New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1857-05-20
Couesp.ndenoe Of The N. Y. Tribune.

Correspondence OF The N. 4. Trbune
TECUMsEH, X. T., April 10, 1851
My last letter was from Westport, on my way
to Lawrence second time, by different route.
The Shawnee lands are among the most beautiful
in the Territory. The Indians have made their
selections, and have, Of, course chosen the best.
The worst, however, are so good and lie so conve-
nent to market at Westport and Lawrence, that
squatters have gone in upon them in great numbers
and taken up claims.
The stage from Westport to Lawrence is the
last link connecting you with the civilized world in
the way of travelling. They change horses three
times in the forty miles and drive at the rate Of
eight miles an hour, including stops. This will do.
Ny prophecy in relation 10 the naygabilty OF the
Kaw River is likely to be yerifed--only more so, as
the boys say The LacOn left Wyan lot on Satur.
day evening; on Monday morning she was hard and
fast on a bar sixteen miles from the mouth OF the
river, and when left Lawrence on Friday she had
not vet arrived. The Lightfoot came up IN three
days-60 miles. She Brought very few passengers.
am satisfied the nav CATION Of the river cannot be
mace profitable. Passengers will not take the boats
when the uncertainty of their arrival Is 30 great.
| am told by ali intelligent young man who acted as
pilot upon the river two years ago, that proper
boat may run during three months-no more
Lawrence is crowded, usual; emigrants pour
ing in from all the landings in the Territory. At
present the largest number turn their steps south
ward. The NeoshO country offers attractions which
do not exist in such abundance elsewhere; the
principal is the greater abundance Of timber. The
character Of the country il the ZANE as that OF the
valley Of the Kaw-high, rolling prairie, with tim
Der along the streams; but the streams are more
nuIperous and the bottoms more extensive. Steam,
however is indispensable; the water-power cannot
IL. 1.tri mill rfIn 10 a mi l.
race, rising 25 or 30 feet on the banks-next week
the current will have disappeared, the water lying
in pools in the bed Of the stream. IL is not only
that the power cannot be relied upon, but no dam
can resist the torrent.
The Neosho country is particularly rich in nine
rails Coal (bitumnOus) iroB lead and stone all are
found in great abundance and Of superior quality.
There has been good deal o< suffering here from
fever and sgue but believe it has arisen from bad
food and injurious locations. In the interior Of Kan
.as nothing literally nothing is to be had for food
but fried pork and corn dodgers. No constitution
can resist Winter Of such fare. Want Of cleanll-
ness too is great cause OF i'll health 1t really is a
pretty serious matter 10 get bath OF any kind.
You take of your coat and boots, you lie down in q
room with dozen others, and you have gone 10 bed.
You put on your coat and boots wash your face and
hards Of you are fastidous and you dressed for
the day.
The bad locations are serious cause Of Ill health,
and heretofore have been in great measure q
matter of necessity. The timber claims are Of
course the most valuable, and the timber bottoms
are extensive. To hold them the squatter must
build his cabin upon them, and thus expose himself
10 the malaria from the low ground. The land
Cfee is open, however, for presumption and Pur,
chase; and the settlers, having acquired title, VIII
be able to move upon the higher ground.
The number Of towns laid out in this Territory i'
something extraordinary. Every man who owns a
quarter, section, well located, lays it out al once INTO
a town, so that they dot the maps like the oAcA
squares on checker-boar OF course, but one IN
| three or four can succeed-the rest must reVef'
| into farms.
Twas disappointed in not finding my companion
| a, aureuee IA time was too precious 10 wait for
him, packed up few implements in my wallet ;
| and started on foot for Lecompton. The road
,ook Lee through the timber along the hver bottom