The Kansas herald of freedom., 1855-02-10

Ter, +" How grandi What g1orious ecun
try |" Far 70 the south was the line o
timber pointing out the path of the Wa
karusa-a little rivulct now. but soon
when swollen with the spring rains, to b
mighty, impetuous river, coursing 1t
way onward to join the Kansas below
Lawrence. Nearer rises high mound
named, probably on account of its i'm
posing appearance and lofty grandeur
Webster Peak. To the north lays tht
valley of the Kansas, with its rich bot
toms and heavy forests. All the inter
mediate country, for many miles in ex-
tent, is one of the most rich and rolling
prairies that ever beheld. 1t cannot
be long ere the hand of industry and skill
will convert this lovely country into an
Eden. Two and half miles further
brought us into the Potawatomie country;
and though the Indian title is as vet a
bar to the settlement of this rich and
beautiful country, it is thought that this
obsssie will be removed during the pres
ent, or early in the next session Of Con-
gress. When this reserve shall be open
there will be some fine opportunities for
-emption; and it viii add greatly to
the prospects of the city last mentioned.
After entering the reserve, a drive of hall
anhour, and wecame suddenly around the
point of hill upon quite an Indian vii
lage, where is located the Baptist Mis-
sion; and as it was now getting to be
quite late dinner time, We began TO anti
cipate the luxury of sitting down to a
good meal. We were also rejoiced to see
such abundant supplies for our animals,
as they were probably in more needy
condition than ourselves. With conf
dence we applied to the proprietor at the
Mission house, but found it difficult to
get even word out of him, much less
anything more substantial, and were ab-
solutely compelled to turn our faces west
ward in the, same condition that we arriv-
ed, with number of miles before us ere
We could reach any place of relief. What
could nave been, the cause of such a
course toward US, | cannot say. l only
know the fact and if there is occasion
for any of us to travel in that direction
again, We shall be very likely to give the
place a wide berth. The Mission, learn,
is under the care of a private society in
Kentucky, or Tennessee, forget which ;
the buildings are in a most dilapidated
state, there being scarcely window with
out several broken lights; and in many
of them most of the lights are gone. We
thought it rather an inhospitable affair
entirely. In about mile further we
crossed the Kansas, at what is called
" Smiths ferry" though there is no fer
ry at present, the water being SO low as
to afford good fording. On the bank OF
the river we saw what might be called a
good specimen of Kansas lumber. 1t
was hewn plank. 80 feet long, 4 feet
wide, and foot thick. This we thought
would compare favorably with down
East lumber. The gentlemanly proprie-
tor of the ferry (when it is a ferry) gave
us direction to Pottawatomie Indians,
where we might find that hospitality
which we failed to find at the Mission
aforesaid and in FIVE miles from the
ferry we found ourselves rather comfort
ably seated, with a liberal supply of fine
white bread and rich milk before us,
while at the same time our jaded animals
were as well supplied with grain and
here you will be kind enough to leave us
without interruption for the present, with
the promise of something further ere
LONG. Y