The Davenport gazette., 1853-09-29
LETTER FROM IOWA.

y
the Boston Transcript of the 18th inst
That "Boston Boy is close observer and
writes an interesting letter:
Y Iowa Cry, Iowa, August 26th. 1855
Dear Transcript: My last was from Daven-
port, giving you short account of my arri-
val there. After sojourDing a few days
with the hospitable hosts Of the lie Claire.
enjoying pleasant morning and evening
drives along the banks Of the noble Father
of Waters and the pleasure of catching q
few fish, with which the rivers there abound:
and teasting on grouse in abundance, (Which
/ didn't shoot myself, though some Of my
fellow boarders did, started across the
prairie road for this goodly city, the capital
Of young and growing State, just emer-
ging from infancy to manhood.
The prairies, along the entire route, are
thickly dotted over with farms and comfort
able farm houses; and it is very hard to re-
alize that one is not in an ol settled coun.
try. noticed but one feature along the en-.
tire route which indicated that the people
were behind the times. and that was the
broken wire and decayed and broken-down
posts along the telegraph line, which fol
/ lowed for 4 few mills after left Daven-
| port.
| About twelve miles from Davenport
passed the new village of Blue Grass con-
taining a Post Office, blacksmith shop, &c.
A town was laid out here in April last, but
it does not appear to be going ahead very
last The next town was Moscow, on Ce-
dar river, about as forsaken looking place
as one can well imagine. We met man
or two, a mile from town, driving stakes,
and, upon enquiry, found that they were en-
largng the limits of this ancient city, in
view OF the immense increase Of population
expected, from the fact that they are soon to
have railroad to the Mississippi river, the
Mississippi and Missouri Rivers Railroad
crossing Cedar river at this place. From
hence to Iowa City is very rich and high
ly cultivated country, which cannot be sur
passed in the State of Iowa. The only
drawback to its rapid settlement has been
its distance from market; but now this is
soon to be obviateI, and few years will
witness an immense increase in the popula-
tion. This city is prettily located, and may
be, to those who have comfortable place
to stay in, a pleasant place to live. Trav-
elers can consols themselves with the fact
that such accommodations as are now to be
Hdu dN luC AobciS uC1C1 Will HOt VC IOiCE0tCO
eighteen months from now, when their train
loads Of passengers come numbering into
town on their two projected railroads, for you
must know that two railroads from the Mis-
sissippi river to this place are now actually
being worked-that is, laborers are engaged
in grading, &C.; one from Lyons, the other
from Davenport: each protesting to be
backed by rival Eastern lines, and to have
ample means to put them through. This
city appears to be little ahead of the coun-
try. | notice some grass in the streets,
and some unfinished houses. The State
House is huge pile of stone, of no partic-
ular style. rather commanding in its appear
ance and prettily situated.
The Government Land Office is located
here, and is overrun with business. Land
and land warrant dealers can be counted by
| dozens; lawyers not few, and M. DIS. in
proportion.
No one here appears to realize the i'm
mense change in the prosperity Of their
town .hat is to be made by the completion
of the Mississippi and Missouri River Road,
when they will have direct railroad COM
munication with New York, Boston, Sc,
and market at their door for all their sur
plus. 1t seems to me it will give this city
all the advantages of the towns on the Mis-
sissippi, and that it must grow into one of
the largest cities in the State. Property
here is very low in comparison to Daven-
port. Rock Island, &C.. and there is good
chance here for investment, or for any kind
OF business. The Iowa river, which flows
along the westerly side ofthe city, giving it
rather romantic look, is navigable for
Sfpayohnats f,r four Ls oonh ~; n
and were it not for the immense advantage
railroads have over river navigation, would
probably be improved so as to be navigated
throughout the entire season. am off to-
morrow for Fort Des Moines and Kanes-
vile, and will write you from there.
BosroN Boy.