The Kansas herald of freedom. [volume] (Wakarusa, Kan. Territory) 1854-1860, 1855-05-12
First Winter in Kansas.

uuIlldHlIi.
First Winter in Kansas.
We find the following letter in an ex-
change, from clergyman in this Ter
ritery, to friend in the East. 1t has but
just come under our observation:
"Details of travel and labor, of success
ses and disappointments, with alternate
hopes and fears, as to final results in mat
ters which interest and excite the public
mind, reports of daily, weekly, and
monthly progress, and confident declara-
tions as to the future, these things, how
ever much desired by private correspon-
dents or by readers of periodicals, are not
always practicable, and it may be doubt
full whether they are always profitable.
As l have said before, | write princi-
pally for the benefit of intended emf
grants. A crisis has passed. '.The
winter is over and gone" How are the
squatters? Have they starved out, per-
ished with cold, or been swept away by
diseases the first winter? Have they
been driven away by the sayages of their
own race, or another? Are they weeping
at their lot, and signing for their former
homes and comforts? In what has the
experiment of the first winter in Kansas
resulted? These inquiries cannot fail to
interest every one who thinks of making
Kansas his future home. Let factsspeak:
WEATHER-The winter has been de-
lightful. No rain worth mentioning, no
mud, few cloudy days, air balmy and
refreshing. Flowing or any ordinary
outdoor work performed, children play
ing in the open air as in spring, many
cattle and ponies wintered without feed
ing. This is general description. Now
and then the clouds gather and the wind
sweeps furiouslv over the vast plains, but
generally subsidies in "a hours. On Jan.
90 we had snow storm, an extraordina-
ry one for this country. This was fol-
lowed by a week of sharp weather, grad
ually moderating to the usual tempera
ture. Another squan came up On the
99d of February. followed BIZ a like keen
spell; just winter enough to brace the sys
tenn. l desire no better climate for win
ter comfort.
HEALTH.-The health of the settlers
has been almost uninterrupted. Very few
deaths have occurred; and in travelling
somewhat extensively, / have not met a
single case of severe disease. The uni
form appearance is that ofgeneral health;
| have met with several ladies who came
to the Territory feeble and delicate, and
have been restored to fine health. | know
two physicians of experience and intelli-
gence, who give it as their decided opin-
ion that the dry bracing atmosphere of
Kansas is favorable to the recovery of
persons afflicted with bronchitis and sim
liar complaints; and both of them were
themselves personally diseased in the
same way. l can myself bear testimony
to the testimony of Kansas climate, or
Kansas life, or of the two united,
in dyspepsia. Now, I don't want
to fill up the country with invalids. espe-
cially of the dyspeptic class; but Kansas
certainly is healthy, if we may credit
either the testimony or the appearance of
the men, women, and children who have
wintered here.
FARE.-After all the predictions of
want and suffering that were uttered in
the ears of emigrants on their way, have
not heard ofa single case of starvation; l
have not met with a single case of actual
suffering or want In Kansas. True, pro-
visions have been purchased at high
rates and hauled a great distance; but the
settlers have uniformly, as have observ
ed, had both the means and the foresight
to provide in advance. The bill of fare
is generally simple, but all bear testimony
of an increase of appetite, and all have
enough; and nowhere have / witness
ed more domestic neatness and skill, nor
more genuine and cheerful hospitality,
than in the cabins and shanties of Kan
sas 1t is not Mr.. Boynton's "learning
to be comfortable without comforts
there are some actual comforts. Thesoil
of Kansas is expected to yield a large por-
ton of the supplies for another winter.
STATE OF SocIETY.-The character of
settlers is, of course, various; but sup
pose no section of the Union has COM
menced its career with more intelligent,
virtuous, and energetic class of people,
than are found here. Settlers have, to a
greatextent, grouped themselves together
in neighborhoods, according to moral
and social affinities, or as previous ac-
quaintance or relationship dictated; and
the newcomer may select society to his
liking No where have / addressed a
more interesting congregation than in this
Territory. A number of common schools
viii be opened next summer.
ARE THE SETTLERS SATIsFrED?-With-
out an exception, SO far as know. If
there is a thought of returning in their
hearts, they do not whisper it. Some fee
at first sight, or even without sight; but
those who have made trial of one win
ter seem cheerful, and full of vigor and
expectation.
So much for the first winter in Kansas.
I urge none to come, but these are the
facts ashley now exist.