Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1849-12-07
THE WESTERN COUNTRY.
IcoNcLUDED. |

Galena is Economically situated in the
valley OF Fever river, miles above its
junction with the Mississippi. 1t is
built upon the side Of what might be call
ed in this part of the west mountain,
there being bottom land only OF sufficient
width for one street, so that the base
ments of the buildings on each successive
street above are on level with the roofs
of those below, which presents rather an
unusual and interesting appearance
Galena is place of considerable trade
on account of its being point at which
all boats passing up and down the Mis-
issippi stop to discharge and receive
freight and passengers. Besides, nearly
or quite all of the lead obtained from the
mines is shipped from that port. From
Galena went to the beautiful town OF
Dubuque, distant % miles. Dubuque
is delightfully."- situated upon natural ter
race on the west bank of the Mississip-
pi, directly opposite the dividing line be-
tween Wisconsin and Illinois. tits l,605
miles above New Orleans, 424 miles
above ST. Louis, and 324 miles below st.
Anthony Falls, and contains population
of 1000 inhabitants. 1t is the great
mineral depot of Iowa. 1t contains The
Surveyor Generals office, U. 5. land Of
flee for northern Iowa, likewise hand
some Catholic Cathedral, brick Court
House, several neat churches, two of the
finest hotels in the western country, two
printing offices, telegraph Office, and
numerous mercantile houses; large
Touring mill worked by steam, and all
the mechanical operations are carried on
there to advantage. From Dubuque |
went to Musca,ine, formerly called
BIoomington.) by water, distant l69
miles. Muscatine is desirable spot,
possessing some advantages on account
of its location being delightful and heal
thy. It's advantages are already appre-
ciated by an intelligent and energetic peo-
pie. Ii sustains two weekly papers,
telegraph Office, and contains a popuia-
ton of 2 600 inhabitants, brick Court
House two good hotels, good churches,
and number ofvery respectable mercan-
tile establishments.
Hi NluSCdllIc3 do uioO III thoos VI siiS
towns of Iowa. much might be said COM
planetary Of the ladies', where notwith-
standing its having been so recently a
savage wilderness, you will see much
beauty, intelligence, taste and fashion,
characterized by a spirit of noble, unsub-
dued, and independent refinement.
Inext went to Iowa City, distant 30
miles when and where had the pleas
ure and advantage of making the ac--
quaintance Of Judge Williams, Chief
Justice of Iowa, Judges Green and Ken
NY, Col. Il. III. Benton Jr., Superintendent
of Public Instruction of Iowa.. and ma
ny other gentlemen whomI highly es-
teem. There being at the time a large
Democratic and Wing Convention, and
the Supreme Court being ia session, af-
fording me fine opportunity OF forming
an opinion of the talents and politics Of
the country.
Judging from what Issaw and heard
in Court and Convention, | should think
that the people Of Iowa would lose moth
ing very materially by comparison
with any of the States of the union,
mentally or morally. They are possess
sed of q good share Of intelligence and
enerxy, as is shown in their leaving their
comfortable homes and fresides, and
friends Of their early days, and migra-
ting to the far west, when Iowa was IN
the possession Of various Indian tribes,
Al different periods, from the once war;
like Iowas until more recently by the
confederated tribes Of Sacs and Foxes.
Fora general description OF TIE coun-