Judge H. Chipman, of Detroit, says (Oct. 21st):  “If it were just cause of offence, that men should estimate differently the merits of opposing candidates, popular elections would be the greatest curse that could be inflicted upon a people.”

Mr. Everett (Hon. E.) says:  “I beg leave to unite with Mr. Sparks in expressing the hope that you will become a contributor to its pages (North American Review), as often as your leisure, the seasonableness of topics, and the appearance of works to be noticed, may admit.”

24th.  This day brought one of Mr. Johnston’s warm-hearted notes, to take a Christmas dinner with him to-morrow.  “I anticipate,” he says, “great pleasure in seeing many dear relatives about me, on one of the greatest festivals the world has ever witnessed.”

It was the last festival of that kind he ever enjoyed, though nothing could be further from our imaginations then; for before its recurrence in 1828, we were called to follow his body to the grave.

CHAPTER XXX.

Retrospect—­United States Exploring Expedition to the South Sea—­Humanity of an Indian—­Trip to Detroit from the Icy Straits—­Incidental action of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Historical Societies, and of the Montreal Natural History Society—­United States Exploring Expedition—­Climatology—­Lake vessels ill found—­Poetic view of the Indian—­United States Exploring Expedition—­Theory of the interior world—­Natural History—­United States Exploring Expedition.—­History of early legislation in Michigan—­Return to St. Mary’s—­Death of Governor De Witt Clinton.

1828.  January 1st.—­During ten years, omitting 1823, I had now performed, each year, a journey or expedition of more or less peril and adventure in the great American wilderness, west of the Alleghanies.  I had now attained a point, ardently sought, for many years, where I was likely to be permitted to sit down quietly at home, and leave traveling to others.  I had, in fact, just removed into a quiet home, a retired, convenient, tasteful, and even elegant seat, which filled every wish of retired intellectual enjoyment, where I was encompassed by books, studies, cabinets, and domestic affections.  At this moment, when there appeared nothing in the prospect to call me to new fields of observation, I was elected a member of the legislative council, which opened a civic and quite different scene of duties.  This step, I found, pleased my friends.  The executive of the territory writes from Detroit, February 22d:  “We have understood that you have been elected a member of the legislative council, and there is a prevalent wish that this report may prove true.  I mention the subject now, to inform you that the council will probably be convened about the beginning of May, in order that you may make the necessary preparations for visiting this place at that time.”

Feb. 5th.  An exploring expedition for discoveries in the South Sea, has, for some time, been under consideration in the Senate of the United States, to be organized in the navy, and to go out under the patronage of the Secretary, Mr. Southard.  Mr. G.N.  Reynolds invites me to take a position in the scientific corps, to accompany it, under an official sanction.