The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1854-09-13

Running through the center of the Ter
ritory, from west to east, is the most
desirable country on this continent, and
1 venture the prediction, that ten years
from this time will find the valley of the
Kansas unsurpassed in point of popula-
tion, advantages and beauty, by any
country on this continent.
/ desire to correct an erroneous i'm
tpression to the tide ef emigrnnts and
present settlement in these territories.
/ have been frequently asked. as to the
number of inhabitants there, and the
population of towns, of which we have
heard much said there are literally no
whites in the country, and no inhabit-
ants in these towns; indeed there are no
towns except those on paper. But this
will not long be the case for so soon as
the Indian title is extinguished, and the
| Indians are removed, the country and
towns will fill up with a rapidity unpar-
alleled in the settlement of any other
portion of the Union.
There are now many locations made
on the squatter principle, which is done
by going on the land, laying the found
alton of a house which mostly consists
of four logs laid cross wise with the
ends resting on each other, in the shape
of a foundation. The squatters then
stake off their half or quarter section
and record a meagre description in a
book of their own arranging. Much of
the land bought by the government near
the mouth of the Kansas, is not suppos-
ed to be subject to this kind of location.
These lands have been sold to the gov
eminent and the agreement, that the
lands are to be put up at public sale and
the proceeds, after paying the expenses
of sale and survey, given to the Indians.
L conversed with many of the Indians
On the subject, they say that squatters
will not be permitted to enter upon
these lands or form combinations to get
them at reduced prices-nor do l think
the government will permit it. This
will doubtless retard in sore degree, the
early settlements of a fine portion of
Kansas, as settlers will have to wait a
survey and sale of these lands.
/ passed through the Wyandot, Shaw
nee and Delaware tribes, and had6much
conversation with the Indians in regard
to their future intentions, and have
made reservations of land for each mem
Der of their tribes. They are now liv-
ing entirely by agricultural pursuits;
and 1 was highly gratiied by the signs
of prosperity l saw everywhere among
them. They have fine farms, in a high
state of cultivation, they have an album
dance of corn, wheat and oats, and hay;
their farms are well stocked with horses,
cattle and hogs. They all dress in the
American costume, have many good
schools in which the youth are taught
the English language and the English
literature. I passed on the last Sab
bath day I was in their country, two
churches, one frame, and the other a
hewed Lighthouse; there appeared to be
a large congregation present. All
around the churches were hitched fine
horses with handsome saddles and bri-
dies: indeed the entire N'rig" would
have been considered superior ever
amongth the settlements of civilized whites.
The side saddle was frequently seen
among the equipments, which was a ia
vorabIe indication of the progress of re-
finement among the red men.
Nearly all the Indians belong to the
Methodist church; they, like the whites,
have "Church North" and Church
South" but which is in the ascendancy,
I had not the means of knowing.
There are many incidents which fell
under my observation, that [ should
like to narrate, but l fear if 1 should un-
dertake it / would become wearisome to
you and your readers. I will close by
that there is a vast amount of as
good country in these Territories as can
found any where on earth, and I
would heartily advise persons of energy
just commencing in the world with a
small capital, to locate in the Great
West and in a few years you may revis-
it the homes of your childhood more
''better to do" than your parents, or
those you leave behind you.
There has been much said about the
of slavery being introduced
into Nebraska and Kansas. 1 consider
such an expectation utterly futile, and 1
to say that no well informed
observant person after having visit
ed these territories, will hesitate for a
moment to declare that the introduction
If slavery into either is as impossible a
as would be the introduction of
The "peculiar institution" into Ohio or
Indiana.
With great respect,
W. SAWYER.
The following extract from a St. Louis
correspondent of the N. York Tribune,
exhibits in true light the feeling of the
people of Missouri relative to the intro
luction of slavery into Kansas:
Herr let me say a word to the men
# the North who intend to settle in
Kansas.
"While I would not abate one jot CT
itle of my principles, nor sacrifice them
o any timeserving policy, and while 1
would not hesitate to proclaim them
and earnestly, when the occasion
hall demand it, of which each person
must judge for himself, yet my advice is,
y all means, forbear uttering hot and
ngry words. They effect no good
whatever, but tend only to exaspe rate
he feelings of the STAKEHOLDER and south
IN men generally. 1t is my earnest con-
lotion that a large majority of the peo-
lie of Missouri are not only willing but /,
ager that Kansas shall be secured to :
freedom. But if they onee get the idea ,
hat organizations are formed in the East I
Dr. the purpose of interfering with what !
hey call their rights in the State of !
Iissouri, such an intense degree of ex-
will be raised as must neces. c