Smyrna times., 1855-07-04

Indlly Tic udy loI uuI uepdIIuIO dllAFCu P"S-
sengers began to assemble, and the black
wreaths of smoke issuing from the stack pipes,
and, at regular intervals, the tap of the parting
bell fell upon the ears of some of our party
with great regret, as the parting hand OF near
and dear friends was, for the last time in all
probability to be grasped. While we were
waiting as we have stated, we were consoled
that each day, by the increase of verdure,
would give new life and beauty to our journey.
But the time now having fully arrived, we
loosened our moorings and embarked on our
Kansas expedition on the 9th of April The
passengers crowded upon the hurricane deck as
much as possible, to take the last view of the
Queen City.
| The Ohio, owing to its comparative gentle
current and the stability of it's channel, is call
ed the "Queen River of the West" 1t flows
in deep ravine, the recipient for the waters
from the hilltops, which hem its edges on either
side. Numerous vineyards on the north or
Ohio side, beautifully laid out, on the slOping
hillside, being cultivated with so much taste
and care, together with humble and neat cot
tages standing upon the river Shore enliven the
scene. The forest trees were just beginning
to look green when we started, but as we pro-
ceeded, our course running southwark, the
! foliage was observed to be more advanced. The
country became more lovely as we bordered on
Indiana. Illinois, in some parts, was quite low.
Kentucky gradually partook of the change, yet
something higher and more broken. We en-
tered the Mississippi at daylight on the goth; !;
many passengers requested, the last thing be-
fore retiring, to be called, that they might wit
ness the exit and the scenery. 1t. however,
was most too dim for the latter; in due time
we noticed that the leaves upon the hickory
and the oak were full grown, and the blossom
on the honey-locust and the dog-wood were at
. full meridian the rich colors of the peach tree
blossom, which we left on Buckeye soil, had
vanished away, and corn, scarcely covered with
the sod there, was here shooting forth two
blades.
We now directed our attention to the great
and praiseworthy river upon which we were
gliding. The banks were low and sandy, with
| timber standing Immediately on the brink, as
it were, ready to precipitate Its entire into
the rapid, turbulent stream at its feet. The
water is unusually thick and muddy, rushing on
in torrents, seething from the very bowels OF
the silicious body beneath its bed,with an ever
moving channel, (where it is to-day it may not
be to-morrow,) not unfrequently precipitatipg
l. IL 3 ..:.l
out respect to the owner or regard for the law
carrying hidden obstacles Of timber and placing
them as if preparing for destruction of the
boats sailing upon its waters The freshets
. often cut away islands and encroach upon the
the banks, mostly the Illinois sde-it being
the fattest and most destitute of rocks B,
the way, neither side for seventy-fve mile:
from the mouth of the OHIO, presented scarcel,
+. a single bluff: The land appears to have beer
. heightened by deposits from the river, at differ
, ent Notwithstanding to its excess SO arr
r corresponding depressions on the bottom-lanC
: registered. The Missouri side presented som,
{ very fine sights. One curiosity, one hundrel
and twenty-five miles from the Ohio, is thu
: DEVILS Tea Table "a natural wonder--t
!; table set upon pedestal on the side of beau
= tiful bluff. There are also several caves an
e one isolated sugar-loaf rock standing at tn
!, waters edge. On either side at this distanc
2 up the river, are high hanks and precipices, bu
o none can be dignifed with the name of noun
i tain. Sabbath on the Mississippi was sper
o with divine service. Time passed, and fou
,r days landed us at st. Louis, where we RENAME
e two days, owing to the want of pilot for tn
" Missouri river. Our time here was occupied
J. looking at the city. At first sight the impre
sion is uniavorable for anything else than bus
le ness. That portion lying on the river W,
r built by the French. who prefer narrow stree
e and we think they must have been fully sa
le isfed here in this regard, for in some of tt
m streets two drays can scarcely pass each 9th
r without intruding on the sidewalks. Up ii
re- city, as high as Sixth street, commences Il
~. American portion of the mart, where the
Re is more stirring. Some rich and handson
I'M structures here meet the gaze. In a word, v
n could scarcely think we were in.a Weste
te Mississippi city. We found several of o.
;te Delaware friends here, whom, it is needless
n. say, we were glad to see.
ae Having at length obtained pilot, we resur
~. ed our journey for the Missouri river. Heari
;os SO much said about the difficulties in navigat
Of that river. we imagined it to be quite SIN
body of water, especially at this season of t
The year; but, after travelling it some distance,
~. were convinced otherwise. II is sand stree
ern beyond doubt; and, flowing as it does throu
r.l sandy country, is constantly washing Q
ity. changing the channel-or, more prope
EN-. speaking, dividing and sub-dvidng it. Sor
dav times. the width of the river, from shore
mes shore, would be a mile and half, or me
oour whilst between, were as high as three respec
Bile sized Islands, thus DIVIDING t,e water