American zoologist (1781-1866) who specialized in North American ornithology and mammology, remembered for challenging the works of John James Audubon. ALS signed “G.O.,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 10, November 14, 1835. Partial handwritten letter to Charles Waterton with important content, offering a diatribe against John J. Audubon and his supporters. In part: "His supporters, many of whom are truly estimable, will be moved by the ridicule to inquire into the causes of it; and this is all that truth demands. Who the author of the clever tale, which originally appeared in the Washington Telegraph, is, I have never learned. Though Audubon is not mentioned in it, there is not the least doubt but that the Jen d'esprit was intended for him…You speak of Gales & Seatopn's correspondent, that my blows laid sprawling in the dirt. The knavery of the animal was rendered so apparent, but the quotation from your book, that he had not the courage to venture upon the vindication of himself. He, therefore, sneaked off…with his tail between his legs. Put a lie fairly upon your antagonist, and, depend upon it, that, although, like the tadpole, he may wriggle and wriggle, yet he can never get out of the mud. The honourable gentleman who threatened me with exemplary punishment if I again opened my lips in dispraise of Audubon, is heard of no more. The term of six weeks was fixed by him for the marshaling of his forces: the 'willing hands and pens' that were to avenge the cause of the persecuted and injured ornithologist. Six weeks have long since elapsed, and the myrmidons have not yet displayed their banners. I wait with patience to hear the sound of their trumpets…
You say that you have publickly accused Audubon of palpable deviations from truth and that it is the duty of his supporters either to clear his character, or to acknowledge that he has deceived us. [As] regards…the Rattlesnake adventure, no attempt has been made, by any responsible person, to support its credibility; it is totally indefensible. Even Audubon's zealous advocate, Harlan, who often alludes to it, confines himself to the circumstance of Rattlesnakes having been seen upon trees; a fact which no one doubts. The remainder of the marvellous narrative, this last mentioned writer studiously avoids: he dares not risk his reputation by an attempt of its defense. Recollect that the said Dr. Harlan published, some years ago, an account of the Serpents of our country; but he said not one word of the Rattlesnake's killing its prey by compression, instead of by poison; and then swallowing it tail foremost. To say nothing of the fact of chasing a gray squirrel among the limbs of a large forest tree." In very good condition, with seal-related paper loss to the integral address leaf, and small areas of paper loss at fold intersections.
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