FEOM THE MISSISSIPPI HIVER TO 

 THE RIO GHANDE DEL JSTORTE. 



CHAPTER I. 



i^H' 



THE CAPITAL OF THE WEST. 



Amyal at St. Louis. — Tlie Mississippi. — ^History of St. Louis from its first 

 BGttlement in 1764. — Its present prosperity and future prospects. — Natural 

 resources of Missouri, — Depression caused by the War. — Pernicious effects 

 of Slavery, — St, Louis the Capital of Missouri. — St. Louis the Centre of 

 Commerce throughout the Mississippi Valley. — St. Louis the most natural 

 spot for the Federal Capital. 



The moment I felt the train slackening its speed, as it 

 neared St. Louis, I threw open the window and looked steadily 



Mississippi. It separates 



11 n 



ahead, to catch a first glimpse of the Mississippi, 

 the railway terminus from the city; and, as tl 

 close to the river for a short distance, a fine view is gained of 

 its grand proportions. It is marred considerably by the total 

 absence either of large timber or good houses on the eastern 

 hank ; but the opposite side, marked by the broad bustling 

 q.uay, and a string of many-storied river boats, two miles in 



the dense piles of warehouses and the rest of the city 



length, 



built on a higher level, forming the background 



perfect 



On leaving the train, on the 



omnibuses, drawn 



a picture of American progress. 



eastern bank', you find half-a-dozen large 



by four horses, and the usual accompaniments of hacks and 



carriages, waiting to receive you 



When the omnibuses are 



B 



