[Addressed] To J. J. Audubon, Esqe.
Edinburgh.
Audubon and MacGillivray finished their work in November, and by the first of December the manuscript of the second volume of the Ornithological Biography was in the printer's hands. On the 10th of the latter month Audubon wrote to Bachman from Edinburgh: "I am quite sure I never have been half as anxious as I am at this moment to do all in my power to compleat my vast enterprise, and sorrowful indeed would be my dying moments if this book of mine were not finished ere my eyes are for ever closed." The naturalist was thinking of materials for new "Episodes" for the work when he added:
Try to study the habits of the alligator, the time of its propagation, number of eggs, form of the nest, &c., &c., &c. I long to possess all respecting this reptile (amphibian) [sic] for my article of the Wood Ibis and Sand Hill Crane, for it will make a fine picture on paper, and I can show Waterton the bold astride of one's bare back in great style.
By now Docr. Parkman has at least a portion of the letter press and I hope has begun printing the second vol. of Biog. 750 copies for America, and the same number are printing here. I wish you would cut out from all newspapers the pros and cons about me.
PART OF THE ORIGINAL DRAFT OF AUDUBON'S MANUSCRIPT FOR THE INTRODUCTION TO VOLUME II OF THE "ORNITHOLOGICAL BIOGRAPHY," GIVING NAMES OF PERSONS TO WHOM HE CARRIED LETTERS OF INTRODUCTION ON HIS FIRST VISIT TO LONDON IN 1827.
From the Howland MSS.
We thus have from Audubon himself a definite statement in regard to the publication of his Biography of Birds in America, and as to the number of copies issued.
MacGillivray immediately agreed to "revise and correct" Audubon's forthcoming third and fourth volumes, and that he was quite satisfied with their method of cooperation is shown by the following definite statement of his contract: