“A murmur is now heard, and voices arise, proclaiming the sublimity of the scene they had just witnessed, one of the most wondrous and imposing sights presented to the human eye, in the firmament of heaven! The words of the Psalmist involuntarily fell from the lips: ‘The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.’
“At the approach of totality, the station-master informed me his poultry quietly went to roost. In Jefferson City, the swallows flew down upon the ground, amidst the granite boulders, and remained till the light returned, when they arose and flew wildly about.
“It remains only for me, in conclusion, to thank you and Mr. Douglas for inviting me to join this highly-interesting expedition, and to congratulate you and Mr. Douglas upon the great success which attended your photographic operations.
“I have to thank you for beholding the wondrous and vast prairies west of the Mississippi. ‘Haec olim meminisse juvabit.’
“I remain, dear Capt. Ashe, yours very faithfully,
“Alex. Pytts Falconer.
“Glenalla, Quebec, August 28th, 1869.”