The great change of life from camping out, and the rough scenes of the forest, could not fail to disturb the functional secretions.

An obstruction of the liver developed itself in a decided case of jaundice.

After the usual remedies, I made a journey from Potosi to the Mississippi River, for the purpose of ascending that stream on a barge, in order that I might be compelled to drink its turbid, but healthy waters, and partake again of something like field fare.

The experiment succeeded.
The trip had the desired effect, and I returned in a short time from St.
Louis to Mine au Breton in completely restored health.
At Herculaneum, I was introduced to Major Stephen H.Long, of the United States Topographical Engineers, who was now on his way, in the small steamer Western Pioneer, up the Missouri to the Yellow Stone.

I went on board the boat and was also introduced to Mr.Say, the entomologist and conchologist, Mr.Jessup the geologist, and other gentlemen composing the scientific corps.
This expedition was the first evidence to my mind of the United States Government turning attention, in connection with practical objects, to matters of science, and the effort was due, I understand, to the enlightened mind of Mr.Calhoun, then Secretary of War.
It occurred tome, after my return to Potosi, that the subject of the mines which I had been inquiring about, so far as relates to their management as a part of the public domain, was one that belonged properly to the United States Government; Missouri was but a territory having only inchoate rights.