The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-08-05
Chicago.
Correspondence Of the HERALD

Rsscs4ress Of the Wtstrn Prairies-ROck River-
Climate -Fsiioty-1he Herald Chicago
Politics and the Momons, &c.
DEAR Mr.. EDITOR.
have returned to this busy and fast growing
city, after having travelled leisurely over large
part of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. There is
much TO be said in praise and recommendation OF
many parts of all those immense regions, from
whence, ere long, will flow more wool, grain, &C.,
than is produced in the old States Of America.
large part of those countries is more peculiarly
adapted to the raising of sheep, and it can be done
AZ cost SO low, that were to give the figures,
It would be termed ridiculous, though true. After
wandering over those prairies for more than year.
Ihave come to the conclusion that the most beauti-
full and valuable section, is the Rock River coun-
try. The soil is OF the richest, and surface most
varied generally high and rolling, with sprink-
ling OF bluffs and ravines; admirable for sheep
walks, as the grass is abundant and nutricous;
groves and strips Of timber dotting and lining
here and there, and in sufficient abundance,
with springs and creeks of limpid water, for ali
the wants of man and animals; for mills, &c
Then any number of farms may be selected where
there is malaria, or or bilious fever
over which flow during the summer, cool winds that
arise as regularly wihthe sum- as within the tropics
and there Is freshness and fragrance in them not
found elsewhere. Rock River runs through this
desirable and extensive track, and will shortly be
made navigable 10 the Mississippi, $40 900 only,
being necessary to remove the obstacles. This ra-
pld and beautiful river runs through about loOmes
of the country, and now, when the waters above
the usual level, steamboats, ply upon II from the
"Father Of Waters" with cargoes each way. In a
year or two it is probable the limited distractions
will be removed SO that boats may run at all sea-
sons, except when locked up with ice. The banks
OF this river are mostly abrupt, therefore fiee OF
the swamps and bottoms that on other rivers give
malaria and disease, does II overflow its shores
carrying destruction Of life and property, as has
been on the borders of the Missouri, Illinois, Wa
bash part the Mississippi, and otherwestern rivers
and SO extensively the present season. The Rock
River country combines at least good soil as is
to be found southerly or westerly OF t-a lar more
desirable surface for all useful purposes for sheep
and cultivation especially-it drains quckly-is
disastrous elsewhere has proved-the roads keep
good, compared with those towards the " Great
RIVER" and al all seasons Uor have wintered
and summered there) are passable for loaded wa
gOns, SO that except tor few weeks during spring
and autumn, they are always in excellent order
Then above all other considerations, the climate is
healthy, tree from those diseases SO fatal II not to
life to The comfort and prosperity OF settlers, in the
lower and more flat southery portions fthe West.
There are millions Of acres here, where believe
residents are and will be as free from diseases pc
New England. have, in those choice, high, and
rich spots, seen many families who have resided
there for two, four, six and nine years, without
of bilious or intermittent fever Why then has
early and rapidly populated? | answer because
OF the comparate ease with which those river
borders could be reached by lmmigrants upon
steamboats,. They looked no. farther former
y-for what they saw promised so much more
than the cOuntrles-the lands they had lett, they
concluded nothing better existed many OF those
unfortunates are now driven from their farms by
the foods, and with what hopeless feelings will
they cast their minds forward TO the period when
the waters will abate and they return to look upon
the havock made-for can they ever renew their
labor those epOts with feelings of satisfaction
Wilnot the rational apprehension of another rising
Of the waters almost Danish hopes Of safety? 1t is
desirable that settlers avoid taking up their abodes
on spots liable to disease and disasters-and why
not, when there are others the reverse, and with
many other advantages, and costing no more? No
poor man-no man in middle circumstances pecu-
niary-no rich man should buy his farm, or his Sec
ton or township in the west, before he has gone
over the Rock River country for If he does, and
should aferward visit it, he will, probably, feel re-
greet and disappointment, as have many have met
on my travels There may be found more advant-
ages, combined in the range Of q large farm, or
small, in those Praries around Rock River, than
elsewhere in the west, in my opinion have seen
spots including fine groves OF forest trees slopes
surface, with the richest and deepest soil, covered
with grass that will keep sheep and cattle in best
possible condition, either for summer or winter
feed-wih inexhaustible quarrles OF three vareties
always cold, water, and creeks that never fail or
freeze and equal to driving Touring or other mills
with extensive views over the surrounding country
fer ten twenty and fifty miles, and climate where
the invalid may find relief during summers
| soourn, and the healthy preserve health; yes,
within range Of compact two thousand acres
have seen all these desirable combinations, and
much more Of the beautiful and utile. Then the
game-any desirable number Of grouse, quail, hares.
| deer, and now and then a wolf-but the latter are
fast disappearing before the hunters and poison In
sportsman, or net Roads excellent and numer-
ous-shops, mechanics, and enough IN the villages,
| spread over and growing up in this fine REGION
There are enerprslng and prudent men now estaD-
fishing sheep farms in II, and many on large scale,
Of course, combining cattle and cultivation, but
mainly for sheep, some equal to 1900, 6OOO, up to
10000 sheep, &c, send you, for the benefit OF
any Of your numerous readers all over the world,
who may desire TO seek sure and liberal incomes,
/ with enj0yments Of the most rational and satlstac-
tory kind, some Information as to favorable poin
for farms, prices aud other particulars, which please
| communicate 10 those who may apply to you.
| While rambling over these verdant seae, inhaling
! an atmosphere made delicious and refreshing by
the long ranges of high land and grass II passes
over to say nothing o the many fragrant and be au
tiful flowers, have thought it strange that invalids
do not visit such in search Of health, or at least
amelioratsn, during summer, for, In most cases,
much good will result from the peculiar air thai!
| though warm, cxhillirates, when elsewhere SINH
lar degrees OF temperature oppress-nor is 1t ever
hot on the high prairies alluded to, in comparison
with the temperature during summer IN almost
every other section of the United States. The con-
veniences and comforts Tor travellers this way are
equal to what may be found the interior OF the old
States. Are there not some of taste good as 10
deviate from the railroad tracks to watering places
| where discomfort and WEAKNESS only are iound
who will move over these novel scenes, via the
Lakes, or overland, where health and cheerulness
may be gathered | came into the west an invalid
Of many years, and have found great relief, that
had for long time sought in VAIN IN various parts
of Europe, including Spain and Italy, which leads
me to dwell solons on the salubrty of the climate
alluded to- What is there besides 10 this world SO
sonal and mental, SO entirely agreeable aud salts
factory, as a mornings ride and evenings drive
over the open prarIes, with their various, though
smooth surface-where you may guide where YOU
Inn tn frI