Wisconsin herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1846-1849, 1847-07-03
For The Herald.
JOURNAL
Ofa Surrey an the Northern part Of
Wisconsin,
by 4. A. PARKER, ESQ.

yU0 -
Der. l2. 4 In the forenoon was
busy in loading baggage wagons, get
ling pack horses shod, covering wag-
ons, sc. At one o'clock the men be-
gan TO set off, one and two at time.
We had five horses and two double
wagons loaded with baggage. AT
o'clock babe them all good bye, and
with Foster and Rice set of to the
west as the remainder of the party had
gone on intending TO go eight or ten
miles from Lancaster and encamp.-
Mr.. Rice rode two or three miles with
us and walked back. If we could
persuade him to 60 our company
would be complete. We had bag
gage wagon with us on which we rode
down long winding hill, and cast our
eyes back upon the plains of Lancas-
ter, as if it was to be our farewell
gaze. Ten miles out, pitched the
tent in handsome burr-oak opening
and strucka fire - some gather sticks
for fuel. others lop the lofty oaks that
lift their heads around US to replenish
it, and roll their huge butts one upon
another,e at the mouth of our comic
tent. Some bring water 10 refresh
ourselves and horses, while the cook
begins TO rattle the dishes and the IA
vor of our future meal ascends like
burnt incense on the altar. The hor-
es, each are let loose to Craze, and
crop the fall grass that encircles us,with
huge camp bells fastened to their
necks, which makes music of so novel
kind, that one could not feel lonely
though the forest should surround him.
The matrass is spread upon the ground
at the mouth of our tent as it hangs
Suspended by long rope, fastened to
stout limb of an oak: while mer-
ry and cheerful fire burns and snaps at
at our feet; - our wholesome meal is
spread before us, the quality of which
is discussed by eight hungry com
rades. The company consists ofJames
+. Freeman, United States Deputy
Surveyor; F. NJ. Johnson, George w.
Foster, John w. Kirk, Joseph Web
ster, Samuel Down, John Grover and
myself. After our meal we made the
old woods ring with our merriment.-
Each gave sketch of his life; we
dscoursed upon the manner in which
we were thrown together. And the
"wild warbling strains of Dundee" or
the soft and plaintive notes of Scot
land, broke the stiffness of the mid
night hour. At last as sleep began TO
Cypress US, we laid ourselves down to
rest upon our low couch, the earth !;
but ere we slept, the low and lonely
notes of alone, sweet home.' arose
and died upon the wind as it passed
moaning over our bed.
Der. I3. The chilling frost and
damp earth has robbed me of much of
the quiet rest am wont TO enjoy in a
comfortable bed and warm ROOM
At daylight the cook struck fire, our
meal being ready, each swallows his
breakfast alone and in silence. Bag
gage being packed, long before the sun
showed his broad and smiling face,
we wcra on our way-passed dreary
rayine and uncultivsted region-rain-
ing most of the time, until we reached
the Wisconsin river Here we were
detained an hour for the ferry, during
which time Foster and | experimental
with revolving pistol, thinking we
might need some practice to be adept
marksmen; but we were so unskiIled,
it was with difficulty we could hit a
target even ten feet distant The Wis
consin is broad but shallow river,
current swift. and sandy bed. From
here, four of US mounted on baggage
wagon. joked merrily along to Prairie
du Chen. 1t is beautiful location,
situated on the Mississippi river-set-
tied BY the French many years ago
1t is situated on long sandy plain--in
the east, the huge and rugged bluffs Of
the Mississippi, rear their heads and
at their base The Great Father of Wa
tiers rolls his mighty food to the sea-
1t contains a fort garrisoaed at this
time by one company of volunteers,
commanded by Captain Wiram knowl-
ton; was once field for the labors OF
Gen. TAYLOR. 1t is surrounded by a
handsome yard and white pickets, and
has the appearance of neatness and
taste. The buildings through the
town, many Of them, are old and d.