The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1851-12-04

u w C"eet oHerS an eligible mIll site
free for twenty years TO any one who wi
improve II ia a suitable manner, and cree
either grist or saw mill. The property
now in the hands OF those unacouaiute
with either business. The future count
seat OF Benton county has been located b.
act OF the Legislature, Immediately abov
the rapids and opposite to the mouth o
Sauk river, which after pursuing a south
east direction for about 100 miles, here en-
ters the Mississippi from the westward. -
The rapids mile in length, intervene be
tween the towns, which will eventual,
unite and form The lower or commercial
port, and upper and manufacturing town
they can IN no sense become rivals, but vii
be mutually dependent on each other til
embraced IN one--a high plateau Of leye
ground at present divides the two and is il.
self an elegant town site.
Z The. Commissioners have already issued
proposals for the erection of q Court House
which is expected to be completed the en-
suing season. Oar new prosecuting A,tor-
ney, w. II. Wood, Esq, who is a most ex
ceilent man, and u lawyer of much cmi.
nence, has already erected HIMSELF house
upon the high commanding bluff, Just back
of the rapids; and is highly pleased with
the place and situation, as well as every
thing pertaining to our Territory He and
his gifted and accomplished lady, who is a
writer aud poetess Of much merit, are quite
an acquisition to our cOuaty. Mr. Wood
had been but few weeks within the Ter
ritory, and arriving here few days prior to
the election, was chosen prosecuting Attor-
ney ny the people, among whom be was an
entire stranger; and he has been sine. an
pointed to the office of Notary Public by
his Excellency, Gov. Ramsey mark OF
confidence repOsed in him by our worthy
Executive and people, deserving and well
lnerifed by The recipient thereof, and which
am satisfied was not misplaced. G. W. .
Sweet also resides upon the spot, and in
tends building early IN the spring; a black
saith and cabinet maker with others, intend
locating there, and the new town of Sauk
Rapids when once started, will soon move
on as swiftly as the rapid current in the
river flowing by. His honor, Judge Meek
er, who resides at the fine farm of J. Rus
sci, Esq, just above, also intends making
an Improvement; he is quite popular among
the good people of Benton, who am pleas
ed to say are quite proud of their Judge
and would be most decidedly averse to any
change so far as he is concerned.
-Four miles above Russel's is that city of
magnificent distances; far famed Watab;-
place Of considerable Indian trade with
the Winnebagoes opposite. NNatab now
contains the trading houses of Hon. S. b.
Lowery, member elect TO the Council. A
Myrick and White * Marks-also public
house, bakery aud the we'll cultivated farm
Of Hon. David Gilman; about 1000 Indians
reside at their farm and village at this place:
but as they are at present down the river
aud 0ut on their fall hunt, the trade has
been transferred from Watab to ltasca.
word now in regard to the Indian coun-
try opposite. The whole Sioux country as
far North as Watab river, (iheir northern
boundary on the Mississippi,) and thence
northwest TO Buffalo and Red rivers, was
purchased at the late treaties az Mendoza
and Traverse des Sioux, aud Immediately
upon the ratification of those treaties this
winter 10y the Senate, will be open to pre-
empton claimants. As we passed through
this country on our route to Pembina,
speak from observation when say that it is
equally as fertile as any portion of the St.
Peters valley; the whole Of it being a roll
ing prairie of rich soil, interspersed with
beautiful lakes and watered by numerous
streams; The banks of both being well wood
ed. The valley OF. Sauk river is especially
rich aud fertile. more heavily wooded and
the river navigable for fiat boats or light
draught steamers, for 30 miles at least and
hut few obstructlons to be removed. The
main road 10 Peinbina and .Sekirk crosses
at this place, and is the one travelled by the
annual Red river caravans from those re-
mote places to St. Paul This being the
nearest route, it will continue to draw the
trade of those regions TO this point, at least
until steam communication opened, via,
the St. Peters and thence down the Red
river, which will not he done for many
years 10 come.
SO much for the commercial, manufactur.
ing and agricultural advantages of Sank
Rapids, portrayed hastily; please pardon
and correct ny errors if there be any. We
have cold weather up here and The river
contains some floating ice; but gives no
signs of closing much before Dec. /. We
have good sieighing from Big Lake, north
of this, though as it is rather premature,
see no one out enjoying it. Having written
this too long already, will close.
Yours, J. w. BOND.