under tent, following example of all men, for as yet there are scarce a
dozen houses within fifty Miles. I find much opportunity for studies
to be presented to the London Times, which paper as you know I
represent, and I prosecute with great hopes the business of the British
American Colonization Society, of which corporation I am resident Agent.

"I have Chosen this point because it was the furtherest one yet reached
by Rail. Back of this, clean to the Missouri River, new Towns have
grown up in most wonderful fashion. I have been advised that it is
highly desirable to be in at the beginning in this Country if one is to
stay in the Hunt, therefore I have come to a Town which has just Begun.
Believe me, dear Ned, it is the beginning of a World. Such chances are
here, I am Sure as do not exist in any other Land, for behind this land
is all the Richer and older Parts, which are but waiting to pour money
and men hither so soon as the Ry. shall be Fully completed. I have
heard of many men who have made Fortunes since the War. It is truly a
rapid Land.

"I am persuaded, my dear boy, that this is the place for you to come.
There are an Hundred ways in which one may earn a Respectable living,
and I find here no Class Distinction. It is an extraordinary fact that
no man and no profession ranks another here. One man is quite good as
another.

"Of society I regret to say we can not as yet offer you much. There is
yet but four women in the place and for the men a Part seem mostly busy
consuming Whisky at the Cottage, at which I wonder, for I have found
the Whisky very bad. Let this not dishearten you, for many things will
change when the Ry. is completed. We are to have Shops here, and I
understand this is to be the seat of the county. A year from now, as I