The Yazoo Democrat. (Yazoo City, Miss.) 1844-18??, 1845-07-30
COMMUNICATED.
CH1cAeo, July 2nd., ls45
TO the Editor Of the Democrat,

We LIdtbOT 81 He DeWOCT0t,
DEAR SIR.--With the motto Of Epicu-
mans uppermost in my thoughts, and
vague determination as to my ultimate des-
tination, broke loose from my mornings
in Mississippi, on or about the 9Th plt, and
after series of pleasing incidents and adj
ventures, arrivedhere on the evening ofthe
seth ult., and am now "doing fine" at the
"Lake House," kept by that prince of
landlords Rickcord, formerly fthe Ameri-
can Buffalo, where comfortable lodging,
fine fare, attentive servants and great ur-
banity, cannot fail to render the stay Of all
travellers agreeable and pleasant. The
travel up the Mississippi was monotonous
in the extreme but st. Louis with its con-
tinual activity and hustle, beautiful streets
and lovely women, who though last, are by
no means the least of its attractions, soon
dssipated the enuie and lassitude engen-
dered by the voyage. | saw here, in the
Ladies' parlOr of the Planters Hotel, Mrs.
F. of Madison, who seemed to be the Gym
Osure of all eyes, and her two fascinating
sisters, the Misses A., who seemed to afford
by their elegant conversation much gratif-
cation to their acquaintances. | must con-
fess as a Mississippan, felt proud of their
reputation. At night attended meeting
Of the Natives and heard windy TRADE
from Doctor somebody, and a long dis
cussion as to the end Of the party, upon
which point they seemed to differ very
much.
The population of St. Louis is now esti-
mated at $4,000, and 1900 new houses is
now said to be going up-many Of the pub
lie edihces and private residences are cost
ly, and magnificent and evnce much taste
i'll their construction. After remaining a
few days here, took passage an the pleas
ant ilt,e steamer st. Croix ON a pleasure
exc sion to the Upper Mississippi and st.
Anthony's Falls, where we arrived in 5
days from 81. Louis-a distance of 900
nllles, passing in route many flourishing
towns and handsome villages, and scenery
which diversified as it is, by lofty and awe
inspiring Gifts, which hanging quite over
our heads seem to threaten utter annihila-
ton and boundless prairies skiring the rv.
er side, which never fail to create lightness
Of heart and pleasing emotions, in point of
variety and picturesque beauty cannot be
surpassed. The river too, with its trans
lucent current dashing past the massive
rocks, and crystal waves LAYING its pebbled
shores, add much to the beauty and mag
nihcence Of the scenery. Having viewed
the Hudson in days passed, with more than
the ordinary enthusiasm Of my countrymen;
reluctantly yielded the palm to "Mindens
Rock" and Lake Pepin, but have no hest
tation in saying, that few would debate so
long their relative merits or hesitate to ac-
cord the palm to the scenery Of the Upper
Mississippi. At st. Peters we were cordi-
ally received by the officers of Fort Snill-
ing which is here situated on lofty emf
nence Immediately at the junction of the
st. Peters and Mississippi. To Captain
Backus am particularly indebted for the
facility which he afforded me Of visiting
the falls, distant u miles as also to Capt.
Plummer and Lieut.. Wood and Denman for
their attention in showing the internal reg
u!ation of the garrison and much interest
ing information concerningth the manners and
customs of the Siouxs and Chippewas,f Vho
still inhabit this country. The falls viii
not here attempt to describe, but suffice il
to saw, the tourist will be amply repaid byI
visit to them. Whilst at the Fort, diff
ficulty occurred between the SiOuxs and
Chippewas which occasiOned Capt. Back
us to detach company from the Garrison
to prevent a collision. The expedition
(Which | attended on foot ii mies) was
successful, and council of the two tribes
took place the next day at the Fort attend
ed by 800 Sioux warriors, all painted and
equipped for war, SO Chippewa warriors,
with the celebrated " Hole in the day"
their chief the officers and soldiers Of the
Garrison, two Interpreters, the Indian
agent Col. Bred, and our party consisting
Of some 40 or so Ladies and Gentlemen.
The Siouxs are superior to the Chippe-
was in appearance, but are considered In
ferior TO the latter as warriors, many of
whom have as many as 80, 40 even so
scalps. The speaking on both sides was
very animated, and conducted with great
decornm-repea cheers eDanated from
the respective parties as their several ora
tors were addressing the assembly. But
although much of the beauty of their har-
argues was Tossed to US from the interpre-
tation, yet their manner and GESTURES were
engaging, appropriate, handsome and even
captivating. Hole in the day." during
Al :. l;sc.,ssiou which was very anrrilv cf,r,