Probably none of these historic men paid a more flattering tribute to "La Rivière des Illinois" than Hennepin, the priest, who, when passing down it to the Mississippi was not too much oppressed with anxiety to admire its charms. What a different appearance its shores presented in 1680 to that of 1876! In place of the forest, waving corn fields under high cultivation attracted my attention on every hand, and in contrast to the wilderness inhabited by the savages whom Hennepin encountered, I saw an emigrant train peaceably moving along on its way from the East to the promising country west of the Mississippi. One hundred and Thirty-fourth Day. _Harrison House_, LA SALLE, ILLINOIS, _September Twenty-second_. The equinoctial storms were now at their height and as my lecture at Davenport was not to be delivered for some days, I decided to spend a day or two in this pleasant little city, until "Old Sol" had "crossed the line." I found that this is the centre of important coal and lead mines, which I should have visited and examined, superficially at least, had not the inclement weather prevented. Through the courtesy of Colonel Stephens, editor of the _La Salle County Press_ and a colonel in the volunteer service during the late war, I was introduced to many of the citizens who told me much of the history and enterprises of their town. One hundred and Thirty-fifth Day. _Harrison House_, LA SALLE, ILLINOIS, _September Twenty-third_. Rode down to Peru in the morning accompanied by Colonel Stephens, who wished to show me the pride of the county--the big plow works, which constitute the leading industry of the place. Was introduced to members of the firm and shown through the various departments of the establishment, which were certainly imposing in the way of machinery and in the evidence of mechanical skill. We returned to La Salle at four o'clock and my hospitable comrade proposed that we take a stroll through the city, to which I quickly consented. Colonel Stephens introduced me to my audience in the evening, and made pleasant reference to the brave and chivalrous Custer. My entertainment here was most gratifying and I was warmly assured of the good will of the people through the local press. I have proved that everywhere in this country the spirit of hospitality reigns. Whether in large cities or small towns, the utmost cordiality prevails, and the stranger can always rely upon a hearty welcome. One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Day. _Farm House_, NEAR HOLLOWAYVILLE, ILLINOIS, _September Twenty-fourth_.