The north Iowa times. [volume] (M'Gregor [i.e. McGregor], Iowa) 1856-1857, 1857-03-13

lew weeks ago win a letter IrOiu our
friend ~. s. H. with promise Of con-
tinuation. Below will be found a second
interesting communication
EDITOR OF THE TINES:
- My last communication stopped short
on the prairie West Of Clermont. Bust
ness engagements since that letter was
written, have prevented me from giving
tostheareaders Of the TfNss q further des1
cription Of our journey. But now we
proceed towards West Union. I was
greatly pleased with the general appear
ance Of the country between Clermont and
West Union. Itappears in every respect
admirably adapted for farming purposes.
Here are beautiful undulating prairies
belted and interspersed with groves of
tall, thrifty timber, and what is of still
more importance, the God Of Nature has
blessed all this region with pure living
streams and springs, many, of them we'll
ing up from the earth FIVE Or six hundred
feet above the levelof the Mississippi
It may be proper to, remark here, that
your correspondent has had something to
say and to do in the construction Of Rail
Roads for the past four years, and Rail
49,
Roads being the principal topics Of the
day, thas sometimes been suggested that
the enterprise ofshe Nc Gregor, St. Peters
& Missouri River r. r. Co.,, was prcma-
ture. But in my opinion the surplus pro-
ductions and wealth of that portion OF
Iowa that must be tributary to the road,
will demand and will build it from the
Mississippi to the Missouri. within the
next FIVE years, if prudently managed
Of this there can be no doubt on the part
of any one who is acquainted with the
thorough and energetic men who are at
the helm; prudent, far-seeing, high
minded men, whose business experience
and sagacity, are unsurpassed, and must
ensure the success of the enterprise
. But to return from this digression.-
We proceeded on cur journey at our usual
speed. and soon came in sight Of the
beautiful town of West Union, the County
Seat Of Fayette County, which is forty
miles West from McGregor. This town
is pleasantly situated, the northern part
of it is on a beautiful eminencc overlook :
ing aprairie nearly all of which appears
to be under, cultivation. The Southern
part of the town is in the midst ola beau
tiful grove Of oaks, among which are in
terspersed many neat and comfortable
dwellings which are so hidden by the trees
that they would escape the attention of
the careless observer. The population is
at least eleven hundred mostly first class
eastern families Every thing about the
village bears the appearance Of thrift and
prosperity, and above every other con-
sideration, the moral and social character
of the community most pleased me-
There are three neat Churches, and well
conducted schools which make the place
a desirable one for the residence Of fami-,
lies who appreciate such privileges. ts
We stopped at the American House,
which was built last year at cost Of ten
or twelve thousand dollars and is kept by
the owner, Mr.. James Irwin. Here also,
we were well pleased with our accommo-
dations and the polite attentions Of the
yentlemanly clerk.
Directly opposite the American Hotel,
IN the highest ground in the village. are
situated the County Buildings. The
Court House is large brick building and
when fully completed and the Public
Square enclosed according to the design,
will be an ornament to the village.
! Arriving here early in the afternoon of
Ian. 5th. we had good time and oppor-
unity to explore the village and become
acquainted with its advantages. West
Union, we are sure, must become an i'm
,ortant inland town, Independently of any
Rail Road advantages yet we consider it
yery important to the highest prosperity
# the place. to secure some R. r. con-
lection. tdy sgd IS 2tg.
, Monday Morning, Jan. 6.
Alto An. we proceeded on our West
ward Journey We and our horses were
veil prepared for rapid travelling by the
and entertainment which had
,een provided for US by the worthy host
f the American. The wind having blown
Turing the night. the road was SO filled
With snow that it was quite impossible to
ind the travelled track after passing the
illsge limits.~saIn consequence, we miss
d the road and instead of going directly
0 Fredericksburgh as we had intended,
ore off to the North West, and came to