am told, we shall have 2,000 Persons living here, and in five years
this will be a City. Conceive the opportunity meantime. The Cattle
business is bound to grow, and I am advised that all this land will
Ultimately be farmed and prove rich as that through which I Past in
coming out. You are welcome, my dear Ned, as I am sure you know, to
half my blankets and rations during your stay here, however long same
may be, and I most cordially invite you to come out and look over this
Country, nor do I have the smallest doubt that it will seem to you
quite as it does to me, and I shall hope that we make a Citizen of you.

"Above all is this a man's country. For sport it has no equal I have
ever seen, and as you know I have visited some Parts of the World. The
Buffaloes is to be found by Millions within a few miles of this point,
and certain of the savidge Tribes still live but a short journey from
this point, though now the Army has pretty much Reduced them.
Antelopes there is all around in thousands, and many Wolves. It is,
indeed, my boy, as I have told you, a country entirely new. I have
travelled much, as you know, and am not so Young as yourself, but I
must say to you that your friend Batty feels like a boy again. There
is something Strange in this air. The sky is mostly clear, and the Air
very sweet. The wind is steady but pleasant, and a man may live in
comfort the year round as I am told. I am but new here as yet myself,
but am fully disposed, as they say in the strange language here, to
drive my Stake. I want you, my dear boy, also to drive Yours beside
me, and to that Effect I beg to extend you whatever Aid may lie in my
Power.

"Hoping that you may receive this communication duly, and make reply to
Same, and hoping above all things that I may soon meet again my
Companion of the 47th., I beg to subscribe myself, my dear boy, ever