There was something like a public clamor for the results of the expedition, and the narrative was hurried into press.  A new zeal was awakened upon the subject of mineralogy and geology.  A friend wrote to me on the mineral affluence of upper Georgia.  Several letters from the western district of the State, transmitting specimens, were received.  “The unexampled success of your expedition,” observes one of these correspondents, “in all respects is a subject of high congratulation, not only for those of whom it was composed, but also to a great portion of the people of the United States, and to this State in particular, as we are the grand link that unites that vast region to our Atlantic border.” [9] These feelings appear in letters from near and far.  Captain Douglass was aware of this interest, and anxious, amidst his arduous duties, to get the necessary time to arrange his notes and materials.  He wrote to me (December 25) to furnish Professor Silliman some sketches for the American Journal of Science.  On the topic of topography he says:—­

[Footnote 9:  W.S.D.Z., 9th Dec. 1820.]

“With regard to our daily occurrences, ought not something to be done?  I intended to have had a conversation with Governor Cass and yourself on the subject before I parted from you, but it escaped me, and I have since written about it.

“I should be glad to receive your delineation of the Mississippi below Prairie du Chien, and your levels through the Fox and Wisconsin (I believe in these we agree pretty nearly) would enable me to consolidate mine.

“While I think of it, let me tell you I have made some calculations about the height of the Porcupine Mountains.  My data are the distance at which they were seen from Kewewena portage, under the influence of great refraction, and the distance on the following day without unusual refraction, and I am convinced they cannot be less than 2000 feet high; if, however, this staggers you, say 1800, and I am confident you are within the real elevation.

“Estimates of heights, breadths of rivers, &c., and, in looking over your journal, any other topographical facts which you may have to dispose of, will be very acceptable to me.  Will you be able to spare me (that is, to let me copy) any of your drawings?  You know, I believe, my views in asking are to embellish my map and memoir with landscape views in a light style.”

CHAPTER VI.

Reception by the country on my return—­Reasons for publishing my narrative without my reports for a digested scientific account of the expedition—­Delays interposed to this—­Correspondents—­Locality of strontian—­Letter from Dr. Mitchell—­Report on the copper mines of Lake Superior—­Theoretical geology—­Indian symbols—­Scientific subjects—­Complete the publication of my work—­Its reception by the press and the public—­Effects on my mind—­Receive the appointment of Secretary to the Indian Commission at Chicago—­Result of the expedition, as shown by a letter of Dr. Mitchell to General Cass.