358 TURNING THE TABLES. 



siderable amusement I turned the tables on those expect 

 ant dealers who were lying in wait for the hurried sale of 

 my effects, by starting horses, mules, and dogs off by a 

 steamer, the Carrier, under the charge of that excellent 

 gentleman, Capt. Bailey, direct for St Louis, insuring 

 the two former at 1400 dollars, and consigning them to 

 my friends, Messrs Campbell and Co. Here, again, I 

 found that dogs, however valuable to their owner they 

 might be, could not be insured ; so, while we can neither 

 travel our dogs by rail in America, other than through 

 the permission of the baggage-master, and under the 

 miserable extortions that class of individuals chose to in 

 flict, nor by steam on the dangerous rivers in insured 

 safety, nor under laws prohibiting theft, I advise my 

 brother sportsmen seeking the Far West to leave the dear 

 companions of their leisure hours behind them, and to be 

 contented in regard to all the smaller game with a much 

 less bag than the English dogs would have procured. 



It was about this time that, while at St Joseph, I re 

 ceived the following letter : 



" St Joseph, Missouri, U. S. A., Oct. 31, 1859. 



" Honourable Sir, Appreciating your high position 

 and ability to form a correct and intelligent opinion of the 

 people, manners, and things that pass under your observ 

 ation, we would be pleased if you would favour us with 

 an opportunity of hearing the impressions which our coun 

 try has made upon your mind. If, therefore, your time 

 and inclination will permit, we would be happy if you 

 would appoint an hour at which it will be convenient to 

 meet us, that our fellow-citizens may hear your remarks. 



(Signed), M. JEFF. THOMPSON (Mayor), JAS. CRAIG, 

 NILLARD P. HALL, F. W. SMITH, JOHN CARBURY, 



GrEORGE VANDEN, 13* M. HUGHES," 



