Du Buque visitor. [volume] (Dubuque, Lead Mines, Wisconsin Territory) 1836-1837, 1836-10-19
OUR ToWl ED COUNTRY.


tons from persons residing in the East, max
ing inquiries concerning the prosperity of Du
buque, the character Of the circumjacent coun.
Try, the price of labor and of produce, and
also concerning other matters and things too
tedious to mention. The press of business in
cident to new establishment, has prevented
him from yielding that attention to the inqui-
rles that he would be happy to give, and the
subjects upon which he is addressed, are SO
various, that he could not well publish gene
raj reply. A friend has politely favored him
with the following, which was written in an
swer to letter from gentleman in Pennsyl-
vanla; as 1t embraces many of the subjects
upon which he is consulted, the edition pub
fishes it for general informatien.
Du ByQUE, 18th Oct. 1886.
Dear Sir--Yours of the 9Th ult. was duly
received; l embrace the first leisure moment
TO answer your inquiries. Du Buque, the
largest and most thriving town in the new Ter
rltoIy OF Wisconsin, is situated on the west
bank OF the Mississippi, 100 miles from the
sea, or Gulf of Mexico, near 1000 miles from
New Orleans, and 400 above st. Louis It's
In latitude AZ l-2o north and longitude I4o
west from Washington. Ii ia little north of
Boston, though the climate is colder here than
In the same parallel in the eastern states. Il is
built upon sandy prairie, which extends a.
long the river about two miles, and averages
about % OF mile in width. The ascent is
gradual from the margin of the river to the
bluff, which arises abruptly and alsaos. per-
peaa,cuiaTiy ON the west of the town. to the
highth Of 200 feet, but gradually falls off as
it extends northwardly, into gentle undula,
tons. The river from the bluff is most en-
chanting; the eye rests upon it with untiring
delight On the west is awide extended roll.
ing prairie, carpeted with green and enamell-
Cd with flowers, interspersed with groves OIL
timber On the south, the river can be seen
rolling its vast tide studded with islands and
enlivened by steam boats; orrtlle north, an ex-
tended champaign country stretching as farlas
the sight can reach. Immediately opposite.I
the town, several islands forming kind ofI
chain obstruct the navigation; portion of the
Mississippi passing between these islands and
the main land called by the inhabitants the
slough, (sluej forms channel through which
steam boats come to the town. This slough is
navlgable the greater part of the year, to the
S's.sSsp o1AIChAty VI ZIG OWHs DuL dL d low
stage of water, boats unload at the south end.
y IS about three years since the Indian wig
wan gave place to the American cabin. The
village now Contains 1900 inhabitants, three
churches, fifty stores ard groceries, supplied
with almost every article of necessity or COM
tort; boarding houses, work shops, &c. &c,
we nave not enough taverns ard houses OIL
entertainment for the accommodation of those
who visit us. A. company was formed this
summer for the pixpose Of erecting large ho-
tel: There have been IS dwelling houses
ana one ware house built and being erected
TINS year. There are four principal streets
ana seven cross streets. g.
Inc avefsge price of -four for the last two
years, has been So peE bbl., at present il 10
nagner; mess pork 925 70 $50 per bbI., prime
= 70 VIZ, army S23; beef s to 7 cents per
ID ms article we have of the finest quail
w. Inferior TO none. Corn 81 1-2 to 81 IS pr
bashel; oats Is cts. to 81; potatoes SO cts. 70
81; butter from IS to SO cents per lb.;.aogs
- 70 - cents per dozen. Provision ali
Kinds have usually. commanded the highest
Prices because the farming interest has not
sSpt pace with the mining operations. Atfrst
&kaHnou e1nn "a fhH Galinfrr ill isi6SS1