The Richmond Indiana palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1854-1855, 1855-03-02
Volume XIV.
CONVERSATIONS.
For the Palladium
Sketches from Kansas No. ).

For the Palladium.
Sketches from kansas No. 5.
have Just returned from visit to the far fam
cd eity of Lawrence, where I spent the sabbath;
and perhaps passing description of the place
NAV not be unaccept tble to your readers. The
Kansas river is running nearly due south, and
makes almosta square turn 10 the east; and just
q this turn, the south side of the river. is the
ste Of the present buildings, or rather shsntes
and sod houses. There is ledge of rock run
ming out into the river, and it will have to be
moved before they can have good landing. The
bank rises pretty abruptly to the height of thirty
feet, perhaps, and forms beautiful ridge or
mound, lying endwise to the river. and falling
awav towards the hills, about half mile dis
tant, at the foot of which the land is much low
er than near the river, the mound the pres
ent population are located; at its western dechvIy
there is rayine running parallel with It, and be
yond this is a scope of beautiful table land, OF
considerable extent To the east and south east
lies district Of beautiful undulating prairie. about
five miles across, and terminating on the Waha-
rusa river
One of the most distinguishing features Of Law
renee. consists in the lofty range of hills, which
commences in the south cf the town plat, and
stretches away to the west, in naked and posing
grandeur. being destitute of trees or shrubs
One point, called Dread Mount. approaches near
the present buildings, and is dedicated to purpo-
ses Of education, and the work of erecting sem
mary there is already commenced Directly
south Of this is Capital HILL designed for public
buildings; and west of this is College Hill, where
college grounds have been laid out. The pros
pect from these points is truly picturesque, the
view extending many miles in every direction.
There is said to be something over hundred
dwellings, in the city, Of which log
cabins; some framed and weather boarded with
clapboards but large number constructed
of prairie sod, Some Of these are perpendicular
walls, with board roofs, but the larger number
are made by setting rafers on the ground, thatch
ing them with prairie hay, and laying this
covering of sod Many of these dwellings look
SO little like human habtations, that one is CON
stantly reminded of the winter stores Of fruits
and vegetablce in older countries. Two
or three of these sod houses are used as hotels,
and in one of them, our friend w. II. GooDE, of
Richmond. was holding quarterly meeting, du-
ring visit The room was lined with muslin
and ioored with saw dust and presented some
thing both of air Of novelty and comfort
Through the centre long dining table, and
side was long row of berths for sleeping.
A steam mill is in active operation. There
two stores and three newspapers, all devoted
to freedom; some half dozen more of lawyers,
several doctors, and some five or six preachers.
The population numbers at present about four
hundred pretty good beginning within six
months after pitching the first tent
Unfortunately for Lawrence, there has been
from the first, contending factions among the peo
pie, and they manages to keep up fever OF excite
ment about all the time, and the excitement is
waxing hotter and hotter, in view of the approach
ing election for the Legislature.
The census of Kansas Territory is now being
taken and when the returns all in, new ar
rangement Of districts will be made, and a proc
lamation issued for the election, which will be
about the middle of next month. The governor
is having the census taken different plan from
any ever taken before. 1t will show the name
and age of every man, woman and child, white
and black, in the territory, the State they came
from and whether they are natives of the United
States
The Missourian's are again preparing to come
down upon us like an avalanche, at the election,
but shall be prepared for them, at least better
than were before The Governor assured me.
a few days ago, that we would have legislature
elected by the people of Kansas. or would
have none. and that he would furnish man
with certificate of election who might be elected
b. imported votes. The ides of March are
looked to here with feelings of the most profound
interest.
Our Governor has come out nobly the side
of freedom. He openly avowed himself
in favor of making Kansas free. and pledged
himself TO do all he promote that end. He i:
truly gentleman of noble mind. is evinced
by the calm manner In which he bides the storm
of vile abuse that is spending its fury his head
from the pro slavery press.
The of freedom is daily growing in
strength, the sterling hosts of liberty are contin-
ually increasing in number. and every blow the
enemy strikes gives an impetus 10 the good work
The pro-slavery party. and especially the press
have got to that point where they destroy their
own influence. But a desperate struggle is be
fore US. and every true friend of freedom should
buckle on his armor for the conflict. for verify
glorious victory awaits US, if faint not.
Within the past month we have had some heavy
snow, and two weeks of pretty cold weather. bu
II Is now mild again. and we consider that winter
is nearly over.
RICHARD NDENHA
Kansas Territory, 2d mo. IS. 1855.