I had now attained that position of repose and quiet which were so congenial to my mind.  The influence I exercised; the respect I enjoyed, both as an officer and as a scientific and literary man:  every circumstance, in fact, that can add to the enjoyment of a man of moderate desires, seeking to run no political race, was calculated to insure my happiness.  And I was happy.  No part of my life had so completely all the elements of entire contentment, as my residence at the wild and picturesque homestead of Elmwood.  I removed my family to this spot in October, having now a little daughter to enlarge my family circle, and take away, in a measure, the solitariness effected by the loss of my son, William Henry.

I resumed my Indian researches with twofold interest.  The public duties of an agent for Indian affairs, if an industrious man, leave him a good deal of leisure on his hands, and, in a position so remote as this, if a man have no inclination for studies or belles lettres, he must often be puzzled to employ his leisure.  I amused myself by passing from one literary study to another, and this is ever refreshing to the mind, which tires of one thing.  Thus, such amusements as the Appeal of Pontiac, Rise of the West, and the Man of Bronze, found place among graver matters.  In this manner, a man without literary society may amuse and instruct himself.

Nov. 1st.  I have been elected a member of the Legislative Council of the territory—­an office not solicited, and which is not declined.  Party spirit has not yet reached and distracted this territory.  So far as I know, political divisions of a general character, have not entered into society.  The chief magistrate is an eminently conservative man, and by his moderation of tone and suavity of manners, has been instrumental in keeping political society in a state of tranquillity.  All our parties have been founded on personal preference.  If there has been any more general principles developed in the legislature, it has been a promptly debt paying, and a not promptly debt paying party—­a non divorce, and a divorce party.  I have been ever of the former class of thinkers; and shall let my votes tell for the right and good old way—­i.e. pay your debts and keep your wife.

Dec. 22d.  My study of the Indian language and history has not only enlarged my own sources of intellectual gratification, but it has, without my seeking it, procured me a number of highly intellectual philosophic correspondents, whose letters operate as an aliment to further exertion.  My natural assiduity is thus continually stimulated, and I find myself begrudging a single hour, spent in gossiping hum-drum society—­for even here there is society, or an apology for society.

The editor of the North American Review, inviting me to write for its pages, says (Sept. 1st):  “Your knowledge and experience will enable you to say much concerning the western country, and its aboriginal inhabitants, which will be interesting to the community of readers.  You cannot be too full in your facts and reflections on Indians and Indian character.”