The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-06-16
On THE MISSISSIPPI, LAKE PEPN,)
100 miles below st. Anthony's Falls,


On THE MISSISSIPPI, LAKE PEPM,)
100 miles below st. Anthonys Falls,
Wednesday june 7, 1854.
The Great Railroad 7rp-Mr FSlisore-7He
Ibcn Of Dubrqus-Sceaes ON the Mississippi-
AHSorts Of Speeches, &C., &c.
The steamer Jenny Lind joined the excursion
heet at Galena, having been chartered at Rock
lsland by Mr.. Farnham, fearing that suitable &C
commodations could not be provided for the whole
party upon the other boats. This afforded much
relief to hundreds who had not rested very comfort
ably on the previous night. Before we arrived at
Dubuque, the storm commenced, and a remarkable
sudden change in the weather came over us. The
ladies soon enwrapped their delicate persons in
their shawls, men encased themselves in overcoats
and wrappers, and all eager to witness the scene
ny on the shores, paraded the upper deck, expos
ing themselves, very mprudently, to the "peltings
OF the pitiless storm" In couple of hours the
beautiful city Of Dubuque hove in view. The
booming of cannon was heard in the distance and
the reports become louder, quicker and sharper as
we approached the harbor. The feet in regular
succession rounded to, and as the bow of each
steamer touched the levee the passengers ON board
gave three hearty cheers, which were responded
from the shore with hearty and most enthusiastic
good will. Upon the beach stood several thou
sands of people, mostly under cover of UNI
brellas, while long line of empty carriages
occupied space directly in front. As soon the
cheering subsidized and the welcome received, dele
Cation OF the city authorities came on board the
steamer Galena which boat contained the managers
OF the expedition, and presented an Invitation TO
accompany them and partake OF the hospitahtes
of the city.
In the meantime, the crowd ashore ascertained
that Mr.. Fillmore on board the Golden Era,
lying aonside the Gaena, when shout arose, which
Grew Mr. +. out deck in front, when he addressed
the Dubuquans. Mr. Solomons, Of the city, re-
sponded in neat and appropriate speech, speaking
most eloquentiy Of our excursion, and the immense
benefits which must ultimately result from il. AL
though the invitation to proceed ashore was reluc-
antly declined, ON account of the continued Storm
yet dozen or two took possession of few car
riages, and took the responsibility Of making an ex
poration on their " own hook" The order for
casting off came sooner than was expected and the
little party ventured SO far from the fleet that they
were only able to jump on board as the last plank
was being drawn in. Dubuque is already an inn |
portant point the Mississippi. 1t possesses fine
location, and natural surface capable of containing
mighty city, Its streets are wide and running at
regular angles, and several of them are already oc-
cupied and decorated with elegant brick stores,
warehouses, and private residences, OF grandeur
and substantial character equal to almost any
thing the Atlantic coast. Large quantities |
of pig lead replied upon the levee awaiting the |
arrival of steamers to carry it to the Eastern mar
kets. In the of the CITY, the mounds arise to
elevation, gradually, some five hundred feet upon |
the side OF them the grape has already been very
tensively planted. Whether the climate of this re-
gon is congenial to its successful culture yet
not ascertained; and many believe that this region |
is too far northerly for the vines season or two
will test it. If it can be done at Dubuque, there
can be no difficulty in obtaining native vines from
our own SOIL in any latitude north of the fortythird
degree.
The storm increased with such violence that we
were all driven within the saloons. This created
much disappointment, as the feet was about
approaching that wild, magnificent, enchanting
scenery, the sight of which we had anxously ex-
pected to feast never satisfied optics upon. |
Many, Notwithstanding, amused themselves as COM
fortaby as possible, and ventured outside, gazing
upon the wonderful panorama of nature, until COM
pletely drenched with rain, or paralyzed with cold,
or until the darkness of night Obscured the view.
Though the gale increased, and the rain continued
to fall without interruption until it amounted to
torrents and all nature without presented the most
fearful and threatening aspect, the parties in the
saloons, on all the steamers, were as joyous and
mirthful as at village feast, or marriage cere-
mony. Upon the War Eagle, the saloon was
converted into ball room, and the entcing and
merry cotilon, quadrile, polka, and on,
joyed In a very liberal degree. Never within the
walls Of the New York City Assembly Rooms, nor
upon the elastic floor of Niblos, did the
pleasures of the dance produce more real solid,
affected enjoyment than was experienced on the
angry pillows Of the mighty Mississippi, last night,
far away from city life, among the widest and most
astonishing reveings of nature, not yet desecrated
by the ruthless hand Of specializing man. Long,
long, will this gala night the billowy bosom of
the great father of flowing waters, be kept in CRATE
full remembrance by every lucky individual on this
excursion. Upon other boats meetings were held,
railroad steamboat, and enterprising speeches of
every character were made. Upon the Sparhawk,
Alderman Ely presided, who opened in speech of
considerable flourish, showing at once the peculiar
characteristics of New York alderman. George
Bliss, of Springfield, Mass-one OF the greatest rail
road kings of the age-addressed the audience, as
did also Col. Schouer, of Cincinnati; B. P. johnson,
of Albany; Rev. Dr. Vermilyea, of New York, and
others. Card parties were also formed in consider
able numbers, which amusement was also very
literally participated In. Thus the evening was
disposed Of and late at night, the pleasures ceased,
to be succeeded by sweet slumbers on the downy
couch.