The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1855-02-09
U A friend has furnished US the follow.
Ing sketch, written, as he says, from mem
ory:-
Massachusetts, Emigrant Aid Company.

On the evening Of the Slst ult. We listen.
ed to very able and interesting exposition
Of the objects and plans Of this Company
given by Messrs. Branscomb and Thayer, at
Central Hall in this town.
Mr.. B. was understood to say that tneir
object was to promote emigration from the
free States to Kanzas, and thus to secure
that beautiful Territory to freedom. They
propose to do this in way to benefit both
emigrants and themselves. He illustrated
the manner in which this was TO be done by
giving an account Of the settlement Of Law.
renee in Kanzas. This city was named after
Amos Lawrence. A charming site for this
city was selected. 1t was situated on the
right side Of the Kanzas river, and is two
miles square. The river is three hundred
yards wide at this place. Back Of the city
is high hill, called Capitol Hill. The
summit Of this hill affords the most magnif-
cent prospect imaginable. Rolling prairies
Of unlimited extent, interspersed with
streams and long lines Of forest trees, lay
spread out, in oil directions, before the be-
holder.
The Association had run the land out for
streets, parks and building lots; the last
100 by lbs ieet each. The company pay
the Government for all their land, and re-
serve for their own use only one.iourth part
OF these lots. To these lots alone they look
for remuneration for all their expenses and
services in behalf Of emigrants. The other
lots are oil to be given To emigrants, who
will 60 there and build on them within a
specified time,- one lot to each. Each
settler is entitled to take up and hold l6O
acres, Zone quarter section) Of government
lands, besides his city lot. The quarter
section would cost the emigrant one dollar
and twenty-five cents the acre, to DO paid
when the land shall have been run out to
lime. which he thought would DO in about
two years. The company make contracts
for the transportation Of emigrants and for
supplies on the journey, at reduced prices.
They send out an agent with each party,
70 protect them against imposition - to
guard them from mistakes. The slavehold.
'rs make business Of discourasing and
:urning them back. A few had been fright.
med away before they had reached the
erritory. Some were told that the people
II Lawrence were in state Of starvation
',hsrs that they must 20 well armed with
'owie knives and revovlers il they ventured
here. He represented Genl Stringfellow
s one Of these DULLES. He knew this
reature. He represented him as swag-
ering. profane, unprincipled rowdy, man
hat had threatened him with what would
Q done If free emigrants went to Kauzas,
at had fulfilled none Of his threats. Mr..
!. said the Shareholders had publicly offered
bounty on Thayer's head but it was all
asconade, designed to irishten only. There
as not the least danger. He said the
,mpauy had made ample provision for the
migrants rs they arrived. They had $50
'nis to lot, il they went unprovided. That
Dor is in demand there, common hands got
| so per day mechanics SO so to s. 90.
he cost Of an emigrant from Boston, was,
st season, SOS, besides his board on tho
ay. Time occupied in going, ! to 10 days.
he ts'ciaiion have erected in Lawrence Q