New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-07-03
OUR EXCURSION TO NEBRASKA

From The Council Blurs IOws) bnele, June 10
II was with considerable satisfaction that we, on Thur
day last left our duty sanoum crowded with exchanges
huge fOOs and hard work. and stepped INTO the VENICE
prepared for excursion, well slowed with sundry very
useu articles hungry and not the least pleasant
in our mind eye fragrant box of neat Havanas.
Our company consisted Of some fifteen or twenty in all,
AMONG which was our esteemed friend the Hon. {. 7.
Avery of Owego, v. Y, Col. Jesse Williams. Col j. d.
Test WIN. Clancy, T. Henshall and = A. Lewis with
orion and Russels band and a number OF others VINO
crossed the Missouri River in respect OF the departure o
tho Hon A. W. Rabbit whose encampment for the first
night was at Old Winter Quarters, and on the soil OF
Nebraska. short drive over a beautiful nara ROAD
psssinp our own fayorite retreat Elsdae, brought us
70 tho Winter Quarters Ferry twelve miles above on the
river where a good well-manned and capacons steam
ferry boat waiting and III three we landed all
our company upon the faTamed soil OF Nebraska After
refreshing draugh from clear cold spring that gshes
from the bill side few minutes brought us othe encanp-
mept of Messrs Babbt and Stiles situated upon pretty
grassy knoll with the green carpet thcky bespangled
with Invrads of red Juicy strawberries which 10y the by,
abound penully in the borders of this highly inter-
esting country cheerful campfire was soon blazing
and our animals turned loose 10 craze.
By the kind invitation of Mr.. Babbti the whole com,
pany cnored his broad spread table, buffalo SKINS spread
on the ground and RECALLED upon uxuries that his gener-
GRITTY had prepared for his friends, which was neither
scaniy nor OF an inferior quality
hr the repast the band struck up some soulstlrrng
airs which seemed in good keeping with the calm, pleas
ant evening" with the blue curtain above studded with
sparkling diamonds and our lamp the placid moon; our
carpet the velvet green of natures handwork with the
qe mile zepbyrs spring laden with the sweets and per-
fumes Of myriads of flowers from the broad, wide gardens
Of the West 90 fan US gently number OF ladies' beng
present. spirited dance ensued which was repeated until
All were satisfied. Other rare amusements and sports
were enjoyed with much zest by the company. There
were some fifty persons in all who were present but
Tommy Henshal and Billy Clancy bore oh thelpam for
skill in getting up something amusing AT reasonable
bonr the camp-fre was well repenshed and a circular
bed Of robes, &c. spread, and all retired IN quiet 10
repose and to dream Of the great future OF that lovely
land.
Early morn brought the report of horses being missing
scout returned with the conviction that they had
started on one trail north while we with small ccmPa
nv took the road for the Elk Horn where arrived $50
miles good camp time, after passing over most de-
ghfu country for nearly the whole distance. There s
however quite scarcity of timber, which may only be
found upon the streams.
We encamped for dinner on the Papiion where there
is nice timber and excellent water In approaching
near the Elk Horn glorious ana grand scenery breaks
upon the vision. The takes ill., at glance the coun-
try ahead Tor some twenty miles giving full view OF the
Elk Horn aud Platte Rivers with their winding courses,
groves bluffs and vaeyat shutdown the scenery is both
grand and enchanting.
Al he Horn Ferry greeted by the two gentle
men residing there Mcssrs Holls,er and Turner who
haye charge Of the two ferries at that place The gentle
men showed every possible attention and Kindness both
for our comfort and curiosity and gave us much n-
formation in regard to the emigration this season. Inc
river being high met with no success IN hing, al
though there fine fish in the sream Our roast venl-
son was eaten with Il relish while seated on nature
grassy Garnet around the camp FIRE. Here found a
EubeI of Pawnee Indians, OF whom had monster OF
a Young black eagle which he had captured after having
and e. an early hour started homcwad, snachng occa-
souay from their native beds cluster OF sweet flowers
To our SURPRISE al II o'clock we met Mr. Rabbit and
family so soon starting forward. He had returned pur-
cha,d more horses and with his provcrbal energy, was
pushing forward with hope of recovering hs lost
property After gathering fine berries We recrosse
The river upon the fast running ferry boat Nebraska and
after making sumptuous dinner, returned home wei
pleased with company and our trip Capt McLennan
has our wamest thanks for kind attentions 10 our comfort
He has an excellent boat and crew who know how to
ms 4.