The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-08-04
LOUISIANA
Communicated.
Communicated.
LAKES TO THE PACIFIC

Travelling in the cars during the early part OF
June, on my way to the North, | encountered a
young gentleman of highly respectable family in
North Carolina, OH his way to Milwaukee, in the
Wisconsin Territory, to join Mr.. Whitney's party
to explore route for railroad from the lakes TO
the Pacific.
This young gentleman, graduate of Chapel Hill
University, had Just returned from the commence
ment lhere when one evening his father read the
notice of Mr. Whitneys intention from of the
papers; and the morning the son took his place
in the cars, having decided to join the expedi-
ton.
Having sons of my own, took some interest in
this young gentleman, who appeared to possess an
energy and decision of character well calculated to
forward HIM in this stirring world; and it gave me
pleasure to aid him with information, and such adj
vice as l thought would be valuable to young
traveller--being an old one myself.
presented my card on his leaving me in Wash
ngton city, and asked him to write to of his for
tune. enclose copy of his letter from Prairie
du Chen, which trust will be acceptable to you.
From its character, | think he will derive benefit
from his excursion, let Mr.. Whiney's project be
practicable not:
"PRARIE DU CHEN, July 3, l645.
81 arrived in this place on the Goth ultimo, by
travelling almost constantly after left you. over
took Mr.. Whitney, and the rest Of the party (Which
consists only of eight in Milwaukee. We came
across Wisconsin Territory in wagons. The coun-
try is of the most beautiful and the richest ever
saw--some half of it (pralries) very rich-with
spots Of timber about in them, and brooks. The
wooded land is very fine timber--sn.aler than that
of our State. look upon it as a most splendid
country-the very thing for one who wishes to re-
move TO free State. IL will some day be of the
first States, as regards soil and climate, in our
Union.
"Mr. Whitney is man of decision and enter
prise. Two or three of the young men of the party
are wild--the rest steady; all men of education and
perseverng talents. There only eight of u.s.
Why our number is small | do not know. The
expenses of the excursion nearly double what |
supposed they would be- have written for some
money to meet me at ST. Louis, as | shall be out
when get there.
tWe will go across to the Missouri river from
here striking it about $50 miles above Council
Butls-which | am told is about 600 miles from
this place. hardly think will go much farther
this trip. If we do not, then we will boat il down
the Missouri.
elf the country to be seen is such as that from
Milwaukee to this place, | think Mr.. Whitney's
project practicable. | obtained rifle, &c, at the
establishment you directed me to; but got one with
rather small bore, and have traded il off for one
with larger bore. have bought an Indian pony,
with other Announcements. We intend going ON In
dian ponys. | had to give forty-one dollars for
NINE They are very dear animals, as they be
sold to the Indians when they get their pay from the
government, for almost any sum; and then bought
again, when they get out of money and want
liquor, for little or nothing. A great many half
breeds make their living by such dealing.
an this place, there are four five stores, two
taverns, one church, (Catholic) and garrison con-
tanning some $50 soldiers; they have been firing their
guns in honor of Gen. Jackson.
Every respectfully,
"P. S. We leave to-day. We give $50 for
driver and interpreter; $50 for wagon horses; $50
for wagon, &c. This gives you some idea of
costs"