The Kansas herald of freedom., 1857-01-10
Communications.
Letter from Brownville.

BRowsv1LLE, K. T., Dec. %, 1856.
FRIEND BRowN II suppose it il
rather late for the usual Christmas
compliments, so I'll just omit them
but, as New Year is now close al
hand, l wish you one of the happiest
New Years you ever experienced. And
happy new year may it indeed prove
to the inhabitants of Kansas, one and
all; for the year mast has brought
enough of sorrow. to very many oi
them, for whole lifetime.
I presume you have been celebrat-
ing Christmas, in Lawrence, as mat
ter ofcourse; but don't allow yourself
to suppose you have all the good
things down in the city. No, indeed.
I ana going to inform you what was
done in the way of keeping Christmas
by the people of our settlement
away up on the Wakarusa.
We came to a unanimous conciu-
sion, that, though the times are rather
hard and future prospects not as bright
as might be desirable, we would try
to forget our cares for a time, and
have a general jubilee. Not in honor
of Buchanan, by any means; but just
to show that we are not quite subdued
yet, and will enjoy ourselves. if We
choose.
There was a house containing two
large rooms, which happened to be
unoccupied, and that we engaged for
our place meeting. The day proved
to be as propitious as though oldWin-
ter had an inkling of our designs. and
favored us accordingly. In the morn
ing, a number of gentlemen formed
themselves into voluntary committee
of arrangements, to build fires, pre-
pare tables, and get things fixed up
generally. Soon after dinner, the
neighbors from all around began COM
ing in, and the big baskets, too,-
giving an idea of a good time coming.
In due time, we had two long tables
plentifully spread with as good sup
per as could be desired in Kansas, or
anywhere else. A friend present said
he really had no idea there were so
many goodies" in the Territory. 1t
was fine occasion to "bring out the
resources. The house, by supper
time, was crowded with hungry ex-
pectants. all ready to do full justice TO
the abundance provided; and after ali
were satisfied, enough remained to fill
several baskets with fragments.
Supper disposed of, candles were
brought in; and the remainder of the
evening passed in the enjoyment Of
music, conversation, fun, dc. A fine
melodeon had been brought in, which,
with a skilful performer, and . num-
Der of vocalists, contributed much to
the amusement of the company. One
of the gentlemen proposed, for q toast:
"Ize Bachelors of Ransas-May their
number be less And could you
have seen the pretty girls who graced
the festival, you weuld have thought |
that if the bachelor ranks we're not |
it would be their own fault. |
In short, all-young and oid-seemed
10 enjoy themselves to the utmost;
and when we separated, the general
exclamation was, .Whst pleasant |
Tine we've hadt' to which tkere was
40 dissenting voice.
So much for Christmas in one Kan
as settlement; and IL II can be beat
" any other Of No larger sizc,I shonld
Ike to hear of it-that's all.
Perhaps ! ought to add, that,
'hougL the inhabitants of this neigh
,orhood have not been behind in In
crest in the sfairs and troubles of the
,sst Summer, and hare been called |
way repeatedly to assist others, yst
re have pssbably suffered less than
limost any other settlement. No /
3order Rufkans have eysr molssted Us
q any way; aud, were Il not for the
General stsenafion cf business, cur
own would hs psespsEing fnss3<-al
Sc hare ; very Sig 1hIe sitrstiep. s