The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1871-05-06
LETTER FROM COLORADO.

DENVER, COLORADO, April II, 1871.
DEAR Misunderstanding from Elkton in
the G Z. NJ. train, Tuesday, April 18th, for
Baltimore, where, after pcrfecting arrange
ments, l left that city, for Philadelphia,
the following morning at 0 O'Clock, and at
L .3O was flying past Elkton again. Reached
Philadelphia, took a good square meal at
the Continental, thinking, as all do, who
are ignorant of the great West, that it
would be my last good meal for some time,
which illusion was speedily dispellcd as
will show further on. Started from Phila-
delphia at 1925 p. NJ, and not being wise,
did not take sleeping car, the first night,
(and will say just here to any going West,
the best use they can put So to is to take
sleeping carr as from the loss of the first
nights rest, did not recover entirely dur
ing the trip. Reached Altoona at day
break; got very good breakfast for 70
cents; from this point until reached Den
yer, the train stopped for dinner, breakfast
and supper.
Nothing can excel the grandeur of the
mountain scenery, through which the
Pennsylvania Central runs. The Horse
Shoe Curve, with a grade of 90 feet to the
mile; three engines to one train putting and
blowing around the curves. The tallest
trees from the car window appearing as
small green spots, in the valley below; but
it would take volumes to describe the Won
ders of the Alleghanies. And it would tire
the patience of any one to read even a
passing description of each town and city
of note along the route. Arriving at Pitts
burgh, the city of smoke, a more dreary,
black, dirty city cannot be found on the
Continent. Another night and morning
found us at Chicago; and well may Phila-
delphia and New York tremble, for they
have in Chicago a rical-equal trade, better
buildings, handsomer laid out, nearer the
great Wcst-one may well say that, with
all its divorces, it is the city of the United
States. Leaving Chicago at p. NJ, morn
ing found us at Quincy, ILL.,, beautiful
city of 10000 inhabitants, situate on the
Miss. river. The next morning found
us at Kansas City, one of the most
prosperous, and at the same time one Of
the worst, cities in the United States, with
out an exception. Whisky and politics
rule the Irishman rs. niger perpetual
quarrel; both soaked with rifle whiskey,
life is not safe anywhere near the low grog
nd ri,
was garroted near the depot but time, and
a little lynch law, will remedy all this,
although would that the remedy had been
applied before the rascal stole my overcoat.
But Kansas City has it's bright side. l
there met and dined with F. Titus, Esq,
who is doing we'll and living well for the
hotel at which he boards, gave us dinner
which 1 shall hereafter describe, and which
would have done honor to the Continental,
itself. Leaving Kansas City at p. NJ,
again crossed the great Muddy, passing
many beautiful towns in Missouri some
of which have not recovered from the
effects of the war, many ruins being still
visible, and in every instance, as far as l
could learn, it was the work of Rebel bush
whackers. Morning found us flying through
Kansas, one of the most beautiful States
in the Union-one vast sea of land. Moth
can be more grand than the prairies covered
with buffalo and antelope. Here, in my
humble opinion, will be the home of future
millions where now stands the cayottc or
rough shanty, splendid mansions will be
erected, lawns will be laid out, fields of
waving grain will be seen. The Indian
will disappear, although the only tribe now
in Kansas (the Caws) are peaceablc, except
Red Cloud and his band, who are hunting
buffalo by permission of the Government,
beyond Fort Hayes, and who at the time
we passed over the road had driven the
buffalo and antelope, in great numbers,
down along the railroad, so much SO as to
stop the train to let them get off the track.
Monday morning, 6 o'clock, found us in
Denver city, and with your permission,
will promise to give you long letter, on
Colorado and its resources. J. E. W.
NEW LEEDS ITEMS