I had now served four years in the legislature; but, understanding that the President had expressed an opinion that official officers should not engage in the business of legislation, I declined a reelection by a public notice to the electors of my district.

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EXPEDITION TO THE REGION OF THE ST. CROIX AND CHIPPEWIA RIVERS.—­The Executive of the territory writes from Washington (April 19th):  “I arrived here day before yesterday, and this morning talked with Gen. Eaton.  You will go into Lake Superior, and I am to submit a project to-day.  I shall have it properly arranged.  In a day or two, I trust, I shall have the official papers off.  I write in a hurry now to apprise you of the fact.  The letter you received from Mr. Hamilton, was written before I arrived.”  The same person, three days later, says:  “The official instructions are preparing for your expedition, and will, I hope, be off to-day.”  They were written on the 3d of May, and are as follows:—­

“Your letter of Feb. 13th has been received, and its general views are approved.  The Secretary of War deems it important that you should proceed to the country upon the head of the Mississippi, and visit as many of the Indians in that and the intermediate region, as circumstances will permit.

“Reports have reached this department from various quarters, that the Indians upon our frontiers are in an unquiet state,[60] and that there is a prospect of extensive hostilities among themselves.  It is no less the dictate of humanity, than of policy, to repress this feeling and to establish permanent peace among these tribes.  It is also important to inspect the condition of the trade in that remote country, and the conduct of the traders.  To ascertain whether the regulations and the laws are complied with, and to suggest such alterations as may be required.  And finally, to inquire into the numbers, standing, disposition, and prospects of the Indians, and to report all the statistical facts you can procure, and which will be useful to the government in its operations, or to the community in the investigation of these subjects.”

[Footnote 60:  The Sauc war under Blackhawk broke out within the year.]

“In addition to these objects, you will direct your attention to the vaccination of the Indians.  An act for that purpose has passed Congress, and you are authorized to take a surgeon with you.  Vaccine matter prepared and put up by the Surgeon General, is herewith transmitted to you, and you will, upon your whole route, explain to the Indians the advantages of vaccination, and endeavor to persuade them to submit to the process.  You will keep and report an account of the number, ages, sex, tribe, and local situation of the Indians who may be vaccinated, and also of the prevalence, from time to time, of the small-pox among them, and of its effects as far as these can be ascertained.”

While preparations for this expedition were being made, some things that transpired deserve notice.