[Footnote 43:  This counsel I pursued in the autumn of that year, and published specimens of the legends in the winter of 1825, in “Travels in the Central Portions of the Mississippi Valley,” and in 1839 submitted to the public two duodecimo volumes, under the title of “Algie Researches, Part I.”]

June 18th.  Michigan is gradually assuming steps which are a part of that train which will in time develop her resources and importance.  She has lately taken measures to enter what is called the second grade of government.  General Charles Larned, of Detroit, writes me that the first session of the first territorial legislature is now convened, and that the members acquit themselves with credit.

22d.  The mineralogy and geology of the region furnish topics of interest, which help to fill up pauses in the intervals of business.  By making my office a focus for collecting whatever is new in the unexplored regions, excitement is kept alive, and knowledge in the end promoted.  Lewis Saurin Johnston, of Drummond Island, sends me a box of specimens from that locality.  This gentleman, who occupies a situation in the British Indian department, is a grandson of the late Waubojeeg, a celebrated orator and warrior formerly of La Pointe, in Lake Superior.

On the 26th, Mr. Giles Sanford, of Erie in Pennsylvania, contributes a collection of the minerals of that vicinity.

July 10th.  The War of 1812 proved disastrous to some individuals on this frontier.  After a delay of ten years, the British government has announced its intention to indemnify those of its subjects who lost property.  Mr. Johnston, who suffered heavily, determined to visit Toronto with the view of laying his case before Lieutenant-Governor Maitland.  He writes, on his way down, during a delay at Drummond Island, in his usual hopeful, warm-hearted strain—­full of love to those left behind, and free forgiveness to all who have injured him.  With the highest purposes of honor, and the soul of hospitality and social kindness, surely such a man deserves to succeed.

12th.  Dr. J.J.  Bigsby, of England, writes a letter introducing Lieutenant Bolton of the British engineers, a zealous naturalist, and Major Mercer of the artillery—­both being on an official tour of inspection.

18th.  Judge J.D.  Doty announces himself at Michilimackinack, on his return from Detroit to Green Bay.  He says that the members of the legislative council are disposed to be rather menders of old laws than makers of new ones, and that they are guided by the spirit of prudence.

21st.  John Tanner, the returned captive, dictates from Mackinac this laconic appeal for employment:  “All my property is now made away with, so that I have nothing left but one old blanket.  I am in such a situation that I am unable to go anywhere—­have no money, no clothes, and nothing to eat.”

Aug. 19th.  Mr. George Johnston writes from the sub-agency of La Pointe, Lake Superior, that a rumor prevails of a murder lately committed by a Chippewa war party, on American citizens, on the upper Mississippi.