IMPROVED PRESS.—­In a state of society which relies so much on popular information through the diurnal press, its improvement is of the highest consequence.  Mr. William Ward, of Massachusetts, performed this office for the city of Detroit and Michigan this fall, by the establishment of a new paper, which at first bore the title of North-west Journal, and afterwards of Detroit Journal.  This sheet exhibits a marked advance in editorial ability, maturity of thought, and critical acumen.

I embarked at Detroit, on my return to St. Mary’s, late in October, leaving the council still in session, and reached that place on one of the last days of the month.

Dec. 20th.  Mr. Ward writes:  “We have published The Rise of the West, and the Ages of Michigan.  It is printed well, but bound, sorry I am to say, carelessly.  I suppose the Major will send you a copy.”

Rise of the West, or a Prospect of the Mississippi Valley, embraces reminiscences of this noble stream, and of its banks being settled by the Anglo-Saxons.

CHAPTER XXXV.

The new administration—­Intellectual contest in the Senate—­Sharp contest for mayoralty of Detroit—­Things shaping at Washington—­Perilous trip on the ice—­Medical effects of this exposure—­Legislative Council—­Visit to Niagara Falls—­A visitor of note—­History—­Character of the Chippewas—­Ish-ko-da-wau-bo—­Rotary sails—­Hostilities between the Chippewas and Sioux—­Friendship and badinage—­Social intercourse—­Sanillac—­Gossip—­Expedition to Lake Superior—­Winter Session of the Council—­Historical disclosure—­Historical Society of Rhode Island—­Domestic—­French Revolution.

1830.  Jan. 26th.  THE NEW ADMINISTRATION.—­A friend from Washington writes:  “Nothing has yet been touched in the Indian department.  It is doubtful whether our code will be considered.  The engrossing topic of the session will be the removal of the Indians.  It occupies the public mind through the Union, and petitions and remonstrances are pouring in, without number.  The article (On the Removal of the Indians) was luckily hit.  It has been well received, and is very acceptable to the government.”

Feb. 23d.  INTELLECTUAL CONTEST IN THE SENATE.—­A correspondent from Detroit writes:  “I refer you to your papers, which will give you the history of the contest between those intellectual giants, Hayne and Webster, rather Webster and Hayne, on the land question, which seems to absorb public interest entirely.  My books containing Extracts of the Eloquence of the British Parliament, furnish me no such models as that second speech.  Such clearness, simplicity, and comprehensiveness; such a grave and impressive tread; such imposing countenance and manner; such power of thought, and vigor of intellect, and opulence of diction, and chastened brilliance of imagination, have seldom, I was about to say never, startled the listeners of that chamber.”