Audubon, John James | Autograph letter signed, discussing his intentions for the publication of The Birds of America

Audubon, John James 

Autograph letter signed ("J.J. Audubon") to physician and naturalist, Richard Harlan, discussing his intentions for the publication of The Birds of America

3pp, 4to (240 x 200), integral address panel, written from St. Augustine, Florida, 16-18 January 1832; some faint staining and browning, fold cleanly split, small area of marginal loss where wax seal affixed.  

A length letter wherein Audubon discusses his early days in Florida, and his hopes for his Birds of America.

John James Audubon may have deemed the Florida landscape "poor beyond any idea that can be given in a common letter," but in the present correspondence he also reports his discovery of a new species of ibis, which he proposes to name "Fantatus Fuscus." Additionally, he records "3 diferrent [sic] Species of Heaths," and notes his "curious observation" of warblers, "moving easterwards every warm day and returning every cold one." He also outlines his plans to travel up the St John River aboard the US Navy schooner, the Spark.

Ever-focused on the project at hand, Audubon also discusses the prospect of governmental assistance for his work, including the possibility of Congress subscribing for 50 copies of The Birds of America: "What do you think of such a plan and how could it be brought to bear on the hearts of the Backwoodsman or on the Arts of the Metropolitans?" In conveying this possibility to Harlan, Audubon's excitement over the increasing patronage of the United States of the Sciences in general, and in himself in particular, is unmistakable: "I am prouder of my country than ever ... should I live long enough to deserve her applause I shall die happy."

Audubon's expedition to Florida, projected as "my last Journey after Birds in North America," lasted from November 1831 until June 1832. Richard Harlan, a physician and naturalist of Philadelphia, had been a close friend and frequent correspondent of Audubon's since 1824. Harlan was a subscriber to Birds of America.

A remarkable letter, addressing the publication of a landmark of work. 

PROVENANCE:

Christie's New York, 11 November 1998, lot 126