The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-10-23
W. 77--1I-l7--'
THE OVERLAND MAIL.

The second and third mails from. San Francisco by the
overland route have arrived ~ ST. Ions Five passen
gers started with the second mail but stopped on the
route to rest, and were taken up by the third mail Two
mails from 81 Louis going westward were met about on
cohtst Time sure of reaching San Francisco within the
limit OF twenty five days
There was great celebration in honor Of the estab-
lshmen OF the overland mail line Mt Fort Smith, Ar
kansas on the 18th inst a national salute was fired
the two companies of United States troops stationed
there paraded, the Odd Fellows turned out procession
was forAo and the whole company proceeded grove
where addresses made by Mr. John b. Lace and
Hon John y Phelps of Missouri There was then din
ner, public ball, and super all Of which went off il.
grand style Of one feature OF the supper correspond
ent of the St Louis Republican gives the following ac
count
The supper was grand affair, prepared by Mr. j. K
Mckenzie, of the City Hotel When the doors were
thrown open the crowd amazed at its appearance Sc,
fine and SO brilliant At the head and above the table
was painting, executed by Mr. Syndaii OF the wagon
road expedition representing the mountains the des
ert and California in the defiance with faithful picture
OF the overland NAL stage, horses and drives at full
speed
This sight that none Of the company were pre-
pared to sce and il pleasing it was beautiful
and unexpected large cake in the preciso shane Of
the mail bags endorsed Overland Mail, San Francisco la
gilt letters the table which, when cut open had in
s centre letter. postmarked San Francisco stamped
In exact imitation; taken OUT directed to Mr. john
Buttereld president Overland Mail Company Fort smith,
copy of which Is herewith given Mr. II onenel the
letter and read to the ladies' and gentlemen present.
which greeted with shouts laughter and applause
The cake is faithful representation and since com
menced this letter to you have bad good view Of H.
and truly, it was surprising how exact an imitation Of
mail bag has been made with dough The old admiral
says the first mail bag has been opened and robbed at
Fort Smith and he shall keep sharp look out In future
Here is a copy OF the letsery
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept IG, 1858
DEAR Sin The first stage coach that ever ventured
across the heather wilderness that lies between this and
the state of Arkansas stands ready to leave in few
minutes Ten Thousand people have assembled TO wit
ness the departure. Trumpets sounding drums
hsatihg, and cannons rearing and the popuace
cheering and encouraging the diver and tho four passen
gers that about to the gauntlet Of desert sands
and scs.png Cananches. Our prayers go with them.
Minutes will toe hours and hours will be DAYS until
see the coach that must now be the way from Arkln-
sas, aud when do it, all safe and rpht-side up
and uscaped, you will hear the lou,les gun that ever
tired since the creation Of the world Fifty thousand
barrels OF powder have been carried thirty miles through
cave under mountain slow match will BIO laid and
the mouth of the closed the mountain will 90 'n
up nom its very foundation and will be scattered into
fragments to all quarters of the globe The moon will
be knocked into fits and the tail Of the comet will be
torn off, and the explosion will be as distinctly heard
Japan as in Lower Canada But who cares for expenses
let her rip lours, in haste
THOMAS TEEToTALER,
Overland Mail Agent, San Francisco
MIR. JoHg BUTTEnrEID