The Belmont chronicle, and farmers, mechanics and manufacturers advocate. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1848-1855, 1855-01-12
Correspondence Of the Chronicle.
PEORIA, III. Jan. end 1855.


Mr. EDIToR-
Having little leisure at command, and
not knowing what else to do, thought
would note down few of the ncide nts,
views and thoughts encountered and presen-
ted since left the good old "fnshed town"
of st. Clarsville.
jumped aboard the cars at Wheeling,
and after passing with lightn ing like rapidi-
ty along deep valleys, now above the tree
tops aud anon through dark tunnels--through
dense forests Of giant trees that have bid de-
liance to the tempests for centuries, and over
wide and beautiful prairies, | found myself in
the tlsurshing city of Chicago. The growth
of this city in population and commerce is al
most unparalleled. But the navigation Of
the Lakes being now closed, the business of
| the city is not near so extensive as at other
seasons oc the year. need however say
nothing to your readers about Chicago.
From Chicago, passed over the Chicago
and Rock Island rail road to Morris, :he
county seat Of Grundy CO. I'll. This is
flourishing town, rapidly increasing in popu-
lalion, and pleasantly situated on the North
bank OF the Illinois river, with the Illinois
canal and the Chicago and Rock Island raj
road passing through it. The country a.
round this place is excellent. 1t is, as a
farming country think, all things consider.
ed, aim ost unsurpassed. The lay Of the land
is good, the soil very easily cultivated, and
for fertility il is not exceled. Settlers are
fast coming in, and are of an intelligent, en-.
terprising character. Land can be purcha-
sel here now at very cheup rates, but think
this cannot long be the case. | spent sew
eral days in this part of the country. Here,
for the first time in my life, saw prairie
on fire. In the East, people will flock by
thousands to see artificial fire works. But
no exhibition Of this kind which the artfice
or ingenuity Of man can invent is to be com.
pared to prairie on fire. The line sof the
hre was said to be about mile and one half
in length. 1t appeared to me to be much
more extensive. The whole Southern hori-
zon seemed to be one blaze OF light. AS it
loomed up,and was reflected from the clouds,
ard the dark columns OF smoke as it ascendcd
the scene was grand beyond description. I
have seen the wild deer fly nimbly and grace.
fully over the wide prairies. In company
give chase to q wolf. We met him on the
open prairie, and made at him full tilt. We
soon however brought up smack into slough,
when We concluded il most expeCient to give
over the chase.
While in Norris was honored by an in
vitatiOn to Christmas Ball at the Hopkins
House; which Of course accepted. This is
u very good house and does honor to the
place. They get up such parties here on
Democratic principles. Every body 10 invi-
ted, and everybody attends. They seem to
discard those invdous and senseless class
| dis tinctions, which We are SO apt to meet
with farther East. Every thing was got up
in good style and went oil well. No impro-
preties, and no drinking. A more intell-
gent company, or company of handsomer
and more social, easy and graceful ladies in
thsir manners, it has seldom been my fortune
to meet with.
From Morris | next went to Lasalle and
Peru. These two heretofore rival cities,
promise soon to drop their rivalry, by having
their two sepera:e IDENTITIES merged into one,
They are only separated by ravine, and are
now almost one continuous city. This is
the head of navigation on the Illinois river,
at the junction Of the Illinois canal with the
river. The Chicago g. Rock Island rail road
also passes through these places. A great
amount of business is done here, which is
still increasing. The country around is very
similar to that Of Grundy CO. We Belmont
ers have been in the habit of thinking Bridge
port the muddest place in "al creation" but
Bridgeport can't begin to compete with La.
sale and Peru in the plentifulness OF that
article.
From thence came next to Peoria. This
city is beautifully situated on the Military
Tract rail road, at the Southern extremity OF
Lake Peoria. II is aourishing, business
city. There are few places in the West
more attractive to the stranger. 1t is reg
ularly laid out, with broad and commodious
streets. Many of the private residences in
the city and just back of it on the bluff, over
looking the city and the lake, are handsome
and tasteful. The day is warm and pleasant,
and Ihave just returned from stroll, almost
enchanted with the prospect.
In conclusion, would say to our young
men. OF whatever occupation or profession.
your chances are better in the West, than in