Four-and-a-Half Months’ Stay in New Harmony
Description of the region – Natural history – Messrs. Say, Lesueur, and Owen – Hunting excursions in Indiana and Illinois – Wabash, Fox River – Illinois prairies – Albion – Black River – Mr. Bodmer’s trip to New Orleans
February 20, 1833
Slightly overcast sky; frost. At seven thirty, -2 1/4°R [26.9°F, -2.8°C]. We worked at home. In our lodging the carpenter made chests in which to pack our collections. A very cold, penetrating wind blew during the day. I described and measured a nice bird of prey, Falco borealis, which Russel, the hunter, had brought me. This hawk is strong and bold. It has a call that closely resembles that of the Falco buteo, and it is nonmigratory here throughout the year. At twelve noon, 0°R [32°F, 0°C]. I paid a visit that afternoon to Mr. Say. We wrote a letter to the local magistrate, or postmaster, in St. Landry (Parish of Opelousas) in order to obtain news about young Westen; it will go off with the mail this evening.
Mr. Bodmer and Dreidoppel went out; the latter returned that evening with both Duclos, and they brought back two Anas rufitorques. Visit that evening at the homes of Messrs. Twigg and Lesueur. There I read an interesting newspaper story about a Seneca Indian who killed his brother because he had poisoned another brother; this event is based on a travel account in America by Ferrall, a work I do not know.