Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1855-07-17
FRIDAY, JULY l3, 1866.
Editorial Correspondence.
THE UP COUNTRY-DOTTIN0S By THE WAY
No. vGf.

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| THE UP CoUNTRY-DOTTlN0S By THE WAY
No. VII.
SAUK RAPIDS, June, 1855.
He who visits the country lying on the upper
Mississippi for the first time, connot help bu,
he struck with one great and striking pecu.
liarity-the beauty Of the Mississippi, it winds
along amid the deep, green foliage Of the
thousand trees that line the banks, and seem more
like floating ether than the substantial and beau
tifyug way-farers along the pathway of life.-
at this point the "Father of Waters'' appears to
be in his youth, with no wrinkles upon his brow,
and cheek smooth as a lad of l6 years.
Father along he frolicks like gay maiden, dam
cling lightly over tho white pebbly stones, which
seek to check his course, and at last breaks out in
jovial laugh, which rings in the ear as he looks
back over his shoulders with self conscious
spirit of his power. There is symmetry and
form to the Mississippi here-the banks slope
gradually over to the edge of the water and the
Mississippi gently kissing them, turns curve and
is lost amid the rich ringlets that cluster about
natures face.
SAUK RAPIDS is located on the banks of the
Mississippi at the mouth of Sauk River, the wa
ter of which comninges with its companion and
they clatter along together over the Rapids. The
ground rises gently from the river back to about
half mile, where bluffs not dssimliar to those
about St. Paul, intercept the view, and form
sort of amphitheatre, in the bosom of which are
clustered few dwellings. The country lies beau
tifully and the site is well chosen for town but
there is sad want of life and enterprize percep-
tible on all sides. The cause assigned, is the
scarcity of Lumber, which doubtless, has some
thing to do with the general dullness which pre-
walls here. The steamboat landing is about one
ids, and good road leads to it. These are some
fifteen buildings in the town, consisting of two
stores-one by Messrs. Crane & Co.-the other by
Sweet & Co., with which latter store MIR. Geo. II.
Oakes, of this city, is connected. Over the last
named store is the Printing Office of the Frontiers
man, under the management of Mr.. Jeremiah
Russell. This paper is doing excellent service for
Benton County, but if it does not prove losing
job to the publisher, then we are no judge of the
printing business. The residence of Mr.. Wood,
editor, lawyer and land agent, is situated on the
bluff, and is cosy, neat place, possessing an air
of comfort very rarely seen in this section of
country. The residence of the Minister is near
by. Therei is quite large Catholic Church here,
and an apology for a Jail, occupied by Mr.. Con-
mel, the Sheriff of the County, and one of the
best sp 'cimeus of the Sons of Erin we ever met
with. He was positive that he had the fastest
horse and the handsomest baby in the County
lie may wei! boast Of the latter article, for a
more beautiful child we have never seen, but, as
to the horse, why the Colonel very justly remark
ed, that he had cat that could beat it-and we
are not afraid at any time to put up our three
legged stool for n purse Of $1,000 against the
cold creetur.'
About one mile from tho centre Of the town, is
a small building in which the Courts are held, and
near by is the tavern of Mr.. Russell, gentleman
who has done much, and is doing much to build
up the place. Although We found no fresh meut
here and little food for our horses, yet we con-
trvcd to get along passingly we'll. The table was
spread with wholesome victuals, and the beds
were c.ean and neat-a luxury we had hitherto
been deprived of. This farm was formerly owned
by the old Fur Company, and we believe some of
them have lien on it vet. 1t is under good cul-
tivation-well stocked with cattle, and We should
judge would yield handsome income. 1t is now
becoming noted as near the spot where Gov. S,e-
vens marked out the crossing of the Northern Pa
c6c railroad, of which shall have more to say
in another letter.
1 was disappointed with Sauk Rapids-expect-
ed to see more of place, as the very fact of its
being at the head Of navigation on the Upper Mis-
sissipp, led me to believe that it was second to
St. Anthony. Anoka is far ahead of it, in enter
prize and thrift, but do not by any means dis
pair of Sauk Rapids. There are elements at
work which are destined to make it large place,
selves a new era will dawn upon the present, quiz
ct, unobtrusve town. The land is held at pref
ty high 6gure-lots commanding $50, 800 to
$500 piece-an exception, however, is made to
those who wish to build. The country around and
back of it., is said to be excellent for farming
purposes, but did not perambulate in that de
rection, and therefore cannot speak from actual
observation. Improved farming lands should
Judge, would command from $40 to S25 per acre
perhaps, land lying near the town, would bring
more than this. AS there has been larger num-
Der of emigrants who have settled near tho town
this year than ever before, it is reasonable to
suppose that another season will witness mark
ed change in Sauk Rapids, ga consummation
most devoutly to be wished.''
The evening we arrived was brilliant one.-
The moon was decked in her most gorgeous ap-
parel ard threw down her smiles on sleeping ma
ture in such an enticing manner. that was in
duccd to sally forth, and did sally forth to enjoy
the scenery. While wondering near the banks Of
the river, and watching the shadows of the trees
in the water, music came gently stealing on the
wind, which seemed like the songs Of angels from
the blue expanse above. It burst so sudden upon
me, so far from homo and ut such an hour of the
night, that like the auhor of Home, Sweet
Homc," penniess and in q foreign land, who
heard his song sung by tho rough hoatman who
rowed him across the river, too was disposed
to shed tears, at least spec got in my eye and
couldn't sec plainly. Strange power has music
particularly over stranger, in strange land
on moonlis s ht night. The music proceeded from
instruments played by Oand of young men, Who
notwithstanding the rough pioneer life they are
obliged to lead, are by means insensible to The
re6ncments Of civilization. But have made my
letter too long and must close. :. \. N.
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