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.
LETTER OF EDWARD HARRIS TO AUDUBON, REGARDING HIS INTENTION OF JOINING THE EXPEDITION TO THE UPPER MISSOURI, JANUARY 31, 1843.
From the Deane MSS.