Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-08-25

A Glimpse at Nebraska.-We are indebted
TO an intelligent gentleman, now in our city, who
has just returned from brief visit 10 Nebraska
Territory, for the facts in the following article in
relation 10 this interesting Territory
"The shore Of Nebraska along the Missouri, ten
miles up from the mouth of that river, is a bold
bluff. strip, six seven miles in width of in
definite length is covered with timber The Ne
braska shore presents beautiful contrast with the
Iowa side-the former being much holder and the
scenery more variegated. The soil is very rich.
Ten or twelve miles back from the river, there is
an extensive belt Of prairie land. varying from
hundred 10 one hundred and fifty miles in width,
with timber along the streams.
The valley Of Platte river is beautifully tmbered,
the soil fertile, and towns are sprnging up along
the banks. The names offve ofthese towns were
mentioned as likely TO become points Of import
ance, namely:
Fort Kearney, near the division line of Kansas,
below the mouth ofthe Platte.
Belleview, three and-a-haf miles above the
mouth Of the Platte, on the Papio. Ii is situated
a high table land, which ascends, with a series
of natural terraces, from the river. There is
steam ferry at this point
Omaha City rhe accent on this word is placed
by the Indians on the o. is situated opposite
Council Bluffs, ten miles above Bellevew. There
are two brickyards here. A large building is
about 10 be erected here for government purposes.
with the expectation that il is TO become the seat
Of government. There is steam ferry here also,
Winter Qnarnrs, eight miles above, and Fort
Calhoun, few miles further, are points spoken
OF, but our informant did not visit them.
The country is settled along the Platte, with
substantial farmers, and emigrants are rushing in
with great rapidity. The emigration is principally
from the northwestern States, and our informant,
ike all others who have visited the country thinks
there is not the remotest possibility Of slavery
ever being established In Nebraska. He saw
nothing OF the ferry where strangers, suspected
OF being Yankees, were asked to pronounce "cow''
before they were permitted TO pass over, but, on
the contrary, thinks the general sentiment of the
country Is hostile 10 slavery, even II IL were not
precluded by the character OF the soil and climate
The Indians were all out on grand hunt. The
tribes consist Of Sioux, Omahas, Otoes Pawnees,
Pottawai: omes, and Sacs. They are constantly
fighting among themselves, and our informant saw
several who had been. severely wounded in battle.
They have shown themselves friendly 10 the
whites so far, though il is apprebended that there
will be difficulty between them and the squatters
upon their territory. The chiefs offer, however,
TO guaranty and protect a squaiter's claim upon
their lands for the sum Of ten dollars
There Is a return travel from Nebras ka MS there
was from California, and is from all new Terrific
ries. Our informant saw many who were coming
back TO the States disappointed. They belong
generally TO class without means, and without
the practical experience 10 enable them 10 On.
counter tne rough and tumble Of pioneer life
lney went probably expecting, from the glowing
accounts Of some writer's TO find themselves in
another Utopia, or an earthly paradise like that
described by Claude Melnotte to the credulous
fauiine, as her future home. They found in.
stead, new community, where, Of all others, Il
IS most difficult to avoid Gods universal decree
tha, man shall live by the sweat OF his brow But
there is little doubt that industrious artizsns
farmers, and indeed all who do not expect 10 live
without work, will find their toll well rewarded
and happy home upon the virgin soil of Ne.
braska, and that il will speedily become s,a,.
with many Of the elements Of political and corn.
metcia power developed.