The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1854-07-22

Ihe Late Pleasure Excursion from St. Louis.
We copy the following extracts from the
notes OF one of the party to the late pleasure
cursion to our city from st. Louis, as given in
an interesting letter, published in the ST. Louis
Republican, of July L.
Yesterday was exceedingly warm, but the
Inconvenience OF the heat was amply cOmpen-
stated by the magnificent scenery constantly
coming into view. The most beautiful portion
was between Columbus aud Lansing a distance
OF two miles. We took advantage of a two
hours delay at a wood yard to go ashore, in a
perfect paradise of flowers and shady trees
and the ladies of our company were we'll
supplied with boquets and garlands taste
fully arranged, and woven by their fair hands
out Of wild flowers gathered by their gentlemen
attendants. They CT &C aboard looking like a
troupe of wOOd-nymphs. paying visit to their
sister deitics Of the wave.
wish l could convey to the reader who has
never made tour up this magnificent river.
some idea of the peculiar grandeur of its scene
ry. Twill, however. attempt to describe the
appearance of some of the bluffs above Rock
Island, as their effect is particularly grand
above that point. They have more character,
and are more ma jcstic than at any point below
They range from one to three hundred feet in
height; some are covered with wood and 9th.
ers are bare. Occasionally one long precipi
tous ridge runs parallel with the river md close
to it then the chain leaves it and verges away
eight or ten miles distant. displaying success
sion of oval hills divided by ravines. Some.
times a valley starts away from the river
bounded on each side by these chains of bluffs
whose oval. tapering points are distinctly seen
for a long distance. and become distinct and
dreamy in the distance. These valleys or great
ravines shoot away in all directions, cross one
another, and interlOck their links until they
seem to melt away into level prairie, or more
properly, to skirt the prairie until they lose
themselves in the distance, and belong no more
to the scenery of the river The character Of
the scenery becomes more and more impressive
as you near st. Paul. and is anything but mo-
notOl0us. 1t is continual composition o.
mountains, woodland. and prairie. and impress
ses on the mind the most lofty pictures of sub
Unity and quiet beauty which it is capable o
receiving and comprehendins These picture.
Of natures handiwOrk once imprinted on the
mind. and fully realised in their grandeur, car
never be forgotten.
We arrived at st. Paul about 6I o'clock in
the morning and found three St. Louis boats a
the landing. The capital of Minnesota present,
a beautiful appearance from the river and is
much larger city than many of our passenger
expected to see. 1t contains some fine public
buildings, many large stores and warehouses
and beautiful private residences. The capto
is q large substantial structure. of much archi
tectural beauty, surmOuntcd by dome, which
is prominent in a view Of the city from tn,
river.
As before implied, it is considerable tOwr
of five years growth and already contains five
thousand inhabitants. 1t is scattered over
great deal of space, though the business part
are compact, neatly built. and present a yer,
business-like appearance. There is decidedly
air about the place. which instantly assures thu
visitor that he has come among an enterprisin:
community and that the city they inhabit il
possessed of internal life, and great local adj
vantages for commercial pursuits. And whel
he looks around and views the infant city o
five years growth rivaling in size and import
ance many OF half century. when he inhale
the delightfully."- pleasant air which continually
freshens the place, and which, when he breathes
he feel impregnated with health. strong desire
are aroused to call the city his home St. Pau
has all the elements of great city, and is be
ginning to use its limbs, and evince its powe
with vigor which foretells the prowess of thu
future giant. There never will be o lack o
room, for the broad praires are behind it an,
all around it, and it is fast settling back int
them. Real estate is rapidly rising in value
rs it cannot fail to continue under the circum
stances In the city and vicinity lots are sell
ing at from 500 to $50 per foot. and at som
distance out of town small building lots hav
sold for $500. Farm land near the city read
Nv brings 500 per acre, and sometimes more
These sales Of real estate, together with the pc
sitiou, and heretofore rapid growth of the city
carry conviction of the utility of investment
simost every visitor. And they do invcs
Some geRtiRmen of our party have alread
made arrangements with land agents for thi
purpose.
There are 2 great many visitors from tn
Eastern cities in St. Paul at present. and espe
,iahy from Philadelphia MANY Pennsylvs
ian have settled here and are already dom
prosperous business /; and scarcely one al
ives and remains long enough to become &C
TAINTED With the city, whe does not connec
imselfin some manner with its interests.
st several Philadelphians with whom ha