The Kansas herald of freedom., 1855-02-10
Correspondence.
Letter From Fort Riley.

EDITOR HERALD OF FREEDOM AS this
portion of the Territory is elieiting from
the public at the present time, prob
ably, more attention than any other, il
might notbe uninteresting to your read
ers TO be apprised of such information as
1 have cleaned during short sojourn.
Fort Riley is situated some hundred
and fifty miles above the mouth of Kan
sas river, and Just below the junction of
the Smoky Hill and Republican Forks.
The location is one of peculiar beauty and
attraction. From the bluffs in the imme-
diate vicinity, the spectator is entFanced
with panorama so varied in scenery,
and of such exquisite loneliness, that in
imagination he realizes the descriptions
of the gorgeous and charming scenery Of
sunny Italy. The pure and clear atmos-
phere enables the eye to embrace in one
view many miles In extent of the sur
rounding country the wide rolling prai-
RE bound round with grand and pictur-
esque bluffs, diversified with many
streams and riyulets of clear, sparkling
water, tributaries of the two great rivers,
whose banks are lined with groves of
majestic timber, all combine to rivet to
the spot the spectator in mute admiration
of a scene where nature has been so pro-
life of her beauties. s44
The military post is commanded by
Col. Montgomery, one of the most dis
tinguished officers of the Mexican cam
paign. Visitors viii find him an intelli-
gent and hospitable gentleman, ever
ready to extend to them any courtesy or
favor not inconsistent with his military
duty; indeed, it is due of all the officers
toysay that, in their intercourse with stran-
gers who come here to explore the coun-
try. they will be found agreeable and
courteous, and willing to give to those who
design locating in the vicinity such In
formation as they possess. -,ii
For the farmer, l know of no place pos
sessing more attractions than the country
about Fort Riley. The soil, for richness,
is unsurpassed in the Union. 1t is of
that deep black cast that the practiced
farmer Immediately recognizes as the
soil where corn can be raised in the great
est perfection. Notwithstanding the in
clcmency of the last year, fine garden
of vegetables was produced, on an inferi-
or quality of land, by Col Montgomery.
as a practical test of the capacity of the
soil. Water is abundant throughout this
whole region; the timber, though not so
abundant as one would desire, yet the
quantity is infinitely greater than in any
other part of the Territory l have been
over and if used with economy, suffi-
eient to supply every demand. The
stone, for building and agricultural pur-
poses, is of very superior kind, mex
haustible quarries of which are found in
all the bluffs skirting theprairies. When
first taken from the ground it is perfectly
soft, and easily worked with a saw or CHS
ell; but an exposure of a few days to the
atmosphere renders it hard and durable
The fort is constructed of the same char
acter of stone, and is decidedly the finest
building in this Territory The indica
tions lead geologists to infer that coal and
all varieties of minerals abound in this
section.
The tide of emigration has just reach
ed this point; but before the close of the
present year it will be more densely set
tied than any other part of the Territory.
Towns are rapidly springing up. Paw
nee, located one mile below the fort, will
undoubtedly be the capital. Its central
position, and fine surrounding country,
give it commercial advantages possessed
by no other site. Chetolah (the Indian
name for Smoky Hill river is situated
some six miles above Fort Riley, on the
south side of the Smoky Hill, at the
mouth of Lyons Greek, one of the lar
gest tributaries of the river. The coun-
try around is well supplied with timber
and water, and will admit of a thicker
settlement than can be made in any 9TH
er place. 1t bids fair to rival in impor-
lance Pawnee. The river is singularly
narrow and deep, admitting of uninter-
rupted navigation during all seasons OF
the year. Two other towns have been
located further up the river; the first,
Montgomery, fnamed for the Command
ant of the fort, is distant some twenty
milesabove onthe river; the other, Reed
er, is 40 miles above, at the junction oil
Smoky Hill and Solomon's Fork, all OF
which, and more, will doubtless, in view
of the immense emigration flowing into
Kansas. rapidly fill up, and, ere long,
become commercial and important places
Yours, &C., COSMOPOLITE.