He was proud of the fact that he was the first to stand at the fountain-head of his country's grandest river, and was the first to traverse its entire course despite the turbulent waters and dangerous whirlpools which threatened often to engulf him, and now at its outlet could write "finis" to the great work of his life. Few men in the world can say as much--for the energy, perseverance, unfaltering will and indomitable courage which characterize Willard Glazier are of rare occurrence, and entitle him to a prominent position in the ranks of America's distinguished sons. 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." After standing for some time looking out upon the vast expanse of water which lay before him, Captain Glazier hailed a passing boat and, towing the "Alice" after them, he and Mr. Paine were rowed back to Port Eads. Here they were very hospitably entertained until the arrival of the homeward-bound steamship "Margaret," which they boarded and on which they returned to New Orleans. There they met with the most cordial reception; people everywhere were curious to see Captain Glazier, and anxious to show their appreciation of his enterprising spirit and the success which had attended his last remarkable exploit. The press, not only of New Orleans, but all through the Mississippi Valley, gave glowing accounts of his voyage and of the reception tendered him at its conclusion. The Mayor offered him the freedom of the city, and the New Orleans Academy of Sciences gave him a public reception, at which resolutions were passed recognizing the important results of his expedition, and thanking him for the beautiful canoe "Alice," which he had presented to that learned body. The following account of this reception is taken from the "_St. Louis Republican_" of November twenty-eighth, and is presented to the reader because, being the testimony of an eye-witness, it cannot fail to give a clear idea of the manner in which the scientists of the city, and the people generally, appreciated Captain Glazier and the work which he had accomplished. [Correspondence of the _Republican_.] "New Orleans, _November 23, 1881_.