Bellevue gazette. [volume] (Bellevue City, N.T. [i.e. Neb.]) 1856-1858, 1857-05-07
NO. 27.

with magnificent storehouses; these waste
grounds covered with the palaces of mer-
chant princes; the tread, the stamp and
the shrek of the mighty engines that
will centre here, and convey and distrib-
ute to all portions Of our common country
the products Of the globe.
A company of capitalists, having an eye
to the future, have purchased, and are
now laying out a city on the Iowa side. 1t
is the identical place at which 5000 Nor
mons encamped years ago, and concentra-
ted their forces preparatory to plunging
into unknown regions, and finally cross
ing here, wended their weary way to the
great Salt Lake. The place is known TO
the world rs Traders Point, and if the
hopes and aspiration Of its projectors are
realized, and the two roads make this
their turminus, great and powerful city
will cover the ground, and golden har-
vest will reward the enterprise Of its foun-
ders. There Is now residing at St. Mar
| US, a thriving town four miles south Of
Traders Point, an Indian trader-peter
Sarpy, Esq.-well known to the Mormon
emigration and to the travellers Of the
North west. This gentleman has been
familiar with this Western country for the
past thirty years, has travelled over it time
and again, is familiar with hair breadth
escapes and perilous enterprises, knows
the Indian character and its various dia-
leots better than an Indian himself. l
had an introduction to this gentleman few
days ago. and was much interested and
highly amused by HE graphic description
of men and things in the Western world.
p. Sarpy, Esq. was quietly enjoying him
self in his trading post, here at Bellevue;
he was the only white inhabitant of this
vast countryside monarch Of all he sur
veyed-when letter was presented TO
him by an Indian boy. The incident of a
letter was surprising, but the contents Of
that silent messenger was still extraordin-
airy. 1t was letter from Brigham Young,
advising him of his arrival with a troop Of
5000 Mormons, and soliciting his advice
and protection from the Indians. Here
was food for reflection. Here was an in
cident Of no common character. For
years sole white inhabitant Of these vast
solitudes, sole monarch, in fact, of Nebras-
ka, the only man having the power to hold
the Indians in check, and give him pass
port westward; the only man that could
converse in the Indian dialect and act as
interpreter; the only man that could supply
their pressing necessities Of food and clo-
thing. Here was subject for thought;
would he, in aiding this wandering troop,
inure HIMSELF Would it cause the sceptre
to depart from him? Mr.. Sarpy reflected;
he was in doub, and uncertainty. Anoth-
er letter, couched in still more beseeching
terms, was handed him. II portrayed
the abject condition Of his troop, the suf-
ering and destitution Of the women and
children. 1t touched the noble heart of
the Indian trader, and stirred his impulses.
He ordered his canoe, crossed over and
had an interview with Brigham Young;
he scaned the molly crowd, saw their
! miserable condition, and was conquered.
He threw open his trading post, supplied
, their wants, gave them food, negotiated
treaty with the Indians for them. secured
their protection on the route, poilted Out
to Young the advantageous position Of
Salt Lake. and actually accompanied the
, troop two hundred miles on their journey
The scene Of parting as described by him,
is one worthy of the pencil of the artist;
women and children on their knees before
him; Brigham Young grasping him by the
hand, surrounded by youthful men and
grey haired veterans in tears. This is
one Of the incidents in the hfe of General
Peter Sarpy. To the Indian trader was
the whole Mormon troop indebted for life,
and the noble impulses and generous acts
/ Of this wanderer from civilization are
? worthy Of being handed down to posterity.
General Sarpy is still living; years seem
TO have spent themselves on him IN vain;
erec, in his gam as a soldier, the FIRE and
vigor of youth CLEANS brightly from his
|. eye. He has an open hand and house,
and hospital reception for the stranger
, who visits him, and no man Is more gene
rally beloved and esteemed throughout the
Territory Ia which he may be said to have
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