an interpreter, Indian guides and birch bark canoes. Everything
being in order we launched our canoes on the morning of July
seventeenth. Wishing, as previously explained, to approach Itasca
by a different route from that adopted by Schoolcraft and Nicollet
who went up the Mississippi from Lake Winnibegoshish, I crossed
Leech Lake and ascended the Kabekanka River, thence proceeding in a
direct westerly course through twenty-one lakes, alternated by as
many portages, reaching Itasca between two and three o'clock on
the afternoon of the twenty-first. The region traversed, we were
told by the guides, had never before been trodden by white men; and
considering the nature of the country it is not to be wondered at,
as swamps, floating bogs, and dense undergrowth were encountered
throughout the entire journey.
"The work of coasting Itasca for its feeders was begun at an early
hour on the morning of the twenty-second. We found the outlets of
six small streams, two having well-defined mouths, and four
filtering into the lake through bogs. The upper or southern end of
the south-western arm of Lake Itasca is heavily margined with reeds
and rushes, and it was not without considerable difficulty that we
forced our way through this barrier into the larger of the two open
streams which enter at this point. This stream, at its mouth, is
seven feet wide and about three feet deep.
"Slow and sinuous progress of between two and three hundred yards
brought us to a blockade of logs and shallow water. Determined to
float in my canoe upon the surface of the lake towards which we
were paddling, I directed the guides to remove the obstructions,
and continued to urge the canoes rapidly forward, although opposed
by a strong and constantly increasing current. On pulling and
pushing our way through a network of rushes, similar to that
encountered on leaving Lake Itasca, the cheering sight of a
tranquil and limpid sheet of water burst upon our view.
"This lake, the Chippewa name of which is _Pokegama_, is about a
mile and a half in its greatest diameter, covers an area of two
hundred and fifty acres, and would be nearly an oval in form but
for a single promontory, which extends its shores into the lake, so
as to give it in outline the appearance of a heart. Its feeders are
three small creeks, two of which enter on the right and left of the
headland, and have their origin in springs at the foot of sand
hills from two to three miles distant. The third stream is but
little more than a rivulet of a mile in length, has no clearly
defined course, and is the outlet of a small pond or lakelet to the
south-westward.
"The latitude of the lake in question is about 47 deg.; its height
above the Atlantic Ocean 1,582 feet, and its distance from the Gulf
of Mexico 3,184 miles.
"The statement that the lake now very generally accepted by
geographers, and educational publishers as the True Source of the
Mississippi was so regarded prior to the organization of my
expedition cannot be substantiated; for, on the contrary, both
press and people throughout Minnesota were ignorant of its
existence, so far as we were able to ascertain by diligent inquiry
from Saint Paul to Brainerd; and, in fact, I may add that the
missionary, Indian agent, and post-trader at Leech Lake knew no
other source of the Mississippi than Lake Itasca, except what they
had been told by my chief guide, Chenowagesic, and a few other
Chippewas in that vicinity. Barrett Channing Paine, fully confirms
this statement in his letters to the Brainerd, Minneapolis, and
Saint Paul papers of that period. These letters prove most
conclusively that the people of Northern Minnesota had no knowledge
whatever of the lake beyond Itasca until its existence was
announced by me through the medium of the press in 1881.
"If the assumption by some writers that the lake to the south of
Itasca had been seen before my visit to that region in 1881 is well
grounded, I need only say in reply that it had not been assigned
any geographical importance prior to my visit; in other words, it
had not been recognized by any one as the true source of the
Mississippi.
"When William Morrison, the fur-trader, pitched his tent on
Schoolcraft Island in 1804, he evidently did not know that the
outlet of the lake on which he looked was a part of the mighty
river. Schoolcraft followed, at the head of an expedition
twenty-eight years later, and claimed the lake as the source of the
Mississippi. It is very generally admitted that Morrison had seen
Itasca before Schoolcraft, but no one questioned that the latter
was entitled to the credit of discovery, since he was the first to
establish the fact that the Mississippi was its outlet. My claim to
have definitely located the _true source_ in the lake beyond Itasca
stands on precisely the same ground.
"I do not desire to pass a reasonable limit in an effort to insure
justice, but having consumed considerable time and money in
locating lakes and streams in Northern Minnesota, and having
established that the lake to the south of Itasca is the primal
reservoir of the Mississippi, I do not feel disposed to allow
myself to be thrust aside by those who know comparatively little or
nothing of that region.
"Assuming that the statements of my party are incontrovertible
concerning the lake which we claim as the True Source of the Great
River, it follows naturally:
"I. That Lake Itasca cannot longer be recognized as the
fountain-head of the Mississippi, for the reason that it is the
custom, agreeably to the definition of geographers, to fix upon the
remotest water, and a lake if possible, as the source of a river.
"II. That the lake to the south of Itasca, and connected therewith
by a perennial stream, is the primal reservoir or True Source of
the Mississippi; that it was not so considered prior to the visit
of my expedition in 1881; and that my party was the first to locate
its feeders correctly, and discover its true relation to the Great
River.
"III. That Schoolcraft could not have seen the lake located by me,
else he would have assigned it its true character in the narrative
of his expedition.
"IV. That Nicollet, who followed Schoolcraft, could not have been
aware of its existence, as he gives it no place upon his maps, or
description in the accounts of his explorations.
"V. That the lake known as Pokegama by the Chippewas was not
christened 'Glazier' by me, or through my instrumentality, but was
so named by my companions, in opposition to my wish that it should
retain its Indian appellation.
"Finally, whatever the verdict may be upon the merits of my claim
to have been the first to locate the _source_ of the Mississippi
River and publish it to the world, if any person had seen this lake
prior to 1881 it was certainly not known to the white residents of
Northern Minnesota, or to the Indian tribes in the vicinity of its
headwaters. Lake Itasca was still recognized as the fountain-head,
was so placed upon maps, and taught as such in all the schools of
the country.
"I simply claim to have established the fact that there is a
beautiful lake above and beyond Itasca--wider and deeper than that
lake--with woodland shores--with three constantly flowing streams
for its feeders--and in every way worthy of the position it
occupies as the primal reservoir or TRUE SOURCE of the Father of
Waters.
"Willard Glazier.
Syracuse, New York, December, 1886."
* * * * *
A letter from Pearce Giles, of Camden, New Jersey, who was identified
with the GLAZIER expedition from its inception to its close:
"_To the Editor--Boston Herald_:
"In 1832 Henry Rowe Schoolcraft led an expedition through the wilds
of Northern Minnesota and discovered what he believed to be the
source of the Mississippi. Being at a loss for an appropriate name
to bestow upon the lake which constituted this supposed source, so
the story goes, he asked a companion what were the Latin words
signifying 'true head,' and received in reply '_veritas caput_.'
This was rather a ponderous name to give a comparatively small body
of water, even though the Father of Waters here took his first
start in the world. The explorer, therefore, conceived the idea of
uniting the last two syllables of the first word with the first
syllable of the second, thus, by a novel mode of orthography,
forming a name which might easily pass for one of Indian
origin--_Itasca_. A person versed in orthographical science would
probably perceive at once that the name did not belong to the same
family of harsh Indian appellations which have affixed themselves
permanently to many towns and rivers in Wisconsin and Minnesota,
but was more allied to the softer language of southern Indian
nations. But it has now been discovered that Lake Itasca is not
_veritas caput_; and LAKE GLAZIER, discovered in July, 1881, by
Captain Willard Glazier, must be regarded by all future generations
as the true head of the Mississippi.
"The Mississippi, on its first stages, flows in a northerly
direction, the whole system of small lakes which contribute to it
being surrounded on the north and west by an amphitheatre of hills.
LAKE GLAZIER lies above and beyond Lake Itasca, and its waters have
an elevation of probably seven feet above that lake, being
connected therewith by a small, swift stream. Lake Itasca is
composed of three arms, extending in the form of a trefoil, having
a length of five miles and an average width of about one mile. The
upper, or southern end of its middle arm apparently terminates in a
swamp, which might easily have deceived any one not familiar with
the country. But Chenowagesic, Captain Glazier's Indian guide, who
had for years used the region of these lakes for his
hunting-ground, readily made his way through the reeds and rushes
at the mouth of the connecting stream. LAKE GLAZIER at its outlet
presents another barricade of reeds, through which the party made
their way in their canoes.
"LAKE GLAZIER is about two miles in length by a mile and a half in
breadth. Its shores, instead of being low and marshy, as are those
of many of the neighboring lakes, present finely wooded slopes and
surround the lake in what would have been the shape of a perfect
oval, had not a bold, rocky promontory indented its southern end,
and given to it the outline of a heart. On the point of this
promontory is a spring from which flows ice-cold water. The waters
of the lake are exceedingly clear and pure, proceeding from
springs, some of them in the bottom of the lake itself, and the
others at a greater or less distance from its shores.
"LAKE GLAZIER has three small feeders, one of them named Eagle
Creek, entering it near its outlet, and taking its rise a mile or
so farther south, in a small pond or lakelet, upon which Captain
Glazier bestowed the name of 'Alice,' after his daughter. Eagle
Creek runs nearly parallel with the western shore of the lake, a
little distance from it. Two streams, two or three miles in length,
flow northward into LAKE GLAZIER at its southern extremity on
either side of the indenting promontory. Excelsior Creek, so named
because it represents the very highest water of the Mississippi, is
the longer of these. Deer Creek, to the eastward, and rising a
little nearer the lake, has been so named for the reason that
numbers of deer were seen in its vicinity.
"LAKE GLAZIER is thus supplied by three feeders, Eagle, Excelsior
and Deer Creeks, now named in the order of their importance, and as
uniting these waters in one common reservoir, this lake is
undoubtedly entitled to be regarded as the _veritas caput_--the
true head of the Mississippi.
"Pearce Giles.
"Boston, August 6, 1886."
* * * * *
We insert here an interesting letter from Paul Beaulieu, Interpreter to
the United States Indian Agency, White Earth, Minnesota. Mr. Beaulieu is
a very intelligent half-breed, about sixty years of age, and has lived
nearly all his life in the neighborhood of the headwaters of the
Mississippi. His testimony, therefore, upon a subject with which he must
necessarily be familiar, will have due weight with the inquiring reader:
"U. S. Indian Service,
"_White Earth Agency, Minnesota_,
"May 25, 1884.
"_Dear Sir_:--I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
letter of the sixteenth instant. In reply, I would respectfully
state that according to the ideas of the people of this section of
country, for a score of years past, in alluding to Lake Itasca,
which is known only as Elk Lake by the original inhabitants of this
country, was never by them considered as the head or source of the
Father of Running Waters, or May-see-see-be, as it is by them
named. I have received a map showing the route of exploration of
Captain Willard Glazier in 1881, and being well acquainted with his
chief guide, Chenowagesic, who has made the section of country
explored by Captain Glazier his home for many years in the past,
and who has proved the truth of his often repeated assertion, when
maps were shown him, that a smaller lake above Lake Itasca would in
time change a feature of those maps, and proclaim to the world that
Lake Itasca cannot longer maintain its claim as being the fountain
head of Ke-chee-see-be, or Great River, which is called
May-see-see-be, by the Chippewas. The map as delineated by Captain
Glazier's guide, Chenowagesic, and published by the Glazier party,
is correct; and it is plain to us who know the lay of this whole
country (I mean by _us_, the Chippewa tribe in particular, also the
recent explorers for pine) that LAKE GLAZIER is located at the
right place, and is the last lake on the longest stream of the
several rivers at the head of the great Mississippi.
"With respect, yours truly,
"Paul Beaulieu,
"_U. S. Indian Interpreter_."
* * * * *
An eastern correspondent addressed the following communication to the
Saint Paul _Dispatch_, in which he claims that the discovery of the
true source of the Mississippi should be credited to Captain Glazier:
"_To the Editor--Saint Paul Dispatch_:
"Having been a resident of Minnesota in 1855, I wish to say a word
about Captain Glazier and his discovery. Minnesota, at the time of
my residence there, was thinly settled. Minneapolis and Saint
Anthony were both straggling villages. Saint Paul could boast of
something like 10,000 population. The nearest railroad point to the
latter city was one hundred and thirty miles distant. In winter
Burbank's Northwestern Express carried the mails and the very few
passengers that could muster courage to make the toilsome journey;
and well do I remember my trip over this route. I know that, at
that time, there was a question with the Sioux, Chippewas and many
pioneers as to Lake Itasca being the source of the Great River.
There was a settled opinion that something would be found beyond
that would eventually prove to be the source of that stream. I
believe Captain Glazier to have been actuated by a desire to
establish the truth of this problem. Interested parties may seek to
withhold from him his rightful due as a discoverer, but
notwithstanding these attempts, in some schools in this region,
LAKE GLAZIER is taught as the true source of the Mississippi. To
attempt to discredit one who took front rank for the preservation
of the Union, and who suffered in many rebel prisons, is altogether
unworthy of the parties who are making themselves conspicuous in
the matter.
"J. C. Crane.
"West Millbury, Massachusetts, January, 1887."
* * * * *
Letter from Mr. John Lovell, geographer and historian, and one of the
leading educational publishers of the Dominion of Canada:
"Captain Willard Glazier:
"_Dear Sir_:--I owe you an apology for not having earlier
acknowledged your courtesy in sending me a copy of your remarkably
interesting work 'Down the Great River.' Owing to illness and a
variety of calls on my time, I had not an opportunity ere this of
finishing the reading of it. I have no hesitation in saying that it
is most interesting and instructive, especially where you so ably
summarize the results of former expeditions, and where you describe
in animated language the aim, course, and outcome of your own
explorations. You have had an experience which has fallen to the
lot of few travellers, and, in certifying the source of the Father
of Waters, have rendered a great service to the cause of
geographical discovery. The account of your voyage from the newly
discovered Source to the Gulf of Mexico gave me much pleasure and
information. The patience and endurance of the brave fellows who
were with you, considering the distance, in canoes, is worthy of
praise. Your own able management of the expedition is worthy of all
commendation and of substantial and immediate thanks from the good
men of your own wonderful country.
"Again I sincerely thank you for your handsome and most acceptable
present.
"With sincere respect, I remain, dear sir,
"Yours faithfully,
"John Lovell.
"Montreal, October 17, 1887."
The following letter will speak for itself. Mr. Gus. H. Beaulieu, of
White Earth, Minnesota, Deputy United States Marshal for the district,
is an educated half-breed, and cousin of Paul Beaulieu. His home is on
the Chippewa Indian Reservation, within sixty miles of the source of the
Mississippi. In this letter he presents the Indian theory as to the
comparative volume of water in the two lakes--GLAZIER and Itasca:
"Captain Willard Glazier:
"_Dear Sir_:--I have been somewhat interested in your discussion
regarding the source of the Mississippi. Even had you never
proclaimed to the world your discoveries, from information received
by me from Indians and old mixed-blood Indian voyageurs, there
would have always been a doubt existing with me as to whether
Itasca was the head of the Mississippi.
"Henry Beaulieu, a brother of Paul Beaulieu, always maintained that
LAKE GLAZIER was the true source of the Mississippi. I remember
that, after his return from Itasca with Mr. Chambers of the New
York _Herald_, I think in 1872, he said that Winnibegoshish or Cass
Lake might as well be called the source of the Mississippi as
Itasca. Other mixed-blood have repeatedly stated the same thing. I
mention this to show you what the general opinion is among Indians
and those of mixed blood.
"Chenowagesic's theory concerning the head of the Mississippi is
this: That while Itasca presents a larger surface than LAKE
GLAZIER, it does not contain as much water as the latter. He
arrives at this conclusion from the fact that Itasca freezes over
two or three weeks before LAKE GLAZIER. This, he says, is a sure
sign that the latter lake is the deeper of the two, and contains
more water. His arguments in favor of LAKE GLAZIER are rather
novel, and, as a matter of course, are taken from an Indian's
standpoint.
"Yours truly,
"Gus. H. Beaulieu.
"White Earth, Minnesota, December 17, 1887."
IV. PUBLIC OPINION IN MINNESOTA.
The evidence here presented in support of LAKE GLAZIER, is, in our
judgment, most conclusive; we may add, overwhelming. Many of the most
prominent citizens of the State in which the Great River takes its rise
volunteer their endorsement of a claim, of the merits of which, they
must necessarily be better informed than persons living at a remote
distance from the head of the river. State authorities, including the
Governor and his staff; senators and representatives, many of whom have
resided from twenty to forty years in Minnesota; pioneers, clergymen,
and school-teachers, with many of the leading citizens; editors,
school-superintendents, professional men, and others, strongly affirm
that Lake Itasca is not the source of the Mississippi, but that the lake
to the south of it, definitely located by Captain Glazier, is the primal
reservoir or _true source_ of the Father of Waters. These witnesses,
moreover, unequivocally assert that the credit of the discovery should
be awarded to the man who made it, notwithstanding the groundless
opposition of a few cavillers who have never themselves visited within
many hundred miles a region they affect to be so marvelously familiar
with.
_From His Excellency, A. R. McGill, Governor of Minnesota_:
"Captain Glazier's claim to be the discoverer of the true source of
the Mississippi seems reasonable, to say the least. I have been a
resident of Minnesota twenty-six years, and never until Captain
Glazier's expedition, heard the claim of Itasca being the source of
the Great River seriously questioned."
* * * * *
_From Hon. Horace Austin, Ex-Governor_:
"I think that it would be a very proper thing to do under the
circumstances that Captain Glazier's services should be recognized
by the passage of a bill by the Legislature giving his name to the
lake which is the real source of the Mississippi."
* * * * *
_From Hon. W. H. Gale, Ex-Lieutenant-Governor, Winona_:
"I have been a resident of Minnesota for more than twenty-eight
years, and I believe it was the generally accepted opinion of the
people of this State that Lake Itasca was the source of the
Mississippi River, until after the expedition of Captain Willard
Glazier, and his publication to the world that another lake south
of Lake Itasca was the true source, to which lake has been given
the name of LAKE GLAZIER. This is now generally recognized as the
_true source_ and head of the Mississippi, and Captain Glazier as
the man who first made known that fact to the world."
* * * * *
_From F. W. Seeley, Adjutant-General_.
"I desire to say, in justice to Captain Glazier, that, having been
a resident of Minnesota for twenty-five years, and quite familiar
with the geography of the State, it is my belief that he was the
first to discover the true source of the Mississippi River and
publish it to the world."
* * * * *
_From Moses E. Clapp, Attorney-General:_
"From such information as I have on the subject, I am convinced
that the actual source of the Mississippi had not been recognized
prior to the published accounts of the explorations of Captain
Willard Glazier."
* * * * *
_From H. W. Childs, Assistant Attorney-General:_
"There is, in my opinion, no reason or ground for disputing Captain
Glazier's claim to have located the body of water now undoubtedly
regarded as the source of the Mississippi River, and appropriately
named LAKE GLAZIER."
* * * * *
_From J. K. Moore, Private Secretary to Governor McGill:_
"From the evidence, it seems clear to me that the actual source of
the Mississippi River had never been recognized until Captain
Glazier made its discovery in 1881."
* * * * *
_From Gus. H. Beaulieu, Deputy U. S. Marshal,
District of Minnesota:_
"Having been born and raised in the State of Minnesota, and a
resident of White Earth Indian Reservation, and being familiar with
the Indian traditions, I certify that Itasca Lake had never been
considered the source of the Mississippi by the best informed
Chippewa Indians. Although I had never seen any published maps to
the contrary, prior to the expedition of Captain Glazier in 1881,
from the best information I have among the Indians, I now regard
LAKE GLAZIER as the true source of the Mississippi River. I regard
his chief guide, Chenowagesic, as the best authority among the
Indians regarding the section of country about the headwaters of
the Mississippi, and consider him thoroughly reliable."
* * * * *
_From Ed. W. S. Tingle, St. Paul Globe:_
"After a study of the literature of the subject, I am convinced
that the lake to which the name of GLAZIER was given by the Glazier
exploring expedition is undoubtedly the true source of the
Mississippi, and that Captain Glazier was the first to call general
public attention to the fact."
* * * * *
_From Rev. W. T. Chase, Pastor First Baptist Church, Minneapolis:_
"There seems no reasonable doubt that the actual source of the
Mississippi had never been recognized until Captain Willard Glazier
made its discovery in 1881. Captain Glazier merits the gratitude of
every citizen of the United States who is interested in knowing all
that is knowable about the great Father of Waters."
* * * * *
_From Ex-Mayor Pillsbury, Minneapolis:_
"From the best information I have been able to obtain, I am
satisfied that Captain Willard Glazier was the first person that
discovered the true source of the Mississippi."
* * * * *
_From Rev. J. L. Pitner, Pastor Methodist Episcopal Church, Minneapolis:_
"From the evidence I have examined, I am convinced that the real
source of the Mississippi was not known prior to 1881. I am quite
sure the claims of LAKE GLAZIER are not ill-founded, and that in
its deep, cool bosom the Great River takes its rise."
* * * * *
_From John E. Bradley, Superintendent Public Schools, Minneapolis:_
"From such examination as I have been able to give to the problem
of the _true source_ of the Mississippi, it seems to be
satisfactorily established that LAKE GLAZIER is to be so regarded."
* * * * *
_From Hon. Samuel E. Adams,
Member of the Minnesota Historical Society, Monticello:_
"I have no doubt of the correctness of Captain Glazier's statement
that he discovered the new source of the Mississippi now bearing
his name."
* * * * *
_From John H. Elliott, Secretary Y. M. C. A., Minneapolis:_
"I have no hesitation in stating that I believe LAKE GLAZIER to be
the real source of the Mississippi River, and that Captain
Glazier's claims are entitled to respectful and grateful
recognition."
* * * * *
_From J. S. McLain, Evening Journal, Minneapolis:_
"I have no reason to question the claim of Captain Glazier to have
been the first to correctly map the section of country about the
source of the Mississippi, or that the body of water which bears
his name is the true source of the Great River."
_From Albert Shaw, Minneapolis Tribune:_
"Unquestionably Captain Glazier may claim the credit of having
called public attention to the fact that there is a lake beyond
Lake Itasca which is more strictly to be considered as the source
of the Mississippi. That the lake will always be called LAKE
GLAZIER, and that it will henceforth be spoken of everywhere as the
source of the Great River, I have no doubt; nor do I doubt the
propriety of the name."
* * * * *
_From Judge John P. Rea, Commander-in-Chief G.A.R., Minneapolis:_
"I have resided in Minnesota eleven years, and always supposed that
Lake Itasca was the source of the Mississippi. I never heard the
fact questioned until within the past four or five years. From all
the evidence I have upon the subject, I am satisfied that LAKE
GLAZIER is the true source."
* * * * *
_From G. M. Wing, Secretary
North-West Indian Commission, Minneapolis:_
"Concerning the real source of the Mississippi, I would say that
the lake which Captain Willard Glazier has located, and which he
claims to be the source, is no doubt more properly the true source
of this Great River than Lake Itasca. There is no doubt whatever in
my mind but that Captain Glazier was the first person to discover
that fact, and make the same known to the world; and that fact
alone, though it might have been visited before, should entitle him
to the honor of naming the same. I have been over the route
traversed by Captain Glazier and party, and find that the map which
he has published is a correct delineation of that section."
* * * * *
_From Hon. J. G. Lawrence, Ex-Senator, Wabasha:_
"I believe Captain Glazier is certainly entitled to the credit of
having discovered the true source of the Mississippi in a lake
above Lake Itasca, and now named LAKE GLAZIER."
* * * * *
_From Judge L. A. Evans, Ex-Mayor, Saint Cloud_
"First Mayor of Saint Cloud, and have served six terms as such.
Have resided in Saint Cloud for thirty years. I believe that LAKE
GLAZIER is the true source of the Mississippi River, and this is
the opinion of the majority of the people residing in this part of
the State."
* * * * *
_From Will E. Haskell, President and Managing Editor, Minneapolis Tribune:_
"There can be no longer any doubt, when the question is carefully
considered, that the credit of discovering the true source of the
Mississippi belongs to Captain Willard Glazier. Captain Glazier's
discovery has now become an accepted geographical fact, and future
generations of school-boys will speak knowingly of LAKE GLAZIER, as
we did in our youth of Itasca."
* * * * *
_From J. O. Simmons, Little Falls._
"Have been a resident of Little Falls for the past twenty-nine
years; County Attorney and justice of the peace for several years;
would state that I am personally acquainted with the half-breed
Indian interpreter, Paul Beaulieu. Have known him since June, 1857,
and know him to be a person of intelligence, great experience, and
personal knowledge of the northern portion of Minnesota, which up
to very recently has been a vast wilderness occupied only by the
Chippewas. Have often conversed with him relative to the country
north of us, and speaking of the Mississippi, have heard him say
that Lake Itasca was not the fountain head; that there was a stream
emptying its waters into Itasca from a lake a short distance above
the latter, and which, in his opinion, was the true source. Since
Captain Glazier's exploration, I accept the lake bearing his name
as the true source of the Mississippi."
* * * * *
_From Rev. Andrew D. Stowe, Rector, Trinity Church, Anoka:_
"This is to certify that from the testimony of Indians and
Half-breeds living at White Earth Agency, Minnesota, during my
residence there of two years, I am persuaded that LAKE GLAZIER,
instead of Itasca, is the real source of the Mississippi."
* * * * *
_From D. Sinclair, Winona:_
"In the autumn of 1862 I spent several weeks in that portion of
Northern Minnesota, extending from Crow Wing to Leech Lake, and the
country about Red Lake, in company with Paul Beaulieu, the
well-known Indian guide and interpreter. During a conversation as
to the source of the Mississippi, Beaulieu informed me that Lake
Itasca was not the real source of that river, but that a smaller
lake, located a short distance south of Itasca, was entitled to
that distinction. After investigating the matter recently, I have
no doubt of the genuineness of Captain Glazier's claim to be the
person who first publicly established the fact that the lake which
now bears his name is the true source of the Mississippi River."
* * * * *
_From William A. Spencer, Clerk
United States District Court, Saint Paul:_
"I have resided in Minnesota upwards of thirty years, and until
recently have always thought that Lake Itasca was the source of the
Mississippi; but after an examination of the claim of Captain
Glazier to be the discoverer of the true source, I am satisfied his
claim is well founded."
* * * * *
_From O. C. Chase, Chairman County Commissioners, Otter-Tail County:_
"From information received, I am fully satisfied that Captain
Glazier was the first person to publicly announce the true source
of the Mississippi."
* * * * *
_From John J. Ankeny, Postmaster, Minneapolis:_
"From the best information I can obtain, I am persuaded that the
source of the Mississippi had not been recognized prior to the
published accounts of exploration by Captain Willard Glazier in
1881. I think, therefore, he is entitled to the credit of the
discovery."
* * * * *
_From P. P. Swenson, Sheriff, Hennepin County:_
"After a residence of thirty-two years in the State of Minnesota,
until recently I have always supposed that Lake Itasca was the
source of the Mississippi River. I am now well informed of its true
source being LAKE GLAZIER, having personally traversed that section
of the State."
* * * * *
_From Freeman E. Kreck, Postmaster, Aitkin:_
"I have been a resident of Aitkin County since 1881; have been
County Auditor for past two years, and for a time proprietor and
editor of the _Aitkin Age_. Since Captain Glazier's explorations I
do not hesitate to say that I believe LAKE GLAZIER to be the true
primal reservoir of the Mississippi, and I think I voice the
sentiment of the majority of the residents of this section."
* * * * *
_From A. Y. Merrill, County Attorney, Aitkin:_
"I believe that the lake claimed to have been located by Captain
Glazier is the real source of the Mississippi River."
* * * * *
_From J. W. Wakefield, Aitkin:_
"Resident of Minnesota for thirty years. Personally acquainted with
Chenowagesic. Indian trader more than fifteen years. Thoroughly
familiar with the Chippewa language. I recognize LAKE GLAZIER as
the true source of the Mississippi River."
* * * * *
_From Lyman P. White, Ex-Mayor, Brainerd:_
"I have been a resident of Brainerd since 1870. Built the first
house in Brainerd. Have had charge of the town site for the Lake
Superior and Puget Sound Company for sixteen years. I met Captain
Glazier on his Mississippi trip, and fully endorse his claim to
have discovered the true source of the Mississippi."
* * * * *
_From W. W. Hartley, Brainerd:_
"Have been a resident of Brainerd for the past fifteen years.
Editor and publisher of the _Tribune_ from 1875 to 1881, and
postmaster from 1879 to 1886. Met Captain Glazier and his party
here in 1881, both _en route_ to the source of the Mississippi
River, and on their return voyage by canoes to its mouth. Have no
recollection of ever having heard any other than Lake Itasca
claimed to be the source of the Mississippi prior to the Captain's
expedition. LAKE GLAZIER has since been accepted and is believed to
be its source."
* * * * *
_From J. H. Koop, Postmaster, Brainerd:_
"Have been a resident of this State for sixteen years. Met Captain
Glazier at the time he made his expedition of discovery to the
source of the Mississippi, and I recognize the lake bearing his
name as its true source."
* * * * *
_From N. H. Ingersoll, Editor, Brainerd Dispatch:_
"I fully endorse the statement that Captain Glazier was the first
to proclaim to the world the _true source_ of the Mississippi."
* * * * *
_From Rev. Fletcher J. Hawley, D. D., Rector of
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Brainerd:_
"I have been a resident of Brainerd since 1880, and have not heard
any one question the truth of Captain Glazier's claim to have
discovered the true source of the Mississippi to be in LAKE
GLAZIER."
* * * * *
_From John F. Peterson, Register of Deeds, Minneapolis:_
"I have resided in Minnesota for the past eighteen years, and fully
believe that LAKE GLAZIER is the true source of the Mississippi."
* * * * *
_From C. P. De Laithe, Superintendent of Schools, Aitkin County:_
"I recognize LAKE GLAZIER as the source of the Mississippi River.
Have resided in Aitkin for several years."
* * * * *
_From J. H. Hallett, Brainerd:_
"I recognize the lake discovered by Captain Glazier as the real
source of the Mississippi. Have been an Indian trader for the past
fifteen years."
* * * * *
_From Hon. N. Richardson, Little Falls,
Judge of Probate of Morrison County:_
"I have resided on the banks of the Mississippi for thirty-one
years. Met Captain Glazier at Little Falls with his exploring
party, that visited the headwaters of this river in the summer of
1881. From information derived from sources that I consider
reliable, I regard LAKE GLAZIER as the true source of the Great
River. Have been a member of the Minnesota Legislature for three
terms."
* * * * *
_From O. L. Clyde, First Lieutenant, National Guard, Little Falls:_
"I have been a resident of Northern Minnesota for twenty years, and
always supposed that Lake Itasca was the source of the Mississippi.
I never heard any thing to the contrary until the year 1881, when
Captain Glazier explored the Upper Mississippi, and made his report
of the same. I now recognize LAKE GLAZIER as the true source of the
Great River."
* * * * *
_From Moses La Fond, Little Falls:_
"LAKE GLAZIER is now considered the true source of the Mississippi.
I am one of the old pioneers of this State, having resided in the
northern section for over thirty-two years, and was a member of the
Legislature in 1874."
* * * * *
_From R. Cronk, of the Government Survey, Sauk Rapids:_
"This is to certify that I was compass-man on the survey of
township 143 north, range 36 west of the 5th principal meridian,
which embraces Itasca Lake, (the Indian name of which I understood
to be _Omushkos_ or Elk Lake,) and hereby affirm that LAKE GLAZIER
is the only well-defined body of water emptying into Lake Itasca,
and in my opinion is the true source of the Mississippi."
* * * * *
_From Hon. T. G. Healey, Ex-State Senator, Monticello:_
"Have resided in Monticello since 1856. I regard LAKE GLAZIER as
the true source of the Mississippi River, and it is now so regarded
by the people living in this section of Minnesota."
* * * * *
_From William Tubbs, Postmaster and Ex-County Auditor, Monticello:_
"Have resided in Minnesota twenty-nine years. LAKE GLAZIER is
regarded by the people generally of this section as the true source
of the Mississippi."
* * * * *
_From W. J. Brown, Principal of the High School, Monticello:_
"I consider LAKE GLAZIER to be the true source of the Mississippi,
and know of no other. I teach the same in the public schools of
this place, as also do my assistants."
* * * * *
_From Commander A. H. Fitch, J. S. Cady Post, G. A. R.,
Department Minnesota; Anoka:_
"I am fully convinced that the body of water, known as LAKE GLAZIER
since 1881, is the true source of the Mississippi, and not Lake
Itasca."
* * * * *
_From J. M. Tucker, M. D., Hastings:_
"I believe Captain Glazier's claim to being the discoverer of the
real source of the Mississippi is _just_, and have never heard it
questioned. It must stand as one of the facts of history."
* * * * *
_From Daniel O'Brien, Police Justice, Hastings:_
"I am satisfied that the lake to the south of Itasca, located by
Glazier, in 1881, is the true source of the Mississippi, and that
Captain Glazier is entitled to whatever credit there is in the
discovery."
* * * * *
_From J. R. Lambert, Ex-Mayor, Hastings:_
"It has been a generally accepted fact that Lake Itasca was the
source of the Mississippi River, and like many others who have
preceded me in giving testimonials in favor of Captain Willard
Glazier's claim as the discoverer of a body of water now known
quite generally as LAKE GLAZIER, and so represented in many of our
standard geographical works, I cheerfully admit that Captain
Glazier is entitled to credit as the discoverer."
* * * * *
_From S. Westerson, Chairman, Board of County Commissioners, Hastings:_
"It seems to be clearly proven that there is a lake--now called
LAKE GLAZIER--which is the true source of the Mississippi,
discovered by Captain Willard Glazier in the year 1881, and that
said Captain Glazier was the first man to make it public. The
honor, therefore, in my estimation, is due to him."
* * * * *
_From B. B. Herbert, Editor, The Republican, Red Wing:_
"After a careful examination of the claim made for and against the
reputed discovery of the head of the Mississippi, by Captain
Willard Glazier, I am convinced that he was the first to question
the received statement that Lake Itasca was its source; and first
to connect the lake, which some respectable geographers have
called by his name, with the Mississippi as its source. Having
lived in Minnesota, on the banks of the Mississippi, for nearly
thirty years, had any other person claimed to have discovered any
other source than Lake Itasca, I should have been informed
thereof."
* * * * *
_From W. W. DeKay, Red Wing:_
"From such information as I have upon the subject, I regard the
lake located by Captain Glazier, to the south of Itasca, as the
true source of the Mississippi. I have resided in Minnesota for
thirty-three years."
* * * * *
_From William Moore, Superintendent of Schools, Lake City:_
"Knowing the facts in regard to Captain Glazier's discovery of the
true source of the Mississippi, as brought out by public
discussion, I am convinced that he is justly entitled to be
considered the discoverer of the source of the Mississippi River."
* * * * *
_From George C. Stout, Mayor, Lake City:_
"I have no doubt that Captain Glazier is fully entitled to the
honor of first discovery of the true source of the Mississippi
River."
* * * * *
_From D. O. Irwin, Postmaster, Lake City:_
"I am convinced that the actual source of the Mississippi had not
been recognized before the published account of explorations by
Captain Glazier; and I regard LAKE GLAZIER as the true source of
the Great River."
* * * * *
_From H. L. Smith, Editor and Proprietor of the Graphic, Lake City:_
"I am fully convinced that LAKE GLAZIER is the real source of the
Father of Waters. Have resided in Minnesota seventeen years."
* * * * *
_From F. J. Collins, Mayor of Wabasha:_
"I have no doubt that Captain Glazier is fully entitled to the
credit of having discovered the true source of the Mississippi
River. I have resided in Minnesota thirty-one years."
* * * * *
_From Hon. James G. Lawrence, Ex-State Senator, Wabasha:_
"I believe Captain Glazier is certainly entitled to the credit of
discovering the true source of the Mississippi, in a lake above
Lake Itasca, now named after him, LAKE GLAZIER."
* * * * *
_From D. L. Dawley, Principal of Schools, Wabasha:_
"I believe Captain Glazier to be the real discoverer of the true
source of the Mississippi River."
* * * * *
_From S. B. Sheardown, M. D., Winona:_
"I believe that Captain Glazier is entitled to the credit of
discovering the real source of the Mississippi River. I have been a
resident of Minnesota over thirty-one years."
* * * * *
_From Judge A. F. Storey, St. Vincent:_
"I have no hesitancy in saying that there can be no question, but,
that LAKE GLAZIER is the true and primal source of the Mississippi
River."
* * * * *
_From James A. Thompson, Postmaster, Leech Lake (the nearest
post-office to the source of the Mississippi):_
"I am of opinion that LAKE GLAZIER is the source of the
Mississippi. I have talked on this subject with some of the Indians
who accompanied Captain Glazier on his exploring expedition in
1881, and they all say it is the last lake; that they went all the
way in their canoes, and could go no further. It is the general
belief here that LAKE GLAZIER is the true source."
* * * * *
_From Paul Beaulieu, United States Interpreter, White Earth Indian
Agency:_
"I would respectfully state that according to the ideas of the
people of this section of country, for scores of years past, in
alluding to Lake Itasca, _which is known only as Elk Lake by the
original inhabitants of this part of the country_, was never by
them considered as the head or source of the Father of Running
Waters, or May-see-see-be, as it is by them named. I received a map
showing the route of exploration of Captain Willard Glazier, 1881,
and being well acquainted with his chief guide, Chenowagesic, who
has made the section of country explored by Captain Glazier his
home for many years in the past, and who has proved the truth of
his often repeated assertion, when maps were shown him, that a
smaller lake above Lake Itasca would in time change the feature of
those maps, and proclaim to the world that Lake Itasca cannot any
longer maintain its claim as being the fountain head of
Ke-chee-see-be, or Great River, which is called May-see-see-be, by
the Chippewas. The map as delineated by Captain Glazier's guide,
Chenowagesic, and published by the Glazier party, is correct; and
it is plain to us who know the lay of this whole country (I mean,
by _us_, the Chippewa tribe in particular, also the recent
explorers for pine) that LAKE GLAZIER is located at the right
place, and is the last lake on the longest stream of the several
rivers at the head of the great Mississippi."
* * * * *
V. RECOGNITION.
The discovery and final location of the source of the Great River of the
North American Continent by Captain Glazier has received general
recognition in this country and in Europe, and our aim to place before
the reader of this volume, material to assist him in forming his
judgment on the validity of the author's claim, would not be attained if
we omitted to include in these _addenda_ the following evidence, the
nature and weight of which we think should carry conviction to the mind
of every impartial critic.
A report of the discovery was duly sent to Hon. Charles P. Daly,
President of the American Geographical Society, New York, and by him
forwarded to the Editor of the _New York Herald_, and published by that
paper, accompanied by a map of the region explored, showing the true
source of the Mississippi.
A report was also sent to the Royal Geographical Society, London,
England, and the following courteous reply received:
"Royal Geographical Society,
"_London_, January 12, 1885.
"Captain Willard Glazier, New York, U. S. A.
"_Dear Sir:_--We owe you an apology for delaying so long
communicating with you on the subject of your interesting letter
and its accompanying map; a delay caused by the long summer
vacation of our council, which commenced a little before the
arrival of your letter.
"I am happy to be able to send you a copy of the January number of
the Proceedings of our Society, containing your letter and map, and
trust you will find no error has crept in.
"Your discovery was considered a distinct addition to our knowledge
of the geography of the Mississippi basin, and well worthy of
publication by the Society, and I am directed to thank you for
having communicated this brief account of it to us.
"Your obedient servant,
"H. W. Bates,
"_Assistant Secretary and Editor_."
* * * * *
George W. Melville, the famed Arctic Explorer, writes:
"_Philadelphia, Pennsylvania_
"February 5, 1885.
"Captain Willard Glazier:
"Dear Sir:--Your very interesting paper and map of the discovery
of the source of the Mississippi came to hand this morning. Having
but a single number of your paper I can form but an inadequate idea
of your labor and patience, except by a look at your map, which is
a very good one, and shows an immense amount of labor; in fact I am
astonished at the amount of work done in so short a space of time
as is shown on your track chart.
"I am gratified at being made the recipient of your favor; and with
sentiments of the highest esteem and regard for a worthy brother in
the world of science,
"I am, dear sir, very respectfully,
"George W. Melville,
"_Chief Engineer, U. S. Navy_."
* * * * *
_Geographers and Educational Publishers._
Many of the geographers and educational publishers of the country have
not only made the necessary changes in their maps of Minnesota, but have
expressed their recognition and acceptance of the GLAZIER discovery in
letters addressed to friends of the Captain and others interested in
arriving at the truth of this important question. Among these may be
mentioned:
Rand, McNally & Company, George F. Cram, and George H. Benedict &
Company, Chicago; Matthews, Northrup & Company, Buffalo; A. S. Barnes &
Company, New York and Chicago; University Publishing Company, New York;
Charles Lubrecht, New York; M. Dripps, New York; W. & A. K. Johnston,
Geographers to the Queen, Edinburgh, Scotland; MacMillan & Company,
London and New York; Nelson & Sons, New York and Edinburgh, Scotland;
Gaylord Watson, P. O'Shea and George H. Adams & Company, New York; W. M.
Bradley & Brother, Philadelphia; School Supply Company, John A. Boyle,
Boston; J. K. Gill & Company, Portland, Oregon; John Lovell & Son,
Montreal, Canada; Map and School Supply Company, Toronto, Canada; F. A.
Brockhaus, Leipsic; A. Hartleben, Wein, Austria; and many others.
The following extracts are from BARNES' COMPLETE GEOGRAPHY by the
eminent geographer, Professor James Monteith:
_Page 4. "Record of Recent Discoveries and Events._
"The source of the Mississippi River is LAKE GLAZIER, a small lake
from which water flows into Lake Itasca, which until recently was
thought to be its source."
* * * * *
_Page 73. "North Central States (Western Section)._
"Recent surveys have shown that LAKE GLAZIER is about seven feet
higher than Lake Itasca, into which the former discharges its
water; and it is now recognized as the source of the Mississippi
River."
_"Maury's Manual of Geography, University Publishing Company, New York:_
"Page 56. Minnesota is crossed by the ridge or 'Height of Land'
which separates the Valley of the Mississippi from the northern
slope of the Great Central Plain. On this elevation, 1,600 feet
above the sea, both the Mississippi and the Red River of the North
take their rise, the one flowing south and the other north. The
crest of the 'Height of Land' is crowned with lakes of clear water.
LAKE GLAZIER, one of these, is the source of the Mississippi...."
* * * * *
_From Herr F. A. Brockhaus, Geographer and Publisher of Leipsic, Germany:_
"I shall not fail to recognize and call public attention to your
important discovery of the True Head of your Great River."
* * * * *
_From Professor J. W. Redway, of Philadelphia, a well-known
geographer and scientist:_
"_Philadelphia_, September 9, 1887.
"Captain Willard Glazier:
"_My Dear Sir:_-- ... You will have the satisfaction of knowing
that by your exertions and enterprise an error of more than fifty
years standing has been made apparent. The world owes you a debt
for determining an important question in geography.
"Sincerely yours,
"J. W. Redway."
* * * * *
_From the Messrs. Harper & Brothers, New York:_
"Recent exploration and survey establish the fact that Lake Glazier
has the best claim to the distinction of standing at the head of
the Father of Waters. School Geographies generally are being
corrected to show it."
* * * * *
_From Rand, McNally & Company, Map-makers and Publishers, Chicago:_
"As to the source of the Mississippi, we gave it considerable
attention in preparing our new map of Minnesota, and finally fixed
it as LAKE GLAZIER. This, we consider, has the best claim."
* * * * *
_From George F. Cram, Map and Atlas Publisher, Chicago:_
"I mail you to-day a copy of the corrected map of Minnesota,
showing LAKE GLAZIER as the source of the Mississippi."
* * * * *
_From Matthews, Northrup & Company, Art Printers, Buffalo, New York:_
"We regard LAKE GLAZIER as the true source of the Mississippi, and
are so showing it on all maps, etc., issued by us."
* * * * *
_From Messrs. Cowperthwait & Company, Philadelphia._
"We have added LAKE GLAZIER to our School Maps as the source of the
Mississippi."
* * * * *
_From E. A. Lawrence, University Publishing Company, New York:_
"We think LAKE GLAZIER is important enough to outrank Itasca as the
source of the Mississippi."
* * * * *
_From W. M. Bradley & Brother, Philadelphia:_
"LAKE GLAZIER appears on our large Atlas of the World, and on
Mitchell's Atlas, as the true source of the Mississippi."
* * * * *
_From John Lovell & Son, Educational Publishers, Montreal:_
"The collection of testimonials from leading citizens of Minnesota,
and others, tells convincingly in Captain Glazier's favor."
* * * * *
_From MacMillan & Company, London and New York:_
"Pray accept our very cordial thanks for your courtesy in sending
us the map of the true source of the Mississippi. We are forwarding
it on to our London house, who will gladly avail themselves of the
information it conveys."
* * * * *
_From Gaylord Watson, Map and Chart Publisher, New York:_
"I shall show LAKE GLAZIER as the source of the Mississippi on my
maps."
* * * * *
_From P. O'Shea, Catholic Publisher, New York:_
"I have come to the conclusion that LAKE GLAZIER is the true source
of the Mississippi, and intend to give it as the source in the new
editions of my geographies."
* * * * *
_From Geo. H. Adams & Son, Map Publishers, New York:_
"We recognize LAKE GLAZIER as the True Source of the Mississippi
River, and believe that Captain Glazier's claim to its discovery is
now admitted by all the leading Map Publishers of the country."
* * * * *
_From the Map and School Supply Company, Toronto:_
"We consider LAKE GLAZIER the source of the Mississippi River, and
are having it appear on all our latest maps as such."
* * * * *
_From Captain A. N. Husted, Professor of Mathematics,
State Normal School, Albany, New York:_
"Captain Willard Glazier:
"_My Dear Sir:_--I have been much interested in your trip to the
beginning of the Father of Waters, and feel that you have
contributed a valuable item to the great volume of geographical
knowledge."
* * * * *
_From Colonel George Soule, President of Soule, College, New Orleans:_
"I recognize the correctness of Captain Glazier's claim, and shall
teach that the source of the Mississippi is LAKE GLAZIER."
* * * * *
_From Rev. L. Abernethy, A. M., D. D., President of
Rutherford College, North Carolina:_
"I am satisfied that LAKE GLAZIER is the true source of the
Mississippi and that Captain Glazier is entitled to the honor of
its discovery."
* * * * *
_From J. L. Smith, Map Publisher, Philadelphia:_
"Having given considerable attention to the merits of the claim
presented by Captain Willard Glazier to have definitely located the
source of the Mississippi, I am of the opinion that the lake to the
south of Itasca should be recognized as the primal reservoir or
true fountain-head of that river, and that Captain Glazier is
entitled to the credit of having been the first to discover this
fact and call public attention to it."
* * * * *
_From G. H. Laughlin, A. M., Ph. D., President of Hiram College, Ohio:_
"Captain Glazier has rendered an invaluable service to the science
of geography. I am glad that the school geographies are being
corrected so as to indicate LAKE GLAZIER as the source of the
Father of Waters."
* * * * *
_From the firm of W. & A. K. Johnston, of Edinburgh, Scotland,
Geographers and Engravers to the Queen:_
"You have the satisfaction of having done a great work in settling
the vexed question of the source of your mighty river. For this,
all interested in geography are indebted to you."
* * * * *
_From Charles Lubrecht, Map Publisher, New York:_
"I shall show LAKE GLAZIER as the source of the Mississippi River
in all future editions of my Maps."
* * * * *
_From M. Dripps, Map Publisher, New York:_
"I will avail myself of Captain Glazier's discovery by showing the
True Source of the Mississippi on future editions of my maps of the
United States."
* * * * *
_From George H. Benedict & Co., Map, Wood and Photo-Engravers, Chicago:_
"LAKE GLAZIER is now acknowledged to be the True Source of the
Mississippi, and in the course of time will appear as such on all
maps."
* * * * *
_From John S. Kendall, President of the National School
Furnishing Company of Chicago:_
"_Chicago_, October 6, 1887.
"Captain Willard Glazier:
"_Dear Sir:_--Your book 'Down the Great River' has been received
and read with interest. I am glad to see the entire narrative in
book form. There is no doubt about your expedition having added
largely to our rather limited stock of information regarding the
country around the headwaters of the Great River. I deem it a
graceful and fitting compliment to give your name to the lake south
of Itasca.
"Thanking you for the book, which I have placed in my library.
"Yours very respectfully,
"John S. Kendall."
* * * * *
_From Frederick Warne & Company, Publishers, London:_
"Pray accept our very cordial thanks. The alteration in the source
of your great river has been noted, and we shall gladly avail
ourselves of the information to make the correction in our
atlases."
* * * * *
_From Thos. Nelson & Sons, Edinburgh and New York:_
"The correction as to the True Source of the Mississippi will be
made as opportunity occurs, when issuing new editions of our
publications."
* * * * *
_From Herr A. Hartleben, one of the leading Publishers of Germany:_
"I congratulate Captain Glazier on his important discovery of the
source of the Mississippi River, and shall have great pleasure in
bringing the subject to the notice of our Geographical Society."
* * * * *
_From Appleton's Annual Encyclopedia--1885:_
"Lake Itasca, which has been distinguished as the head of the
Mississippi for fifty years, must, it seems, yield that distinction
to a smaller lake about a mile and a half in length by a mile in
width, lying further south, discovered by Captain Willard Glazier
in, 1881, and named for him 'Lake Glazier.'"
* * * * *
_From American Supplement to the Encyclopedia Britannica:_
"The Mississippi has its source in LAKE GLAZIER, south of Lake
Itasca, Minnesota, 47 deg. 34' N. lat, 95 deg. 2' W. long. The greatest
width of this lake is a mile and a half, and it is deeper than
Itasca, with which it is connected by a shallow stream about six
feet wide."
* * * * *
VI. NOTICES OF THE PRESS.
The Press, as the most important indication and expression of public
opinion, has been almost unanimous, since 1881, in sustaining Captain
Glazier's claim, more especially the Press of Minnesota; while the
majority of the leading papers of the East have pronounced strongly in
his favor. We can insert here only a few notices, taken chiefly from the
journals of the Northwest.
* * * * *
_Saint Paul Dispatch._
"Captain Glazier has just published the record of his experiences
in his undertaking to establish that the true source of the
Mississippi is not that which geographers have heretofore accepted
as such, to wit: Lake Itasca. It is indisputable that Captain
Glazier did proceed to a higher point than any reached by previous
explorers, and that the body of water located by him and now known
as LAKE GLAZIER, is a direct feeder of the generally accredited
head of the Mississippi. The _Dispatch_ has always claimed for the
writer of this book the honor of being the discoverer of the true
source of our Great River. There certainly is a great deal in his
work to substantiate his claim, and to sustain the attitude taken
by the _Dispatch_.
"...Captain Glazier set out to test the correctness of the
generally accepted theories of scholars as to the place of the rise
of this Great River; he made the test and found, as we believe,
that those theories were not correct. He has given to the world the
record of that work, and has done much to perpetuate his own name
thereby."
* * * * *
_Minneapolis Spectator._
"'Down the Great River,' by Captain Willard Glazier, gives an
account of the discovery of the lake now generally asserted to be
the source of the Mississippi; also a description of a canoe voyage
during the summer of 1881, from the source to the mouth of the
Father of Waters. A journey of over three thousand miles by canoe,
and on a single stream, is in itself an arduous and remarkable
undertaking, and one seldom, if ever, paralleled. Captain Glazier
presents not only reasonable evidence to support his claim as the
discoverer of the true source of the Great River, but gives an
entertaining and instructive narrative of his researches and
adventures, thus affording a graphic history and description of the
Mississippi."
* * * * *
_Brainerd Dispatch._
"'Down the Great River,' by Captain Willard Glazier, is an account
of the author's voyage in 1881, from the source to the mouth of the
Mississippi River in a canoe. It is a very interesting and
instructive narrative from beginning to end; the descriptions of
the scenery through which the river passes being unusually fine. In
this volume the Captain presents his claim of having discovered
beyond Lake Itasca another lake which is connected with Itasca by a
well-defined stream, and consequently is the true source of the
Mississippi."
* * * * *
_Northwestern Presbyterian, Minneapolis._
"All who live in the valley of America's greatest river will be
especially interested in knowing something of its source, its
course, and the cities that line its banks. Since De Soto first
discovered the Father of Waters in 1541, many eminent explorers
have been associated with its history. Marquette, Joliet, La Salle,
Hennepin, La Hontan, Charlevoix, Carver, Pike, Cass, and Beltrami
preceded Schoolcraft. The last named discovered a lake which he
supposed to be the source, but the Indians and the missionaries
said there was a lake beyond. A learned few believed them. It
remained for some explorer to make further investigation and
publish the truth more widely to the world. This was done by
Captain Glazier in 1881, who visited the lake, explored its shores
and found it to be wider and deeper than Itasca."
* * * * *
_Winona Republican._
"Captain Glazier, who has won fame as the discoverer of the true
source of the Mississippi, has recently published a good-sized
volume entitled 'Down the Great River.' ... Very few persons
realize that a man who passes from the source of the Mississippi to
its mouth experiences a greater variety in scene, in populations,
and in climate, than would an explorer going from the source to the
mouth of any other river in the world.... The narrative of Captain
Glazier is interesting, because it gives a panoramic view of the
Mississippi from its source to its mouth, describing the appearance
of the river wherever tributaries enter, and noting the character
of the Indians, fur-traders, pioneers, frontiersmen, and the
agricultural and commercial communities along its course. There is,
too, a spice of personal adventure in such a journey, because for
the greater part of the trip the Captain was accompanied by only
one other person, and the novelty of riding in a canoe over every
mile of one of the greatest rivers in the world, in itself gives a
peculiar character to the record of the journey. The story is
simply the narrative of life in a canoe floating down the
Mississippi, supplemented by such historical recollections and
reminiscences as have seemed appropriate to one who is an
enthusiast in the history of exploration...."
* * * * *
_Minneapolis Star-News._
"On the 22d day of July, 1881, the traveler and author, Captain
Willard Glazier, discovered a silvery lake nestled among the
pineries of Northern Minnesota and situate about a mile and a half
to the south of Lake Itasca. He also discovered that a swift
current flowed continuously from his new-found wonder to what was
supposed to be the source of the Father of Waters. The lake is
known to the Indians as _Pokegama_, and when it was reached by the
Glazier party they were much surprised by Chenowagesic, an Indian
chief, who had accompanied them as guide, addressing Captain
Glazier as follows:
"'My brother, I have come with you through many lakes and rivers to
the head of the Father of Waters. The shores of this lake are my
hunting ground. Here I have had my wigwam and planted corn for many
years. When I again roam through these forests, and look on this
lake, source of the Great River, I will look on you.'
"Captain Glazier was induced to explore the true source of the
Mississippi by Indian traditions which he had picked up while
traveling across the continent and which denied Schoolcraft's
theory of Itasca.... Fortified with the idea that Schoolcraft was
in error he set out to discover the true source of the Father of
Waters, and how he succeeded forms the subject of the first five
chapters of his very interesting book. The remainder of the book,
an interesting and instructive volume of nearly five hundred pages,
is devoted to a trip 'down the Great River' to the Gulf of Mexico.
To Captain Glazier is due all the honor and glory of discovering to
modern geographers the true source of our great river."
* * * * *
_Detroit Commercial Advertiser._
"'Down the Great River' is Captain Willard Glazier's interesting
record of his expedition in 1881 in search of the source of the
Mississippi River. It is a very exciting narrative from beginning
to end, is profusely illustrated and will be especially interesting
to students of geography, as well as to all interested in matters
of exploration and discovery. Captain Glazier undoubtedly
accomplished a great work. The source of the Mississippi had ever
been an unsettled question, unsatisfactory attempts at discovery
having been made and various ill-founded claims put forward; but
the subject for the last half century has been constantly agitated.
It remained for Captain Glazier to finish the work begun by De Soto
in 1541, and positively locate the true fountain-head.... That the
lake from which the Great River starts, known by the Indians as
Lake Pokegama, should be re-named LAKE GLAZIER, seems an
appropriate honor for the resolute explorer...."
* * * * *
_La Crosse Republican and Leader._
"'Down the Great River' is the title of a book just issued which
possesses many claims to popular favor. No one on the North
American continent will be at a loss to identify the river by its
title; the Amazon undoubtedly discharges a larger volume of water
into the sea, and the Volga is claimed to be longer. No river in
the Old or New World is surrounded by so many associations, or is
so identified with the memories of discoverers and adventurers,
warrior-priests and saintly soldiers, peaceful pioneers and
devastating armies, as the Mississippi.... For half a century Lake
Itasca has been accepted as the fountain-head of the Great River,
but Captain Glazier having had reasons for doubting the correctness
of that theory, undertook, in 1881, to verify or disprove it, and
the book treats of his adventures on that mission and his
subsequent voyage by canoe down its entire length from its source
to its mouth, a distance of three thousand one hundred and
eighty-four miles.... The voyage, embracing as it does over
seventeen degrees of latitude, furnishes material for the
description of strongly contrasted scenery and greatly diversified
industries, and in depicting these the Captain has the pen of a
ready writer, simple and concise...."
* * * * *
_Michigan Christian Advocate._
"'Down the Great River' is a book of great current interest. It is
packed full of things people ought to know. Not only is there a
full and well-written account of the finding of the true source of
the Mississippi, but a wonderful amount of fact and incident picked
up along its shores from its headwaters clear down to New Orleans
and the Gulf of Mexico."
* * * * *
_Detroit Tribune._
"This interesting work gives an account of the discovery of the
true source of the Mississippi River, by the author. From the first
page to the last the book teems with information and topographical
and geographical data to be found nowhere else. Captain Glazier
carries his readers along with him from the source of the mighty
river down through a stretch of over three thousand miles clear
into the salt waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The author made the
trip in an open canoe, and as he proceeds downwards discourses
pleasantly upon the features of the landscape, the characteristics
of the people and the important towns upon the banks of the Great
River."
* * * * *
_Grand Rapids (Michigan) Leader._
"Lake Itasca has been the accredited head of the Mississippi for
fifty years, and the author's desire to pursue further
investigations into the great north country was due to conflicting
reports published by other navigators and explorers of discoveries
made in that region. He decided to investigate the matter
personally. The author describes in an entertaining manner the
incidents of each day as the journey proceeded towards Lake Itasca.
Here a careful survey of the lake was made for feeders, several of
which were found, and up the largest of which the party forced
their way through a strong barrier of rushes. After a short passage
a body of water was found Which the Indians called Lake _Pokegama_,
but which the Captain's companions named GLAZIER in honor of the
head of the expedition. They then floated down the river in their
canoes to the Gulf, and the events of each day form very
interesting and often thrilling chapters as they are described by
the author."
* * * * *
_New Bedford Standard._
"In 1881 Captain Glazier made a canoe voyage of over three thousand
miles from the headwaters of the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico,
and this book gives an interesting account of the voyage, together
with a description of the cities and villages along the river
banks, not omitting important historical events or quaint bits of
legendary lore. While the book is of special value to the young
student of geography and history, it is none the less valuable to
all who are interested in geographical science, particularly in the
question of the source of the Mississippi River...."
* * * * *
_Madisonensis, Madison University, New York._
"Captain Glazier has commanded the attention of educated men
generally by asserting and satisfactorily proving that he has at
last discovered what De Soto, Marquette, La Salle, Schoolcraft, and
other explorers, were unable to find--the true source of the
Mississippi. The journey of exploration is here minutely described,
and the account is enlivened with bright narratives of personal
experiences. The author is an able writer, and a keen critical
observer, and the information collected, pertaining to the people
and country along the course of the Great River, from its
headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico, is of value to every student of
our country's history. The book is more than a mere description of
an expedition--it is an epitomized collection of historical,
geographical and commercial matters interesting to all."
* * * * *
_Hamilton, New York, Republican._
... "The important fact brought out is, that Lake Itasca,
discovered by Schoolcraft in 1832, and by him located as the
fountain-head of the river, has no just claim to that title.
Glazier's expedition has brought public notice to another lake at a
remoter distance from the mouth than Itasca, which is united to the
latter by a constantly flowing stream.... It now seems that the
prominence Itasca has had so long must hereafter be given to LAKE
GLAZIER."
* * * * *
_Davenport Tribune._
"This work embraces an account of the discovery by the author of
the true source of the Mississippi. It is an interesting tale of
how Captain Glazier and his party pursued a voyage in canoes up the
stream which flowed into Itasca, and finally located the real
source of the river in a new lake, which was named by his
companions LAKE GLAZIER. The work is a valuable one and highly
instructive, and should be read by all residents of the Mississippi
Valley."
* * * * *
_Daily Eagle, Grand Rapids, Michigan._
... "It seems most surprising that it should have been reserved for
so recent a date as 1881 to discover the true source of the
greatest river of our continent, especially within the borders of a
territory that has been a State for nearly forty years. But such is
the fact, and to Captain Glazier belongs the honor of the discovery
among white men."
* * * * *
_Telegram-Herald, Grand Rapids, Michigan._
... "Captain Glazier, in his search for the true source of the
Mississippi, has corrected a geographical error of half a century,
and located the fountain-head in a lake above and beyond Lake
Itasca. He discovered this lake on the twenty-second day of July,
1881, Chenowagesic, a Chippewa brave, being his guide. The lake,
out of which flows the infant Mississippi, is about two miles in
its greatest diameter. Its Indian name is _Pokegama_, but Glazier's
companions insisted on naming it after their leader."...
* * * * *
_Akron Daily Beacon._
... "Until Captain Glazier traced back from Lake Itasca the
perennial stream that supplied it from a more distant lake, called
by the Indians _Pokegama_, and beyond which there is no further
supply to the Father of Waters, Itasca was considered its
source.... July twelfth, 1881, Glazier left Brainerd, Minnesota, on
his mission, reaching Leech Lake July seventeenth. Thence the
expedition proceeded westward by little lakes and streams and
portages, until on the twenty-first they camped on Schoolcraft
Island, in Lake Itasca, and then paddling through this lake away,
as supposed, from the Mississippi, and by Eagle Creek, the next day
they found what is now, and will hereafter be known as, LAKE
GLAZIER, the ultimate source of the mighty Mississippi."...
* * * * *
_Youngstown (Ohio) Telegram._
"A pamphlet, entitled the 'True Source of the Mississippi,' by
Pearce Giles, has reached us. It proves very clearly that not Lake
Itasca but LAKE GLAZIER, a lake just to the south of it, is the
true source of the mighty central river. The best part of the
discovery seems to be that Captain Glazier so explored the country
about this lake that there is no possibility of another discovery
of a connecting lake beyond it. One likes to have such matters
settled definitely."
* * * * *
_National Republican, Washington, D. C._
... "The birthplace of the Father of Waters is not Lake Itasca, as
generally received, but LAKE GLAZIER, in its vicinity, which, by a
small stream, flows into Itasca. LAKE GLAZIER, so named from its
discoverer, Captain Willard Glazier, has three feeders, Eagle,
Excelsior, and Deer creeks. This latest geographical claim is
supported by ample testimony from highest and widespread
authorities. The story of adventures during the exploration which
had so important a result, is extremely interesting."
* * * * *
_Dubuque Trade Journal._
"On July twenty-second, 1881, Captain Willard Glazier dispelled the
geographical error of half a century which has placed Lake Itasca
on the maps as the source of the Mississippi. Strange as it may
seem, there is scarcely a wilder region on this continent than
exists in Northern Minnesota, and it has so remained in spite of
the explorations of Beltrami, Schoolcraft, and Nicollet, who,
perhaps, ought to have been a little more exhaustive in their
efforts when on the same depended the designation of the actual
source of a great river. Nevertheless, at the date above mentioned,
Captain Glazier, at the head of a small but indomitable band,
emerged from Lake Itasca, and the birch-bark canoes of the party
were urged against a strong current and a bulwark of rushes,
through a stream seven feet wide and three deep, until the clear
waters of another lake came in view. The greatest diameter of this
new body of water is about two miles, its feeders are traceable to
springs only, and hence it is unquestionably the primal source
whence the Father of Waters starts on his long journey of 3,184
miles to the Gulf of Mexico."...
* * * * *
_Burlington Hawkeye._
"In the summer of 1881, Captain Willard Glazier, well known as a
popular writer, made a remarkable canoe voyage from the source of
the Mississippi down its entire length to the Gulf of Mexico. Prior
to starting on this unprecedented voyage, he organized and led an
expedition to the headwaters of the river in Northern Minnesota,
with a view of setting at rest the vexed question as to the true
source of the mighty river. Captain Glazier and his party left
Saint Paul, duly equipped with canoes and commissariat, July
Fourth, 1881, and arrived at Lake Itasca July twenty-first. Thence,
by the aid of his Indian guides, he penetrated to another lake
beyond Itasca, and connected therewith by a stream which is a
continuation of the Mississippi, and at that point is simply a
narrow creek. The lake thus entered by Captain Glazier he claims to
be the true source of the Father of Waters. LAKE GLAZIER now
appears on the maps as the source of the Great River."
* * * * *
_Saint Paul Times._
... "Captain Glazier's claims are supported emphatically by the
overwhelming testimony of thousands of the most distinguished and
competent authorities in the Northwest. Glazier undoubtedly
expended much time and treasure in investigating not only the
source of the Mississippi, but the geography and history of the
entire river, from its source to the Gulf.... The leading map
publishers have endorsed his claims, and do so in a way that leaves
no doubt that they place implicit confidence in him as a careful
and trustworthy geographer and historian. Rand, McNally & Co., and
George F. Cram, of Chicago; Matthews, Northrup & Co., of Buffalo;
A. S. Barnes & Co., of New York; University Publishing Company, of
New York; W. & A. K. Johnston, of Edinburgh, Scotland; MacMillan &
Co., London and New York; W. M. Bradley & Brother, Philadelphia,
and many others of the leading publishing houses, who have a heavy
personal interest in investigating the accuracy of everything they
publish, acknowledge Captain Glazier's claims by accepting his
views, and reproducing them in their books and maps. The press,
bar, pulpit, and legislature of the State of Minnesota give
unqualified assent through many of their leading members, to the
position of Captain Glazier."
* * * * *
_Chicago Times._
"The most interesting portion of Captain Glazier's 'Down the Great
River' is the beginning, where the author gives the details of an
expedition made in 1881 by himself with five companions, when he
claims, with good grounds, to have fixed the actual, true source of
the Great River. His attention was called in 1876 to the fact that,
though everybody knows the mouth of the stream, there was then much
uncertainty about the source. In 1881 he found time to organize the
expedition named, and crossing the country to Itasca, embarked and
pushed through that lake up a stream flowing into it, and came upon
another considerable body of water fed by three streams originating
in springs at the foot of a curved range of hills some miles
further on. This lake he fixed upon as the true source, and since
his published accounts many geographers and map-workers have
modified their works according to his discoveries. He does not
claim to be the actual discoverer of the lake, as such, but only to
have been the first to discover and establish the fact that it is
the highest link in a chain in which Itasca is another; or, in
other words, the true source of the river. The Indian name of the
lake is _Pokegama_, and this, the author says, he would have
retained, but was overruled by the other five, who insisted on
calling it LAKE GLAZIER. For the particulars of the interesting
story the reader must be referred to the volume itself. Captain
Glazier is an old traveler and a practised writer. The manner of
his journey down the Mississippi enabled him to see well all there
was to see, and he enables his readers to see also."
* * * * *
_Chicago Inter-Ocean._
"Readers of 'Soldiers of the Saddle,' 'Capture, Prison-Pen and
Escape,' and other writings of Captain Glazier will require no
urging to read the entertaining volume 'Down the Great River.' It
is an account of the discovery of the true source of the
Mississippi River, with pictorial and descriptive views of cities,
towns and scenery gathered from a canoe voyage from its head waters
to the Gulf. For fifty years American youth have been taught that
'the Mississippi rises in Lake Itasca,' until Captain Glazier, in
this memorable journey of one hundred and seventeen days in his
canoe, demonstrated the error and mapped the facts so accurately as
to settle the question for all time. Leading geographers and
educational publishers have already made changes in their maps and
given due credit to Captain Glazier and his new lake. To say the
Mississippi rises in LAKE GLAZIER is only doing simple justice to
the intrepid explorer and hero of many battles. The book is
charmingly written, mainly in the form of a diary, and contains
facts of great value, so interwoven with incidents and fine
descriptions and novel adventures as to be as interesting as the
best romance. One could scarcely find better history or finer
descriptions or be more fully impressed with the breadth and length
and grandeur of American possessions than by journeying with
Captain Glazier in his canoe down the grand river of the continent.
The volume is handsomely printed and bound and well illustrated."
* * * * *
_Chicago Evening Journal._
"However the knowledge may affect the world at large that the
source of the mighty Mississippi is other than generations of
geography students have been taught that it was, there is little
doubt left in the reader's mind, after perusing Captain Willard
Glazier's 'Down the Great River,' that we have all been in the
wrong about it, and that this most peerless river was born, not in
Itasca's sparkling springs, but in another wider and deeper lake
that lies still further south and bears the name of its discoverer,
the author of this interesting volume of exploration and adventure.
There is something charming in the simple thought of an expedition
such as the one undertaken by Captain Glazier. Imagine long, silent
days of absolutely unbroken communion with Nature! Slipping along
in a frail canoe, without the sound of an uncongenial human speech,
of clanging bells or grating wheels, through circling hours of
unbroken calm, with only the swish of bending reeds and lapping
waters to break the hush and remind one of a sentient world.
Perhaps the author and his Indian guides occasionally exchanged a
word, or the two white companions and himself indulged in a laugh
that started the rattling echoes of the hills, but there was no
chatter, no twaddle, no dissensions. The narrative reads like a
story. Reading it, one longs to start for LAKE GLAZIER to-morrow,
and thence descending, halt not in his long course until his
faithful canoe slips out into the waters of the Southern Gulf,
three thousand miles away. A man with a soul in him would rather
take such a trip with all its hardships and its perils than go on a
hundred cut-and-dried trips to Europe. The book is handsomely bound
and well illustrated."
* * * * *
_Chicago Herald._
"For half a century or more it has been understood that Lake Itasca
was the source of the Mississippi River, but Captain Willard
Glazier has exploded this theory by a canoe voyage undertaken in
1881. The results of his investigations were given to geographers
at the time and accepted as satisfactory and complete. Maps were at
once changed by the map publishers, and LAKE GLAZIER, a tributary
of Lake Itasca, was set down as the true source of the 'Father of
Waters.' The story of Captain Glazier's adventures is told by him
in a book entitled 'Down the Great River,' which is entertaining as
well as being of importance as a contribution to the geography and
history of this country. Together with two companions and several
guides, Glazier first discovered that the lake now bearing his name
was the true source of the Great River, and then journeyed by canoe
from that point to the mouth of the Mississippi, a distance of
3,184 miles. This trip occupied one hundred and seventeen days and
was attended with various haps and mishaps and numerous adventures
of an exciting character. It is not easy from a mere book
description to realize the extent and importance of such a trip as
that made by Captain Glazier. More than a hundred days of roughing
it along one of the greatest waterways in the world could not fail
to be productive of much that would interest even a casual reader,
and as Captain Glazier is an experienced traveller and a skilled
writer, he has made the most of his opportunities."
* * * * *
_Springfield (Ohio) Times._
"The latest book from the pen of Willard Glazier, the well-known
soldier-author, is entitled 'Down the Great River.' It is a work of
great geographical and historical value, and settles beyond
peradventure the disputed question of the true source of the
Mississippi. Aside from its scientific value, the work is a
charmingly entertaining narrative of the thrilling adventures and
amusing incidents of a canoe trip over the whole length of the
Mississippi from its source in the cold regions of the North to
where it rolls into the ocean over the burning sands of the Gulf
coast. It is highly instructive and interesting in its graphic
descriptions and character sketches, depicting the varied human
nature, local customs, and folk-lore that find habitation along the
banks of the Great River. The book is well worth the perusal of
every one, and an American library without it would be incomplete."
* * * * *
_Ohio State Journal._
"It seems strange that for nearly fifty years up to 1881, no new
thing had been discovered concerning the great Mississippi, whose
source in the vast wilderness of the Northwest was supposed to be
in Lake Itasca. In that year, however, Captain Willard Glazier, an
adventurous spirit, determined to finally solve the mystery of the
source of the 'Father of Waters,' and also to navigate its entire
length from source to sea. Accordingly he traced with infinite
hardship the narrowing stream above Itasca until its true source
was finally reached in what is now known as LAKE GLAZIER. Then,
turning about, he floated down the constantly growing stream until
its mighty volume was emptied into the Gulf of Mexico. Of this
great trip, replete with adventure and abounding in incident, he
has given a most graphic and interesting account under the title of
'Down the Great River.'"
* * * * *
_The Wheeling Intelligencer._
"Captain Glazier's name is familiar to the reading public of
America through his earlier works, 'Soldiers of the Saddle,'
'Capture, Prison-Pen and Escape,' 'Battles for the Union,' 'Heroes
of Three Wars,' 'Peculiarities of American Cities,' and 'Ocean to
Ocean on Horseback.' His latest book, 'Down the Great River,' is
his most important essay in the field of literature, and is in
several respects unique. It is a very interesting account of a
remarkable canoe voyage from the head waters of the Mississippi to
the Gulf; but its importance comes from the fact that, until this
voyage was made, the source of the Mississippi was universally
placed in Lake Itasca, whereas Glazier and his party demonstrated
that a higher basin, now put down in all the new maps and
geographies as LAKE GLAZIER, is really the primary reservoir of the
Mississippi. It seems almost incredible, but is nevertheless true,
that for over forty years previous to 1881, when Captain Glazier
made his discovery, it was accepted as settled that Lake Itasca was
the remotest body of water from the mouth of the Mississippi. The
falsity of this theory, however, has been established and an
important discovery given to the geographical world. No discovery
rivaling this in interest and importance has been made on the
American continent for half a century."
* * * * *
_Philadelphia Public Ledger._
"By the discoveries of Captain Willard Glazier, made in 1881, Lake
Itasca is dislodged from its former eminence as the source of the
Mississippi, the real head-waters of that mighty stream being
traced to LAKE GLAZIER, a distance of 3,184 miles from the Gulf of
Mexico."
* * * * *
_Brooklyn Eagle._
"Captain Glazier's very clear map of the Great River shows the True
Source to be south of Lake Itasca, accepted by Schoolcraft in 1832
as the head-waters in disregard of the stream entering its
southwestern arm.... To Captain Glazier belongs the identification
of the fountain-head of the Mississippi."
* * * * *
_Philadelphia Times._
"Captain Willard Glazier has lately discovered the True Source of
the Mississippi, which is not in Lake Itasca, but in another lake
to the south of it, and succeeds in proving his discovery to the
satisfaction of the most competent judges, to wit, the geographers
and educational publishers of the country. These accept the new
source by placing it on their maps and calling it after its
discoverer, 'Lake Glazier.'"
* * * * *
_New York Observer._
"To Captain Glazier is undoubtedly due the honor of tracing the
Father of Waters, the great American river, up to its real source
in the network of lakes that occupies the central and northern
portion of the State of Minnesota."
* * * * *
_Minneapolis Journal._
"...That what is now known as LAKE GLAZIER is the True Source of
the Mississippi River; and that to Captain Glazier is due the
credit of first placing the fact before the public by accurate
chart and maps, is unquestionably true."
* * * * *
_Philadelphia North American._
"The True Source of the Mississippi is settled beyond controversy.
Glazier's name will hereafter be classed with those of De Soto, La
Salle, and Hennepin, whose names are forever associated with the
Great River which divides the United States."
* * * * *
_Philadelphia Inquirer._
"Several years ago Captain Glazier, while meditating upon the
exploits of De Soto, Marquette, Father Hennepin and La Salle, the
heroic old explorers, who led the way to the Great River of North
America, regretted that, although its mouth was discovered by the
Chevalier La Salle nearly two hundred years ago, there was still
much uncertainty as to its True Source.... The discovery and final
location of the source of the Mississippi has now received general
recognition in this country and Europe, and there certainly seems
to be no doubt of the validity of Captain Glazier's claim. His
account of the discovery is very entertaining reading."
CONCLUSION.
The reader who is interested in the question discussed in this Appendix
has, we venture to assert, found ample evidence to justify the author of
"Down the Great River" in his claim to have been the first to locate the
veritable source of the Mississippi. The testimony is of such a
character that it is impossible for an impartial critic to arrive at any
other verdict than that the fountain-head of the Father of Waters is
_not_ in Lake Itasca, but in the lake to the south of it, now known as
LAKE GLAZIER. The declarations of the Indians and pioneers in the
vicinity of the source of this river are altogether corroborative of
Captain Glazier and his companions; the press of Minnesota speaks with
but one voice, while geographers and educational publishers are almost
unanimous in their recognition of the facts developed by his expedition.
HUBBARD BROTHERS,
_Publishers of "Down The Great River_."
723 Chestnut Street,
Philadelphia, April 30, 1888.