The Kansas herald of freedom. [volume] (Wakarusa, Kan. Territory) 1854-1860, 1855-06-09
A rrip TO Topeka.

Peka, our Htcb boHt eOooS Va A@n"iSAS~-
We found the country diversified with
varied landscape, the soil just such as
any intelligent farmer would desire, and
with che exception of small territory
three or four miles this side of Big Springs.
it seemed as if nearly every claim along
the ro1te was already occupied.
At Big Springs town site is being
laid out, and already it presents nearly
as great business air as the city of Te-
cumseh. 1t will be the center of a small
farming district. and possess its store.
tavern, school house, olacksmith-shop,
DC, but like u thousand other cities in
the west, it will never arrive at that hon
orable distinction, save in name. 1t takes
its name from beautiful spring of never
failing water, which issues from the bank
short distance beyond the town. The
Pennsylvania company from Fayette
county, arc located near thisspot. but we
believe they are not connected with the
present city site.
Tecumseb is twenty miles beyond
Lawrence. We were greatly deceived
in this town, both as to the locality and
the progress of Improvements. Ii per-
sons arriving here from the East complain
of the slight advance the people of Law
renee have made in Improvements what
will they not say when they look upon
Tecumseh, said by Shareholders TO be the
future capital of our Territory? We did
not count them, but our impression is
there is not one dozen distinct buildings,
or any other kind, within the city limits,
and those which are erected are of an
ordinary kind. The only redceminy
trait in the town seems to BE- the fact thai
the title to the soil is vested in Mr.. SrIN-
SON, and those making purchases there
viii be sure of a right to the freehold.
The Court wasin session at Tecumseh,
Judge ELAoRE presiding. But little was
done during the first two days. save to or
ganize the Court. charge the Grand Jury,
and admitmembers to practice at the bar,
of which last there was good business
transacted. We shall probably be able
10 report their names at another time, as
also to give the complete proceedings OF
the Court.
Five miles beyond Tecumseh is Topeka.
We were highly pleased with this place,
as we conceive it the second in impor-
lance on the Kansas river. 1t is laid out
on grand scale, with broad streets run
ming parallel and alright angles with each
other. Nature has graded the entire site
to suit the most ardent admirer of order
There is level plain along the river, and
back of this a gentle elevation, rising
gradually as it recedes to the south, from
the summit Of which commanding view
is had of the whole country for miles
away. Webster's mound is in the dis
lance at the southwest, and is a good re-
lief to the eye; while at tho west; run
ming about due north, is the Shung ga
nung, beautiful creek whose banks are
covered with forest trees, forming love-
iy background in that direction.
We did not go down to the river, and
consequently cannot speak of the landing.
The principal streetsarc one hundred and
thirty feet wide, and the lots have sew
enty-fye feet front. The original claim
ants took the precaution to remove every
obstacle to the soil. As there asplenty of
it they did not hesitate to make magnif-
cent arrangements for a city. The cen
trail street north and south is known as
Kansas Avenue, a very appropriate name.
A fne composite building is in the
process of construction by Messrs. j. d
L, FARNEswoRTu. The walls of the
building cover an area thirty.four feet
by forty-four. and are already erected
TO the top of the FIRST story. 1t is de-
signed fora store building. and one of
the members of the firm is now East for
goods. They are said to be men of large
capital, just such persons as are wanted
in new country.
Messrs. ALLEN & GcRDoS, of Law
renee. are alsoerectiRga composite build
ing on Kansas avenue. It's designed as
a place of trade. The cellar is dug, and
material is on the ground for the walls.
Il is thirty feet by iifty in size.
Mr. Miller is erecting good building
ON Sixth street. He designs it for tin
shop and hardware store. Such an en-
terprise will pay well in that place.
There are several other buildings
shout being erected. and some already
considerably advanced. Among the lat
ter ne observed the shoe shop of sMr.
Moore: and, among the former remem-
be- the hurried movement OF the people
there to faraish our friend Mr.. GARvEE a
suitable building for printing Office at
an early day.
We took tea on Monday evening With
our friend A. w. 9ooRE and his estima-
bic lady, who arc keeping 3 boarding
house in Topeka. and setting table not
excelied in the Territory. Everything
was well cooked, and properly arranged,
which gave us very favorable opinion
of our friends qualification to excel in
this sphere. Dir. IL was formerly q
compositor in the HERALD OF FRkKDos
Office, but be is serving the public quite
as well In his new ayocation.
We tarried over night and breakfasted
with our friends Messrs. ZIMMERMAN &
MINIMUM. They have but just taken
charge of the house they are now occu
plying, but are giving excellent satisfac-
ton to large number. of boarders. We