pawpaws growing along the banks sufficed as
nutritious food. The pawpaw is native to many of the Western States
of the Republic. It is a fruit three or four inches long, growing on
a small tree, or bush. The fruit is sweet and juicy and has several
bean-shaped seeds embedded in the pulp. The voyagers now began to see
signs of civilization on the banks of the river. Near the mouth of the
Gasconade, above St. Louis, they beheld cows grazing in the meadows. The
journal says: "The whole party almost involuntarily raised a shout of
joy at seeing this image of civilization and domestic life." Men who
have been wandering in pathless wildernesses, remote from man, for more
than two years, might well be moved by the sights of a homelike farm
and a settled life. Soon after this the party reached the little French
village of La Charette which they saluted with four guns and three
hearty cheers. Then, according to the journal, they landed and were
warmly received by the people, who had long since abandoned all hope
of ever seeing these far-voyaging adventurers return. Here are the
last entries in the journal that has been our guide so long across the
continent and back again to the haunts of men:--

"Sunday, September 21st, we proceeded; and as several settlements have
been made during our absence, we were refreshed with the sight of men
and cattle along the banks. We also passed twelve canoes of Kickapoo
Indians, going on a hunting-excursion. At length, after coming
forty-eight miles, we saluted, with heartfelt satisfaction, the
village of St. Charles, and on landing were treated with the greatest
hospitality and kindness by all the inhabitants of that place. Their
civility detained us till ten o'clock the next morning.

"September 22d, when the rain having ceased, we set out for Coldwater
Creek, about three miles from the mouth of the Missouri, where we found
a cantonment of troops of the United States, with whom we passed the
day; and then,

"September 23d, descended to the Mississippi, and round to St. Louis,
where we arrived at twelve o'clock; and having fired a salute, went on
shore and received the heartiest and most hospitable welcome from the
whole village."

The two captains were very busily employed, as soon as they arrived in
St. Louis, with writing letters to their friends and to the officers
of the government who were concerned to know of their safe return to
civilization. Captain Lewis' letter to the President o