Smyrna times., 1855-07-04

and preparing his own supper, quietly reposed
on the wagon. The company proceeded up the
knoll to engage lodging at Mr. H. S, whoagreed
to accommodate us, provided each for himself
would select a !" soft plank on the floor, upon
which to repose. As it was the only alterna-
tive in the reServe, all accepted the proposition.
Supper was Immediately ordered, and as many
as could find seats occupied them. For my en-
tertainment gazed about me with an exploring
eye, being, for the first time, in a red mans
house. Two squaws sat closely together con-
versing in the Indian tongue, who soon gave us
their room and retired to the kitchen. The
house measured some 15 by 20 feet, with only
one floor, built of hewed logs, chinked and plas-
tered with lime, and having shed in front and
kitchen in the rear. The furniture consisted
of two beds and steads, half dozen chairs, a
common sideboard and table. On the wall was
hanging an old mirror, by the side of which
was tackled a newspaper upside-down, and
few pictures suspended around in proper posi-
tlOn. In the meantime supper was placed upon
the table. 1t was better than we had expected.
1t consisted of good tea, wheat bread, ham.
fruit and Yankee molasses. After this repast
we indulgcd i'll a long chat and retired for the
night. Ham spoke good English, but was not
very talkatve They were half civilized and
partially enlightened.
The following morning, after breakfast. we
proceed towards Lawrence-the country bear
ing the same aspect, with the addition OF a few
steep hills. Old running streams had dwlpdled
to small Stagnant pools, and the grass, too.
evlnccd signs of unusual thirst. At O'clock
we came to the edge Of the reserve" and in
sight OF Franklin, new place, Of SIX or eight
buildings in ALL situated on a moderate hill
three miles from Lawrence. In Mr.. CABINS
Description Of Kansas, Franklin is set forth as
place OF more Importance than Lawrence, but
1t bears no comparison at present, neither in
attalnmcnts or in anticipation and must, from
its location, being back from the river, remain
Il second-class place.
After short drive, Lawrence City drew in
sight, and greatly disappointed us in its appear
ance. We saw no two hundred dwellings. nor
room to contain its reported two thousand in
habltants-lt reminded us of camp meeting
more than anything else, though there were
not 4 great many canvas tents. | think, at
least One-thlrd Of the houses are made of sod
and prairie grass. There are at this time four
stone buildings in course of erection, and two
new saw-mIlls, soon to go into operation, III ad-
! ftnn 10 fln fIne3-
months. Our company soon separated in DIFF
terentdlrectlons, some looking TOR friends, others
surveying the town, while others sought the
country. Lawrence is fifty miles from Kansas
City by land, and seventy by water, situated on
prairie at beautiful height from the water
with timber on either side, supplied with spring
water from the ravlne, running through the
town plot After remaining here seven days
during which time the spring rains set in anC
the river rose enough for navigation, and oil
Sunday, the 10Th of May, a boat arrived at thi,
port, when all the town, as much for an even
ng's walk as a salu:ation of the first arrival O
the season, assembled on the landing and gave
three cheers, which was heartily returned. L
was said by some to be full representation o
the citizens, which was judged to be five hun
, dred, instead of two thousand. 1t must be re
collected, however, that five months from frs
settlement affords but very little opportunity to
improvements in country so new Lawrenc,
Is now in possession of both the elements an,
} energy, and her destiny will be co-equal witt
her perseverance.
K On the day following, the 2lst, our boat, tn
| Hartford, made her appearance at Lawrenc
a wharf, and we resumed our passage instante
: up the river.
d The scenlcal observations, thus far, for bot
r water and land, were Of the most cheering an
t enllvening aspect. The next day the captai
e moored by the side of beautiful woods nearl
opposite Douglas to remain for another rise {
: the water. The passengers then visited til
: above place and Benecia, just below. The la
i ter has been set on foot for opposition and no,
d contains the most houses and inhabitants, br
y is inferior in location and capital. We ascenc
y ed the river bluffs, to view the surroundin
d country and catch the never-ceasng refreshin
+ breezes. In beauty, this view greatly exceed
d ed our expectations. The undulating prairi
n checkered with woodland in the vallies an
t, ravines, copiously dotted with claimants hol
n ses on every side, waving in the distance till
e meets the insuperabIe azure of the surroundn
ID horizon. At a little distance, visited son
1t New Engianders, who were employed in breal
L. ing the ground--which they can do with OF
E. horse. The soil here differs materially fro
re the old, thck-set prairie sod, which, when in
Us good condition, employs four yoke of oxen
to the plow.' Just above,a party of Indians eros
" ed the river, numbering about seventy, compo
er ed of representatives. from three tribes, on the
d. way to hold council with the Sioux tribe,
lg declare war against the Camanches, who a
ed causing so much difficulty in New Mav;oo n,