EMBRACING A CONCISE ACCOUNT OF PRINCIPAL EVENTS, WHICH HAVE OCCURRED IN THE WESTERN STATES AND TERRITORIES, FROM THE DISCOVERY OF THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY TO THE YEAR Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1850, by JAMES R. ALBACH, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the District of Missouri. PREFACE. IN presenting a second Edition of this work, the projector and proprietor believes the occasion appropriate for an explanation of such circumstances as induced the undertaking. From his earliest recollection, the study of the history and geography of our country, has afforded pleasures to be derived, in an equal degree, from few other sources. The memories of childhood recall the delightful emotions ever experienced from listening to recitals of thrilling events, and descriptions of distant scenes. The gratification of similar emotions, or rather a passion for an acquaintance with historical and topographical facts relative to the "Great West," but particularly such as might elucidate its beginnings, rise, and progress towards its future destiny, has been a principal employment of the publisher for nearly thirty years, during which time he has traversed most of that extensive region, and visited nearly every memorable spot, for the means of forming an enlightened judgment, and correct ideas of men and events in times past. Nothing, however, of the materials or knowledge thus acquired, was collected with a view to publication, being solely |