84 WESTERN INCIDENTS.

devoted to the excursionists generally. One of which,
however, was occupied almost exclusively by the Elkhorn
Club.

Next in order, came the mess, or cooking car, con-
structed also at the Fort Wayne shops, and designed
as a tender, or companion to the Directors’ car. In front
of this was a mail, or express car, conveniently fitted up
as a refreshment saloon. And in front of all, or next to
the engine, was the baggage and supply car. The en-
-gines were profusely decked with flags, and appropriate
mottoes ; and the whole outfit presented a most imposing
appearance, as it left the Missouri Valley, and steamed
away towards the Rocky Mountains.

ALL ON BOARD.

It had been announced by Mr. Durant that the excur-
sion train would start westward at ten in the morning.
But the difficulty and delay attending the gathering

together of the excursionists, prevented our departure |
- till about twelve, when the entire party, enlarged by the
civil and military authorities, members of Congress, etc.,
of the Territory, with their families, started westward in
high spirits, to view, most of them for the first time,
the great, and almost uninhabited Platte Valley, extend-
ing, as it does, in an almost direct westerly course from the
Missouri River to the Rocky Mountains, a distance of six
hundred miles.

The train had been supplied by Mr. Hoxie with every
comfort and even luxury that the heart could wish; and
soon after starting, the guests were invited to partake of
an excellent lunch, served through the cars by the atten-
tive waiters.