The miners' express. (Dubuque, Iowa) 1849-1854, 1850-10-02
LETTERS FROM THE COUNTRY.
Br THE EptroR
DELHI, Delaware county, Iowa,
12E0

fine soil, excellent water, healthy atmosphere,
and all the advantages pertaining TO the North
ern portions of Iowa in general, seems to have
attracted less attention from those who are seek
ing home west Of the Mississippi, than any of
the adjoining counties, except, perhaps, Buchan-
an, on the West. In consequence of this, her
population is sparse, and the resources of her
soil but partially developed
DELHI, the County Seat, is making but slow
progress in the road to greatness. 1t is but a
small collection of dwellings, situated about two
and half miles east of the South Fork of the
Maquoketa, and but short distance from the
geographical centre of the county.
The soil, Immediately around the town, is SAN
DIV, and the surface uneven and broken. There
are several excellent springs of pure water in
the neighborhood, and for purity Of atmosphere,
and salubrity of climate, it is unsurpassed by a
ny region Of country Of which have any know
ledge.
am informed by Doctor Brown, practising
physician in this place, that there has not been a
case of "Billious Fever" in the whole range of
his knowledge, and scarcely one of Augue, du-
ring the past summer, and up to the present time.
In the immediate vicinity of this place, is a
small Lake of pure, fresh water, which adds
much to the picturesqueness of the landscape,
and is quite remarkable on account of it's eleva-
ted position and the nature of the surrounding
soil. This sheet of water extends itself in beau
tful curve to the length of more than mile,
s. is from a quarter to halfa mile in width. A sail
boat hereafter to be placed upon its surface, and
fine quality of fish hereafter to be culticated in
its water, will give it an attraction greater than
it now possesses.
Upon the margin Of this Lake is at present
situated the Court House of the county. This
is rude log building, sadly uncomfortable in
its size, and uncouth in its appearance. The
reason: probably, why better has not been con-
structed, is the uncertainty with which this place
holds the dignity of being the "County Seat"
The question Of its removal has been much moot
ed, and from the multiplicity Of places which as
pre to the honor, it is difficult to say which will
finally be fixed upon No less than four or five
points have been named, each having its friends,
and each ''putting in such claims are thought
to be irresistible. The citizens and friends of
Delhi have lately put forth an effort, which, if
persevered in, is best calculated to retain the
county seat at this place. They have commen-
ced the construction Of better Court House,
and have determined to raise the sum of five
hundred dollars by private subscription, to aid
the county IN its completion. This, believe,
has been sanctioned and seconded by the Coun-
ty Commissioners, and will doubtless result not
only in settling the vcxed county seat question,
the pest of all new counties, but will give to the
county new and eligible Court House, worthy
of the future Importance to which she must at
tain. The plan fixed upon, is to erect Cour.
House and Jail under the same roof, the lower
or basement story to contain the Jail and jury
rooms; the second the Court Room and public
Offices
Water privileges, so much sought for in some
portions Of the West, are rarity in Delaware
county. The two "forks" of the Maquoketa
course through the whole extent of the country,
affordlng mill sites every few miles Of their ex-
tent, while "Plumb Creek, and other streams
offer equally eligible locations for the propulsion
of machinery. Several Of these "sites' al
ready occupied by mills, in successful operation.
Near this place, upon the South Fork, is an ex-
celent Saw-mll, owned by MIR. Benson, and an
other nearly finished, by J. w. Clark, short
distance above, the same stream. H. A.
Carter, Esq, has also an excellent mill in opera
dcto
All these mills upon fine timpered lands, and
Ire not only valuable in themselves, but enhance
greatly the value Of property around them. On
he North Fork, at Rockville, is an excellent
Touring and saw-mill, of which shall speak,
when | visit that placer There are large guam
tiles ofland in this county, of the very best qua
ity, still unentered.
Residing at this place arc two Lawyers and
'ne Physician. OF the former, A. K. Eaton
Esq, formerly of New Hampshire, is the elder
.esident, and is one of the members elect to the
House Of Representatives from the District of
Dubuque, Delaware, and other counties. Mr.
Eaton has had no experience in Legislative life,
but will doubtless do honor to himself and his
constituents He is man Of the highest moral
integrity, and in all that he does, will be govern
ed by a sacred regard to the principles of right
and justice.
MIR. Wellman has more recently come to the
State, but is regarded Lawyer Of promising
He is, at this time, Prosecuting At
torney the county.
There is but one Store in this place, kept by
MIR. T. c. Helm, who also keeps house of pub
lie entertainment. MIR. Helm has very gener
al assortment Of goods; and is man altogether
worthy the patronage of the surrounding coun-
try.
My next letter will be from Garnavillo, the
county seat Of Clayton.
On the 18th ult., Gen. Cass visited Baltimore
or the purpose of being presented with splen-
lid cane, as a mark Of the esteem in which his
Evil services are held by the Democracy of Bal
imore. The ceremony Of presentation-the &C.
;asion, and the cause.-the speeches of prcsen-
alton, and the reply-were all calculated to
ouse the enthusiasm Of the audience into an