The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-07-24

From the Plains.
The Palmys (Mo) Wing publishes letter from
an emigrant to California, dated Fort Kearney May
%, from which we extract the following para
graphs
''We are 1876 miles from ST. Joseph, and 526 miles
from home. We have had no accident to happen
any OF us worth notice. Our wagon is the only
one that came to this place without having to double
teams. The postmaster at this fort told me this
day that ,4l6 wagons had passed up TO the 22d in
stant; and 1876 had passed during this day, and IL
was about 8 o'clock, p m, and It is thought there
are two wagons behind TO one before Of course
we are in fair way to 60 through the mountains,
if any one goes through. There is in sight of US at
this time more than 800 wagons, and not single
stick of timber to be seen. We are encamping on
the bank Of Platte river. Fort Kearney is on the
bank of this river, which, at this point is about
mile and half wide. The water is yellow, like
the Missouri river water. We are in company
with twelve wagons.
"The roads from St. Joseph TO this place are fine
Our cattle look well, and have improved, if any
thing, since we left home. The weather is re-
markably cool at night, and warm from about ii
O'Clock in the forenoon till O'Clock in the after
noon. We have travelled at the rate of 20 miles
per day since we left St. Joseph The government
train leaves Fort Kearney tomorrow, 10 guard out
the California emgrants. Of course they will be
of great aid to us.
"Some Of the boys are now fishing, some hunting,
some cooking, some 6ddling, some dancing, and
some gone out to kill anteOpes. This morning
our deer, and have more white about them | have
not yet had the pleasure Of seeing buffalo, although
there are some not far OFT.
"We have IS men in company, and have to
stand guard two hours every third night II does not
rain here it does il the States. We have passed
about Is or 80 graves since we left st, Joseph.
The most of the occupants were from ST. Louis !;
some Of them from Ohio and Illinois,
Fatal RENcoUNTER.-On Monday last an UNI
fortunate rencounter between the Hon. James
Campbell and Benedict Austin, occurred at the
courthouse, which resulted in the death of Mr..
Austin. Mr.. Austin and Judge Campbell were both
candidates for the convention. Mr.. Austin, at MIR.
Aliens some weeks ago, used very insulting and
contemptuous language towards the Judge and his
family. No notice of his remarks was taken by
the judge at that time They afterwards met on
the stump at Wyatt's camp-ground where Mr..
Austin was very polite and courteous towards the
judge, and after the speaking, Judge Campbell re-
marked to Mr.. Austin in friendly way, saying:
benedict, felt little inclined TO give you fax
ing for your conduct at Aliens, but your behaviour
to-day has been such that freely forgive you"
They then shook hands and dned together. On
Monday last Mr.. Austin spoke frst and in his
remarks was very abusive, and stated that Judge
Campbell at Aliens had trumped up falsehood to
injure him on account of his religion, he being a
Roman Catholic. The judge had, by way of il
Illustrating the sovereignty of the people in this
country, related a conversation between himself
and Mrs. Adair. Mrs. White, the daughter of
Gov. Adair, when at Rome, was anxious to see the
pope, but was informed that all who visited the
pope less than soyeregns were required to kiss the
popes big toe. Mrs. White was unwilling to do
this, and remarked that she was sovereign, &C.
The anecdote had been related by the Judge on
several occasions before MIR. Austin became can
didate.
Mr. Austin, on Monday last, in his speech was
very abusive, and charged the Judge with false
hood. The judge politely asked for an explanation,
and inquired of Austin If he intended to say that
the anecdote was true, or had he Judge Campbel)
told fasehood. Mr. Austin, in very insulting
manner, remarked, "Your statement was as false
as helP'-advancing towards the Judge, thrusting
his face in that of the Judge, and clinchng his fist
IN hostile and menacing attitude. They were on
the judges platform As Mr. Austin advanced the
udgestru him feeble blow with his fist; Mr. Aus
TN advanced and struck the Judge several blows in
the face. The judge driven back to the steps as
far DIS he could retreat without danger Of being
thrust backward over the steps, some FIVE feet high,
he still facing Austin-drew pistol and fired kill
ing Mr.. A. instantly The Judge Immediately gave
himself up. On Tuesday he was brought before
court of inquiry, four magistrates sitting, and was
discharged without dissenting voice.-Paducah
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