Daily Iowa State Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1859, 1857-12-14
C,rssspsodsoss 81 ~ STATE pemocsst.
A Crip . the Weoe.

/ umnS OF the DeWOcrdt, lew IcahetS
from memory of q short tour l made,
accompanied by few friends, to the
West, commencing in the month Of
May last.
Winter had long been Graded in
the lap of Spring, but now his icy fet-
tiers were broken, and Earth was man.
tied in lovely green. 1t was q mo-
ment of life-a dream Of childhood
now suddenly to be realized. How
many hallowed associations cluster
around when friends are about to
part The meeting at the cars was
pleasant; many friends were there with
kind words all faces seemed wreathed
with smiles up to the moment when
the "good bye" was to be said-a sad
word under any of the most pleasing
| circumstances-thcn, as if by magic,
a shade passed over each countenance,
and here and there could be traced a
tear. allow beautiful, how in
expressibly sweet to see signs OF
love anywhere, even if it be love in
tears"
Soon we were seated in the cars, and
throwing open the windows, the balmy
air of Spring seemed to bear away
each trace of sadness on its wing; and
what is more exhilirating to the spirits
than a ride on our Express train on
such lovely morning! Soon we ar
rived in New York and soon again we
found ourselves flying rapidly up the
banks of the Hudson, and where is
there railroad that passes through
scenery more grand and sublime than
that which skirts the noble Hudson!-
and as we hurried on, we could not
help exclaiming show freely Nature
has Iavished her gifts on the Hudson's
banks" the cottages and villas that
are scattered all along, where reside
men OF wealth and taste-and very
much do they add to the beauty of the
scenery for the lover of nature and art
to feast upon. Arriving in Albany,
we were delayed an hour "whilc bag
gage was reporting itself" Again took
the cars, being promised our dinner at
Utica; swiftly did we approach our
contemplated feast, and as swiftly were
we carried beyond it, without deigning
us even an apology, and then felt the
force Of the adagc-"Blessed are they
who expect nothing, for they shall not
be disappointed"
At Auburn We took the cars for Chi
cago; arrived at Rochester and took
tea. Ten in the evening found us
again in the cars, commencing our
night ride-and an event that ought
not to be experienced by any human
being, when opportunity remains for
cscapc-and exceedingly wear'some
would the hours have passed away,
were it not for the society Of a gentle
man with whom accident made us &C
quainted, whose entertaining converse
ton combined with many kind atten
tons, seemed to us, strangers, luxury
never to be dcspised; and as late at
night l closed my cyclids in repose, |
dreamed that gentlemen were really
great institutions"
When consciousness again returned
to me, we were rounding the shores Of
Lake Erie, whose waters were still and
placid as a mirror, and soft mist lay
reposing on Its surface in the distance
lay Cleveland, its white spires glisten-
ing in the sun like vision of beauty;
still farther beyond we saw Toledo,
when Immediately visions of a future
breakfast arose in our minds, and we
were not disappointed. Soon again
we were seated in the cars and wend
ing our way over Michigan's immense
prairie. My eyes were intoxicated-as
far as the sight conld penetrate strech-
ed apparently interminable prairie
carpeted with lovely green. In my
unutterable delight, l exclaimed-'Oh!
give me praire homc,' but ere the
sun had set in the West, my thoughts
went back to New England and l sigh
ed for the light and shade of my native
home.
Arrived in Chicago at one o'clock
at night, and meeting with friend
from our own native town, she offered
to be our escort to any place of intrest
in or about the city, during our short
sojourn there, but four days of Chica-
COS mud and rain were sufficient for us
and we left, with but few regrets.
After again taking the cars, We
made the acquaintance of an accom-
plished Eastern lady. She offered us
many inducements to join party at
Joliet on a visit to the Falls of St.
Anthony, but owing to previous Jar
rangements, we were compelled to de-
cline. We reached Davenport, Iowa,
the termination of the proposed route
just as the sun was throwing his last
rays bchiud the "father OF the waters.
In my fancy had gazed upon them
many times, but now inauguration
was exchanged for reality. We made
our way to the hotel, shook off the
dust of travel, partook Of refreshments,
and took a stroll by twilight to see the
city.
Davenport sits beautifully on the
bank of this noble river. " Excelsior"
is her motto, and she bids fair to be-
come agreat city Of the West. Many
delightful hours we're spent here
memory loves to linger and recall them.
The evening was spent at the hospi-
table mansion of a friend-the family
whose acquaintance we made at the
hotel. The delightful ramblc on the
banks of MissiSsinni. the nlcasahf ride