TOWNS IN KANSAS.—LEAVENWORTH. 45

Salina; but as fuel is scarce where it is deposited, it is not likely to be
of much importance as a source of wealth.

Some specimens of tin ore have been found, but the mine where
they were taken has not been discovered. There isno gold norsilver,
for there are no igneous rocks.

As briefly as I could I have given some facts regarding the mineral
wealth of Kansas— enough to show that it is better supplied than
has been generally supposed. I shall add no general remarks.

 

LETTER XI.— Leavenworth — Old Fort Leavenworth— Rivalry with
Kansas City — Lawrence — Its Location, Beauty, and History —
Swift Retribution — Brief Mention of an old Friend.

Sr. Louis, July 1, 1867.

I po not know that I can embrace within the compass of one letter
all that I may wish to say under this head. I have already spoken
incidentally of some of the smaller towns I have seen, especially Junc-
tion City and Salina, and the last, the newest, and the most western
— Ellsworth. Rome, on Big Creek, sixty miles beyond Fort Harker,
is not a town yet; but in less than a year more it may be a wonderful
place. Rome! How I hate this putting of new wine into old bottles!
Had they called the new city Big Creek it would have been less ridicu-
lous, whatever might have been said of its euphony or appropriate-
ness.

LEAVEN WORTH.

This thriving, beautiful, opulent, and commercial city, in which they
claim to have a population of 27,000, is situated on what may be called
a valley prairie, but well lifted up above the floods of the Missouri,
and environed on the north and west— but not closely — by grace-
fully swelling heights, from the summits of which there are extensive
and grand prospects in all directions. Twice have I been driven along
these heights, and never shall I forget the charming panoramas that
were spread out before me.

Old Fort Leavenworth — established long before the days of the
Border Ruffians, while Iowa, and Kansas, and Nebraska were still
part of the great Northwest Territory, is located about two miles
north of the city, on the top of a high and abrupt bluff, the base of
which is washed by the Missouri, and west of which beautiful rolling
farms and prairies spread out in amplitude and grandeur—is a charm-
ing spot. Nature and art have combined to render it one of the
pleasantest retreats, whether for the citizen or the weary soldier, that