The whole mineral domain was held, in fee, by the General Government, and whatever irregularity had been seen about the collections of rents, &c., constituted a question which Congress could only solve.

I determined to visit Washington, and lay the subject before the President.

As soon as I had made this determination, everything bowed to this idea.

I made a rapid visit, on horseback, to St.Louis, with my manuscript, to consult a friend, who entirely concurred in this view.

If the mines were ever to be put on a proper basis, and the public to derive a benefit from them, the government must do it.
As soon as I returned to Potosi, I packed my collection of mineralogy, &c.