Letter - John James Audubon to Dr. Richard Harlan, 5 August 1832
Entry/Object ID
JJA.1938.182
Description
This is a handwritten letter from John James Audubon to Dr. Richard Harlan dated Boston August 5, 1832. See below for a transcription of this letter. A hardcopy transcription of the letter with a note from Harriet B. Audubon accompanies the original letter from John James Audubon.
"Boston 5th. August, 1832
My Dear Harlan,
The wine which I took from you proved to be as exempt of impurities as any reasonable Man could possibly expect or wish. We did not drink it the same evening, but on the following day when we reached the Steamer and waited the full half hour and heard the last toll and saw the vessel under way without seen you or hearing from you I felt extremely disappointed and indeed fearful that some accident may have befallen you. New York looked dismal in the extreme. The City was in fact dilapidated and a dismal feeling affected us all while we remained in it which however was only 24 hours. Chabut or Jim King has not cured 400 patrons believe me. We proceeded by steam to New London in Conneticut and thence in Coach to this place which we reached on Thursday having travelled by day only expecting to Enjoy the Sight of the Country which is indeed very beautiful. People may say what ever they choose of and about Yankees but I can assure you that I admire them." (Letter is cut here to remove Audubon's signature)"
Second side:
"I look on the individual who can raise a good crop and a good house on a thick soil as much more worthy than on that who can reap without labour the benefits of a naturally richer Country. This leads me to infer that if ever The Floridas are settled to advantage it must be by these Same Yankees! We have been indeed very Kindly received by all whom we have met and we have met with Many. T. N.Perkins has subscribed to a Copy of the Birds of America yesterday. The University will do the same ere we leave and I have some hope of the State doing this also. My Drawings will be exhibited by Card of Invitation at the Athenium and may prove productive to us. We spent the last evening at Everett. Conversations which reminded me a good deal of Cuvier's soiree. I will see Nuttal Tomorrow. We all feel anxious to here from you respecting the health of the City. The News Papers are certainly not always the medium through which truth circulates abroad. We do not know when we proceed - it will depend on Circumstances connected with the signing of Subscribers. Has Featherstonehaugh returned? How is he? If in time have Vignoles' name erased from my last letter _________ remember at ________ No. 3 Pearl Street." (Letter is cut here to remove Audubon's signature)
Collection
Harriet Audubon Collection
Made/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Audubon, John James
Role
Writer
Manufacturer
Audubon, John James
Date made
1832 - 1832
Notes
Date: August 5, 1832
Lexicon
Search Terms
* Communication Artifacts, Letters, Correspondence, Boston (Mass.), Massachusetts, Seals
