Nebraska advertiser., 1856-07-12

ST.. STEPHEN, n. T.,
.Julv 9Th. 1856.

The sun was at its meridian height, as we
into the Ferry-hat and gave three
cheers for ST. Stephen. Time nor space SEEM
ed scarcely to exist, as our intrepid mules bore
rs over the road to the well-known mercantile
house of II. & D.
Having partook of the Ice-water, diluted
with old Bourbon, we resumed our
.iourney-ratheT c~arelessly-and there being no
to point the traveller on his way,
directly found ourselves lost. A monoton-
Gus prairie bottom, thickly set with tall, coarse
grass, lay before US. By the dim twilight, we
discern in the distance a grove of tim
Der; this grove, and a slight trail, was our only
guide. Soon a dense cloud obscdred all APP
pearance of light and threatened to pour a
cooling shower upon our unprotected heads;
when, bya fash of lightning we discovered a
cabin, in which we resolved to camp for the.
night, Notwithstanding it was unoccupied, save
by some peices of bacon, two beds and a soli-
tary house cat. Having gained admission,
which was somewhat ~ ct arms we proceed
ed to prepare supper-a fire was kindled, and
a ham taken down and consumed, in a very
brief space of time. We then retired to our
respective touches, with an alacrity known only
to the weary. Scarcely were we ensconced
quietly on our pallets of straw, when one of
our mules, by a desperate effort, severed the
cord that fastened her, and cantered of, with
out even leaving US a declaration Of her indie
pendence. We did not give her up without
an effort; three times did we surround the
runaway, and three times did she make her
escape By a regular charge, heels foremost
Finding all efforts to capture her unavailing.
we retired, and congratulated ourselves with
the hope of a refreshing sleep and pleasant
dreams. Ere old Sol, the glory of the day;
had sent'his brilliant rays over the horizon, we
were up and preambulating the surrounding
country, in search of the truant descendant oil
John Donkey.
1t was with melancholy ~countenances that
we returned to our camp, that morning; we
had but one mule and knew. not where to pro-
cure another. After mature elaboration, we
concluded to work a man and q mule, and take
It by turns, until we could get a horse. The
prairie was level, the grass high and wet; there
was no road. The scene was supremely re-
diculous as we left camp, and still more Sc
when we drove up to the farm house, owned BY
our old and esteemed friend, Ton. H, who
administered to our wants and necessities, il
the most hospitable manner, and whose geneF
osity viii not be soon forgotten. Here We
were furnished with another horse, and drove
into Brownville without accident or incident
worthy Of netice or comment.
Finding private rooms, in public houses, diff
fcult to obtain, we took up quarters with on
friend McG--, who. entertained us in hi
usual bland and jovial manner, until the larg,
and respectable crowd, which had assembled
in the streets during the morning, formed int
a procession and marched, with martial music
to the stand which had been prepared for th,
occasion. Grey haired veterans and chubby
pracling boys, bright-eyed misses aud ancien
DANES were seated, whilst the young and gal
liant stood around. The order of the day wa
announced by the President. The vocal mu
sic was good, and the ~orstions appropriate an,
entertaining-after which we marched to tn
table, which was loaded with the substantial
and lu1uries of life. Having bountifuIy par
ticipated in.the good things, and satiated a
appetite that had been good, we retired to h
dancing saloon and with the gay and fair, "
"tripped it on. the light fantastic tOe'' unit
"broad daylight" but we didn't go home wit
the girls in the morning, for the very good res
son that We forgot, and took ne note of tim
until we. were far on the road home.
Tony
Perhaps a few "nOtes Of time" kept b
"ToBY's" friends, commencing where he $40