Minnesota and Dacotah by Andrews, C. C. (Christopher Columbus), 1829-1922

LETTER XIII. CROW WING TO ST. CLOUD.

Pleasant drive in the stage-- Scenery-- The past-- Fort Ripley Ferry-- Delay at the Post Office-- Belle Prairie-- A Catholic priest-- Dinner at Swan River-- Potatoes-- Arrival at Watab-- St. Cloud

LETTER XIV. ST. CLOUD-- THE PACIFIC TRAIL.

Agreeable visit at St. Cloud-- Description of the place-- Causes of the rapid growth of towns-- Gen. Lowry-- The back country-- Gov. Stevens's report-- Mr. Lambert's views-- Interesting account of Mr. A. W. Tinkham's exploration

LETTER XV. ST. CLOUD TO ST. PAUL.

Importance of starting early-- Judge Story's theory of early rising-- Rustic scenery-- Horses and mules-- Surveyors-- Humboldt-- Baked fish-- Getting off the track-- Burning of hay stacks-- Supper at St. Anthony-- Arrival at the Fuller House

LETTER XVI. PROGRESS.

Rapid growth of the North-West-- Projected railroads-- Territorial system of the United States-- Inquiry into the cause of Western progress-- Influence of just laws and institutions-- Lord Bacon's remark

THE PROPOSED NEW TERRITORY OF DACOTAH.

Organization of Minnesota as a state-- Suggestions as to its division-- Views of Captain Pope-- Character and resources of the new territory to be left adjoining-- Its occupation by the Dacotah Indians-- Its organization and name

POST OFFICES AND POSTMASTERS

LAND OFFICES AND LAND OFFICERS

NEWSPAPERS PUBLISHED IN MINNESOTA

TABLE OF DISTANCES

PART I.

LETTER I.

BALTIMORE TO CHICAGO.

Anecdote of a preacher-- Monopoly of seats in the cars-- Detention in the night-- Mountain scenery on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad-- Voting in the cars-- Railroad refreshments-- Political excitement-- The Virginian and the Fremonters-- A walk in Columbus-- Indianapolis-- Lafayette-- Michigan City-- Chicago.

CHICAGO, October, 1856.

I SIT down at the first place where a pen can be used, to give you some account of my trip to Minnesota. And if any one should complain that this is a dull letter, let me retain his good-will by the assurance that the things I expect to describe in my next will be of more novelty and interest. And here I am reminded of a good little anecdote which I am afraid I shall not have a better chance to tell. An eminent minister of the Gospel was preaching in a new place one Sunday, and about half through his sermon when two or three dissatisfied hearers got up to leave, "My friends," said he, "I have one small favor to ask. As an attempt has been made to prejudice my reputation in this vicinity, I beg you to be candid enough, if any one asks how you liked my sermon, to say you didn't stop to hear me through."