Voyage from Source to Sea.--Three thousand miles in an open canoe.--"Pioneers of the Mississippi."--A thrilling lecture.--The long voyage begun.--Mosquitoes.--Hunger and exhaustion.--The Captain kills an otter.--Lakes Bemidji and Winnibegoshish.--An Indian missionary.--Wind-bound.--Chenowagesic bids farewell to the Captain.--Pokegama Falls.--Grand Rapids.--Meeting the first steamboat.--Aitkin.--Great enthusiasm.--The new canoes.--Leaving Aitkin.--Arrival at Little Falls.--Escorted in triumph to the town.--"Captain Glazier! A speech! A speech!"--Lake Pepin.--An appalling storm.--St. Louis.--Southern hospitality.--New Orleans.--Arrival at the Gulf of Mexico.--End of voyage 476 CHAPTER XLI. RECEPTION BY THE NEW ORLEANS ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. Captain Glazier returns to New Orleans.--A general ovation.-- Flattering opinions of the press.--Introduction to the Mayor.-- Freedom of the City tendered.--Special meeting of the New Orleans Academy of Sciences.--Presentation of the "Alice" to the Academy.-- Captain Glazier's address.--The President's Response.--Resolutions of thanks and appreciation passed.--Visit to the Arsenal of the Washington Artillery.--Welcome by the Old Guard of the Louisiana Tigers.--Pleasant memories of the "Crescent City" 490 CHAPTER XLII. BEFORE THE MISSOURI HISTORICAL SOCIETY. Return to St. Louis.--Lecture at Mercantile Library Hall.--Brilliant audience.--The Missouri Historical Society present.--Eloquent introduction by Judge Todd.--"Pioneers of the Mississippi."--Presentation of the "Itasca" to the Historical Society.--Remarks of Captain Silas Bent on accepting the canoe.--Congratulations of the audience.--Closing scene 496 CHAPTER XLIII. GREETINGS OF THE VOYAGE. An interesting souvenir.--Greeting at Lake Glazier.--Petition to Geographical Societies.--Voice from Aitkin, Gate City of the Upper Mississippi.--Tributes from Brainerd.--Mississippi Pyramid.--An old friend at La Crosse.--Greetings at St. Louis.--Senator Lamar.--Royal welcome at Bayou Tunica.--Sentiment of Port Eads.--Congratulations of the officers of the "Margaret."--Greetings from New Orleans.--"Fame's triple wreath."--Closing remarks 502 "SWORD AND PEN" COMMENDATIONS. 517 APPENDIX BY THE PUBLISHERS Appx. i ILLUSTRATIONS. Portrait of the Soldier-author _Frontispiece_ Birth-place of Willard Glazier 26 The First Battle 32 Race with the Schoolmaster 44 Tragic Experience with an Ox-Team 80