The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1858-08-12
Letter from pziSsOurI.


lies, but how to get there was the question:
Except on few routes the mails were carried on
horseback, aud where there could be stagp con-
vcyance cared MOI to go and the chances Of
getting occasional rides in wagons could give
but little encouragement for speed or comfort,
as OK teams are used upon the roads Tor the par
pose Of hauling goods into the interior. Tbis
arrangement naturally excites surprise in the
mind Of the Ohioan, but hc Missourian will
argue the propriety and give for reasons-First
the miry puccs in the roads where they cross
the bottom lands are impossible many times for
horses; and, Second--the economy of the ar
rongcmeni commands itself. They hitch up
their teams, which consist of two or three yoke
of oxen, in the morning then, with whip of
enormous proportions, they urge on the poor
animals without ntermssion until night, when
they turn them loose upon the prairie to feed
pitching tent, or sleeping in The wagon them
selves, never making bill at the tavern during
the trip. This manner of doing business is
anything but comfortable, and is all anomaly in
the transportation line. You will perceive that
one of two things must be done; must either
return the way came, or olse work my way on
foot. | took the last horn OF the dilemma and
went into Adhir county, aud from there to Shell
byvillc, intending to make my way to Keokuck,
Iowa.
There is so great uniformity in these Missouri
towns that single description will suffice for
NIL They are situated on the high "prorie d-
vides," the main street occupying the highest
ground; the other streets narrow, and encum-
bcred with lumber, wood piles, wagons, &c;
the houses are mostly frame buildings, and set
up on blocks, with occasionally, front fence.
Shade trees used tcmp2rately. The court houses
appear as though cast in the sume mould
Brick is the material invariably used in the sc-
perstruciurc. They are as wide as long, and
about as high as wide the roof terminating in
point at the centre, with no ornament besides
the lightning rod. This description is intended
for the interior counties only, those along the
river having adopted other styles, are relieved
from this universal sameness ofappearance.
The country along this route differs but little
from that described in the first letter. Occa
sionally the praires are o! siae inConvenient foI
farm purposes, but more frequently they are
about one or two miles in width by six or eight
miles in length size convenient in locating
farms. Much of this land is unimprovod, and
may be bought at prices ranging from five &c
eight dollars per acre. But little government
lands can be found.
The spirit OF improvement is not yet awaken
ed in this State, and people who remember the
manner of doing business III the State of New
York before the completion of the Erie canal
when agricultural products were hauled to tn,
iar,oH markets, and merchandise brought back
can appreciate the state of affairs here.
Wholesale store is established at some Convenien
point, usually the county seat, ond then rcgula
line of teams are engaged for freight business
the products of the soil compose the loadinl
out, and merchandise of every description The
return loading; wheat is hauled fifty or sixty
miles to the Quincy market, and flour brough
back. High prices are the natural result o
such system; yet the people are content--th
merchant makes his proft--the teamster find
employment, and any measure having tenden
cy to interrupt this order of things would b.
opposed by them.
There is u German settlement in Shelby coun
ty, and one of the neatest villages have seel
in my travels has been built by them, Th
buildings, with but few excep ions, are brick
and the quaint cupola which surmounts tn
church steeple is evidence that they have the
own mechanics among them, for certainly n,
American could have executed 50 unique dc
sign,
EdinN, the county seat of Knox county, is
pleasant und thriving village, With population
Of about five hundred. The Methodist church
North and South, have each house of worshi
mere.
found so little diversity along this route
and having had quite enough Of foot travel, AM
enjoyed (?) life in the Missouri Hotels 10 II sat
isfactory extent, concluded to make the near
ost point on the river and call the visit finished
This point was Canton, where resides Senate
, Green. 1t is quite lively place, and has
population numbering, | should Judge, som
TWO or three thousand 1t is built upon fla
bottom land scarcely above high water mark
and from all appearances should conclude tha
, the streets would be difficult to navigate i
muddy times, Immediately in the rear of III
town blur arises 10 the height of abou
two hundred feet with sides SO prccipitous a
to be very difficult of ascent and upon tn
brow of this bluff far removed from building
of any kind, they have erected their Cour
House, a building, without exception, the fines
! | have seen in this part of the State; with pill
Jared porticoS and lofty dome; il is an omamcn
to the city, and forms stand point from whlc
a splendid view OF city, river, and country ca
be had Here, as elsewhere, brick is the prin
cipal material used in building
found upon arriving at this place that wa
about half hour too late for the Keokuckp packe
but made up my mind to take the first boat whio
might pass, not caring whether it should BE- 50
ing up or down. | should prefer to go to Rov
I Island, and from there to Chicago, but il tn
, first boat should be going down stream, then
, will 80 to Quincy aud return the way | cam,
II is but proper in conclusion, to notice
fact not observable in Ohio or Michigan. Ia m
whole trip have not entered Hotel where a
: dent spirits Were retailed; and with a siugl
exception, that exception being at Newark,
have not seen person intoxicated. When
is considered that this time included the tourI
: of July, day whsn many in your State, as we
as in mine take opportunity to indulge in Bat
chanai rcvelS and sensual. indulgence, dcSpit
: INV. md in lnRnncA of nnhlic nnininn this al