary Rooms,
Philadelphia," Monthly American Journal of Geology and Natural
Science, vol. i, September, pp. 136-139. Philadelphia, 1831.
102. (Anon.):
"Ornithological Biography," American Quarterly Review, vol.
x, pp. 245-258. Philadelphia, 1831.
103. (Anon.):
"The Birds of America ... By John James Audubon, F. R. S. ...
vol. i, folio. London, 1831. Ornithological Biography ... 1 vol. 8vo.
Edinburgh, 1831," Quarterly Review, vol. xlvii, pp. 332-366.
London, 1832.
In the same article are reviewed Jameson's edition of Wilson's
American Ornithology, and Part II of Swainson's and Richardson's Fauna
Boreali-Americana.
104. Waterton, Charles:
"On the Faculty of Scent of the Vulture," Loudon's Magazine of
Natural History, vol. v (April), pp. 233-241. London, 1832.
Page 476
Signed "Walton Hall, Dec. 21, 1831"; the first of nineteen critical and
polemical articles extending over a period of five years, and directed
against Audubon and his friends.
105. (Anon.) Peabody, W. B. O.:
"Audubon's Biography of Birds. Ornithological Biography of
Birds ... Philadelphia, 1831," North American Review, vol. xxxiv,
pp. 364-405 (April). Boston, 1832.
The first of three able articles by the same anonymous writer which
appeared in this Review. See Nos. 130 and 143.
106. (Anon.) Featherstonhaugh, G. W.:
"Audubon, Author of The Birds of America, and Ornithological
Biography," Monthly American Journal of Geology and Natural
Science, vol. i, pp. 456-468 (April). Philadelphia, 1832.
A laudatory review, in which the author professes to give "a true history
of a conspiracy, got up to utterly break down and ruin the reputation of one
of the most remarkable men America ever produced."
107. Abert, John:
"Habits of Climbing of the Rattle-snake. Extract of a letter from
Col. Abert, of the U. S. Topographical Engineers, to Dr. Harlan of
Philadelphia," Monthly American Journal of Geology and Natural
Science, vol. i, pp. 221-223. Philadelphia, 1832.
Dated "Washington, Oct. 21, 1831." Supports Audubon's account of the
climbing habits of the rattlesnake, which had become the subject of
acrimonious dispute.
108. (Anon.):
polemical articles extending over a period of five years, and directed
against Audubon and his friends.
105. (Anon.) Peabody, W. B. O.:
"Audubon's Biography of Birds. Ornithological Biography of
Birds ... Philadelphia, 1831," North American Review, vol. xxxiv,
pp. 364-405 (April). Boston, 1832.
The first of three able articles by the same anonymous writer which
appeared in this Review. See Nos. 130 and 143.
106. (Anon.) Featherstonhaugh, G. W.:
"Audubon, Author of The Birds of America, and Ornithological
Biography," Monthly American Journal of Geology and Natural
Science, vol. i, pp. 456-468 (April). Philadelphia, 1832.
A laudatory review, in which the author professes to give "a true history
of a conspiracy, got up to utterly break down and ruin the reputation of one
of the most remarkable men America ever produced."
107. Abert, John:
"Habits of Climbing of the Rattle-snake. Extract of a letter from
Col. Abert, of the U. S. Topographical Engineers, to Dr. Harlan of
Philadelphia," Monthly American Journal of Geology and Natural
Science, vol. i, pp. 221-223. Philadelphia, 1832.
Dated "Washington, Oct. 21, 1831." Supports Audubon's account of the
climbing habits of the rattlesnake, which had become the subject of
acrimonious dispute.
108. (Anon.):
Page 477
"Audubon," The Athenæum, vol. for 1833, pp. 817-818.
London, 1833.
In number for November 23. An account, partly from private sources
and partly from a New York newspaper, of Audubon's present researches
and plans, with detailed comment on his Florida and Labrador expeditions.
109. Hunter, Perceval:
"Means by which the Vulture (Vultur Aura, L.) traces its Food,"
Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, vol. vi, pp. 83-88. London,
1833.
Dated "Oxford, Jul. 2, 1832." Defends Audubon's account of lack of
sense of smell in the Vulture, published in 1826 (see No. 17).
110. Waterton, Charles:
"The Means by which the Turkey Buzzard traces its Food,"
Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, vol. vi, pp. 162-163.
London, 1833.
Signed "Walton Hall, Jany. 1, 1833." A caustic reply to the last.
Reprinted in Essays in Natural History, chiefly Ornithology, First Series.
London, 1838.
111. Waterton, Charles:
"Remarks on Mr. Audubon's Account of the 'Habits of the
Turkey Buzzard (Vultur Aura), particularly with the View of
exploding the Opinion generally entertained of its extraordinary
Powers of Smelling,'" Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, vol.
vi, pp. 163-171. London, 1833.
A characteristically flippant article, ending thus: "But here I will stop: I
have been too long on carrion,—'neque enim toluare vaporem ulterius potui'
(Ovid Met., ii, 301)."
London, 1833.
In number for November 23. An account, partly from private sources
and partly from a New York newspaper, of Audubon's present researches
and plans, with detailed comment on his Florida and Labrador expeditions.
109. Hunter, Perceval:
"Means by which the Vulture (Vultur Aura, L.) traces its Food,"
Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, vol. vi, pp. 83-88. London,
1833.
Dated "Oxford, Jul. 2, 1832." Defends Audubon's account of lack of
sense of smell in the Vulture, published in 1826 (see No. 17).
110. Waterton, Charles:
"The Means by which the Turkey Buzzard traces its Food,"
Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, vol. vi, pp. 162-163.
London, 1833.
Signed "Walton Hall, Jany. 1, 1833." A caustic reply to the last.
Reprinted in Essays in Natural History, chiefly Ornithology, First Series.
London, 1838.
111. Waterton, Charles:
"Remarks on Mr. Audubon's Account of the 'Habits of the
Turkey Buzzard (Vultur Aura), particularly with the View of
exploding the Opinion generally entertained of its extraordinary
Powers of Smelling,'" Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, vol.
vi, pp. 163-171. London, 1833.
A characteristically flippant article, ending thus: "But here I will stop: I
have been too long on carrion,—'neque enim toluare vaporem ulterius potui'
(Ovid Met., ii, 301)."
Page 478
112. Waterton, Charles:
"The Gland on the Rump of Birds," Loudon's Magazine of
Natural History, vol. vi, pp. 274-277. London, 1833.
Denial that birds ever oil their feathers in preening, as Audubon had
maintained for the eagle. Reprinted, with many controversial articles, which
follow, in Essays on Natural History, First Series, referred to above.
113. Audubon, V. G.:
"[Mr. Audubon, Jr.] in Reply to Mr. Waterton's Remarks on
Audubon's Biography of Birds," Loudon's Magazine of Natural
History, vol. vi, p. 369. London, 1833.
Signed "121 Great Portland St., Jn. 7, 1833." Victor Audubon's defense
of his father, who was then in America.
114. R[obert] B[akewell]:
"Observations on Mr. Waterton's Attacks on Mr. Audubon,"
Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, vol. vi, pp. 369-372.
London, 1833.
Signed "Hampstead, Jn. 10, 1833."
115. Waterton, Charles:
[Mr. Waterton in reply to Mr. Audubon, Jun.], Loudon's
Magazine of Natural History, vol. vi, pp. 464-465. London, 1833.
Signed "Walton Hall, July 6, 1833"; Refers to Dr. Jones' "Romance of
the Rattlesnake" (see No. 93), and quotes a letter by George Ord, in
explaining why Swainson did not write the "Biography of Birds."
116. Waterton, Charles:
"The Gland on the Rump of Birds," Loudon's Magazine of
Natural History, vol. vi, pp. 274-277. London, 1833.
Denial that birds ever oil their feathers in preening, as Audubon had
maintained for the eagle. Reprinted, with many controversial articles, which
follow, in Essays on Natural History, First Series, referred to above.
113. Audubon, V. G.:
"[Mr. Audubon, Jr.] in Reply to Mr. Waterton's Remarks on
Audubon's Biography of Birds," Loudon's Magazine of Natural
History, vol. vi, p. 369. London, 1833.
Signed "121 Great Portland St., Jn. 7, 1833." Victor Audubon's defense
of his father, who was then in America.
114. R[obert] B[akewell]:
"Observations on Mr. Waterton's Attacks on Mr. Audubon,"
Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, vol. vi, pp. 369-372.
London, 1833.
Signed "Hampstead, Jn. 10, 1833."
115. Waterton, Charles:
[Mr. Waterton in reply to Mr. Audubon, Jun.], Loudon's
Magazine of Natural History, vol. vi, pp. 464-465. London, 1833.
Signed "Walton Hall, July 6, 1833"; Refers to Dr. Jones' "Romance of
the Rattlesnake" (see No. 93), and quotes a letter by George Ord, in
explaining why Swainson did not write the "Biography of Birds."
116. Waterton, Charles:
Page 479
"Mr. Audubon again," Loudon's Magazine of Natural History,
vol. vi, pp. 465-468. London, 1833.
A reply to Robert Bakewell, in which the author says that his only
object in attacking Audubon was to defend his own account of the vulture.
117. Swainson, William:
"Mr. Audubon, and his Work, the 'Biography of Birds': Mr.
Swainson in reply to Mr. Waterton," Loudon's Magazine of Natural
History, vol. vi, p. 550. London, 1833.
Dated Sept. 17, 1832.
118. Audubon, V. G.:
"Mr. Audubon, and his Work, the 'Biography of Birds': Mr.
Audubon, jun., in Reply to Mr. Waterton," Loudon's Magazine of
Natural History, vol. vi, pp. 550-553. London, 1833.
Signed "121 Great Portland, Sept. 19, 1833." Quotes articles by Jones,
Featherstonhaugh and Abert; see Nos. 93, 101, 106 and 107.
119. Waterton, Charles:
"Retrospective Criticism," embracing the following minor
articles: "Mr. Audubon, and his Work, the Biography of Birds"
(signed "Walton Hall, Nov. 7, 1833); "Mr. Audubon, jun."; "Aerial
Encounter of the Eagle and the Vulture" (see the "Biography of
Birds," vol. i, p. 163) (signed "Walton Hall, Nov. 7, 1833");
"Audubon's Humming-bird" (see the "Biography of Birds," vol. i, p.
248) ("Walton Hall, Nov. 19, 1833"); "The Virginian Partridge,"
Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, vol. vii, pp. 66-74. London,
1834.
The three last reprinted in Essays on Natural History, First Series,
referred to above.
vol. vi, pp. 465-468. London, 1833.
A reply to Robert Bakewell, in which the author says that his only
object in attacking Audubon was to defend his own account of the vulture.
117. Swainson, William:
"Mr. Audubon, and his Work, the 'Biography of Birds': Mr.
Swainson in reply to Mr. Waterton," Loudon's Magazine of Natural
History, vol. vi, p. 550. London, 1833.
Dated Sept. 17, 1832.
118. Audubon, V. G.:
"Mr. Audubon, and his Work, the 'Biography of Birds': Mr.
Audubon, jun., in Reply to Mr. Waterton," Loudon's Magazine of
Natural History, vol. vi, pp. 550-553. London, 1833.
Signed "121 Great Portland, Sept. 19, 1833." Quotes articles by Jones,
Featherstonhaugh and Abert; see Nos. 93, 101, 106 and 107.
119. Waterton, Charles:
"Retrospective Criticism," embracing the following minor
articles: "Mr. Audubon, and his Work, the Biography of Birds"
(signed "Walton Hall, Nov. 7, 1833); "Mr. Audubon, jun."; "Aerial
Encounter of the Eagle and the Vulture" (see the "Biography of
Birds," vol. i, p. 163) (signed "Walton Hall, Nov. 7, 1833");
"Audubon's Humming-bird" (see the "Biography of Birds," vol. i, p.
248) ("Walton Hall, Nov. 19, 1833"); "The Virginian Partridge,"
Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, vol. vii, pp. 66-74. London,
1834.
The three last reprinted in Essays on Natural History, First Series,
referred to above.
Page 480
120. Waterton, Charles:
"Retrospective Criticism," embracing the following minor
articles: "The Vulture's Nose" ("Walton Hall, March 6, 1834");
"Audubon's Claim to the Authorship of the Biography of Birds";
"Audubon and his Ornithology"; "The Passenger Pigeon" ("Walton
Hall, Jany. 19, 1834"). Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, vol.
vii, pp. 276-283. London, 1834.
The first and last articles reprinted in Essays on Natural History, First
Series, referred to above.
121. (Anon.):
"The Birds of America. No. XXXVII. By J. J. Audubon, Esq.
Coloured Plates. Elephant folio. London, Havell," Athenæum, vol.
for 1834, p. 350 (May 10). London, 1834.
At the same time was also reviewed Part ii of A Manual of the
Ornithology of the United States, by Thomas Nuttall.
122. (Anon.):
"The Birds of America. By J. J. Audubon, F.R.S., F.L.S. Parts
XLI, XLII, XLIII. London, Havell," Athenæum, vol. for 1834, pp.
653-654. London, 1834.
Describes the Wood Duck (Plate ccvi) as perfect, and compliments the
engraver, Robert Havell, on "the accuracy with which he has appreciated
and retained the spirit of the originals."
123. (Anon.) Hall, James:
"American Ornithology," The Western Monthly Magazine, vol.
ii, pp. 337-350 (July). Cincinnati, 1834.
"Retrospective Criticism," embracing the following minor
articles: "The Vulture's Nose" ("Walton Hall, March 6, 1834");
"Audubon's Claim to the Authorship of the Biography of Birds";
"Audubon and his Ornithology"; "The Passenger Pigeon" ("Walton
Hall, Jany. 19, 1834"). Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, vol.
vii, pp. 276-283. London, 1834.
The first and last articles reprinted in Essays on Natural History, First
Series, referred to above.
121. (Anon.):
"The Birds of America. No. XXXVII. By J. J. Audubon, Esq.
Coloured Plates. Elephant folio. London, Havell," Athenæum, vol.
for 1834, p. 350 (May 10). London, 1834.
At the same time was also reviewed Part ii of A Manual of the
Ornithology of the United States, by Thomas Nuttall.
122. (Anon.):
"The Birds of America. By J. J. Audubon, F.R.S., F.L.S. Parts
XLI, XLII, XLIII. London, Havell," Athenæum, vol. for 1834, pp.
653-654. London, 1834.
Describes the Wood Duck (Plate ccvi) as perfect, and compliments the
engraver, Robert Havell, on "the accuracy with which he has appreciated
and retained the spirit of the originals."
123. (Anon.) Hall, James:
"American Ornithology," The Western Monthly Magazine, vol.
ii, pp. 337-350 (July). Cincinnati, 1834.
Page 481
A comparative review of the ornithological works of Alexander Wilson,
Thomas Nuttall, and John James Audubon, very laudatory of the first two
but condemnatory of the last, by Judge Hall, whose brother, Harrison Hall,
was an interested publisher of Wilson's work. "How shall we venture to
dissent from the almost unanimous expression of public sentiment, which
has set him [Audubon] up as a sort of 'greatest and best,' against whom to
speak in dispraise, would be a species of treason. Yet it must be done, and it
is our vocation to do it: the critic must not be silent when the interests of
science require, and the honor of his country demands, that he should
proclaim the truth.... The exaggerations contained in these sketches
["Episodes"] are such as to weaken our confidence in the entire work."
124. Bachman, John:
"Retrospective Criticism. Remarks in defence of the Author of
the Birds of America," Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, vol.
vii, pp. 164-175. London, 1834.
A reply to Waterton, and an appeal for as much justice for Audubon as
was shown to Wilson, his predecessor. Dated "Charleston, Dec. 31, 1833."
125. Bachman, John:
"An account of some experiments made on the habits of the
Vultures inhabiting Carolina,—the Turkey Buzzard and the Carrion
Crow, particularly as it regards the extraordinary powers of smelling
usually attributed to them," Journal of the Boston Society of Natural
History, vol. i, pp. 15-31. Boston, 1834.
Bachman did not deny the power of smell to the vultures, but
maintained that they were guided to their prey by sight alone.
126. (Anon.):
"Audubon's Birds of America and Ornithological Biography,"
Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal, January, 1835.
Thomas Nuttall, and John James Audubon, very laudatory of the first two
but condemnatory of the last, by Judge Hall, whose brother, Harrison Hall,
was an interested publisher of Wilson's work. "How shall we venture to
dissent from the almost unanimous expression of public sentiment, which
has set him [Audubon] up as a sort of 'greatest and best,' against whom to
speak in dispraise, would be a species of treason. Yet it must be done, and it
is our vocation to do it: the critic must not be silent when the interests of
science require, and the honor of his country demands, that he should
proclaim the truth.... The exaggerations contained in these sketches
["Episodes"] are such as to weaken our confidence in the entire work."
124. Bachman, John:
"Retrospective Criticism. Remarks in defence of the Author of
the Birds of America," Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, vol.
vii, pp. 164-175. London, 1834.
A reply to Waterton, and an appeal for as much justice for Audubon as
was shown to Wilson, his predecessor. Dated "Charleston, Dec. 31, 1833."
125. Bachman, John:
"An account of some experiments made on the habits of the
Vultures inhabiting Carolina,—the Turkey Buzzard and the Carrion
Crow, particularly as it regards the extraordinary powers of smelling
usually attributed to them," Journal of the Boston Society of Natural
History, vol. i, pp. 15-31. Boston, 1834.
Bachman did not deny the power of smell to the vultures, but
maintained that they were guided to their prey by sight alone.
126. (Anon.):
"Audubon's Birds of America and Ornithological Biography,"
Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal, January, 1835.
Page 482
"All is life, health, and beauty. Never before were birds so represented,
and if ever again they will be, still Audubon will be the chief of a school, of
whom it will be said that it studied nature. Turn now to any volume of
plates that you can find, and what presents itself? not a bird surely, but an
effigy stuffed with straw, and more worthy of being burnt, than that of a
Tory statesman by a radical mob."
127. Bachman, John:
"Defence of Audubon," Bucks County Intelligencer, 1835.
Not seen.
128. (Anon.):
"Ornithological Biography ... Volume ii, published at 25s.,"
Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, vol. viii, pp. 184-190.
London, 1835.
129. Taylor, Richard C.:
"On the Geology and Natural History of the North-Eastern
Extremity of the Alleghany Mountain Range, in Pennsylvania,
United States," Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, vol. viii, pp.
529-541. London, 1835.
Confirms Audubon's account of the climbing habits of the rattlesnake.
130. (Anon.) Peabody, W. B. O.:
"Audubon's Biography of Birds; Ornithological Biography,"
North American Review, vol. xli, pp. 194-231. Boston, 1835.
131. Christopher North (John Wilson):
"Audubon's Ornithological Biography," Blackwood's Edinburgh
Magazine, vol. 37, pp. 107-124. Edinburgh, 1835.
and if ever again they will be, still Audubon will be the chief of a school, of
whom it will be said that it studied nature. Turn now to any volume of
plates that you can find, and what presents itself? not a bird surely, but an
effigy stuffed with straw, and more worthy of being burnt, than that of a
Tory statesman by a radical mob."
127. Bachman, John:
"Defence of Audubon," Bucks County Intelligencer, 1835.
Not seen.
128. (Anon.):
"Ornithological Biography ... Volume ii, published at 25s.,"
Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, vol. viii, pp. 184-190.
London, 1835.
129. Taylor, Richard C.:
"On the Geology and Natural History of the North-Eastern
Extremity of the Alleghany Mountain Range, in Pennsylvania,
United States," Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, vol. viii, pp.
529-541. London, 1835.
Confirms Audubon's account of the climbing habits of the rattlesnake.
130. (Anon.) Peabody, W. B. O.:
"Audubon's Biography of Birds; Ornithological Biography,"
North American Review, vol. xli, pp. 194-231. Boston, 1835.
131. Christopher North (John Wilson):
"Audubon's Ornithological Biography," Blackwood's Edinburgh
Magazine, vol. 37, pp. 107-124. Edinburgh, 1835.
Page 483
132. Waterton, Charles:
"On Snakes, their Fangs, and their Mode of procuring Food,"
Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, vol. viii, pp. 663-668.
London, 1835.
Reprinted in Essays on Natural History, First Series, referred to above.
133. Waterton, Charles, Esquire, of Walton-Hall:
"A Letter to James [Robert] Jameson, Esq." [followed by 21
lines of fine print, giving titles and membership in scientific
societies]. Pp. 1-14. Wakefield, 1835.
Privately printed, and designed mainly to hit Audubon and his snake
stories over Jameson's shoulders. Signed, "Walton-Hall, January 27, 1835."
"Should you honor me—— with a reply, I promise you that I will take an
immediate and dispassionate notice of it; and I will address to you a second,
a third, and a fourth letter, and so on. As you have first attacked me through
Audubon, through him I will continue to point my dart at you.... This mode
of carrying on the warfare will answer well my ends. It will give me an
opportunity of again bringing on the stage certain individuals with whom I
have not yet quite squared up accounts; and, at the same time, I trust it will
be to you a kind ... of hint, a warning—lest you make another false step in
your exertions to sound again in the public ear, O Candour! whither art thou
fled? Certainly not to Walton Hall.... Pray, sir, where were your brains
(whither had they fled? Certainly not to Walton Hall) when you received,
and approved of, a narrative at once so preposterous and so palpably
fictitious?" Reprinted in Essays on Natural History, edited by Norman
Moore (London, 1871). Citation from pamphlet in Library of British
Museum.
134. Waterton, Charles, Esquire, of Walton-Hall:
"Second Letter to Robert Jameson, Esq." [with same titles as in
last]. Pp. 1-16. Wakefield, 1835.
"On Snakes, their Fangs, and their Mode of procuring Food,"
Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, vol. viii, pp. 663-668.
London, 1835.
Reprinted in Essays on Natural History, First Series, referred to above.
133. Waterton, Charles, Esquire, of Walton-Hall:
"A Letter to James [Robert] Jameson, Esq." [followed by 21
lines of fine print, giving titles and membership in scientific
societies]. Pp. 1-14. Wakefield, 1835.
Privately printed, and designed mainly to hit Audubon and his snake
stories over Jameson's shoulders. Signed, "Walton-Hall, January 27, 1835."
"Should you honor me—— with a reply, I promise you that I will take an
immediate and dispassionate notice of it; and I will address to you a second,
a third, and a fourth letter, and so on. As you have first attacked me through
Audubon, through him I will continue to point my dart at you.... This mode
of carrying on the warfare will answer well my ends. It will give me an
opportunity of again bringing on the stage certain individuals with whom I
have not yet quite squared up accounts; and, at the same time, I trust it will
be to you a kind ... of hint, a warning—lest you make another false step in
your exertions to sound again in the public ear, O Candour! whither art thou
fled? Certainly not to Walton Hall.... Pray, sir, where were your brains
(whither had they fled? Certainly not to Walton Hall) when you received,
and approved of, a narrative at once so preposterous and so palpably
fictitious?" Reprinted in Essays on Natural History, edited by Norman
Moore (London, 1871). Citation from pamphlet in Library of British
Museum.
134. Waterton, Charles, Esquire, of Walton-Hall:
"Second Letter to Robert Jameson, Esq." [with same titles as in
last]. Pp. 1-16. Wakefield, 1835.
Page 484
Ridicules in particular Audubon's accounts of the Vulture, the
Passenger Pigeon, and a hurricane in North America. Signed "Walton-Hall.
March 2nd, 1835."
135. Waterton, Charles:
"Audubon's Plates of the Birds of America," Loudon's
Magazine of Natural History, vol. viii, pp. 236-238. London, 1835.
Accuses Audubon of misrepresentation in his statements of the time
required to produce his drawings.
136. (Anon.):
"Ornithological Biography, or an Account of the Habits of the
Birds of the United States of America ... By J. J. Audubon. vol. ii
&c. First Notice," Athenæum, London, January 3, 1835, pp. 5-7.
The same: "Second Notice," Athenæum, January 17, pp. 43-45.
The same: "Third Notice," Athenæum, January 31, pp. 87-89.
"There is amply sufficient remaining in Audubon's pages, for fully a
dozen more notices, were we disposed to follow the exhausting system."
137. (Anon.):
"Ornithological Biography ... vol. iii, First Notice," Athenæum,
pp. 41-42, January 16, 1836. London.
The same: "Second Notice," Athenæum, January 23, 1836, pp. 62-63.
138. Waterton, Charles, Esq., Walton-Hall:
"An Ornithological Letter to William Swainson, Esq., F.R.S.
&c. &c." Pp. 1-16. Wakefield (Richard Nichols, Bookseller), 1837.
Signed "Walton-Hall, March 10, 1837," and reprinted in Moore's
edition of Essays on Natural History, referred to above. A long and bitter
Passenger Pigeon, and a hurricane in North America. Signed "Walton-Hall.
March 2nd, 1835."
135. Waterton, Charles:
"Audubon's Plates of the Birds of America," Loudon's
Magazine of Natural History, vol. viii, pp. 236-238. London, 1835.
Accuses Audubon of misrepresentation in his statements of the time
required to produce his drawings.
136. (Anon.):
"Ornithological Biography, or an Account of the Habits of the
Birds of the United States of America ... By J. J. Audubon. vol. ii
&c. First Notice," Athenæum, London, January 3, 1835, pp. 5-7.
The same: "Second Notice," Athenæum, January 17, pp. 43-45.
The same: "Third Notice," Athenæum, January 31, pp. 87-89.
"There is amply sufficient remaining in Audubon's pages, for fully a
dozen more notices, were we disposed to follow the exhausting system."
137. (Anon.):
"Ornithological Biography ... vol. iii, First Notice," Athenæum,
pp. 41-42, January 16, 1836. London.
The same: "Second Notice," Athenæum, January 23, 1836, pp. 62-63.
138. Waterton, Charles, Esq., Walton-Hall:
"An Ornithological Letter to William Swainson, Esq., F.R.S.
&c. &c." Pp. 1-16. Wakefield (Richard Nichols, Bookseller), 1837.
Signed "Walton-Hall, March 10, 1837," and reprinted in Moore's
edition of Essays on Natural History, referred to above. A long and bitter
Page 485
tirade against both Swainson and Audubon. "You have seen fit to laud one
man exceedingly, for his zoological acquirements, who to my certain
knowledge, paid other people for the letterpress and drawings, which were
to appear in his work." Citation from pamphlet in British Museum Library.
139. (Anon.):
"Ornithological Biography ... by John James Audubon. vols. i-
iii," Oken's Isis, Bd. xxx, pp. 922-928. Leipzig, 1837.
140. Sells, W.:
"On the Habits of the Vultur aura, with notes on the dissections
of the two heads of two specimens by R. Owen," Proceedings of the
Zoological Society of London, Pt. v, pp. 33-35. London, 1837.
Favors the view that the vulture is guided to food by the sense of smell.
141. (Anon.):
"Ornithological Biography ... vol. iv...." Athenæum, London,
Dec. 1, 1838, pp. 849-852.
142. (Anon.):
"Ornithological Biography ... vol. v...." Athenæum, London, vol.
for 1839, p. 77.
143. (Anon.) Peabody, W. B. O.:
"Audubon's Ornithological Biography," North American
Review, vol. i, pp. 381-404 (April). Boston, 1840.
144. (Anon.):
"Audubon's Ornithology. A Synopsis of the Birds of North
America. Edinburgh, 1839. The Birds of America. London and
man exceedingly, for his zoological acquirements, who to my certain
knowledge, paid other people for the letterpress and drawings, which were
to appear in his work." Citation from pamphlet in British Museum Library.
139. (Anon.):
"Ornithological Biography ... by John James Audubon. vols. i-
iii," Oken's Isis, Bd. xxx, pp. 922-928. Leipzig, 1837.
140. Sells, W.:
"On the Habits of the Vultur aura, with notes on the dissections
of the two heads of two specimens by R. Owen," Proceedings of the
Zoological Society of London, Pt. v, pp. 33-35. London, 1837.
Favors the view that the vulture is guided to food by the sense of smell.
141. (Anon.):
"Ornithological Biography ... vol. iv...." Athenæum, London,
Dec. 1, 1838, pp. 849-852.
142. (Anon.):
"Ornithological Biography ... vol. v...." Athenæum, London, vol.
for 1839, p. 77.
143. (Anon.) Peabody, W. B. O.:
"Audubon's Ornithological Biography," North American
Review, vol. i, pp. 381-404 (April). Boston, 1840.
144. (Anon.):
"Audubon's Ornithology. A Synopsis of the Birds of North
America. Edinburgh, 1839. The Birds of America. London and
Page 486
Edinburgh, vol. 1. New York, 1840," American Journal of Sciences
and Arts, vol. xxxix, pp. 343-357. New Haven, 1840.
145. Ord, George:
[Reply to Audubon's charge against Wilson, and countercharge
against Audubon.] Proceedings of the American Philosophical
Society, vol. 1, pp. 272-273. Philadelphia, 1840.
Report of meeting held September 18, 1840.
146. (Anon.):
"The Birds of America ... vol. ii, octavo edition ... published by
J. J. Audubon, and J. B. Chevalier," American Journal of Science
and Arts, vol. xlii, pp. 130-136. New Haven, 1842.
"Mr. Audubon has now nearly a thousand subscribers to his work; an
instance of liberal support of a work on natural history certainly without a
parallel in the New World, and hardly with one in the Old."
147. (Anon.):
"A Synopsis of the Birds of North America, by J. J. Audubon.
London, 1839," Oken's Isis, Bd. xxxvii, pp. 713-718. Leipzig, 1844.
148. Winterfield, Charles:
"American Ornithology (The Birds of America and
Ornithological Biography)," The American Review: A Whig Journal,
vol. i, pp. 262-274. New York, 1845.
149. Winterfield, Charles:
"About Birds and Audubon," The American Review: A Whig
Journal, vol. i, pp. 371-383. New York, 1845.
and Arts, vol. xxxix, pp. 343-357. New Haven, 1840.
145. Ord, George:
[Reply to Audubon's charge against Wilson, and countercharge
against Audubon.] Proceedings of the American Philosophical
Society, vol. 1, pp. 272-273. Philadelphia, 1840.
Report of meeting held September 18, 1840.
146. (Anon.):
"The Birds of America ... vol. ii, octavo edition ... published by
J. J. Audubon, and J. B. Chevalier," American Journal of Science
and Arts, vol. xlii, pp. 130-136. New Haven, 1842.
"Mr. Audubon has now nearly a thousand subscribers to his work; an
instance of liberal support of a work on natural history certainly without a
parallel in the New World, and hardly with one in the Old."
147. (Anon.):
"A Synopsis of the Birds of North America, by J. J. Audubon.
London, 1839," Oken's Isis, Bd. xxxvii, pp. 713-718. Leipzig, 1844.
148. Winterfield, Charles:
"American Ornithology (The Birds of America and
Ornithological Biography)," The American Review: A Whig Journal,
vol. i, pp. 262-274. New York, 1845.
149. Winterfield, Charles:
"About Birds and Audubon," The American Review: A Whig
Journal, vol. i, pp. 371-383. New York, 1845.
Page 487
Refers to a meeting with Audubon on a canal boat in Pennsylvania,
when the latter was returning from his Missouri River expedition in 1843.
See No. 173.
150. Winterfield, Charles:
"A Talk about Birds and Audubon," The American Review: A
Whig Journal, vol. ii, pp. 279-287. New York, 1845.
Interesting reference to "the great fire [of July 19, 1845] which so lately
devastated so large a part of this proud city [New York]," in which the
copper plates of Audubon's Birds were thought to have been destroyed (see
Chapter XXXV, p. 267).
151. (Anon.):
"Audubon, the Naturalist," Athenæum, London, vol. for 1856, p.
283.
Review of Mrs. Horace St. John's Life of Audubon (see No. 71).
152. (Anon.):
"The Life and Adventures of John James Audubon," Athenæum,
London, vol. for 1868, pp. 833-834. Review of Buchanan's Life (see
No. 72).
153. (Anon.) Burroughs, John:
"The Life of Audubon ... edited by Mrs. J. J. Audubon" [see No.
73], The Nation, vol. ix, pp. 13-14. New York, 1869.
Reprinted in Buchanan's Life of Audubon, "Everyman's Library" (see
No. 72).
154. (Anon.):
when the latter was returning from his Missouri River expedition in 1843.
See No. 173.
150. Winterfield, Charles:
"A Talk about Birds and Audubon," The American Review: A
Whig Journal, vol. ii, pp. 279-287. New York, 1845.
Interesting reference to "the great fire [of July 19, 1845] which so lately
devastated so large a part of this proud city [New York]," in which the
copper plates of Audubon's Birds were thought to have been destroyed (see
Chapter XXXV, p. 267).
151. (Anon.):
"Audubon, the Naturalist," Athenæum, London, vol. for 1856, p.
283.
Review of Mrs. Horace St. John's Life of Audubon (see No. 71).
152. (Anon.):
"The Life and Adventures of John James Audubon," Athenæum,
London, vol. for 1868, pp. 833-834. Review of Buchanan's Life (see
No. 72).
153. (Anon.) Burroughs, John:
"The Life of Audubon ... edited by Mrs. J. J. Audubon" [see No.
73], The Nation, vol. ix, pp. 13-14. New York, 1869.
Reprinted in Buchanan's Life of Audubon, "Everyman's Library" (see
No. 72).
154. (Anon.):
Page 488
"The Adventures of Audubon," ... Edinburgh Review, vol.
cxxxii, pp. 250-275. Edinburgh, 1870.
Review of Buchanan's Life.
155. Shufeldt, R. W.:
"Shedding Horns of Antelope," Shooting and Fishing, New
York, March, 1896.
For critical articles by the same author, see also the following: "On the
Terrestrial Attitudes of Loons and Grebes," The Ibis, London, January,
1898; "Audubon's Figure of the Mountain Partridge," Field and Stream,
New York, September 1899; "Scaup Duck," Shooting and Fishing, New
York, November 26, 1903; and "The Nest of the Orchard Oriole," The
Wilson Bulletin, Oberlin, June, 1903.
156. (Anon.):
"A Great Naturalist," Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, vol.
clxiv, pp. 58-69. Edinburgh, 1898.
Review of Audubon and his Journals.
157. (Anon.) Merriam, C. Hart:
"Audubon," The Nation, vol. LXVI, pp. 151-152. New York,
1898.
See also Science, N. S., vol. VII, pp. 289-296, with plate. New York,
1898.
Reviews of Audubon and his Journals.
158. M[iall], L. C.:
"Audubon," Nature, vol. lvii, pp. 286-287. London, 1896-1898.
cxxxii, pp. 250-275. Edinburgh, 1870.
Review of Buchanan's Life.
155. Shufeldt, R. W.:
"Shedding Horns of Antelope," Shooting and Fishing, New
York, March, 1896.
For critical articles by the same author, see also the following: "On the
Terrestrial Attitudes of Loons and Grebes," The Ibis, London, January,
1898; "Audubon's Figure of the Mountain Partridge," Field and Stream,
New York, September 1899; "Scaup Duck," Shooting and Fishing, New
York, November 26, 1903; and "The Nest of the Orchard Oriole," The
Wilson Bulletin, Oberlin, June, 1903.
156. (Anon.):
"A Great Naturalist," Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, vol.
clxiv, pp. 58-69. Edinburgh, 1898.
Review of Audubon and his Journals.
157. (Anon.) Merriam, C. Hart:
"Audubon," The Nation, vol. LXVI, pp. 151-152. New York,
1898.
See also Science, N. S., vol. VII, pp. 289-296, with plate. New York,
1898.
Reviews of Audubon and his Journals.
158. M[iall], L. C.:
"Audubon," Nature, vol. lvii, pp. 286-287. London, 1896-1898.
Page 489
A dour review, in which the writer remarks that Audubon's Birds of
America "has great artistic merit but less scientific value than a good series
of photographs from life."
159. Hutt, W. N.:
"Audubon the Original Nature Fakir," Scientific American, vol.
xcviii, p. 59. New York, 1908.
A feeble echo of the slanderous charges brought against Audubon by
Thomas P. Jones in 1828 (see No. 93).
160. Colles, George W.:
"A Defense of Audubon," Scientific American, vol. xcviii, p.
311. New York, 1908.
An excellent rejoinder to the egregious article quoted above.
161. Burns, Frank L.:
"Alexander Wilson," Pts. I-VIII, The Wilson Bulletin, vols. xx-
xxii. Oberlin, 1908-1910.
See particularly, I. "The Audubon Controversy," vol. xx, pp. 3-18, and
II. "The Mystery of the Small-headed Flycatcher," vol. xx, pp. 63-79.
j. Auduboniana and Miscellanea
162. (Anon.):
"Wilson the Ornithologist," The Literary Gazette, and Journal
of Belles Lettres, Arts and Sciences, London, Saturday, September 3,
1831, p. 574.
A grotesque notice, based on a rumor, said to have originated in a
Philadelphia newspaper, of the death of Audubon in America, but
America "has great artistic merit but less scientific value than a good series
of photographs from life."
159. Hutt, W. N.:
"Audubon the Original Nature Fakir," Scientific American, vol.
xcviii, p. 59. New York, 1908.
A feeble echo of the slanderous charges brought against Audubon by
Thomas P. Jones in 1828 (see No. 93).
160. Colles, George W.:
"A Defense of Audubon," Scientific American, vol. xcviii, p.
311. New York, 1908.
An excellent rejoinder to the egregious article quoted above.
161. Burns, Frank L.:
"Alexander Wilson," Pts. I-VIII, The Wilson Bulletin, vols. xx-
xxii. Oberlin, 1908-1910.
See particularly, I. "The Audubon Controversy," vol. xx, pp. 3-18, and
II. "The Mystery of the Small-headed Flycatcher," vol. xx, pp. 63-79.
j. Auduboniana and Miscellanea
162. (Anon.):
"Wilson the Ornithologist," The Literary Gazette, and Journal
of Belles Lettres, Arts and Sciences, London, Saturday, September 3,
1831, p. 574.
A grotesque notice, based on a rumor, said to have originated in a
Philadelphia newspaper, of the death of Audubon in America, but
Page 490
confounding his identity with that of Alexander Wilson, whose death had
actually occurred at Philadelphia eighteen years before. In the issue of
October 15, the editor acknowledged his error in resurrecting and then
killing Wilson, but explained that the obituary was intended for Audubon.
163. Brown, Capt. Thomas:
"Mr. Audubon," Caledonian Mercury, Edinburgh, Thursday,
November 3, 1831.
Quotes a letter written by Audubon, to Joseph B. Kidd and dated "New
York, Sept. 7, 1831," four days after his death had been announced in
England. In its issue of September 8, this paper had already corrected the
London editor's error respecting Wilson.
164. (Anon.) Featherstonhaugh, G. W.:
"Audubon's Expedition to California and the Rocky
Mountains," Monthly American Journal of Geology and Natural
Science, vol. i, p. 229. (November.) Philadelphia, 1831.
165. (Anon.):
"Mr. Audubon," New York Mirror, vol. 10, p. 325. New York,
April 20, 1833.
166. (Anon.):
"Audubon and his Labrador Expedition." Editorial in the
National Gazette and Literary Register, Philadelphia, vol. xiii, No.
3808, September 10, 1833.
"We wish him a degree of success and prolongation of vigor equal to
his great merits; indeed, for the past at least, success is fully assured."
167. (Anon.):
actually occurred at Philadelphia eighteen years before. In the issue of
October 15, the editor acknowledged his error in resurrecting and then
killing Wilson, but explained that the obituary was intended for Audubon.
163. Brown, Capt. Thomas:
"Mr. Audubon," Caledonian Mercury, Edinburgh, Thursday,
November 3, 1831.
Quotes a letter written by Audubon, to Joseph B. Kidd and dated "New
York, Sept. 7, 1831," four days after his death had been announced in
England. In its issue of September 8, this paper had already corrected the
London editor's error respecting Wilson.
164. (Anon.) Featherstonhaugh, G. W.:
"Audubon's Expedition to California and the Rocky
Mountains," Monthly American Journal of Geology and Natural
Science, vol. i, p. 229. (November.) Philadelphia, 1831.
165. (Anon.):
"Mr. Audubon," New York Mirror, vol. 10, p. 325. New York,
April 20, 1833.
166. (Anon.):
"Audubon and his Labrador Expedition." Editorial in the
National Gazette and Literary Register, Philadelphia, vol. xiii, No.
3808, September 10, 1833.
"We wish him a degree of success and prolongation of vigor equal to
his great merits; indeed, for the past at least, success is fully assured."
167. (Anon.):
Page 491
"Mr. Audubon," National Gazette and Literary Register,
Philadelphia (extracted from the Boston Patriot), vol. xiii, No. 3919,
September 10, 1833.
Welcomes Audubon on his return to Boston, and gives detailed account
of his successful Labrador expedition.
168. MacGillivray, William:
A History of British Birds, indigenous and migratory, 5 vols.,
8vo. Illust. London, 1837-1852.
See Practical Ornithology, 6th. Lesson: "Ornithologus [Audubon], and
Physiophilus [MacGillivray]," pp. 462-474 (1839).
169. Swainson, William:
Taxidermy, Bibliography, and Biography. The Cabinet
Cyclopædia, conducted by the Rev. Dionysius Lardner. 12mo.
London, 1840. For "J. J. Audubon, Animal Painter," see pp. 116-117.
170. Freiligrath, F.:
"Epistel an Audubon nebst einer Antwort aus Amerika." Pp. 1-
16, 18mo. Philadelphia, 1844.
This rare little pamphlet bears on its cover a woodcut of an Indian
brandishing a gun and knife: the poem begins:
"Mann der Wälder, der Savannen!
Neben rother Indier Speer,
An des Mississippi Tannen
Lehntest du dein Jagdgewehr!"
and the response:
Philadelphia (extracted from the Boston Patriot), vol. xiii, No. 3919,
September 10, 1833.
Welcomes Audubon on his return to Boston, and gives detailed account
of his successful Labrador expedition.
168. MacGillivray, William:
A History of British Birds, indigenous and migratory, 5 vols.,
8vo. Illust. London, 1837-1852.
See Practical Ornithology, 6th. Lesson: "Ornithologus [Audubon], and
Physiophilus [MacGillivray]," pp. 462-474 (1839).
169. Swainson, William:
Taxidermy, Bibliography, and Biography. The Cabinet
Cyclopædia, conducted by the Rev. Dionysius Lardner. 12mo.
London, 1840. For "J. J. Audubon, Animal Painter," see pp. 116-117.
170. Freiligrath, F.:
"Epistel an Audubon nebst einer Antwort aus Amerika." Pp. 1-
16, 18mo. Philadelphia, 1844.
This rare little pamphlet bears on its cover a woodcut of an Indian
brandishing a gun and knife: the poem begins:
"Mann der Wälder, der Savannen!
Neben rother Indier Speer,
An des Mississippi Tannen
Lehntest du dein Jagdgewehr!"
and the response:
Page 492
"Audubon, den Vogelfänger
Sangst du an, mit Herzeleid;
Freiligrath, o grosser Sänger!
Deine Lieder fliegen weit."
See also J. Bayard Taylor, "Audubon. From the German of Ferdinand
Freiligrath," Graham's American Monthly Magazine, vol. xxvi, p. 264. This
poem consists of twenty stanzas, the first four and best of which are:
Man of forests and savannas!
On the Mississippi's tide,
Leanest thou thy hunting-rifle
Oft the Indian spear beside;
With the forest's tawny chieftains
Thou the friendly pipe dost light—
Seest the wandering pigeon's journey
And the eagle's silent flight.
With thy shot thou lam'st his pinion;
And the trackless region through,
On the mighty river's mirror
Pliest thou thy swift canoe.
O'er the green and grassy prairie
Boldly flies thy fiery steed;
Deer and forest-fruits the manna
God has given thee in thy need!
Ferdinand Freiligrath (1810-1876), well known German lyric poet and
apostle of democracy, was more than once forced to flee his native land on
account of his political sentiments; he went to England seven years after
Sangst du an, mit Herzeleid;
Freiligrath, o grosser Sänger!
Deine Lieder fliegen weit."
See also J. Bayard Taylor, "Audubon. From the German of Ferdinand
Freiligrath," Graham's American Monthly Magazine, vol. xxvi, p. 264. This
poem consists of twenty stanzas, the first four and best of which are:
Man of forests and savannas!
On the Mississippi's tide,
Leanest thou thy hunting-rifle
Oft the Indian spear beside;
With the forest's tawny chieftains
Thou the friendly pipe dost light—
Seest the wandering pigeon's journey
And the eagle's silent flight.
With thy shot thou lam'st his pinion;
And the trackless region through,
On the mighty river's mirror
Pliest thou thy swift canoe.
O'er the green and grassy prairie
Boldly flies thy fiery steed;
Deer and forest-fruits the manna
God has given thee in thy need!
Ferdinand Freiligrath (1810-1876), well known German lyric poet and
apostle of democracy, was more than once forced to flee his native land on
account of his political sentiments; he went to England seven years after
Page 493
Audubon had finally settled in America, and that country became his refuge
for over twenty years; his translations from the English included
Longfellow's poem of "Hiawatha."
171. (Anon.):
"Mort de Jean Jacques Audubon, célèbre naturaliste américain,"
illust., L'Illustration, Paris, vol. xvii, No. 416, February 28, 1851, p.
128.
172. (Anon.):
"John James Audubon," Harper's New Monthly Magazine, vol.
ii, pp. 561-563 (March). New York, 1851.
173. Webber, Charles Wilkins:
Romance of Natural History; or Wild Scenes and Wild Hunters.
8vo.; pp. 1-8, 17-610. Philadelphia, 1852.
An abridgment of the author's Wild Scenes and Wild Hunters, 1851, and
also issued under the title The hunter naturalist; also published as The
Romance of forest and prairie life; narrative of perilous adventures & wild
hunting scenes (H. Vizetelly. London, 1853). Gives an anecdote of meeting
Audubon on a canal boat in Pennsylvania, when he was returning from the
Upper Missouri in 1843 (see No. 149) and is quoted here for no other
reason.
174. Audubon, John Woodhouse:
Illustrated notes of an expedition through Mexico and
California. Pp. 1-48, 4 plates, plain or colored. J. W. Audubon. New
York, 1852. Reprinted as Extra Number 41 of The Magazine of
History, with Notes and Queries. Pp. 1-83, 4 colored plates
(including frontispiece). W. Abbatt. Tarrytown, 1915.
for over twenty years; his translations from the English included
Longfellow's poem of "Hiawatha."
171. (Anon.):
"Mort de Jean Jacques Audubon, célèbre naturaliste américain,"
illust., L'Illustration, Paris, vol. xvii, No. 416, February 28, 1851, p.
128.
172. (Anon.):
"John James Audubon," Harper's New Monthly Magazine, vol.
ii, pp. 561-563 (March). New York, 1851.
173. Webber, Charles Wilkins:
Romance of Natural History; or Wild Scenes and Wild Hunters.
8vo.; pp. 1-8, 17-610. Philadelphia, 1852.
An abridgment of the author's Wild Scenes and Wild Hunters, 1851, and
also issued under the title The hunter naturalist; also published as The
Romance of forest and prairie life; narrative of perilous adventures & wild
hunting scenes (H. Vizetelly. London, 1853). Gives an anecdote of meeting
Audubon on a canal boat in Pennsylvania, when he was returning from the
Upper Missouri in 1843 (see No. 149) and is quoted here for no other
reason.
174. Audubon, John Woodhouse:
Illustrated notes of an expedition through Mexico and
California. Pp. 1-48, 4 plates, plain or colored. J. W. Audubon. New
York, 1852. Reprinted as Extra Number 41 of The Magazine of
History, with Notes and Queries. Pp. 1-83, 4 colored plates
(including frontispiece). W. Abbatt. Tarrytown, 1915.
Page 494
It was planned to issue this work monthly in ten numbers, if it should
receive sufficient public support. The drawings are exquisitely reproduced,
and as works of art are deserving of the highest praise. See No. 219.
175. A[nna]. A[tkins].:
Memoir of J. G. Children, Esq., including some unpublished
poetry of his father and himself. Printed for private distribution. Pp.
1-314. Westminster, 1853.
Refers to Audubon's relations with Children, and to his naming of
"Sylvia childreni," which later proved to be an error.
176. Nolte, Vincent:
Fifty Years in both Hemispheres: or Reminiscences of a
Merchant's Life. London, 1854.
English edition of a work originally published at Hamburg in the same
year. See particularly his version of the meeting with Audubon in 1810, and
of their descent of the Ohio in Nolte's flatboat to Louisville in the winter of
that year.
177. Wallace, W. Ross:
"Audubon's Hymn in the American Forests," Harper's New
Monthly Magazine, vol. xix, p. 619 (October). New York, 1859.
178. Stoddard, Charles A[ugustus].:
"A Noble Woman's Life: A Memorial Sermon to the late
Madame Audubon." Printed by request. Pp. 1-24, 18mo. Anson D. F.
Randolph & Co., 770 Broadway, cor. 9th St., New York, 1874.
179. F.:
"Audubon's Birds of America," Magazine of American History,
vol. 1, pp. 252-253. New York and Chicago, 1877.
receive sufficient public support. The drawings are exquisitely reproduced,
and as works of art are deserving of the highest praise. See No. 219.
175. A[nna]. A[tkins].:
Memoir of J. G. Children, Esq., including some unpublished
poetry of his father and himself. Printed for private distribution. Pp.
1-314. Westminster, 1853.
Refers to Audubon's relations with Children, and to his naming of
"Sylvia childreni," which later proved to be an error.
176. Nolte, Vincent:
Fifty Years in both Hemispheres: or Reminiscences of a
Merchant's Life. London, 1854.
English edition of a work originally published at Hamburg in the same
year. See particularly his version of the meeting with Audubon in 1810, and
of their descent of the Ohio in Nolte's flatboat to Louisville in the winter of
that year.
177. Wallace, W. Ross:
"Audubon's Hymn in the American Forests," Harper's New
Monthly Magazine, vol. xix, p. 619 (October). New York, 1859.
178. Stoddard, Charles A[ugustus].:
"A Noble Woman's Life: A Memorial Sermon to the late
Madame Audubon." Printed by request. Pp. 1-24, 18mo. Anson D. F.
Randolph & Co., 770 Broadway, cor. 9th St., New York, 1874.
179. F.:
"Audubon's Birds of America," Magazine of American History,
vol. 1, pp. 252-253. New York and Chicago, 1877.
Page 495
Reproduction of a note by J. Prescott Hall concerning Audubon's
subscribers.
180. Lockwood, Samuel:
"Audubon's Lily Rediscovered," Popular Science Monthly, vol.
x (April), pp. 675-678. New York, 1877.
Records the rediscovery of Audubon's long lost and discredited yellow
water lily, Nymphæa flava, by Mrs. Mary Treat, in Florida, in the summer
of 1876. Originally figured by Audubon, with the Common American swan,
on Plate ccccxi, of The Birds of America, in 1838.
181. Coues, Elliott:
Birds of the Colorado Valley, Bibliographical Appendix: "List
of Faunal Publications relating to North American Ornithology," pp.
567-746. 8vo. Washington, 1878.
Gives full citations of the various editions of Audubon's works. "It
takes an inspired idiot to be a good bibliographer" (Coues).
182. Wade, Joseph M.:
"Letter to J. M. Wade on Audubon's Mill," Ornithologist and
Oölogist, vol. 8, p. 79. Boston, 1883.
183. Jordan, David Starr:
"Rafinesque," Popular Science Monthly, vol. xxix, pp. 212-221
(June). New York, 1886. Reproduced in Pioneers of Science in
America, edited by William Jay Youmans (New York, 1896).
184. Shufeldt, R. W.:
"On an old Portrait of Audubon, painted by himself, and a word
about some of his early Drawings," The Auk, vol. iii, pp. 418-430,
with portrait. New York, 1886.
subscribers.
180. Lockwood, Samuel:
"Audubon's Lily Rediscovered," Popular Science Monthly, vol.
x (April), pp. 675-678. New York, 1877.
Records the rediscovery of Audubon's long lost and discredited yellow
water lily, Nymphæa flava, by Mrs. Mary Treat, in Florida, in the summer
of 1876. Originally figured by Audubon, with the Common American swan,
on Plate ccccxi, of The Birds of America, in 1838.
181. Coues, Elliott:
Birds of the Colorado Valley, Bibliographical Appendix: "List
of Faunal Publications relating to North American Ornithology," pp.
567-746. 8vo. Washington, 1878.
Gives full citations of the various editions of Audubon's works. "It
takes an inspired idiot to be a good bibliographer" (Coues).
182. Wade, Joseph M.:
"Letter to J. M. Wade on Audubon's Mill," Ornithologist and
Oölogist, vol. 8, p. 79. Boston, 1883.
183. Jordan, David Starr:
"Rafinesque," Popular Science Monthly, vol. xxix, pp. 212-221
(June). New York, 1886. Reproduced in Pioneers of Science in
America, edited by William Jay Youmans (New York, 1896).
184. Shufeldt, R. W.:
"On an old Portrait of Audubon, painted by himself, and a word
about some of his early Drawings," The Auk, vol. iii, pp. 418-430,
with portrait. New York, 1886.
Page 496
185. Saunders, Frederick:
The Story of Some Famous Books. For Audubon, see pp. 141-
144. London, 1887.
186. Starling, Edmund L.:
History of Henderson County, Kentucky. 8vo., pp. 1-832.
Henderson, 1887.
Gives an account of Audubon's mill and of his other business ventures
at Henderson, but when departing from local records is inaccurate and
unreliable.
187. Martin, D. S.:
"Audubon's Grave," Science, vol. x, pp. 68-69 (Aug. 5). New
York, 1887.
Refers to the project set on foot to raise funds for erecting a monument
to the naturalist.
188. Shufeldt, R. W.:
"Audubon's Grave," Science, vol. x, p. 108 (Aug. 28). New
York, 1887.
Proposes that the remains of Audubon should eventually rest in the
crypt of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City.
189. (Anon.):
[Audubon's Grave], Science, vol. x, p. 205 (Oct. 28). New York,
1887.
Announces the appointment of a committee by the New York Academy
of Sciences to secure funds for the erection of the proposed monument.
See also the same, vol. x, p. 278 (Dec. 9).
The Story of Some Famous Books. For Audubon, see pp. 141-
144. London, 1887.
186. Starling, Edmund L.:
History of Henderson County, Kentucky. 8vo., pp. 1-832.
Henderson, 1887.
Gives an account of Audubon's mill and of his other business ventures
at Henderson, but when departing from local records is inaccurate and
unreliable.
187. Martin, D. S.:
"Audubon's Grave," Science, vol. x, pp. 68-69 (Aug. 5). New
York, 1887.
Refers to the project set on foot to raise funds for erecting a monument
to the naturalist.
188. Shufeldt, R. W.:
"Audubon's Grave," Science, vol. x, p. 108 (Aug. 28). New
York, 1887.
Proposes that the remains of Audubon should eventually rest in the
crypt of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City.
189. (Anon.):
[Audubon's Grave], Science, vol. x, p. 205 (Oct. 28). New York,
1887.
Announces the appointment of a committee by the New York Academy
of Sciences to secure funds for the erection of the proposed monument.
See also the same, vol. x, p. 278 (Dec. 9).
Page 497
190. Shufeldt, R. W.:
"Audubonian Sketches," The Audubonian Magazine, published
in the interests of the Audubon Society for the protection of birds,
vol. i (January), pp. 267-271, illust., and vol. ii (February), pp. 3-6,
illust. New York, 1888.
See files of the same magazine, vol. i, pp. i-xi, 1-288, February,
1887-January, 1888, and vol. ii, pp. i-vi, 1-264, February, 1888-
January, 1889, New York, for various comments on Audubon's life
and services.
191. Bachman, C. L.:
John Bachman, D.D., LL.D., Ph.D. 8vo, pp. i-xii, 1-436, with
portrait. Charleston, 1888.
Reproduces numerous letters which passed between the Bachman and
Audubon families.
192. Loomis, Leverett M.:
"A Forgotten Volume," The Auk, vol. viii, p. 230. New York,
1891.
193. (Anon.):
"Report of the Audubon Monument Committee of The New
York Academy of Sciences," Transactions of the Academy, vol. xiii,
pp. 23-69. New York, 1893.
194. Shufeldt, R. W.:
"Audubon the Naturalist," illust., The Great Divide, San
Francisco, September, 1893.
"More about Audubon the Naturalist," ibid., February, 1894.
"Audubonian Sketches," The Audubonian Magazine, published
in the interests of the Audubon Society for the protection of birds,
vol. i (January), pp. 267-271, illust., and vol. ii (February), pp. 3-6,
illust. New York, 1888.
See files of the same magazine, vol. i, pp. i-xi, 1-288, February,
1887-January, 1888, and vol. ii, pp. i-vi, 1-264, February, 1888-
January, 1889, New York, for various comments on Audubon's life
and services.
191. Bachman, C. L.:
John Bachman, D.D., LL.D., Ph.D. 8vo, pp. i-xii, 1-436, with
portrait. Charleston, 1888.
Reproduces numerous letters which passed between the Bachman and
Audubon families.
192. Loomis, Leverett M.:
"A Forgotten Volume," The Auk, vol. viii, p. 230. New York,
1891.
193. (Anon.):
"Report of the Audubon Monument Committee of The New
York Academy of Sciences," Transactions of the Academy, vol. xiii,
pp. 23-69. New York, 1893.
194. Shufeldt, R. W.:
"Audubon the Naturalist," illust., The Great Divide, San
Francisco, September, 1893.
"More about Audubon the Naturalist," ibid., February, 1894.
Page 498
195. Duke, Basil W.:
"Audubon," Southern Magazine, vol. iii, August, 1893, pp. 3-
19, portrait and illust. Louisville, 1893-1894.
196. Shufeldt, R. W., and Audubon, M. R.:
"The Last Portrait of Audubon, together with a letter to his son,"
The Auk, vol. xi, pp. 309-313, portrait. New York, 1894.
The original of D'Avignon's engraving, published in 1850; see No. 62.
197. Healy, George P. A.:
Reminiscences of a Portrait Painter. Chicago, 1894.
Gives an account of his successful manœuvres to obtain sittings for his
portrait of Audubon in 1838.
198. Call, Richard Ellsworth:
The Life and Writings of Rafinesque. Filson Club Publications,
No. 10. 4to. Pp. i-xii, 1-227. Louisville, 1895.
Takes Audubon severely to task for his treatment of Rafinesque at
Henderson in the summer of 1818; see pp. 24-29.
199. "Renignolds" (E. R. Shattuck):
"Audubon's Plates sold for Junk," Forest and Stream, New
York, September 12, 1896.
200. Bakewell, W. G.:
Bakewell-Page-Campbell. Being an account of the descendants
of John Bakewell, of Castle Donnington, Leicestershire, England,
born in 1638, &c., &c. Wm. H. Johnston & Company. Pittsburgh,
1896.
"Audubon," Southern Magazine, vol. iii, August, 1893, pp. 3-
19, portrait and illust. Louisville, 1893-1894.
196. Shufeldt, R. W., and Audubon, M. R.:
"The Last Portrait of Audubon, together with a letter to his son,"
The Auk, vol. xi, pp. 309-313, portrait. New York, 1894.
The original of D'Avignon's engraving, published in 1850; see No. 62.
197. Healy, George P. A.:
Reminiscences of a Portrait Painter. Chicago, 1894.
Gives an account of his successful manœuvres to obtain sittings for his
portrait of Audubon in 1838.
198. Call, Richard Ellsworth:
The Life and Writings of Rafinesque. Filson Club Publications,
No. 10. 4to. Pp. i-xii, 1-227. Louisville, 1895.
Takes Audubon severely to task for his treatment of Rafinesque at
Henderson in the summer of 1818; see pp. 24-29.
199. "Renignolds" (E. R. Shattuck):
"Audubon's Plates sold for Junk," Forest and Stream, New
York, September 12, 1896.
200. Bakewell, W. G.:
Bakewell-Page-Campbell. Being an account of the descendants
of John Bakewell, of Castle Donnington, Leicestershire, England,
born in 1638, &c., &c. Wm. H. Johnston & Company. Pittsburgh,
1896.
Page 499
Gives genealogy of the Bakewells, and of the families of J. J., J. W. and
V. G. Audubon.
201. Coues, Elliott:
"Letter by Audubon to Charles Bonaparte, dated New York,
May 1, 1833," The Osprey, vol. ii. Washington, 1897.
202. Rozier, Firman A.:
Rozier's History of the early Settlement of the Mississippi
Valley. 8vo., pp. 1-338. St. Louis, 1898.
See Part X for some account of the business relations of Audubon with
the author's father, Ferdinand Rozier.
203. Coues, Elliott:
"William Swainson to John James Audubon, The Auk, vol. xv,
pp. 11-13. Cambridge, 1898.
Letter dated "Tettenhanger Green, 2d October 1830"; reprinted in The
Osprey, vols. iv and v (Washington, 1900).
204. Günther, Albert:
"The unpublished correspondence of William Swainson with
contemporary naturalists (1806-1840)," Proceedings of the Linnæan
Society, 112th session, pp. 14-24. London, 1900.
Lists twenty-four letters of Audubon to Swainson, dating from 1 May,
1828, to 11 Jany., 1838, with brief reference to their contents. For abstract
of this paper see Theodore Gill, "Swainson's Correspondence." The Osprey,
vol. v, pp. 29-30 (Washington, 1900).
205. Gill, Theodore:
V. G. Audubon.
201. Coues, Elliott:
"Letter by Audubon to Charles Bonaparte, dated New York,
May 1, 1833," The Osprey, vol. ii. Washington, 1897.
202. Rozier, Firman A.:
Rozier's History of the early Settlement of the Mississippi
Valley. 8vo., pp. 1-338. St. Louis, 1898.
See Part X for some account of the business relations of Audubon with
the author's father, Ferdinand Rozier.
203. Coues, Elliott:
"William Swainson to John James Audubon, The Auk, vol. xv,
pp. 11-13. Cambridge, 1898.
Letter dated "Tettenhanger Green, 2d October 1830"; reprinted in The
Osprey, vols. iv and v (Washington, 1900).
204. Günther, Albert:
"The unpublished correspondence of William Swainson with
contemporary naturalists (1806-1840)," Proceedings of the Linnæan
Society, 112th session, pp. 14-24. London, 1900.
Lists twenty-four letters of Audubon to Swainson, dating from 1 May,
1828, to 11 Jany., 1838, with brief reference to their contents. For abstract
of this paper see Theodore Gill, "Swainson's Correspondence." The Osprey,
vol. v, pp. 29-30 (Washington, 1900).
205. Gill, Theodore:
Page 500
"Correspondence of and about Audubon with Swainson," The
Osprey, vol. v, pp. 23-25. Washington, 1900.
206. Gill, Theodore:
"William Swainson and his Times," The Osprey, vols. iv and v.
Washington, 1900.
207. (Anon.):
"Recent Sales of Audubon's Works," The Osprey, vol. v, pp. 31
and 63. Washington, 1900.
Copy of The Birds of America sold by Bangs, February 6, 1896, for
$1,250, and another by Sotheran, London, 1892, for £345 (about $1,725),
the first with the Ornithological Biography included.
207a. Bohemian (C. S. Boutcher):
"Early Days in the Lehigh Valley," Black Diamond Express, vol.
iv, pp. 3-15. New York, 1900.
Describes Audubon's visit to Mauch Chunk in 1829, and gives also a
detailed account of the copy of The Birds of America formerly the property
of David Eckley, of Boston, and then in possession of Robert H. Sayre, of
South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (for which see Chapter XXVI, p. 7).
208. (Anon.):
"Audubon in the [American] Museum [of Natural History],"
with explanatory notes by Maria R. Audubon, The American
Museum Journal, vol. 1, pp. 82-84, with portrait. New York, 1900-
1901.
Describes portrait of Audubon painted by his sons towards the close of
his life, and given to the Museum by Mr. Fordham Morris, of New York, an
oil painting of wild turkeys, the original of which was made by Audubon in
Osprey, vol. v, pp. 23-25. Washington, 1900.
206. Gill, Theodore:
"William Swainson and his Times," The Osprey, vols. iv and v.
Washington, 1900.
207. (Anon.):
"Recent Sales of Audubon's Works," The Osprey, vol. v, pp. 31
and 63. Washington, 1900.
Copy of The Birds of America sold by Bangs, February 6, 1896, for
$1,250, and another by Sotheran, London, 1892, for £345 (about $1,725),
the first with the Ornithological Biography included.
207a. Bohemian (C. S. Boutcher):
"Early Days in the Lehigh Valley," Black Diamond Express, vol.
iv, pp. 3-15. New York, 1900.
Describes Audubon's visit to Mauch Chunk in 1829, and gives also a
detailed account of the copy of The Birds of America formerly the property
of David Eckley, of Boston, and then in possession of Robert H. Sayre, of
South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (for which see Chapter XXVI, p. 7).
208. (Anon.):
"Audubon in the [American] Museum [of Natural History],"
with explanatory notes by Maria R. Audubon, The American
Museum Journal, vol. 1, pp. 82-84, with portrait. New York, 1900-
1901.
Describes portrait of Audubon painted by his sons towards the close of
his life, and given to the Museum by Mr. Fordham Morris, of New York, an
oil painting of wild turkeys, the original of which was made by Audubon in
Page 501
1826 for the Royal Institution of Liverpool, and several other paintings and
plates. In vol. ii, page 42, of the same journal is reproduced an unpublished
painting of the Red-eyed Vireo by Audubon.
209. Deane, Ruthven:
"Unpublished Letters of William MacGillivray to John James
Audubon," The Auk, vol. xviii, pp. 239-249. Cambridge, 1901.
210. Coues, Elliott:
"Auduboniana and Other Matters of Present Interest," Bird
Lore, vol. iii, p. 9. New York, 1901.
210a. Clark, Edward B.:
"Relics of Audubon," Chicago Evening Post, February 7, 1901.
An account of Auduboniana and other literary rarities in possession of
Mr. Ruthven Deane.
211. MacGillivray, William:
A Memorial Tribute to William MacGillivray, M.A., LL.D.
Ornithologist; Professor of Natural History, Marischal College and
University, Aberdeen. 4to, pp. i-xvi, 1-204, with illust. Edinburgh,
1901.
Contains sketch of MacGillivray's life and work, with an account of the
monument placed over his grave, and of a beautiful memorial tablet
inscribed to his memory at Marischal College, with an unpublished
"Journal" by MacGillivray, and extracts from his other writings.
212. Butterworth, Hezekiah:
In the Days of Audubon; A Tale of the "Protector of Birds."
Illustrated. Pp. x-xii, 1-236. New York, 1901.
plates. In vol. ii, page 42, of the same journal is reproduced an unpublished
painting of the Red-eyed Vireo by Audubon.
209. Deane, Ruthven:
"Unpublished Letters of William MacGillivray to John James
Audubon," The Auk, vol. xviii, pp. 239-249. Cambridge, 1901.
210. Coues, Elliott:
"Auduboniana and Other Matters of Present Interest," Bird
Lore, vol. iii, p. 9. New York, 1901.
210a. Clark, Edward B.:
"Relics of Audubon," Chicago Evening Post, February 7, 1901.
An account of Auduboniana and other literary rarities in possession of
Mr. Ruthven Deane.
211. MacGillivray, William:
A Memorial Tribute to William MacGillivray, M.A., LL.D.
Ornithologist; Professor of Natural History, Marischal College and
University, Aberdeen. 4to, pp. i-xvi, 1-204, with illust. Edinburgh,
1901.
Contains sketch of MacGillivray's life and work, with an account of the
monument placed over his grave, and of a beautiful memorial tablet
inscribed to his memory at Marischal College, with an unpublished
"Journal" by MacGillivray, and extracts from his other writings.
212. Butterworth, Hezekiah:
In the Days of Audubon; A Tale of the "Protector of Birds."
Illustrated. Pp. x-xii, 1-236. New York, 1901.
Page 502
213. Job, Herbert K.:
"Following Audubon among the Florida Keys," Outing, vol.
xliii, pp. 71-79, illust. New York, 1903.
214. Howe, Reginald Heber:
"Audubon's 'Ornithological Biography,'" The Auk, vol. xxi, p.
286. Cambridge, 1904.
Note on volume i of the American edition, bearing the imprint:
"Philadelphia: Judah Dobson, Agent, 108 Chestnut Street; and H. H. Porter,
Literary Rooms, 121 Chestnut Street. MDCCCXXXI." See also Ruthven
Deane, The Auk, vol. xxiv, 1907, p. 111, and Nathaniel E. Janney, the same,
p. 349.
This writer at one time proposed to bring out a revised edition of the
Ornithological Biography, but the project was abandoned from lack of
support.
215. (Anon.):
"[John James Audubon]; Notice of the Commemoration of the
one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary of his birth," The Auk, vol.
xxii, p. 334 (July). Cambridge, 1905.
See Chapter I, Note 6.
216. Deane, Ruthven:
"John James Abert to John James Audubon" (hitherto
unpublished letters), The Auk, vol. xxii, pp. 172-175. Cambridge,
1905.
217. Deane, Ruthven:
"William Swainson to John James Audubon" (a hitherto
unpublished letter), The Auk, vol. xxii, pp. 31-34. Cambridge, 1905.
"Following Audubon among the Florida Keys," Outing, vol.
xliii, pp. 71-79, illust. New York, 1903.
214. Howe, Reginald Heber:
"Audubon's 'Ornithological Biography,'" The Auk, vol. xxi, p.
286. Cambridge, 1904.
Note on volume i of the American edition, bearing the imprint:
"Philadelphia: Judah Dobson, Agent, 108 Chestnut Street; and H. H. Porter,
Literary Rooms, 121 Chestnut Street. MDCCCXXXI." See also Ruthven
Deane, The Auk, vol. xxiv, 1907, p. 111, and Nathaniel E. Janney, the same,
p. 349.
This writer at one time proposed to bring out a revised edition of the
Ornithological Biography, but the project was abandoned from lack of
support.
215. (Anon.):
"[John James Audubon]; Notice of the Commemoration of the
one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary of his birth," The Auk, vol.
xxii, p. 334 (July). Cambridge, 1905.
See Chapter I, Note 6.
216. Deane, Ruthven:
"John James Abert to John James Audubon" (hitherto
unpublished letters), The Auk, vol. xxii, pp. 172-175. Cambridge,
1905.
217. Deane, Ruthven:
"William Swainson to John James Audubon" (a hitherto
unpublished letter), The Auk, vol. xxii, pp. 31-34. Cambridge, 1905.
Page 503
218. Deane, Ruthven:
"William Swainson to John James Audubon," The Auk, vol.
xxii, pp. 248-258. Cambridge, 1905.
219. Audubon, John W.:
Audubon's Western Journal: 1849-1850. Being the MS. record
of a trip from New York to Texas, and an overland journey through
Mexico and Arizona to the gold-fields of California. With a
biographical memoir by Maria R. Audubon, and edited by Frank
Heywood Hodder. Map, portrait, and original drawings. Pp. 1-250,
8vo. Cleveland, 1906.
For the original edition of Part 1 of J. W. Audubon's Journal, see No.
174 of this Bibliography.
220. Claiborne, F.:
Simple Love and Occasional Pieces in Verse, with A Notice of
Audubon. Pp. 1-60. New Orleans, 1906.
221. Stone, Witmer:
"A Bibliography and Nomenclator of John James Audubon,"
The Auk, vol. xxiii, pp. 298-312. Cambridge, 1906.
Most complete and accurate analysis of Audubon's ornithological
works yet given.
222. (Anon.):
"Abstract of Audubon's Account Books, kept at Philadelphia,
while the Octavo edition of the Birds was being issued," Evening
Post, New York, Saturday Supplement for December 29, 1906.
223. (Anon.):
"William Swainson to John James Audubon," The Auk, vol.
xxii, pp. 248-258. Cambridge, 1905.
219. Audubon, John W.:
Audubon's Western Journal: 1849-1850. Being the MS. record
of a trip from New York to Texas, and an overland journey through
Mexico and Arizona to the gold-fields of California. With a
biographical memoir by Maria R. Audubon, and edited by Frank
Heywood Hodder. Map, portrait, and original drawings. Pp. 1-250,
8vo. Cleveland, 1906.
For the original edition of Part 1 of J. W. Audubon's Journal, see No.
174 of this Bibliography.
220. Claiborne, F.:
Simple Love and Occasional Pieces in Verse, with A Notice of
Audubon. Pp. 1-60. New Orleans, 1906.
221. Stone, Witmer:
"A Bibliography and Nomenclator of John James Audubon,"
The Auk, vol. xxiii, pp. 298-312. Cambridge, 1906.
Most complete and accurate analysis of Audubon's ornithological
works yet given.
222. (Anon.):
"Abstract of Audubon's Account Books, kept at Philadelphia,
while the Octavo edition of the Birds was being issued," Evening
Post, New York, Saturday Supplement for December 29, 1906.
223. (Anon.):
Page 504
"Original Account Book of J. J. Audubon," The Nation, vol.
lxxxiv, p. 12 (June 3). New York, 1907.
See the preceding; gives interesting data regarding the issue of the first
octavo edition of The Birds of America in parts, at Philadelphia, 1840-1844.
224. Deane, Ruthven:
"Unpublished Letters of Introduction carried by John James
Audubon on his Missouri River Expedition," The Auk, vol. xxv, pp.
170-173. Cambridge, 1908.
225. Deane, Ruthven:
"The Copper-Plates of the Folio Edition of Audubon's 'Birds of
America,' with a brief Sketch of the Engravers," The Auk, vol. xxv,
pp. 401-413. Cambridge, 1908.
226. Merriam, C. Hart:
"The King Cameos of Audubon," The Auk, vol. xxv, pp. 448-
450, with plate. Cambridge, 1908.
226a. Merritt, Dixon L.:
"Audubon, the Ornithologist, in Kentucky," The Taylor-
Trotwood Magazine, vol. 10, pp. 293-298. Nashville, 1909.
226b. Derby, Earl of:
In letter, to Audubon, dated January 17, 1835. Reproduction of "The
Eagle and the Lamb." Forest and Stream, June 26, 1909, pp. 1011-1012.
New York, 1909.
227. Shufeldt, R. W., M.D.:
"An hitherto unpublished painting by Audubon," The Wilson
Bulletin, N. S., vol. xii, pp. 3-5, illust. Oberlin, 1910.
lxxxiv, p. 12 (June 3). New York, 1907.
See the preceding; gives interesting data regarding the issue of the first
octavo edition of The Birds of America in parts, at Philadelphia, 1840-1844.
224. Deane, Ruthven:
"Unpublished Letters of Introduction carried by John James
Audubon on his Missouri River Expedition," The Auk, vol. xxv, pp.
170-173. Cambridge, 1908.
225. Deane, Ruthven:
"The Copper-Plates of the Folio Edition of Audubon's 'Birds of
America,' with a brief Sketch of the Engravers," The Auk, vol. xxv,
pp. 401-413. Cambridge, 1908.
226. Merriam, C. Hart:
"The King Cameos of Audubon," The Auk, vol. xxv, pp. 448-
450, with plate. Cambridge, 1908.
226a. Merritt, Dixon L.:
"Audubon, the Ornithologist, in Kentucky," The Taylor-
Trotwood Magazine, vol. 10, pp. 293-298. Nashville, 1909.
226b. Derby, Earl of:
In letter, to Audubon, dated January 17, 1835. Reproduction of "The
Eagle and the Lamb." Forest and Stream, June 26, 1909, pp. 1011-1012.
New York, 1909.
227. Shufeldt, R. W., M.D.:
"An hitherto unpublished painting by Audubon," The Wilson
Bulletin, N. S., vol. xii, pp. 3-5, illust. Oberlin, 1910.
Page 505
Oil painting of cock and hens, but original in poor state of preservation.
228. Fitzpatrick, T. J.:
Rafinesque. A Sketch of his Life with Bibliography. 8vo., pp. 1-
242, with portrait and reproductions of rare titles. Historical
Department of Iowa, Des Moines, 1911.
Cites 939 separate publications by Rafinesque, numerous manuscripts
and 134 Rafinesquiana.
229. Arthur, Stanley Clisby:
"John James Audubon, and the Birds of Louisiana," Times-
Picayune, New Orleans, May 2, 1915.
Gives an account, with illustrations, of "Fontainebleau," and of the
house at Mandeville which is regarded as "the probable birthplace" of
Audubon.
230. Arthur, Stanley Clisby:
"Audubon in West Feliciana," Times-Picayune, New Orleans,
August 6, 1916.
Follows Audubon's footsteps in Louisiana, and gives an interesting
account, with illustrations, of the plantation houses at which Mr. and Mrs.
Audubon lived at various intervals from 1821 to 1829.
231. Rhoads, Samuel N.:
"More Light on Audubon's Folio 'Birds of America,'" The Auk,
vol. xxxiii, pp. 130-132. Cambridge, 1916.
232. Williams, George Alfred:
"Robert Havell, Junior, Engraver of Audubon's 'The Birds of
America,'" Print-Collector's Quarterly, vol. 6, No. 3 (October), pp.
228. Fitzpatrick, T. J.:
Rafinesque. A Sketch of his Life with Bibliography. 8vo., pp. 1-
242, with portrait and reproductions of rare titles. Historical
Department of Iowa, Des Moines, 1911.
Cites 939 separate publications by Rafinesque, numerous manuscripts
and 134 Rafinesquiana.
229. Arthur, Stanley Clisby:
"John James Audubon, and the Birds of Louisiana," Times-
Picayune, New Orleans, May 2, 1915.
Gives an account, with illustrations, of "Fontainebleau," and of the
house at Mandeville which is regarded as "the probable birthplace" of
Audubon.
230. Arthur, Stanley Clisby:
"Audubon in West Feliciana," Times-Picayune, New Orleans,
August 6, 1916.
Follows Audubon's footsteps in Louisiana, and gives an interesting
account, with illustrations, of the plantation houses at which Mr. and Mrs.
Audubon lived at various intervals from 1821 to 1829.
231. Rhoads, Samuel N.:
"More Light on Audubon's Folio 'Birds of America,'" The Auk,
vol. xxxiii, pp. 130-132. Cambridge, 1916.
232. Williams, George Alfred:
"Robert Havell, Junior, Engraver of Audubon's 'The Birds of
America,'" Print-Collector's Quarterly, vol. 6, No. 3 (October), pp.
Page 506
225-257, illust. Boston, 1916.
Presents a genealogy of the Havell family, and gives an excellent
analysis of the work of the eminent engraver.
233. (Anon.):
"More Buried Treasure in a Noted Basement," New York
Tribune, Sunday, March 11, 1917.
An appeal for a better treatment of the originals of Audubon's Birds of
America. "The original charter of the New York Historical Society signifies
that the organization was formed to preserve the history of the United
States, and especially the history of the City of New York. If Audubon's
wonderful drawings of the birds of America are not United States history
and New York City history rolled into one, then what, in the name of
Herodotus, Father of History, is?"
234. Townsend, Charles W.:
"In Audubon's Labrador," The Auk, vol. xxxiv, pp. 133-146,
illust. Cambridge, 1917.
Presents a genealogy of the Havell family, and gives an excellent
analysis of the work of the eminent engraver.
233. (Anon.):
"More Buried Treasure in a Noted Basement," New York
Tribune, Sunday, March 11, 1917.
An appeal for a better treatment of the originals of Audubon's Birds of
America. "The original charter of the New York Historical Society signifies
that the organization was formed to preserve the history of the United
States, and especially the history of the City of New York. If Audubon's
wonderful drawings of the birds of America are not United States history
and New York City history rolled into one, then what, in the name of
Herodotus, Father of History, is?"
234. Townsend, Charles W.:
"In Audubon's Labrador," The Auk, vol. xxxiv, pp. 133-146,
illust. Cambridge, 1917.
Page 507
INDEX
Abert, John James, on Audubon's plans, ii, 3; his career and the
rattlesnake episode, ii, 3, 77; "Abert's squirrel," ii, 4, 64, 155.
Abolitionists (Les Amis des Noirs), activity in France, i, 43; their
opposition to white planters and fomenting of rebellion in Santo
Domingo, i, 49.
Academy of Natural Sciences (Philadelphia), introduction of Audubon
to, i, 328; foundation and work of, i, 333; notice of meeting of, i,
333; Waterton on rejection of Audubon by, ii, 87.
Accipiter cooperi, i, 330.
Adams, Rev. Charles Coffin, history of his manuscript on the Life of
Audubon; his career and writings, i, 18; ii, 300.
Adams, John Quincy, i, 396.
Adelaide, Queen of England, patronage of, i, 391.
Allston, Washington, i, 336.
American Ornithologists' Union, number of species of American birds
recognized by (in 1910), ii, 215; doubtful species in "Check-List"
of, ii, 215.
American Ornithology, story of the author, production and publication
of, i, 202-219; original drawings for, i, 213; the engraver and
publisher of, i, 213, 217; the Prospectus and character of, i, 217;
the issue and patronage of, i, 217; death of the author of, i, 219;
publication of the last volume of, i, 223; second American edition
of, i, 223; diary of the author of, i, 224; Audubon's charge against
the author of, i, 226; counter charge of Ord in defense of the
author of, i, 227.
American Philosophical Society, Audubon to Sully on his rejection by,
i, 362; his later membership in, i, 363; Harlan on rejection of
Abert by, ii, 3-4; 27.
Abert, John James, on Audubon's plans, ii, 3; his career and the
rattlesnake episode, ii, 3, 77; "Abert's squirrel," ii, 4, 64, 155.
Abolitionists (Les Amis des Noirs), activity in France, i, 43; their
opposition to white planters and fomenting of rebellion in Santo
Domingo, i, 49.
Academy of Natural Sciences (Philadelphia), introduction of Audubon
to, i, 328; foundation and work of, i, 333; notice of meeting of, i,
333; Waterton on rejection of Audubon by, ii, 87.
Accipiter cooperi, i, 330.
Adams, Rev. Charles Coffin, history of his manuscript on the Life of
Audubon; his career and writings, i, 18; ii, 300.
Adams, John Quincy, i, 396.
Adelaide, Queen of England, patronage of, i, 391.
Allston, Washington, i, 336.
American Ornithologists' Union, number of species of American birds
recognized by (in 1910), ii, 215; doubtful species in "Check-List"
of, ii, 215.
American Ornithology, story of the author, production and publication
of, i, 202-219; original drawings for, i, 213; the engraver and
publisher of, i, 213, 217; the Prospectus and character of, i, 217;
the issue and patronage of, i, 217; death of the author of, i, 219;
publication of the last volume of, i, 223; second American edition
of, i, 223; diary of the author of, i, 224; Audubon's charge against
the author of, i, 226; counter charge of Ord in defense of the
author of, i, 227.
American Philosophical Society, Audubon to Sully on his rejection by,
i, 362; his later membership in, i, 363; Harlan on rejection of
Abert by, ii, 3-4; 27.
Page 508
Anthus spraguei, Sprague's Titlark, ii, 253.
Antonio de Sedella, Father, portrait of, i, 319, 321; Governor
Claiborne on, i, 319.
"Ark." See Flatboats.
Arthur, Stanley Clisby, i, 314; on the bird-life of the St. Francisville
region, i, 315; ii, 318; on Audubon and West Feliciana, i, 322-
323; 338.
"Articles of Association" of Audubon and Ferdinand Rozier,
description and reproduction of original of, i, 146-148; ii, 344-
349.
Ashburton, Lord, Baron (Alexander) Baring, ii, 242.
"Astur (Falco) Stanleii," i, 354, 417. See "Stanley Hawk."
Athenæum (London), on Audubon, ii, 84-85, 140, 199-200;
advertisement of The Birds of America, ii, 201.
Aubinais, M., i, 55.
Audibon (or Audubon?), Pierre, in the American Revolution, i, 24.
Audubon, Anne, suit by, i, 28, 263.
Audubon, Catherine Françoise. See Mme. Jean Louis Lissabé.
Audubon, Claude, and his family, i, 27.
Audubon, Dominica, suit by, i, 28, 263.
Audubon, Jean, his command at Yorktown and checkered career, i, 24;
his parentage and father's family, i, 26-28; birth and baptism, i,
27; beginning of life at sea and capture at Louisburg, i, 28; a
prisoner in England, i, 28; enters French Merchant marine and
begins his voyages to New Foundland, i, 29; enlists in French
navy and appears at Nantes, i, 30; reënters merchant marine and
begins voyages to Santo Domingo, i, 30; his ships and commands,
i, 31; his marriage, i, 32; fight in Le Comte d'Artois and capture
by the English, i, 32; prisoner in New York, and release, i, 32;
joins the American Revolution and commands a ship at the siege
of Yorktown, i, 34; later commands in the United States and fight
with a British privateer, i, 34; residence in the West Indies, i, 36;
travels in the United States and purchase of "Mill Grove," i, 36;
joins the National Guard at Les Cayes, i, 37; epitome of Santo
Domingo career, i, 37; engagement with Coirond Brothers with
interests at Les Cayes and St. Louis, i, 38; rapid rise to wealth as
planter, sugar refiner, and slave dealer, i, 39; light cast by his
Antonio de Sedella, Father, portrait of, i, 319, 321; Governor
Claiborne on, i, 319.
"Ark." See Flatboats.
Arthur, Stanley Clisby, i, 314; on the bird-life of the St. Francisville
region, i, 315; ii, 318; on Audubon and West Feliciana, i, 322-
323; 338.
"Articles of Association" of Audubon and Ferdinand Rozier,
description and reproduction of original of, i, 146-148; ii, 344-
349.
Ashburton, Lord, Baron (Alexander) Baring, ii, 242.
"Astur (Falco) Stanleii," i, 354, 417. See "Stanley Hawk."
Athenæum (London), on Audubon, ii, 84-85, 140, 199-200;
advertisement of The Birds of America, ii, 201.
Aubinais, M., i, 55.
Audibon (or Audubon?), Pierre, in the American Revolution, i, 24.
Audubon, Anne, suit by, i, 28, 263.
Audubon, Catherine Françoise. See Mme. Jean Louis Lissabé.
Audubon, Claude, and his family, i, 27.
Audubon, Dominica, suit by, i, 28, 263.
Audubon, Jean, his command at Yorktown and checkered career, i, 24;
his parentage and father's family, i, 26-28; birth and baptism, i,
27; beginning of life at sea and capture at Louisburg, i, 28; a
prisoner in England, i, 28; enters French Merchant marine and
begins his voyages to New Foundland, i, 29; enlists in French
navy and appears at Nantes, i, 30; reënters merchant marine and
begins voyages to Santo Domingo, i, 30; his ships and commands,
i, 31; his marriage, i, 32; fight in Le Comte d'Artois and capture
by the English, i, 32; prisoner in New York, and release, i, 32;
joins the American Revolution and commands a ship at the siege
of Yorktown, i, 34; later commands in the United States and fight
with a British privateer, i, 34; residence in the West Indies, i, 36;
travels in the United States and purchase of "Mill Grove," i, 36;
joins the National Guard at Les Cayes, i, 37; epitome of Santo
Domingo career, i, 37; engagement with Coirond Brothers with
interests at Les Cayes and St. Louis, i, 38; rapid rise to wealth as
planter, sugar refiner, and slave dealer, i, 39; light cast by his
Page 509
dealings in slaves, i, 39; ii, 330-335; his West Indian fortune and
final settlement of estate, i, 40-41, 268; treatment of slaves and
dependents, i, 41, 54; Santo Domingo experience compared with
that of a contemporary planter at Jaquemel, i, 44-48; birth of his
son at Les Cayes, i, 52; discovery of bill of his physician, i, 53;
see also i, 54, and ii, 314-327; his son, Fougère, and daughter,
Muguet, taken to France, i, 57; his reference to Audubon's mother,
i, 59; designation of his children in his wills, i, 63, ii, 360-362;
dual personality expressed by his son, i, 63; joins National Guard
at Nantes, i, 74; possible refuge of his family during Revolution
in France, i, 76; activities immediately before and during French
Revolution, i, 77-82; Revolutionary offices, i, 78; report as Civil
Commissioner, i, 78; mission to Pornic and Paimbœuf, i, 79;
signature during Revolution, i, 79; mission to Les Sables
d'Olonne, and letters to the Administration, i, 80; his
reimbursement for services to the Republic, i, 81; operations as
ensign commander, and encounter with the Brilliant, i, 82; his
later commands and elevation to rank of lieutenant de vaisseau, i,
82; his financial losses in Santo Domingo, i, 82; indemnity from
the French Government, i, 83; respective rank and service in the
French merchant marine and navy, i, 83; his certificate of service,
i, 83; retirement and pension, i, 83, 85; settlement and
occupations at "La Gerbetière," i, 85; Santo Domingo interests
described in power of attorney, i, 85; residences at Nantes, i, 86;
see also i, 57, 58; his death, i, 87; his son's tribute, i, 87, 88;
financial vicissitudes, i, 88; see also i, 85; habits, abilities and
physical characteristics, i, 88; letter soliciting aid for his son, i,
100; interest in "Mill Grove" and the Prevost mortgage, i, 105;
lease and inventory of the property, i, 105; portrait at age of forty-
five (?), i, 106; mining project with Dacosta, i, 113; sale to
Dacosta of a one-half interest in "Mill Grove," and its lead mine,
i, 114; expectations for his son, i, 115; financial aid from Claude
François Rozier, i, 115; correspondence with Dacosta, i, 116-123;
instructions regarding his son's proposed marriage, i, 117; appeal
in answer to Dacosta's complaints concerning his son, i, 118;
instructions for settlement of claims against the Ross and Formon
estates, i, 121-123; his uncanceled mortgage, i, 122; instructions
final settlement of estate, i, 40-41, 268; treatment of slaves and
dependents, i, 41, 54; Santo Domingo experience compared with
that of a contemporary planter at Jaquemel, i, 44-48; birth of his
son at Les Cayes, i, 52; discovery of bill of his physician, i, 53;
see also i, 54, and ii, 314-327; his son, Fougère, and daughter,
Muguet, taken to France, i, 57; his reference to Audubon's mother,
i, 59; designation of his children in his wills, i, 63, ii, 360-362;
dual personality expressed by his son, i, 63; joins National Guard
at Nantes, i, 74; possible refuge of his family during Revolution
in France, i, 76; activities immediately before and during French
Revolution, i, 77-82; Revolutionary offices, i, 78; report as Civil
Commissioner, i, 78; mission to Pornic and Paimbœuf, i, 79;
signature during Revolution, i, 79; mission to Les Sables
d'Olonne, and letters to the Administration, i, 80; his
reimbursement for services to the Republic, i, 81; operations as
ensign commander, and encounter with the Brilliant, i, 82; his
later commands and elevation to rank of lieutenant de vaisseau, i,
82; his financial losses in Santo Domingo, i, 82; indemnity from
the French Government, i, 83; respective rank and service in the
French merchant marine and navy, i, 83; his certificate of service,
i, 83; retirement and pension, i, 83, 85; settlement and
occupations at "La Gerbetière," i, 85; Santo Domingo interests
described in power of attorney, i, 85; residences at Nantes, i, 86;
see also i, 57, 58; his death, i, 87; his son's tribute, i, 87, 88;
financial vicissitudes, i, 88; see also i, 85; habits, abilities and
physical characteristics, i, 88; letter soliciting aid for his son, i,
100; interest in "Mill Grove" and the Prevost mortgage, i, 105;
lease and inventory of the property, i, 105; portrait at age of forty-
five (?), i, 106; mining project with Dacosta, i, 113; sale to
Dacosta of a one-half interest in "Mill Grove," and its lead mine,
i, 114; expectations for his son, i, 115; financial aid from Claude
François Rozier, i, 115; correspondence with Dacosta, i, 116-123;
instructions regarding his son's proposed marriage, i, 117; appeal
in answer to Dacosta's complaints concerning his son, i, 118;
instructions for settlement of claims against the Ross and Formon
estates, i, 121-123; his uncanceled mortgage, i, 122; instructions
Page 510
concerning the farmhouse at "Mill Grove," i, 122; as grantor of
powers of attorney, i, 131, 132-133, 153; see also i, 85-87;
marriage of his daughter, i, 131; arranges a business partnership
for his son, i, 132; his former country villa as it appears to-day, i,
135-145; division of the "Mill Grove" property and sale of his
remaining interests, i, 149-150, 152-153; letters of his son, i, 159-
161, 163; portrait at Couëron, i, 100; troubles with Dacosta and
contest over his final accounts, i, 168; bequest of his property in
usufruct to his wife, and testamentary designation of his children,
i, 262; contest of relatives over wills, i, 263; unfounded
statements of biographers of his son, i, 264; his claims against the
Ross-Formon estates as a basis of fiction, i, 265; final settlement
of his financial affairs, i, 268; his descendants in France and last
of his name in America, i, 269, ii, 294.
Audubon, Mme. Jean (Anne Moynet), her marriage and property at
Paimbœuf, i, 32, 40, 57, 80; adoption of children by, i, 59;
baptism of adopted son, i, 60-61; characterization of her son in
wills, i, 62, 262-264; as grantor of powers of attorney, i, 131, 132-
133, 153; legal troubles and impoverishment, i, 263; removal
from "La Gerbetière," i, 263, 268; her death at "Les Tourterelles,"
i, 263; disposition of her estate, i, 266, 269; break in relations of
her adopted son with his family in France, i, 266-269; attack upon
her husband's estate and its final settlement, i, 263, 268; her
testaments, ii, 363-368.
Audubon, Jean Jacques Fougère (John James Audubon, see also
Fougère and Jean Rabin), his masterpiece, i, 1; his greatest
working period, i, 2; experience in Paris in 1828, i, 2; Cuvier's
eulogy and patronage of the French Government, i, 3; rarity and
cost of his publications, i, 4; personality and talents, i, 5; attacks
upon his character, i, 6; his historical background and hitherto
unwritten history, i, 7; his Americanism, i, 8; characteristics of his
writings, i, 8-10; his Ornithological Biography, i, 9; drawings of
birds and mammals, i, 10; influence on American ornithology, i,
10; honesty of purpose, i, 11; memories of him in London, i, 11;
public monuments and other honors in America, i, 13; Societies
and Clubs dedicated to his memory, i, 14; his bibliography, i, 15;
attempt at autobiography, i, 16; first formal Life of, i, 17; true
powers of attorney, i, 131, 132-133, 153; see also i, 85-87;
marriage of his daughter, i, 131; arranges a business partnership
for his son, i, 132; his former country villa as it appears to-day, i,
135-145; division of the "Mill Grove" property and sale of his
remaining interests, i, 149-150, 152-153; letters of his son, i, 159-
161, 163; portrait at Couëron, i, 100; troubles with Dacosta and
contest over his final accounts, i, 168; bequest of his property in
usufruct to his wife, and testamentary designation of his children,
i, 262; contest of relatives over wills, i, 263; unfounded
statements of biographers of his son, i, 264; his claims against the
Ross-Formon estates as a basis of fiction, i, 265; final settlement
of his financial affairs, i, 268; his descendants in France and last
of his name in America, i, 269, ii, 294.
Audubon, Mme. Jean (Anne Moynet), her marriage and property at
Paimbœuf, i, 32, 40, 57, 80; adoption of children by, i, 59;
baptism of adopted son, i, 60-61; characterization of her son in
wills, i, 62, 262-264; as grantor of powers of attorney, i, 131, 132-
133, 153; legal troubles and impoverishment, i, 263; removal
from "La Gerbetière," i, 263, 268; her death at "Les Tourterelles,"
i, 263; disposition of her estate, i, 266, 269; break in relations of
her adopted son with his family in France, i, 266-269; attack upon
her husband's estate and its final settlement, i, 263, 268; her
testaments, ii, 363-368.
Audubon, Jean Jacques Fougère (John James Audubon, see also
Fougère and Jean Rabin), his masterpiece, i, 1; his greatest
working period, i, 2; experience in Paris in 1828, i, 2; Cuvier's
eulogy and patronage of the French Government, i, 3; rarity and
cost of his publications, i, 4; personality and talents, i, 5; attacks
upon his character, i, 6; his historical background and hitherto
unwritten history, i, 7; his Americanism, i, 8; characteristics of his
writings, i, 8-10; his Ornithological Biography, i, 9; drawings of
birds and mammals, i, 10; influence on American ornithology, i,
10; honesty of purpose, i, 11; memories of him in London, i, 11;
public monuments and other honors in America, i, 13; Societies
and Clubs dedicated to his memory, i, 14; his bibliography, i, 15;
attempt at autobiography, i, 16; first formal Life of, i, 17; true
Page 511
history of Buchanan's Life, i, 18-22; Mrs. Audubon's revision of
Buchanan's Life, i, 22; Miss Maria R. Audubon's Life and
Journals, i, 22; accepted account of his birth and early life in light
of new discoveries, i, 22; parentage and early names; a creole of
Santo Domingo, i, 52; his baptismal name, i, 53; discovery of the
bill rendered by the physician who assisted at his birth, i, 53;
feeble health and death of his mother, i, 56; birth of his sister,
creole of Santo Domingo, i, 56; taken with his sister to France, i,
57; his foster mother and home at Nantes and Couëron, i, 57; his
adoption and text of act, i, 59; suppression of his mother's name,
i, 60; his baptism and text of act, i, 60; assumed name of "La
Forest," i, 61; his signatures, i, 61, 63; his names appearing in
wills, i, 62; his dual personality in a power of attorney, i, 64; first
date given in his autobiography, i, 65; record in his Ohio River
journal, i, 66; his later autobiographic sketch, i, 66-68; traditional
date of birth, i, 68; myth concerning birth in Louisiana, i, 68-72;
account given by the Rev. Gordon Bakewell, i, 69; influence of
environment on character, i, 90; his limited schooling, i, 91-93;
the spur his ambition needed, i, 91; experience in the French
navy, i, 92; early passion for nature and for drawing, i, 93; as
truant, i, 94; his father intervenes and takes him to Rochefort, i,
94; return to Couëron, i, 96; baptized in the Catholic Church, i,
96; first return to the United States, i, 98; illness at Morristown, i,
99; befriended by his father's American agent, i, 99; his father's
letter and intentions in sending him to America, i, 100; his
settlement at "Mill Grove" farm, and period of stay there, i, 101-
103; begins his studies of American bird-life, i, 106; makes first
"banding" experiment on young of a wild bird, i, 107; visit to
"Fatland Ford," and choice of a wife, i, 110; his gayety and
extravagance, i, 110; abstemious habits in youth as regards food
and drink, i, 111; his account of himself, i, 111; his
accomplishments described by a future brother-in-law, i, 111;
opposition to his marriage, i, 116; Dacosta's grievances, i, 116-
119; quarrels with Dacosta and returns to France, i, 123-125;
voyage on the Hope, i, 126; life at Couëron and friendship with
D'Orbigny, i, 127; receives with Ferdinand Rozier a power of
attorney from his parents, i, 131; attends the marriage of his sister
Buchanan's Life, i, 22; Miss Maria R. Audubon's Life and
Journals, i, 22; accepted account of his birth and early life in light
of new discoveries, i, 22; parentage and early names; a creole of
Santo Domingo, i, 52; his baptismal name, i, 53; discovery of the
bill rendered by the physician who assisted at his birth, i, 53;
feeble health and death of his mother, i, 56; birth of his sister,
creole of Santo Domingo, i, 56; taken with his sister to France, i,
57; his foster mother and home at Nantes and Couëron, i, 57; his
adoption and text of act, i, 59; suppression of his mother's name,
i, 60; his baptism and text of act, i, 60; assumed name of "La
Forest," i, 61; his signatures, i, 61, 63; his names appearing in
wills, i, 62; his dual personality in a power of attorney, i, 64; first
date given in his autobiography, i, 65; record in his Ohio River
journal, i, 66; his later autobiographic sketch, i, 66-68; traditional
date of birth, i, 68; myth concerning birth in Louisiana, i, 68-72;
account given by the Rev. Gordon Bakewell, i, 69; influence of
environment on character, i, 90; his limited schooling, i, 91-93;
the spur his ambition needed, i, 91; experience in the French
navy, i, 92; early passion for nature and for drawing, i, 93; as
truant, i, 94; his father intervenes and takes him to Rochefort, i,
94; return to Couëron, i, 96; baptized in the Catholic Church, i,
96; first return to the United States, i, 98; illness at Morristown, i,
99; befriended by his father's American agent, i, 99; his father's
letter and intentions in sending him to America, i, 100; his
settlement at "Mill Grove" farm, and period of stay there, i, 101-
103; begins his studies of American bird-life, i, 106; makes first
"banding" experiment on young of a wild bird, i, 107; visit to
"Fatland Ford," and choice of a wife, i, 110; his gayety and
extravagance, i, 110; abstemious habits in youth as regards food
and drink, i, 111; his account of himself, i, 111; his
accomplishments described by a future brother-in-law, i, 111;
opposition to his marriage, i, 116; Dacosta's grievances, i, 116-
119; quarrels with Dacosta and returns to France, i, 123-125;
voyage on the Hope, i, 126; life at Couëron and friendship with
D'Orbigny, i, 127; receives with Ferdinand Rozier a power of
attorney from his parents, i, 131; attends the marriage of his sister
Page 512
and signs the record, i, 131; his relations with his brother-in-law,
i, 132; his partnership with Rozier and second letter of attorney, i,
132; returns, with Rozier, to the United States, i, 134; voyage of
the Polly, and receipt of Captain Sammis, i, 134; experience with
British privateers, i, 134; boyhood home at Couëron, i, 136-145;
his description of "La Gerbetière," i, 136; his abortive attempt,
with Rozier, to administer the "Mill Grove" mine and farm, i,
146-148; their "Articles of Association," i, 146-148; ii, 344-349;
sale of remaining rights in "Mill Grove" to Dacosta and
Company, i, 148-149; receives, with Rozier, new power of
attorney, i, 153; enters business office of Benjamin Bakewell in
New York, i, 153; his associates and correspondence with the
elder Rozier, i, 153-166; letters to his father, i, 159-161, 163-164;
his use of English and French, i, 155; ii, 372-374; plans a retail
business with Rozier, i, 157-158, 160-162, 165; dispatch of live
birds, and other objects of natural history to France, i, 158-159,
160, 162, 165-166; conflicting references to "Mill Grove"
explained, i, 158-160, 162, 165-168; his drawings and
preoccupation in New York, i, 170-172; works for Dr. Mitchell's
collections in natural history, i, 171; term of service in the
Bakewell office, i, 154-155, 171-172; his account of himself, i,
172; his early drawings, ideals and perseverance, i, 173-174, 178-
183; study under David in Paris, i, 174-175, 176-178; cause of
certain defects in his published work, i, 174; date of his Paris
experience, i, 174-175, 177; encouragement from his father, i,
174; David's supposed influence on his style, i, 178; patronage of
Edward Harris and history of the Harris-Jeanes collection of his
early drawings, i, 179-183; his drawing methods, i, 183-185; his
ambition, difficulties and defects, i, 184; purchases goods in New
York, and with Rozier starts west, i, 186; Rozier's diary of their
journey, i, 187-192; settles at Louisville, i, 192; venture in indigo
and effect of the Embargo Act, i, 193; his marriage to Lucy Green
Bakewell, and return to Louisville, i, 194; a later journey on the
Ohio River, i, 195; occupations at Louisville, i, 196, 197-198;
business with assignees of the Bakewell firm, i, 196; birth of his
elder son, i, 198; his drawings of birds and plants, i, 198; his wife
receives a portion of her father's estate, i, 198; meeting with
i, 132; his partnership with Rozier and second letter of attorney, i,
132; returns, with Rozier, to the United States, i, 134; voyage of
the Polly, and receipt of Captain Sammis, i, 134; experience with
British privateers, i, 134; boyhood home at Couëron, i, 136-145;
his description of "La Gerbetière," i, 136; his abortive attempt,
with Rozier, to administer the "Mill Grove" mine and farm, i,
146-148; their "Articles of Association," i, 146-148; ii, 344-349;
sale of remaining rights in "Mill Grove" to Dacosta and
Company, i, 148-149; receives, with Rozier, new power of
attorney, i, 153; enters business office of Benjamin Bakewell in
New York, i, 153; his associates and correspondence with the
elder Rozier, i, 153-166; letters to his father, i, 159-161, 163-164;
his use of English and French, i, 155; ii, 372-374; plans a retail
business with Rozier, i, 157-158, 160-162, 165; dispatch of live
birds, and other objects of natural history to France, i, 158-159,
160, 162, 165-166; conflicting references to "Mill Grove"
explained, i, 158-160, 162, 165-168; his drawings and
preoccupation in New York, i, 170-172; works for Dr. Mitchell's
collections in natural history, i, 171; term of service in the
Bakewell office, i, 154-155, 171-172; his account of himself, i,
172; his early drawings, ideals and perseverance, i, 173-174, 178-
183; study under David in Paris, i, 174-175, 176-178; cause of
certain defects in his published work, i, 174; date of his Paris
experience, i, 174-175, 177; encouragement from his father, i,
174; David's supposed influence on his style, i, 178; patronage of
Edward Harris and history of the Harris-Jeanes collection of his
early drawings, i, 179-183; his drawing methods, i, 183-185; his
ambition, difficulties and defects, i, 184; purchases goods in New
York, and with Rozier starts west, i, 186; Rozier's diary of their
journey, i, 187-192; settles at Louisville, i, 192; venture in indigo
and effect of the Embargo Act, i, 193; his marriage to Lucy Green
Bakewell, and return to Louisville, i, 194; a later journey on the
Ohio River, i, 195; occupations at Louisville, i, 196, 197-198;
business with assignees of the Bakewell firm, i, 196; birth of his
elder son, i, 198; his drawings of birds and plants, i, 198; his wife
receives a portion of her father's estate, i, 198; meeting with
Page 513
Alexander Wilson, and the troubles which ensued, i, 207; stories
of Audubon and of his rival compared, i, 220-225; charges and
counter charges, i, 226; his merits and demerits, i, 227-232; his
difficulties and pleasures as western trader, i, 232-236; moves
with Rozier to Henderson, i, 236; again they move to Ste.
Geneviève, i, 237-241; held up at Cash Creek, i, 238-240;
experience at the Great Bend, i, 240; dissolution of his
partnership with Rozier and return to Henderson, i, 241; after-
relations with Rozier, i, 243; in troubled times, i, 246; befriended
by Dr. Rankin, i, 248; birth of their younger son, i, 248; enters the
commission business with a brother-in-law, i, 249; his visit to Ste.
Geneviève, i, 249; reënters trade at Henderson and buys land, i,
250; town records of his purchases, i, 250, 252; his store and
house of logs, i, 252; his popularity, i, 252; Henderson gossip and
anecdotes, i, 253; his second partnership with Thomas W.
Bakewell, i, 254; they lease land and build a steam grist-, and
lumber-mill, i, 254; partnership of Thomas W. Pears, i, 254; the
Henderson mill at a later day, i, 254; their mechanical difficulties,
i, 254; lease of timber land and plunder of workmen, i, 255; bill
of lumber rendered by J. J. Audubon & Co., i, 256; financial
depression and failure of the mill, i, 257; quarrel over steamboat
and encounter with Bowen, i, 257-259; legal history of the suit, i,
258; the opinion expressed to him by the judge, i, 259; goes to
Louisville jail for debt, i, 260; declares himself a bankrupt and is
released, i, 260; his walk to Louisville, i, 260; later account given
to Bachman, i, 260; reflections on passing his old mill in 1820, i,
261; light on his enigma, i, 262-272; his designations in wills, i,
262-264; probable history of a fictitious "bequest," i, 264-266; his
brother-in-law's letters, i, 266-269; attempt of relatives to break
his father's will in France, and impoverishment of his step-
mother, i, 263; his step-mother's death, i, 263; the last of his
family in France, i, 269; his elder son's visit to Couëron, i, 269;
his reference to "Audubon of La Rochelle," i, 270; his "Episodes"
and methods of composition, i, 273-284; discrepancies and
inaccuracies of some of his narratives, i, 273-274, 279-291; his
account of meeting Nolte and Nolte's account of meeting him, i,
274-279; on horseback from Henderson to Philadelphia, i, 275;
of Audubon and of his rival compared, i, 220-225; charges and
counter charges, i, 226; his merits and demerits, i, 227-232; his
difficulties and pleasures as western trader, i, 232-236; moves
with Rozier to Henderson, i, 236; again they move to Ste.
Geneviève, i, 237-241; held up at Cash Creek, i, 238-240;
experience at the Great Bend, i, 240; dissolution of his
partnership with Rozier and return to Henderson, i, 241; after-
relations with Rozier, i, 243; in troubled times, i, 246; befriended
by Dr. Rankin, i, 248; birth of their younger son, i, 248; enters the
commission business with a brother-in-law, i, 249; his visit to Ste.
Geneviève, i, 249; reënters trade at Henderson and buys land, i,
250; town records of his purchases, i, 250, 252; his store and
house of logs, i, 252; his popularity, i, 252; Henderson gossip and
anecdotes, i, 253; his second partnership with Thomas W.
Bakewell, i, 254; they lease land and build a steam grist-, and
lumber-mill, i, 254; partnership of Thomas W. Pears, i, 254; the
Henderson mill at a later day, i, 254; their mechanical difficulties,
i, 254; lease of timber land and plunder of workmen, i, 255; bill
of lumber rendered by J. J. Audubon & Co., i, 256; financial
depression and failure of the mill, i, 257; quarrel over steamboat
and encounter with Bowen, i, 257-259; legal history of the suit, i,
258; the opinion expressed to him by the judge, i, 259; goes to
Louisville jail for debt, i, 260; declares himself a bankrupt and is
released, i, 260; his walk to Louisville, i, 260; later account given
to Bachman, i, 260; reflections on passing his old mill in 1820, i,
261; light on his enigma, i, 262-272; his designations in wills, i,
262-264; probable history of a fictitious "bequest," i, 264-266; his
brother-in-law's letters, i, 266-269; attempt of relatives to break
his father's will in France, and impoverishment of his step-
mother, i, 263; his step-mother's death, i, 263; the last of his
family in France, i, 269; his elder son's visit to Couëron, i, 269;
his reference to "Audubon of La Rochelle," i, 270; his "Episodes"
and methods of composition, i, 273-284; discrepancies and
inaccuracies of some of his narratives, i, 273-274, 279-291; his
account of meeting Nolte and Nolte's account of meeting him, i,
274-279; on horseback from Henderson to Philadelphia, i, 275;
Page 514
description of the famous earthquakes and the hurricane, i, 279-
291; criticism of his account of Daniel Boone, i, 291; "Episode"
of "The Prairie," i, 274, 282-284; answer to a criticism of, i, 284;
his sketch of "The Eccentric Naturalist" and comment, i, 285-300;
practical jokes, and cost to Zoölogy, i, 291; the "Scarlet-headed
Swallow" and "Devil-Jack Diamond Fish," i, 291-293; his later
relations with Rafinesque, i, 294; his Æneid, 1819-1824, i, 301-
326; debt to his wife, i, 301; begins to work at portraiture at
Shippingport, i, 303; removal to Cincinnati, i, 303; history of his
engagement as taxidermist at the Western Museum, and
friendship with Dr. Drake, i, 303-306; starts a drawing school and
plans a journey through the West and South, i, 306; starts with
Captain Cummings and Joseph R. Mason for New Orleans, i, 307;
his Ohio and Mississippi Rivers journal, i, 307; experience at
Natchez; boots and portraits, i, 308; loss and recovery of a
portfolio, i, 309; stranded at New Orleans, i, 309; resorts to
portraiture again, i, 311; his drawings of birds, i, 311; interview
with Vanderlyn, i, 312; leaves New Orleans with Mason, i, 313;
meeting with Mrs. Pirrie and engagement at "Oakley," i, 312;
enchantments of the West Feliciana country and introduction to
St. Francisville, i, 313-315; experience as tutor to "my lovely
Miss Pirrie of Oakley," i, 315, 317-318; leaves abruptly and
returns with Mason to New Orleans, i, 318; his industry and
fruits, i, 318; joined by his family in New Orleans, i, 319; crisis in
financial affairs and losses of drawings, i, 320; as teacher at
Natchez and Washington, i, 321; parts with his pupil assistant, i,
321; his first lessons in the use of oil colors, i, 321; engagements
of his wife at New Orleans, Natchez and St. Francisville, i, 322;
his wife's "Beechwoods" school, i, 322; resolution to pursue his
ornithological studies, i, 323; misadventure with Stein, i, 324; ill
and adrift, i, 324; decides to visit Philadelphia to find a publisher
for his drawings, i, 325; settles, with his elder son, at
Shippingport, i, 325; experience in Philadelphia in 1824, i, 327-
335; his exhibition at the Academy of Natural Sciences, i, 328;
meeting with Bonaparte and Ord, i, 328; opposition encountered,
i, 328-330; criticisms of Ord and Lawson, i, 329; his work for
Bonaparte, i, 330; appreciation of Fairman and Harris, i, 331;
291; criticism of his account of Daniel Boone, i, 291; "Episode"
of "The Prairie," i, 274, 282-284; answer to a criticism of, i, 284;
his sketch of "The Eccentric Naturalist" and comment, i, 285-300;
practical jokes, and cost to Zoölogy, i, 291; the "Scarlet-headed
Swallow" and "Devil-Jack Diamond Fish," i, 291-293; his later
relations with Rafinesque, i, 294; his Æneid, 1819-1824, i, 301-
326; debt to his wife, i, 301; begins to work at portraiture at
Shippingport, i, 303; removal to Cincinnati, i, 303; history of his
engagement as taxidermist at the Western Museum, and
friendship with Dr. Drake, i, 303-306; starts a drawing school and
plans a journey through the West and South, i, 306; starts with
Captain Cummings and Joseph R. Mason for New Orleans, i, 307;
his Ohio and Mississippi Rivers journal, i, 307; experience at
Natchez; boots and portraits, i, 308; loss and recovery of a
portfolio, i, 309; stranded at New Orleans, i, 309; resorts to
portraiture again, i, 311; his drawings of birds, i, 311; interview
with Vanderlyn, i, 312; leaves New Orleans with Mason, i, 313;
meeting with Mrs. Pirrie and engagement at "Oakley," i, 312;
enchantments of the West Feliciana country and introduction to
St. Francisville, i, 313-315; experience as tutor to "my lovely
Miss Pirrie of Oakley," i, 315, 317-318; leaves abruptly and
returns with Mason to New Orleans, i, 318; his industry and
fruits, i, 318; joined by his family in New Orleans, i, 319; crisis in
financial affairs and losses of drawings, i, 320; as teacher at
Natchez and Washington, i, 321; parts with his pupil assistant, i,
321; his first lessons in the use of oil colors, i, 321; engagements
of his wife at New Orleans, Natchez and St. Francisville, i, 322;
his wife's "Beechwoods" school, i, 322; resolution to pursue his
ornithological studies, i, 323; misadventure with Stein, i, 324; ill
and adrift, i, 324; decides to visit Philadelphia to find a publisher
for his drawings, i, 325; settles, with his elder son, at
Shippingport, i, 325; experience in Philadelphia in 1824, i, 327-
335; his exhibition at the Academy of Natural Sciences, i, 328;
meeting with Bonaparte and Ord, i, 328; opposition encountered,
i, 328-330; criticisms of Ord and Lawson, i, 329; his work for
Bonaparte, i, 330; appreciation of Fairman and Harris, i, 331;
Page 515
assistance of Edward Harris and beginning of their friendship, i,
331, 333; early letter to Harris, i, 332; Thomas Sully, as friend
and teacher, i, 334; visit to "Mill Grove," i, 335; reception in New
York and assistance of Samuel Latham Mitchell, i, 336; election
to membership in the Lyceum of Natural History, i, 338; acts as
model for Vanderlyn's portrait of Andrew Jackson, i, 338; to
Thomas Sully, i, 339; visit to Albany and Niagara Falls, i, 339;
misadventure at Presque Isle, i, 340; the Meadville "Episode," i,
341-343; residence at Pittsburgh, i, 343; journey to Lakes Ontario
and Champlain, where plans of his publication are matured, i,
343; stranded at Cincinnati, i, 344; returns to St. Francisville, and
resorts to teaching, i, 346; sails with his drawings from New
Orleans, i, 347; journal of the voyage of the Delos, i, 348-350;
lands in Liverpool, i, 350; his credentials, i, 351; introduction to
Lafayette, i, 351; customs duties, i, 350; Nolte's letter to the
Rathbones, i, 352; aid of the "Queen Bee" of "Greenbank," i, 353;
his "observatory nerves," i, 353; ornithological dedications, i,
354; exhibition of his drawings at the Royal Institution, i, 354;
appearance and habits, i, 354; paintings as gifts, and the Turkey
Cock seal, i, 355; painting methods, i, 355; opens a subscription
book of The Birds of America at Manchester, i, 356; plan of the
work, i, 356; his life of contrasts, i, 357; journey to Edinburgh, i,
357; invitation to merge his work, i, 357; meeting with Lizars,
who agrees to engrave his first number, i, 358; first proof of the
Turkey Cock received, i, 358; publication of the first ten plates in
Edinburgh, i, 358; success of his Edinburgh exhibition, i, 359;
impressions of Philarète-Chasles, i, 359; Cap's hint taken, i, 360;
cast of his head made and his portrait painted, i, 361; response at
banquet of the Royal Institution, i, 361; society's tax on his
strength, i, 361; contributions to journals, i, 362; blackballed by
an American Society, i, 362; proposed gift to the Royal
Institution, i, 363; visit to "Dalmahoy," i, 363; friendship of Basil
Hall, i, 364; characterization of Francis Jeffrey, i, 365; first
meeting with Scott, and his record of the interview, i, 365;
exhibits his drawings at Sir Walter's home, i, 366; Scott, on
Audubon, i, 367; papers on the Wild Pigeon and the Rattlesnake,
i, 368; his painting of "Pheasants attacked by a fox," i, 369;
331, 333; early letter to Harris, i, 332; Thomas Sully, as friend
and teacher, i, 334; visit to "Mill Grove," i, 335; reception in New
York and assistance of Samuel Latham Mitchell, i, 336; election
to membership in the Lyceum of Natural History, i, 338; acts as
model for Vanderlyn's portrait of Andrew Jackson, i, 338; to
Thomas Sully, i, 339; visit to Albany and Niagara Falls, i, 339;
misadventure at Presque Isle, i, 340; the Meadville "Episode," i,
341-343; residence at Pittsburgh, i, 343; journey to Lakes Ontario
and Champlain, where plans of his publication are matured, i,
343; stranded at Cincinnati, i, 344; returns to St. Francisville, and
resorts to teaching, i, 346; sails with his drawings from New
Orleans, i, 347; journal of the voyage of the Delos, i, 348-350;
lands in Liverpool, i, 350; his credentials, i, 351; introduction to
Lafayette, i, 351; customs duties, i, 350; Nolte's letter to the
Rathbones, i, 352; aid of the "Queen Bee" of "Greenbank," i, 353;
his "observatory nerves," i, 353; ornithological dedications, i,
354; exhibition of his drawings at the Royal Institution, i, 354;
appearance and habits, i, 354; paintings as gifts, and the Turkey
Cock seal, i, 355; painting methods, i, 355; opens a subscription
book of The Birds of America at Manchester, i, 356; plan of the
work, i, 356; his life of contrasts, i, 357; journey to Edinburgh, i,
357; invitation to merge his work, i, 357; meeting with Lizars,
who agrees to engrave his first number, i, 358; first proof of the
Turkey Cock received, i, 358; publication of the first ten plates in
Edinburgh, i, 358; success of his Edinburgh exhibition, i, 359;
impressions of Philarète-Chasles, i, 359; Cap's hint taken, i, 360;
cast of his head made and his portrait painted, i, 361; response at
banquet of the Royal Institution, i, 361; society's tax on his
strength, i, 361; contributions to journals, i, 362; blackballed by
an American Society, i, 362; proposed gift to the Royal
Institution, i, 363; visit to "Dalmahoy," i, 363; friendship of Basil
Hall, i, 364; characterization of Francis Jeffrey, i, 365; first
meeting with Scott, and his record of the interview, i, 365;
exhibits his drawings at Sir Walter's home, i, 366; Scott, on
Audubon, i, 367; papers on the Wild Pigeon and the Rattlesnake,
i, 368; his painting of "Pheasants attacked by a fox," i, 369;
Page 516
Sidney Smith, i, 369; to his wife, i, 369-373; first meeting with
Kidd, i, 373; issues his Prospectus, i, 373; visit to Selby at
"Twizel House," i, 374; with Thomas Bewick at Newcastle-upon-
Tyne, i, 375; success in canvassing, i, 376; in London, i, 377-410,
413-418; his credentials for the metropolis, i, 376-380;
abandonment of his work by Lizars and discovery of Robert
Havell, Junior, i, 380-384; his Birds of America fly to London, i,
384; painting his way to liberty, i, 388; canvassing experiences, i,
388; efforts to secure the patronage of the King, i, 390, 392; the
Queen becomes his patroness, i, 392; visit to Glasgow, i, 393;
difficulties with his publishers, i, 393; timely aid from Sir Thomas
Lawrence, i, 393-396; exhibition and sale of his paintings, i, 394;
resolutions on snuff, i, 396; dislike of London, i, 397; his work
and Selby's compared, i, 397; revision of his drawings, i, 398;
calls by appointment upon an earl, i, 398; visits the great
Universities, i, 399; solicitations of publishers and contributions
to magazines, i, 399; friendship with Swainson, and original
letters of their correspondence, i, 400-403; Swainson's review of
his work, i, 403; visit at Tyttenhanger, i, 404; to Swainson, i, 405-
407; request for further contributions to magazines refused, i,
407; visit to Paris with the Swainsons and Parker, i, 408-413; his
picture of Cuvier at fifty-nine, i, 411; patronage of the Duke of
Orleans, i, 411; exchange of works with Redouté, i, 412; with
Cuvier at the Royal Academy, i, 412; Cuvier's report on his work,
i, 413; correspondence with Swainson, i, 413-415; Bonaparte to,
i, 416-419; first journey from England to America, i, 420-436; to
his wife, i, 420; exhibition of drawings in New York, i, 421;
painting at Camden and Great Egg Harbor, i, 421; Swainson to, i,
422; sojourn in the Great Pine Forest, i, 423, 425-426; to Victor
Audubon, i, 424; "Episodes" and record of work, i, 425; visits his
sons and joins his wife at "Beechgrove" (St. Francisville) in
Louisiana, i, 427; to Harlan, i, 427-430; Swainson to, i, 430;
occupations at "Beechgrove," i, 432; preparations to return, with
Mrs. Audubon, to England, i, 432; to Havell, i, 433; proposition
for a successor to the position held by his wife, i, 434; reception
at Washington, and accessions of subscribers, i, 435; aid of
Edward Everett, i, 435; his letterpress and its rivals, i, 437-451;
Kidd, i, 373; issues his Prospectus, i, 373; visit to Selby at
"Twizel House," i, 374; with Thomas Bewick at Newcastle-upon-
Tyne, i, 375; success in canvassing, i, 376; in London, i, 377-410,
413-418; his credentials for the metropolis, i, 376-380;
abandonment of his work by Lizars and discovery of Robert
Havell, Junior, i, 380-384; his Birds of America fly to London, i,
384; painting his way to liberty, i, 388; canvassing experiences, i,
388; efforts to secure the patronage of the King, i, 390, 392; the
Queen becomes his patroness, i, 392; visit to Glasgow, i, 393;
difficulties with his publishers, i, 393; timely aid from Sir Thomas
Lawrence, i, 393-396; exhibition and sale of his paintings, i, 394;
resolutions on snuff, i, 396; dislike of London, i, 397; his work
and Selby's compared, i, 397; revision of his drawings, i, 398;
calls by appointment upon an earl, i, 398; visits the great
Universities, i, 399; solicitations of publishers and contributions
to magazines, i, 399; friendship with Swainson, and original
letters of their correspondence, i, 400-403; Swainson's review of
his work, i, 403; visit at Tyttenhanger, i, 404; to Swainson, i, 405-
407; request for further contributions to magazines refused, i,
407; visit to Paris with the Swainsons and Parker, i, 408-413; his
picture of Cuvier at fifty-nine, i, 411; patronage of the Duke of
Orleans, i, 411; exchange of works with Redouté, i, 412; with
Cuvier at the Royal Academy, i, 412; Cuvier's report on his work,
i, 413; correspondence with Swainson, i, 413-415; Bonaparte to,
i, 416-419; first journey from England to America, i, 420-436; to
his wife, i, 420; exhibition of drawings in New York, i, 421;
painting at Camden and Great Egg Harbor, i, 421; Swainson to, i,
422; sojourn in the Great Pine Forest, i, 423, 425-426; to Victor
Audubon, i, 424; "Episodes" and record of work, i, 425; visits his
sons and joins his wife at "Beechgrove" (St. Francisville) in
Louisiana, i, 427; to Harlan, i, 427-430; Swainson to, i, 430;
occupations at "Beechgrove," i, 432; preparations to return, with
Mrs. Audubon, to England, i, 432; to Havell, i, 433; proposition
for a successor to the position held by his wife, i, 434; reception
at Washington, and accessions of subscribers, i, 435; aid of
Edward Everett, i, 435; his letterpress and its rivals, i, 437-451;
Page 517
membership in the Royal Society, i, 437; settlement in Edinburgh
and publication of the Ornithological Biography, i, 437; engages
William MacGillivray to assist him, i, 438; rival publications, i,
439, 442-445; issue of his first volume of letterpress, i, 439; Sir
William Jardine to, i, 441; MacGillivray as his reviewer, i, 445;
undertakes a Natural History Gallery of paintings with Kidd, i,
446; notices and final abandonment of the enterprise, i, 446; to
London and Paris, i, 447; Edward Everett to, i, 448-451; financial
difficulties overcome, i, 451; explorations in Florida and the
South Atlantic, ii, 1-25; returns to America with his wife, and a
taxidermist as assistant, ii, 1; to Kidd, ii, 1; his obituary in the
London Literary Gazette, ii, 2; Abert and Featherstonhaugh
announce his plans, ii, 3; promise of governmental aid at
Washington, ii, 4; visits Charleston and meets John Bachman, ii,
5; sails from Charleston for Florida with two assistants, ii, 5;
Bachman on, ii, 5; dedication to Bachman of a copy of his Birds,
ii, 7; his Birds of America as gifts to others, ii, 7; his journey
described in Featherstonhaugh's Journal, ii, 8-14; account of
meeting with Bachman, ii, 9; hospitality of the Charlestonians, ii,
10; impressions of St. Augustine, ii, 12; methods of work, ii, 12;
Harlan to his wife, ii, 14; misadventures at Bulowville, ii, 15-20;
shooting birds at Live Oak Landing, ii, 16; narrow escape from
the marshes, ii, 17-19; as a prophet on the future of eastern
Florida, ii, 20; the ibis of Orange Grove Island, ii, 21; his plans
delayed, ii, 22-24; journey from St. Augustine to Key West, ii, 24;
return to Savannah and Charleston, ii, 25; eastern visit and
explorations in the North Atlantic, ii, 26-66; settles again in
Camden, ii, 26; an experiment in lithography, ii, 26;
correspondence of Harlan, ii, 28; his welcome at Boston, ii, 29; to
Edward Harris, ii, 29; journey to Maine coast and New
Brunswick, ii, 30; winter and illness in Boston, ii, 31, 34-35;
sends his son to England to take charge of his publications, and
plans an expedition to Labrador, ii, 31; Bachman to, ii, 32; to
Victor Audubon, ii, 33; drawing of the Golden Eagle, ii, 34; to his
son, ii, 35-40; financial affairs, ii, 37-38, 65; on his portrait by
Inman, ii, 39; his American subscribers, ii, 39-41; letters to
Harris, ii, 40; organization of his proposed expedition, ii, 42-44;
and publication of the Ornithological Biography, i, 437; engages
William MacGillivray to assist him, i, 438; rival publications, i,
439, 442-445; issue of his first volume of letterpress, i, 439; Sir
William Jardine to, i, 441; MacGillivray as his reviewer, i, 445;
undertakes a Natural History Gallery of paintings with Kidd, i,
446; notices and final abandonment of the enterprise, i, 446; to
London and Paris, i, 447; Edward Everett to, i, 448-451; financial
difficulties overcome, i, 451; explorations in Florida and the
South Atlantic, ii, 1-25; returns to America with his wife, and a
taxidermist as assistant, ii, 1; to Kidd, ii, 1; his obituary in the
London Literary Gazette, ii, 2; Abert and Featherstonhaugh
announce his plans, ii, 3; promise of governmental aid at
Washington, ii, 4; visits Charleston and meets John Bachman, ii,
5; sails from Charleston for Florida with two assistants, ii, 5;
Bachman on, ii, 5; dedication to Bachman of a copy of his Birds,
ii, 7; his Birds of America as gifts to others, ii, 7; his journey
described in Featherstonhaugh's Journal, ii, 8-14; account of
meeting with Bachman, ii, 9; hospitality of the Charlestonians, ii,
10; impressions of St. Augustine, ii, 12; methods of work, ii, 12;
Harlan to his wife, ii, 14; misadventures at Bulowville, ii, 15-20;
shooting birds at Live Oak Landing, ii, 16; narrow escape from
the marshes, ii, 17-19; as a prophet on the future of eastern
Florida, ii, 20; the ibis of Orange Grove Island, ii, 21; his plans
delayed, ii, 22-24; journey from St. Augustine to Key West, ii, 24;
return to Savannah and Charleston, ii, 25; eastern visit and
explorations in the North Atlantic, ii, 26-66; settles again in
Camden, ii, 26; an experiment in lithography, ii, 26;
correspondence of Harlan, ii, 28; his welcome at Boston, ii, 29; to
Edward Harris, ii, 29; journey to Maine coast and New
Brunswick, ii, 30; winter and illness in Boston, ii, 31, 34-35;
sends his son to England to take charge of his publications, and
plans an expedition to Labrador, ii, 31; Bachman to, ii, 32; to
Victor Audubon, ii, 33; drawing of the Golden Eagle, ii, 34; to his
son, ii, 35-40; financial affairs, ii, 37-38, 65; on his portrait by
Inman, ii, 39; his American subscribers, ii, 39-41; letters to
Harris, ii, 40; organization of his proposed expedition, ii, 42-44;
Page 518
George Parkman to, ii, 43; sails in the Ripley for Labrador, ii, 44;
journal of his experiences, ii, 44-50; at Bird Rock, ii, 45;
discovers a new finch, ii, 45; scenes of work at Wapitagun, ii, 46-
48; his efforts and accomplishments, ii, 48; return to Eastport and
Boston, ii, 49; editorial comment, ii, 50; letter from Havell, ii, 51;
Thomas L. McKenney on, ii, 52; arrested in Philadelphia, ii, 52;
Washington Irving's aid in Washington, ii, 53; itinerary from
Richmond, ii, 53; winter at Bachman's, ii, 54; letter to his son, ii,
55-62; on Ord and Waterton, ii, 55, 61; on his buzzard
experiments, ii, 55; on Syme's portrait, ii, 57; his family alliance,
ii, 58; on his American subscribers, ii, 59, 62; on Robert Havell,
ii, 59; on growing old, ii, 60; on self-improvement, ii, 61; on
Kidd, ii, 57, 62; Bachman, on his working habits, ii, 62; to Harris,
ii, 64; echo of his early business troubles, ii, 64; his statement of
the case, ii, 65; return to England, ii, 65; gratitude to Edward
Harris, ii, 66; as target of critics and detractors, ii, 67-92;
questionable essays, ii, 68; his reply to Sully, ii, 68-71; the
rattlesnake controversy, ii, 71-80; charges of an editor, ii, 72; his
original drawing and account of the rattlesnake, ii, 74-76; his
errors and vindication, ii, 76-80; letter of Thomas Cooper, ii, 78;
on the bend of the rattlesnake's fang, ii, 79; rediscovery of his
discredited lily, ii, 80; on the buzzard's sense of smell, and present
state of the controversy, ii, 81-84; his champions of the scientific
and literary press, ii, 84; on his snake stories, ii, 85; his most
persistent heckler, ii, 86-92; Waterton and Swainson, on the
authorship of his Ornithological Biography, ii, 87; on the rivalries
of contemporaries, ii, 93-124; to Swainson, ii, 95-97, 99-100,
101-103, 112; Swainson to, ii, 97-99, 103-108; his appeal to
Swainson for assistance on his letterpress, ii, 94, 98, 102-103,
104-107; check in friendship and engagement of MacGillivray, ii,
108; resulting controversy over the authorship of the
Ornithological Biography, ii, 87-88, 109; on the craze for
describing new species, ii, 110; "Ornithophilus" on, ii, 111;
Swainson as biographer of, ii, 113-115; his reference to Bonaparte
resented, ii, 118; his letter to Bonaparte and their subsequent
relations, ii, 119-121; comment on Gould, ii, 121-124; return to
England in 1834, ii, 125; to Edward Harris, ii, 125; on his
journal of his experiences, ii, 44-50; at Bird Rock, ii, 45;
discovers a new finch, ii, 45; scenes of work at Wapitagun, ii, 46-
48; his efforts and accomplishments, ii, 48; return to Eastport and
Boston, ii, 49; editorial comment, ii, 50; letter from Havell, ii, 51;
Thomas L. McKenney on, ii, 52; arrested in Philadelphia, ii, 52;
Washington Irving's aid in Washington, ii, 53; itinerary from
Richmond, ii, 53; winter at Bachman's, ii, 54; letter to his son, ii,
55-62; on Ord and Waterton, ii, 55, 61; on his buzzard
experiments, ii, 55; on Syme's portrait, ii, 57; his family alliance,
ii, 58; on his American subscribers, ii, 59, 62; on Robert Havell,
ii, 59; on growing old, ii, 60; on self-improvement, ii, 61; on
Kidd, ii, 57, 62; Bachman, on his working habits, ii, 62; to Harris,
ii, 64; echo of his early business troubles, ii, 64; his statement of
the case, ii, 65; return to England, ii, 65; gratitude to Edward
Harris, ii, 66; as target of critics and detractors, ii, 67-92;
questionable essays, ii, 68; his reply to Sully, ii, 68-71; the
rattlesnake controversy, ii, 71-80; charges of an editor, ii, 72; his
original drawing and account of the rattlesnake, ii, 74-76; his
errors and vindication, ii, 76-80; letter of Thomas Cooper, ii, 78;
on the bend of the rattlesnake's fang, ii, 79; rediscovery of his
discredited lily, ii, 80; on the buzzard's sense of smell, and present
state of the controversy, ii, 81-84; his champions of the scientific
and literary press, ii, 84; on his snake stories, ii, 85; his most
persistent heckler, ii, 86-92; Waterton and Swainson, on the
authorship of his Ornithological Biography, ii, 87; on the rivalries
of contemporaries, ii, 93-124; to Swainson, ii, 95-97, 99-100,
101-103, 112; Swainson to, ii, 97-99, 103-108; his appeal to
Swainson for assistance on his letterpress, ii, 94, 98, 102-103,
104-107; check in friendship and engagement of MacGillivray, ii,
108; resulting controversy over the authorship of the
Ornithological Biography, ii, 87-88, 109; on the craze for
describing new species, ii, 110; "Ornithophilus" on, ii, 111;
Swainson as biographer of, ii, 113-115; his reference to Bonaparte
resented, ii, 118; his letter to Bonaparte and their subsequent
relations, ii, 119-121; comment on Gould, ii, 121-124; return to
England in 1834, ii, 125; to Edward Harris, ii, 125; on his
Page 519
relations to William MacGillivray, ii, 125-128; MacGillivray to,
ii, 126-128, 130-132, 134; his ornithological collection, ii, 129;
completion of the second volume of his letterpress, ii, 132; to
Harris, on the alligator and the American edition of his
Ornithological Biography, ii, 132, 134; MacGillivray's contract
with, ii, 134; MacGillivray's assistance and friendship, ii, 134-
137; his acknowledgments and dedication to MacGillivray, ii,
137; to John Wilson, ii, 139; on the effects of overwork, ii, 140;
letters to Harris, ii, 141-144; on Alexander Wilson, ii, 143; issue
of his third volume of the Ornithological Biography, ii, 144; on
his journey, ii, 144; third American tour, ii, 146; landing in New
York, ii, 146; efforts to secure the Nuttall-Townsend collection of
western birds, ii, 147-149, 153-154; thwarted in Philadelphia, ii,
149; in Boston and Salem, ii, 149-151; meets Brewer and Nuttall,
ii, 150; friendship and recommendation of Daniel Webster, ii,
151; success of canvassing in New York, ii, 153; efforts to obtain
the collections in Philadelphia renewed, ii, 153; rivalry of priority
seekers, ii, 155; plans an expedition to Florida, and visits
Washington for governmental aid, ii, 155; entertained at the White
House, ii, 156; on Andrew Jackson, ii, 156; winter spent with
Bachman, ii, 156; overland with Edward Harris and his younger
son to New Orleans, ii, 157; experiences in the Gulf of Mexico
and Texas, ii, 157-165; adventures with the Crusader, ii, 158-163;
at Galveston Bay, ii, 163; visit to Houston, ii, 164; his party
disbands at Charleston, ii, 165; his son's marriage, and return to
England, ii, 166; to Thomas Brewer, ii, 168; extension of his
Birds and revolt of British patrons, ii, 170, 174; to Harris on
Townsend's second collection of western birds, ii, 170-173;
eagerness to render his work as complete as possible, ii, 173; on
extra plates and partial subscribers, ii, 174; to William Swainson,
ii, 176; his day of greatest triumph, ii, 177; return to Edinburgh
and completion of his letterpress, ii, 178-186; to his son, ii, 178-
181; at work with MacGillivray, ii, 178-181; publication of the
fourth volume of the Ornithological Biography, ii, 181;
impairment of the health of his wife, ii, 181, 183, 186; their tour
in the Scottish Highlands, ii, 182; to Edward Harris, ii, 184-186;
completion of his labors in England, ii, 186; number of American
ii, 126-128, 130-132, 134; his ornithological collection, ii, 129;
completion of the second volume of his letterpress, ii, 132; to
Harris, on the alligator and the American edition of his
Ornithological Biography, ii, 132, 134; MacGillivray's contract
with, ii, 134; MacGillivray's assistance and friendship, ii, 134-
137; his acknowledgments and dedication to MacGillivray, ii,
137; to John Wilson, ii, 139; on the effects of overwork, ii, 140;
letters to Harris, ii, 141-144; on Alexander Wilson, ii, 143; issue
of his third volume of the Ornithological Biography, ii, 144; on
his journey, ii, 144; third American tour, ii, 146; landing in New
York, ii, 146; efforts to secure the Nuttall-Townsend collection of
western birds, ii, 147-149, 153-154; thwarted in Philadelphia, ii,
149; in Boston and Salem, ii, 149-151; meets Brewer and Nuttall,
ii, 150; friendship and recommendation of Daniel Webster, ii,
151; success of canvassing in New York, ii, 153; efforts to obtain
the collections in Philadelphia renewed, ii, 153; rivalry of priority
seekers, ii, 155; plans an expedition to Florida, and visits
Washington for governmental aid, ii, 155; entertained at the White
House, ii, 156; on Andrew Jackson, ii, 156; winter spent with
Bachman, ii, 156; overland with Edward Harris and his younger
son to New Orleans, ii, 157; experiences in the Gulf of Mexico
and Texas, ii, 157-165; adventures with the Crusader, ii, 158-163;
at Galveston Bay, ii, 163; visit to Houston, ii, 164; his party
disbands at Charleston, ii, 165; his son's marriage, and return to
England, ii, 166; to Thomas Brewer, ii, 168; extension of his
Birds and revolt of British patrons, ii, 170, 174; to Harris on
Townsend's second collection of western birds, ii, 170-173;
eagerness to render his work as complete as possible, ii, 173; on
extra plates and partial subscribers, ii, 174; to William Swainson,
ii, 176; his day of greatest triumph, ii, 177; return to Edinburgh
and completion of his letterpress, ii, 178-186; to his son, ii, 178-
181; at work with MacGillivray, ii, 178-181; publication of the
fourth volume of the Ornithological Biography, ii, 181;
impairment of the health of his wife, ii, 181, 183, 186; their tour
in the Scottish Highlands, ii, 182; to Edward Harris, ii, 184-186;
completion of his labors in England, ii, 186; number of American
Page 520
species of birds recognized in 1839, ii, 186; valedictory to the
"gentle reader," ii, 187; prepares to return with his family to
America; directions to Havell, ii, 188-191; intimate history of the
work of his engraver, with manual for collectors, ii, 191-199; the
Athenæum on, ii, 199; Peabody on, ii, 200; on the original and
existing numbers of copies of his Birds, ii, 201-203; on his own
and Havell's copy of The Birds of America, ii, 203; original and
present prices of his works, ii, 204; singular attest of J. P. Hall
regarding, ii, 205; Audubon's account of the Rothschild incident,
ii, 206-208; settles in New York, and immediately undertakes two
new works, ii, 208; Bachman to, on a revised edition of The Birds
of America, and the Quadrupeds, ii, 208; to Brewer on the
Quadrupeds of North America, ii, 209; marriage of his elder son,
ii, 210; Bachman, on his coöperation in the Quadrupeds, ii, 210;
prospectus of the octavo edition of the Birds, ii, 211-212, 214; its
composition and number of American species of birds recognized,
ii, 214-215; to his family while canvassing in Baltimore, ii, 215-
217; original account book of, ii, 217; extraordinary success of
his Birds in "miniature", ii, 217; bereavements of his family, ii,
218; his friendship with a rising young naturalist, ii, 218; opening
correspondence with Spencer Fullerton Baird, ii, 219-223;
William Yarrell to, ii, 223-225; new birds from Baird, ii, 219,
225; their correspondence continued, ii, 226; letter to George
Parkman, and the "Parkman Wren,", ii, 227-229; to W. O. Ayres
on collecting quadrupeds, ii, 229; on the expenses of his
publication, ii, 230; Baird on his first visit to his friend, ii, 230-
232; consolation and advice to his pupil, ii, 232; purchase of land
and house-building, ii, 234; "Minnie's Land" on the Hudson, ii,
235; his activities, ii, 235; Parke Godwin on Audubon and
"Minnie's Land," in 1842, ii, 236-238; in 1845, ii, 238; his
expedition to the Upper Missouri, ii, 239-258; correspondence
with Baird, ii, 239-241; credentials from the Government, ii, 242;
Daniel Webster's letter, ii, 242; his letter from President Tyler, ii,
243; Bachman on the Quadrupeds, ii, 243; canvassing tour to
Canada, ii, 244; description of Canadian visit in letter to
Benjamin Phillips, ii, 244-246; William Yarrell to, ii, 246;
overtures to Baird to join his western expedition fail, ii, 248-250,
"gentle reader," ii, 187; prepares to return with his family to
America; directions to Havell, ii, 188-191; intimate history of the
work of his engraver, with manual for collectors, ii, 191-199; the
Athenæum on, ii, 199; Peabody on, ii, 200; on the original and
existing numbers of copies of his Birds, ii, 201-203; on his own
and Havell's copy of The Birds of America, ii, 203; original and
present prices of his works, ii, 204; singular attest of J. P. Hall
regarding, ii, 205; Audubon's account of the Rothschild incident,
ii, 206-208; settles in New York, and immediately undertakes two
new works, ii, 208; Bachman to, on a revised edition of The Birds
of America, and the Quadrupeds, ii, 208; to Brewer on the
Quadrupeds of North America, ii, 209; marriage of his elder son,
ii, 210; Bachman, on his coöperation in the Quadrupeds, ii, 210;
prospectus of the octavo edition of the Birds, ii, 211-212, 214; its
composition and number of American species of birds recognized,
ii, 214-215; to his family while canvassing in Baltimore, ii, 215-
217; original account book of, ii, 217; extraordinary success of
his Birds in "miniature", ii, 217; bereavements of his family, ii,
218; his friendship with a rising young naturalist, ii, 218; opening
correspondence with Spencer Fullerton Baird, ii, 219-223;
William Yarrell to, ii, 223-225; new birds from Baird, ii, 219,
225; their correspondence continued, ii, 226; letter to George
Parkman, and the "Parkman Wren,", ii, 227-229; to W. O. Ayres
on collecting quadrupeds, ii, 229; on the expenses of his
publication, ii, 230; Baird on his first visit to his friend, ii, 230-
232; consolation and advice to his pupil, ii, 232; purchase of land
and house-building, ii, 234; "Minnie's Land" on the Hudson, ii,
235; his activities, ii, 235; Parke Godwin on Audubon and
"Minnie's Land," in 1842, ii, 236-238; in 1845, ii, 238; his
expedition to the Upper Missouri, ii, 239-258; correspondence
with Baird, ii, 239-241; credentials from the Government, ii, 242;
Daniel Webster's letter, ii, 242; his letter from President Tyler, ii,
243; Bachman on the Quadrupeds, ii, 243; canvassing tour to
Canada, ii, 244; description of Canadian visit in letter to
Benjamin Phillips, ii, 244-246; William Yarrell to, ii, 246;
overtures to Baird to join his western expedition fail, ii, 248-250,
Page 521
252; Edward Harris to, ii, 251; his party, ii, 252; rendezvous at
Philadelphia and beginning of journey, ii, 252; ascent of the
Missouri in the Magnet, ii, 252; his journal of their experiences,
ii, 253; discovery of new birds, ii, 253; on George Catlin, ii, 254;
at Fort Union, ii, 254-256; first experience with buffalo, ii, 254;
forecast of its fate, ii, 255; in a wilderness that howls, ii, 256; his
return, ii, 256; on a canal boat homeward bound, ii, 257; mistaken
for a Dunker, ii, 258; portrait by his son, ii, 258; to Baird, ii, 258;
completion of his Birds in octavo, and dedication to Baird, ii, 259;
his final work on the Quadrupeds, ii, 261; on Pennant's marten, ii,
263; to Bachman on mischief makers, and letterpress of the
Quadrupeds, ii, 264-267; his copper-plates of The Birds of
America pass through fire in New York, ii, 267; as a spectator at
the ruins, ii, 267; reply to Baird on the results of the fire, ii, 268;
Bachman's visit in 1845, ii, 268; Bachman's complaints and
ultimatum through Harris, ii, 269; Bachman on his Missouri River
Journal, ii, 271; correspondence with Baird, ii, 272-273, 275-278,
279; recommendation of Baird, ii, 279; his son visits England to
paint for the Quadrupeds, ii, 280; manuscript of the Quadrupeds
of North America, ii, 283; illustrations and completion of plates of
the Quadrupeds, ii, 285; Brewer on a visit to "Minnie's Land" in
1846, ii, 286-288; letter to Harris in 1847, ii, 287; Baird's note of
last visit in 1847, ii, 288; Bachman on his visit of 1848, ii, 288;
last days and death at "Minnie's Land", ii, 290; work of his sons,
and his family in America, ii, 291-312; appropriation by the
Government to procure copies of Audubon's works for
presentation to foreign countries, ii, 293; manuscript notes and
legends on original drawings of the Birds, ii, 305.
Audubon, Mrs. John James, as editor of a Life of her husband, i, 18,
22; her girlhood home, i, 108; Audubon's account of their meeting
and his debt to, i, 109; her father and uncle as protégés of
Audubon, i, 125; Audubon on, i, 160; her marriage and journey
West, i, 194; her children, i, 198, 247, 248; her realization in her
father's estate, i, 198-200; her father and family, i, 199, 253-254;
as spur and balance wheel, i, 301; at Cincinnati, i, 303, 306, 307,
320; the Western Museum incident, i, 304; at New Orleans, i, 320,
322; engagements at Natchez and St. Francisville, i, 322; her
Philadelphia and beginning of journey, ii, 252; ascent of the
Missouri in the Magnet, ii, 252; his journal of their experiences,
ii, 253; discovery of new birds, ii, 253; on George Catlin, ii, 254;
at Fort Union, ii, 254-256; first experience with buffalo, ii, 254;
forecast of its fate, ii, 255; in a wilderness that howls, ii, 256; his
return, ii, 256; on a canal boat homeward bound, ii, 257; mistaken
for a Dunker, ii, 258; portrait by his son, ii, 258; to Baird, ii, 258;
completion of his Birds in octavo, and dedication to Baird, ii, 259;
his final work on the Quadrupeds, ii, 261; on Pennant's marten, ii,
263; to Bachman on mischief makers, and letterpress of the
Quadrupeds, ii, 264-267; his copper-plates of The Birds of
America pass through fire in New York, ii, 267; as a spectator at
the ruins, ii, 267; reply to Baird on the results of the fire, ii, 268;
Bachman's visit in 1845, ii, 268; Bachman's complaints and
ultimatum through Harris, ii, 269; Bachman on his Missouri River
Journal, ii, 271; correspondence with Baird, ii, 272-273, 275-278,
279; recommendation of Baird, ii, 279; his son visits England to
paint for the Quadrupeds, ii, 280; manuscript of the Quadrupeds
of North America, ii, 283; illustrations and completion of plates of
the Quadrupeds, ii, 285; Brewer on a visit to "Minnie's Land" in
1846, ii, 286-288; letter to Harris in 1847, ii, 287; Baird's note of
last visit in 1847, ii, 288; Bachman on his visit of 1848, ii, 288;
last days and death at "Minnie's Land", ii, 290; work of his sons,
and his family in America, ii, 291-312; appropriation by the
Government to procure copies of Audubon's works for
presentation to foreign countries, ii, 293; manuscript notes and
legends on original drawings of the Birds, ii, 305.
Audubon, Mrs. John James, as editor of a Life of her husband, i, 18,
22; her girlhood home, i, 108; Audubon's account of their meeting
and his debt to, i, 109; her father and uncle as protégés of
Audubon, i, 125; Audubon on, i, 160; her marriage and journey
West, i, 194; her children, i, 198, 247, 248; her realization in her
father's estate, i, 198-200; her father and family, i, 199, 253-254;
as spur and balance wheel, i, 301; at Cincinnati, i, 303, 306, 307,
320; the Western Museum incident, i, 304; at New Orleans, i, 320,
322; engagements at Natchez and St. Francisville, i, 322; her
Page 522
"Beechwoods" school, i, 322; Audubon to, i, 370-372, 420-421,
424, 428; at "Beechwoods," i, 431-435; accompanies her husband
to England, i, 435-436; ii, 1; John Bachman to, ii, 5; Richard
Harlan to, ii, 14; her activities and school at "Minnie's Land," ii,
299; breaking up of her home and the Life of her husband, ii, 300;
to a relative on her family's affairs, ii, 301; to William R. Dorlan
on her husband's autograph, ii, 302; her last years and death, ii,
302; a eulogy, ii, 303; disposal of the original drawings of The
Birds of America, ii, 304; ascription of drawing to, ii, 306.
Audubon, John Woodhouse, his birth, ii, 248, 323, 371; his father to, i,
373, 390; ii, 43, 44, 54, 56-57, 156; marriage to Bachman's
daughter, ii, 166; journey to Texas, ii, 272; goes to England to
paint for the Quadrupeds, ii, 273, 280; dedication to John Edward
Gray, ii, 280; J. E. Gray to, ii, 281; part in painting the originals
of the folio plates of the Quadrupeds of North America, ii, 285;
his unfortunate California venture, ii, 289; his marriage to
Caroline Hall, ii, 294; children and descendants, ii, 294; his house
at "Minnie's Land," ii, 295, 311-312; his illness and death, ii, 295-
296, 297; his project for reproducing the original folio of The
Birds of America in America, checked by the War, ii, 296, 389-
391; residual stock of the incomplete work, ii, 296; as his father's
aid, ii, 297, 299; activities and characteristics as boy and man, ii,
297-299, 309-310; his Western Journal, ii, 299; death of his
second wife, ii, 303.
Audubon, Mrs. John Woodhouse (Maria Rebecca Bachman), her
marriage, ii, 166; her death, ii, 218; her children, ii, 294.
Audubon, Mrs. John Woodhouse (Caroline Hall), her marriage,
children and descendants, ii, 294; her death, ii, 294.
Audubon, Lucy, death of, i, 247.
Audubon, Maria Rebecca, publication of Audubon's Autobiography by,
i, 16; Audubon and his Journals by, i, 22, 28, 63, 106, 153, 270,
369.
Audubon, Marie Rosa (Mme. de Vaugeon), i, 27; suit by, i, 28, 263.
Audubon, Pierre, service in the French merchant marine, i, 26; his son,
Jean, and his family, i, 27; at siege of Louisburg, i, 28.
Audubon, Rosa (Mme. Gabriel Loyen du Puigaudeau, see Muguet),
her birth, i, 56; taken to France, i, 57; act of adoption, i, 59; as
424, 428; at "Beechwoods," i, 431-435; accompanies her husband
to England, i, 435-436; ii, 1; John Bachman to, ii, 5; Richard
Harlan to, ii, 14; her activities and school at "Minnie's Land," ii,
299; breaking up of her home and the Life of her husband, ii, 300;
to a relative on her family's affairs, ii, 301; to William R. Dorlan
on her husband's autograph, ii, 302; her last years and death, ii,
302; a eulogy, ii, 303; disposal of the original drawings of The
Birds of America, ii, 304; ascription of drawing to, ii, 306.
Audubon, John Woodhouse, his birth, ii, 248, 323, 371; his father to, i,
373, 390; ii, 43, 44, 54, 56-57, 156; marriage to Bachman's
daughter, ii, 166; journey to Texas, ii, 272; goes to England to
paint for the Quadrupeds, ii, 273, 280; dedication to John Edward
Gray, ii, 280; J. E. Gray to, ii, 281; part in painting the originals
of the folio plates of the Quadrupeds of North America, ii, 285;
his unfortunate California venture, ii, 289; his marriage to
Caroline Hall, ii, 294; children and descendants, ii, 294; his house
at "Minnie's Land," ii, 295, 311-312; his illness and death, ii, 295-
296, 297; his project for reproducing the original folio of The
Birds of America in America, checked by the War, ii, 296, 389-
391; residual stock of the incomplete work, ii, 296; as his father's
aid, ii, 297, 299; activities and characteristics as boy and man, ii,
297-299, 309-310; his Western Journal, ii, 299; death of his
second wife, ii, 303.
Audubon, Mrs. John Woodhouse (Maria Rebecca Bachman), her
marriage, ii, 166; her death, ii, 218; her children, ii, 294.
Audubon, Mrs. John Woodhouse (Caroline Hall), her marriage,
children and descendants, ii, 294; her death, ii, 294.
Audubon, Lucy, death of, i, 247.
Audubon, Maria Rebecca, publication of Audubon's Autobiography by,
i, 16; Audubon and his Journals by, i, 22, 28, 63, 106, 153, 270,
369.
Audubon, Marie Rosa (Mme. de Vaugeon), i, 27; suit by, i, 28, 263.
Audubon, Pierre, service in the French merchant marine, i, 26; his son,
Jean, and his family, i, 27; at siege of Louisburg, i, 28.
Audubon, Rosa (Mme. Gabriel Loyen du Puigaudeau, see Muguet),
her birth, i, 56; taken to France, i, 57; act of adoption, i, 59; as
Page 523
godmother, i, 128; marriage contract and marriage of, i, 131; her
home, children and death, i, 269.
Audubon, Rosa, i, 247.
Audubon, Victor Gifford, his birth, i, 198, 269, 325, 371, 396, 427;
takes charge of his father's publications in England, ii, 31; his
father to, ii, 33-40, 43-44, 55-62; in his father's defense, ii, 55, 88,
65, 81, 119, 178, 189; on the number of sets of The Birds of
America issued, ii, 202; married to Mary Eliza Bachman, ii, 210;
on "Minnie's Land," ii, 235; John Bachman to, ii, 261-263, 281-
283; to Spencer F. Baird, ii, 278; Baird to, ii, 278; as amanuensis
to Bachman, ii, 283, 291; to Bachman, ii, 289; success in
canvassing, ii, 292; Bachman's recommendation, ii, 292; his
issues of the Quadrupeds and Birds, ii, 293, 295; his second
marriage and children, ii, 294; his house at "Minnie's Land," ii,
295, 311; his illness and death, ii, 395; death of his wife, ii, 303.
Audubon, Mrs. Victor Gifford (Mary Eliza Bachman), her marriage, ii,
210; her death, ii, 218.
Audubon Mrs. Victor Gifford, (Georgianna Richards Mallory), ii, 258;
her marriage and children, ii, 294; her death, ii, 294.
"Audubon of La Rochelle," i, 27, 270, 271.
Audubon (Montgomery County, Pennsylvania), i, 102.
Audubon and his Journals, i, 22.
Audubon Association and Societies, history and aims of, i, 14.
Audubonian Epoch and Period in American ornithology, i, 10.
Aukland, Sir J. D., i, 377.
Ayres, W. O., Audubon, on collecting quadrupeds, to, ii, 229-230, 277.
Bachman, Rev. John, i, 291, 293; meeting and friendship with
Audubon, ii, 5, 9; to Mrs. Audubon, ii, 5; Audubon's gift of his
Birds of America to, ii, 7; as canvasser for Audubon, ii, 27;
Audubon to, ii, 27; to Audubon, ii, 32-33, 51; buzzard
experiments, ii, 55-56, 57, 59, 61; publication of his paper on the
Turkey Buzzard, ii, 56; on Audubon's working habits, ii, 63-65;
account of experiments on the sense of sight and smell in
vultures, ii, 81-83; Audubon to, on the effects of overwork, ii,
140-141, 146; on conditions in the South, ii, 148; Audubon's
winter with, ii, 156; marriage of daughter of, ii, 166; in London,
ii, 178, 179, 184; to Audubon on his "Small Edition of Birds" and
home, children and death, i, 269.
Audubon, Rosa, i, 247.
Audubon, Victor Gifford, his birth, i, 198, 269, 325, 371, 396, 427;
takes charge of his father's publications in England, ii, 31; his
father to, ii, 33-40, 43-44, 55-62; in his father's defense, ii, 55, 88,
65, 81, 119, 178, 189; on the number of sets of The Birds of
America issued, ii, 202; married to Mary Eliza Bachman, ii, 210;
on "Minnie's Land," ii, 235; John Bachman to, ii, 261-263, 281-
283; to Spencer F. Baird, ii, 278; Baird to, ii, 278; as amanuensis
to Bachman, ii, 283, 291; to Bachman, ii, 289; success in
canvassing, ii, 292; Bachman's recommendation, ii, 292; his
issues of the Quadrupeds and Birds, ii, 293, 295; his second
marriage and children, ii, 294; his house at "Minnie's Land," ii,
295, 311; his illness and death, ii, 395; death of his wife, ii, 303.
Audubon, Mrs. Victor Gifford (Mary Eliza Bachman), her marriage, ii,
210; her death, ii, 218.
Audubon Mrs. Victor Gifford, (Georgianna Richards Mallory), ii, 258;
her marriage and children, ii, 294; her death, ii, 294.
"Audubon of La Rochelle," i, 27, 270, 271.
Audubon (Montgomery County, Pennsylvania), i, 102.
Audubon and his Journals, i, 22.
Audubon Association and Societies, history and aims of, i, 14.
Audubonian Epoch and Period in American ornithology, i, 10.
Aukland, Sir J. D., i, 377.
Ayres, W. O., Audubon, on collecting quadrupeds, to, ii, 229-230, 277.
Bachman, Rev. John, i, 291, 293; meeting and friendship with
Audubon, ii, 5, 9; to Mrs. Audubon, ii, 5; Audubon's gift of his
Birds of America to, ii, 7; as canvasser for Audubon, ii, 27;
Audubon to, ii, 27; to Audubon, ii, 32-33, 51; buzzard
experiments, ii, 55-56, 57, 59, 61; publication of his paper on the
Turkey Buzzard, ii, 56; on Audubon's working habits, ii, 63-65;
account of experiments on the sense of sight and smell in
vultures, ii, 81-83; Audubon to, on the effects of overwork, ii,
140-141, 146; on conditions in the South, ii, 148; Audubon's
winter with, ii, 156; marriage of daughter of, ii, 166; in London,
ii, 178, 179, 184; to Audubon on his "Small Edition of Birds" and
Page 524
Quadrupeds, ii, 208-209; marriage of the daughter of, ii, 210; on
his coöperation with Audubon in the Quadrupeds, ii, 210-211,
216, 220; to Audubon on the Quadrupeds, ii, 243-244, 258-259;
on the Quadrupeds of North America, ii, 261-263, 269-272, 281-
283; calls for help, ii, 262; Audubon to, on mischief-making of a
"mutual friend," and the letterpress of the Quadrupeds, ii, 264-
267; on Audubon in 1845, ii, 268; his ultimatum to Edward Harris
as mediator, ii, 268-270; on Audubon's Missouri River Journal, ii,
271; difficulties of coöperation, ii, 273; domestic bereavement, ii,
274; his second marriage, ii, 281; working methods, ii, 281;
facsimile letter, ii, 282; manuscript on the Quadrupeds, ii, 283;
early life and career, ii, 284; on Alexander von Humboldt, ii, 284;
on Audubon in 1848, ii, 288; completion of the text of the
Quadrupeds, ii, 291; recommendation of Victor Audubon and
statement of his part and interest in the work, ii, 292-293, 311.
Bachman, Mrs. John (Harriet Martin), death of, ii, 274.
Bachman, Mrs. John (Maria Martin), marriage of, ii, 281.
Bachman, Maria Rebecca. See Mrs. John Woodhouse Audubon.
Bachman, Mary Eliza. See Mrs. Victor Gifford Audubon.
Baco, mayor of Nantes, proclamation of, i, 74.
Baird, Spencer Fullerton, his friendship with Audubon, ii, 218-220;
Audubon to, ii, 219-222, 232-233; discovers new birds, ii, 219,
221, 225; visits Audubon in New York, ii, 230; to Audubon, ii,
231-232, 235; correspondence with Audubon on the Missouri
expedition, ii, 239-241, 248-250, 252, 259; dedication of
Audubon to, ii, 259-260; Coues on, ii, 260; correspondence with
Audubon on quadrupeds, ii, 263, 264, 272-273, 274-278; on
Pennant's marten, ii, 263; first visit to Audubon, ii, 264; on fate of
Audubon's copper-plates, ii, 267; his marriage and appointment in
Dickinson College, ii, 276; on Victor Audubon's gift, ii, 278; on
the curatorship of the Smithsonian Institution, ii, 279; his
recommendations by Audubon, ii, 279; last letter and visit to
Audubon, ii, 288.
Bakewell, Benjamin, as protégé of young Audubon, i, 125; Audubon's
engagement with, i, 153, 154-155, 171-172; his establishment,
correspondents and clerks, i, 153-154; his residence and previous
business career, i, 154; his New York business and
his coöperation with Audubon in the Quadrupeds, ii, 210-211,
216, 220; to Audubon on the Quadrupeds, ii, 243-244, 258-259;
on the Quadrupeds of North America, ii, 261-263, 269-272, 281-
283; calls for help, ii, 262; Audubon to, on mischief-making of a
"mutual friend," and the letterpress of the Quadrupeds, ii, 264-
267; on Audubon in 1845, ii, 268; his ultimatum to Edward Harris
as mediator, ii, 268-270; on Audubon's Missouri River Journal, ii,
271; difficulties of coöperation, ii, 273; domestic bereavement, ii,
274; his second marriage, ii, 281; working methods, ii, 281;
facsimile letter, ii, 282; manuscript on the Quadrupeds, ii, 283;
early life and career, ii, 284; on Alexander von Humboldt, ii, 284;
on Audubon in 1848, ii, 288; completion of the text of the
Quadrupeds, ii, 291; recommendation of Victor Audubon and
statement of his part and interest in the work, ii, 292-293, 311.
Bachman, Mrs. John (Harriet Martin), death of, ii, 274.
Bachman, Mrs. John (Maria Martin), marriage of, ii, 281.
Bachman, Maria Rebecca. See Mrs. John Woodhouse Audubon.
Bachman, Mary Eliza. See Mrs. Victor Gifford Audubon.
Baco, mayor of Nantes, proclamation of, i, 74.
Baird, Spencer Fullerton, his friendship with Audubon, ii, 218-220;
Audubon to, ii, 219-222, 232-233; discovers new birds, ii, 219,
221, 225; visits Audubon in New York, ii, 230; to Audubon, ii,
231-232, 235; correspondence with Audubon on the Missouri
expedition, ii, 239-241, 248-250, 252, 259; dedication of
Audubon to, ii, 259-260; Coues on, ii, 260; correspondence with
Audubon on quadrupeds, ii, 263, 264, 272-273, 274-278; on
Pennant's marten, ii, 263; first visit to Audubon, ii, 264; on fate of
Audubon's copper-plates, ii, 267; his marriage and appointment in
Dickinson College, ii, 276; on Victor Audubon's gift, ii, 278; on
the curatorship of the Smithsonian Institution, ii, 279; his
recommendations by Audubon, ii, 279; last letter and visit to
Audubon, ii, 288.
Bakewell, Benjamin, as protégé of young Audubon, i, 125; Audubon's
engagement with, i, 153, 154-155, 171-172; his establishment,
correspondents and clerks, i, 153-154; his residence and previous
business career, i, 154; his New York business and
Page 525
correspondents, i, 155; dealings with Claude François Rozier, as
told in Audubon's letters, i, 156-158, 161-163, 164-166; ruin of
his trade by the Embargo Act, i, 172; his business dealings with
Audubon and Rozier, i, 186, 193; emigration to America and
establishment in New Haven, i, 201; Wilson at his glass works in
Pittsburgh, i, 204.
Bakewell, Eliza. See Mrs. Nicholas Augustus Berthoud.
Bakewell, Rev. Gordon, on Audubon's birth, i, 69; Audubon's portrait
of, i, 69.
Bakewell, G. W., on William Bakewell, i, 99.
Bakewell, John, i, 200.
Bakewell, Joseph, i, 200.
Bakewell, Lucy Green. See Mrs. John James Audubon.
Bakewell, Robert, i, 200, 377.
Bakewell, Thomas Woodhouse (of Crith, Derbyshire), i, 200.
Bakewell, Thomas Woodhouse, i, 153; statement of accounts of
Audubon & Rozier with his uncle's estate, i, 193; see also ii, 354-
355; letter to Audubon & Rozier, i, 196; failure of his commission
business with Audubon at New Orleans, i, 248; second
partnership with Audubon, and history of their mill enterprise at
Henderson, i, 254-255, 259; lease of land, i, 254; investment in
mill, i, 255; withdrawal from business partnership, i, 256;
subsequent successful career at Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, i, 259;
his financial reverses, fortitude and death, i, 259.
Bakewell, William, his purchase of "Fatland Ford" and settlement
upon this estate, i, 99, 108; his daughter, Lucy Green, i, 108-110;
his private accounts and aid to Audubon and Rozier, i, 125; sale
of a portion of his farm in the interests of his daughter, i, 198; to
Audubon and Rozier regarding the sale, i, 199; his family and
history, i, 200; emigration to the United States and business at
New Haven, i, 201; death of his first wife, i, 201; his second
marriage, i, 201; his death, i, 201; death of his second wife, i, 201;
financial assistance to son by, i, 255.
Bakewell, William Gifford, record of a visit to "Mill Grove," i, 111-
112, 427; ii, 252.
Bakewell, Mrs. William Gifford, ii, 302.
Banks, Sir Joseph, ii, 117.
told in Audubon's letters, i, 156-158, 161-163, 164-166; ruin of
his trade by the Embargo Act, i, 172; his business dealings with
Audubon and Rozier, i, 186, 193; emigration to America and
establishment in New Haven, i, 201; Wilson at his glass works in
Pittsburgh, i, 204.
Bakewell, Eliza. See Mrs. Nicholas Augustus Berthoud.
Bakewell, Rev. Gordon, on Audubon's birth, i, 69; Audubon's portrait
of, i, 69.
Bakewell, G. W., on William Bakewell, i, 99.
Bakewell, John, i, 200.
Bakewell, Joseph, i, 200.
Bakewell, Lucy Green. See Mrs. John James Audubon.
Bakewell, Robert, i, 200, 377.
Bakewell, Thomas Woodhouse (of Crith, Derbyshire), i, 200.
Bakewell, Thomas Woodhouse, i, 153; statement of accounts of
Audubon & Rozier with his uncle's estate, i, 193; see also ii, 354-
355; letter to Audubon & Rozier, i, 196; failure of his commission
business with Audubon at New Orleans, i, 248; second
partnership with Audubon, and history of their mill enterprise at
Henderson, i, 254-255, 259; lease of land, i, 254; investment in
mill, i, 255; withdrawal from business partnership, i, 256;
subsequent successful career at Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, i, 259;
his financial reverses, fortitude and death, i, 259.
Bakewell, William, his purchase of "Fatland Ford" and settlement
upon this estate, i, 99, 108; his daughter, Lucy Green, i, 108-110;
his private accounts and aid to Audubon and Rozier, i, 125; sale
of a portion of his farm in the interests of his daughter, i, 198; to
Audubon and Rozier regarding the sale, i, 199; his family and
history, i, 200; emigration to the United States and business at
New Haven, i, 201; death of his first wife, i, 201; his second
marriage, i, 201; his death, i, 201; death of his second wife, i, 201;
financial assistance to son by, i, 255.
Bakewell, William Gifford, record of a visit to "Mill Grove," i, 111-
112, 427; ii, 252.
Bakewell, Mrs. William Gifford, ii, 302.
Banks, Sir Joseph, ii, 117.
Page 526
Barraband, Pierre Paul (1767-1809), his method of drawing birds, i,
184, 404.
Bartram, Anne, i, 215.
Bartram, John, and his Botanic Gardens, i, 215.
Bartram, William, as mentor to Alexander Wilson, i, 212; Wilson, in
letter to, i, 213; his hospitality, i, 214, 216; his niece, and the
Botanic Gardens of his father, i, 215; on numbers of American
birds, ii, 214.
Bascanion. See Black snake.
Bayou Sara, introduction of Audubon to, i, 309; life of Audubon at, i,
314-318; village and origin of name of, i, 314.
Bazin, Eugène, translations by, i, 360.
Beates, Frederick, purchase and sale of "Mill Grove" by, i, 169.
Beer, William, i, 143, 155.
Bell, John, ii, 252; dedication of Audubon to, ii, 253.
Benedict, Jennett, Audubon's itinerant portrait of, i, 342.
Benedict, Jesse, ii, 311.
Berthoud, Mme., death of, i, 326.
Berthoud, Nicholas Augustus, i, 197, 256, 303, 309; engagement of
Victor G. Audubon with, i, 325; mother and family name of, i,
326, 427; ii, 27, 28, 33, 36, 37, 38, 130.
Berthoud, Mrs. Nicholas Augustus, i, 326; ii, 303.
Besant, Sir Walter, on London in 1837, i, 355, 395.
Best, Robert, and the Western Museum, i, 303, 306.
Bewick, Thomas, Audubon's visit to, i, 375; ii, 142.
Bibliography, i, 15; ii, 401-456.
Bien, J., and Company, ii, 396.
"Bird of Washington" ("Aquila washingtonii"), Audubon's supposed
discovery of, i, 241, 400, 406; ii, 185.
Birds of America (folio), cost and rarity of, i, 4; defects in drawings of,
i, 174, 184-185; destruction of drawings designed for, i, 179, 320-
321; in embryo, i, 180-183; presentation copies of, i, 356; plans of
publication, i, 343; first subscriber to, i, 353; first engraved plate
of, i, 359; Lizars' part in engraving of, i, 359; issue of first
number of, i, 362; first prospectus of, i, 373, see also ii, 386-388;
title of, i, 381; the Havells in relation to, i, 380-385; rebirth of, in
London, i, 384; the singular history of plate No. iii, i, 384;
184, 404.
Bartram, Anne, i, 215.
Bartram, John, and his Botanic Gardens, i, 215.
Bartram, William, as mentor to Alexander Wilson, i, 212; Wilson, in
letter to, i, 213; his hospitality, i, 214, 216; his niece, and the
Botanic Gardens of his father, i, 215; on numbers of American
birds, ii, 214.
Bascanion. See Black snake.
Bayou Sara, introduction of Audubon to, i, 309; life of Audubon at, i,
314-318; village and origin of name of, i, 314.
Bazin, Eugène, translations by, i, 360.
Beates, Frederick, purchase and sale of "Mill Grove" by, i, 169.
Beer, William, i, 143, 155.
Bell, John, ii, 252; dedication of Audubon to, ii, 253.
Benedict, Jennett, Audubon's itinerant portrait of, i, 342.
Benedict, Jesse, ii, 311.
Berthoud, Mme., death of, i, 326.
Berthoud, Nicholas Augustus, i, 197, 256, 303, 309; engagement of
Victor G. Audubon with, i, 325; mother and family name of, i,
326, 427; ii, 27, 28, 33, 36, 37, 38, 130.
Berthoud, Mrs. Nicholas Augustus, i, 326; ii, 303.
Besant, Sir Walter, on London in 1837, i, 355, 395.
Best, Robert, and the Western Museum, i, 303, 306.
Bewick, Thomas, Audubon's visit to, i, 375; ii, 142.
Bibliography, i, 15; ii, 401-456.
Bien, J., and Company, ii, 396.
"Bird of Washington" ("Aquila washingtonii"), Audubon's supposed
discovery of, i, 241, 400, 406; ii, 185.
Birds of America (folio), cost and rarity of, i, 4; defects in drawings of,
i, 174, 184-185; destruction of drawings designed for, i, 179, 320-
321; in embryo, i, 180-183; presentation copies of, i, 356; plans of
publication, i, 343; first subscriber to, i, 353; first engraved plate
of, i, 359; Lizars' part in engraving of, i, 359; issue of first
number of, i, 362; first prospectus of, i, 373, see also ii, 386-388;
title of, i, 381; the Havells in relation to, i, 380-385; rebirth of, in
London, i, 384; the singular history of plate No. iii, i, 384;
Page 527
difficulties with colorists, i, 389; the Queen as patroness, i, 392;
revision of drawings, i, 398; Swainson's review, i, 403; progress
of, i, 405; Cuvier's report, i, 413; Bachman as canvasser for, ii,
27; Thomas H. Perkins' copy, ii, 29; Audubon's directions for
dispatch of parts of, ii, 37; his financial accounts with, ii, 37;
American subscribers, ii, 36-41; insurance of drawings for, ii, 40;
editorial comment, ii, 41; revolt of patrons at extension of plan, ii,
170, 174; Audubon on extra plates and partial subscribers to, ii,
174; completion of, ii, 177; Audubon on residual stock of plates,
ii, 188-190; uncolored plates of, ii, 190; on insurance of copper-
plates of, ii, 191; intimate history of the engravers and plates,
with manual for collectors, ii, 191-199; story told in artists' and
engravers' captions or legends, ii, 196-198; dates, errors and
editions in plates, ii, 196-198; original and present known
numbers of complete sets, ii, 201; Audubon's and Havell's copies
of, ii, 204; original and present prices, ii, 204; curious attest of J.
P. Hall, ii, 205; original drawings for plates, ii, 304; manuscript
records and legends on original drawings, ii, 305; story of fate of
original copper-plates of, ii, 295, 306-309; final lists of
subscribers, ii, 380-385; prospectus of 1828, ii, 386-388.
Birds of America (in octavo), prospectus, ii, 208-212, 214; agents'
original and present prices of, ii, 211; titles on original parts, ii,
213; beginning of publication, ii, 214; number of birds and
doubtful species, ii, 214; Audubon as canvasser for, ii, 215-217;
remarkable success of, ii, 217; account-book of Audubon in
business of, ii, 217; William Yarrell on, ii, 223; "Parkman's Wren"
in, ii, 228; expense of publication of, ii, 230.
Birds of America (partial American issue in folio), ii, 296; residual
stock of plates of, ii, 297; original prospectus of, ii, 389-391.
Birds of Europe, ii, 122; anecdote of, ii, 123.
Blackbird, Red-winged (Angelaius phœniceus), Ord's charge
concerning Audubon's drawing of, i, 228.
Black Cocks (Tetrao tetrix), original painting of, i, 363, 366.
Black snake, "blue racer" (Bascanion constrictor), confused with
rattlesnake, ii, 76.
Blackwood's Magazine, John Wilson on Audubon and Kidd, i, 447;
John Wilson on Audubon, ii, 139.
revision of drawings, i, 398; Swainson's review, i, 403; progress
of, i, 405; Cuvier's report, i, 413; Bachman as canvasser for, ii,
27; Thomas H. Perkins' copy, ii, 29; Audubon's directions for
dispatch of parts of, ii, 37; his financial accounts with, ii, 37;
American subscribers, ii, 36-41; insurance of drawings for, ii, 40;
editorial comment, ii, 41; revolt of patrons at extension of plan, ii,
170, 174; Audubon on extra plates and partial subscribers to, ii,
174; completion of, ii, 177; Audubon on residual stock of plates,
ii, 188-190; uncolored plates of, ii, 190; on insurance of copper-
plates of, ii, 191; intimate history of the engravers and plates,
with manual for collectors, ii, 191-199; story told in artists' and
engravers' captions or legends, ii, 196-198; dates, errors and
editions in plates, ii, 196-198; original and present known
numbers of complete sets, ii, 201; Audubon's and Havell's copies
of, ii, 204; original and present prices, ii, 204; curious attest of J.
P. Hall, ii, 205; original drawings for plates, ii, 304; manuscript
records and legends on original drawings, ii, 305; story of fate of
original copper-plates of, ii, 295, 306-309; final lists of
subscribers, ii, 380-385; prospectus of 1828, ii, 386-388.
Birds of America (in octavo), prospectus, ii, 208-212, 214; agents'
original and present prices of, ii, 211; titles on original parts, ii,
213; beginning of publication, ii, 214; number of birds and
doubtful species, ii, 214; Audubon as canvasser for, ii, 215-217;
remarkable success of, ii, 217; account-book of Audubon in
business of, ii, 217; William Yarrell on, ii, 223; "Parkman's Wren"
in, ii, 228; expense of publication of, ii, 230.
Birds of America (partial American issue in folio), ii, 296; residual
stock of plates of, ii, 297; original prospectus of, ii, 389-391.
Birds of Europe, ii, 122; anecdote of, ii, 123.
Blackbird, Red-winged (Angelaius phœniceus), Ord's charge
concerning Audubon's drawing of, i, 228.
Black Cocks (Tetrao tetrix), original painting of, i, 363, 366.
Black snake, "blue racer" (Bascanion constrictor), confused with
rattlesnake, ii, 76.
Blackwood's Magazine, John Wilson on Audubon and Kidd, i, 447;
John Wilson on Audubon, ii, 139.
Page 528
Blanchard, Jean François, as attorney of Jean Audubon at Les Cayes, i,
85.
Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata), painting of, i, 397.
Bohn, Henry G., on Audubon's drawings, i, 357.
Bonaparte, Charles Lucien, introduces Audubon at Philadelphia, i,
328; his career and work as an ornithologist, i, 329-331; his artist
and engravers, i, 330; Audubon's contribution to his American
Ornithology, i, 330; his account of the Wild Turkey, i, 331;
characterization by a contemporary, i, 334; his subscription to The
Birds of America, i, 380, 385; to Audubon, i, 416-419, 423; ii, 40,
49-50, 96, 98, 106, 107, 108, 110, 112, 118; Audubon to, ii, 119;
his list of American birds, ii, 120; his comment on Audubon's
work, ii, 120, 169; on publication of new species by, ii, 173, 176,
184, 214, 224.
Bonnabel, Antonio, acquisition of lands from, by Bernard Marigny, i,
70.
Boone, Daniel, Audubon's characterization of, criticized, i, 281.
Bossals and Creoles in Santo Domingo, i, 42, 47.
Boston Patriot, ii, 50.
Bouffard, Catharine, designation of, in legal documents, i, 56; mother
of Muguet (Rosa Audubon), i, 56; her appearance in France, i, 56;
mother of Louise, i, 56.
Bouffard, Louise, inquiry concerning, i, 56; her birth, i, 67, 130.
Boulart (General), letter to Citizen Audubon, i, 80.
Bowen, Samuel Adams, his steamboat at Henderson, i, 236; Audubon's
encounter with, i, 257-259; suit against Audubon by, i, 258;
conclusion of bench in action brought by, i, 259.
Bradford, Mrs. J. L., i, 13.
Bradford, Samuel F., as publisher of Wilson's American Ornithology, i,
217, 219.
Bragdon, Sam L., i, 348.
Braud, William, Audubon as teacher in family of, i, 318; Mrs.
Audubon's engagement with family of, i, 322.
Brewer, Thomas Mayo, ii, 8; Audubon on the rattlesnake, ii, 79, 150;
Audubon to, ii, 152-153, 165-166, 168-169, 175, 209; on
Audubon in 1846, ii, 286-288.
Brewster, Sir David, i, 362; ii, 84.
85.
Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata), painting of, i, 397.
Bohn, Henry G., on Audubon's drawings, i, 357.
Bonaparte, Charles Lucien, introduces Audubon at Philadelphia, i,
328; his career and work as an ornithologist, i, 329-331; his artist
and engravers, i, 330; Audubon's contribution to his American
Ornithology, i, 330; his account of the Wild Turkey, i, 331;
characterization by a contemporary, i, 334; his subscription to The
Birds of America, i, 380, 385; to Audubon, i, 416-419, 423; ii, 40,
49-50, 96, 98, 106, 107, 108, 110, 112, 118; Audubon to, ii, 119;
his list of American birds, ii, 120; his comment on Audubon's
work, ii, 120, 169; on publication of new species by, ii, 173, 176,
184, 214, 224.
Bonnabel, Antonio, acquisition of lands from, by Bernard Marigny, i,
70.
Boone, Daniel, Audubon's characterization of, criticized, i, 281.
Bossals and Creoles in Santo Domingo, i, 42, 47.
Boston Patriot, ii, 50.
Bouffard, Catharine, designation of, in legal documents, i, 56; mother
of Muguet (Rosa Audubon), i, 56; her appearance in France, i, 56;
mother of Louise, i, 56.
Bouffard, Louise, inquiry concerning, i, 56; her birth, i, 67, 130.
Boulart (General), letter to Citizen Audubon, i, 80.
Bowen, Samuel Adams, his steamboat at Henderson, i, 236; Audubon's
encounter with, i, 257-259; suit against Audubon by, i, 258;
conclusion of bench in action brought by, i, 259.
Bradford, Mrs. J. L., i, 13.
Bradford, Samuel F., as publisher of Wilson's American Ornithology, i,
217, 219.
Bragdon, Sam L., i, 348.
Braud, William, Audubon as teacher in family of, i, 318; Mrs.
Audubon's engagement with family of, i, 322.
Brewer, Thomas Mayo, ii, 8; Audubon on the rattlesnake, ii, 79, 150;
Audubon to, ii, 152-153, 165-166, 168-169, 175, 209; on
Audubon in 1846, ii, 286-288.
Brewster, Sir David, i, 362; ii, 84.
Page 529
Brilliant, Jean Audubon's encounter with, i, 82.
Broadnax, Henry P., judge in case of Samuel Adams Bowen and others
vs. Audubon, i, 258; his decision in a case of assault, i, 259.
Brown, Capt. Thomas, curious history of Illustrations of the American
Ornithology by, i, 443-445; limited circulation, rarity and piratical
character of the work, i, 443-445; his Illustrations of the Genera
of Birds, i, 444; contemporary and later notices of his atlas, i, 444.
Buchanan, Robert Williams, true story of his Life of Audubon, i, 18-
22; his struggles, talents, idiosyncrasies and death, i, 19, 21, 22.
Buckland, William, D.D., i, 377.
Buffalo (New York), Audubon's visit to, in 1824, i, 340.
Buffalo hunting on the Upper Missouri and Yellowstone in 1843, ii,
254-256.
Bullen, George E., i, 400, 403.
Bulow, John, welcome of Audubon and their adventures at his
plantation, ii, 15-20.
Bunting, Henslow's (Passerhebulus henslowi), i, 354.
Burchell, William John, ii, 97, 105.
Bureau, Louis, i, 143, 149; manuscript letters of, i, 154.
Burns, Robert, relations of Alexander Wilson with, i, 208.
Butler, Benjamin F., ii, 153.
Butterflies, as food of birds, i, 358.
Cabinet Cyclopædia, Swainson in, ii, 113.
Caire, Louis P., to Lafayette, i, 352.
Caledonian Mercury, Notice of Jameson's edition of Wilson and
Bonaparte's Ornithology in, i, 442; notice of Jardine's edition in, i,
442-443, 446; Audubon to Kidd in, ii, 2; on the Wilson-Audubon
obituary, ii, 3.
Call, Richard Ellsworth, i, 287, 299.
Camden (New Jersey), work of Audubon at, i, 421, 426; ii, 26-27, 30.
Campbell, Sir Archibald, ii, 30.
Cap, P. A., i, 360.
Caporal, Le petit, date of original drawing of, i, 180.
Carolina Paroquet (Conuropsis carolinensis), early drawing of, i, 180.
Carrier, Jean Baptiste, mission and infamy of, i, 75; denounced by
Julien, i, 76; reign of terror at Nantes under, i, 75; recall of, i, 76.
Cass, Lewis, ii, 52.
Broadnax, Henry P., judge in case of Samuel Adams Bowen and others
vs. Audubon, i, 258; his decision in a case of assault, i, 259.
Brown, Capt. Thomas, curious history of Illustrations of the American
Ornithology by, i, 443-445; limited circulation, rarity and piratical
character of the work, i, 443-445; his Illustrations of the Genera
of Birds, i, 444; contemporary and later notices of his atlas, i, 444.
Buchanan, Robert Williams, true story of his Life of Audubon, i, 18-
22; his struggles, talents, idiosyncrasies and death, i, 19, 21, 22.
Buckland, William, D.D., i, 377.
Buffalo (New York), Audubon's visit to, in 1824, i, 340.
Buffalo hunting on the Upper Missouri and Yellowstone in 1843, ii,
254-256.
Bullen, George E., i, 400, 403.
Bulow, John, welcome of Audubon and their adventures at his
plantation, ii, 15-20.
Bunting, Henslow's (Passerhebulus henslowi), i, 354.
Burchell, William John, ii, 97, 105.
Bureau, Louis, i, 143, 149; manuscript letters of, i, 154.
Burns, Robert, relations of Alexander Wilson with, i, 208.
Butler, Benjamin F., ii, 153.
Butterflies, as food of birds, i, 358.
Cabinet Cyclopædia, Swainson in, ii, 113.
Caire, Louis P., to Lafayette, i, 352.
Caledonian Mercury, Notice of Jameson's edition of Wilson and
Bonaparte's Ornithology in, i, 442; notice of Jardine's edition in, i,
442-443, 446; Audubon to Kidd in, ii, 2; on the Wilson-Audubon
obituary, ii, 3.
Call, Richard Ellsworth, i, 287, 299.
Camden (New Jersey), work of Audubon at, i, 421, 426; ii, 26-27, 30.
Campbell, Sir Archibald, ii, 30.
Cap, P. A., i, 360.
Caporal, Le petit, date of original drawing of, i, 180.
Carolina Paroquet (Conuropsis carolinensis), early drawing of, i, 180.
Carrier, Jean Baptiste, mission and infamy of, i, 75; denounced by
Julien, i, 76; reign of terror at Nantes under, i, 75; recall of, i, 76.
Cass, Lewis, ii, 52.
Page 530
Catlin, George, ii, 254.
Cayes (Les Cayes), delivery of slaves at, i, 31; Jean Audubon's
business interests in, i, 39; its pre-revolutionary importance, i, 38;
corruption of its name, i, 38; slave trade at, i, 39-41; first touched
by the Revolution, i, 50; birth of Fougère (John James Audubon),
and Muguet (Rosa Audubon), at, i, 52-53, 56; Jean Audubon's
fortune and financial losses at, i, 82; final settlement of Jean
Audubon's estate at, i, 268.
Cedar-bird (Bombycilla cedrorum), habits of, i, 423.
Central Committee (at Nantes), extract from register of, i, 134.
Century of Birds, ii, 121.
Cerberus, Jean Audubon's command of, and encounter in, i, 82.
Chapelain, Doctor, as witness, i, 153.
Charette, siege of Nantes under, i, 74; execution of, i, 76.
Charles X, patronage of, i, 3-4, 27.
Charleston, meeting of Audubon and Bachman at, ii, 5, 9; Audubon's
tribute to hospitality of people at, ii, 10; bird-hunting at, ii, 10;
return of Audubon's party, ii, 25; Bachman's services at, ii, 284.
Chat, Yellow-breasted (Icteria virens), Audubon's original drawing of,
i, 425.
Chevalier, J. B., ii, 211, 216, 222, 226, 234.
Children, John George, i, 377; his career and friendship with Audubon,
i, 379-380, 420, 437; ii, 34, 56, 59, 199.
Chouanerie, i, 27.
Chuck-will's-widow (Antrostomus carolinensis), Audubon's early
drawing of, i, 182.
Cincinnati (Ohio), in 1810, i, 205; record of earthquakes at, i, 280;
settlement of Audubon at, i, 303; Dr. Drake and the Western
Museum, i, 303-306; early "Notice concerning," and activities of
Dr. Drake, i, 304-306; organization of a college and medical
school, i, 305; Audubon stranded at, i, 344.
Cincinnati College, relations of Dr. Daniel Drake to, i, 304; foundation
and first president of, i, 305.
Clapp, Wellington, ii, 310.
Clay, Henry, i, 307, 372, 378, 396.
Clifford, John O., i, 290.
Clinton, De Witt, i, 2, 218, 339.
Cayes (Les Cayes), delivery of slaves at, i, 31; Jean Audubon's
business interests in, i, 39; its pre-revolutionary importance, i, 38;
corruption of its name, i, 38; slave trade at, i, 39-41; first touched
by the Revolution, i, 50; birth of Fougère (John James Audubon),
and Muguet (Rosa Audubon), at, i, 52-53, 56; Jean Audubon's
fortune and financial losses at, i, 82; final settlement of Jean
Audubon's estate at, i, 268.
Cedar-bird (Bombycilla cedrorum), habits of, i, 423.
Central Committee (at Nantes), extract from register of, i, 134.
Century of Birds, ii, 121.
Cerberus, Jean Audubon's command of, and encounter in, i, 82.
Chapelain, Doctor, as witness, i, 153.
Charette, siege of Nantes under, i, 74; execution of, i, 76.
Charles X, patronage of, i, 3-4, 27.
Charleston, meeting of Audubon and Bachman at, ii, 5, 9; Audubon's
tribute to hospitality of people at, ii, 10; bird-hunting at, ii, 10;
return of Audubon's party, ii, 25; Bachman's services at, ii, 284.
Chat, Yellow-breasted (Icteria virens), Audubon's original drawing of,
i, 425.
Chevalier, J. B., ii, 211, 216, 222, 226, 234.
Children, John George, i, 377; his career and friendship with Audubon,
i, 379-380, 420, 437; ii, 34, 56, 59, 199.
Chouanerie, i, 27.
Chuck-will's-widow (Antrostomus carolinensis), Audubon's early
drawing of, i, 182.
Cincinnati (Ohio), in 1810, i, 205; record of earthquakes at, i, 280;
settlement of Audubon at, i, 303; Dr. Drake and the Western
Museum, i, 303-306; early "Notice concerning," and activities of
Dr. Drake, i, 304-306; organization of a college and medical
school, i, 305; Audubon stranded at, i, 344.
Cincinnati College, relations of Dr. Daniel Drake to, i, 304; foundation
and first president of, i, 305.
Clapp, Wellington, ii, 310.
Clay, Henry, i, 307, 372, 378, 396.
Clifford, John O., i, 290.
Clinton, De Witt, i, 2, 218, 339.
Page 531
Cochereau, Matthew, painting of David's studio by, i, 177.
Coirond Brothers, i, 33, 38.
Coirond (Coyron), Mme., i, 86.
Coit, Rev. Dr. Henry Augustus, ii, 43.
Coit, Rev. Dr. Joseph, ii, 43.
Coleman, William A., Audubon to, ii, 174.
Colles, George W., on Audubon's account of the rattlesnake, ii, 76.
Collett, Tobias, i, 103.
Colnaghi and Company, i, 383.
Colson, Augustus, i, 342.
Columbus, incident on voyage of, i, 312.
Combe, Andrew, i, 361.
Cook, Capt. James, i, 377.
Coolidge, Joseph, ii, 43, 50.
Cooper, Thomas, and the climbing habits of the rattlesnake, ii, 53-54,
77-78; to Audubon, ii, 78.
Coot, Audubon's early drawing of, i, 178.
Couëron, discovery of documents at, i, 53; settlement of Jean Audubon
at, i, 57, 83; condition in 1793, i, 80, 137; the D'Orbignys at, i,
127-128, 130; history and characteristics of, i, 136-140; present
industry and population of, i, 137; record of visit to, in 1913, i,
138-140; grand calvaire at, i, 139; history of Audubon's boyhood
home at, i, 140-145.
Coues, Elliott, on Audubon, i, 110; on Alexander Wilson, i, 213; ii,
129.
Count of Artois (Le Comte d'Artois), encounter of Jean Audubon, and
his capture in, i, 32; armament and fate of, i, 33; bill of sale of, i,
33; unsettled claims concerning, i, 121, 265.
Couper, William, bust of Audubon, by, i, 13.
Cowles, Charles A., story of his rescue of a remnant of Audubon's
copper-plates, ii, 307.
Crane, Whooping (Grus americana), i, 227.
Crosby, Fortunatus (Judge), court record under, i, 260.
Crusader, Audubon's adventures in, ii, 157-163.
Culbertson, Alexander, ii, 271.
Cummings, Capt. James, i, 307; ii, 69, 258.
Cushing, Caleb, ii, 241.
Coirond Brothers, i, 33, 38.
Coirond (Coyron), Mme., i, 86.
Coit, Rev. Dr. Henry Augustus, ii, 43.
Coit, Rev. Dr. Joseph, ii, 43.
Coleman, William A., Audubon to, ii, 174.
Colles, George W., on Audubon's account of the rattlesnake, ii, 76.
Collett, Tobias, i, 103.
Colnaghi and Company, i, 383.
Colson, Augustus, i, 342.
Columbus, incident on voyage of, i, 312.
Combe, Andrew, i, 361.
Cook, Capt. James, i, 377.
Coolidge, Joseph, ii, 43, 50.
Cooper, Thomas, and the climbing habits of the rattlesnake, ii, 53-54,
77-78; to Audubon, ii, 78.
Coot, Audubon's early drawing of, i, 178.
Couëron, discovery of documents at, i, 53; settlement of Jean Audubon
at, i, 57, 83; condition in 1793, i, 80, 137; the D'Orbignys at, i,
127-128, 130; history and characteristics of, i, 136-140; present
industry and population of, i, 137; record of visit to, in 1913, i,
138-140; grand calvaire at, i, 139; history of Audubon's boyhood
home at, i, 140-145.
Coues, Elliott, on Audubon, i, 110; on Alexander Wilson, i, 213; ii,
129.
Count of Artois (Le Comte d'Artois), encounter of Jean Audubon, and
his capture in, i, 32; armament and fate of, i, 33; bill of sale of, i,
33; unsettled claims concerning, i, 121, 265.
Couper, William, bust of Audubon, by, i, 13.
Cowles, Charles A., story of his rescue of a remnant of Audubon's
copper-plates, ii, 307.
Crane, Whooping (Grus americana), i, 227.
Crosby, Fortunatus (Judge), court record under, i, 260.
Crusader, Audubon's adventures in, ii, 157-163.
Culbertson, Alexander, ii, 271.
Cummings, Capt. James, i, 307; ii, 69, 258.
Cushing, Caleb, ii, 241.
Page 532
Cuvier, Baron Georges, his eulogy on Audubon's Birds, i, 1; his
patronage, i, 2; his death, i, 4; report at the Royal Academy of
Sciences, i, 174, 412-413; Audubon's description of, i, 410-411;
ii, 101, 142, 448.
Cyclopædia, New American, Wilson's editorial work on, i, 216-217,
219.
Dacosta, Francis, and the Prevost mortgage, i, 106; first appearance at
"Mill Grove," and his interest in its mine, i, 113; early
exploitation, i, 114; as Lieutenant Audubon's attorney and
guardian of his son, i, 114; his purchase of a one-half interest, i,
114; his salary and grievances, i, 115; difficulties with young
Audubon and with the mine, i, 115; correspondence of Lieutenant
Audubon, i, 116-123; Lieutenant Audubon's appeal in answer to
complaints, i, 118; instructions for settlement of claims, i, 121-
123; rebellion of young Audubon, i, 123; his praise of Audubon's
drawings, i, 124; succeeded by Audubon and Rozier, i, 132; called
to account, i, 146; acquisition of the remaining Audubon and
Rozier interests, i, 148-150; his "rôle of chicaner," i, 151, 158; his
failure and disputed claim, i, 168; award of arbitrators in case, i,
168; reproduction of his contested accounts, ii, 355-358.
"Dalmahoy," Audubon's visit to, i, 363.
Darwin, Charles, i, 354, 399.
Darwin, Erasmus, i, 200.
David, Jacques Louis, i, 3, 174, 175, 176; his revolutionary ardor,
patriotism and popularity, i, 174, 176; his exile and death, i, 174;
his portrait of the mayor of Nantes, i, 174-176; his reception at
Nantes, i, 175; his address to the Municipal Assembly, i, 175; his
studios and pupils at the Louvre, i, 177; his works and influence,
i, 177; influence on Audubon's style, i, 178.
Davis, Isaac P., ii, 151; on Webster's copy of The Birds of America, ii,
152.
Davy, Sir Humphry, i, 356, 377, 379.
Deane, Ruthven, i, 246, 444, 448; ii, 14, 188; on copies of The Birds of
America in America, ii, 203, 204, 211, 263, 293; on the copper-
plates of The Birds of America, ii, 307-309.
Debtors, terrors of, in England, i, 395.
patronage, i, 2; his death, i, 4; report at the Royal Academy of
Sciences, i, 174, 412-413; Audubon's description of, i, 410-411;
ii, 101, 142, 448.
Cyclopædia, New American, Wilson's editorial work on, i, 216-217,
219.
Dacosta, Francis, and the Prevost mortgage, i, 106; first appearance at
"Mill Grove," and his interest in its mine, i, 113; early
exploitation, i, 114; as Lieutenant Audubon's attorney and
guardian of his son, i, 114; his purchase of a one-half interest, i,
114; his salary and grievances, i, 115; difficulties with young
Audubon and with the mine, i, 115; correspondence of Lieutenant
Audubon, i, 116-123; Lieutenant Audubon's appeal in answer to
complaints, i, 118; instructions for settlement of claims, i, 121-
123; rebellion of young Audubon, i, 123; his praise of Audubon's
drawings, i, 124; succeeded by Audubon and Rozier, i, 132; called
to account, i, 146; acquisition of the remaining Audubon and
Rozier interests, i, 148-150; his "rôle of chicaner," i, 151, 158; his
failure and disputed claim, i, 168; award of arbitrators in case, i,
168; reproduction of his contested accounts, ii, 355-358.
"Dalmahoy," Audubon's visit to, i, 363.
Darwin, Charles, i, 354, 399.
Darwin, Erasmus, i, 200.
David, Jacques Louis, i, 3, 174, 175, 176; his revolutionary ardor,
patriotism and popularity, i, 174, 176; his exile and death, i, 174;
his portrait of the mayor of Nantes, i, 174-176; his reception at
Nantes, i, 175; his address to the Municipal Assembly, i, 175; his
studios and pupils at the Louvre, i, 177; his works and influence,
i, 177; influence on Audubon's style, i, 178.
Davis, Isaac P., ii, 151; on Webster's copy of The Birds of America, ii,
152.
Davy, Sir Humphry, i, 356, 377, 379.
Deane, Ruthven, i, 246, 444, 448; ii, 14, 188; on copies of The Birds of
America in America, ii, 203, 204, 211, 263, 293; on the copper-
plates of The Birds of America, ii, 307-309.
Debtors, terrors of, in England, i, 395.
Page 533
Declaration of Rights, voted by the National Assembly of France, and
its effect upon Santo Domingo, i, 37, 49.
De Genlis, Stephanie-Felicité, i, 163.
De Kervegan, Daniel, popularity and portrait of, as mayor of Nantes, i,
175.
De La Luzerne, his recommendation of Jean Audubon, i, 32, 34.
Delos, Audubon's voyage on, i, 347-350; subsequent fate of, i, 348.
De Marigny, Ecuyer Sieur, and his family, i, 69; true story of his
family, and of "Fontainebleau," which has been erroneously
attributed to him, i, 69; his summer house at Mandeville, i, 71.
Derby, Earl of, ii, 146.
De Vaugeon, Mme. Lejeune, i, 28; suit by, i, 262.
De Vaugeon, Pierre, i, 27.
De Wimpffen, Baron. See Francis Alexander Stanilaus.
Dickinson College, Baird's appointment and position at, ii, 268, 276.
Dodge, William E., ii, 307.
D'Orbigny, Alcide Charles Victor, i, 128.
D'Orbigny, Dr. Charles Marie, as friend of young Audubon, i, 120,
127-128; his family, i, 128; Audubon as godfather to son of, i,
128; financial troubles of, i, 128-130; Gabriel Loyen du
Puigaudeau to, i, 129; as debtor to Lieutenant Audubon's estate, i,
129; inquiries concerning, i, 130; as witness, i, 153; Audubon's
correspondence with, i, 160, 163, 171.
D'Orbigny, Charles (the younger), i, 128.
D'Orbigny, Gaston Edouard, birth and baptism of, i, 128.
Dorlan, William R., ii, 302.
Drake, Dr. Daniel, and Alexander Wilson, i, 305; record of earthquakes
at Cincinnati by, i, 280; his engagement of Audubon as
taxidermist, i, 303; his foundation of the Western Museum and
Audubon's connection with it, i, 304-306; his varied activities, i,
304; his early "Notice concerning Cincinnati," i, 304; his
organization of the Cincinnati College and medical school, i, 305;
his troubles with rivals, i, 306; his appointment at the
Transylvania University, i, 306.
Duck, Labrador (Camptorhynchus labradorius), at Bradore Bay, ii, 48;
extinction of, ii, 48, 152.
its effect upon Santo Domingo, i, 37, 49.
De Genlis, Stephanie-Felicité, i, 163.
De Kervegan, Daniel, popularity and portrait of, as mayor of Nantes, i,
175.
De La Luzerne, his recommendation of Jean Audubon, i, 32, 34.
Delos, Audubon's voyage on, i, 347-350; subsequent fate of, i, 348.
De Marigny, Ecuyer Sieur, and his family, i, 69; true story of his
family, and of "Fontainebleau," which has been erroneously
attributed to him, i, 69; his summer house at Mandeville, i, 71.
Derby, Earl of, ii, 146.
De Vaugeon, Mme. Lejeune, i, 28; suit by, i, 262.
De Vaugeon, Pierre, i, 27.
De Wimpffen, Baron. See Francis Alexander Stanilaus.
Dickinson College, Baird's appointment and position at, ii, 268, 276.
Dodge, William E., ii, 307.
D'Orbigny, Alcide Charles Victor, i, 128.
D'Orbigny, Dr. Charles Marie, as friend of young Audubon, i, 120,
127-128; his family, i, 128; Audubon as godfather to son of, i,
128; financial troubles of, i, 128-130; Gabriel Loyen du
Puigaudeau to, i, 129; as debtor to Lieutenant Audubon's estate, i,
129; inquiries concerning, i, 130; as witness, i, 153; Audubon's
correspondence with, i, 160, 163, 171.
D'Orbigny, Charles (the younger), i, 128.
D'Orbigny, Gaston Edouard, birth and baptism of, i, 128.
Dorlan, William R., ii, 302.
Drake, Dr. Daniel, and Alexander Wilson, i, 305; record of earthquakes
at Cincinnati by, i, 280; his engagement of Audubon as
taxidermist, i, 303; his foundation of the Western Museum and
Audubon's connection with it, i, 304-306; his varied activities, i,
304; his early "Notice concerning Cincinnati," i, 304; his
organization of the Cincinnati College and medical school, i, 305;
his troubles with rivals, i, 306; his appointment at the
Transylvania University, i, 306.
Duck, Labrador (Camptorhynchus labradorius), at Bradore Bay, ii, 48;
extinction of, ii, 48, 152.
Page 534
Duck, "Velvet," White-winged Scoter (Oidemia deglandi), Audubon's
early drawing of, i, 182; description of, i, 182.
Duncan, William, i, 208; ii, 284.
Dunkin, Judge, i, 260; ii, 64.
Dupré (Tête-Carée), raid of Nantes by, i, 77.
Du Puigaudeau, Gabriel Loyen, Audubon's power of attorney to, i, 64;
to D'Orbigny, i, 128-130; to J. Cornet, i, 130; his marriage, i, 131;
his family, occupation and residence, i, 132; to Audubon, i, 266-
269.
Du Puigaudeau, Mme. Gabriel Loyen. See Rosa Audubon.
Du Puigaudeau, Gabriel Loyen (the Second), death of at "Les
Tourterelles," i, 269.
Eagle, "Brown." See "Bird of Washington."
Eagle, Golden (Aquila chrysaëtos), Audubon's drawing of, ii, 35.
Eagle, "Washington's." See "Bird of Washington."
Eagle, White-headed (Haliæetus leucocephalus), Audubon's original
drawing of, i, 310.
Eagle and Lamb, original painting of, i, 394-396, 405, 406.
Earthquakes in the Ohio and Mississippi Valleys, 1811-1813; casual
and exact records of, i, 279.
Eckley, David, dedication of copy of The Birds of America to, ii, 7;
history of copy formerly owned by, ii, 7; ii, 150.
Ecton Consolidated Mining Company, i, 169.
Edinburgh, first visit and success of Audubon at, i, 357-373; beginning
of The Birds of America at, i, 358; exhibition of Audubon's
drawings at, i, 359; meeting with Sir Walter Scott at, i, 365; issue
of Audubon's Prospectus at, i, 373.
Edinburgh Literary Journal, notice of Brown's Illustrations of the
American Ornithology in, i, 443.
Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal, ii, 111.
Edward (Ezekiel Edwards?), unsettled claim of Jean Audubon against,
i, 121.
Edwards, Bryan, on the products and wealth of French Santo
Domingo, i, 30; on the Santo Domingo blacks, i, 43.
Edwards, Ezekiel, i, 121.
Eggleston, Thomas, i, 13.
Elaps. See Coral snake.
early drawing of, i, 182; description of, i, 182.
Duncan, William, i, 208; ii, 284.
Dunkin, Judge, i, 260; ii, 64.
Dupré (Tête-Carée), raid of Nantes by, i, 77.
Du Puigaudeau, Gabriel Loyen, Audubon's power of attorney to, i, 64;
to D'Orbigny, i, 128-130; to J. Cornet, i, 130; his marriage, i, 131;
his family, occupation and residence, i, 132; to Audubon, i, 266-
269.
Du Puigaudeau, Mme. Gabriel Loyen. See Rosa Audubon.
Du Puigaudeau, Gabriel Loyen (the Second), death of at "Les
Tourterelles," i, 269.
Eagle, "Brown." See "Bird of Washington."
Eagle, Golden (Aquila chrysaëtos), Audubon's drawing of, ii, 35.
Eagle, "Washington's." See "Bird of Washington."
Eagle, White-headed (Haliæetus leucocephalus), Audubon's original
drawing of, i, 310.
Eagle and Lamb, original painting of, i, 394-396, 405, 406.
Earthquakes in the Ohio and Mississippi Valleys, 1811-1813; casual
and exact records of, i, 279.
Eckley, David, dedication of copy of The Birds of America to, ii, 7;
history of copy formerly owned by, ii, 7; ii, 150.
Ecton Consolidated Mining Company, i, 169.
Edinburgh, first visit and success of Audubon at, i, 357-373; beginning
of The Birds of America at, i, 358; exhibition of Audubon's
drawings at, i, 359; meeting with Sir Walter Scott at, i, 365; issue
of Audubon's Prospectus at, i, 373.
Edinburgh Literary Journal, notice of Brown's Illustrations of the
American Ornithology in, i, 443.
Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal, ii, 111.
Edward (Ezekiel Edwards?), unsettled claim of Jean Audubon against,
i, 121.
Edwards, Bryan, on the products and wealth of French Santo
Domingo, i, 30; on the Santo Domingo blacks, i, 43.
Edwards, Ezekiel, i, 121.
Eggleston, Thomas, i, 13.
Elaps. See Coral snake.
Page 535
Embargo Act, of President Jefferson, effect of, on Audubon and
Rozier, i, 193.
"Episodes." See Ornithological Biography.
Evans, Roland, acquisition of "Mill Grove" by, i, 105.
Everett, Edward, patronage and aid of, i, 435; letters of, i, 436, 448-
451; his efforts for the removal of import duties on The Birds of
America, i, 448; his nomination of Audubon to fellowship in the
American Academy of Arts and Sciences, i, 450; ii, 5, 23, 64;
Falco Cooperii (Accipiter cooperi), i, 330, 417. See "Stanley Hawk."
"Fatland Ford," William Bakewell's acquisition of, i, 98, 108, 201;
mansion house and farm of, i, 108; Audubon's introduction to, i,
108; Generals Washington and Howe at, i, 108; marriage of Lucy
Bakewell at, i, 194; realization of Mrs. Audubon in, i, 198.
Faxon, Walter, i, 144.
Featherstonhaugh, G. W., Rafinesque's reply to, i, 294; on Audubon's
plans, ii, 4; Audubon's Florida letters to, ii, 8-14, 15-22;
suspension of Journal of, ii, 23, 28, 84.
Feliciana, West, characteristics of, i, 314-315; former prosperity of, i,
323.
Finch, MacGillivray's, MacGillivray's Seaside Sparrow (Passerhebulus
maritimus macgillivraii), i, 354.
Fisher, Miers, as Jean Audubon's attorney and protégé of his son, i, 99;
Jean Audubon to, i, 100; residence in Philadelphia, i, 106; and the
Prevost mortgage, i, 106, 122; succeeded by Dacosta, i, 113-114,
120-122; as counselor of Audubon and Rozier, i, 148, 149, 160,
167; resumption of duties as agent and attorney by, i, 168.
Fitzpatrick, T. J., i, 287, 292, 299.
Flatboats, on the Ohio River in 1810, i, 234; convenience of, i, 234;
cost of, at Pittsburgh, i, 235; time of passage of, from Pittsburgh
to New Orleans, i, 235; floating trade of, i, 234.
Flicker (Colaptes auratus), original painting of, i, 363.
Florida, Audubon's explorations in, ii, 12-25; Audubon, on the future
of the east coast of, ii, 20.
Floyd, John, ii, 5.
Flycatcher, Least (Empidonax minimus), discovery by the Baird
brothers, in 1843, ii, 225.
Flycatcher, "Selby's," i, 354.
Rozier, i, 193.
"Episodes." See Ornithological Biography.
Evans, Roland, acquisition of "Mill Grove" by, i, 105.
Everett, Edward, patronage and aid of, i, 435; letters of, i, 436, 448-
451; his efforts for the removal of import duties on The Birds of
America, i, 448; his nomination of Audubon to fellowship in the
American Academy of Arts and Sciences, i, 450; ii, 5, 23, 64;
Falco Cooperii (Accipiter cooperi), i, 330, 417. See "Stanley Hawk."
"Fatland Ford," William Bakewell's acquisition of, i, 98, 108, 201;
mansion house and farm of, i, 108; Audubon's introduction to, i,
108; Generals Washington and Howe at, i, 108; marriage of Lucy
Bakewell at, i, 194; realization of Mrs. Audubon in, i, 198.
Faxon, Walter, i, 144.
Featherstonhaugh, G. W., Rafinesque's reply to, i, 294; on Audubon's
plans, ii, 4; Audubon's Florida letters to, ii, 8-14, 15-22;
suspension of Journal of, ii, 23, 28, 84.
Feliciana, West, characteristics of, i, 314-315; former prosperity of, i,
323.
Finch, MacGillivray's, MacGillivray's Seaside Sparrow (Passerhebulus
maritimus macgillivraii), i, 354.
Fisher, Miers, as Jean Audubon's attorney and protégé of his son, i, 99;
Jean Audubon to, i, 100; residence in Philadelphia, i, 106; and the
Prevost mortgage, i, 106, 122; succeeded by Dacosta, i, 113-114,
120-122; as counselor of Audubon and Rozier, i, 148, 149, 160,
167; resumption of duties as agent and attorney by, i, 168.
Fitzpatrick, T. J., i, 287, 292, 299.
Flatboats, on the Ohio River in 1810, i, 234; convenience of, i, 234;
cost of, at Pittsburgh, i, 235; time of passage of, from Pittsburgh
to New Orleans, i, 235; floating trade of, i, 234.
Flicker (Colaptes auratus), original painting of, i, 363.
Florida, Audubon's explorations in, ii, 12-25; Audubon, on the future
of the east coast of, ii, 20.
Floyd, John, ii, 5.
Flycatcher, Least (Empidonax minimus), discovery by the Baird
brothers, in 1843, ii, 225.
Flycatcher, "Selby's," i, 354.
Page 536
Flycatcher, "Small Green-crested," i, 425.
Flycatcher, "Small-headed," curious history of, i, 218, 226-227;
reference to, by Thomas Nuttall, i, 227; identifications of, by
Cowes and Baird, i, 227; ii, 215.
Flycatcher, Traill's (Empidonax trailli), i, 354.
"Fontainebleau," myth and true story of, i, 69, 71.
Formon de Boisclair, Jean Audubon's dealings with, and claims
against, i, 33-34, 121, 265, 338. See Lacroix, Formon & Jacques.
Fort Union, Audubon's experiences at, ii, 254-256.
Fougère, i, 53, 57, 59, 61; ii, 328, 329. See Jean Jacques Fougère
Audubon.
Francis, C. S., and Company, ii, 203.
Francis, David G., ii, 204.
Franklin Journal, Audubon's article, and Jones' "Romance of the
Rattlesnake" in, ii, 72.
Fulton, Robert, first steamer on the Ohio River, built by, i, 236.
Gallatin, Albert, i, 377; Audubon's interview with, i, 390.
Galt, W. C., i, 197.
Gannet Rock, Audubon's account of approach to, i, 9.
Gannets (Sula bassana), i, 10.
Gaston, William, aid rendered Audubon by, at Savannah, ii, 25, 59.
General Assembly (Santo Domingo), new Constitution of, i, 49.
Geoffrey Saint-Hilaire, i, 411.
George IV, Gallatin on, i, 390.
George Street (Edinburgh), Audubon's apartments in, i, 437.
Gill, Theodore, i, 444; ii, 113.
Girard, Stephen, his reputed interest in Dacosta's mining enterprises at
"Mill Grove," i, 149.
Godwin, Parke, on Audubon's drawing of quadrupeds, ii, 236; on a
visit to Audubon at "Minnie's Land," ii, 236-238; on Audubon in
1845, ii, 238.
Goodspeed, Charles E., i, 384, ii, 26, 190.
Gordon, Mrs. Alexander, ii, 302.
Gould, John, Bonaparte on, ii, 121; Audubon on, ii, 121; works of, ii,
121; charges against, ii, 122; anecdote of, ii, 123; financial
success of publications of, ii, 124; 224-225.
Gould, Mrs. John, Audubon on, ii, 121.
Flycatcher, "Small-headed," curious history of, i, 218, 226-227;
reference to, by Thomas Nuttall, i, 227; identifications of, by
Cowes and Baird, i, 227; ii, 215.
Flycatcher, Traill's (Empidonax trailli), i, 354.
"Fontainebleau," myth and true story of, i, 69, 71.
Formon de Boisclair, Jean Audubon's dealings with, and claims
against, i, 33-34, 121, 265, 338. See Lacroix, Formon & Jacques.
Fort Union, Audubon's experiences at, ii, 254-256.
Fougère, i, 53, 57, 59, 61; ii, 328, 329. See Jean Jacques Fougère
Audubon.
Francis, C. S., and Company, ii, 203.
Francis, David G., ii, 204.
Franklin Journal, Audubon's article, and Jones' "Romance of the
Rattlesnake" in, ii, 72.
Fulton, Robert, first steamer on the Ohio River, built by, i, 236.
Gallatin, Albert, i, 377; Audubon's interview with, i, 390.
Galt, W. C., i, 197.
Gannet Rock, Audubon's account of approach to, i, 9.
Gannets (Sula bassana), i, 10.
Gaston, William, aid rendered Audubon by, at Savannah, ii, 25, 59.
General Assembly (Santo Domingo), new Constitution of, i, 49.
Geoffrey Saint-Hilaire, i, 411.
George IV, Gallatin on, i, 390.
George Street (Edinburgh), Audubon's apartments in, i, 437.
Gill, Theodore, i, 444; ii, 113.
Girard, Stephen, his reputed interest in Dacosta's mining enterprises at
"Mill Grove," i, 149.
Godwin, Parke, on Audubon's drawing of quadrupeds, ii, 236; on a
visit to Audubon at "Minnie's Land," ii, 236-238; on Audubon in
1845, ii, 238.
Goodspeed, Charles E., i, 384, ii, 26, 190.
Gordon, Mrs. Alexander, ii, 302.
Gould, John, Bonaparte on, ii, 121; Audubon on, ii, 121; works of, ii,
121; charges against, ii, 122; anecdote of, ii, 123; financial
success of publications of, ii, 124; 224-225.
Gould, Mrs. John, Audubon on, ii, 121.
Page 537
Grackle, Boat-tailed (Megaquiscalus major), Audubon's drawing in
Bonaparte's Ornithology, i, 330.
Gray, Asa, ii, 81.
Gray, John Edward, i, 354, 380, 444; dedication to, ii, 280; to J. W.
Audubon, ii, 281.
Gray's Ferry (now Philadelphia), settlement of Alexander Wilson as
teacher at, i, 210, 211, 212, 216.
Great Bend (of the Mississippi), Audubon's and Rozier's experience at,
in 1810, i, 240.
Great Egg Harbor, work of Audubon at, i, 421, 424; visit of Wilson
and Ord, i, 422; drawings of Audubon, i, 425.
Great Pine Forest (Mauch Chunk), sojourn and work of Audubon at, i,
423, 425-426.
Great Russell Street (London), old print dealer of, i, 11-12, 377.
Great Western, ii, 190.
Grinnell, George Bird, ii, 283, 299, 309.
Groundhog, Audubon's early drawing of, i, 181.
Guépin, M. A., i, 73, 77.
Günther, Albert, on Rafinesque's letters and character, i, 297; on
Swainson and his correspondence, i, 400-403.
Hackberry, in the Ohio River basin, i, 188.
Haines, Reuben, visit of Audubon to "Mill Grove" with, i, 335, 339.
Haiti, i, 38, 52.
Hall, Capt. Basil, on the Leander, i, 364; as Audubon's friend, i, 365,
367; to John Murray, i, 378; return to England from the United
States, i, 407.
Hall, Harrison, publication of, i, 329; ii, 98.
Hall, James, notorious review of, i, 329; ii, 98.
Hall, J. Prescott, memorandum regarding The Birds of America, ii,
204.
Hardin, John, ii, 295.
Harlan, Richard, i, 328; on Ord, i, 328-329, 333, 334, 407, 439; ii, 9;
on Abert, ii, 3; Audubon to, ii, 14; to Mrs. Audubon, ii, 14; to
Audubon, ii, 28-29, 58.
Harris, Edward, meeting with Audubon, i, 331; his friendships and
career, i, 331, 333; early letters to Audubon, i, 332, 344; Audubon
to, i, 448; ii, 26-27, 30, 31, 40-41, 64-66, 125, 132, 134, 141-144,
Bonaparte's Ornithology, i, 330.
Gray, Asa, ii, 81.
Gray, John Edward, i, 354, 380, 444; dedication to, ii, 280; to J. W.
Audubon, ii, 281.
Gray's Ferry (now Philadelphia), settlement of Alexander Wilson as
teacher at, i, 210, 211, 212, 216.
Great Bend (of the Mississippi), Audubon's and Rozier's experience at,
in 1810, i, 240.
Great Egg Harbor, work of Audubon at, i, 421, 424; visit of Wilson
and Ord, i, 422; drawings of Audubon, i, 425.
Great Pine Forest (Mauch Chunk), sojourn and work of Audubon at, i,
423, 425-426.
Great Russell Street (London), old print dealer of, i, 11-12, 377.
Great Western, ii, 190.
Grinnell, George Bird, ii, 283, 299, 309.
Groundhog, Audubon's early drawing of, i, 181.
Guépin, M. A., i, 73, 77.
Günther, Albert, on Rafinesque's letters and character, i, 297; on
Swainson and his correspondence, i, 400-403.
Hackberry, in the Ohio River basin, i, 188.
Haines, Reuben, visit of Audubon to "Mill Grove" with, i, 335, 339.
Haiti, i, 38, 52.
Hall, Capt. Basil, on the Leander, i, 364; as Audubon's friend, i, 365,
367; to John Murray, i, 378; return to England from the United
States, i, 407.
Hall, Harrison, publication of, i, 329; ii, 98.
Hall, James, notorious review of, i, 329; ii, 98.
Hall, J. Prescott, memorandum regarding The Birds of America, ii,
204.
Hardin, John, ii, 295.
Harlan, Richard, i, 328; on Ord, i, 328-329, 333, 334, 407, 439; ii, 9;
on Abert, ii, 3; Audubon to, ii, 14; to Mrs. Audubon, ii, 14; to
Audubon, ii, 28-29, 58.
Harris, Edward, meeting with Audubon, i, 331; his friendships and
career, i, 331, 333; early letters to Audubon, i, 332, 344; Audubon
to, i, 448; ii, 26-27, 30, 31, 40-41, 64-66, 125, 132, 134, 141-144,
Page 538
147-148, 149, 151, 155, 157, 165, 170-173, 175, 182, 184-186,
234, 287; memento to, ii, 49; to Audubon, ii, 251; dedication to,
ii, 253; Bachman's ultimatum to, ii, 268-270; in rôle of mediator,
ii, 270; Bachman to, ii, 291.
Harrison, William Henry, i, 307.
Harvard University, drawings and manuscripts at, i, 180, 307-308.
Haskell, Rev. John, ii, 271, 283.
Hatch, Capt. Joseph E., i, 347.
Havell, Daniel, i, 382.
Havell, George, i, 382.
Havell Henry Augustus, i, 382; ii, 189, 190, 191-192.
Havell, Robert, Senior, his family, i, 381-383; his shop in Newman
Street, i, 382; partnership with his son, i, 383; their enterprise in
undertaking The Birds of America, i, 384; his death, i, 384; their
relationship as read in the legends of Audubon's plates, ii, 195-
198.
Havell, Robert, Junior, i, 12; Audubon's discovery of, i, 382; a family
of artists, i, 382; partnership with his father and rebirth of The
Birds of America in London, i, 384; his "Zoölogical Gallery," i,
384; advertisement of his business, i, 386; story of the
Prothonotary Warbler, i, 383-384, 405; Swainson on, i, 414;
Audubon to, i, 433; ii, 33, 34, 35, 38; to Audubon, ii, 51, 57, 58,
62, 174, 180, 186; Audubon on closing up his business, ii, 188-
191; settlement in the United States, ii, 191-192; his work,
characteristics and death, ii, 192; Audubon's memento to, ii, 192;
his genius and mastery of aquatint, ii, 193-195; as Audubon's
engraver, ii, 195; history of his engravings of Audubon's Birds, ii,
196-198; his copy of the work, ii, 203.
Havell, Robert, & Son, i, 12.
Havell, William, i, 383.
Haverhill (New Hampshire), experience of Alexander Wilson at, i,
219.
Hawk, Cooper's. See Falco Cooperii.
Hawk, Great-footed, Duck Hawk (Falco peregrinus anatum), original
drawing of, i, 311.
Hawk, Harlan's (Buteo borealis harlani), i, 311.
Hay, Robert William, i, 377, 379.
234, 287; memento to, ii, 49; to Audubon, ii, 251; dedication to,
ii, 253; Bachman's ultimatum to, ii, 268-270; in rôle of mediator,
ii, 270; Bachman to, ii, 291.
Harrison, William Henry, i, 307.
Harvard University, drawings and manuscripts at, i, 180, 307-308.
Haskell, Rev. John, ii, 271, 283.
Hatch, Capt. Joseph E., i, 347.
Havell, Daniel, i, 382.
Havell, George, i, 382.
Havell Henry Augustus, i, 382; ii, 189, 190, 191-192.
Havell, Robert, Senior, his family, i, 381-383; his shop in Newman
Street, i, 382; partnership with his son, i, 383; their enterprise in
undertaking The Birds of America, i, 384; his death, i, 384; their
relationship as read in the legends of Audubon's plates, ii, 195-
198.
Havell, Robert, Junior, i, 12; Audubon's discovery of, i, 382; a family
of artists, i, 382; partnership with his father and rebirth of The
Birds of America in London, i, 384; his "Zoölogical Gallery," i,
384; advertisement of his business, i, 386; story of the
Prothonotary Warbler, i, 383-384, 405; Swainson on, i, 414;
Audubon to, i, 433; ii, 33, 34, 35, 38; to Audubon, ii, 51, 57, 58,
62, 174, 180, 186; Audubon on closing up his business, ii, 188-
191; settlement in the United States, ii, 191-192; his work,
characteristics and death, ii, 192; Audubon's memento to, ii, 192;
his genius and mastery of aquatint, ii, 193-195; as Audubon's
engraver, ii, 195; history of his engravings of Audubon's Birds, ii,
196-198; his copy of the work, ii, 203.
Havell, Robert, & Son, i, 12.
Havell, William, i, 383.
Haverhill (New Hampshire), experience of Alexander Wilson at, i,
219.
Hawk, Cooper's. See Falco Cooperii.
Hawk, Great-footed, Duck Hawk (Falco peregrinus anatum), original
drawing of, i, 311.
Hawk, Harlan's (Buteo borealis harlani), i, 311.
Hay, Robert William, i, 377, 379.
Page 539
Henderson (Kentucky), removal of Audubon and Rozier to, i, 236;
settlement, early name and population of, i, 236; game and
character of the country at, in 1810, i, 236; first Kentucky steamer
built at, i, 236; Audubon's activities in 1810, i, 237; return of
Audubon to, in 1811, i, 242; houses of Dr. Adam Rankin, i, 248;
original plot of town, i, 250, 252; his purchase of land at, i, 250,
252; his log house and store, i, 252; town records, i, 252; record
of earthquakes, i, 280; Rafinesque's visit, i, 285-287.
Hendersonville. See Henderson.
Henry, Joseph, ii, 279.
Henshaw, Samuel, i, 308; ii, 197.
Henslow, John Stevens, i, 354, 399.
Heppenstall, John, i, 394.
Herschel, Sir William, i, 377.
"Highfield Hall," residence of William Swainson near Tyttenhanger
Green, i, 403.
Hirundo serripennis (Stelgidopteryx serripennis), ii, 186.
Historical Society (New York), unpublished drawing in collections of,
i, 228; original drawings of The Birds of America at, ii, 304-306.
History of British Birds (MacGillivray), ii, 113, 114, 130, 135;
(Yarrell), ii, 223; on his completion of, ii, 225.
Holden, Edward, to George Ramsden, i, 351.
Holland, Dr. Henry, i, 377.
Hollander, Edward, i, 276.
Hope, Audubon's voyage in, i, 125.
Hopkins, Rev. John Henry, Audubon's acquaintance with, at
Pittsburgh, i, 343.
Hopkins, Samuel, i, 252; Audubon's purchase of land, i, 252.
Hopkinson, John, i, 400.
Houston, Sam, Audubon's visit to, ii, 163; his characterization of, ii,
164.
Howe, General William, visit at "Fatland Ford," i, 108.
Humboldt, Baron Alexander von, i, 356; and Bachman, ii, 284;
Bachman's account of dinner to, ii, 284.
Huntington, Archer M., ii, 310.
Huron, Laurence, engagement of Ferdinand Rozier, with, i, 153; his
business relations with the Bakewell firm and with Rozier, the
settlement, early name and population of, i, 236; game and
character of the country at, in 1810, i, 236; first Kentucky steamer
built at, i, 236; Audubon's activities in 1810, i, 237; return of
Audubon to, in 1811, i, 242; houses of Dr. Adam Rankin, i, 248;
original plot of town, i, 250, 252; his purchase of land at, i, 250,
252; his log house and store, i, 252; town records, i, 252; record
of earthquakes, i, 280; Rafinesque's visit, i, 285-287.
Hendersonville. See Henderson.
Henry, Joseph, ii, 279.
Henshaw, Samuel, i, 308; ii, 197.
Henslow, John Stevens, i, 354, 399.
Heppenstall, John, i, 394.
Herschel, Sir William, i, 377.
"Highfield Hall," residence of William Swainson near Tyttenhanger
Green, i, 403.
Hirundo serripennis (Stelgidopteryx serripennis), ii, 186.
Historical Society (New York), unpublished drawing in collections of,
i, 228; original drawings of The Birds of America at, ii, 304-306.
History of British Birds (MacGillivray), ii, 113, 114, 130, 135;
(Yarrell), ii, 223; on his completion of, ii, 225.
Holden, Edward, to George Ramsden, i, 351.
Holland, Dr. Henry, i, 377.
Hollander, Edward, i, 276.
Hope, Audubon's voyage in, i, 125.
Hopkins, Rev. John Henry, Audubon's acquaintance with, at
Pittsburgh, i, 343.
Hopkins, Samuel, i, 252; Audubon's purchase of land, i, 252.
Hopkinson, John, i, 400.
Houston, Sam, Audubon's visit to, ii, 163; his characterization of, ii,
164.
Howe, General William, visit at "Fatland Ford," i, 108.
Humboldt, Baron Alexander von, i, 356; and Bachman, ii, 284;
Bachman's account of dinner to, ii, 284.
Huntington, Archer M., ii, 310.
Huron, Laurence, engagement of Ferdinand Rozier, with, i, 153; his
business relations with the Bakewell firm and with Rozier, the
Page 540
elder, i, 156-157, 159-161, 165; his award in the settlement of the
contested accounts of Francis Dacosta, i, 168; dealings of
Audubon & Rozier, i, 186.
Ingalls, William, Parkman's recommendation of, ii, 42.
Indigo, history of Audubon's investment in, i, 193.
Indians (Shawnee), feather hunting of, i, 238; incident at camp of, i,
239; (Osage), Audubon's experience with, i, 240.
Irish, Jedediah, i, 425.
Irving, Washington, ii, 53, 153.
Jackson, Andrew, Audubon as model for portrait of, i, 338, 378, ii,
155; Audubon on, ii, 156.
Jackson, Daydon, i, 400.
Jameson, Robert, i, 357; edition of Wilson's and Bonaparte's
Ornithology, i, 439, 442; ii, 84.
Jaquemel (Santo Domingo), planter's experience at, i, 44-48.
Jardine, Sir William, to Audubon, i, 440; edition of Wilson and
Bonaparte's Ornithology, i, 442; ii, 102.
Jay, Harriet, on Robert Buchanan, i, 21.
Jeanes, Joseph Y., his collection of original Audubon drawings and
manuscripts, i, 180, 181; ii, 50, 375-379.
Jefferson, Thomas, Embargo Act of, i, 193; on the numbers of species
of American birds, ii, 214.
Jenner, Edward, announcement of discovery of vaccination, i, 55;
account of behavior of young cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)
discredited by Waterton, ii, 90.
Johnson, John, ii, 203.
Johnson, Samuel, on biography, i, 7.
Johnson, William Garrett, Audubon at home of, i, 427, 432;
engagement of Mrs. Audubon by, i, 431; authorization to fill
position at home of, i, 434.
Jordan, David Starr, i, 287, 291.
Joue, i, 54.
Julien (of Paris), heroic conduct of, i, 76.
Juniata River, i, 274, 277.
Keel boats, on the Ohio and Mississippi, i, 234; Audubon's journey by,
in 1810, i, 238-241.
contested accounts of Francis Dacosta, i, 168; dealings of
Audubon & Rozier, i, 186.
Ingalls, William, Parkman's recommendation of, ii, 42.
Indigo, history of Audubon's investment in, i, 193.
Indians (Shawnee), feather hunting of, i, 238; incident at camp of, i,
239; (Osage), Audubon's experience with, i, 240.
Irish, Jedediah, i, 425.
Irving, Washington, ii, 53, 153.
Jackson, Andrew, Audubon as model for portrait of, i, 338, 378, ii,
155; Audubon on, ii, 156.
Jackson, Daydon, i, 400.
Jameson, Robert, i, 357; edition of Wilson's and Bonaparte's
Ornithology, i, 439, 442; ii, 84.
Jaquemel (Santo Domingo), planter's experience at, i, 44-48.
Jardine, Sir William, to Audubon, i, 440; edition of Wilson and
Bonaparte's Ornithology, i, 442; ii, 102.
Jay, Harriet, on Robert Buchanan, i, 21.
Jeanes, Joseph Y., his collection of original Audubon drawings and
manuscripts, i, 180, 181; ii, 50, 375-379.
Jefferson, Thomas, Embargo Act of, i, 193; on the numbers of species
of American birds, ii, 214.
Jenner, Edward, announcement of discovery of vaccination, i, 55;
account of behavior of young cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)
discredited by Waterton, ii, 90.
Johnson, John, ii, 203.
Johnson, Samuel, on biography, i, 7.
Johnson, William Garrett, Audubon at home of, i, 427, 432;
engagement of Mrs. Audubon by, i, 431; authorization to fill
position at home of, i, 434.
Jordan, David Starr, i, 287, 291.
Joue, i, 54.
Julien (of Paris), heroic conduct of, i, 76.
Juniata River, i, 274, 277.
Keel boats, on the Ohio and Mississippi, i, 234; Audubon's journey by,
in 1810, i, 238-241.
Page 541
Kidd, Dr. John, i, 399.
Kidd, Joseph Bartholomew, i, 363, 373, 443; and the "Ornithological
Gallery," i, 446; Audubon to, ii, 1; 35, 57, 61, 62.
Kinder, Robert & Company, dealings of Audubon and Rozier with, i,
186, 197-199; ii, 355.
King, Thomas Butler, ii, 11-12, 14.
Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon), Audubon's early drawing of, i, 180.
Kirtland, Dr. Jared P., i, 291; "Note Book" of, i, 292.
Kite, Mississippi (Ictinia mississippiensis), Ord's charge concerning, i,
228; similarity in one of Wilson's and Audubon's figures of, i,
228; misnaming of sex in, i, 229; Audubon's legends on original
drawing of, i, 229; Wilson's and Audubon's first experience with,
i, 229-230; 316.
Knox, Dr. John, i, 358.
Koster, Henry, ii, 117.
Krudener, Baron, i, 436; ii, 38.
Labrador, Audubon's experiences in, ii, 45-49; expense and results of
expedition to, ii, 50.
La Caille, i, 29.
Lacroix, Formon de Boisclair & Jacques, Jean Audubon's claims
against, i, 33; bills of slaves of, ii, 331-333; 338.
La Dauphine, i, 31.
Lafayette, Marquis de, Louis P. Caire to, i, 351.
"La Gerbetière," i, 85, 96, 120, 126; as boyhood home of Audubon, i,
136-137, 144-145; Audubon's last visit to, i, 137; situation of, i,
136-138; in 1913, i, 138-143; Jean Audubon's restoration of, i,
143; description in old deed of, i, 144; changes of a century, i,
144.
Lake Champlain, tour of Audubon to, in 1824, i, 343.
Lake Ontario, tour of Audubon to, in 1824, i, 343.
Lamarck, Jean Baptiste Antoine de Monet, i, 13.
La Marianne, Jean Audubon as cabin boy in, i, 28; at Louisburg, i, 28;
Jean Audubon as lieutenant of, i, 29.
Landsdowne, Marquis of, i, 398.
Landseer, Sir Edwin, criticism of painting by, i, 366.
Lanman, Charles, proposal of, i, 17.
Kidd, Joseph Bartholomew, i, 363, 373, 443; and the "Ornithological
Gallery," i, 446; Audubon to, ii, 1; 35, 57, 61, 62.
Kinder, Robert & Company, dealings of Audubon and Rozier with, i,
186, 197-199; ii, 355.
King, Thomas Butler, ii, 11-12, 14.
Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon), Audubon's early drawing of, i, 180.
Kirtland, Dr. Jared P., i, 291; "Note Book" of, i, 292.
Kite, Mississippi (Ictinia mississippiensis), Ord's charge concerning, i,
228; similarity in one of Wilson's and Audubon's figures of, i,
228; misnaming of sex in, i, 229; Audubon's legends on original
drawing of, i, 229; Wilson's and Audubon's first experience with,
i, 229-230; 316.
Knox, Dr. John, i, 358.
Koster, Henry, ii, 117.
Krudener, Baron, i, 436; ii, 38.
Labrador, Audubon's experiences in, ii, 45-49; expense and results of
expedition to, ii, 50.
La Caille, i, 29.
Lacroix, Formon de Boisclair & Jacques, Jean Audubon's claims
against, i, 33; bills of slaves of, ii, 331-333; 338.
La Dauphine, i, 31.
Lafayette, Marquis de, Louis P. Caire to, i, 351.
"La Gerbetière," i, 85, 96, 120, 126; as boyhood home of Audubon, i,
136-137, 144-145; Audubon's last visit to, i, 137; situation of, i,
136-138; in 1913, i, 138-143; Jean Audubon's restoration of, i,
143; description in old deed of, i, 144; changes of a century, i,
144.
Lake Champlain, tour of Audubon to, in 1824, i, 343.
Lake Ontario, tour of Audubon to, in 1824, i, 343.
Lamarck, Jean Baptiste Antoine de Monet, i, 13.
La Marianne, Jean Audubon as cabin boy in, i, 28; at Louisburg, i, 28;
Jean Audubon as lieutenant of, i, 29.
Landsdowne, Marquis of, i, 398.
Landseer, Sir Edwin, criticism of painting by, i, 366.
Lanman, Charles, proposal of, i, 17.
Page 542
L'Annette, Jean Audubon's command of and interest in, i, 34;
concerning sale and settlement of claims in, i, 121, 265.
La Rochelle, as port of Jean Audubon's ships, i, 29, 277. See "Audubon
of."
Laval, John, award in the settlement of Dacosta's disputed accounts, i,
168.
Lavigne, L., i, 34, 46, 57, 83, 87, 116, 128, 144, 269.
Lavigne, Mme. L., i, 269.
Lawrence, Sir Thomas, i, 356, 377, 380, 393-394.
Lawson, Alexander, Wilson to, i, 212; Wilson's debt to, as the engraver
of his Ornithology, i, 213; the daughter of, i, 219; his statement
regarding the mysterious flycatcher, i, 227; as Bonaparte's
engraver, i, 330; report of his interview with Audubon, i, 330.
Lawson, Malvinia, on Wilson's publisher, i, 219.
Lea, Isaac, on Rafinesque, i, 297; ii, 4, 56, 95, 98, 422.
Leach, William Elford, i, 353.
Le Comte d'Artois. See Count of Artois.
Le Conte, Joseph, i, 171.
Lehman, George, ii, 2, 9, 12, 25.
Le Marquis de Lévy, Jean Audubon's command of, i, 31.
Le Printemps, i, 29.
Le Propre, i, 30.
Les Sables d'Olonne, Pierre Audubon's family at, i, 26; its hostility to
the Revolution, i, 27; as home port of Jean Audubon's ships, i, 28;
mission of Jean Audubon to, i, 80-81; 83.
Leslie, Charles Robert, comment on the American Ornithology, i, 217.
"Les Tourterelles," death of Mme. Audubon at, i, 263; death of Rosa
Audubon at, i, 269.
Le Sueur, Charles Alexandre, i, 294, 328; appearance of, i, 333; ii, 157.
Letters in facsimile, "Audubon & Bakewell" to Rozier, i, 251;
Audubon to Edward Harris, i, 332; Samuel Latham Mitchell to
Dr. Barnes, i, 337; William Swainson to Audubon, i, 402; Charles
Lucien Bonaparte to Audubon, i, 417; George Parkman to
Audubon, ii, 43; Robert Havell to Audubon, ii, 51; William
MacGillivray to Audubon, ii, 132; Edward Harris to Audubon, ii,
251; John Bachman to George Oates, ii, 282; Audubon to Edward
Harris, ii, 287.
concerning sale and settlement of claims in, i, 121, 265.
La Rochelle, as port of Jean Audubon's ships, i, 29, 277. See "Audubon
of."
Laval, John, award in the settlement of Dacosta's disputed accounts, i,
168.
Lavigne, L., i, 34, 46, 57, 83, 87, 116, 128, 144, 269.
Lavigne, Mme. L., i, 269.
Lawrence, Sir Thomas, i, 356, 377, 380, 393-394.
Lawson, Alexander, Wilson to, i, 212; Wilson's debt to, as the engraver
of his Ornithology, i, 213; the daughter of, i, 219; his statement
regarding the mysterious flycatcher, i, 227; as Bonaparte's
engraver, i, 330; report of his interview with Audubon, i, 330.
Lawson, Malvinia, on Wilson's publisher, i, 219.
Lea, Isaac, on Rafinesque, i, 297; ii, 4, 56, 95, 98, 422.
Leach, William Elford, i, 353.
Le Comte d'Artois. See Count of Artois.
Le Conte, Joseph, i, 171.
Lehman, George, ii, 2, 9, 12, 25.
Le Marquis de Lévy, Jean Audubon's command of, i, 31.
Le Printemps, i, 29.
Le Propre, i, 30.
Les Sables d'Olonne, Pierre Audubon's family at, i, 26; its hostility to
the Revolution, i, 27; as home port of Jean Audubon's ships, i, 28;
mission of Jean Audubon to, i, 80-81; 83.
Leslie, Charles Robert, comment on the American Ornithology, i, 217.
"Les Tourterelles," death of Mme. Audubon at, i, 263; death of Rosa
Audubon at, i, 269.
Le Sueur, Charles Alexandre, i, 294, 328; appearance of, i, 333; ii, 157.
Letters in facsimile, "Audubon & Bakewell" to Rozier, i, 251;
Audubon to Edward Harris, i, 332; Samuel Latham Mitchell to
Dr. Barnes, i, 337; William Swainson to Audubon, i, 402; Charles
Lucien Bonaparte to Audubon, i, 417; George Parkman to
Audubon, ii, 43; Robert Havell to Audubon, ii, 51; William
MacGillivray to Audubon, ii, 132; Edward Harris to Audubon, ii,
251; John Bachman to George Oates, ii, 282; Audubon to Edward
Harris, ii, 287.
Page 543
L'Eveillé, Jean Audubon's command of, i, 82.
Lincoln, Thomas, ii, 43; "Lincoln's Finch," ii, 45, 50.
Linnæan Society, Audubon's election to, i, 397; manuscripts in
possession of, i, 400.
L'Instituteur, Jean Audubon's command of, i, 82.
Lissabé, Mme. Jean Louis, suit by, i, 28, 263.
Literary Gazette (London), on Brown's Illustrations, i, 444;
announcement of publication of the Ornithological Biography, i,
444; Audubon's premature obituary in, ii, 2.
Little and Brown, Messrs., ii, 230.
Liverpool, arrival of Audubon at, in 1826, i, 350; his reception and
friends at, i, 352-355; exhibition of Audubon's drawings at, i, 354.
Livingston, Robert M., first steamer on the Ohio River, built by, i, 236.
Lizars, Daniel, Audubon to, i, 385.
Lizars, William Home, as Audubon's engraver, i, 358-359, 361, 375,
384, 442-443; his plates of The Birds of America, i, 195-199.
Lockhart, John Gibson, i, 445.
London Colney, residence of William Swainson at, i, 403; death of
Mrs. Swainson at, i, 403.
London, recollections of Audubon in, i, 11; site of Havell's engraving
establishment in, i, 12; Audubon in, i, 377-419; his first
impressions of, i, 377; rebirth of The Birds of America in, i, 384;
his dislike of, i, 397; completion of his Birds in, ii, 177.
Loon (Gavia immer), "Great Northern Diver," original drawing of, ii,
47.
Loudon, John C., editorial enterprise of, i, 399.
Louisburg, Jean Audubon made prisoner at, i, 28.
Louisville (Kentucky), diary of a journey from Philadelphia to, in
1807, i, 187-192; establishment of Audubon & Rozier at, i, 192;
prospects and hospitality of the people, i, 196-198; birth of Victor
Gifford Audubon at, i, 198; arrival of Alexander Wilson at, i, 205;
a meeting of rivals at, i, 220-226; in 1810, i, 233; Audubon's legal
troubles at, i, 260.
Lubbock, Sir John, baron Avebury, characteristics in youth of, i, 93.
Lyceum of Natural History (New York), activities of in 1817, i, 171;
introduction of Audubon to, i, 336.
Macaulay, Thomas Babington, on Addison, i, 6.
Lincoln, Thomas, ii, 43; "Lincoln's Finch," ii, 45, 50.
Linnæan Society, Audubon's election to, i, 397; manuscripts in
possession of, i, 400.
L'Instituteur, Jean Audubon's command of, i, 82.
Lissabé, Mme. Jean Louis, suit by, i, 28, 263.
Literary Gazette (London), on Brown's Illustrations, i, 444;
announcement of publication of the Ornithological Biography, i,
444; Audubon's premature obituary in, ii, 2.
Little and Brown, Messrs., ii, 230.
Liverpool, arrival of Audubon at, in 1826, i, 350; his reception and
friends at, i, 352-355; exhibition of Audubon's drawings at, i, 354.
Livingston, Robert M., first steamer on the Ohio River, built by, i, 236.
Lizars, Daniel, Audubon to, i, 385.
Lizars, William Home, as Audubon's engraver, i, 358-359, 361, 375,
384, 442-443; his plates of The Birds of America, i, 195-199.
Lockhart, John Gibson, i, 445.
London Colney, residence of William Swainson at, i, 403; death of
Mrs. Swainson at, i, 403.
London, recollections of Audubon in, i, 11; site of Havell's engraving
establishment in, i, 12; Audubon in, i, 377-419; his first
impressions of, i, 377; rebirth of The Birds of America in, i, 384;
his dislike of, i, 397; completion of his Birds in, ii, 177.
Loon (Gavia immer), "Great Northern Diver," original drawing of, ii,
47.
Loudon, John C., editorial enterprise of, i, 399.
Louisburg, Jean Audubon made prisoner at, i, 28.
Louisville (Kentucky), diary of a journey from Philadelphia to, in
1807, i, 187-192; establishment of Audubon & Rozier at, i, 192;
prospects and hospitality of the people, i, 196-198; birth of Victor
Gifford Audubon at, i, 198; arrival of Alexander Wilson at, i, 205;
a meeting of rivals at, i, 220-226; in 1810, i, 233; Audubon's legal
troubles at, i, 260.
Lubbock, Sir John, baron Avebury, characteristics in youth of, i, 93.
Lyceum of Natural History (New York), activities of in 1817, i, 171;
introduction of Audubon to, i, 336.
Macaulay, Thomas Babington, on Addison, i, 6.
Page 544
MacGillivray, John, ii, 298.
MacGillivray, William, i, 12; ii, 108, 113-114; his assistance to
Audubon, ii, 125-138; to Audubon, ii, 126-128, 130-132, 134; his
methods of work, ii, 127-129; his History of British Birds, ii, 130,
135-136; his contract with Audubon, ii, 134; character and
scholarship, ii, 134-136; his writings, ii, 135; Audubon's
acknowledgments to, ii, 137; his copy of the Ornithological
Biography, ii, 138; Audubon at work with, ii, 178-180, 181;
Audubon's tour with, ii, 182; Audubon's memorandum of account
with, ii, 188.
MacLeay, William Sharp, ii, 94.
Magpie (Pica rustica), Audubon's early drawing of, i, 178.
Mallory, E., on Mrs. John James Audubon, ii, 303.
Mallory, Eliza, ii, 283.
Mallory, Georgianna Richards. See Mrs. Victor Gifford Audubon.
Manchester, visit of Audubon at, in 1826, i, 356; Audubon's success in
canvassing at, i, 376.
Marigny, Bernard, his birth, i, 70; acquisition of "Fontainebleau," i, 70;
his service in France and return to the United States, i, 71; act of
the Government to establish his disputed claim to land, i, 71;
origin of "Fontainebleau," and description of his property, i, 71;
foundation of Mandeville, i, 71; friendship with Audubon, i, 72;
his death, i, 72.
Marigny myth, i, 68-71.
Mark, Edward L., i, 308.
Marten, Pennant's, Fisher (Mustela pennanti), Baird and Audubon on,
ii, 263.
Martin, Catharine, i, 27.
Martin, Maria, ii, 6, 32, 61; Audubon to, ii, 65, 156; marriage of, ii,
281; dedication to, ii, 281, 283. See Mrs. John Bachman.
Martin, Marie Anne, i, 26.
Martin, Pierre, Jean Audubon as sailor under, i, 30.
Mason, Joseph R., as Audubon's assistant in 1820-1822, i, 307, 312,
313-316; his return to Philadelphia, i, 321; ii, 69.
Mauch Chunk. See Great Pine Forest.
McKenney, Thomas L., on Audubon, ii, 52.
McLane, Louis, ii, 5; Levi Woodbury to, ii, 23.
MacGillivray, William, i, 12; ii, 108, 113-114; his assistance to
Audubon, ii, 125-138; to Audubon, ii, 126-128, 130-132, 134; his
methods of work, ii, 127-129; his History of British Birds, ii, 130,
135-136; his contract with Audubon, ii, 134; character and
scholarship, ii, 134-136; his writings, ii, 135; Audubon's
acknowledgments to, ii, 137; his copy of the Ornithological
Biography, ii, 138; Audubon at work with, ii, 178-180, 181;
Audubon's tour with, ii, 182; Audubon's memorandum of account
with, ii, 188.
MacLeay, William Sharp, ii, 94.
Magpie (Pica rustica), Audubon's early drawing of, i, 178.
Mallory, E., on Mrs. John James Audubon, ii, 303.
Mallory, Eliza, ii, 283.
Mallory, Georgianna Richards. See Mrs. Victor Gifford Audubon.
Manchester, visit of Audubon at, in 1826, i, 356; Audubon's success in
canvassing at, i, 376.
Marigny, Bernard, his birth, i, 70; acquisition of "Fontainebleau," i, 70;
his service in France and return to the United States, i, 71; act of
the Government to establish his disputed claim to land, i, 71;
origin of "Fontainebleau," and description of his property, i, 71;
foundation of Mandeville, i, 71; friendship with Audubon, i, 72;
his death, i, 72.
Marigny myth, i, 68-71.
Mark, Edward L., i, 308.
Marten, Pennant's, Fisher (Mustela pennanti), Baird and Audubon on,
ii, 263.
Martin, Catharine, i, 27.
Martin, Maria, ii, 6, 32, 61; Audubon to, ii, 65, 156; marriage of, ii,
281; dedication to, ii, 281, 283. See Mrs. John Bachman.
Martin, Marie Anne, i, 26.
Martin, Pierre, Jean Audubon as sailor under, i, 30.
Mason, Joseph R., as Audubon's assistant in 1820-1822, i, 307, 312,
313-316; his return to Philadelphia, i, 321; ii, 69.
Mauch Chunk. See Great Pine Forest.
McKenney, Thomas L., on Audubon, ii, 52.
McLane, Louis, ii, 5; Levi Woodbury to, ii, 23.
Page 545
Meadville (Pennsylvania), "Episode" of Audubon at, in 1824, i, 341-
343; and itinerant portrait at, i, 342.
Mease, Dr. William, i, 327.
Merchant-traders, means of travel and hardships of, i, 234-236; their
journeys by flatboat and horse to and from the West, i, 234-236.
Mill of Audubon, Bakewell and Pears, at Henderson (Kentucky),
history of the building, operation and failure of, i, 254-257; lease
of land for, i, 254; description of relic of, in 1879 and 1883, i,
254; difficulties with operation of, i, 255; cost, conversion and
destruction of, i, 255; reorganization for working of, i, 256; bill
rendered for products of, i, 256; final failure and closure of, i,
257; Audubon's financial and legal troubles following failure of, i,
257-261.
"Mill Grove," Jean Audubon's purchase, i, 37, 105; Audubon's arrival
at, i, 99-101; tenant and rent of, i, 101; acquisition and
preservation by the Wetherills, i, 102; situation and
characteristics, i, 102; old conveyances and designation, i, 103;
first miller and builder, i, 104; mills and farm house at, i, 104; the
Prevost mortgage, i, 105, 122; Jean Audubon's lease and
inventory, i, 105; stay of Audubon at, i, 106; Jean Audubon's
portrait at, i, 106; bird studies at, i, 106; discovery of lead and
arrival of Dacosta, i, 113; Dacosta's one-half interest and
exploitation of mine, i, 114; analysis of his lead ore, i, 114;
Claude François Rozier's interest, i, 115; the Audubon, Dacosta,
Rozier partnership and its difficulties, i, 115; instructions
concerning farmhouse at, i, 118; Audubon and Rozier as agents
for conduct and sale of, i, 132; Audubon's and Rozier's duties at, i,
146; status of house in their "Articles," i, 147; story of later
mining enterprises at, i, 148-150, 152-153, 167-170;
consideration for sale of remaining Audubon and Rozier interests
to Dacosta and Company, i, 149; division of the property, and sale
of the Audubon and Rozier rights, i, 150, 152-153; Audubon's
conflicting references to sale of, i, 158, 159-160, 162, 165-168;
difficulties over conditional sale of, i, 168; unraveling the tangle,
i, 169; Dacosta's contested accounts, and award in their
settlement, i, 168; sequel to story of mine at, i, 169; products of
mine at, i, 199.
343; and itinerant portrait at, i, 342.
Mease, Dr. William, i, 327.
Merchant-traders, means of travel and hardships of, i, 234-236; their
journeys by flatboat and horse to and from the West, i, 234-236.
Mill of Audubon, Bakewell and Pears, at Henderson (Kentucky),
history of the building, operation and failure of, i, 254-257; lease
of land for, i, 254; description of relic of, in 1879 and 1883, i,
254; difficulties with operation of, i, 255; cost, conversion and
destruction of, i, 255; reorganization for working of, i, 256; bill
rendered for products of, i, 256; final failure and closure of, i,
257; Audubon's financial and legal troubles following failure of, i,
257-261.
"Mill Grove," Jean Audubon's purchase, i, 37, 105; Audubon's arrival
at, i, 99-101; tenant and rent of, i, 101; acquisition and
preservation by the Wetherills, i, 102; situation and
characteristics, i, 102; old conveyances and designation, i, 103;
first miller and builder, i, 104; mills and farm house at, i, 104; the
Prevost mortgage, i, 105, 122; Jean Audubon's lease and
inventory, i, 105; stay of Audubon at, i, 106; Jean Audubon's
portrait at, i, 106; bird studies at, i, 106; discovery of lead and
arrival of Dacosta, i, 113; Dacosta's one-half interest and
exploitation of mine, i, 114; analysis of his lead ore, i, 114;
Claude François Rozier's interest, i, 115; the Audubon, Dacosta,
Rozier partnership and its difficulties, i, 115; instructions
concerning farmhouse at, i, 118; Audubon and Rozier as agents
for conduct and sale of, i, 132; Audubon's and Rozier's duties at, i,
146; status of house in their "Articles," i, 147; story of later
mining enterprises at, i, 148-150, 152-153, 167-170;
consideration for sale of remaining Audubon and Rozier interests
to Dacosta and Company, i, 149; division of the property, and sale
of the Audubon and Rozier rights, i, 150, 152-153; Audubon's
conflicting references to sale of, i, 158, 159-160, 162, 165-168;
difficulties over conditional sale of, i, 168; unraveling the tangle,
i, 169; Dacosta's contested accounts, and award in their
settlement, i, 168; sequel to story of mine at, i, 169; products of
mine at, i, 199.
Page 546
Milestown (Pennsylvania), Alexander Wilson, as teacher at, i, 212.
Miller, Sarah, Wilson to, i, 206.
"Minnie's Land," purchase of estate of, ii, 234; building of house at, ii,
234; Audubon at, ii, 236-238; Audubon's account of, ii, 245-246;
houses of Audubon's sons at, ii, 294-295, 311-312; the "Cave" at,
ii, 295, 312; departure of Mrs. John James Audubon from, ii, 300;
building activities and changes at, ii, 309; present condition of
original houses at, ii, 309-311; early representations of Audubon's
house at, ii, 311.
Miquelon Island, voyage of Jean Audubon to, i, 29.
Mississippi River, Audubon's cruise on in 1820, i, 307.
Missouri River, Audubon's experiences and discoveries on, in 1843, ii,
252-256.
Mitchell, Doctor Samuel Latham, his friendship with Audubon, i, 171;
his repute and activities, i, 171; as friend of Rafinesque, i, 290;
his introduction of Audubon and letter to Dr. Barnes, i, 336.
Mocquard, Françoise, i, 55, 86.
Morris, George Spencer, i, 331.
Morris, Samuel C., purchase of "Mill Grove" by, i, 105.
Morristown (New Jersey), stay of Audubon at, i, 99.
Morse, Samuel Finley Breese, as Audubon's guest, ii, 311.
Morton, Countess of, as patron and pupil of Audubon, i, 365.
Morton, Earl of, record of a visit to the home of, i, 363.
Morton, Samuel George, ii, 154, 171, 172.
Moynet (Moynette, Moinet), Anne. See Mme. Jean Audubon.
Muguet, i, 56, 57, 59, 61. See Mme. Gabriel Loyen du Puigaudeau.
Mulattoes, numbers and plight of, in Santo Domingo, i, 43; as slave
holders, i, 44; revolt under Ogé, i, 50; first clash with whites at
Les Cayes, i, 50; union with the blacks and beginning of general
revolt, i, 51.
Murray, John, i, 377; Basil Hall to, i, 378.
Nantes, Jean Audubon at, i, 30-32; his places of residence, i, 36, 57-58,
86-87; in the Revolution, i, 59, 73-74; Committee of Public
Safety and National Guard of, i, 74; attack and siege of, i, 74;
acceptance of republican constitution by, i, 75; reign of terror
under Carrier at, i, 75; fate of Vendeans at, i, 75; savior of, i, 76;
victims of Carrier and the plague at, i, 75; execution of Charette
Miller, Sarah, Wilson to, i, 206.
"Minnie's Land," purchase of estate of, ii, 234; building of house at, ii,
234; Audubon at, ii, 236-238; Audubon's account of, ii, 245-246;
houses of Audubon's sons at, ii, 294-295, 311-312; the "Cave" at,
ii, 295, 312; departure of Mrs. John James Audubon from, ii, 300;
building activities and changes at, ii, 309; present condition of
original houses at, ii, 309-311; early representations of Audubon's
house at, ii, 311.
Miquelon Island, voyage of Jean Audubon to, i, 29.
Mississippi River, Audubon's cruise on in 1820, i, 307.
Missouri River, Audubon's experiences and discoveries on, in 1843, ii,
252-256.
Mitchell, Doctor Samuel Latham, his friendship with Audubon, i, 171;
his repute and activities, i, 171; as friend of Rafinesque, i, 290;
his introduction of Audubon and letter to Dr. Barnes, i, 336.
Mocquard, Françoise, i, 55, 86.
Morris, George Spencer, i, 331.
Morris, Samuel C., purchase of "Mill Grove" by, i, 105.
Morristown (New Jersey), stay of Audubon at, i, 99.
Morse, Samuel Finley Breese, as Audubon's guest, ii, 311.
Morton, Countess of, as patron and pupil of Audubon, i, 365.
Morton, Earl of, record of a visit to the home of, i, 363.
Morton, Samuel George, ii, 154, 171, 172.
Moynet (Moynette, Moinet), Anne. See Mme. Jean Audubon.
Muguet, i, 56, 57, 59, 61. See Mme. Gabriel Loyen du Puigaudeau.
Mulattoes, numbers and plight of, in Santo Domingo, i, 43; as slave
holders, i, 44; revolt under Ogé, i, 50; first clash with whites at
Les Cayes, i, 50; union with the blacks and beginning of general
revolt, i, 51.
Murray, John, i, 377; Basil Hall to, i, 378.
Nantes, Jean Audubon at, i, 30-32; his places of residence, i, 36, 57-58,
86-87; in the Revolution, i, 59, 73-74; Committee of Public
Safety and National Guard of, i, 74; attack and siege of, i, 74;
acceptance of republican constitution by, i, 75; reign of terror
under Carrier at, i, 75; fate of Vendeans at, i, 75; savior of, i, 76;
victims of Carrier and the plague at, i, 75; execution of Charette
Page 547
at, i, 76; raided by "Tête-Carée," i, 77; restoration of peace at, i,
77; revolutionary records of, i, 78; Jean Audubon's activities, i,
78-82; his death at, i, 87; his appreciation by, i, 83.
Natchez (Mississippi), visit of Audubon, i, 308; loss of his portfolio at,
i, 309; as teacher at, i, 321; his first lessons in oils, i, 321;
engagement of Mrs. Audubon, i, 322; illness of Audubon, i, 324.
National Assembly of Paris, Declaration of Rights, of, i, 49; vacillating
policies of, i, 51.
National Gazette, on Audubon, ii, 41-42, 50-51.
Natural History of Deeside and Braemar, ii, 136.
Neuwied, Maximillian, ii, 255.
Newark (New Jersey), Alexander Wilson at, i, 210.
New Castle (Delaware), landing of Alexander Wilson at, i, 209.
New Haven (Connecticut), establishment of William and Benjamin
Bakewell at, i, 201.
Newman Street, Havell's shop in, i, 12.
New Orleans (Louisiana), memorial to Audubon at, i, 13; Alexander
Wilson at, i, 207; Audubon at, i, 306-310; his struggles to gain a
footing at, i, 310-312; as teacher at, i, 318; settlement and
financial difficulties at, i, 319; engagement of Mrs. Audubon at, i,
322; Audubon embarks for Liverpool at, i, 347; his observations
at, i, 348.
Newton, Alfred, i, 444; ii, 223.
New York (New York), memorials to Audubon at, i, 13; Jean Audubon
a prisoner at, i, 32; his release, i, 32, 34; disbanding of the British
army at, i, 35; Audubon's introduction to, i, 99; pestilence at, i,
99, 135; Audubon's original drawings at, i, 228; Vanderlyn's
portrait of Andrew Jackson in City Hall of, i, 338; Audubon's
description of landing at, in 1836, ii, 146; his success in
canvassing at, ii, 153; his old residence and estate, ii, 234-236,
310-312.
New York Herald, account of "Mill Grove" mine in, i, 114.
Niagara Falls (New York), Alexander Wilson at, i, 216; Audubon at, i,
340; ii, 167.
Nighthawk (Chordeiles virginianus), Audubon's early drawing of, i,
180.
77; revolutionary records of, i, 78; Jean Audubon's activities, i,
78-82; his death at, i, 87; his appreciation by, i, 83.
Natchez (Mississippi), visit of Audubon, i, 308; loss of his portfolio at,
i, 309; as teacher at, i, 321; his first lessons in oils, i, 321;
engagement of Mrs. Audubon, i, 322; illness of Audubon, i, 324.
National Assembly of Paris, Declaration of Rights, of, i, 49; vacillating
policies of, i, 51.
National Gazette, on Audubon, ii, 41-42, 50-51.
Natural History of Deeside and Braemar, ii, 136.
Neuwied, Maximillian, ii, 255.
Newark (New Jersey), Alexander Wilson at, i, 210.
New Castle (Delaware), landing of Alexander Wilson at, i, 209.
New Haven (Connecticut), establishment of William and Benjamin
Bakewell at, i, 201.
Newman Street, Havell's shop in, i, 12.
New Orleans (Louisiana), memorial to Audubon at, i, 13; Alexander
Wilson at, i, 207; Audubon at, i, 306-310; his struggles to gain a
footing at, i, 310-312; as teacher at, i, 318; settlement and
financial difficulties at, i, 319; engagement of Mrs. Audubon at, i,
322; Audubon embarks for Liverpool at, i, 347; his observations
at, i, 348.
Newton, Alfred, i, 444; ii, 223.
New York (New York), memorials to Audubon at, i, 13; Jean Audubon
a prisoner at, i, 32; his release, i, 32, 34; disbanding of the British
army at, i, 35; Audubon's introduction to, i, 99; pestilence at, i,
99, 135; Audubon's original drawings at, i, 228; Vanderlyn's
portrait of Andrew Jackson in City Hall of, i, 338; Audubon's
description of landing at, in 1836, ii, 146; his success in
canvassing at, ii, 153; his old residence and estate, ii, 234-236,
310-312.
New York Herald, account of "Mill Grove" mine in, i, 114.
Niagara Falls (New York), Alexander Wilson at, i, 216; Audubon at, i,
340; ii, 167.
Nighthawk (Chordeiles virginianus), Audubon's early drawing of, i,
180.
Page 548
Nolte, Vincent, on Audubon in 1811, i, 277; his journey from
Pittsburgh to Lexington, i, 276-279; 352.
Northumberland, Duke of, i, 377.
Nuttall, Thomas, collection of western birds of, ii, 147, 149, 153-154,
156; meeting with Audubon, ii, 150; career and writings, ii, 150.
Nymphæa. See Water-lily.
"Oakley," plantation and house of, i, 313-315; Audubon's pupil and his
life as tutor at, i, 315-318; his drawings at, i, 316; ii, 74.
Oates, George, ii, 211, 218.
Ogé, James, rebellion and death of, i, 50; its effect upon the Santo
Domingan whites, i, 50.
Ohio River, Audubon's description of journey on, i, 195; Wilson's
journey in 1810, i, 205; traffic of the "ark" and keel boat, in 1810,
i, 234-236; first steamer, and steam traffic on, i, 236; Audubon's
experience at the mouth of, i, 238; breaking up of the ice in, i,
241; Rafinesque on fishes of, i, 292; Audubon's descent of, in
1820, i, 307.
Ord, George, on Alexander Wilson, i, 211; as Wilson's editor and
biographer, i, 217, 223-225; his octavo edition of Wilson, i, 223;
defense of Wilson and charge against Audubon, i, 226-228; 230;
basis of his attack on Audubon, i, 227, 231-232; his opposition to
Audubon, i, 328-329; 333, 339, 422; ii, 4, 27, 55, 61, 72, 80, 83;
as Waterton's correspondent, ii, 87-88, 91; 98, 284.
Orleans, Duke of, as Audubon's patron, i, 3, 411-412.
Ornithological Biography, description of Bird Rock in, i, 9; story of
the Pewee, i, 99, 106-107; on the Velvet Duck, i, 182; journey
down the Ohio River, i, 195; Alexander Wilson's visit to
Louisville, i, 220-223; Wilson on the Whooping Crane, i, 227;
discrepancies in "Episodes" in, i, 273; "Louisville in Kentucky," i,
274; "The Prairie," i, 274, 282-284; "A Wild Horse," i, 274-276;
"The Eccentric Naturalist," i, 274, 285-300; "The Earthquake," i,
279; "The Hurricane," i, 280; "The Regulators," i, 281; "Colonel
Boone," i, 281; Natchez, i, 308; on The Birds of America, i, 343;
publication of, i, 438; MacGillivray's assistance in, i, 438; rivals
of, i, 438-439; 442-445; American copyright of, i, 439; publisher's
announcement, i, 444-445, 448; the Athenæum on, ii, 84-85, 140,
142; W. B. O. Peabody on, ii, 85; Featherstonhaugh on, ii, 85; on
Pittsburgh to Lexington, i, 276-279; 352.
Northumberland, Duke of, i, 377.
Nuttall, Thomas, collection of western birds of, ii, 147, 149, 153-154,
156; meeting with Audubon, ii, 150; career and writings, ii, 150.
Nymphæa. See Water-lily.
"Oakley," plantation and house of, i, 313-315; Audubon's pupil and his
life as tutor at, i, 315-318; his drawings at, i, 316; ii, 74.
Oates, George, ii, 211, 218.
Ogé, James, rebellion and death of, i, 50; its effect upon the Santo
Domingan whites, i, 50.
Ohio River, Audubon's description of journey on, i, 195; Wilson's
journey in 1810, i, 205; traffic of the "ark" and keel boat, in 1810,
i, 234-236; first steamer, and steam traffic on, i, 236; Audubon's
experience at the mouth of, i, 238; breaking up of the ice in, i,
241; Rafinesque on fishes of, i, 292; Audubon's descent of, in
1820, i, 307.
Ord, George, on Alexander Wilson, i, 211; as Wilson's editor and
biographer, i, 217, 223-225; his octavo edition of Wilson, i, 223;
defense of Wilson and charge against Audubon, i, 226-228; 230;
basis of his attack on Audubon, i, 227, 231-232; his opposition to
Audubon, i, 328-329; 333, 339, 422; ii, 4, 27, 55, 61, 72, 80, 83;
as Waterton's correspondent, ii, 87-88, 91; 98, 284.
Orleans, Duke of, as Audubon's patron, i, 3, 411-412.
Ornithological Biography, description of Bird Rock in, i, 9; story of
the Pewee, i, 99, 106-107; on the Velvet Duck, i, 182; journey
down the Ohio River, i, 195; Alexander Wilson's visit to
Louisville, i, 220-223; Wilson on the Whooping Crane, i, 227;
discrepancies in "Episodes" in, i, 273; "Louisville in Kentucky," i,
274; "The Prairie," i, 274, 282-284; "A Wild Horse," i, 274-276;
"The Eccentric Naturalist," i, 274, 285-300; "The Earthquake," i,
279; "The Hurricane," i, 280; "The Regulators," i, 281; "Colonel
Boone," i, 281; Natchez, i, 308; on The Birds of America, i, 343;
publication of, i, 438; MacGillivray's assistance in, i, 438; rivals
of, i, 438-439; 442-445; American copyright of, i, 439; publisher's
announcement, i, 444-445, 448; the Athenæum on, ii, 84-85, 140,
142; W. B. O. Peabody on, ii, 85; Featherstonhaugh on, ii, 85; on
Page 549
the authorship of, ii, 87-89, 102-103, 103-109; on new species in,
ii, 109-111; "Ornithophilus" on, ii, 111, 112; Swainson on, ii, 113;
and MacGillivray, ii, 125-138; Audubon on American Edition of,
ii, 134, 141; MacGillivray's copy of, ii, 138; John Wilson on, ii,
139; third volume of, ii, 144, 178-180; fourth volume of, ii, 181;
completion of, ii, 186; valedictory to reader, ii, 187;
memorandum of accounts with MacGillivray for assistance in, ii,
188; Audubon on residual stock of, ii, 189.
Ornithological Gallery, plan and abandonment of, by Audubon and
Kidd, i, 446.
Orr, Charles, correspondence of Alexander Wilson, with, i, 210-212.
Osprey, Fish Hawk (Pandion haliaëtus), early drawing by Audubon, i,
182.
Otter, original painting and exhibition of, i, 394.
Oven-bird (Seiurus aurocapillus), "Golden-crowned Thrush,"
Audubon's original drawing of, i, 425.
Owen, David Dale, i, 294.
Owen, Sir Richard, i, 354.
Owensboro (Kentucky), i, 236.
Oxford Street (London), i, 11.
Page, Benjamin, i, 256.
Paimbœuf, i, 32, 80, 137.
Palmer, Sarah White, i, 124.
Palmer, Theodore Sherman, ii, 293.
Pamar, R., i, 318, 348.
Paris, in 1828, i, 2; Audubon at, i, 74, 408-413, 448; his reception and
patronage at, i, 410-413.
Parkman, Dr. George, ii, 29, 35, 36; to Audubon, ii, 42-43, 57, 59, 134,
141; Audubon to, ii, 227.
Patterson, W. D., i, 231; ii, 352.
Peabody, W. B. O., i, 231; ii, 200.
Peale, Rembrandt, i, 328.
Peale, Robert, i, 328.
Peale, Titian R., his drawings of birds, i, 330.
Pears, Thomas W., i, 124; as partner of Audubon and Bakewell, i, 254;
his withdrawal, i, 255, 426.
Peel, Sir Robert, i, 377.
ii, 109-111; "Ornithophilus" on, ii, 111, 112; Swainson on, ii, 113;
and MacGillivray, ii, 125-138; Audubon on American Edition of,
ii, 134, 141; MacGillivray's copy of, ii, 138; John Wilson on, ii,
139; third volume of, ii, 144, 178-180; fourth volume of, ii, 181;
completion of, ii, 186; valedictory to reader, ii, 187;
memorandum of accounts with MacGillivray for assistance in, ii,
188; Audubon on residual stock of, ii, 189.
Ornithological Gallery, plan and abandonment of, by Audubon and
Kidd, i, 446.
Orr, Charles, correspondence of Alexander Wilson, with, i, 210-212.
Osprey, Fish Hawk (Pandion haliaëtus), early drawing by Audubon, i,
182.
Otter, original painting and exhibition of, i, 394.
Oven-bird (Seiurus aurocapillus), "Golden-crowned Thrush,"
Audubon's original drawing of, i, 425.
Owen, David Dale, i, 294.
Owen, Sir Richard, i, 354.
Owensboro (Kentucky), i, 236.
Oxford Street (London), i, 11.
Page, Benjamin, i, 256.
Paimbœuf, i, 32, 80, 137.
Palmer, Sarah White, i, 124.
Palmer, Theodore Sherman, ii, 293.
Pamar, R., i, 318, 348.
Paris, in 1828, i, 2; Audubon at, i, 74, 408-413, 448; his reception and
patronage at, i, 410-413.
Parkman, Dr. George, ii, 29, 35, 36; to Audubon, ii, 42-43, 57, 59, 134,
141; Audubon to, ii, 227.
Patterson, W. D., i, 231; ii, 352.
Peabody, W. B. O., i, 231; ii, 200.
Peale, Rembrandt, i, 328.
Peale, Robert, i, 328.
Peale, Titian R., his drawings of birds, i, 330.
Pears, Thomas W., i, 124; as partner of Audubon and Bakewell, i, 254;
his withdrawal, i, 255, 426.
Peel, Sir Robert, i, 377.
Page 550
Penal laws, in England, i, 395.
Penn, John, i, 105.
Penn, William, land purchase by, i, 103.
Percy, Capt. Robert, Mrs. Audubon's school at plantation of, i, 322;
Audubon at plantation of, i, 324.
Perkins, Thomas H., ii, 28, 29, 39, 150.
Perkioming Consolidated Mining Company, i, 169.
Perkioming Creek, i, 103-104, 106.
Perrytown (Sutton, New Hampshire), i, 284.
Pewee, Phœbe (Sayornis phœbe), Audubon on, i, 99; his first study of,
i, 106; original drawing of, i, 180.
Pewee, Wood (Myiochanes virens), Audubon's original drawing of, i,
180, 425.
Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), reception of Audubon at, i, 327-335; a
meeting of the Academy of Natural Sciences at, i, 333; ii, 154.
Philarète-Chasles, impressions of Audubon's exhibition at Edinburgh,
i, 359.
Phillips, Dr. Benjamin, ii, 144-145, 223-224; Audubon to, ii, 244-246.
Phœbe, Say's (Sayornis sayus), i, 330.
Picus auduboni, ii, 113.
Pigeon, Passenger (Ectopistes migratorius), Audubon's original
painting of, i, 363; Audubon on, i, 368.
Pirrie, Eliza, as Audubon's pupil, and her romantic history, i, 315, 317-
318.
Pirrie, James, i, 315; Audubon's drawings made at plantation of, i, 316.
Pirrie, Mrs. James, engagement of Audubon by, i, 313; her home and
family, i, 313-318.
Pitois, M., i, 432.
Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania), record of journey from Philadelphia to, in
1807, i, 187-191; characterization, growth and population of, i,
191; Wilson's description of, in 1810, i, 204; 343, 344.
Plaisance, Samuel, i, 123, 265.
Planters (Santo Domingo), their prosperity and grievances, i, 42-44;
their morality and vicissitudes, i, 44-46; their revolt, i, 49-51.
Polly, Audubon's and Rozier's voyage on, i, 134-135, 187.
Pope, John, i, 237.
Pornic, mission of Citizen Audubon to, i, 79.
Penn, John, i, 105.
Penn, William, land purchase by, i, 103.
Percy, Capt. Robert, Mrs. Audubon's school at plantation of, i, 322;
Audubon at plantation of, i, 324.
Perkins, Thomas H., ii, 28, 29, 39, 150.
Perkioming Consolidated Mining Company, i, 169.
Perkioming Creek, i, 103-104, 106.
Perrytown (Sutton, New Hampshire), i, 284.
Pewee, Phœbe (Sayornis phœbe), Audubon on, i, 99; his first study of,
i, 106; original drawing of, i, 180.
Pewee, Wood (Myiochanes virens), Audubon's original drawing of, i,
180, 425.
Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), reception of Audubon at, i, 327-335; a
meeting of the Academy of Natural Sciences at, i, 333; ii, 154.
Philarète-Chasles, impressions of Audubon's exhibition at Edinburgh,
i, 359.
Phillips, Dr. Benjamin, ii, 144-145, 223-224; Audubon to, ii, 244-246.
Phœbe, Say's (Sayornis sayus), i, 330.
Picus auduboni, ii, 113.
Pigeon, Passenger (Ectopistes migratorius), Audubon's original
painting of, i, 363; Audubon on, i, 368.
Pirrie, Eliza, as Audubon's pupil, and her romantic history, i, 315, 317-
318.
Pirrie, James, i, 315; Audubon's drawings made at plantation of, i, 316.
Pirrie, Mrs. James, engagement of Audubon by, i, 313; her home and
family, i, 313-318.
Pitois, M., i, 432.
Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania), record of journey from Philadelphia to, in
1807, i, 187-191; characterization, growth and population of, i,
191; Wilson's description of, in 1810, i, 204; 343, 344.
Plaisance, Samuel, i, 123, 265.
Planters (Santo Domingo), their prosperity and grievances, i, 42-44;
their morality and vicissitudes, i, 44-46; their revolt, i, 49-51.
Polly, Audubon's and Rozier's voyage on, i, 134-135, 187.
Pope, John, i, 237.
Pornic, mission of Citizen Audubon to, i, 79.
Page 551
Porter, Dr. Edmund, to Dr. Thomas Miner, i, 333.
Posey, Fayette, i, 258.
Presque Isle, i, 340.
Priestley, Joseph, i, 154, 200-201.
Prospectus, of American Ornithology (Wilson), i, 217; of The Birds of
America, i, 373; of first octavo edition, ii, 211-214; reproduction
of (for 1828) for original folio, ii, 386-388; reproduction of (by J.
W. Audubon), for second (partial) American edition of original
folio, ii, 389-391.
Provost, Henry Augustin, i, 105-106, 122.
Quadrupeds of North America, i, 17; Bachman to Audubon on, ii, 208;
Audubon to Brewer on, ii, 209; on Bachman's coöperation in, ii,
210; Audubon to Baird on, ii, 219-221, 222, 226-227, 233;
Audubon to Parkman, ii, 227; to W. O. Ayres, ii, 229; Parke
Godwin on, ii, 236; editions of, ii, 261; Bachman on text of, ii,
261-263, 269-272, 281-283; Baird on materials for, ii, 263, 264,
274, 276-277, 278; Audubon on letterpress of, ii, 265; Harris as
mediator in difficulties with letterpress of, ii, 269; coöperation of
authors in, ii, 273; subscribers to, ii, 274; Louis Agassiz on, ii,
274; title of text of, ii, 275; English edition of first volume of text
of, ii, 280; dedication copy of first volume of text of, ii, 280; J. E.
Gray on, ii, 281; manuscript of text of, ii, 283; Illustrations of, ii,
285; in octavo, ii, 293.
Quebec, Audubon's visit and success in, ii, 244.
Queen, Jean Audubon's fight in, i, 35.
Queen Charlotte (La Reine Charlotte), Captain Jean Audubon's
command of, at Yorktown, i, 34.
Quinarianism, curious tenets and advocacy of, ii, 94, 95, 104, 109,
114, 116, 117.
Quincy, Josiah, ii, 29, 150.
Rabin, Mlle., birth of son of, i, 52; as characterized by Jean Audubon,
i, 52; record of physician of, i, 53; her feeble health and death, i,
56; suppression of her name, i, 60; early and assumed names of
her son, i, 62; as characterized by her son, i, 63, 66; fictitious
account of death of, i, 67.
Posey, Fayette, i, 258.
Presque Isle, i, 340.
Priestley, Joseph, i, 154, 200-201.
Prospectus, of American Ornithology (Wilson), i, 217; of The Birds of
America, i, 373; of first octavo edition, ii, 211-214; reproduction
of (for 1828) for original folio, ii, 386-388; reproduction of (by J.
W. Audubon), for second (partial) American edition of original
folio, ii, 389-391.
Provost, Henry Augustin, i, 105-106, 122.
Quadrupeds of North America, i, 17; Bachman to Audubon on, ii, 208;
Audubon to Brewer on, ii, 209; on Bachman's coöperation in, ii,
210; Audubon to Baird on, ii, 219-221, 222, 226-227, 233;
Audubon to Parkman, ii, 227; to W. O. Ayres, ii, 229; Parke
Godwin on, ii, 236; editions of, ii, 261; Bachman on text of, ii,
261-263, 269-272, 281-283; Baird on materials for, ii, 263, 264,
274, 276-277, 278; Audubon on letterpress of, ii, 265; Harris as
mediator in difficulties with letterpress of, ii, 269; coöperation of
authors in, ii, 273; subscribers to, ii, 274; Louis Agassiz on, ii,
274; title of text of, ii, 275; English edition of first volume of text
of, ii, 280; dedication copy of first volume of text of, ii, 280; J. E.
Gray on, ii, 281; manuscript of text of, ii, 283; Illustrations of, ii,
285; in octavo, ii, 293.
Quebec, Audubon's visit and success in, ii, 244.
Queen, Jean Audubon's fight in, i, 35.
Queen Charlotte (La Reine Charlotte), Captain Jean Audubon's
command of, at Yorktown, i, 34.
Quinarianism, curious tenets and advocacy of, ii, 94, 95, 104, 109,
114, 116, 117.
Quincy, Josiah, ii, 29, 150.
Rabin, Mlle., birth of son of, i, 52; as characterized by Jean Audubon,
i, 52; record of physician of, i, 53; her feeble health and death, i,
56; suppression of her name, i, 60; early and assumed names of
her son, i, 62; as characterized by her son, i, 63, 66; fictitious
account of death of, i, 67.
Page 552
Rabin, Jean, i, 53, 57, 61, 62, 63, 64, 263, 264; ii, 361, 362, 364. See
Jean Jacques Fougère Audubon.
Rafinesque, Constantine Samuel (Schmaltz), i, 171; his travels,
writings and career, i, 285-300; Audubon on, i, 285; and the bats,
i, 286; his early life and precocity, i, 287; his bibliography, i, 287;
visit to America, i, 288; life in Sicily, i, 288; marriage and
embitterment, i, 289; return to America and shipwreck, i, 290;
visits Audubon, i, 290; his "scarlet-headed swallow" and fictitious
fishes, i, 291; his Ichthyology of the Ohio River and "Devil-Jack
Diamond-fish," i, 292; at Transylvania University, i, 294;
originality and independence, i, 295; impractical projects and
inventions, i, 295-296, 298; troubles at Lexington and return to
Philadelphia, i, 296; his mania for new species, i, 296; his letters,
i, 297; his multifarious writings, final struggles and death, i, 297-
299; his ardor and fatal versatility, i, 299; contemporary notice of,
i, 333.
"Rafinesquiana," i, 287.
Rambler, i, 7.
Ramsden, George, Edward Holden to, i, 351.
Rankin, Dr. Adam, i, 238, 242; his "Meadow Brook Farm," i, 248;
birth of John Woodhouse Audubon at home of, i, 248.
Rankin, William, i, 248.
Rathbone, Richard, introduction of Audubon to, i, 352.
Rathbone, William, Sr., assistance rendered Audubon by, i, 352.
Rathbone, Mrs. William, Sr., at "Greenbank," i, 353; gift to Audubon
by, i, 355.
Rathbone, William, Jr., i, 352.
Rattlesnake, Audubon's account of drawing of, i, 316; climbing habits
of, ii, 53-54, 64; Audubon on, ii, 71-76; Dr. Jones' charge
concerning, ii, 72; Audubon's error in description of, ii, 76-78;
vindication of Audubon's drawing and account of the fangs of, ii,
79.
Rattlesnake, encounter of the Polly with, i, 134-135, 187.
Redbanks. See Henderson.
Redbird, Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra), Audubon's drawing of, i,
316.
Redouté, Pierre Joseph, works and friendship of, i, 411.
Jean Jacques Fougère Audubon.
Rafinesque, Constantine Samuel (Schmaltz), i, 171; his travels,
writings and career, i, 285-300; Audubon on, i, 285; and the bats,
i, 286; his early life and precocity, i, 287; his bibliography, i, 287;
visit to America, i, 288; life in Sicily, i, 288; marriage and
embitterment, i, 289; return to America and shipwreck, i, 290;
visits Audubon, i, 290; his "scarlet-headed swallow" and fictitious
fishes, i, 291; his Ichthyology of the Ohio River and "Devil-Jack
Diamond-fish," i, 292; at Transylvania University, i, 294;
originality and independence, i, 295; impractical projects and
inventions, i, 295-296, 298; troubles at Lexington and return to
Philadelphia, i, 296; his mania for new species, i, 296; his letters,
i, 297; his multifarious writings, final struggles and death, i, 297-
299; his ardor and fatal versatility, i, 299; contemporary notice of,
i, 333.
"Rafinesquiana," i, 287.
Rambler, i, 7.
Ramsden, George, Edward Holden to, i, 351.
Rankin, Dr. Adam, i, 238, 242; his "Meadow Brook Farm," i, 248;
birth of John Woodhouse Audubon at home of, i, 248.
Rankin, William, i, 248.
Rathbone, Richard, introduction of Audubon to, i, 352.
Rathbone, William, Sr., assistance rendered Audubon by, i, 352.
Rathbone, Mrs. William, Sr., at "Greenbank," i, 353; gift to Audubon
by, i, 355.
Rathbone, William, Jr., i, 352.
Rattlesnake, Audubon's account of drawing of, i, 316; climbing habits
of, ii, 53-54, 64; Audubon on, ii, 71-76; Dr. Jones' charge
concerning, ii, 72; Audubon's error in description of, ii, 76-78;
vindication of Audubon's drawing and account of the fangs of, ii,
79.
Rattlesnake, encounter of the Polly with, i, 134-135, 187.
Redbanks. See Henderson.
Redbird, Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra), Audubon's drawing of, i,
316.
Redouté, Pierre Joseph, works and friendship of, i, 411.
Page 553
Red River (Arkansas), drawing of the Chuck-will's-widow on, i, 182.
Redstart, American (Setophaga ruticilla), Audubon's early drawings
of, i, 181, 316.
Rees, Abraham, i, 216.
Rees, William J., ii, 62.
"Regulus cuvieri," "Cuvier's Wren," i, 180, 354; ii, 215, 219.
Rhoads, Samuel N., i, 291; ii, 202.
Richardson, John, ii, 98, 105, 106.
Ricordel, Mme. See Mme. Jean Audubon.
Rider, Alexander, i, 331.
Ridgely, D., ii, 38.
Ripley, the voyage of, ii, 43-50.
Robertson, John Argyle, ii, 183.
Robin, American (Planesticus migratorius), Audubon's early drawing
of, i, 182.
Rochambeau, Comte de, i, 34.
Rochefort, i, 30, 83, 93, 94.
Roe Lockwood & Son, ii, 296.
Roget, Dr. Peter Mark, i, 377.
Roscoe, Edward, i, 352, 353, 354.
Roscoe, William, i, 218.
Ross, David (and Company), i, 57, 121-123, 265, 266.
Rothschild, Baron, Audubon's account of interview with, ii, 206.
Rowan, William, i, 400.
Roy, Constance (Rozier), i, 245.
Royal Society (London), Audubon's election to membership in, i, 437;
William Swainson on his election, ii, 97.
Rozier, Charles A., i, 146.
Rozier, Claude François, i, 147; Ferdinand Rozier to, i, 149-152; his
family, i, 152; his death, i, 152; and Benjamin Bakewell, i, 154;
Audubon to, i, 154, 156-158, 161-163, 164-166.
Rozier, Felix, i, 246.
Rozier, Ferdinand, i, 146; his "Articles," i, 147; to his father, i, 149-
152; at Philadelphia, i, 153; as attorney for Lieutenant Audubon
and his wife, i, 153; his business plans, i, 156-158, 161-162, 165;
his diary, i, 187-192; Thomas Bakewell to, i, 196; William
Bakewell to, i, 199; removes from Louisville to Henderson, i,
Redstart, American (Setophaga ruticilla), Audubon's early drawings
of, i, 181, 316.
Rees, Abraham, i, 216.
Rees, William J., ii, 62.
"Regulus cuvieri," "Cuvier's Wren," i, 180, 354; ii, 215, 219.
Rhoads, Samuel N., i, 291; ii, 202.
Richardson, John, ii, 98, 105, 106.
Ricordel, Mme. See Mme. Jean Audubon.
Rider, Alexander, i, 331.
Ridgely, D., ii, 38.
Ripley, the voyage of, ii, 43-50.
Robertson, John Argyle, ii, 183.
Robin, American (Planesticus migratorius), Audubon's early drawing
of, i, 182.
Rochambeau, Comte de, i, 34.
Rochefort, i, 30, 83, 93, 94.
Roe Lockwood & Son, ii, 296.
Roget, Dr. Peter Mark, i, 377.
Roscoe, Edward, i, 352, 353, 354.
Roscoe, William, i, 218.
Ross, David (and Company), i, 57, 121-123, 265, 266.
Rothschild, Baron, Audubon's account of interview with, ii, 206.
Rowan, William, i, 400.
Roy, Constance (Rozier), i, 245.
Royal Society (London), Audubon's election to membership in, i, 437;
William Swainson on his election, ii, 97.
Rozier, Charles A., i, 146.
Rozier, Claude François, i, 147; Ferdinand Rozier to, i, 149-152; his
family, i, 152; his death, i, 152; and Benjamin Bakewell, i, 154;
Audubon to, i, 154, 156-158, 161-163, 164-166.
Rozier, Felix, i, 246.
Rozier, Ferdinand, i, 146; his "Articles," i, 147; to his father, i, 149-
152; at Philadelphia, i, 153; as attorney for Lieutenant Audubon
and his wife, i, 153; his business plans, i, 156-158, 161-162, 165;
his diary, i, 187-192; Thomas Bakewell to, i, 196; William
Bakewell to, i, 199; removes from Louisville to Henderson, i,
Page 554
236; removes with Audubon to Ste. Geneviève, i, 237-241;
dissolves partnership with Audubon, i, 241; Audubon to, i, 243;
career of, i, 244-246; his death, i, 246; "Audubon & Bakewell" to,
i, 251; ii, 359.
Rozier, Firman A., i, 246.
Rozier, François Denis, i, 154.
Rozier (Colas), Renée Angelique, death of, i, 152.
Rozier, Tom J., i, 196.
Rozier, Welton A., manuscripts in possession of, i, 149, 168, 187.
Rue de Crébillon, Jean Audubon's home in, i, 57.
Rush, Dr. Benjamin, i, 288.
Russell, W. Gurdon, ii, 204.
Saget (mayor of Nantes), i, 77.
St. Albans, i, 403.
St. Augustine, Audubon's description of, ii, 12; hunting birds at, ii, 12.
St. Francisville (Louisiana), engagement of Audubon at, i, 313; origin
of name, i, 314; character of country and abundance of birds, i,
314; Audubon as tutor at, i, 315-318; Mrs. Audubon's school, i,
322; former wealth of country, i, 323, 345.
Sainte Geneviève (Missouri), Audubon's journey to, i, 237-241;
dissolution of partnership with Rozier at, i, 241; Audubon's
subsequent visits, i, 242; Ferdinand Rozier's career at, i, 244-247.
St. John, Mrs. Horace Roscoe Stebbing, i, 17.
St. Johns, ii, 244.
Saint Louis (Santo Domingo), i, 39, 41.
Sammis, Capt. S., i, 131, 156, 158, 159, 164, 187.
Sandpiper, Spotted (Actitis macularia), Audubon's early drawing of, i,
249.
Sanson, Dr., as Jean Audubon's physician, i, 53; his bill of services,
resources and favorite remedies, i, 53; his inoculations for
smallpox, i, 55; his treatment of Audubon's mother, i, 56; for
complete text of bill, with translation, see ii, 314-327.
Santo Domingo, pre-revolutionary lure of, i, 36; Jean Audubon's career
in, i, 36-38; effect of the Declaration of Rights on, i, 37; slave
trade at, i, 39-41; cost of slaves at, i, 40; prosperity and praise of,
i, 42; population of whites and blacks in 1790, i, 42; plight of
mulattoes and history of slavery in, i, 43; Baron de Wimpffen's
dissolves partnership with Audubon, i, 241; Audubon to, i, 243;
career of, i, 244-246; his death, i, 246; "Audubon & Bakewell" to,
i, 251; ii, 359.
Rozier, Firman A., i, 246.
Rozier, François Denis, i, 154.
Rozier (Colas), Renée Angelique, death of, i, 152.
Rozier, Tom J., i, 196.
Rozier, Welton A., manuscripts in possession of, i, 149, 168, 187.
Rue de Crébillon, Jean Audubon's home in, i, 57.
Rush, Dr. Benjamin, i, 288.
Russell, W. Gurdon, ii, 204.
Saget (mayor of Nantes), i, 77.
St. Albans, i, 403.
St. Augustine, Audubon's description of, ii, 12; hunting birds at, ii, 12.
St. Francisville (Louisiana), engagement of Audubon at, i, 313; origin
of name, i, 314; character of country and abundance of birds, i,
314; Audubon as tutor at, i, 315-318; Mrs. Audubon's school, i,
322; former wealth of country, i, 323, 345.
Sainte Geneviève (Missouri), Audubon's journey to, i, 237-241;
dissolution of partnership with Rozier at, i, 241; Audubon's
subsequent visits, i, 242; Ferdinand Rozier's career at, i, 244-247.
St. John, Mrs. Horace Roscoe Stebbing, i, 17.
St. Johns, ii, 244.
Saint Louis (Santo Domingo), i, 39, 41.
Sammis, Capt. S., i, 131, 156, 158, 159, 164, 187.
Sandpiper, Spotted (Actitis macularia), Audubon's early drawing of, i,
249.
Sanson, Dr., as Jean Audubon's physician, i, 53; his bill of services,
resources and favorite remedies, i, 53; his inoculations for
smallpox, i, 55; his treatment of Audubon's mother, i, 56; for
complete text of bill, with translation, see ii, 314-327.
Santo Domingo, pre-revolutionary lure of, i, 36; Jean Audubon's career
in, i, 36-38; effect of the Declaration of Rights on, i, 37; slave
trade at, i, 39-41; cost of slaves at, i, 40; prosperity and praise of,
i, 42; population of whites and blacks in 1790, i, 42; plight of
mulattoes and history of slavery in, i, 43; Baron de Wimpffen's
Page 555
experience with society and plantation life, i, 44-48; unjust
taxation, i, 44, 46; debasement of morals, i, 45; bossals, Creoles
and mulattoes, i, 44-47; outbreak and progress of the Revolution,
i, 49-51; the Revolution in relation to the history of Jean and Jean
Jacques Fougère Audubon, i, 50; Les Cayes first touched by
Revolution of, i, 50; first blood drawn in the North, i, 50; Ogé's
futile rebellion, i, 50; later events in rising of blacks and
mulattoes against whites, i, 50; physicians and their remedies in,
i, 54.
Sautron, i, 139.
Savenay, i, 78.
Say, Thomas, i, 294, 330, 333-334.
Sayornis saya, i, 330.
Sayre, Robert H., ii, 7.
Scott, Sir Walter, on Audubon's exhibition, i, 359; Audubon on, i, 365;
on Audubon, i, 366-368; 370.
Scott, Winfield, ii, 242.
Searles, Edward F., ii, 203.
Seaside Finch (Passerherbulus maritimus), original drawing of, i, 425.
Sedgwick, Adam, i, 399.
Selby, Prideaux John, Audubon's visit to, i, 374; Illustrations of British
Ornithology by, i, 375; to Audubon, i, 375; ii, 102.
Serinettes, i, 163.
Shannonville (Pennsylvania), i, 102.
Sharp, William, i, 209.
Shattuck, Dr. George C., ii, 29, 35, 43, 150, 151, 228.
Shattuck, Dr. George Cheyne, as Audubon's assistant, ii, 43; as
philanthropist, ii, 43; 228.
Shippingport (Kentucky), Audubon as peripatetic portrait painter at, i,
303; 326, 345.
Slack, Elijah, on Audubon's term of service at the Western Museum, i,
304; as president of Cincinnati College, i, 305.
Slaves (in Santo Domingo), numbers delivered at Les Cayes, i, 31; as a
basis of wealth, i, 39; trade in, i, 39-41; numbers and mortality of,
i, 42; management of, i, 43-47; diseases of, i, 46; cost and taxes
of, i, 46; revolt of, i, 49-51.
Smallpox, i, 55.
taxation, i, 44, 46; debasement of morals, i, 45; bossals, Creoles
and mulattoes, i, 44-47; outbreak and progress of the Revolution,
i, 49-51; the Revolution in relation to the history of Jean and Jean
Jacques Fougère Audubon, i, 50; Les Cayes first touched by
Revolution of, i, 50; first blood drawn in the North, i, 50; Ogé's
futile rebellion, i, 50; later events in rising of blacks and
mulattoes against whites, i, 50; physicians and their remedies in,
i, 54.
Sautron, i, 139.
Savenay, i, 78.
Say, Thomas, i, 294, 330, 333-334.
Sayornis saya, i, 330.
Sayre, Robert H., ii, 7.
Scott, Sir Walter, on Audubon's exhibition, i, 359; Audubon on, i, 365;
on Audubon, i, 366-368; 370.
Scott, Winfield, ii, 242.
Searles, Edward F., ii, 203.
Seaside Finch (Passerherbulus maritimus), original drawing of, i, 425.
Sedgwick, Adam, i, 399.
Selby, Prideaux John, Audubon's visit to, i, 374; Illustrations of British
Ornithology by, i, 375; to Audubon, i, 375; ii, 102.
Serinettes, i, 163.
Shannonville (Pennsylvania), i, 102.
Sharp, William, i, 209.
Shattuck, Dr. George C., ii, 29, 35, 43, 150, 151, 228.
Shattuck, Dr. George Cheyne, as Audubon's assistant, ii, 43; as
philanthropist, ii, 43; 228.
Shippingport (Kentucky), Audubon as peripatetic portrait painter at, i,
303; 326, 345.
Slack, Elijah, on Audubon's term of service at the Western Museum, i,
304; as president of Cincinnati College, i, 305.
Slaves (in Santo Domingo), numbers delivered at Les Cayes, i, 31; as a
basis of wealth, i, 39; trade in, i, 39-41; numbers and mortality of,
i, 42; management of, i, 43-47; diseases of, i, 46; cost and taxes
of, i, 46; revolt of, i, 49-51.
Smallpox, i, 55.
Page 556
Smith, Rebecca (Bakewell), i, 201.
Smith, Rev. Sidney, i, 369, 372.
Smythe, Henry A., ii, 310.
Sparrow, Baird's (Emberiza bairdii, Audubon, 1844; now
Ammodramus bairdi), ii, 259.
Sparrow, Harris's (Zonotrichia querula), ii, 253.
Sparrow, Swamp (Melospiza georgiana), Audubon's early drawing of,
i, 249.
Sparrow, Vesper (Poœcetes gramineus), "Bay-winged Bunting,"
original drawing of, i, 425.
Spencer, John C., ii, 242.
Sprague, Isaac, ii, 252.
Stanilaus, Francis Alexander (Baron de Wimpffen), i, 44; his
experiences and observations as planter in Santo Domingo, i, 44-
48.
Stanley, Edward George Geoffrey Smith (fourteenth Earl of Derby), i,
354, 380, 437.
"Stanley Hawk" (Falco stanleyi, now Accipiter cooperi), Cooper's
Hawk. See Falco.
Starling, Edmund L., i, 236, 250, 252, 256-257.
Sterling, Mrs. Frederick A., i, 342.
Stoddard, Rev. Charles Augustus, tribute to Mrs. John James Audubon,
ii, 303.
Stone, Charles F., ii, 311.
Stone, Witmer, ii, 214.
Stuart, Gilbert, i, 336.
Sturnella neglecta, Western Meadow Lark, ii, 254.
Sully, Thomas, i, 2, 328; Audubon as pupil of, i, 334; to Audubon, i,
334; Audubon to, i, 339; ii, 68-71.
Sully, Mrs. Thomas, Audubon to, i, 389.
Swainson, William, on Rafinesque, i, 289, 377, 395; correspondence
of, i, 400; Audubon to, i, 400-401, 405-407, 409-410; ii, 95-97,
99, 101-103, 112, 176-177, 353; to Audubon, i, 402, 413-414,
422-423, 430-431; ii, 97-101, 103-108; characteristics, i, 402; on
Audubon, i, 403; Audubon at home of, i, 404; with Audubon in
Paris, i, 408-412, 415; ii, 84; in controversy over the
Ornithological Biography, ii, 88, 93-109; as leader in the
Smith, Rev. Sidney, i, 369, 372.
Smythe, Henry A., ii, 310.
Sparrow, Baird's (Emberiza bairdii, Audubon, 1844; now
Ammodramus bairdi), ii, 259.
Sparrow, Harris's (Zonotrichia querula), ii, 253.
Sparrow, Swamp (Melospiza georgiana), Audubon's early drawing of,
i, 249.
Sparrow, Vesper (Poœcetes gramineus), "Bay-winged Bunting,"
original drawing of, i, 425.
Spencer, John C., ii, 242.
Sprague, Isaac, ii, 252.
Stanilaus, Francis Alexander (Baron de Wimpffen), i, 44; his
experiences and observations as planter in Santo Domingo, i, 44-
48.
Stanley, Edward George Geoffrey Smith (fourteenth Earl of Derby), i,
354, 380, 437.
"Stanley Hawk" (Falco stanleyi, now Accipiter cooperi), Cooper's
Hawk. See Falco.
Starling, Edmund L., i, 236, 250, 252, 256-257.
Sterling, Mrs. Frederick A., i, 342.
Stoddard, Rev. Charles Augustus, tribute to Mrs. John James Audubon,
ii, 303.
Stone, Charles F., ii, 311.
Stone, Witmer, ii, 214.
Stuart, Gilbert, i, 336.
Sturnella neglecta, Western Meadow Lark, ii, 254.
Sully, Thomas, i, 2, 328; Audubon as pupil of, i, 334; to Audubon, i,
334; Audubon to, i, 339; ii, 68-71.
Sully, Mrs. Thomas, Audubon to, i, 389.
Swainson, William, on Rafinesque, i, 289, 377, 395; correspondence
of, i, 400; Audubon to, i, 400-401, 405-407, 409-410; ii, 95-97,
99, 101-103, 112, 176-177, 353; to Audubon, i, 402, 413-414,
422-423, 430-431; ii, 97-101, 103-108; characteristics, i, 402; on
Audubon, i, 403; Audubon at home of, i, 404; with Audubon in
Paris, i, 408-412, 415; ii, 84; in controversy over the
Ornithological Biography, ii, 88, 93-109; as leader in the
Page 557
Quinarian movement, ii, 93-95, 114, 116-117; Audubon's
proposal for assistance of, ii, 102; his response and answer to a
later letter, ii, 103-108; their subsequent relations, ii, 111-114; as
biographer, ii, 113-116; Literary Gazette on, ii, 113; as the
"British Cuvier," ii, 114; his career and adversities, ii, 117; his
emigration and death, ii, 118, 173.
Sylvia (Helinaria) swainsonii, ii, 113.
Syme, John, i, 361.
Synopsis of Birds of North America, publication of, ii, 186; number of
species recognized in, 186.
Tawapatee Bottom, i, 240.
Taylor, Richard C., ii, 77.
Thayer, John E., i, 307, 363; ii, 227, 229.
Tête-Carée. See Dupré.
Texas, Audubon's visit to Republic of, ii, 163-165.
Thackeray, George, ii, 146.
The Foresters, i, 216.
Thomas, William, i, 101, 113, 115, 116, 117, 118, 150, 151.
Thrush, Hermit (Hylocichla ustulata), i, 308.
Thrush, Wood (Hylocichla mustelina), Audubon's early drawing of, i,
180.
Title pages, in facsimile, The Birds of America, original folio, i, 381;
prospectus of The Birds of America, i, 391; of covers of parts, of
octavo (second) edition of the Birds, ii, 213; of English edition
(Vol. I) of The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America, i, 275.
Titmouse, Mountain, Audubon's early drawing of, i, 181.
Torrey, John, i, 171.
Townsend, Dr. John Kirk, ii, 147, 149, 153-154, 156, 170-173, 179.
Traill, Dr. Thomas S., i, 353.
Transportation by steam, in the Atlantic, i, 2; on the Ohio River, i, 236.
Transylvania Company, i, 252.
Transylvania University, i, 294-296, 306.
Treat, Mary, ii, 81.
Trinity Cemetery, i, 13.
Trudeau, James, ii, 184, 185, 186.
Turkey, Wild (Meleagris gallopavo), i, 311, 355, 358, 363; ii, 198.
"Twizel House," i, 374.
proposal for assistance of, ii, 102; his response and answer to a
later letter, ii, 103-108; their subsequent relations, ii, 111-114; as
biographer, ii, 113-116; Literary Gazette on, ii, 113; as the
"British Cuvier," ii, 114; his career and adversities, ii, 117; his
emigration and death, ii, 118, 173.
Sylvia (Helinaria) swainsonii, ii, 113.
Syme, John, i, 361.
Synopsis of Birds of North America, publication of, ii, 186; number of
species recognized in, 186.
Tawapatee Bottom, i, 240.
Taylor, Richard C., ii, 77.
Thayer, John E., i, 307, 363; ii, 227, 229.
Tête-Carée. See Dupré.
Texas, Audubon's visit to Republic of, ii, 163-165.
Thackeray, George, ii, 146.
The Foresters, i, 216.
Thomas, William, i, 101, 113, 115, 116, 117, 118, 150, 151.
Thrush, Hermit (Hylocichla ustulata), i, 308.
Thrush, Wood (Hylocichla mustelina), Audubon's early drawing of, i,
180.
Title pages, in facsimile, The Birds of America, original folio, i, 381;
prospectus of The Birds of America, i, 391; of covers of parts, of
octavo (second) edition of the Birds, ii, 213; of English edition
(Vol. I) of The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America, i, 275.
Titmouse, Mountain, Audubon's early drawing of, i, 181.
Torrey, John, i, 171.
Townsend, Dr. John Kirk, ii, 147, 149, 153-154, 156, 170-173, 179.
Traill, Dr. Thomas S., i, 353.
Transportation by steam, in the Atlantic, i, 2; on the Ohio River, i, 236.
Transylvania Company, i, 252.
Transylvania University, i, 294-296, 306.
Treat, Mary, ii, 81.
Trinity Cemetery, i, 13.
Trudeau, James, ii, 184, 185, 186.
Turkey, Wild (Meleagris gallopavo), i, 311, 355, 358, 363; ii, 198.
"Twizel House," i, 374.
Page 558
Tyler, John, Audubon's credentials from, ii, 242.
Tyttenhanger (or Tittenhanger), Green, i, 403.
Valentine, Edward Virginius, i, 14.
Valley Forge (Pennsylvania), i, 102.
Van Buren, Martin, ii, 153, 166.
Vanderlyn, John, i, 312, 338.
Vaux, James, i, 108.
Vendée, La, i, 24-27.
Vendeans, characteristics and revolt of, i, 26; Nantes besieged by, i, 74;
defeat and fate of, i, 75; execution of leader of, i, 76-77, 80.
Vigors, Nathaniel Augustus, i, 377; to Audubon, i, 407-408, 415; ii,
101, 107.
Vireo belli (V. bellii, of Audubon, 1844), Bell's Vireo, ii, 253.
Vireo, Warbling (Vireosylva gilva), Audubon's original drawing of, i,
425.
Vireo, Yellow-throated (Lanivireo flavifrons), Audubon's original
drawing of, i, 316.
Vulture, Turkey (Cathartes aura), and Black, or "Carrion Crow"
(Catharista urubu), controversy over the sense of smell in, ii, 81-
84; experiments of Audubon and Bachman on, ii, 55-56, 61, 81-
82; memorial of the faculty of the South Carolina Medical
College on, ii, 83; present condition of the question, ii, 83.
Wade, Joseph M., i, 213, 254.
Wagtail, White (Motacilla alba), Audubon's early drawing of, i, 181.
Wainwright, Rev. Dr., Edward Everett to, i, 436.
Waller, Sir J. Walter, to Audubon, i, 392, 406.
Walton, Isaac, i, 206.
Warbler (Sylvia trochilus delicata, sylvia delicata), Audubon's
unpublished drawing of, i, 228.
Warbler, Bay-breasted (Dendroica castanea), "Autumnal Warbler,"
Audubon's original drawing of, i, 426.
Warbler, Blackburnian (Dendroica fusca), "Hemlock Warbler,"
Audubon's original drawing of, i, 180, 426.
Warbler, Black-poll (Dendroica striata), Audubon's original drawing
of, i, 425; ii, 50.
Tyttenhanger (or Tittenhanger), Green, i, 403.
Valentine, Edward Virginius, i, 14.
Valley Forge (Pennsylvania), i, 102.
Van Buren, Martin, ii, 153, 166.
Vanderlyn, John, i, 312, 338.
Vaux, James, i, 108.
Vendée, La, i, 24-27.
Vendeans, characteristics and revolt of, i, 26; Nantes besieged by, i, 74;
defeat and fate of, i, 75; execution of leader of, i, 76-77, 80.
Vigors, Nathaniel Augustus, i, 377; to Audubon, i, 407-408, 415; ii,
101, 107.
Vireo belli (V. bellii, of Audubon, 1844), Bell's Vireo, ii, 253.
Vireo, Warbling (Vireosylva gilva), Audubon's original drawing of, i,
425.
Vireo, Yellow-throated (Lanivireo flavifrons), Audubon's original
drawing of, i, 316.
Vulture, Turkey (Cathartes aura), and Black, or "Carrion Crow"
(Catharista urubu), controversy over the sense of smell in, ii, 81-
84; experiments of Audubon and Bachman on, ii, 55-56, 61, 81-
82; memorial of the faculty of the South Carolina Medical
College on, ii, 83; present condition of the question, ii, 83.
Wade, Joseph M., i, 213, 254.
Wagtail, White (Motacilla alba), Audubon's early drawing of, i, 181.
Wainwright, Rev. Dr., Edward Everett to, i, 436.
Waller, Sir J. Walter, to Audubon, i, 392, 406.
Walton, Isaac, i, 206.
Warbler (Sylvia trochilus delicata, sylvia delicata), Audubon's
unpublished drawing of, i, 228.
Warbler, Bay-breasted (Dendroica castanea), "Autumnal Warbler,"
Audubon's original drawing of, i, 426.
Warbler, Blackburnian (Dendroica fusca), "Hemlock Warbler,"
Audubon's original drawing of, i, 180, 426.
Warbler, Black-poll (Dendroica striata), Audubon's original drawing
of, i, 425; ii, 50.
Page 559
Warbler, Black-throated Blue (Dendroica cærulescens), "Pine Swamp
Warbler," Audubon's original drawing of, i, 425.
Warbler, Canada (Wilsonia canadensis), "Canada Flycatcher,"
Audubon's original drawing of, i, 425.
Warbler, Carbonated (Dendroica carbonata), Audubon's original
drawing of, i, 180.
Warbler, Chestnut-sided (Dendroica pennsylvanica), Audubon's
original drawing of, i, 180.
Warbler, "Children's," Yellow Warbler (Dendroica æstiva), i, 354.
Warbler, Connecticut (Oporornis agilis), Audubon's original drawing
of, i, 426.
Warbler, Magnolia (Dendroica magnolia), "Black and Yellow
Warbler," Audubon's original drawing of, i, 425.
Warbler, Pine-creeping (Dendroica vigorsi), Audubon's original
drawing of, i, 316.
Warbler, Prairie (Dendroica discolor), Audubon's original drawing of,
i, 316.
Warbler, "Rathbone," i, 180, 354.
Warbler, Tennessee (Vermivora peregrina), Audubon's original
drawing of, i, 316.
Warbler, Yellow-rumped, Myrtle Warbler (Dendroica coronata),
Audubon's original drawing of, i, 180.
Ward, Henry, ii, 2, 4, 9, 12, 25, 32, 59.
Washington, General George, at Valley Forge, i, 102; Folk's portrait of,
i, 106; at "Fatland Ford," i, 108.
Water-lily, yellow (Nymphæa lutea), ii, 80.
Waterton, Charles, i, 12, 224-232, 415; ii, 55, 61, 73; on Audubon's
drawing of the rattlesnake, ii, 79; on the vulture's olfactory sense,
ii, 82; to George Ord, ii, 83; his Wanderings, polemics and life at
Walton Hall, ii, 86-92; on Alexander Wilson's diary, ii, 87; on the
Ornithological Biography, ii, 87; on the young Cuckoo and
Hummingbird's nest, ii, 90-91; 142.
Watty and Meg, i, 208.
Webster, Daniel, as Audubon's patron, ii, 151; his letter of
recommendation and promise of ducks, ii, 152; Audubon's
credentials from, ii, 242.
Wellington, ii, 189, 191.
Warbler," Audubon's original drawing of, i, 425.
Warbler, Canada (Wilsonia canadensis), "Canada Flycatcher,"
Audubon's original drawing of, i, 425.
Warbler, Carbonated (Dendroica carbonata), Audubon's original
drawing of, i, 180.
Warbler, Chestnut-sided (Dendroica pennsylvanica), Audubon's
original drawing of, i, 180.
Warbler, "Children's," Yellow Warbler (Dendroica æstiva), i, 354.
Warbler, Connecticut (Oporornis agilis), Audubon's original drawing
of, i, 426.
Warbler, Magnolia (Dendroica magnolia), "Black and Yellow
Warbler," Audubon's original drawing of, i, 425.
Warbler, Pine-creeping (Dendroica vigorsi), Audubon's original
drawing of, i, 316.
Warbler, Prairie (Dendroica discolor), Audubon's original drawing of,
i, 316.
Warbler, "Rathbone," i, 180, 354.
Warbler, Tennessee (Vermivora peregrina), Audubon's original
drawing of, i, 316.
Warbler, Yellow-rumped, Myrtle Warbler (Dendroica coronata),
Audubon's original drawing of, i, 180.
Ward, Henry, ii, 2, 4, 9, 12, 25, 32, 59.
Washington, General George, at Valley Forge, i, 102; Folk's portrait of,
i, 106; at "Fatland Ford," i, 108.
Water-lily, yellow (Nymphæa lutea), ii, 80.
Waterton, Charles, i, 12, 224-232, 415; ii, 55, 61, 73; on Audubon's
drawing of the rattlesnake, ii, 79; on the vulture's olfactory sense,
ii, 82; to George Ord, ii, 83; his Wanderings, polemics and life at
Walton Hall, ii, 86-92; on Alexander Wilson's diary, ii, 87; on the
Ornithological Biography, ii, 87; on the young Cuckoo and
Hummingbird's nest, ii, 90-91; 142.
Watty and Meg, i, 208.
Webster, Daniel, as Audubon's patron, ii, 151; his letter of
recommendation and promise of ducks, ii, 152; Audubon's
credentials from, ii, 242.
Wellington, ii, 189, 191.
Page 560
Wernerian Society, i, 183; ii, 72.
Westermann, General, to Citizen Audubon, i, 80.
Western Journal, ii, 298.
Western Museum, Audubon as its taxidermist, and story of its
foundation, i, 303-306.
Wetherill, Samuel, Junior, i, 102, 169; ii, 14.
Wetherill, Samuel Price, i, 102.
Wetherill, Dr. William, i, 201.
Wetherill, W. H., i, 99, 102, 149.
Wheelock, John, i, 218.
Whewell, William, i, 399.
Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus), Audubon's early drawings of,
i, 180, 249.
Whitehall (New York), ii, 244.
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), Audubon's early
drawing of, i, 249.
Wilkie, David, i, 377.
Williams, George Alfred, on the ancestry and achievements of Robert
Havell, Junior, i, 382; ii, 193-195.
Wilson, Alexander, i, 107; his life and accomplishments, i, 202-220;
his journey of 1810, i, 202; his rebuke to a judge, i, 203;
description of Pittsburgh, i, 204; descends the Ohio, i, 205;
impressions of Cincinnati and Louisville, i, 205; success in New
Orleans, i, 207; his meeting with Audubon, i, 207; early life and
struggles, i, 208; success as a dialect poet, i, 208; champions the
oppressed weavers, is fined and sent to jail, i, 208; emigrates to
America, i, 209; unfortunate love affairs, i, 209, 212, 215, 216; to
Charles Orr, i, 210-212; George Ord on, i, 211; friendship with
Bartram and Lawson, i, 212; his poverty and thrift, i, 214-216; his
talents and genius, i, 214; The Foresters, i, 216; his American
Ornithology begun, i, 216; his prospectus and first volume, i, 217;
canvasses New England, i, 218; journey South and extension of
his work, i, 218; second New England tour, and his arrest as a spy,
i, 219; completion of his seventh volume and his premature death,
i, 219; his character, i, 219; Audubon's account of their meeting in
Louisville, i, 220-223; Ord's revival of the incident, i, 223; his
diary in light of later events, i, 224-232; his evasive flycatcher, i,
Westermann, General, to Citizen Audubon, i, 80.
Western Journal, ii, 298.
Western Museum, Audubon as its taxidermist, and story of its
foundation, i, 303-306.
Wetherill, Samuel, Junior, i, 102, 169; ii, 14.
Wetherill, Samuel Price, i, 102.
Wetherill, Dr. William, i, 201.
Wetherill, W. H., i, 99, 102, 149.
Wheelock, John, i, 218.
Whewell, William, i, 399.
Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus), Audubon's early drawings of,
i, 180, 249.
Whitehall (New York), ii, 244.
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), Audubon's early
drawing of, i, 249.
Wilkie, David, i, 377.
Williams, George Alfred, on the ancestry and achievements of Robert
Havell, Junior, i, 382; ii, 193-195.
Wilson, Alexander, i, 107; his life and accomplishments, i, 202-220;
his journey of 1810, i, 202; his rebuke to a judge, i, 203;
description of Pittsburgh, i, 204; descends the Ohio, i, 205;
impressions of Cincinnati and Louisville, i, 205; success in New
Orleans, i, 207; his meeting with Audubon, i, 207; early life and
struggles, i, 208; success as a dialect poet, i, 208; champions the
oppressed weavers, is fined and sent to jail, i, 208; emigrates to
America, i, 209; unfortunate love affairs, i, 209, 212, 215, 216; to
Charles Orr, i, 210-212; George Ord on, i, 211; friendship with
Bartram and Lawson, i, 212; his poverty and thrift, i, 214-216; his
talents and genius, i, 214; The Foresters, i, 216; his American
Ornithology begun, i, 216; his prospectus and first volume, i, 217;
canvasses New England, i, 218; journey South and extension of
his work, i, 218; second New England tour, and his arrest as a spy,
i, 219; completion of his seventh volume and his premature death,
i, 219; his character, i, 219; Audubon's account of their meeting in
Louisville, i, 220-223; Ord's revival of the incident, i, 223; his
diary in light of later events, i, 224-232; his evasive flycatcher, i,
Page 561
226; the "twin" Mississippi Kites, i, 227-230; as a later "rival" of
Audubon, i, 231-232, 234-235, 311, 422; mistaken obituary of, ii,
2; Audubon on, ii, 143; number of species of American birds
recognized, ii, 214; and Bachman, ii, 284.
Wilson, James, i, 438.
Wilson, John, i, 362, 385, 447; ii, 84; Audubon to, ii, 139.
Winterfield, Charles, ii, 121, 256-258; on Audubon at the ruins of a
fire, ii, 267.
Wollaston, Dr. William Hyde, i, 377.
Wood, Rev. J. G., on Waterton, ii, 89.
Woodbury, Levi, ii, 5; to Louis McLane, ii, 23.
Woodpecker, Green, Audubon's early drawing of, i, 178, 181.
Woodpecker, Red-cockaded (Dryobates borealis), Audubon's early
drawing of, i, 316.
Wren, "Cuvier's." See "Regulus."
Wren, Bewick's (Thryomanes bewicki), Audubon's original drawing of,
i, 180.
Wren, Marsh (Telmatodytes palustris), original drawing of, i, 425.
Wren, Parkman's (Troglodytes aëdon parkmani), original specimen, ii,
227.
Yarrell, William, ii, 58; to Audubon, ii, 223-225, 246-247.
Yellow-throat, "Roscoe's," Maryland Yellow-throat (Geothlypis
trichas), i, 354.
Yorktown (Virginia), Jean Audubon's command at, i, 24.
Zoölogical Gallery, i, 12, 382, 394.
Zoölogical Society (London), i, 398, 444.
Audubon, i, 231-232, 234-235, 311, 422; mistaken obituary of, ii,
2; Audubon on, ii, 143; number of species of American birds
recognized, ii, 214; and Bachman, ii, 284.
Wilson, James, i, 438.
Wilson, John, i, 362, 385, 447; ii, 84; Audubon to, ii, 139.
Winterfield, Charles, ii, 121, 256-258; on Audubon at the ruins of a
fire, ii, 267.
Wollaston, Dr. William Hyde, i, 377.
Wood, Rev. J. G., on Waterton, ii, 89.
Woodbury, Levi, ii, 5; to Louis McLane, ii, 23.
Woodpecker, Green, Audubon's early drawing of, i, 178, 181.
Woodpecker, Red-cockaded (Dryobates borealis), Audubon's early
drawing of, i, 316.
Wren, "Cuvier's." See "Regulus."
Wren, Bewick's (Thryomanes bewicki), Audubon's original drawing of,
i, 180.
Wren, Marsh (Telmatodytes palustris), original drawing of, i, 425.
Wren, Parkman's (Troglodytes aëdon parkmani), original specimen, ii,
227.
Yarrell, William, ii, 58; to Audubon, ii, 223-225, 246-247.
Yellow-throat, "Roscoe's," Maryland Yellow-throat (Geothlypis
trichas), i, 354.
Yorktown (Virginia), Jean Audubon's command at, i, 24.
Zoölogical Gallery, i, 12, 382, 394.
Zoölogical Society (London), i, 398, 444.
Page 562
FOOTNOTES
[1] Quoted by Captain Thomas Brown (Bibl. No. 163) in the Edinburgh
Caledonian Mercury, November 3, 1831.
[2] Extract of letter of Colonel Abert. See G. W. Featherstonhaugh (Bibl.
No. 164), Monthly American Journal of Geology and Natural Science, vol. i, p.
229 (1831).
John James Abert (1788-1863), long associated with the Bureau of
Topographical Engineers of the United States Army, became brevet lieutenant-
colonel in charge of that office in 1837; according to Ruthven Deane (see
Bibliography, No. 216), he was an organizer of the National Institute of Science,
afterwards merged with the Smithsonian Institution at Washington; an ardent
friend of Audubon, he assisted him in many ways, and, as Dr. Richard Harlan
affirmed, paid dearly for his support by being rejected for membership in the
American Philosophical Society at Philadelphia. Harlan wrote to Audubon on
January 27, 1832, that out of twenty-five members present on the occasion
referred to, five, led by Mr. George Ord, Mr. Isaac Lea, and Dr. Hays, had voted
against him: in his opinion no possible grounds could be found for opposing so
desirable a member excepting his friendship for Audubon and his support of the
snake "Episode" (see Chapter XXVIII). In 1832 Abert's paper on the "Habits of
Climbing of the Rattlesnake," which was written in the previous year, had
appeared in a Philadelphia journal (see Bibliography, No. 107). To this friend
Abert's Squirrel, Sciurus aberti, was later dedicated; see Audubon, The
Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America (Bibl. No. 6), plate 153.
[3] C. L. Bachman, John Bachman, D.D., LL.D., Ph.D. (Bibl. No. 191), to
which work I am indebted for numerous extracts from Bachman's letters to
Audubon and for various incidents relating to the different members of both
families.
[4] This "Great Volume," bound in fine Russia leather, was still in
possession of the Bachman family in 1888, and is said to represent one of the
earliest impressions of the plates, which Audubon had selected and used for
exhibition purposes. See C. L. Bachman, op. cit., p. 101.
[1] Quoted by Captain Thomas Brown (Bibl. No. 163) in the Edinburgh
Caledonian Mercury, November 3, 1831.
[2] Extract of letter of Colonel Abert. See G. W. Featherstonhaugh (Bibl.
No. 164), Monthly American Journal of Geology and Natural Science, vol. i, p.
229 (1831).
John James Abert (1788-1863), long associated with the Bureau of
Topographical Engineers of the United States Army, became brevet lieutenant-
colonel in charge of that office in 1837; according to Ruthven Deane (see
Bibliography, No. 216), he was an organizer of the National Institute of Science,
afterwards merged with the Smithsonian Institution at Washington; an ardent
friend of Audubon, he assisted him in many ways, and, as Dr. Richard Harlan
affirmed, paid dearly for his support by being rejected for membership in the
American Philosophical Society at Philadelphia. Harlan wrote to Audubon on
January 27, 1832, that out of twenty-five members present on the occasion
referred to, five, led by Mr. George Ord, Mr. Isaac Lea, and Dr. Hays, had voted
against him: in his opinion no possible grounds could be found for opposing so
desirable a member excepting his friendship for Audubon and his support of the
snake "Episode" (see Chapter XXVIII). In 1832 Abert's paper on the "Habits of
Climbing of the Rattlesnake," which was written in the previous year, had
appeared in a Philadelphia journal (see Bibliography, No. 107). To this friend
Abert's Squirrel, Sciurus aberti, was later dedicated; see Audubon, The
Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America (Bibl. No. 6), plate 153.
[3] C. L. Bachman, John Bachman, D.D., LL.D., Ph.D. (Bibl. No. 191), to
which work I am indebted for numerous extracts from Bachman's letters to
Audubon and for various incidents relating to the different members of both
families.
[4] This "Great Volume," bound in fine Russia leather, was still in
possession of the Bachman family in 1888, and is said to represent one of the
earliest impressions of the plates, which Audubon had selected and used for
exhibition purposes. See C. L. Bachman, op. cit., p. 101.
Page 563
[5] This unique copy of The Birds of America bears the inscription:
To my worthy Friend
D d. Eckley, Esq., of [Boston]
this volume is given with
his sincere and good wishes.
John J. Audubon.
The plates thus dedicated were unbound, and apparently in their original
covers, which consisted of plain brown sheets. They passed through the hands of
Messrs. Burrows Brothers' Company, Cleveland, to Mr. Robert H. Sayre of
South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and were originally received by the American
dealers from the Messrs. Sotheran & Company of London. Possibly this was the
set mentioned by Coues, who says "Trübner ... quotes the work with plain plates.
I have never seen one in that condition" (Birds of the Colorado Valley, p. 612;
Bibl. No. 181). After Mr. Sayre's death, his library was dispersed by public
auction at Philadelphia, when this complete set of Audubon plates, though in an
uncolored state, brought $3,200; see Public Ledger, November 9, 1907, and
"Bohemian" (Bibl. No. 207a), Black Diamond Express, vol. iv, p. 3.
[6] Letter (No. 1) from Audubon to the editor of the Monthly American
Journal of Geology and Natural Science (Bibl. No. 34), published in vol. i, p.
358 (1832); dated "St. Augustine, East Florida, Dec. 7, 1831." These letters,
which were hurriedly written in the field, appeared in a short-lived and forgotten
publication; they are here given in part on account of the general interest of the
narrative.
[7] See Audubon's New Year's resolution against snuff, Vol. I., p. 396.
[8] See Vol. I, p. 400.
[9] Thomas Butler King, of St. Simon's Island, Georgia.
[10] Then belonging to the four sons of Samuel Wetherill, who succeeded to
the white lead and drugs industry after his death in 1829.
[11] For the favor of reproducing this and another letter by Dr. Harlan given
in Chapter XXVII, as well as the sonnet referred to, which will be found facing
page 1 of this volume, I am indebted to Mr. Ruthven Deane.
[12] The following account is quoted from Audubon's second letter to G. W.
Featherstonhaugh (Bibl. No. 35), dated "Bulowville, East Florida, December 31,
1831;" published, loc. cit., vol. i, p. 407 (1832).
[13] See Vol. II, p. 129.
To my worthy Friend
D d. Eckley, Esq., of [Boston]
this volume is given with
his sincere and good wishes.
John J. Audubon.
The plates thus dedicated were unbound, and apparently in their original
covers, which consisted of plain brown sheets. They passed through the hands of
Messrs. Burrows Brothers' Company, Cleveland, to Mr. Robert H. Sayre of
South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and were originally received by the American
dealers from the Messrs. Sotheran & Company of London. Possibly this was the
set mentioned by Coues, who says "Trübner ... quotes the work with plain plates.
I have never seen one in that condition" (Birds of the Colorado Valley, p. 612;
Bibl. No. 181). After Mr. Sayre's death, his library was dispersed by public
auction at Philadelphia, when this complete set of Audubon plates, though in an
uncolored state, brought $3,200; see Public Ledger, November 9, 1907, and
"Bohemian" (Bibl. No. 207a), Black Diamond Express, vol. iv, p. 3.
[6] Letter (No. 1) from Audubon to the editor of the Monthly American
Journal of Geology and Natural Science (Bibl. No. 34), published in vol. i, p.
358 (1832); dated "St. Augustine, East Florida, Dec. 7, 1831." These letters,
which were hurriedly written in the field, appeared in a short-lived and forgotten
publication; they are here given in part on account of the general interest of the
narrative.
[7] See Audubon's New Year's resolution against snuff, Vol. I., p. 396.
[8] See Vol. I, p. 400.
[9] Thomas Butler King, of St. Simon's Island, Georgia.
[10] Then belonging to the four sons of Samuel Wetherill, who succeeded to
the white lead and drugs industry after his death in 1829.
[11] For the favor of reproducing this and another letter by Dr. Harlan given
in Chapter XXVII, as well as the sonnet referred to, which will be found facing
page 1 of this volume, I am indebted to Mr. Ruthven Deane.
[12] The following account is quoted from Audubon's second letter to G. W.
Featherstonhaugh (Bibl. No. 35), dated "Bulowville, East Florida, December 31,
1831;" published, loc. cit., vol. i, p. 407 (1832).
[13] See Vol. II, p. 129.
Page 564
[14] See following Note; and "Spring Garden," Ornithological Biography
(Bibl. No. 2), vol. ii, p. 263.
[15] See Bibliography, No. 36; undated; published, loc. cit., vol. i, p. 529
(1832).
[16] See "St. John's River in Florida," Ornithological Biography, vol. ii, p.
291.
[17] See "The Florida Keys," Ornithological Biography, vol. i, pp. 312 and
345, and "The Turtlers," ibid., vol. ii, p. 370.
[18] See Vol. II, p. 7.
[19] See "A Merchant of Savannah," Ornithological Biography (Bibl. No.
2), vol. ii, p. 549.
[20] It was possibly during his visit to this city that an experiment was made
in bringing out some of his plates by lithography. Two copies of a large plate,
possibly the only one produced, lithographed without colors, were shown to me
by Mr. Goodspeed, of Boston, in the summer of 1910; these represented the
"Rallus crepitans—Marsh Hen," and bore the following legends: "By John J.
Audubon, F.R.S., &c., &c.," and "Drawn & Printed by Childs & Inman,
Philadelphia, 1832." Three birds are here figured in place of the two which
appear in the plate of this species which Havell later engraved, and in
composition the two publications are quite distinct.
[21] In a letter written to Audubon by his engraver, January 20, 1831, Havell
said: "Since writing my last, I have a new subscriber from America, the Honble.
T. H. Perkins, Boston Athenæum. I packed it in a tin case, and a wooden one; for
the whole I am paid thro. the banking house of the Baring Brothers, & Co.,
Bishopsgate St."
The copy of The Birds of America in possession of the Boston Society of
Natural History bears the following in autographic inscription on the fly-leaf of
the first volume:
Cost $1125—
T. H.
Pe
rk
in
s
1837.
(Bibl. No. 2), vol. ii, p. 263.
[15] See Bibliography, No. 36; undated; published, loc. cit., vol. i, p. 529
(1832).
[16] See "St. John's River in Florida," Ornithological Biography, vol. ii, p.
291.
[17] See "The Florida Keys," Ornithological Biography, vol. i, pp. 312 and
345, and "The Turtlers," ibid., vol. ii, p. 370.
[18] See Vol. II, p. 7.
[19] See "A Merchant of Savannah," Ornithological Biography (Bibl. No.
2), vol. ii, p. 549.
[20] It was possibly during his visit to this city that an experiment was made
in bringing out some of his plates by lithography. Two copies of a large plate,
possibly the only one produced, lithographed without colors, were shown to me
by Mr. Goodspeed, of Boston, in the summer of 1910; these represented the
"Rallus crepitans—Marsh Hen," and bore the following legends: "By John J.
Audubon, F.R.S., &c., &c.," and "Drawn & Printed by Childs & Inman,
Philadelphia, 1832." Three birds are here figured in place of the two which
appear in the plate of this species which Havell later engraved, and in
composition the two publications are quite distinct.
[21] In a letter written to Audubon by his engraver, January 20, 1831, Havell
said: "Since writing my last, I have a new subscriber from America, the Honble.
T. H. Perkins, Boston Athenæum. I packed it in a tin case, and a wooden one; for
the whole I am paid thro. the banking house of the Baring Brothers, & Co.,
Bishopsgate St."
The copy of The Birds of America in possession of the Boston Society of
Natural History bears the following in autographic inscription on the fly-leaf of
the first volume:
Cost $1125—
T. H.
Pe
rk
in
s
1837.
Page 565
[22] See Vol. II, p. 43.
[23] See "Journey in New Brunswick and Maine," Ornithological
Biography (Bibl. No. 2), vol. ii, p. 467.
[24] C. L. Bachman, John Bachman, D.D., LL.D., Ph.D. (Bibl. No. 191).
[25] For notice of Robert Havell, Senior, who died in 1832, see Vol. I, p.
382.
[26] Originally published by Ruthven Deane (Bibl. No. 48), The Auk, vol.
xxii, 1905.
[27] Alexander Gordon, who married Ann Bakewell, youngest sister of Mrs.
Audubon. For notice of Jos. B. Kidd, mentioned below, see Vol. I, p. 446.
[28] Originally published by George Bird Grinnell (Bibl. No. 54), The Auk,
vol. xxxiii, 1916.
[29] See Chapter XXIX, p. 118, and the letter which Audubon wrote to
Bonaparte at this time.
[30] Most readers will doubtless recall that Dr. George Parkman was the
victim of an almost unbelievable tragedy in 1849, when he met his death at the
hands of a colleague; the entire country was then aroused as it seldom had been
by an event in the annals of crime.
[31] In 1897 Mr. Joseph Coolidge, who was then living in San Francisco,
was the sole survivor of this expedition; see Maria R. Audubon, Audubon and
his Journals (Bibl. No. 86), vol. i, p. 347.
[32] Dr. George Cheyne Shattuck, like his father a philanthropist, and an
ardent patron of all good works, in 1855 planted a seed on the rocky soil of New
Hampshire which has since shown a marvelous vitality; to him primarily, and to
the revered schoolmasters, the Reverend Dr. Henry Augustus Coit and the
Reverend Dr. Joseph Rowland Coit, the world owes that great foundation, St.
Paul's School.
[33] Maria R. Audubon, op. cit., vol. i, p. 346.
[34] See "The Eggers of Labrador," Ornithological Biography (Bibl. No. 2),
vol. iii, p. 82.
[35] Lincoln's Finch, Fringella lincolnii, now Melospiza lincolni.
[36] See Charles W. Townsend (Bibl. No. 234), The Auk, vol. xxxiv, p. 133
(1917).
[23] See "Journey in New Brunswick and Maine," Ornithological
Biography (Bibl. No. 2), vol. ii, p. 467.
[24] C. L. Bachman, John Bachman, D.D., LL.D., Ph.D. (Bibl. No. 191).
[25] For notice of Robert Havell, Senior, who died in 1832, see Vol. I, p.
382.
[26] Originally published by Ruthven Deane (Bibl. No. 48), The Auk, vol.
xxii, 1905.
[27] Alexander Gordon, who married Ann Bakewell, youngest sister of Mrs.
Audubon. For notice of Jos. B. Kidd, mentioned below, see Vol. I, p. 446.
[28] Originally published by George Bird Grinnell (Bibl. No. 54), The Auk,
vol. xxxiii, 1916.
[29] See Chapter XXIX, p. 118, and the letter which Audubon wrote to
Bonaparte at this time.
[30] Most readers will doubtless recall that Dr. George Parkman was the
victim of an almost unbelievable tragedy in 1849, when he met his death at the
hands of a colleague; the entire country was then aroused as it seldom had been
by an event in the annals of crime.
[31] In 1897 Mr. Joseph Coolidge, who was then living in San Francisco,
was the sole survivor of this expedition; see Maria R. Audubon, Audubon and
his Journals (Bibl. No. 86), vol. i, p. 347.
[32] Dr. George Cheyne Shattuck, like his father a philanthropist, and an
ardent patron of all good works, in 1855 planted a seed on the rocky soil of New
Hampshire which has since shown a marvelous vitality; to him primarily, and to
the revered schoolmasters, the Reverend Dr. Henry Augustus Coit and the
Reverend Dr. Joseph Rowland Coit, the world owes that great foundation, St.
Paul's School.
[33] Maria R. Audubon, op. cit., vol. i, p. 346.
[34] See "The Eggers of Labrador," Ornithological Biography (Bibl. No. 2),
vol. iii, p. 82.
[35] Lincoln's Finch, Fringella lincolnii, now Melospiza lincolni.
[36] See Charles W. Townsend (Bibl. No. 234), The Auk, vol. xxxiv, p. 133
(1917).
Page 566
[37] Maria R. Audubon, op. cit., vol. i, p. 386.
[38] Ibid., p. 390.
[39] Ibid., p. 425.
[40] As a memento of the Labrador experience, Audubon presented Harris
with his pocket companion, The Genera of North American Birds and a Synopsis
of the Species, by Charles Lucien Bonaparte (New York, 1828), and inscribed it
as presented to his friend at "Eastport, Sept. 1, 1833." This volume, which saw
much hard usage on this voyage and is filled with Audubon's manuscript notes,
is now in possession of Mr. Joseph Y. Jeanes.
[41] For Tuesday, September 10, 1833.
[42] Lucy Audubon, ed., Life of John James Audubon, the Naturalist (Bibl.
No. 73), p. 377.
[43] Ibid., p. 379.
[44] See Chapter XXVIII, p. 78.
[45] See ibid., p. 81.
[46] Which I am able to reproduce through the kindness of Miss Maria R.
Audubon.
[47] The reference is to Victor G. Audubon's second article in defense of his
father, which appeared in Loudon's Magazine of Natural History (see
Bibliography, No. 118). Swainson's paper, under the same title (see
Bibliography, No. 117), was published in the same number.
[48] For an account of this discussion see Chapter XXVIII, where the
memorial drawn up and signed by the faculty of the Medical College of South
Carolina is reproduced.
[49] When in New York, awaiting the sailing of his vessel, in April, 1834,
Audubon referred to Bachman's paper on the Turkey Buzzard in writing to Miss
Maria Martin, as follows: "At Phila., Mr. Lee and Docr. Hays managed to have it
not read at Philosoph. Socy, but the Lyceum of New York, after reading it, have
sent it to Professor Silliman, in whose Journal it will appear. John Bachman may
consider himself a member of the Lyceum of New York, and 'mayhap,' a fellow
of the Linnean Society of London." Bachman's paper was actually published in
the Journal of the Boston Society of Natural History for 1834; see Bibliography,
No. 125.
[38] Ibid., p. 390.
[39] Ibid., p. 425.
[40] As a memento of the Labrador experience, Audubon presented Harris
with his pocket companion, The Genera of North American Birds and a Synopsis
of the Species, by Charles Lucien Bonaparte (New York, 1828), and inscribed it
as presented to his friend at "Eastport, Sept. 1, 1833." This volume, which saw
much hard usage on this voyage and is filled with Audubon's manuscript notes,
is now in possession of Mr. Joseph Y. Jeanes.
[41] For Tuesday, September 10, 1833.
[42] Lucy Audubon, ed., Life of John James Audubon, the Naturalist (Bibl.
No. 73), p. 377.
[43] Ibid., p. 379.
[44] See Chapter XXVIII, p. 78.
[45] See ibid., p. 81.
[46] Which I am able to reproduce through the kindness of Miss Maria R.
Audubon.
[47] The reference is to Victor G. Audubon's second article in defense of his
father, which appeared in Loudon's Magazine of Natural History (see
Bibliography, No. 118). Swainson's paper, under the same title (see
Bibliography, No. 117), was published in the same number.
[48] For an account of this discussion see Chapter XXVIII, where the
memorial drawn up and signed by the faculty of the Medical College of South
Carolina is reproduced.
[49] When in New York, awaiting the sailing of his vessel, in April, 1834,
Audubon referred to Bachman's paper on the Turkey Buzzard in writing to Miss
Maria Martin, as follows: "At Phila., Mr. Lee and Docr. Hays managed to have it
not read at Philosoph. Socy, but the Lyceum of New York, after reading it, have
sent it to Professor Silliman, in whose Journal it will appear. John Bachman may
consider himself a member of the Lyceum of New York, and 'mayhap,' a fellow
of the Linnean Society of London." Bachman's paper was actually published in
the Journal of the Boston Society of Natural History for 1834; see Bibliography,
No. 125.
Page 567
[50] This paper, entitled "Remarks in Defense of [Mr. Audubon] the author
of the Birds of America," was published in volume vii of Loudon's Magazine of
Natural History for 1834, and is dated "Charleston, Dec. 31, 1833"; see
Bibliography, No. 124.
[51] See Note, Vol. I., p. 426.
[52] See Vol. I, p. 260.
[53] See Audubon's statement of the case, given in Note, Vol. I, p. 260.
[54] See Bibliography, Nos. 17-21.
[55] For this privilege I am indebted to Miss Maria R. Audubon.
[56] See Bibliography, No. 21.
[57] At one time superintendent of the Patent Office at Washington, and
professor in the medical department of Columbia College; he was later professor
of mathematics in the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia and editor of the
Franklin Journal and American Mechanics' Magazine.
[58] See Bibliography, No. 115.
[59] See Bibliography, No. 93.
[60] This episode was referred to in Chapter XX, p. 316.
[61] This was very clearly pointed out in 1908 in an excellent article by Mr.
George W. Colles, entitled "A Defence of Audubon" (Bibl. No. 160), in
Scientific American, vol. xcviii, p. 311.
[62] See Plate lii, of the Chuck-will's-widow.
[63] See Vol. II, p. 3; and Bibliography, No. 107.
[64] An English geologist, who made a survey of the bituminous coal-
deposits of the Alleghany mountains in 1834. See Bibliography, No. 129.
[65] Ornithological Biography (Bibl. No. 2), vol. iv, p. xviii.
[66] See Thomas M. Brewer, (Bibl. No. 79), Harper's New Monthly
Magazine, vol. lxi, p. 666 (1880).
[67] This specimen, which was presented to me by the late Dr. X. C. Scott
of Cleveland, measured 6 feet, and showed eight rattles and a button; the skin
and skeleton are preserved in the Biological Laboratory of Western Reserve
University.
of the Birds of America," was published in volume vii of Loudon's Magazine of
Natural History for 1834, and is dated "Charleston, Dec. 31, 1833"; see
Bibliography, No. 124.
[51] See Note, Vol. I., p. 426.
[52] See Vol. I, p. 260.
[53] See Audubon's statement of the case, given in Note, Vol. I, p. 260.
[54] See Bibliography, Nos. 17-21.
[55] For this privilege I am indebted to Miss Maria R. Audubon.
[56] See Bibliography, No. 21.
[57] At one time superintendent of the Patent Office at Washington, and
professor in the medical department of Columbia College; he was later professor
of mathematics in the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia and editor of the
Franklin Journal and American Mechanics' Magazine.
[58] See Bibliography, No. 115.
[59] See Bibliography, No. 93.
[60] This episode was referred to in Chapter XX, p. 316.
[61] This was very clearly pointed out in 1908 in an excellent article by Mr.
George W. Colles, entitled "A Defence of Audubon" (Bibl. No. 160), in
Scientific American, vol. xcviii, p. 311.
[62] See Plate lii, of the Chuck-will's-widow.
[63] See Vol. II, p. 3; and Bibliography, No. 107.
[64] An English geologist, who made a survey of the bituminous coal-
deposits of the Alleghany mountains in 1834. See Bibliography, No. 129.
[65] Ornithological Biography (Bibl. No. 2), vol. iv, p. xviii.
[66] See Thomas M. Brewer, (Bibl. No. 79), Harper's New Monthly
Magazine, vol. lxi, p. 666 (1880).
[67] This specimen, which was presented to me by the late Dr. X. C. Scott
of Cleveland, measured 6 feet, and showed eight rattles and a button; the skin
and skeleton are preserved in the Biological Laboratory of Western Reserve
University.
Page 568
[68] See Vol. II, p. 55.
[69] Bachman's account of these experiments is interesting: "A coarse
painting," he said, was made on canvas, "representing a sheep skinned and cut
open. This proved very amusing—no sooner was this picture placed on the
ground than the Vultures observed it, alighted near, walked over it, and some of
them commenced tugging at the painting. They seemed much disappointed and
surprised, and after having satisfied their curiosity, flew away. This experiment
was repeated more than fifty times, with the same result. The painting was then
placed within two feet of the place where the offal was deposited—they came as
usual, walked around it, but in no instance evinced the slightest symptoms of
their having scented the offal which was so near them.
"The most offensive portions of the offal were now placed on the earth;
these were covered over by a canvass cloth—on this were strewn several pieces
of fresh beef. The Vultures came, ate the flesh that was in sight, and although
they were standing on a quantity beneath them, and although their bills were
frequently within the eighth of an inch of the putrid matter, they did not discover
it. We made a small rent in the canvass, and they at once discovered the flesh
and began to devour it. We drove them away, replaced the canvass with a piece
that was entire; again they commenced eating the flesh exhibited to their view,
without discovering the hidden food they were trampling upon.
"As it [the organ of smell] does however exist, (although in an inferior
degree,) I am not disposed to deny to birds the power of smell altogether, nor
would I wish to advance the opinion that the Vulture does not possess the power
of smelling in the slightest degree, (although it has not been discovered by our
experiments). All that I contend for is, that he is not assisted by this faculty in
procuring his food—that he cannot smell better for instance, than Hawks or
Owls, who it is known are indebted altogether to their sight, in discovering their
prey."
[70] See Bibliography, No. 104, and Vol. II, p. 55; also Ornithological
Biography, vol. ii, p. 46.
[71] See Bibliography, No. 125, and for the quotation to follow, Samuel N.
Rhoads, "George Ord," Cassinia, No. xii (Philadelphia, 1908).
[72] See W. Sells (Bibl. No. 140), Proceedings of the Zoölogical Society of
London, pt. v, p. 33 (1837).
[73] See Vol. II, pp. 4 and 23, and Bibliography, No. 106.
[74] See Bibliography, No. 136.
[75] See Bibliography, No. 105.
[69] Bachman's account of these experiments is interesting: "A coarse
painting," he said, was made on canvas, "representing a sheep skinned and cut
open. This proved very amusing—no sooner was this picture placed on the
ground than the Vultures observed it, alighted near, walked over it, and some of
them commenced tugging at the painting. They seemed much disappointed and
surprised, and after having satisfied their curiosity, flew away. This experiment
was repeated more than fifty times, with the same result. The painting was then
placed within two feet of the place where the offal was deposited—they came as
usual, walked around it, but in no instance evinced the slightest symptoms of
their having scented the offal which was so near them.
"The most offensive portions of the offal were now placed on the earth;
these were covered over by a canvass cloth—on this were strewn several pieces
of fresh beef. The Vultures came, ate the flesh that was in sight, and although
they were standing on a quantity beneath them, and although their bills were
frequently within the eighth of an inch of the putrid matter, they did not discover
it. We made a small rent in the canvass, and they at once discovered the flesh
and began to devour it. We drove them away, replaced the canvass with a piece
that was entire; again they commenced eating the flesh exhibited to their view,
without discovering the hidden food they were trampling upon.
"As it [the organ of smell] does however exist, (although in an inferior
degree,) I am not disposed to deny to birds the power of smell altogether, nor
would I wish to advance the opinion that the Vulture does not possess the power
of smelling in the slightest degree, (although it has not been discovered by our
experiments). All that I contend for is, that he is not assisted by this faculty in
procuring his food—that he cannot smell better for instance, than Hawks or
Owls, who it is known are indebted altogether to their sight, in discovering their
prey."
[70] See Bibliography, No. 104, and Vol. II, p. 55; also Ornithological
Biography, vol. ii, p. 46.
[71] See Bibliography, No. 125, and for the quotation to follow, Samuel N.
Rhoads, "George Ord," Cassinia, No. xii (Philadelphia, 1908).
[72] See W. Sells (Bibl. No. 140), Proceedings of the Zoölogical Society of
London, pt. v, p. 33 (1837).
[73] See Vol. II, pp. 4 and 23, and Bibliography, No. 106.
[74] See Bibliography, No. 136.
[75] See Bibliography, No. 105.
Page 569
[76] See Bibliography, No. 106.
[77] See Bibliography, No. 35.
[78] See Bibliography, No. 104 et seq.
[79] See Vol. I, p. 224.
[80] "I myself, with mine own eyes, have seen Wilson's original diary,
written by him at Louisville, and I have just now on the table before me the
account of the Academy of Sciences indignantly rejecting Mr. Audubon as a
member, on that diary having been produced to their view." See Bibliography,
No. 119.
[81] See Bibliography, No. 119.
[82] See Bibliography, No. 115.
[83] See Bibliography, No. 117.
[84] See Bibliography, No. 114.
[85] Wanderings in South America, the North-West of the United States, and
the Antilles, in the years 1812, 1816, 1820, & 1824. Originally in 4to., London,
1825.
[86] See "Nests and Nest-Building in Birds," Pt. 2, Journal of Animal
Behavior, vol. i (1911).
[87] See Bibliography, No. 138.
[88] See Chapter XXIII.
[89] Swainson expounded the Quinarian or Circular System in the Fauna
Boreali-Americana; or the zoölogy of the northern parts of British America,
published in collaboration with John Richardson, and the first zoölogical
publication issued by the British Government; but A Treatise on the Geography
and Classification of Animals contained his most authoritative thesis upon this
grotesque concept.
[90] See Vol. I, p. 403.
[91] For the history of the Audubon-Swainson correspondence, see Note,
Vol. I, p. 400. Swainson's letter which follows was first published by Ruthven
Deane (Bibl. No. 218), The Auk, vol. xxii, p. 248 (1905).
[92] Reproduced in Vol. I, p. 430.
[77] See Bibliography, No. 35.
[78] See Bibliography, No. 104 et seq.
[79] See Vol. I, p. 224.
[80] "I myself, with mine own eyes, have seen Wilson's original diary,
written by him at Louisville, and I have just now on the table before me the
account of the Academy of Sciences indignantly rejecting Mr. Audubon as a
member, on that diary having been produced to their view." See Bibliography,
No. 119.
[81] See Bibliography, No. 119.
[82] See Bibliography, No. 115.
[83] See Bibliography, No. 117.
[84] See Bibliography, No. 114.
[85] Wanderings in South America, the North-West of the United States, and
the Antilles, in the years 1812, 1816, 1820, & 1824. Originally in 4to., London,
1825.
[86] See "Nests and Nest-Building in Birds," Pt. 2, Journal of Animal
Behavior, vol. i (1911).
[87] See Bibliography, No. 138.
[88] See Chapter XXIII.
[89] Swainson expounded the Quinarian or Circular System in the Fauna
Boreali-Americana; or the zoölogy of the northern parts of British America,
published in collaboration with John Richardson, and the first zoölogical
publication issued by the British Government; but A Treatise on the Geography
and Classification of Animals contained his most authoritative thesis upon this
grotesque concept.
[90] See Vol. I, p. 403.
[91] For the history of the Audubon-Swainson correspondence, see Note,
Vol. I, p. 400. Swainson's letter which follows was first published by Ruthven
Deane (Bibl. No. 218), The Auk, vol. xxii, p. 248 (1905).
[92] Reproduced in Vol. I, p. 430.
Page 570
[93] Possibly Henry Ward, who came to America with Audubon in 1831 as
his assistant and taxidermist (see Vol. II, p. 2); a Frederick Ward is also
mentioned in Audubon's letters.
[94] Isaac Lea, naturalist and Philadelphia publisher; Mr. Lea was a member
of the firm of Messrs. Carey & Lea, at one time the principal proprietors of
Wilson's American Ornithology, and it was thought that the prejudice which he
manifested towards Audubon and his friends was traceable to his desire to
maintain the sales of that work. His attitude was compared with that of Judge
Hall, whose brother, Harrison, was also an interested publisher. See Vol. I, pp.
223 and 281.
[95] From the Howland MSS.
[96] First published by Ruthven Deane (Bibl. No. 217), The Auk, vol. xxii,
p. 31 (1905).
[97] William John Burchell (1782?-1863), an indefatigable collector and
explorer, especially in Africa and Brazil; the zebra, Equus burchelli, and many
animals and plants which he discovered have been dedicated to him.
[98] Referring to the Fauna-Boreali Americana, the second part of which,
on "Birds," published in 1831, was by Swainson; see Vol. I, p. 410.
[99] First published by Elliott Coues (Bibl. No. 203), The Auk, vol. xv, p. 11
(1898); reproduced by Theodore Gill (Bibl. No. 205), The Osprey, vol. v, p. 23
(1900).
[100] See Note, Vol. II, p. 105.
[101] But three other letters of Audubon to Swainson, after this date, are
noted by Albert Günther (Bibl. No. 204) in the Proceedings of the Linnæan
Society, 112th session (1900): one of "6 June, 1831," announces Audubon's
prospective return to America in August of that year; another, dated "6 Dec.
1837," asks for the loan of some bird skins; and the last of "11 Jan. 1838," is
reproduced in Chapter XXXII. Swainson is said to have been negotiating at this
time with Charles L. Bonaparte in reference to a joint compilation for a work on
the birds of the world; Bonaparte estimated that there were then between 7,000
and 8,000 known species to be characterized, but Swainson's terms were not
satisfactory, and nothing came of the project. To the above list should be added
the letter, evidently misdated, of "April 28th. 1831," soon to follow.
[102] See Vol. I, p. 438.
[103] See Vol. II, p. 88.
his assistant and taxidermist (see Vol. II, p. 2); a Frederick Ward is also
mentioned in Audubon's letters.
[94] Isaac Lea, naturalist and Philadelphia publisher; Mr. Lea was a member
of the firm of Messrs. Carey & Lea, at one time the principal proprietors of
Wilson's American Ornithology, and it was thought that the prejudice which he
manifested towards Audubon and his friends was traceable to his desire to
maintain the sales of that work. His attitude was compared with that of Judge
Hall, whose brother, Harrison, was also an interested publisher. See Vol. I, pp.
223 and 281.
[95] From the Howland MSS.
[96] First published by Ruthven Deane (Bibl. No. 217), The Auk, vol. xxii,
p. 31 (1905).
[97] William John Burchell (1782?-1863), an indefatigable collector and
explorer, especially in Africa and Brazil; the zebra, Equus burchelli, and many
animals and plants which he discovered have been dedicated to him.
[98] Referring to the Fauna-Boreali Americana, the second part of which,
on "Birds," published in 1831, was by Swainson; see Vol. I, p. 410.
[99] First published by Elliott Coues (Bibl. No. 203), The Auk, vol. xv, p. 11
(1898); reproduced by Theodore Gill (Bibl. No. 205), The Osprey, vol. v, p. 23
(1900).
[100] See Note, Vol. II, p. 105.
[101] But three other letters of Audubon to Swainson, after this date, are
noted by Albert Günther (Bibl. No. 204) in the Proceedings of the Linnæan
Society, 112th session (1900): one of "6 June, 1831," announces Audubon's
prospective return to America in August of that year; another, dated "6 Dec.
1837," asks for the loan of some bird skins; and the last of "11 Jan. 1838," is
reproduced in Chapter XXXII. Swainson is said to have been negotiating at this
time with Charles L. Bonaparte in reference to a joint compilation for a work on
the birds of the world; Bonaparte estimated that there were then between 7,000
and 8,000 known species to be characterized, but Swainson's terms were not
satisfactory, and nothing came of the project. To the above list should be added
the letter, evidently misdated, of "April 28th. 1831," soon to follow.
[102] See Vol. I, p. 438.
[103] See Vol. II, p. 88.
Page 571
[104] Ornithological Biography (Bibl. No. 2), vol. i, p. xvii.
[105] Signed "Ornithophilus" (see Bibliography, No. 97), and attributed by
Coues (see Bibliography, No. 181), with a question mark, to Swainson, but the
internal evidence shows conclusively that he was not its author. The writer of
this article said that it was not enough to state that Audubon "has invented a new
style in the representation of natural objects; for so true are his pictures, that he
who has once seen and examined them, can never again look with pleasure on
the finest productions of other artists. To paint like Audubon, will henceforth
mean to represent Nature as she is.... To relieve, as Mr. Audubon says, the
tedium of those who may have imposed upon themselves the task of following
an author through the mazes of descriptive ornithology, he has interspersed
descriptions of American scenery and manners, gloomy forests, tangled cane-
brakes, dismal swamps, majestic rivers, floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes; the
migration of the white man, the retreat of the red; the character and pursuits of
the backwoodsman.... Much, therefore, is it to be wished that Mr. Audubon
would undertake the delineation of the birds of Great Britain, which, with his
matchless talents, aided by those of Mr. Havell, would eclipse, not only all other
representations of these birds, but even the 'Birds of America,' unrivalled as that
work now is."
[106] See Ornithological Biography, vol. v, p. 194; and Theodore Gill (Bibl.
No. 206), The Osprey, vol. iv and v. It seems that Dr. James Trudeau, out of
ignorance or disregard for Swainson's designation, later named a woodpecker,
obtained near New Orleans in 1837, Picus auduboni, and by a strange
coincidence, as Dr. Gill has noticed, the same name was given by two different
naturalists to the same bird, now regarded as a variety and known as Dryobates
villosus auduboni.
[107] The Cabinet Cyclopædia was published by Messrs. Longman, Orme
& Company, and edited by Rev. Dionysius Lardner. Swainson wrote eleven of
the twelve volumes devoted to natural history. The volume to which we refer is
entitled Taxidermy, Bibliography, and Biography, by William Swainson, A. C.
G. [Assistant Commissary-General], F. R. S. & L. S., Hon. F. C. P. S. etc., and of
several foreign societies (see Bibliography, No. 169). The Literary Gazette for
August 8, 1840, in noticing this work, said: "Perhaps the amusing and frequent
illustration of his character is to be found in the autobiographical sketch of
himself, which he has not only included in this portion of his volume, but
induced his publishers to forward on a separate sheet with the subjoined note:
"'Messrs. Longman, Orme, & Co., will feel particularly obliged if the Editor
of the ... will permit the above Autobiography to appear in his columns at the
first suitable opportunity.'
"'39 Paternoster Row, July 29, 1840.'"
[105] Signed "Ornithophilus" (see Bibliography, No. 97), and attributed by
Coues (see Bibliography, No. 181), with a question mark, to Swainson, but the
internal evidence shows conclusively that he was not its author. The writer of
this article said that it was not enough to state that Audubon "has invented a new
style in the representation of natural objects; for so true are his pictures, that he
who has once seen and examined them, can never again look with pleasure on
the finest productions of other artists. To paint like Audubon, will henceforth
mean to represent Nature as she is.... To relieve, as Mr. Audubon says, the
tedium of those who may have imposed upon themselves the task of following
an author through the mazes of descriptive ornithology, he has interspersed
descriptions of American scenery and manners, gloomy forests, tangled cane-
brakes, dismal swamps, majestic rivers, floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes; the
migration of the white man, the retreat of the red; the character and pursuits of
the backwoodsman.... Much, therefore, is it to be wished that Mr. Audubon
would undertake the delineation of the birds of Great Britain, which, with his
matchless talents, aided by those of Mr. Havell, would eclipse, not only all other
representations of these birds, but even the 'Birds of America,' unrivalled as that
work now is."
[106] See Ornithological Biography, vol. v, p. 194; and Theodore Gill (Bibl.
No. 206), The Osprey, vol. iv and v. It seems that Dr. James Trudeau, out of
ignorance or disregard for Swainson's designation, later named a woodpecker,
obtained near New Orleans in 1837, Picus auduboni, and by a strange
coincidence, as Dr. Gill has noticed, the same name was given by two different
naturalists to the same bird, now regarded as a variety and known as Dryobates
villosus auduboni.
[107] The Cabinet Cyclopædia was published by Messrs. Longman, Orme
& Company, and edited by Rev. Dionysius Lardner. Swainson wrote eleven of
the twelve volumes devoted to natural history. The volume to which we refer is
entitled Taxidermy, Bibliography, and Biography, by William Swainson, A. C.
G. [Assistant Commissary-General], F. R. S. & L. S., Hon. F. C. P. S. etc., and of
several foreign societies (see Bibliography, No. 169). The Literary Gazette for
August 8, 1840, in noticing this work, said: "Perhaps the amusing and frequent
illustration of his character is to be found in the autobiographical sketch of
himself, which he has not only included in this portion of his volume, but
induced his publishers to forward on a separate sheet with the subjoined note:
"'Messrs. Longman, Orme, & Co., will feel particularly obliged if the Editor
of the ... will permit the above Autobiography to appear in his columns at the
first suitable opportunity.'
"'39 Paternoster Row, July 29, 1840.'"
Page 572
Quoted by Theodore Gill (Bibl. No. 206), The Osprey, vol. iv, p. 105 (1900).
[108] Theodore Gill, loc. cit.
[109] Albert Günther, loc. cit.
[110] For notice of Bonaparte see Note, Vol. I, p. 329.
[111] See Vol. II, p. 40.
[112] See Vol. II, p. 184.
[113] This manuscript list is preserved with the original drawings of The
Birds of America, in possession of the Historical Society of New York, where I
was permitted to examine it. It bears the following attests of both naturalists in
autograph:
"The above list of the Birds of America was made at London on the 15th. of
December, 1837, when it was supposed to contain all the known species.
"John J. Audubon,
of Louisiana."
"The above list of North American Birds was drawn up by myself to please
Mr. J. J. Audubon.
"London, 15 December, 1837.
"Charles L. Bonaparte.
"The total number of good species, 460," has been added in pencil.
[114] Comparative List of the Birds of Europe and North America, London,
1838.
[115] See Note, Vol. II, p. 122.
[116] A Monograph of the Trochilidæ, or Family of the Humming-Birds; 5
vols., fol., with Supplement by Bowlder Sharpe, London, 1861.
[117] Charles Winterfield, see Bibliography, No. 148.
[118] From letter written at 73 Margaret Street, Cavendish Square, and
sealed with turkey-cock seal. (Jeanes MSS.)
[119] First published by Elliott Coues (Bibl. No. 43) in the Bulletin of the
Nuttall Ornithological Club, vol. v (1880).
[108] Theodore Gill, loc. cit.
[109] Albert Günther, loc. cit.
[110] For notice of Bonaparte see Note, Vol. I, p. 329.
[111] See Vol. II, p. 40.
[112] See Vol. II, p. 184.
[113] This manuscript list is preserved with the original drawings of The
Birds of America, in possession of the Historical Society of New York, where I
was permitted to examine it. It bears the following attests of both naturalists in
autograph:
"The above list of the Birds of America was made at London on the 15th. of
December, 1837, when it was supposed to contain all the known species.
"John J. Audubon,
of Louisiana."
"The above list of North American Birds was drawn up by myself to please
Mr. J. J. Audubon.
"London, 15 December, 1837.
"Charles L. Bonaparte.
"The total number of good species, 460," has been added in pencil.
[114] Comparative List of the Birds of Europe and North America, London,
1838.
[115] See Note, Vol. II, p. 122.
[116] A Monograph of the Trochilidæ, or Family of the Humming-Birds; 5
vols., fol., with Supplement by Bowlder Sharpe, London, 1861.
[117] Charles Winterfield, see Bibliography, No. 148.
[118] From letter written at 73 Margaret Street, Cavendish Square, and
sealed with turkey-cock seal. (Jeanes MSS.)
[119] First published by Elliott Coues (Bibl. No. 43) in the Bulletin of the
Nuttall Ornithological Club, vol. v (1880).
Page 573
[120] For this and extracts in the two following paragraphs, see Ruthven
Deane (Bibl. No. 209), The Auk, vol. xviii (1901).
[121] See Vol. II, p. 264.
[122] See Vol. I, p. 16.
[123] See Vol. II, p. 135.
[124] This, and the letter of MacGillivray soon to follow, are from the
Howland MSS.
[125] The Rapacious Birds of Great Britain, by William MacGillivray, was
dedicated to Audubon "in admiration of his talents as an ornithologist, and in
gratitude for many acts of friendship."
[126] For an excellent account of the life of William MacGillivray and of
his labors in natural science, see William MacGillivray, A Memorial Tribute to
William MacGillivray (Bibl. No. 211).
[127] See Mrs. Gordon, "Christopher North:" A Memoir of John Wilson
(Bibl. No. 44).
[128] This and extracts from letters which follow are from the Jeanes MSS.
[129] See Bibliography, No. 2.
[130] For letter written to Dr. Phillips in 1842, see Vol. II, p. 244.
[131] Lucy B. Audubon, ed., Life of John James Audubon, the Naturalist
(Bibl. No. 73), p. 385.
[132] The Jeanes MSS.
[133] C. L. Bachman, John Bachman, D.D., LL.D., Ph.D. (Bibl. No. 191).
[134] See Note, Vol. II, p. 7.
[135] Thomas Nuttall (1786-1859), a native of Yorkshire, was brought up a
printer; in 1807 he emigrated to the United States, and became noted for his
wide botanical explorations, for his Journal of Travels in the Arkansas Territory
in 1819, and for his excellent Manual of the Ornithology of the United States
and Canada (1833-1834), which has had several editions. From 1822 to 1834 he
was professor of Natural History and curator of the Botanical Gardens at
Harvard University; in 1834 he crossed the Rocky Mountains along the sources
of the Platte, explored Oregon and Upper California, and visited the Sandwich
Deane (Bibl. No. 209), The Auk, vol. xviii (1901).
[121] See Vol. II, p. 264.
[122] See Vol. I, p. 16.
[123] See Vol. II, p. 135.
[124] This, and the letter of MacGillivray soon to follow, are from the
Howland MSS.
[125] The Rapacious Birds of Great Britain, by William MacGillivray, was
dedicated to Audubon "in admiration of his talents as an ornithologist, and in
gratitude for many acts of friendship."
[126] For an excellent account of the life of William MacGillivray and of
his labors in natural science, see William MacGillivray, A Memorial Tribute to
William MacGillivray (Bibl. No. 211).
[127] See Mrs. Gordon, "Christopher North:" A Memoir of John Wilson
(Bibl. No. 44).
[128] This and extracts from letters which follow are from the Jeanes MSS.
[129] See Bibliography, No. 2.
[130] For letter written to Dr. Phillips in 1842, see Vol. II, p. 244.
[131] Lucy B. Audubon, ed., Life of John James Audubon, the Naturalist
(Bibl. No. 73), p. 385.
[132] The Jeanes MSS.
[133] C. L. Bachman, John Bachman, D.D., LL.D., Ph.D. (Bibl. No. 191).
[134] See Note, Vol. II, p. 7.
[135] Thomas Nuttall (1786-1859), a native of Yorkshire, was brought up a
printer; in 1807 he emigrated to the United States, and became noted for his
wide botanical explorations, for his Journal of Travels in the Arkansas Territory
in 1819, and for his excellent Manual of the Ornithology of the United States
and Canada (1833-1834), which has had several editions. From 1822 to 1834 he
was professor of Natural History and curator of the Botanical Gardens at
Harvard University; in 1834 he crossed the Rocky Mountains along the sources
of the Platte, explored Oregon and Upper California, and visited the Sandwich
Page 574
Islands. He returned to England, where he had inherited property, in 1842, and
died at St. Helen's, Lancashire, September 10, 1859.
[136] See Lucy B. Audubon, ed., op. cit.; and Note, Vol. II, p. 29.
[137] See Lucy B. Audubon, ed., op. cit., p. 391.
[138] In a letter signed "I. P. Davis," and superscribed to "John J. Audubon
Esqr at Mr. Berthoud's, 106 Broad Street New York." (Rowland MSS.)
[139] See Thomas M. Brewer (Bibl. No. 79), Harper's New Monthly
Magazine, vol. lxi, p. 666 (1880).
[140] Ornithological Biography (Bibl. No. 2), vol. iv, p. xi.
[141] Lucy B. Audubon, ed., op. cit., p. 398.
[142] Printed in the Edinburgh Journal of Natural History ( Bibl. No. 37),
vol. i, p. 17 (December, 1838).
[143] See Lucy B. Audubon, ed., op. cit., p. 411.
[144] Thomas M. Brewer (Bibl. No. 79), loc. cit.
[145] For this and the quotations in the following paragraph, see Thomas M.
Brewer (Bibl. No. 79), Harper's New Monthly Magazine, vol. lxi, p. 666 (1880).
[146] See Vol. II, p. 149.
[147] See S. N. Rhoads (Bibl. No. 46), The Auk, vol. xx, p. 377 (1903).
[148] From MS. in the Public Library, New York.
[149] The Linnæan Society's MSS. See Chapter XXIII, Note 354.
[150] First published by R. W. Shufeldt (Bibl. No. 45), in The Auk, xi
(1894); see also Maria R. Audubon, Audubon and his Journals (Bibl. No. 86).
[151] See S. N. Rhoads (Bibl. No. 46), loc. cit.
[152] See ibid.
[153] See Vol. I, p. 241.
[154] Voyage Autour du Monde, exécuté par ordre de sa Majesté l'Empereur
Nicholas ler, sur la Corvette Le Séniavine, 1826-1829. Par Fréderic Lutké,
Capitaine de vaisseau. Partie Historique, avec un atlas, lithographié, d'après les
dessins originaux d'Alexandrie Postels et du Baron Kittlitz. Traduit du Russe sur
died at St. Helen's, Lancashire, September 10, 1859.
[136] See Lucy B. Audubon, ed., op. cit.; and Note, Vol. II, p. 29.
[137] See Lucy B. Audubon, ed., op. cit., p. 391.
[138] In a letter signed "I. P. Davis," and superscribed to "John J. Audubon
Esqr at Mr. Berthoud's, 106 Broad Street New York." (Rowland MSS.)
[139] See Thomas M. Brewer (Bibl. No. 79), Harper's New Monthly
Magazine, vol. lxi, p. 666 (1880).
[140] Ornithological Biography (Bibl. No. 2), vol. iv, p. xi.
[141] Lucy B. Audubon, ed., op. cit., p. 398.
[142] Printed in the Edinburgh Journal of Natural History ( Bibl. No. 37),
vol. i, p. 17 (December, 1838).
[143] See Lucy B. Audubon, ed., op. cit., p. 411.
[144] Thomas M. Brewer (Bibl. No. 79), loc. cit.
[145] For this and the quotations in the following paragraph, see Thomas M.
Brewer (Bibl. No. 79), Harper's New Monthly Magazine, vol. lxi, p. 666 (1880).
[146] See Vol. II, p. 149.
[147] See S. N. Rhoads (Bibl. No. 46), The Auk, vol. xx, p. 377 (1903).
[148] From MS. in the Public Library, New York.
[149] The Linnæan Society's MSS. See Chapter XXIII, Note 354.
[150] First published by R. W. Shufeldt (Bibl. No. 45), in The Auk, xi
(1894); see also Maria R. Audubon, Audubon and his Journals (Bibl. No. 86).
[151] See S. N. Rhoads (Bibl. No. 46), loc. cit.
[152] See ibid.
[153] See Vol. I, p. 241.
[154] Voyage Autour du Monde, exécuté par ordre de sa Majesté l'Empereur
Nicholas ler, sur la Corvette Le Séniavine, 1826-1829. Par Fréderic Lutké,
Capitaine de vaisseau. Partie Historique, avec un atlas, lithographié, d'après les
dessins originaux d'Alexandrie Postels et du Baron Kittlitz. Traduit du Russe sur
Page 575
le manuscrit original, sur les yeux de l'auteur, par Le Conseiller D'Etat F. Boyé.
Text in 3 vols. 8vo. Paris, 1835-36. The first two volumes are historical, and the
third, entitled "Travels of the Naturalists," is translated by Alexandre Postels.
The expedition traversed the Behring Sea, touched at some of the Aleutian
Islands, and then explored South America as far as the coast of Chili.
[155] First published by Ruthven Deane (Bibl. No. 225), in The Auk, vol.
xxv (1908). Mr. Deane writes me that he has a copy of a receipt from William
MacGillivray to Audubon for the final amount due him for work on the technical
parts of Volume V of the Ornithological Biography; at the bottom of this paper
Audubon made a memorandum, under date of November 21, 1838, to the effect
that the total amount which he had paid MacGillivray for his work upon this
volume was £47-11-1.
[156] See Note 5, Vol. II, p. 7. Mr. John Hardin (see Vol. II, p. 295) showed
me an uncolored print of the Hen Turkey which John W. Audubon had given
him, and a correspondent in New Orleans informs me that a relative possesses a
number in this condition, which were received many years ago as a gift from
Mrs. Audubon. Mr. Charles E. Goodspeed, of Boston, was the recipient of the
Painted Bunting plates, noticed above.
[157] Henry Augustus Havell (1803-1840), painter, engraver, and at one
time assistant to his elder brother, Robert Havell, Junior.
[158] George Alfred Williams (Bibl. No. 232), Print-Collectors Quarterly,
vol. vi, p. 225 (1916).
[159] Loc. cit.
[160] In 1914 Dr. Samuel Henshaw showed me an impression of this
suppressed plate, and also a large printed label, cut from a board backing, which
bore within an ornamental border the title "Audubon's Birds of America—
Engraved, printed, and colored by Lizars &c. &c." This suggests that Lizars may
have issued the first two numbers, which he engraved, in portfolio.
[161] See Bibliography, No. 142.
[162] See Bibliography, No. 152.
[163] W. B. O. Peabody; see Bibliography, No. 143.
[164] See Samuel N. Rhoads (Bibl. No. 231) The Auk, vol. xxxiii, p. 130
(1916); transcript of a clipping which apparently had been taken from a New
York newspaper of January, 1838; the reading of the American notice is the
same, excepting the statement that applications in this country should be made to
"N. Berthoud, Esq., New York; Dr. George Parkman, Boston; Rev. Jno.
Text in 3 vols. 8vo. Paris, 1835-36. The first two volumes are historical, and the
third, entitled "Travels of the Naturalists," is translated by Alexandre Postels.
The expedition traversed the Behring Sea, touched at some of the Aleutian
Islands, and then explored South America as far as the coast of Chili.
[155] First published by Ruthven Deane (Bibl. No. 225), in The Auk, vol.
xxv (1908). Mr. Deane writes me that he has a copy of a receipt from William
MacGillivray to Audubon for the final amount due him for work on the technical
parts of Volume V of the Ornithological Biography; at the bottom of this paper
Audubon made a memorandum, under date of November 21, 1838, to the effect
that the total amount which he had paid MacGillivray for his work upon this
volume was £47-11-1.
[156] See Note 5, Vol. II, p. 7. Mr. John Hardin (see Vol. II, p. 295) showed
me an uncolored print of the Hen Turkey which John W. Audubon had given
him, and a correspondent in New Orleans informs me that a relative possesses a
number in this condition, which were received many years ago as a gift from
Mrs. Audubon. Mr. Charles E. Goodspeed, of Boston, was the recipient of the
Painted Bunting plates, noticed above.
[157] Henry Augustus Havell (1803-1840), painter, engraver, and at one
time assistant to his elder brother, Robert Havell, Junior.
[158] George Alfred Williams (Bibl. No. 232), Print-Collectors Quarterly,
vol. vi, p. 225 (1916).
[159] Loc. cit.
[160] In 1914 Dr. Samuel Henshaw showed me an impression of this
suppressed plate, and also a large printed label, cut from a board backing, which
bore within an ornamental border the title "Audubon's Birds of America—
Engraved, printed, and colored by Lizars &c. &c." This suggests that Lizars may
have issued the first two numbers, which he engraved, in portfolio.
[161] See Bibliography, No. 142.
[162] See Bibliography, No. 152.
[163] W. B. O. Peabody; see Bibliography, No. 143.
[164] See Samuel N. Rhoads (Bibl. No. 231) The Auk, vol. xxxiii, p. 130
(1916); transcript of a clipping which apparently had been taken from a New
York newspaper of January, 1838; the reading of the American notice is the
same, excepting the statement that applications in this country should be made to
"N. Berthoud, Esq., New York; Dr. George Parkman, Boston; Rev. Jno.
Page 576
Bachman, Charleston, S. C.; James Grimshaw, Esq., New Orleans, or W. G.
Bakewell, Esq., Louisville." It is dated "New York, 11 Jan, 1838."
[165] Maria R. Audubon, Audubon and his Journals (Bibl. No. 86), vol. i, p.
71.
[166] See Rhoads (Bibl. No. 231), loc. cit.
[167] Ruthven Deane (Bibl. No. 225), The Auk, vol. xxv, p. 401 (1908).
[168] Eight in number, the aggregate cost of which was then $1,624: The
Birds of America, with its letterpress, was offered at $1,000; library, or octavo
edition, with reduced plates, in 100 Parts, at $100; The Quadrupeds of North
America, 2 vols., folio, with 3 vols. text, in 8vo., $300; text of the same,
according to binding, from $31 (paper) to $40 (full Turkey mor.); Birds and
Quadrupeds, library ed., 10 vols., 650 plates, $150 to $160, according to style;
Synopsis of Birds of America, $4; The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America,
3 vols., text only, $9. See Mrs. Horace St. John, Life of Audubon (Bibl. No. 71),
in advertisement inserted in volume. These prices were similar to those that
prevailed during the lifetime of the naturalist.
According to Mr. Ruthven Deane, Audubon's account books show that on
January 8, 1840, a box was sent to Dr. George Parkman, of Boston, containing a
set of The Birds of America, in full binding, at $1,075; a set of the same, half
bound, at $950; and the "Biographies" at $27.
The highest recorded price of The Birds of America is believed to be $4,350,
which the Kemble set brought at auction at Philadelphia, in 1906 (See Prices
Current for 1906); the highest price paid for a single plate, that of the Turkey
Cock (Plate No. 1) upwards of $140; and the highest price asked for the octavo
edition of the Birds (in original parts), $750. The Quadrupeds in 2 vols., original
folio, now brings about $500.
[169] Ruthven Deane (Bibl. No. 225), loc. cit.
[170] For a copy of this minute, the substance of which was published in
1877 (See Bibliography, No. 179), I am indebted to the present librarian, Mr.
Kelby.
[171] Jonathan Prescott Hall (1796-1862), eminent lawyer and jurist, was at
one time district attorney for the southern district of New York, and author of
Reports of Cases in the Supreme Court of City of New York— 1828-29 (2 vols.,
New York, 1831-33). Mr. Hall was a subscriber to the octavo editions of
Audubon's Birds and Quadrupeds.
Bakewell, Esq., Louisville." It is dated "New York, 11 Jan, 1838."
[165] Maria R. Audubon, Audubon and his Journals (Bibl. No. 86), vol. i, p.
71.
[166] See Rhoads (Bibl. No. 231), loc. cit.
[167] Ruthven Deane (Bibl. No. 225), The Auk, vol. xxv, p. 401 (1908).
[168] Eight in number, the aggregate cost of which was then $1,624: The
Birds of America, with its letterpress, was offered at $1,000; library, or octavo
edition, with reduced plates, in 100 Parts, at $100; The Quadrupeds of North
America, 2 vols., folio, with 3 vols. text, in 8vo., $300; text of the same,
according to binding, from $31 (paper) to $40 (full Turkey mor.); Birds and
Quadrupeds, library ed., 10 vols., 650 plates, $150 to $160, according to style;
Synopsis of Birds of America, $4; The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America,
3 vols., text only, $9. See Mrs. Horace St. John, Life of Audubon (Bibl. No. 71),
in advertisement inserted in volume. These prices were similar to those that
prevailed during the lifetime of the naturalist.
According to Mr. Ruthven Deane, Audubon's account books show that on
January 8, 1840, a box was sent to Dr. George Parkman, of Boston, containing a
set of The Birds of America, in full binding, at $1,075; a set of the same, half
bound, at $950; and the "Biographies" at $27.
The highest recorded price of The Birds of America is believed to be $4,350,
which the Kemble set brought at auction at Philadelphia, in 1906 (See Prices
Current for 1906); the highest price paid for a single plate, that of the Turkey
Cock (Plate No. 1) upwards of $140; and the highest price asked for the octavo
edition of the Birds (in original parts), $750. The Quadrupeds in 2 vols., original
folio, now brings about $500.
[169] Ruthven Deane (Bibl. No. 225), loc. cit.
[170] For a copy of this minute, the substance of which was published in
1877 (See Bibliography, No. 179), I am indebted to the present librarian, Mr.
Kelby.
[171] Jonathan Prescott Hall (1796-1862), eminent lawyer and jurist, was at
one time district attorney for the southern district of New York, and author of
Reports of Cases in the Supreme Court of City of New York— 1828-29 (2 vols.,
New York, 1831-33). Mr. Hall was a subscriber to the octavo editions of
Audubon's Birds and Quadrupeds.
Page 577
[172] According to Lucy B. Audubon, ed., The Life of John James Audubon
(Bibl. No. 73), from which we have drawn numerous extracts from his journals;
see p. 381, under date of May 12, 1834.
[173] See Thomas M. Brewer (Bibl. No. 79), Harper's New Monthly
Magazine, vol. lxi, p. 666 (1880).
[174] From last page of paper covers, in which parts of the work were
originally issued.
Below are the following notices:
"Persons desirous of subscribing to the above work are respectfully
requested to apply to J. J. Audubon, 86 White street, Henderson Greene, 377
Broadway, or W. A. Colman, Broadway, New York; to J. B. Chevalier, 70 Dock
street, or Orrin Rogers, 67 South Second street, Philadelphia; C. C. Little or
James Brown, Boston; J. P. Beile, or Geo. Oates, Charleston, S. C.; Gideon B.
Smith, Baltimore; David Ridgely, Annapolis, Md.; J. S. Kellogg & Co., Mobile,
Ala."
"S. H. Stevenson, Travelling Agent for Kentucky and Virginia; and William
A. Pierce for Pennsylvania."
This first octavo edition of Audubon's Birds was issued by J. J. Audubon,
and J. B. Chevalier, Philadelphia, in 100 parts, of five plates each, to be bound in
7 volumes, 1840-44. Complete sets in parts are now very rare; previous to 1907
a set is said to have been sold for $500; in 1914 one was offered in Philadelphia
for $750. The introduction to No 1, is dated "New York, Nov. 1839," and the
fifteenth number, beginning volume ii, "N. Y., Aug., 1840." The first five
volumes (1840-42) were issued with the coöperation of J. B. Chevalier,
lithographer, 70 Dock Street, Philadelphia, but, according to Mr. Ruthven Deane,
he was an agent who received a commission on sales, and, for a time, a share in
the profits, but not a co-publisher with Audubon; it is also stated that when
misfortune visited Chevalier in later life, he was cared for by Audubon or his
sons, up to the time of his death. For fuller details, see Bibliography, No. 4.
[175] Of these, according to Mr. Witmer Stone (see Bibliography, No. 221),
474 are sanctioned in the present "Check List" of the American Ornithologists'
Union; seventeen have proved to be identical with others; ten are extra-limital;
two are hybrids; and five have never been found since; of Audubon's suppressed
species, two have been resuscitated. Audubon is thought to have been personally
acquainted with 385 American species, others being known to him only through
specimens sent by collectors, or discovered in museums.
[176] First published by Ruthven Deane (Bibl. No. 48b), The Auk, vol. xxv
(1908).
(Bibl. No. 73), from which we have drawn numerous extracts from his journals;
see p. 381, under date of May 12, 1834.
[173] See Thomas M. Brewer (Bibl. No. 79), Harper's New Monthly
Magazine, vol. lxi, p. 666 (1880).
[174] From last page of paper covers, in which parts of the work were
originally issued.
Below are the following notices:
"Persons desirous of subscribing to the above work are respectfully
requested to apply to J. J. Audubon, 86 White street, Henderson Greene, 377
Broadway, or W. A. Colman, Broadway, New York; to J. B. Chevalier, 70 Dock
street, or Orrin Rogers, 67 South Second street, Philadelphia; C. C. Little or
James Brown, Boston; J. P. Beile, or Geo. Oates, Charleston, S. C.; Gideon B.
Smith, Baltimore; David Ridgely, Annapolis, Md.; J. S. Kellogg & Co., Mobile,
Ala."
"S. H. Stevenson, Travelling Agent for Kentucky and Virginia; and William
A. Pierce for Pennsylvania."
This first octavo edition of Audubon's Birds was issued by J. J. Audubon,
and J. B. Chevalier, Philadelphia, in 100 parts, of five plates each, to be bound in
7 volumes, 1840-44. Complete sets in parts are now very rare; previous to 1907
a set is said to have been sold for $500; in 1914 one was offered in Philadelphia
for $750. The introduction to No 1, is dated "New York, Nov. 1839," and the
fifteenth number, beginning volume ii, "N. Y., Aug., 1840." The first five
volumes (1840-42) were issued with the coöperation of J. B. Chevalier,
lithographer, 70 Dock Street, Philadelphia, but, according to Mr. Ruthven Deane,
he was an agent who received a commission on sales, and, for a time, a share in
the profits, but not a co-publisher with Audubon; it is also stated that when
misfortune visited Chevalier in later life, he was cared for by Audubon or his
sons, up to the time of his death. For fuller details, see Bibliography, No. 4.
[175] Of these, according to Mr. Witmer Stone (see Bibliography, No. 221),
474 are sanctioned in the present "Check List" of the American Ornithologists'
Union; seventeen have proved to be identical with others; ten are extra-limital;
two are hybrids; and five have never been found since; of Audubon's suppressed
species, two have been resuscitated. Audubon is thought to have been personally
acquainted with 385 American species, others being known to him only through
specimens sent by collectors, or discovered in museums.
[176] First published by Ruthven Deane (Bibl. No. 48b), The Auk, vol. xxv
(1908).
Page 578
[177] See "Original Account Book of J. J. Audubon" (Bibl. No. 223), The
Nation, vol. lxxxiv, from which the following data regarding issues and sales of
this work are drawn. The total edition of the plates for No. 2 was 1,345, and of
No. 3, 1,339. No. 11 of the plates was the first to run to 1,000 copies in the first
printing, and this issue was continued to No. 50, inclusive, excepting Nos. 3, 28,
29, and 30, of which 1,500 seem to have been printed; the plates of these
numbers were done at the lithographic establishment of Endicotts, New York, all
others being the work of J. T. Bowen, Philadelphia. When subscriptions began to
fall off with No. 51, the edition was reduced to 1,150, and again with No. 57, to
1,050, which remained constant to No. 84, or as far as this record goes. Of the
text, printed by E. G. Dorsey, 1,200 copies formed the first edition of No. 1,
1,000 copies that of No. 2, and of successive numbers to No. 23. With No. 24,
the edition was increased to 2,000, and in February, 1841, the earlier numbers
were reprinted, thus forming a second edition of these parts, and affording a
chance for correction of errors. (See Audubon's letter quoted above.)
[178] See Ruthven Deane (Bibl. Nos. 47 and 49-51), The Auk, vols. xxi,
xxiii, and xxiv (1904-7), Passim; and William H. Dall, Spencer Fullerton Baird,
a Biography (Bibl. No. 52) (1915); to these admirable accounts I am indebted
for such abstracts of this correspondence as are here reproduced.
[179] See Vol. II, p. 169.
[180] See Note, Vol. II, p. 211.
[181] William Yarrell (1784-1856) was the author of A History of British
Fishes (1835-36), and A History of British Birds (1839-43) in three volumes; the
latter has passed through several editions, the fourth and best being by Alfred
Newton in four volumes (1871-85). For the favor of reproducing this letter, and
another by Yarrell given in Chapter XXXIV, I am indebted to Mr. Ruthven
Deane.
[182] See John E. Thayer (Bibl. No. 53), The Auk, vol. xxxiii (1916). Mr.
Thayer's Ornithological Museum now contains the original specimen of
Parkman's Wren, to which Audubon refers; it is "mounted on a twig, in a paper
box with a glass front," and is "in excellent condition."
[183] Baird wrote to Audubon, November 4, 1846: "Please tell me the
address of your friend Ayres. I have been collecting fishes for some weeks, and
wish to correspond & exchange with him on this subject." A woodpecker,
Colaptes ayresii, was named after this friend by Audubon, in The Birds of
America, vol. vii, in 1843.
[184] Addressed to Messrs. Little & Brown, booksellers, acknowledging the
receipt of a check for $214.20.
Nation, vol. lxxxiv, from which the following data regarding issues and sales of
this work are drawn. The total edition of the plates for No. 2 was 1,345, and of
No. 3, 1,339. No. 11 of the plates was the first to run to 1,000 copies in the first
printing, and this issue was continued to No. 50, inclusive, excepting Nos. 3, 28,
29, and 30, of which 1,500 seem to have been printed; the plates of these
numbers were done at the lithographic establishment of Endicotts, New York, all
others being the work of J. T. Bowen, Philadelphia. When subscriptions began to
fall off with No. 51, the edition was reduced to 1,150, and again with No. 57, to
1,050, which remained constant to No. 84, or as far as this record goes. Of the
text, printed by E. G. Dorsey, 1,200 copies formed the first edition of No. 1,
1,000 copies that of No. 2, and of successive numbers to No. 23. With No. 24,
the edition was increased to 2,000, and in February, 1841, the earlier numbers
were reprinted, thus forming a second edition of these parts, and affording a
chance for correction of errors. (See Audubon's letter quoted above.)
[178] See Ruthven Deane (Bibl. Nos. 47 and 49-51), The Auk, vols. xxi,
xxiii, and xxiv (1904-7), Passim; and William H. Dall, Spencer Fullerton Baird,
a Biography (Bibl. No. 52) (1915); to these admirable accounts I am indebted
for such abstracts of this correspondence as are here reproduced.
[179] See Vol. II, p. 169.
[180] See Note, Vol. II, p. 211.
[181] William Yarrell (1784-1856) was the author of A History of British
Fishes (1835-36), and A History of British Birds (1839-43) in three volumes; the
latter has passed through several editions, the fourth and best being by Alfred
Newton in four volumes (1871-85). For the favor of reproducing this letter, and
another by Yarrell given in Chapter XXXIV, I am indebted to Mr. Ruthven
Deane.
[182] See John E. Thayer (Bibl. No. 53), The Auk, vol. xxxiii (1916). Mr.
Thayer's Ornithological Museum now contains the original specimen of
Parkman's Wren, to which Audubon refers; it is "mounted on a twig, in a paper
box with a glass front," and is "in excellent condition."
[183] Baird wrote to Audubon, November 4, 1846: "Please tell me the
address of your friend Ayres. I have been collecting fishes for some weeks, and
wish to correspond & exchange with him on this subject." A woodpecker,
Colaptes ayresii, was named after this friend by Audubon, in The Birds of
America, vol. vii, in 1843.
[184] Addressed to Messrs. Little & Brown, booksellers, acknowledging the
receipt of a check for $214.20.
Page 579
[185] See Vol. I, p. 103.
[186] See Bibliography, No. 60.
[187] See Chapter XXXVI.
[188] Parke Godwin, The Homes of American Authors (Bibl. No. 68)
(1853).
[189] See Ruthven Deane (Bibl. No. 224), The Auk, vol. xxv (1908).
[190] See C. L. Bachman, John Bachman, D.D., LL.D., Ph.D. (Bibl. No.
191), p. 199.
[191] See Vol. II, p. 144.
[192] See William H. Dall, Spencer Fullerton Baird, a Biography (Bibl. No.
52), pp. 88-91, for the complete letters from which the preceding extracts have
been taken.
[193] See Maria R. Audubon, Audubon and his Journals (Bibl. No. 86), vol.
i, pp. 453-532, and vol. ii, pp. 1-196.
[194] Charles Winterfield (Bibl. No. 149), The American Review, vol. i
(1845); see also Charles W. Webber, Romance of Natural History (Bibl. No.
173) (1852).
[195] See Vol. II, p. 294.
[196] See Maria R. Audubon, op. cit., vol. ii, Note on pp. 175-6.
[197] At the close of the Civil War, Bachman wrote to a friend: "I had been
a snuff-taker for forty years and I had tried three times to wean myself from the
vice. I have done it effectually now...."
[198] Bibliographical Appendix to Birds of the Colorado Valley (Bibl. No.
181).
[199] See Bibliography, Nos. 5-7.
[200] See C. L. Bachman, John Bachman, D.D., LL.D., Ph.D. (Bibl. No.
191).
[201] See Ruthven Deane (Bibl. No. 51), The Auk, vol. xxiv (1907). To Mr.
Deane I am indebted for Audubon's copy of a letter to John Bachman, soon to
follow; this was written on several blank sheets at the end of his "Copy of my
Journal from Fort Union homeward. Commencing (Sunday) Aug. 16th (1843) at
12 o'clock, the moment of our departure."
[186] See Bibliography, No. 60.
[187] See Chapter XXXVI.
[188] Parke Godwin, The Homes of American Authors (Bibl. No. 68)
(1853).
[189] See Ruthven Deane (Bibl. No. 224), The Auk, vol. xxv (1908).
[190] See C. L. Bachman, John Bachman, D.D., LL.D., Ph.D. (Bibl. No.
191), p. 199.
[191] See Vol. II, p. 144.
[192] See William H. Dall, Spencer Fullerton Baird, a Biography (Bibl. No.
52), pp. 88-91, for the complete letters from which the preceding extracts have
been taken.
[193] See Maria R. Audubon, Audubon and his Journals (Bibl. No. 86), vol.
i, pp. 453-532, and vol. ii, pp. 1-196.
[194] Charles Winterfield (Bibl. No. 149), The American Review, vol. i
(1845); see also Charles W. Webber, Romance of Natural History (Bibl. No.
173) (1852).
[195] See Vol. II, p. 294.
[196] See Maria R. Audubon, op. cit., vol. ii, Note on pp. 175-6.
[197] At the close of the Civil War, Bachman wrote to a friend: "I had been
a snuff-taker for forty years and I had tried three times to wean myself from the
vice. I have done it effectually now...."
[198] Bibliographical Appendix to Birds of the Colorado Valley (Bibl. No.
181).
[199] See Bibliography, Nos. 5-7.
[200] See C. L. Bachman, John Bachman, D.D., LL.D., Ph.D. (Bibl. No.
191).
[201] See Ruthven Deane (Bibl. No. 51), The Auk, vol. xxiv (1907). To Mr.
Deane I am indebted for Audubon's copy of a letter to John Bachman, soon to
follow; this was written on several blank sheets at the end of his "Copy of my
Journal from Fort Union homeward. Commencing (Sunday) Aug. 16th (1843) at
12 o'clock, the moment of our departure."
Page 580
[202] The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America (Bibl. No. 6), vol. i, p.
312 (London, 1847).
[203] William H. Dall, Spencer Fullerton Baird, a Biography (Bibl. No. 52),
p. 121.
[204] Charles Winterfield (Bibl. No. 150), The American Review, vol. ii
(1845).
[205] William H. Dall, op. cit., p. 124.
[206] Jeanes MSS. See Note, Vol. I, p. 180.
[207] For "C," meaning Alexander Culbertson, a young Englishman, famous
rider and shot, then in charge of Fort Union at the mouth of the Yellowstone.
Audubon, with the assistance of Sprague, painted his portrait and that of his
wife, a Blackfoot Indian princess, who also was noted for her skill in
horsemanship. "I lost the head of my first [buffalo] bull head," said Audubon,
"because I forgot to tell Mrs. Culbertson that I wished to save it, and the princess
had its skull broken open to enjoy its brains. Handsome, and really courteous
and refined in many ways, I cannot reconcile myself to the fact that she partakes
of raw animal food, with such evident relish." (Maria R. Audubon, Audubon and
his Journals, vol. ii, p. 111).
For previous and following extracts, see C. L. Bachman, op. cit., p. 208.
[208] See William H. Dall, op. cit., pp. 130-2.
[209] Ibid., p. 126.
[210] Ibid., p. 129.
[211] Mrs. Harriet Bachman died in July, 1846, and almost immediately a
daughter was stricken with a fatal disease; "It seizes," said the father, "with a
deadly hold, weakens the cords of life; and only relinquishes its fatal grasp,
when life is extinct." (See C. L. Bachman, op. cit.)
[212] New York City furnished (for vol. i) 82 subscribers, who took 86
copies; Philadelphia, 33; Boston, 27 (28 copies); and Baltimore, 15. In 1854
Victor Audubon obtained 129 subscribers for the second edition (published with
reduced plates) in three days.
[213] For this and the following extract, see Ruthven Deane (Bibl. No. 51),
loc. cit., p. 65.
[214] In the summer of 1846 Baird's nominal position in Dickinson College
had been changed to an active one by his election to a professorship of chemistry
312 (London, 1847).
[203] William H. Dall, Spencer Fullerton Baird, a Biography (Bibl. No. 52),
p. 121.
[204] Charles Winterfield (Bibl. No. 150), The American Review, vol. ii
(1845).
[205] William H. Dall, op. cit., p. 124.
[206] Jeanes MSS. See Note, Vol. I, p. 180.
[207] For "C," meaning Alexander Culbertson, a young Englishman, famous
rider and shot, then in charge of Fort Union at the mouth of the Yellowstone.
Audubon, with the assistance of Sprague, painted his portrait and that of his
wife, a Blackfoot Indian princess, who also was noted for her skill in
horsemanship. "I lost the head of my first [buffalo] bull head," said Audubon,
"because I forgot to tell Mrs. Culbertson that I wished to save it, and the princess
had its skull broken open to enjoy its brains. Handsome, and really courteous
and refined in many ways, I cannot reconcile myself to the fact that she partakes
of raw animal food, with such evident relish." (Maria R. Audubon, Audubon and
his Journals, vol. ii, p. 111).
For previous and following extracts, see C. L. Bachman, op. cit., p. 208.
[208] See William H. Dall, op. cit., pp. 130-2.
[209] Ibid., p. 126.
[210] Ibid., p. 129.
[211] Mrs. Harriet Bachman died in July, 1846, and almost immediately a
daughter was stricken with a fatal disease; "It seizes," said the father, "with a
deadly hold, weakens the cords of life; and only relinquishes its fatal grasp,
when life is extinct." (See C. L. Bachman, op. cit.)
[212] New York City furnished (for vol. i) 82 subscribers, who took 86
copies; Philadelphia, 33; Boston, 27 (28 copies); and Baltimore, 15. In 1854
Victor Audubon obtained 129 subscribers for the second edition (published with
reduced plates) in three days.
[213] For this and the following extract, see Ruthven Deane (Bibl. No. 51),
loc. cit., p. 65.
[214] In the summer of 1846 Baird's nominal position in Dickinson College
had been changed to an active one by his election to a professorship of chemistry
Page 581
and natural history, and his marriage had followed in August. The college had
about one hundred students enrolled at that time, and the grammar, or
preparatory, school attached to it, about half as many more. See Ruthven Deane
(Bibl. No. 51), The Auk, vol. xxiv, p. 65 (1907).
[215] For this and the two following letters, see ibid., pp. 66-69.
[216] William H. Dall, op. cit., which see also for preceding extract.
[217] See Vol. II, p. 275; and Bibliography, No. 6.
[218] This hastily written note, possibly a duplicate of the one actually sent,
was inserted in a copy of The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America (vol. i,
London, 1847) which I purchased in London, August, 1913, and which bore this
inscription, in autograph, on the title:
J. E. Gray.
from J W. Audubon
with grateful
Recolections
May 4, 1847.
[219] Her assistance to Audubon was recognized in his dedication to her of
"Maria's Woodpecker," Picus martinæ (see Ornithological Biography vol. v, p.
181).
[220] See C. L. Bachman, op. cit., p. 270.
[221] Miss Eliza Mallory, who in 1874 was living in the Victor Audubon
house.
[222] See C. L. Bachman, op. cit., p. 391. John Bachman died at Charleston,
February 24, 1874.
[223] See Vol. II, p. 150.
[224] See Bibliography, No. 79.
[225] See Vol. II, p. 279.
[226] See Ruthven Deane, loc. cit., p. 70.
[227] See William H. Dall, op. cit., p. 155.
[228] For this and the following letter, see C. L. Bachman, op. cit., p. 274.
about one hundred students enrolled at that time, and the grammar, or
preparatory, school attached to it, about half as many more. See Ruthven Deane
(Bibl. No. 51), The Auk, vol. xxiv, p. 65 (1907).
[215] For this and the two following letters, see ibid., pp. 66-69.
[216] William H. Dall, op. cit., which see also for preceding extract.
[217] See Vol. II, p. 275; and Bibliography, No. 6.
[218] This hastily written note, possibly a duplicate of the one actually sent,
was inserted in a copy of The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America (vol. i,
London, 1847) which I purchased in London, August, 1913, and which bore this
inscription, in autograph, on the title:
J. E. Gray.
from J W. Audubon
with grateful
Recolections
May 4, 1847.
[219] Her assistance to Audubon was recognized in his dedication to her of
"Maria's Woodpecker," Picus martinæ (see Ornithological Biography vol. v, p.
181).
[220] See C. L. Bachman, op. cit., p. 270.
[221] Miss Eliza Mallory, who in 1874 was living in the Victor Audubon
house.
[222] See C. L. Bachman, op. cit., p. 391. John Bachman died at Charleston,
February 24, 1874.
[223] See Vol. II, p. 150.
[224] See Bibliography, No. 79.
[225] See Vol. II, p. 279.
[226] See Ruthven Deane, loc. cit., p. 70.
[227] See William H. Dall, op. cit., p. 155.
[228] For this and the following letter, see C. L. Bachman, op. cit., p. 274.
Page 582
[229] See C. L. Bachman, John Bachman, D.D., LL.D., Ph.D. (Bibl. No.
191), p. 276. The suggestion made to Mr. Harris was adopted, which accounts
for the six colored plates inserted in the third volume of the text; the "Large
Work" referred to the folio plates with accompanying text, the "Small," to the
first composite edition of both text and plates; see Bibliography, Nos. 5-7.
[230] See C. L. Bachman, op. cit., p. 278.
[231] John W. Audubon's children by Maria Bachman were: (1) Lucy
Audubon (Mrs. De Lancey Barclay Williams), 1838-1909; (2) Harriet Bachman
Audubon, 1839- ; by Caroline Hall, who died in 1899: (3) John James Audubon,
1842 (lived one day); (4) Maria Rebecca Audubon, 1843- ; (5) John James
Audubon, 1845-1893; (6) William Bakewell Audubon, 1847- , who emigrated to
Australia, where he engaged in sheep-raising, and has two children, Leonard
Benjamin and Eleanor Caroline Audubon; Leonard Audubon, who is twenty-
nine, is now fighting for France in the 55th Battalion of the Australian
contingent; as I have been recently informed by his aunt, he has been almost
constantly on the fighting front since August, 1916, and in the spring of 1917 he
was promoted from the ranks "on account of great bravery under unusual
conditions;" if still living, William Audubon and his son are the sole male
representatives of the American branch of the Audubon family; (7) Jane
Audubon, 1849-1853; (8) Florence Audubon, 1853- ; (9) Benjamin Phillips
Audubon, 1855-1886.
Victor G. Audubon had six children by his second wife, Georgiana R.
Mallory, who died in 1882; (1) Mary Eliza Audubon, 1845- ; (2) Rose Audubon,
1846-1879; (3) Victor Gifford Audubon, 1847-1915; (4) Delia Talman (Mrs.
Morris Frank Tyler), 1849- ; (5) Lucy Bakewell Audubon, 1851-1898; and (6)
Anne Gordon Audubon, 1854-1907.
[232] See Vol. II, p. 267.
[233] Due, it was believed, to a fall into the "well" (now guarded by an iron
rail), which led to a basement window of his house, though one who knew John
W. Audubon well, said that Victor's illness resulted from a fall from a railroad
train; see Jacob Pentz (Bibl. No. 81), Shooting and Fishing, May 11, 1893.
[234] Maria R. Audubon, in biographical memoir of her father in Audubon's
Western Journal, 1849-1850 (Bibl. No. 219).
[235] For fuller details, see Bibliography, No. 9, and for Prospectus of this
work, Appendix III, No. 3.
[236] For conflicting accounts of this text, see Bibliography, No. 10, and for
a definitive statement, Appendix III, No. 3. Miss Maria R. Audubon has told me
that during the War, the Bien firm issued a patriotic poster, showing an eagle,
191), p. 276. The suggestion made to Mr. Harris was adopted, which accounts
for the six colored plates inserted in the third volume of the text; the "Large
Work" referred to the folio plates with accompanying text, the "Small," to the
first composite edition of both text and plates; see Bibliography, Nos. 5-7.
[230] See C. L. Bachman, op. cit., p. 278.
[231] John W. Audubon's children by Maria Bachman were: (1) Lucy
Audubon (Mrs. De Lancey Barclay Williams), 1838-1909; (2) Harriet Bachman
Audubon, 1839- ; by Caroline Hall, who died in 1899: (3) John James Audubon,
1842 (lived one day); (4) Maria Rebecca Audubon, 1843- ; (5) John James
Audubon, 1845-1893; (6) William Bakewell Audubon, 1847- , who emigrated to
Australia, where he engaged in sheep-raising, and has two children, Leonard
Benjamin and Eleanor Caroline Audubon; Leonard Audubon, who is twenty-
nine, is now fighting for France in the 55th Battalion of the Australian
contingent; as I have been recently informed by his aunt, he has been almost
constantly on the fighting front since August, 1916, and in the spring of 1917 he
was promoted from the ranks "on account of great bravery under unusual
conditions;" if still living, William Audubon and his son are the sole male
representatives of the American branch of the Audubon family; (7) Jane
Audubon, 1849-1853; (8) Florence Audubon, 1853- ; (9) Benjamin Phillips
Audubon, 1855-1886.
Victor G. Audubon had six children by his second wife, Georgiana R.
Mallory, who died in 1882; (1) Mary Eliza Audubon, 1845- ; (2) Rose Audubon,
1846-1879; (3) Victor Gifford Audubon, 1847-1915; (4) Delia Talman (Mrs.
Morris Frank Tyler), 1849- ; (5) Lucy Bakewell Audubon, 1851-1898; and (6)
Anne Gordon Audubon, 1854-1907.
[232] See Vol. II, p. 267.
[233] Due, it was believed, to a fall into the "well" (now guarded by an iron
rail), which led to a basement window of his house, though one who knew John
W. Audubon well, said that Victor's illness resulted from a fall from a railroad
train; see Jacob Pentz (Bibl. No. 81), Shooting and Fishing, May 11, 1893.
[234] Maria R. Audubon, in biographical memoir of her father in Audubon's
Western Journal, 1849-1850 (Bibl. No. 219).
[235] For fuller details, see Bibliography, No. 9, and for Prospectus of this
work, Appendix III, No. 3.
[236] For conflicting accounts of this text, see Bibliography, No. 10, and for
a definitive statement, Appendix III, No. 3. Miss Maria R. Audubon has told me
that during the War, the Bien firm issued a patriotic poster, showing an eagle,
Page 583
taken from one of her grandfather's original drawings, and the American flag; it
was thought that a large number of copies were sold.
[237] Maria R. Audubon, op. cit.
[238] Maria R. Audubon, Audubon and his Journals (Bibl. No. 86), vol. i, p.
380.
[239] See William MacGillivray, A Memorial Tribute to William
MacGillivray (Bibl. No. 211), p. 40.
[240] See Bibliography, Nos. 174 and 219.
[241] See Bibliography, No. 54.
[242] Jacob Pentz (Bibl. No. 81), loc. cit.
[243] See Bibliography, No. 219.
[244] See Chapter I.
[245] Charles Augustus Stoddard; for his memorial sermon, see
Bibliography, No. 178. In the absence of the rector of the Church of the
Intercession, the pastor of the Washington Heights Presbyterian Church was
called to officiate at the funeral of Mrs. J. J. Audubon, June 22, 1874.
[246] For the privilege of examining this unique collection I am indebted to
the courtesy of the Society, and of its librarian, Mr. Kelby.
[247] Ruthven Deane (Bibl. No. 225), The Auk, vol. xxv (1908).
[248] At that time the American Museum of Natural History, New York,
possessed nine; the Smithsonian Institution, six; Princeton University, four;
Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, one, while the remainder were
in private hands.
[249] For the substance of this paragraph, I am indebted to the Report of the
American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society, New York, 1913.
[250] See Mrs. Horace St. John, Audubon, the Naturalist of the New World
(Bibl. No. 71), New York, 1856.
[251] See Valentine's Manual of the City of New York, New York, 1865.
[252] On October 30, 1847, Bachman wrote John and Victor Audubon that
he proposed to visit them in the following May, when he would leave his two
daughters with them awhile, "to hear you and Victor grumble about that eye-sore
of a railroad, and to enjoy your good company, and your fish and shrimps."
was thought that a large number of copies were sold.
[237] Maria R. Audubon, op. cit.
[238] Maria R. Audubon, Audubon and his Journals (Bibl. No. 86), vol. i, p.
380.
[239] See William MacGillivray, A Memorial Tribute to William
MacGillivray (Bibl. No. 211), p. 40.
[240] See Bibliography, Nos. 174 and 219.
[241] See Bibliography, No. 54.
[242] Jacob Pentz (Bibl. No. 81), loc. cit.
[243] See Bibliography, No. 219.
[244] See Chapter I.
[245] Charles Augustus Stoddard; for his memorial sermon, see
Bibliography, No. 178. In the absence of the rector of the Church of the
Intercession, the pastor of the Washington Heights Presbyterian Church was
called to officiate at the funeral of Mrs. J. J. Audubon, June 22, 1874.
[246] For the privilege of examining this unique collection I am indebted to
the courtesy of the Society, and of its librarian, Mr. Kelby.
[247] Ruthven Deane (Bibl. No. 225), The Auk, vol. xxv (1908).
[248] At that time the American Museum of Natural History, New York,
possessed nine; the Smithsonian Institution, six; Princeton University, four;
Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, one, while the remainder were
in private hands.
[249] For the substance of this paragraph, I am indebted to the Report of the
American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society, New York, 1913.
[250] See Mrs. Horace St. John, Audubon, the Naturalist of the New World
(Bibl. No. 71), New York, 1856.
[251] See Valentine's Manual of the City of New York, New York, 1865.
[252] On October 30, 1847, Bachman wrote John and Victor Audubon that
he proposed to visit them in the following May, when he would leave his two
daughters with them awhile, "to hear you and Victor grumble about that eye-sore
of a railroad, and to enjoy your good company, and your fish and shrimps."
Page 584
[253] To Mr. Jesse Benedict.
[254] Mr. Charles F. Stone, whose sister was an artist.
[255] For probable meaning of this term, see Note, Vol. I, p. 54.
[256] Or acariasis, an affection of the skin caused by the mange-mite,
Demodex folliculorum, a microscopic arachnid parasite found in the sebaceous
glands of dog and man.
[257] A skin disease to which negroes in Central America are specially
prone.
[258] See Vol. I, p. 54.
[254] Mr. Charles F. Stone, whose sister was an artist.
[255] For probable meaning of this term, see Note, Vol. I, p. 54.
[256] Or acariasis, an affection of the skin caused by the mange-mite,
Demodex folliculorum, a microscopic arachnid parasite found in the sebaceous
glands of dog and man.
[257] A skin disease to which negroes in Central America are specially
prone.
[258] See Vol. I, p. 54.
Page 585
*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUDUBON THE
NATURALIST: A HISTORY OF HIS LIFE AND TIME. VOL. 2 (OF 2)
***
Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will
be renamed.
Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright
law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works,
so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United
States without permission and without paying copyright royalties.
Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license,
apply to copying and distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic
works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ concept and
trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not
be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following the terms of
the trademark license, including paying royalties for use of the Project
Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for copies of this
eBook, complying with the trademark license is very easy. You may
use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative
works, reports, performances and research. Project Gutenberg eBooks
may be modified and printed and given away—you may do practically
ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected by U.S.
copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark license,
especially commercial redistribution.
START: FULL LICENSE
NATURALIST: A HISTORY OF HIS LIFE AND TIME. VOL. 2 (OF 2)
***
Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will
be renamed.
Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright
law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works,
so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United
States without permission and without paying copyright royalties.
Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license,
apply to copying and distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic
works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ concept and
trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not
be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following the terms of
the trademark license, including paying royalties for use of the Project
Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for copies of this
eBook, complying with the trademark license is very easy. You may
use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative
works, reports, performances and research. Project Gutenberg eBooks
may be modified and printed and given away—you may do practically
ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected by U.S.
copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark license,
especially commercial redistribution.
START: FULL LICENSE
Page 586
THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG™ LICENSE
PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free
distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work (or
any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project
Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
Gutenberg License available with this file or online at
www.gutenberg.org/license.
Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing
Project Gutenberg electronic works
1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg electronic
work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to and accept
all the terms of this license and intellectual property
(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all
the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
all copies of Project Gutenberg electronic works in your possession. If
you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project Gutenberg
electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the terms of this
agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or entity to whom
you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be
used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people
who agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few
things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg electronic works
even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See
paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project
Gutenberg electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg electronic
works. See paragraph 1.E below.
1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the
Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the
PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free
distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work (or
any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project
Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
Gutenberg License available with this file or online at
www.gutenberg.org/license.
Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing
Project Gutenberg electronic works
1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg electronic
work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to and accept
all the terms of this license and intellectual property
(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all
the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
all copies of Project Gutenberg electronic works in your possession. If
you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project Gutenberg
electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the terms of this
agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or entity to whom
you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be
used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people
who agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few
things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg electronic works
even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See
paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project
Gutenberg electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg electronic
works. See paragraph 1.E below.
1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the
Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the
Page 587
collection of Project Gutenberg electronic works. Nearly all the
individual works in the collection are in the public domain in the
United States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in
the United States and you are located in the United States, we do not
claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing,
displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as
all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope
that you will support the Project Gutenberg mission of promoting free
access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg works
in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the Project
Gutenberg name associated with the work. You can easily comply with
the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the same format
with its attached full Project Gutenberg License when you share it
without charge with others.
1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are
in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States,
check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this
agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing,
distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any
other Project Gutenberg work. The Foundation makes no
representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any
country other than the United States.
1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
access to, the full Project Gutenberg License must appear prominently
whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg work (any work on which
the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the phrase
“Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed,
viewed, copied or distributed:
This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States
and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no
restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it
under the terms of the Project Gutenberg™ License included with
individual works in the collection are in the public domain in the
United States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in
the United States and you are located in the United States, we do not
claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing,
displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as
all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope
that you will support the Project Gutenberg mission of promoting free
access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg works
in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the Project
Gutenberg name associated with the work. You can easily comply with
the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the same format
with its attached full Project Gutenberg License when you share it
without charge with others.
1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are
in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States,
check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this
agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing,
distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any
other Project Gutenberg work. The Foundation makes no
representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any
country other than the United States.
1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
access to, the full Project Gutenberg License must appear prominently
whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg work (any work on which
the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the phrase
“Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed,
viewed, copied or distributed:
This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States
and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no
restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it
under the terms of the Project Gutenberg™ License included with
Page 588
this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located
in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the
country where you are located before using this eBook.
1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg electronic work is derived
from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not contain a
notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the copyright
holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in the United
States without paying any fees or charges. If you are redistributing or
providing access to a work with the phrase “Project Gutenberg”
associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply either with
the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or obtain
permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg
trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg electronic work is posted
with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any
additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms
will be linked to the Project Gutenberg License for all works posted
with the permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of
this work.
1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg
License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg.
1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
Gutenberg License.
1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including
any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide
access to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg work in a format
other than “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official
in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the
country where you are located before using this eBook.
1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg electronic work is derived
from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not contain a
notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the copyright
holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in the United
States without paying any fees or charges. If you are redistributing or
providing access to a work with the phrase “Project Gutenberg”
associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply either with
the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or obtain
permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg
trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg electronic work is posted
with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any
additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms
will be linked to the Project Gutenberg License for all works posted
with the permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of
this work.
1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg
License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg.
1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
Gutenberg License.
1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including
any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide
access to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg work in a format
other than “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official
Page 589
version posted on the official Project Gutenberg website
(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense
to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of
obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original “Plain
Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include the
full Project Gutenberg License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg works
unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
access to or distributing Project Gutenberg electronic works provided
that:
• You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from the
use of Project Gutenberg works calculated using the method you
already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed to the
owner of the Project Gutenberg trademark, but he has agreed to donate
royalties under this paragraph to the Project Gutenberg Literary
Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid within 60 days
following each date on which you prepare (or are legally required to
prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty payments should be clearly
marked as such and sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
Foundation at the address specified in Section 4, “Information about
donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.”
• You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he does
not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™ License. You
must require such a user to return or destroy all copies of the works
possessed in a physical medium and discontinue all use of and all
access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™ works.
• You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of
receipt of the work.
(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense
to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of
obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original “Plain
Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include the
full Project Gutenberg License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg works
unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
access to or distributing Project Gutenberg electronic works provided
that:
• You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from the
use of Project Gutenberg works calculated using the method you
already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed to the
owner of the Project Gutenberg trademark, but he has agreed to donate
royalties under this paragraph to the Project Gutenberg Literary
Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid within 60 days
following each date on which you prepare (or are legally required to
prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty payments should be clearly
marked as such and sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
Foundation at the address specified in Section 4, “Information about
donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.”
• You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he does
not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™ License. You
must require such a user to return or destroy all copies of the works
possessed in a physical medium and discontinue all use of and all
access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™ works.
• You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of
receipt of the work.
Page 590
• You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free distribution
of Project Gutenberg™ works.
1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg™
electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set forth
in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from the
Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of the
Project Gutenberg™ trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in
Section 3 below.
1.F.
1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend
considerable effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and
proofread works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the
Project Gutenberg™ collection. Despite these efforts, Project
Gutenberg™ electronic works, and the medium on which they may be
stored, may contain “Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete,
inaccurate or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other
intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or
other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or
cannot be read by your equipment.
1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES -
Except for the “Right of Replacement or Refund” described in
paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation,
the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party
distributing a Project Gutenberg™ electronic work under this
agreement, disclaim all liability to you for damages, costs and
expenses, including legal fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO
REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, BREACH
OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE
FOUNDATION, THE TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY
DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT,
CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES
of Project Gutenberg™ works.
1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg™
electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set forth
in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from the
Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of the
Project Gutenberg™ trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in
Section 3 below.
1.F.
1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend
considerable effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and
proofread works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the
Project Gutenberg™ collection. Despite these efforts, Project
Gutenberg™ electronic works, and the medium on which they may be
stored, may contain “Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete,
inaccurate or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other
intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or
other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or
cannot be read by your equipment.
1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES -
Except for the “Right of Replacement or Refund” described in
paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation,
the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party
distributing a Project Gutenberg™ electronic work under this
agreement, disclaim all liability to you for damages, costs and
expenses, including legal fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO
REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, BREACH
OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE
FOUNDATION, THE TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY
DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT,
CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES
Page 591
EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGE.
1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you
discover a defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it,
you can receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by
sending a written explanation to the person you received the work
from. If you received the work on a physical medium, you must return
the medium with your written explanation. The person or entity that
provided you with the defective work may elect to provide a
replacement copy in lieu of a refund. If you received the work
electronically, the person or entity providing it to you may choose to
give you a second opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu
of a refund. If the second copy is also defective, you may demand a
refund in writing without further opportunities to fix the problem.
1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth in
paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO
OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. If
any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the law
of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any
provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the
Foundation, the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the
Foundation, anyone providing copies of Project Gutenberg™
electronic works in accordance with this agreement, and any
volunteers associated with the production, promotion and distribution
of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works, harmless from all liability,
costs and expenses, including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly
from any of the following which you do or cause to occur: (a)
DAMAGE.
1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you
discover a defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it,
you can receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by
sending a written explanation to the person you received the work
from. If you received the work on a physical medium, you must return
the medium with your written explanation. The person or entity that
provided you with the defective work may elect to provide a
replacement copy in lieu of a refund. If you received the work
electronically, the person or entity providing it to you may choose to
give you a second opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu
of a refund. If the second copy is also defective, you may demand a
refund in writing without further opportunities to fix the problem.
1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth in
paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO
OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. If
any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the law
of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any
provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the
Foundation, the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the
Foundation, anyone providing copies of Project Gutenberg™
electronic works in accordance with this agreement, and any
volunteers associated with the production, promotion and distribution
of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works, harmless from all liability,
costs and expenses, including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly
from any of the following which you do or cause to occur: (a)
Page 592
distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg work, (b) alteration,
modification, or additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg work,
and (c) any Defect you cause.
Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project
Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg is synonymous with the free distribution of
electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of
computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It
exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations
from people in all walks of life.
Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg’s goals
and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg collection will remain freely
available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Gutenberg
Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure and
permanent future for Project Gutenberg and future generations. To
learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 and
the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org.
Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg
Literary Archive Foundation
The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit
501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the state
of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Revenue
Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification number is
64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by U.S.
federal laws and your state’s laws.
The Foundation’s business office is located at 41 Watchung Plaza
#516, Montclair NJ 07042, USA, +1 (862) 621-9288. Email contact
modification, or additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg work,
and (c) any Defect you cause.
Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project
Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg is synonymous with the free distribution of
electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of
computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It
exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations
from people in all walks of life.
Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg’s goals
and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg collection will remain freely
available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Gutenberg
Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure and
permanent future for Project Gutenberg and future generations. To
learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 and
the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org.
Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg
Literary Archive Foundation
The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit
501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the state
of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Revenue
Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification number is
64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by U.S.
federal laws and your state’s laws.
The Foundation’s business office is located at 41 Watchung Plaza
#516, Montclair NJ 07042, USA, +1 (862) 621-9288. Email contact
Page 593
links and up to date contact information can be found at the
Foundation’s website and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project
Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without
widespread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest
array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small
donations ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax
exempt status with the IRS.
The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United States.
Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a considerable
effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up with these
requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations where we have
not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND
DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular
state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate.
While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
approach us with offers to donate.
International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation
methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other
ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To
donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate.
Foundation’s website and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project
Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without
widespread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest
array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small
donations ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax
exempt status with the IRS.
The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United States.
Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a considerable
effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up with these
requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations where we have
not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND
DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular
state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate.
While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
approach us with offers to donate.
International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation
methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other
ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To
donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate.
Page 594
Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg
electronic works
Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg
concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project
Gutenberg eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed
editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in
the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not
necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper
edition.
Most people start at our website which has the main PG search facility:
www.gutenberg.org.
This website includes information about Project Gutenberg, including
how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
electronic works
Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg
concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project
Gutenberg eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed
editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in
the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not
necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper
edition.
Most people start at our website which has the main PG search facility:
www.gutenberg.org.
This website includes information about Project Gutenberg, including
how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.