Lawson, Alexander, 1772-1846,

In 1798, Lawson formed a friendship with Alexander Wilson. When Wilson approached Lawson in March of 1804 with his intention to publish his ornithological studies and drawings, Lawson hesitated with taking on the engraving on the grounds that it was too expensive for Wilson to handle. Not to be discouraged, Wilson showed up at Lawson's house with a copper plate that he intended to etch himself. He had Lawson ground the plate, and asked for an etching needle. Lawson narrates that the next day Wilson bounded into the room exclaiming that he had finished the plate and wished to bite it with the aqua fortis immediately. The result was displeasing to him, and Wilson knew he would have to hire a professional engraver. A few months later Wilson found a publisher to assist with his undertaking, and Lawson agreed to engrave the plates.