Kenosha tribune & telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1856-1859, 1857-06-25
Correspondence OF the Tribune Telegraph.
A Visit to Minnesota Territory and what
was seen from Railroad, Stage
and Steamboat
ST. PAUL NJ. T., june 90 1857.

4
and the events connected with this same river,
which occurred more than three hundred years
ago, passed in view before
On the west coast of Florida near what is call
ed Tampa Bay in the spring of 1880, might have
been seen an army of more than a thousand
men in full and dashing uniforms These We're
adventures enlisted from different cities of Spain
! and the West Indies. They were mostly mount
ed,and sitting upon their fiery Andalusian horses
as ga y caparsoneG as their riders and the rays Of
a morning sun flashed back from their armours
and trappings, an effulgence seldom seen even
among imperial troops. At the head of this ad-
venturOus band rides chieftan dressed in more
than regal costume. Although kingly in his
person he Wore no crown, and although he gov
erns 10 country, yet his commanding person and
his mien, show that lie was born to rule. Who
IS their leadeT L is none other than the re-
nowncd Fernando de Soto, Spanish chavaer,
who, by his daring intrepidity and gallant gray.
cry, had won for him great fame on both cont.
nents. In the conquest of Peru he took an active
part, and had become rich with the spoils of a
conquered foe. His own Government appoint
sessions in Florida, With sword in hand he
bad carved for himself fame and fortune and he
little thought that there could be any reverse.
The object Of this expedition was to pene-
trate into the interior, in which were supposed
TO exist other nations governed by Incas of i'm.
mense wealth, like those just previously con-
luered in Peru. These they intended to sub
due and strip them of their possessions The
christ of gold, the bane that kills many a noble
aspiration, more pardonable then than now, was
unfortunately the ruling motive in this expedi-
ton; yet De Soto was possessed of many fine
traits of character. He was brave, daring and
chivalrous. Had he lived in another age the
pen of the historian would have recorded deeds
worthy Of his bold arm and daring spirit
Two years passed away, and how changed
were the fortunes Of De Soto and his followers!
His march had been onward III northwesterly
direction, now lost in impenetrable forests, ever
Slades and dismal swamps now battling with
aavaSes, but oftener with enemies more terrible
and fatal disease and death. Still the bold adj
yenturer pushed on until at last he stood with
few wretched followers upon the banks of the
Mississippi, and unfoded the christian banner
20 the breeze, as Columbus had done before him
on the discovery of America. A few months
more and lie had advanced with his little band to
mountains of Arkansas, Here taking one of
the large tributaries, he followed it down to its
confluence with the Mississippi, where, wasted
by disease, disappointment and chagrin, he
died. Only a few remained, and these built
boats by which they managed after many months
of priyation and suffering: TO reach New Or
leans, and thence by the gulf to one of the Span.
ish ports.
The name of the Mississippi river is only ex-
pre3sive Of its greatness, the father of waters
As a matter Of justice and right it should have
been named after its discoverer, and been called
the DE Soto But this is not the first instance
where true merit has gone unrcwarded Gene
rations yet unborn may do him justice At pres
ent vacant pannel in the rotunda of the Cap
tol is filed with historical picture of the dis
coTcry, n small obscure town and second class
lotc! are named after him, and these are all that
the name of De Soto.
But while these thoughts have been passing
trough my mind the Aaska has stopped at sew
raj unmportant places, and now we are APP
reaching a large place, for the engineer has
blown the steam whistle three times, long and
oud, a sure indication Of an important point
lhead y few rninutes pass, and our eyes are
greeted with tall spires of churches. large mass
We blocks, hotels and other buildings, with i'm.
posing fronts. 1t is Wisconsin city-that of
r :.
niles above Dubuque and 157 miles below ST. !
Paul. The site for town is very pleasant and |
beautiful prospect from its extern
live views mp ard down the river, and the dis
ant hills enclosing it in, like that of an amphi- |
heatre. The business, streets and everything !
Else look new as ifbut just made. It's popula-
ion must already have reached upwards of3000, |
md when the railroad is completed to Milwau-
zee it will become one of our most Furnishing
inland cities. In 1850 it was a mere hating |
olacs on the Mississippi, and now it ranks
smong the first commercial and business points
IN that side Of the river. This was fayorite
esort Of the indians TO indulge in their natIons
James and sports, such as racing, jumping,
Wrestling and other athletic exercises, which not
MY gave pleasure TO tie mind, hut vigor and
muscle to the body. Hence the French gave it
lie name Of La Crosse. (cricket or bat.)
C'hirty miles above, we come to Winona on
he Minnesota side Of the river. This place is
situated On low plateau OF land
orac twenty feet above the river, which stretch
3 along some nine miles in length, in the form
+ a semicirce, averaging three miles in width. |
ike la Crosse the ety. we'll laid ont, alfeady
as almost the same number Of inhabitants and
re o. the best levees or landings on the river.
Like the last named place too it has lively
BUSINESS air, healthy aspect, and must of ne
o.;sity, be one Of the most important places in
he territory. In all the great cities of impor
an &c in the world, either among the old or new
20 find, as among men, nature has given some
d'antages not enjoyed by others. There are
receptions, l am aware, but this may be set
oe-n n general rule; it is emphateally so
{ It'll tins city. Owing to the high bluffs that
anSe along the upper Mississippi parallel to !
10Th banks, rarely spot is Sound where there
5 an easy access TO the country, q good landing
nj sufficient room for town between the bluffs /
md Tie water. This is prominently the case
isre. IN addition to this, the country in the
ear IS one of the most productive in the Terri
DRY. keuesha has more interest to see this |
l'ace prosper from the fact that its en:erprising
oundcr Il. d. Huff, Esq, was formerly one of
'ur residents, and only four years ago started
or the wilderness, as tho northwest then was, /
o mend his fortunes.
The name of Winona, in the Dacotah Ian
suage, signifies "frst,born female" In this |
,ase, however. there Is local tradition that a
aches the name of single person to this place !
md from whom it was particularly christened. |