While Maximilian remained behind at New Harmony recovering his health, Bodmer undertook an excursion on his own to New Orleans early in January, 1833. In his journal entry for February 15, 1833, Maximilian included a brief narration of Bodmer's voyage down the Mississippi as it was related to him on the artist's return. According to this account, Bodmer left New Harmony shortly before the New Year, but was forced to wait several days at Mount Vernon for a steamer bound for New Orleans. The watercolor sketch of the courthouse in Mount Vernon was made at this time.