Sword and Pen Part 42

Captain Glazier:--My best wishes follow you down the "Father of Waters" and through Life's Voyage.

Very sincerely yours,

M. H. Melchior.

While at Bellevue, Captain Glazier was entertained most agreeably by Hon. W. O. Evans, editor of the Bellevue "_Republican_" who welcomed him on his arrival, and launched his canoe when he resumed his voyage. He seemed greatly interested in the Captain's explorations, and expressed his interest in this manner:

Bellevue, Iowa, September 18, 1881.

Dear Captain:--That health, wealth, success and perpetual youth may attend you in all your grand schemes and enterprises through the Voyage of Life is the wish of your new-made friend,

W. O. Evans.

At Hannibal, Captain Glazier landed and remained three days, during which interval he met one or two valued friends. Before launching his canoe this entry found a place in the alb.u.m:

Hannibal, Missouri, _October 3, 1881_.

Dear Captain:--May the Mississippi--that Grand Old Patriarch of Rivers--carry you safely to the Gulf!

A. M. Paget.

The "_Post-Dispatch_" one of the leading newspapers of St. Louis, was foremost in publishing accounts of the explorer's voyage from the time he left the headwaters of the Mississippi until he reached the Gulf, and hence the autograph of its editor, Colonel John A. c.o.c.kerill, now editor of the New York "_World_," is of special interest:

St. Louis, Missouri, _October 8, 1881_.

The "_Post-Dispatch_," sailing on prosperous sea, sends greeting and good wishes to Captain Glazier and all daring navigators.

John A. c.o.c.kerill.

Thomas E. Garrett, of the staff of the "_Republican_," inscribed the following poetic tribute:

Missouri Republican Office, St. Louis, _October 14, 1881_.

On land and water--staunch and true, You steer and paddle your own canoe, Strong arm, brave heart, will pull you through.

Very truly yours,

Thomas E. Garrett.

The editor of the Helena "_Yeoman_" writes:

Helena, Arkansas, _October 22, 1881_.

Captain Glazier:--May your present voyage down the great Mississippi redound to your credit, and add to the honors you have already won.

W. L. Morris, "_Yeoman_" Office.

Prof. J. J. Flahift, Superintendent of Public Instruction at Helena, greets the navigator in these terms:

Helena, Arkansas, _October_ 26, 1881.

"Nothing great is lightly won, Nothing won is lost; Every good deed n.o.bly done, Will repay the cost; Leave to Heaven in humble trust All you will to do,"

But, to reach the Gulf, you must Paddle your own canoe.

J. J. Flahift.

At Natchez, Captain Glazier had the pleasure of hearing Senator Lamar deliver a political speech, and was afterwards introduced to him at the Foster House, where both were registered. The Senator seemed much interested in the Captain's explorations, and so signifies over his autograph:

Natchez, Mississippi, _November_ 3, 1881.

Glad to have met you, Captain Glazier, and I leave with you my best wishes for the success of your undertaking.

L. Q. C. Lamar.

Bayou Tunica will always be held in pleasant remembrance by Captain Glazier, for he was there most hospitably received and entertained by John J. Winn, a prosperous merchant and planter. Mr. Winn insisted upon his remaining with him for two days during the progress of a violent storm which rendered the river unnavigable, and every effort was made to make the time pa.s.s agreeably. His greeting to the explorer is short but to the point:

Bayou Tunica, Louisiana, _November 5, 1881_.

Captain Glazier:--May your voyage to the Gulf be a pleasant one.

John J. Winn.

Captain Glazier's first acquaintance with a sugar plantation was made on reaching the estates of Messrs. V. U. Lefebre and son, who are extensively engaged in the production of this staple of commerce. This firm is counted among the wealthiest sugar planters of Plaquemine Parish, owning and controlling three large plantations. The Captain made the most of his opportunity to learn something of the art of sugar manufacture. The cane-field and sugar-mill and every detail were explained by his polite host, from the cutting of the canes to the refining process. The Captain and his companion were hospitably entertained an entire day, and on parting the senior Mr. Lefebre greeted him in French, the tongue of his mother country:

Eliza Plantation, Louisiana, _November_ 9, 1881.

Cher Capitaine:--J'espere que votre voyage au Golfe sera agreable que vous garderes un bon souvenir de la Louisiane.

Votre sincere,

V. U. Lefebre.