While at Rome he formed the acquaintance of Washington Allston, the artist, with whom he studied painting for a time with the idea of himself becoming a painter. After an absence of two years, however, he returned to New York, in March, 1806, and again took up the study of law. He was admitted to the bar, but never practiced. About this time he wrote and published his portion of the " Salmagundi " papers, which appeared as a serial. Paulding wrote a portion of the work, William Irving the poetry and Washington Irving the remainder. In December, 1809, he published " Knickerbocker's History of New York," an extravagant burlesque, which excited general laughter, although it was gravely held up to reprehension in an address before the Historical Society of New York. It^ grotesque descriptions of Dutch manners and customs in the colony of New Netherlands are full of humor. After the publication of this work Irving engaged as silent partner with two of his brothers in mercantile business. The second war with Orcat Britain breaking out, he joined the military staM' of Governor Tompkins, with the rank of colonel. After the war he paid a visit to the British Islands, and inteiuled to make a tour of the Continent, but business reverses involving the ruin of his firm compelled him to abandon his purpose. Irving now turned to literature for support, and through the friendly aid of Sir Walter Scott, secured the publication of the " Sketch Book " by Murray, the great English publisher, who bought the co|)yright for two hundred pounds, which he subsequently increased to four hundred pounds.