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28 the bluff about two hundred feet high and camped once more on the Platt River. Denver City has a most beautiful site through its centre runs a splendid looking river it is perfectly level on the east side stretches the boundless prairies that we had traversed on the west loomed up the majestic Rocky Mountains seemingly overhanging the city although distant fifteen miles, Longs Peak their highest summit stood like a giant sentinal directly in front of the city its lofty peak covered with eternal snow Pikes Peak to the south west out on the prairie away from the mountains standing like some huge giant guarding the entrance of such countless wealth, everything was as distinct to our view from the city as if we were standing on them although I was told on good authority that the mountains were fifteen miles distant still I could not believe it my opinion was that we were on its very base. We could see green trees dotting its sides for a great distance up to where all vegetation ceases then the hard gray rock seemingly as far more and then the snow line covered with white from there to its summit that grand old pile was a most sublime looking sight and I longed for the time when I might explore its hidden mysteries. However it was nessary to remain for a few days to recruit our horses before taking them into the mountains and also to make inquiries as to the route we should take to get there and we occupied our spare time in looking round the city. There was some very fine buildings among which the most prominent were Major O? Renssells? wholesale store larger than any in Chicago Merigs? Denver Hall, a large brick building occupied in the lower part by a clothing store. Clark V? Rengers Bank, and Forests Bank formerly of Chicago, the upper part was used as a billiard hall almost equel to Brunswicks in size and appointments they had five first class tables splendid lounges and arm chairs all round the room large chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and plenty of the fancy employed at the tables.