TOWNS IN KANSAS. ol

be an interesting one, and will probably conduce to the prosperity and
well-being of both.
WYANDOTTE.

This town is situated at the mouth of the Kansas, and is bounded
by the Missouri on the east and the Kansas on the south. The loca-
tion is neither ample nor pretty, and the aspect of the place exhibits
neither taste nor thrift on the part of the people. Kansas City is in
full view from this place, looking down the Missouri and across the
Kansas, just where its waters mingle with those of the greater river.

TOPEKA.

This is the capital of the State. The situation is pretty; and
although the city is somewhat straggling, and the streets in bad con-
dition, there are many handsome residences and several good hotels.
I was there but a short time, and can only speak of it in general
terms. I visited the ground where they are laying the foundations
of the capitol. It is to be built of the fine soft magnesian limestone
found around Junction City, of which I spoke in a former letter, and
will doubtless be a very handsome edifice. To be the seat of the
government of a State, however, is in my opinion a very questionable
advantage to a city. Topeka is on the south side of the Kansas river,
thirty miles west of Lawrence.

WAUMEGA.

This is a prettily situated new town on the railroad, some forty-five
miles west of Topeka. I did not stop, but I observed a fine large
hotel, and a fair appearance of business. The surrounding country
is very good; and as it is settled up, Waumega will grow.

LECOMPTON.

This town of bad political fame is, or was, on the south bank of the
Kansas, nearly midway between Lawrence and Topeka. Its record
seems to have driven people away from it, and but little of it remains.
I was not there.

MANHATTAN.

Leaving Junction City on Monday morning the 17th, Iran down
on the train twenty miles, and stopped off at this beautiful little town
at the mouth of the Big Blue, intending to remain one day; but I was
so much pleased, and found so many objects of interest, that I re-
mained two days.

I had letters which introduced me at once to the social life of the
place and to the most generous hospitality, and I had an opportunity