Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1855-04-20
MistsIIameoms
First Winter in Kansa.. > ),

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First Winter in Kansas. -
We extract the following from
letter written by Rev. VIM. H. Goode.
It gives quite favorable account Of
the climate and general condition of
emigrants in that newly settled terri
tory: -s t..... 81 ..s->
A crisis has passed. The winter is
over and gone. How fare the squat
ters? Have they starved out, perish
ed with cold, or been swept away by
disease the FIRST winter? Have they
been driven away by savages of their
own race or another? Are they repining
at their lot and signing for their former
homes and comforts? In what has the
experiment ofthe first winter in Kansas
resulted? These inquiries can not fell
to interest every one who thinks ofma-
king Kansas his future home. Let facts
speak.
WEATHER.
The winter has been delightful
No rain worth mentioning, no mud,
few cloudy days. air balmy and re-
freshing: plowing or any ordinary out
door work performed, children laying
in the open air. as in spring, many
ponies and cattle wintered without
feeding. This is a general description.
Now and then the clouds gather and
the wind sweeps furiously over the vast
plains, but generally subsidies in twen.
ty-four hours. On January Goth we
had snow storIl, an extraordinary
one for this country. This was follow
ed by week Of sharp weather. gradu-
ally moderating to the usual tempcra-
ture.. Another squall came up on the
22d Of February, followed by alike
keen spell; just winter enough to brace
the system. / desire no better climate
for winter comfort. ~
tIt HEALTH. Ht
The health of the settlers has been
Utmost uninterrupted. Very few deaths
have occurred; in travelling somewhat
extensively l have not met a single
case Of severe disease. The uniform
appearance is that Of vigorous health.
/ have met with several ladies who
came to the territory feeble and deli
cate, and have been restored to fine
health. l know two physicians Of
experience aud intelligence, who give
il as their decided opinion that the dry,
bracing atmosphere Of Kansas is favor
able to the recovery OF persons affect
ed with bronchitis, and similar COM
plants; and both of them were them
selves personally diseased In that way
/ can myself bear testimony to the ell
cheney Of Kansas climate, or Of Kansas
life, Of the two united. in dyspepsia.
Now, / don't want TO GIL up the coun-
try with invalids, especially Of the
dyspeptic class; but. Kansas certainly
is healthy, five 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 ard
suffering that were uttered in the ears
Of emigrants on their way, Ihave not
met with single case Of actual suffer-
ing or want in Kansas. True, provis.
ions have been purchased at high rates
and hauleda great distance; but the
settlers have uniformly, so far as have
observed, had both the means and the
foresight to provide in advance. The
bill OF fare is generally simple, but all
bear testimony 10 an increase Of appe-
tite, and all have enough. And new
er anywhere have witnessed more
domestic neatness and skill, nor more
genuine and cheerful hospitality than
In the cabins and shantics Of Kansas.
II is not Mr.. Boynton's cleaning to
be comfortable without comforts"---
there are some actual comforts. The
soil ofTansas is expected to yield a
large portion oi the supplies for anoth-
er winter.
STATE OF SOCIETY.
The character Of settlers Is, of course
various; but suppose no section ofthe
Union has commenced It's career with
a more intelligent, virtuous, and ener-
gctic class Of people than are found
here. Settlers have, to a great ex.
tent, grouped themselves together in
nelghborhoods, according 10 moral and
social affinities, or as previous acquain.
tance and relationship dictated; and
the newcomer may celect society 10
his liking. Nowhere have l address
cd n more interesting congregation
than In this territory. A number Of
common schools will bc opened next
summer.
There Is quite n number Of profes-
sors Of religion, or different persuas-
ions. The Methodist Episcopal Church
will be represented, both in numbers
and character. Local preachers, ex.
horters, stewards, and leaders of ex-
perience and worth are here. II Ia
cheering indeed. TO meet the same
countenances, TO hear pious responses
from the same lips, and transact the
business Of quarterly conference
with the same faithful brethren tina,
have surrounded US in kindred scenes
IN other days and other lands. ! have
attended one furneral. 1t was that o.
a pious and prominent citizen Of Law
renee. The services were in small
shanty occupied by the family; tho
corpse lay in one adjoining. A large
concourse stood around. 1t was Sab
bath afternoon. A brief discourse wal
made: n beautiful and appropriate
piece of music was impressively sung