The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-07-23

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Bend (Ind.l Fsvsm, BY Mr. JsG; Meal, dated 4
KAsaAs T1R11TORy, July, 3, 1854.
After roaming over SOME three or four hun
bred miles Of the Territory, 1 st down 70 give
yeu the frat leaf from ny jCuznal Bri ering
on Missouri, and beg ond It IL . beautiful coun-
try, enveloped by the Platte and Arkansas
rivers, and stretching far away to the west
ward.
The Kansas Basin embraces about 10000
square miles, rich in all the resources Of q
great country, and when developed, will en-
centre Of this great "basin" flows the Kansas
Tor Caw) river, noble stream, about 400 yards
wide, and formed by the union Of those OF the
Republican Fork and Smoky HILL Many rivn-
let's having their source under the roots
of the Sierra MAdre, (RoOky M0untainsD
flow along their channels, and the union
Of these form the two latter streams
which make up the Kansas. On either side Of
the river the stately oak, walnut, hickory, &C.,
to twelve miles in width; and in this strong
hold of nature, )" one may trace the Indian trail
leading to the ferry. A strange footprint is
now seen in the Indian path. The red man
hears alouder and keener crack from the neigh
boring rife. The sound of the pioneers axe
echoes amid natures Solitude and reveals
to him the unweleome truth that the pale faces
are invading his once happy home. Three
months ago this noble. stream was ruffled only
stream; the camp fires burnt brightly on the
bank, and the Indian was happy in sporting
along the river. But the steamboat-that in-
novator of western lhe-is now pie ughing the
surface of the river. and the noise of Its waves
is heard by the retreating red man. The
Excellency, fine steamboat, has made Ave sue
cesful trips up to Fort Riley, and if necessary
can run up to Republican Fork, q distance Of
about two hundred miles from the mouth of the
river. The country has challenged the atten-
ton of the bold pioneer; it has set our Union
all agog, and thousands are flowing into the
great basin
Already the intrepid Hoosier has planted his
stake and is preparing to bring his family to
his western home. As soon az the Nebraska.
Kansas bill received the autograph Of Pre-
sident Pierce, thousands bnckled on their bullet
pouches, slung their rifles, mounted their horses,
and were off to make claim on the prairies
of Kansas; and, before many viii wake from Q
rip Van Wrinkle sleep" this country will be
teeming with her thousands Of bold and hardy
pioneers.
The characteristics of the country are highly
approved by those who visit it, The soil il Of
limestonct formation; but there is plaster, or
sulphate Of lime, having lustrous mulatto tint.
As far as qualities of fertility are capable Of
making country great, the "Kansas Basin" is
greater than any other equal sized patch of
the earth's surface. Lovely prairies stretch
out before the eye, dotted here and there with
pleasant groves. The rolling prairie is laced
with meandering streams, by which it is beau
tifnlly alphabetically chequered with
winding ravines.
This rich diluvial soil is covered with luxu-
RANT prairie grass, upon which countless herds
OF cattle are grazing. The farmer of this coun-
49, ~~nv~ -. A. L. r IL
year, for they thrive best upon the prairies.
The grass is green from the vernal until long
after the autumnal equinox. Some say. that
the scarcity OF timber will be drawback in
the Kansas basin. Not so for fuel, there is
coal in abundance; and lumber for building
purposes, can be obtained from the timber lands
that border on the fine streams which flow
through various portions OF the territory.
The land around Fort Leavcnworth was the
first upon which the intrepid pioneer planted
his stake" Being high and relliBgit presents
many Inducements to settlers. The "GOvern-
ment Farm" near the Fort, is one OF the finest
farms in the west. containing about twenty-five
hundred acres Of deep diluvia' prairie land. It
yields large crops Of grain. The Boss Farm
err" can sit in his cottage door, and gaze upon
thousands Of acres OF waving grain, and count
distance. This beautiful farm will soon be
sold, and will command q large price.
Upon o high bluff is situated the Fort, the
present capital of Kansas, whence one can view
the "sandy waters" Of the Missouri, rolling on
to mir gle with the Father of Waters" and
note the steamboats, as they daily touch the
landing ut the Fort. Already the dauntless
spirit of the Westerner has added life and re-
newed vigor to steamboat navigation be has
abandoned his wagon and taken passage on
the boat, as the readiest way of reaching the
Kansas Basin. Hundreds land at Fort Leaven-
worth, but finding no accommodations, push
out in the beautiful country, to find home.
OF Indians there are several tribes. The
Kickapoos are near the Fort, and all the land
not reserved by them ia taken up long ago.
The Delawares own the largest extent Of conn
try, embracing as it does 2, 100, 900 acres. Inc,
tribe numbers about 700; they have reserved
200 acres for each one of the tribe, and the resi-
due of this land is to be sold to the highest
bidders. Regardless Of the treaty thousands
have made their claims, and formed themselves
into societies to protect each other and to re-
press speculation.
Many have erected cabins, and are residing
on their claims, determined to secure them or
die. This step being contrary to the provisions
Of the treaty, the Delawarcs have laid their
complaint before the Indian Agent, who has
threatened to bring out the militia to drive the
resident claimants away, If they do not go
peaceably; but / think no such step will be
taken, as Uncle Sans 'green soldiers at the
Fort would play poor part in conflict with
these fearless and intrepid pioneers Such
daring recklcssness as some of them display on
this disputed territory fairly terrifes the poor
Indian, who trcmbles as he looks upon the
pale faced intruders.p To settle the matter
the lands must be surveyed and disposed Of
soon; for men are bound to carry out the prin-
ciples Of "squatter sovereignty The Shaw
nee nation numbers about 700 or 800 souls
Thei. country embraces about one million five
hundred thousand acres Of land, and about
lao, 900 acres Of this are reserved; the residue
is open for settlement, over which the pre-
emp,ion laws extend
Hundreds fiom Missouri and other States
have taken up the best portion Of this land, and
the fair surface Of the prairie is being dotted
with log cabins. u
Already the plough has struck Goods fallow
Gelds," ard fields Of corn will soon bless the
picLeer's toll. The shirt of man seems