The miners' express. (Dubuque, Iowa) 1849-1854, 1850-01-16

Te--opecutdfa0n--l JNdatS--- Cola
Weather.
SAINT PAUL. Dec. 81.
The Paradise Of the Union, Minnesota, is quiz
ct, and at this place, the capital, peace with all
nations prevails. IT'S true, at least rumor says
so, that three Chippewas were found on Rum
River, last week, with their heads cut off; prob
ably the delicate operation was performed by a
party Of few turbulent Sioux who reside near
that border of their boundaries. You are doubt
less aware that the "milk of human kindness"
between these two tribes is of a skim-mlk ma
ture, their dislike for each other seems to be he
reditary; at present their boundaries are separa-
ted by the Winnebagoes, but if the prophecy
that all nations are to be at war in 1850, is veri
fed, very likely the braves of the two nations
may come into close quarters, and try their hands
in a game from which they have resisted for
some time. 1fthere is any truth in the rumor,
and / think there is, it may some distur-
bance in the Indian world.
Business is dull, that is river trade. The ice
is quite thick, and by this wise provision ofnature
affords an excellent mail route, but by some I'M
wise provision of the Post Office Department, is
seldom travelled in the transportation of the mails,
and no other route seems to claim a preference.
Business in town appears quite lively prices re-
main high, and notice this afternoon that sales
of whiskey have placed some of the purchasers
on similar scale, which, in the present slippery
state of the side walks and streets renders their
investment unsafe.
The Temperance societies in hopes that
the late increase in the demand of ardent spirits
will exhaust the supply in the market before
Spring, and then they can enjoy season of rest
from their labors; for if am not much mistaken
a few of the s'Suns'' are in the habit of turning
upon their axis oftcner than astronomical rules
require or propriety dictates. 1t is easy perhaps
to account for this,-as it is so near the close of
the year, they have passed around the great cir
Gle of the ecp:ic and consequently must be 60
ing through the last of the twelve signs of the
zodiac, and for fear of not "being in at the death
are ''going their dealt" OR trying to at any rate.
Sleighing is good, although the snow which
has fallen is insufficient to last long the river
furnishes excellent race track, but ''trot
ting nags' are scarce article here al present,
there are trials of skill in that line. A party
of six left town Yesterday for Rush River where
they intend spending few days in hunting, etc
A large number of carcases Of venison came in
this evening from the Indian camp.
Some preparations are being made to celebrate
the hodays:-nine births within the last three
months, ball, to come off Christmas night, and
two New Years night, besides numerous parties,
sleigh rides, and other entertaining methods of
COMMUNICATING the death of the old year and
the birth of new.
There is but little transporting here to interest
you, some few local matters comprising all that
creates even the least excitement. Spectators
in land are lowering about like carrion crows
/, and there is fair show for several more "addi-
tons to ST. Paul in the Spring. Nonresident
land holders have extensive claims here, fol-
which exhorbitant prices are asked, thereby de.
priving those who would improve the vacant
lands from locating to advantage St. Paul
The presumption law is in full blast here
Land Warrants seem to be in demand, and ma
ny locating them-the ma ority, however
are by spectators. Emigrants coming to ou1
territory must be on their guard in making pur-
chascs of land, or else they may have to pay
twice or three times for their lots. Deeds have
already been gwen to some not familiar with
such documents, that are of no more value than
blank paper. "Look before you leap is very
appropriate motto in vogue here at present, and
is in itself volume of sensible advice. At
present there are but few towns in the territory
and those are small and at the head of navigation
on the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers. 1t is
evident that towns must spring up in the interior
and at other points, while those already laid out
must continue to grow and improve TO desig-
nate these points is at present hard task, and it
is advisable if person is able to do so, to visit
our territory first, select and secure good loca-
ton, and then bring Oh his moveablcs, 90 to work
right and it is all gain in the long run. There
is plenty of time Boats will probably begin
their trips in April; and the middle of May, or
even as late as the twentieth of June is none too
late for farmers to plant. Crops planted this
year as late as the middle of June came to ma
turity and produced large harvest.
Since my last we have had some cool weather.;
the thermometer on Monday morning, at sunrise,
was down to twcnty-one degrees below zero, but
the increase of cold has been so regular that we
hardly notice it; in fact, having but little wind
here during the winter, the weather is more COM
Portable, healthy and agreeable, than many
have passed in Boston, Mass.
The long-expected mail has again arrived, and
with it came the "Express' in it's new dress,
'neat but not gaudy,'' making fine appearance.
We are now to have mail regularly once a
week, so those that ought to know say; but l
cannot understand if such is the case, how let.
ter from Dubuque dated Nov. 18th, could not
get here before to-day, while letters from Boston
dated the Goth came in the same mail. Iseebv
your paper that your Post Office has been reno
we'd and enlarged; do you suppose that is the
rcason' ct may be that friend Charley kept
the letter on hand some time after it was written