One thing I wanted to ask you about, was respecting your proposed trip next spring.... Nothing would delight me more than to go, if I can afford it. Next what preparation would I have to make to fit myself to accompany you. The journey ought to be a sort of "Humboldt & Bonpland" one, for the purpose of increasing the general sum of knowledge in every department of science, physical as well as natural.... If there is anything I can do for you here, do not hesitate to command me. Audubon's interesting reply to this letter will be given in full: _Audubon to Spencer Fullerton Baird_ NEW YORK, _July 30, 1842_. MY DEAR YOUNG FRIEND,— Your letter of the 27th Inst. reached me yesterday. I am truly vexed that I should have missed you at the Library or the Congress Chambers, where I went (perhaps too late) between 3 and 4 o'clock of the afternoon, having been detained at the different Departments of State where it was my duty to call, preparatory to the next coming Great Western Journey. Now it proves by your letter that you feel favorably disposed to accompany me on this long thought-of and contemplated Tour, and wish me to give you some idea of the expenses, attached to such an undertaking; but to this question I am quite unable to reply at present, although I may do so in a few weeks, and which I shall do, provided you write to me again on the subject. I have no very particular desire to embark as deep in the Cause of Science as the great Humboldt has done, and that, simply because I am too poor in pecuniary means and too incompetent; but I wish nevertheless _to attempt_ to open the Eyes of naturalists to _Riches untold_, and _facts hitherto untold_. The portions of the country through which it is my intention to pass, never having been trodden by white Man previously.