Du Buque visitor. [volume] (Dubuque, Lead Mines, Wisconsin Territory) 1836-1837, 1836-11-16


bleriver aperson can perceives something Of
the rapid growth of our happy republic, if so
blind that he has not observed it in the older
states: A passenger observed, that towns see
med to spring up by magic; if person trav-
eled the river few times, at only short inter-
walls, he would find many towns that had grown
up during his absence.
Our progress up the Mississippi was not
quite so rapid, as we had to contend with the
currcn. 6. this ssfasher Of rivers, - being then at
its highest stage, overlooking all its banks.
On the night of the 18th we arrived at St.
Louis, and next morning took passage on the
good boat Missouri Fulton, bound for this place,
where we arrived on the 22d, being just three
weeks from the time l left you, this is consid-
cred quick passage. suppose you will want
Of this, / cannot speak in very fattering terms,
when it is considered we had from $50 to 2OOl
passengers, you will acknowledge we were
crowded, and crowded we were to some pur-
pose, and the weather excessively warm, you
must know took deck passage, At this
you may be surprised, but deck passage on
the western boats is not what you consider it
to be at the east. The deck is enclosed from
the weather, and births put up, on which the
passengers put their own bedding, and a large
stove is free to all to prepare their victuals.
In this way, person that lays in a stock of
provisions at Pittsburgh, can travel very COM
fortably, at about half the expense of cabin
passage; it cost me s35 all the way through
from Philadelphia to Du Bugue. You know
my destination was Galena, but found that
place SO full, l could not get lodging or ac-
commodation of any kind, and the streets SO
muddy. that1 became disguised with the place
at first sight, but with a better acquaintance
| mi ;l,o II r,oora
| Du Buque stands upon the west bank of the
Mississippi, opposite the northwest conner of
the state of Illinois; it derived its name from
q Frenchman, who lived and traded amongst
the Indians, won their confidence, conciliatcd
their affections, and was made chief amongst
them He died in 1910, and was buried on
the bluff few miles below where the town
now stands. Du Buque was first settled by the
whites, in June 1888, being the earliest peri
cd that they were allowed by government to
come on this side of the river, after the Black
Hawk war, though they made many excursions
contrary to law, previous to that time; but no
buildings were erected, SO that the town is but
three years and four months old, yet you would
be astonished to see the march Of improvement
III so short space of time, where but few
short years ago, was the Indian wigwam and
hunting ground, now may be seen on every
MANU- tlle iIuitS vi ClVlllIdLl0I.
Du Buque, at this time, is thought to con-
tain population of 1900 souls, and amongst
them are some of the most intelligent men
ever met with; though this, believe, is ape
culiar characteristic of all western people,
which cannot account for in any other way
than, that all who travel are men of enterpri e,
and In SO new country, ali have been travel
ers. Some hundreds Of houses have been e.
rected, without much regard to comfort or con-
venlencc, but only fora temporary residence
---but this reason, spirit of improvement is
| abroad. The catholics have nearly completed
large stone church; the Presbytenans are
now erecting commodious stone house;
large hote, is to be erected this fall by COM
pany formed for the purpose, at cost of a
bout $4,000, and many spacious and elegant
private houses are beingerected.
The town stands on elevated ground beau
tiful and commanding situation, with streetc
running at right angles Ga feet wide and $50
feet apart. Great exertions are being made BY
the citizens to heve the seat of government To-
Gated her, in fact it is the most eligible situa-
ton III the territory, being the centre Of popu-
ulatlon: aud the most geographical centre that
Can be detained, that is any way suitable for
the purpose.
The first Legislature is to be chosen this fall,
who have to locate the seat of government, and
enact code of laws for the future govern
ment OF the people of Wisconsin. feel much
interested in the approaching canvss, asI am
already citizen, and have the privilege of ex-
ercising the elective franchise, as all naturali-
zed males above 81 years, residents of the ter
rltory on the 4th Of July last, are allowed that
privilege.
The legislation oftwo, and possibly three states
will receive their coloring from the action of the
| a., FL
said to be as large the thrice. original states
consequently other states will soon be created with
in our present boundaries, therefore millions upo,
millions OF human beings are soon 10 act their mart
OH this vast domain. You desire to know sone
thing in regard to the mining business. Of this 7
cannot write from experience, as have not spros-
pected' any yet The mineral is found imbedded
in the bluffs, which about three hunnred fac,
above the level of the river. Holes are sunk ia the
ground similar to the digging of wels. aud the
rocks and dirt, drawn up by windlass and rome
sometime the miner meets with the solid rock
which he has to remove by blasting 20 or 30 feet
the mineral is found in the crevices of rocks at va
rious distances from the surface, believe, down
10 one hundred feet; it then in veins pricina
ly and west, which is followed up by drifting
the miners term it, under ground 50 or 100 feet
more. Those that are so fortunate as to strike
good lead, pronounced leed) can raise several
hundred dollars worth per week. whilst others have
dug mnny months, and found nothing The great
secret appears to be III getting over crevice. The
mir al is in large masses, or Jumps; have seen
some that weighed above 800 lbs. I'he price now
is rs dollars per 1900 lbs. and taken away by the
smeters, who it into ,nouds, and sell fer about
D dollars per 100 lbs. This place has gained its
Importance from the lead busness---nost Of the peo-
pie here have been engaged i'll il previous to this
season; but many have turned their attention
70 farming This is the best soil for that purpose
ever saw. Produce is nov very high, in consc-
sequence of every thing being brought from st.