The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-08-03

From the Washington Union, July 81
al have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of
your esteemed favor of the 10th April asby Mr. Ogden
Wilkes work that the little attentions which il was
good fortune to have in power and pleasing duty
to show him and the officers of the expedition and to
which they were fully entitled land more If in pow
eric do moreJ has been mentioned in manner most
gratifying to our feelings.
has undergone great change. The population Is now
about seven thousand and have been all very Industrious
and quiet which attribute in great measure to their
not having ardent spirits but am sorry to say that in
spite Of the law passed against its introduction and manu-
facture by the organization 1t 10 said that some will at
tempt to distii whiskey; but most certainly the great
majority Of the community are opposed to its introduce
ton 49, go
81 have here two saw.mills and gristmil with
three of stones and barley mill which will bear
comparison with most mills and all we want now
sale for -four, and which think we could afford to
supply naval squadron in the Pacific fully cheaper
than costs you to send round Cape Horn and which
would be great benefit to the country.
From the Oregon Spectator, Feb. l91
We are informed by a respectable gentlemen, who
has just returned from exploring the north side Of the
Columbia river and Pugets Sound, that the exploring
party highly pleased with the country North OF the
COLUMBIA particularly in the vicinity of Pugets sound
the country susceptible Of settlement is much more ex
tenve and the soil much better than before represented
Splendid prairies surrounded with the finest Of FIR, pine
and cedar, with great many beautiful water courses
sufficiently large for steamboat navigation and possess
ing water power well calculated to propel any kind OF
machinery of these Frazer's, Snohomus, Puyallup
Cowtz, Chehaus and Nesquaa, are the most consider
able. The last named stream empties into the sound
therto the country has been unexpored by emgrants
wishing to settle.
We are we'll satisfied from the information received
that that region Of country north Of the Columbia as far
Frazer's river WILL in short time be populated with
the enterprising emigran who anticipates and intends
realize the advantages of location at the har
Dor Of Pugets sound. To show that the above conclu
sions well founded, informed, since writing
the above that five families have already located imme
From the Springfield Cll) Republican,
The following letter is from Mrs George Donner
to California; to friend in this city 1t is dated
NEAR JUNCTION or THE North AND
SOUTH PLATTE, June 10, 1916.
My Old Friend I'VE are now on the Platte 200 miles
FROM Fort Laramie. Our journey SO far has been plea
The water for part of the way has been indifferent ;
but at time have cattle suffered for it. Wood is
very scarce but buffalo chips" are excellent
they kinde quick and retain heat surprisingly We ha!
this evening buffalo steaks brosd upon them that had
the same ao1s ey hsos na sa 9h
around our encampment unmolssted. Two or three
men will 60 hunting twenty mile; from camp and last
than ride their horses after hard chase. Indeed If
do experience something far than yet have
done shall say the trouble Is all in getting started
Our wagons have not needed much repair but can
yet tell in what respect they could be improved
Certain it is they cannot be too strong Our preparation
for the journey in some respects might have been bet
tered Bread has been the principal article OF food In
meat for each Individual and fear bread will be scarce
Meat abundant Rice and beans are good articles on
the road-corn meal too, is acceptable Lnsey dresses
would be comfortable There Is SO cool breeze al
all times in the prairie that the does not feel as hot as
one would suppose.
We are nov $50 miles from Independence. our route
at first was rough and through timbered country,
which appeared to be fertile Alter striking the prairie
found first road and the only difficulty we had
has been in crossing creeks that however there has
been no anger. never could have believed we could
have travelled far with little difficulty. The pra
RE between the Blue and Platte rivers is beautiful be-
yond description. Never have seen SO varied coun
iry-so suitable for cultivation Every thing was
and pleasing The Indians frequently come to see u.s.
and the chiefs Of tribe breakased at tent this morn
ing. ALI fre ndy, that cannot help feeling sym
patty and friendship for them. But on one sheet what
can say!
since we have been on the Platte we have had the
river side and the varying mounds on the
other-and have travelled through the bottom lands from
to two miles wide with little or no timber Inc soil
is sandy last year account Of the dry season. the
emgrants found grass here scarce Our cattle are In
good order and where proper care has been none
have been lost Our mich cows have been Of grs ser
vice-indeed, they have been oil more advantage IMAM
meat We have plenty Of butter and milk
We are commanded by Capt Russell, an smabe man
George Bonner is himself yet He crows in the morn
ing. and shouts out chain up, boys-chan up, with
much authority though he was something in par
ucular" John Denton is still with us-we ind him q