CHAPTER III.
Reception at Herculaneum, and introduction to the founder of the first American colony in Texas, Mr.Austin--His character--Continuation of the journey on foot to St.Louis--Incidents by the way--Trip to the mines--Survey of the mine country--Expedition from Potosi into the Ozark Mountains, and return, after a winter's absence, to Potosi.
1818.

The familiar conversation on shore of my friendly associates, speaking of a doctor on board who was inquiring into the natural history and value of the country at every point, procured me quite unexpectedly a favorable reception at Herculaneum, as it had done at Cape Girardeau.
I was introduced to Mr.Austin, the elder, who, on learning my intention of visiting the mines, offered every facility in his power to favor my views.

Mr.Austin was a gentleman of general information, easy and polite manners, and enthusiastic character.

He had, with his connections, the Bates, I believe, been the founder of Herculaneum, and was solicitous to secure it a share of the lead trade, which had been so long and exclusively enjoyed by St.Genevieve.He was a man of very decided enterprise, inclined to the manners of the old school gentlemen, which had, I believe, narrowed his popularity, and exposed him to some strong feuds in the interior, where his estates lay.

He was a diligent reader of the current things of the day, and watched closely the signs of the times.