Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1856-07-05
LETTER FROM MINNESOTA.

st. Paul, M r., March 81, 1856.
Bro. WlsE:-With yo1r permission l would
like to answer briefly. though very partially, a
thousand and one questions, that Il vast amount
of private letters constantly propoundng.-
many of these letters from old friends whom
very highly esteem, and could it be done, it
would afford me the greatest pleasure to CORES
pond with them individually in reference to this
country and emisrating to it; but their number
wholly forbids it. The necessity of refusing
such favor cannot dsappoint them more than
it pains me. hope none will feel neglected; |
am glad to hear from them, and will try and
give them all the information that will be Of
much Importance.
Persons contemplating 4 removal to new
country, wish to ask multitude Of questions,
In 'ec- fourths Of which in the end would be oe no
il ruliy answered. They do not know what
to do, and they would not ifany should tell them.
1t is only actual experience that can teach people
how to shift for themselves in new country
Some general information will be ali that can be
of essential service. Our New England minis
ters can know but very little of western Cir
cult preachers life. We have but few stations,
aud it is only the men who have travelled cir
cults of 80 and 100 miles in extent in Il new
country that do know. They have learned that
there is all the difference between a western
circuit AMI IN eastern station, that there is be-
tween an itincratc preacher aud Il cersyman.-
1t is true the itinerate would find in Minnesota
better class of people, and of course better fare
than formerly has been the case in the west
Still, brethren coming here must expect hardships
and trials, such as they do not meet with in the
east. But if they love labor and love souls they
cln be borne, and all in the end will come out
right.
Ia reference to other classes Of people who
write me, AIN sometimes at i loss what to say.
transplantns trees. Remove them from the poor
est soil to the very best, and it comes hard on
them for year or two, until they get rooted
again. know our New En- gland people so well,
and whit they must 80 through to sett tie on u
claim in til, West, that have always felt hes
itancy in holding out the real in lucements that
exist for them TO come. If they would but come,
and act like men, rcsolutc, reelcting men, and
as Others do, go 10 cork and make them home,
then, were many Of them to come here and 20
back into the country twenty, forty and sixty
miles, and SEQ how folks live, they would turn
right ar ound, and if possible, take the first boat
home. Like Piiable' in Bunyan's s. PROGRESS"
they would feel g if they could but get out with
their lives others might possess the brave coun-
try for them" and desperate would be their
struggles to get out on the side next their own
house." This is the way many in our colony did,
and Others will likely do the same. No matter
how beautiful the country, how rich the soil, how
bright the sun, or how abundant the resources of
nature around them. it is no place for them, too
much away from everybody and everything.
There are now u multitude of claims that three
years ago lay at the feet of our colony that
would now sell for one, two, and three thousand
dollars. They could not see it then, ne,u con,ers
do not now. but the same thing will be the result
in an equally short time. But to answering
questions.
Improved farms are for sale, and can be bought
for some thirty to seventy five dollars per acre,
convenient to large towns. Claims with small
improvements upon them may be purchased from
five to fifteen hundred dollars. These include
one hundred and sixty acres. Wild lands, three
miles say, from st. Paul, sell rs high as from
six to twenty-five dollars per acre.
Common lumber costs about SIS per NJ. Shin
giles IS. Flooring and siding dressed, $3O.-
Teamins is in good demand-thcre is always
plenty to do in this line, and pays well. Our
markets here furnish, at small advance on Eas-
tern prices, everything that is needed in civilized
life. Persons coming here, better move no heavy
freight Bedding, personal apparel and the like,
will pay for moving.
The price Of live stock may be put down about
as fellows: medium horse, one hundred and
fifty dollars. fair yoke of oxen, the same.
Good cows, fifty dollars.
We have markets for all the product. of the
farm everywhere among Us. And good markets
will never be wanting for these. When not
wanted at home, there will be outlets in abun-
dance.
Potatoes are now selling at sixty cents, will
quite likely be a dollar by planting time. Oats
elghty cents. Corn one dollar and quarter.
Wheat two dollars. Butter twenty-five cents.
Cheese about the same. Milk sells in the sum-
mer from five to six cents per quart in the win
ter, from eight to ten-wine measure. Those
wishing to come here and engage in the milk
trade, please address the writer, and a personal
reply shall be given.
There are two marble yards in St. Paul. For
the present the business is small. These are the
only ones think in the Territory. An immense
quantity Of stone work 10 done here. Stone cut.