"Our party of eight (including three artists) had quite an adventurous trip over the plains. One of our mishaps I have sketched; it is entitled ‘Storm on the Plains.’ A hurricane took down our tents and blew over heavy loaded wagons, on the night of the 9^th June, near Cottonwood, Nebraska. Fortunately no serious damage resulted to any one, though many in the train were badly frightened. Ford says that just as he was crawling out of the tent his ears were saluted by a piercing wail and the pathetic cry of ‘Oh, have you seen my baby?’ He looked back and saw the tent down with his wife under it, turned his head, and lo! Over went our wagon with the horses down under it; and here was a woman before wringing her hands and screaming for her baby. ‘Les joyeuses’ are our ladies who, doffing fashionable attire, have enlivened the camp by their cheerful presence, and have made us, hungry, tired souls, much happiness with appetizing cookery. Though you have published one or two street scenes in Denver I send the one herewith, which gives a good view of the mountains beyond. It is a different view from any hitherto published, and I think from a better point.

"By courtesy of Fred Eckfeldt, Esq., Melter and Refiner, United States Branch Mint, at Denver, I was shown through all the departments of that establishment, and send a sketch of the Assay Room."