The Wilmingtonian., 1823-09-18
From Longs Expedition.
DOCTOR BALDWIN.

TIL he should recover SO muCn strellStn asI
might enable him to return to his family
But the hopes of his friends even for his d
partial recovery, were not to be realized h
He fingered few weeks after our depar- d
ture, and expired on the s1st of August.
His diary, in which the latest date is the
9th of August, only a few days previous
to his death, shows with what correctness, |,
even in the last stages of weakness and
disease, his mind was devoted to the pur-
suit, IN which he had so nobly spent the
most important part of his life. He has
left behind him a name which will long be |
honoured Ibis early death will be re-
GREETED, not only by those who knew his
value as friend, butby all the lovers of that
fascinating science, to which his life was de-
|dicated, and which his labours have sol
much contributed to advance and embel-
llish. We regret that it is not in our pow
Ter to add to this inadequate testimony ofI
respect, such notices of the life and wri-
tings of DR.. Baldwin, as might be satisfac-
tory to our readers. His manuscripts we're
numerous, but his works were left unti-
nished. The remarks on the Rotbollia,
published in Silliman's Journal, are his
l |only production, as far as we are inform
ed, hitherto before the public. His Her.
barium, it is well known, has contributed
:, to enrich the works of Pursh and Nuttall.
He was the friend and correspondent OF
the venerable Muhlenbergh, and contrl-
buted materials for the copious catalogue
|of North American plants, published by
THAT excellent botanlst. In South Ame-
|rica he met with Bonpland, the illustrious
companion of Humboldt, and a friendly
correspondence was established between
them, which continued until his death,
1IHe had travelled extensively not only in
: South America, but in Georgia, Florida,
f land other parts of North America. His
| notes and collections are extensive and va
luabe. During the short period of his
connection with the exploring party, the
in6rmities, resulting from long estah-
lished and incurable pulmonary disease,
r then rapidly approaching its fatal terml.
E nation, could not overcome the activity oil
: his mind, or divert his attention entirely
y from his favourlte pursuit. Though una
BILE to walk on shore, he caused plants tt
be collected and brought on board the
boat; and not disheartened by the many
dvexations attending this method of exam
-Ination, he preserved, and in the course O
e the voyage from Pittsburgh to Franklin
@ eIdetected and described many new plants
!. and added many valuable observations re
;, atng to such as were before unknown.
e Franklin is new and hourishng little villag,
2 on the banks OF the Missouri.
Z Test of courage.-When the American
/ army was at Valley Forge, in the winter
;of 1777, a captain of the Virginia line re
J. fused a challenge sent him by brother
e officer, alleging that his life was devoted
r to the service of his country, and that hi
did not think it point of duty to risk it
: to crafty the caprice of any man. Hi.
n antagonist gave him the character of {
1t coward through the whole army. Con
e, scious of mot having merited the asperson
n and discovering the injury he should sus-
l. tain in the midst of those unacquaintet
). with him, he repaired one evening to ge
!. neral meeting of the officers of that line
~ On his entrance, he was avoided by TIT
y company, and the officer who challenged
e him insolently ordered him to leave thu
room; request which was loudly re-echo
,e ed from all parts. He refused, and as
i serted that he came there to vindicate hi.
fame; and after mentioning the reasons
: which induced him not to accept the chal
eIlenge, he applied large hand grenade tt
g. the candle, and when the fuse had caught
ot fire, threw it on the floor, saying, "there
e, gentlemen, this will quickly determine
J. which of US all, dare brave danger most
t At first, they stared upon him for a mo
ment in stupid astonishment. but thci
;, eyes soon fell upon the fuse of the hant
Il grenade, which was fast burning down.
e Away scampered colonel, general, ensign
n and captain, and all made rush at the
i door simultaneously and confused. Some
e fell, and others made way over the bodies
" of their comrades some succeeded in get
- :. ting out, but for an instant there was ge
=, - neral heap of flesh, sprawing at the en-
u trance OF the apartment. Here was Co
:; lonel jostling with subaltern and there
r. fat generals pressing lean lieutenants into
ST the boards, and clustering majors and
d squeaking ensigns wrestling for exit. the
N size of the one and the feebleness of the
;. other making their chance of departure
pretty equal, until time, which does all