was uncertain how far they extended.  Mr. Schoolcraft was selected by the Indian and War Department, to conduct a second expedition into the region embracing the entire Upper Mississippi, north and west of St. Anthony’s Falls.  He pursued this stream to the points to which it had been explored in 1806, by Lieut.  Pike, and in 1820, by Gen. Cass; and finding the state of the water favorable for ascending, traced the river up to its ultimate forks, and to its actual source in Itasca Lake.  This point he reached on the 23d July, 1832; but a fraction under 300 years after the discovery of its lower portions by De Soto.  This was Mr. Schoolcraft’s crowning geographical discovery, of which he published an account, with maps, in 1833.  He is believed to be the only man in America who has seen the Mississippi from its source in Itasca Lake to its mouth in the Gulf of Mexico.

In 1839, he published his collection of oral legends from the Indian wigwams, under the general cognomen of Algic Researches.  In these volumes is revealed an amount of the Indian idiosyncrasies, of what may be called their philosophy and mode of reasoning on life, death, and immortality, and their singular modes of reasoning and action, which makes this work one of the most unique and original contributions to American literature.  His love of investigation has always been a characteristic trait.

The writer of this sketch, who is thoroughly acquainted with Mr. Schoolcraft’s character, habits, and feelings, has long regarded him the complete embodiment of industry and temperance in all things.  He rises early and retires early, eats moderately of simple food, never uses a drop of stimulant, and does not even smoke a cigar.  In temperament he is among the happiest of human beings, always looks at the bright side of circumstances—­loves to hear of the prosperity of his neighbors, and hopes for favorable turns of character, even in the most depraved.  The exaltation of his intellectual pursuits, and his sincere piety, have enabled him to rise above all the petty disquietudes of everyday life, and he seems utterly incapable of envy or detraction, or the indulgence of any ignoble or unmanly passions.  Indeed, one of his most intimate friends remarked “that he was the beau-ideal of dignified manliness and truthfulness of character.”  His manners possess all that unostentatious frankness, and self-possessed urbanity and quietude, that is indicative of refined feelings.  That such a shining mark has not escaped envy, detraction, and persecution, will surprise no one who is well acquainted with the materials of which human nature is composed.  “Envy is the toll that is always paid to greatness.”

Mr. Schoolcraft has had enemies, bitter unrelenting enemies, from the wiles of whom he has lost several fortunes, but they have not succeeded, in spite of all their efforts, in depriving him of an honored name, that will live as the friend of the red man and an aboriginal historian, for countless ages.