Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1843-08-12
by Masscr s. Eisely.
Interesting Letter from Audubon.


10 Miles above Fort Union
To DR.. J. BAcnMAN My dear Friend-It
is with transport of pleasure that l avail my
self Of this opportunity of sending letter (by
hunter going down to Fort Union) TO impart
the qualification have experienced since the
date of my last, (ut the Fort, 18th inst) lean
not say but that consider all my tolls, trou-
bles and travels in the wilderness are fully and
amply repaid by the discovery of an animal
which bids fair TO become not only a valuable,
but domestic one-althnugh have been sue
cessfnl in this, my last journey, in collecting
a number more of beautiful specimens of birds,
attended to with great hardship in some cases;
but still they are nothing in comparison with
! that which have so lately discovered existed
in these regions; and from my own observa-
of the Indians in this neighboihood relative
! thereto,I am satisfied that these animals can be
procured in great plenty in certain portions of
this territory. But must proceed, as you al
ways expect, with my dongs since The date of
my last.
We left the Fort (Union) on the morning of
the l4th inst.-a more beautiful day | never
beheld. Just picture to YOURSELF clear sky,
and not too warm sun, with the most beauti
ful scenery in the world before you, affording
wide plains for your researches, filled with the
melody of innumerable wild songsters, scent
ed with the delightful perfume ofa thousand
variegated and useful unknown plants and
herbs, which not only delight the eye by their
various hues, but at once show the vast fields
that nature has provided for the use of man and
the improvement Of science; it was indeed
beautiful subject for reflection, though can
not say paid it Just tribute, being so intent
on my pursuits. We travelled that day dis
tance of forty miles, and procured two more
additional and beautiful specimens to my colec-
ton, but nature seemed afterwards to be not
quite so munihcent, continual heavy showers
have molested us daily, and it is in great
measure owing to this that accidentally came
upon the animal am going to describe. Yes
terday, about 10 A. NJ, we saw dark heavy
clouds coming from the Southeast, attended
with heavy peals Of thunder and vivid light
ming, when, in the distance, about mile TO
the westward, we perceived large wood or
forest, on the borders of lake, some ten miles
in circumference, towards which number of
focks of birds were directing their course.
This led us there, not for the mere purpose OF
shelter, Qor that, to man ofmy pursuits, would
be feminine,) but that we might be enabled, a.
mong so great a variety OF the feathered tribe,
to procure something in addition to my stock.
We had no sooner arrived at the place descrlb'
ed, than it rained in torrents-my companions
, placed themselves under shelter ofa large tree
! before me of that which have so long made
2 my study, sailed forth with my towling piece
s (with the lock well protected from the rain.
= had proceeded the distance Of about 400 PAGES
h when, to my horror, heard not far from me, 9
4 very singular cry, in some measure resembling
n that Of human being in distress, but muct
n louder. For moment did not know what t
b do, having nothing with me but small shot
j however, was determined 10 proceed toward
t the spot from whence the cry arose. and ascer
d tain, fpossible, what was the cause, knowing
: from its continuance and loudness, that my com
II panions would be attracted thither. had no
c advanced many PAGES to the left, vergng oil
o the margin of the lake, before | perceived SOM
Is animals moving among the trees. lapproache'
J. very cautiously, and to my surprise saw tw
Is beasts, engaged in playing, or fighting; the
s. appeared there to be OF enormous heights
,r when they stood on their hind legs, which
2 have since ascertained they continually sit OF
Or | remained watching them short time, VI
Or certain what to do, when to my great JOY m
s. friends came up, being attracted by the nols'
I'd and having some fears for my safety. lnactV
e. spectators we could not remain-so determines
IN therefore, to attack them, as they then lay C!
er hausted Thought if they were not too vclo'
a. | might procure one alive. Filled with this II
ne tent, we advanced towards them, they bo
sprang up and set on their hind parts, Wi
their fore paws upraised, seeming to threatt
he descent upon us. One Of my companions b
Pc ing somewhat afraid, Immediately shot one, al
ay the other bounded off with the most fearful leaT
dy Another such an animal ! never saw-yo
Mr. buffaoes or mountain elks are nothing in col
ON parison, in the scale of worth. To give you
of proper description will be to liken it son
to what in shape TO kangaroo, but varying
ent many particulars. 1t sits on its hind legs
the same way, but not shaped in the abdominal