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.
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.