WESTERN INCIDENTS. 57 happy speech was lost ; but the speaker evidently alluded to a curve in advance of the train. The train soon disappeared, but the telegraph wires kept us continually posted, during the day, as to the pro- gress of the party; and the nature of the despatches was such as to afford the most gratifying evidence of the expansive powers of the air and scenery west of the Missouri River, particularly when a party, like our friends, are borne for the first time with railroad speed along the broader expanse of the great Platte Valley, on their westward course to the Rocky Mountains. The following specimens have fortunately been pre- served : Fremont, 10:12 a. m—“ Green leaves grew where my hand now rests. Wild beasts roamed unmolested by the hand of man. More to come.” North Benn, 10:35 a.u.—*The shrill whoop of the gavage alone broke the solitude and silence of nature. It was at this epoch of our nation’s existence, that two solitary horsemen might have been seen—To be con- tinued.” CotumBts, 11:25 a. ma—“ Or words to that effect. Con- clusion.” ANTICIPATED ARRIVAL OF THE GREAT EXCURSION. By far the most exciting event of all, however, was the official announcement received on Thursday, October 18 that the great Pacific Railroad Excursion had reached Chicago, on its way westward from New York, and that it might be expected to arrive at Omaha on the following Monday morning. The worthy Mayor immediately convened the Com- mon Council; and the President of the Board of Trade 3*