The margins of the shores and of the river were at this season amply supplied with game. A Wild Turkey, a Grouse, or a Blue-winged Teal, could be procured in a few moments; and we fared well, for, whenever we pleased, we landed, struck up a fire and provided, as we were, with the necessary utensils, procured a good repast. Louisville at this time was a small trading and agricultural center of barely a thousand people.[171] Though the early promises of business there were not fulfilled, Audubon and his wife at once entered upon a happy period, for they made many friends in a new country settled by whole-hearted, well-to-do planters; the men were fond of good horses and of hunting, and the naturalist, who was also a merchant, was welcomed among them as a kindred spirit. But, said Audubon, "birds were birds then as now, and my thoughts were ever and anon turning towards them as the objects of my greatest delight. I shot, I drew, I looked on nature only; my days were happy beyond human conception, and beyond that I really cared not.... I seldom passed a day without drawing a bird, or noting something respecting its habits, Rozier meantime attending the counter." To revert again to the business affairs of the Audubon-Rozier firm at Louisville, an interesting record has been preserved in a letter[172] written by Thomas Bakewell, a former fellow-clerk of the naturalist in the senior Bakewell's counting-house in New York; this was included with the statement of account, referred to above. _Thomas Bakewell to Audubon & Rozier_ [At bottom of account sheet] NEW YORK, _Decemr. 13th. 1808_ MESSRS. J. AUDUBON & F. ROZIER Louisville GENTN. I have now the pleasure to hand you your account current with my Father's Estate according to your desire as expressed in your letter to Mess Robt. Kinder & Co. under date the 21st. of Novr. last. I cannot tell what error you allude to of $93. I suppose it is the amount of commission returned $93.94/100 which you will perceive is duly at your Cr. in the a/c. I am sorry to say that the tobacco is still unsold & that there is no prospect of selling it so as to cover the balance of your a/c. Messrs R. Kinder & Co. request me to say that they wish the yarn mentioned in their letter of the [word omitted] to be made of _water rotted Hemp_ & that they will write you pr next post with their account against you as requested by you— I remain Gentn with Your mo. obt. Servt. THOS. BAKEWELL for the assignees of my Father's estate— Give my love to Mrs. A. my aunt a recd. hers last night—S. & is much as usual—she remains very sick yet. T B [Superscribed] MESSRS. AUDUBON & ROZIER Merchants Louisville Kentucky