The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1852-05-08

OF the territory TO winch emlgrantS are
flocking in great numbers, is the great
highway by which the Government sup
plies reach the Indians in the Winnebago
territory and in the Chippewa district
II is also the road by which the Govern
ment supplies are transported to the
troops at Fort Gaines (Fort Ripley
The Mississippi and Long Prairie road is
the branch road from the Point Douglass
and Fort Gaines road, by which Govern
ment supplies are conveyed to the Win
nebago agency at Long Prairie. The
Point Douglass and Saint Louis river
road is of the utmost consequence in the
accommodation it will afford to the lum-
bering interests high upon the Saint
Croix, upon Snake river and Kettle riv-
err I; this road being the only avenue, es-
pecially in the winter, by which supplies
can be transported to these points for the
maintenance of those engaged in the
trade. During any other season except
the winter, these supplies, in consequence
of the utter impassability of the road, on
account Of swamps and marshes, and
rich, moist, shaded soil, have to be boated
up swift streams, where the boatmen, in
addition to the WEAKNESS of polling against
a strong current, have not unfrequently
to contend against formidable rapids and
falls, by resorting to portages around
them. At present, there is road be-
tween Saltwater and Marine Mills, which
scarcely ever wagon ventures to travel.
Between Marine Mills and the Falls of
St. Croix narrow road has been cut out,
but in the summer time it is utterly i'm
passable on account Of mire and hills
Between the Falls Of Saint Croix and
Lake Pokegomag, narrow road has been
cut for the lumbermen in the winter, but
in the summer time it is as much as a
man can do to get through safely, even
on hors setback. Between Lake Pokego-
mag and the falls of the Saint Louis river
there is not as much as well-defined
trail and as for travelling through with
wagon, could not in my reconnois-
sance of it get farther on horseback than
fifteen miles beyond Pokegomag, and the
balance of the way, about ninety miles,
on account of marshes and swamp, had
tojourney on foot.
But in addition to all the reasons | have
adduced in favor of Immediately opening
and making available tina roads referred
to, the great one of developing the re-
sources of the country, is yet to be sta
ted. The territory Of Minnesota is, as l
believe, peculiarly the land for health,
enterprise and enjoyment: and, as such, in
connection with its sufficiently fertile
soil, is destined to become the eldorado of
all who, to a good soil, wish 20 see con-
joined pure bracing atmosphere and
beautiful and variegated scenery. But,
in addition to all this, the time is not far
distant when this territory will be the
platform upon which is 20 be forged the
iron link which is to connect the great
commercial interests of the east with
those of the valley of the Upper Mss
issippi. The approximation Of those in
terests, by means of the New York and
Erie canal, and the great chain of lakes
terminating with Lake Superior, at their
head, as well as the feasibility Of rail-
road across thence to Saint Paul, or some
other point on the Mississippi or Saint
Croix, which my personal knowledge of
the country enables me to attest, give as
surance that the day is not far remote
when this territory, too, will feel the
electric influence of this powerful auxili-
airy in developing its resources. How
important it is, then, that the Government
should, in the infancy of the territory, do
what it can in opening the country, by
means Of common roads, to settlers, and
thus facilitate work which would not
be more territorial than national in its
character.