He was one too much before his time to be soon valued; but the time is growing up to him, and will understand his mild philanthropy, and clear, large views.

I subjoin the account of his death, given me by a friend, as expressing, in fair picture, the character of the man.

“Mr. Birkbeck was returning from the seat of government, whither he had been on public business, and was accompanied by his son Bradford, a youth of sixteen or eighteen.  It was necessary to cross a ford, which was rendered difficult by the swelling of the stream.  Mr. B.’s horse was unwilling to plunge into the water, so his son offered to go first, and he followed.  Bradford’s horse had just gained footing on the opposite shore, when he looked back and perceived his father was dismounted, struggling in the water, and carried down by the current.

“Mr. Birkbeck could not swim; Bradford could; so he dismounted, and plunged into the stream to save his father.  He got to him before he sunk, held him up above water, and told him to take hold of his collar, and he would swim ashore with him.  Mr. B. did so, and Bradford exerted all his strength to stem the current and reach the shore at a point where they could land; but, encumbered by his own clothing and his father’s weight, he made no progress; when Mr. B. perceived this, he, with his characteristic calmness and resolution, gave up his hold of his son, and, motioning to him to save himself, resigned himself to his fate.  His son reached the shore, but was too much overwhelmed by his loss to leave it.  He was found by some travellers, many hours after, seated on the margin of the stream, with his face in his hands, stupefied with grief.

“The body was found, and on the countenance was the sweetest smile; and Bradford said, ’Just so he smiled, upon me when he let go and pushed me away from him.’”

Many men can choose the right and best on a great occasion, but not many can, with such ready and serene decision, lay aside even life, when that is right and best.  This little narrative touched my imagination in very early youth, and often has come up, in lonely vision, that face, serenely smiling above the current which bore him away to another realm of being.

CHAPTER V.

THOUGHTS AND SCENES IN WISCONSIN.—­SOCIETY IN MILWAUKIE.—­INDIAN ANECDOTE.—­SEERESS OF PREVORST.—­MILWAUKIE.

A territory, not yet a State;[A] still nearer the acorn than we were.

[Footnote A:  Wisconsin was not admitted into the Union as a State till 1847, after this volume was written.—­ED.]

It was very pleasant coming up.  These large and elegant boats are so well arranged that every excursion may be a party of pleasure.  There are many fair shows to see on the lake and its shores, almost always new and agreeable persons on board, pretty children playing about, ladies singing (and if not very well, there is room, to keep out of the way).  You may see a great deal here of Life, in the London sense, if you know a few people; or if you do not, and have the tact to look about you without seeming to stare.