I reached here on the 31st of last month a little fatigued, as you can well imagine. Yesterday I wrote to T. W. Bakewell at New Orleans, and doubt not he is sending you regularly the prices current of the market there. I have found here a letter addressed to my brother-in-law from Benj. Bakewell, who complains of us, and says that we ought to settle with him in one way or another; write to him at Pittsburgh; I will be with him, possibly at the same time, and will speak with him; by the bill which he inclosed you will see that we are his debtor for 55$. I am leaving here in 2 or 3 days. I wish you health and prosperity, and with the respects of my wife, I am always your friend & Servant J. AUDUBON. [Addressed] MR. FD. ROZIER Merchant St _Genevieve_ u.L. _John James Audubon to Ferdinand Rozier_ SHIPPINGPORT. _10th Augst. 1812_ MY DEAR ROZIER;— As it is quite likely that the present opportunity is safe, I take pleasure in writing you a few words. Your letter sent to Philadelphia was duly received, and answered promptly; since I have heard news of you only by the most indirect means, I would be happy if you can give a few moments to your friends, if you would count me in their number, and would write me from time to time; I left Philadelphia last month with my wife and son; most of this time was spent in descending the Ohio, which is at present very low; we had the barge and crew of G[en]l. Clark, with the company of Mr. R. A. Maupin, and of Mrs. Galt, who had spent several months at New York & at Phila. I shall probably descend [the river] to New Orleans this autumn with N. Berthoud; [all kinds of] merchandise are extremely scarce and very dear, everywhere, but even more is this true of coarse woolens, which one does not find at all. I have no doubt your lead is selling very well, this article having increased considerably [in value] since the war. In the latter part of my stay in the East I received a letter from my father, and one from your brother; all your family were then well, that is, four months ago; your brother is very anxious to hear from you; if peace should come at a day not far remote (and may it please God that this be so), I hope to get into communication with him. I have written to him and I urge you to do the same; your letters can be delivered, if sent to New York, and from thence on the Cartel.[209] My wife is well and [so is] my son; may you be the same, and count among the number of your friends him who would esteem you always. Adieu J. AUDUBON. [Addressed] MRS F. ROZIERS Mercht St _Genevieve_ u.L.