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.