American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1858-03-19
Correspondence Of the Americas Union y

much refreshed, and having leisure
hour or two, let US, dear reader, take
stroll through the capitol of Hoosier-
dom.
Indianapolis is a beautiful city, not
very compactly built, but so far from
this fact detracting from its beauty, it
really adds much to its appearance and
healthfulness. In front of and ex-
tending on either side Of almost every
residence, We find beautiful grass flats,
adorned with flowers and shrubbery ;
while the shade trees planted along the
sidewalks of the principal streets, i'm.
prove the general appearance of the
city, and afford cool and delightful
promenade, even under burning, sum-
mcr sun. ..-
I The capitol building is an imposing
structure and will compare fayorably
with any other building of similar
character in the Union. The literary
wants of the inhabitants have not been
forgotten, and have been amply pro-
vided for by locating several institu-
tons, both male and female, in their
midst; while the various religious de-
nominations have manifested q COM
mcndable zeal for the spiritual welfare
Of the people by erecting numerous and
elegant churches. Nor has Indiana
been unmindful of the necessities of the
unfortunate and wretched of our popu-
lation, and has at immense cost, erect
ed in the suburbs Of her capitol, beau
tiful and commodious buildings for the
blind, and deaf and dumb. In this
particular she has set an example
worthy Of imitation by older and more
advanced States. ....
But We must not tarry. We could
spend day or two, very pleasantly,
in visiting the objects of interest in and
around this beautiful city; but the
weather is unpropitious, and the sea-
son of the year unfayorable for ':sight
seing." .,..
"AN aJoard' shouts the conductor,
and III moment we are once more
upon our journey. The tireless nerves
of our iron steed bear us rapidly over
the course hence to Lafayette, which
point we reach in three hours. The
country through which we have passed
this morning is quite flat, heavily tim
bered, and the soil stiff and ciayey,
well adapted to the growth Of grass and
winter wheat. ..O.......
Lafayette is large and rather pref
ty town. 1t is situated on the east
bank of the Wabash river; and judy
ing from the hurry and hustle in its
streets, has quite fourishing trade.
The River at this point is as large as
the North Branch at Cumberland, and
is a dull sluggish stream. This fact
together with a low fiat site, makes La
fayette an unhealthy place; and should
you want corroborating testimony on
this point, you will find it in the large
and well-flled cemeteries adjoining
the town. We venture the assertion
that Allopathic physicians and their
rlght-hand men, (undertakers) flourish
well in Lafayette.
One mile from this point, we inter
sect the Now Albany & Salem railroad.
We dine at the junction, and our adj
vice to all who contemplate trip by
this route, is to take your coffee or tea
clear, as the humping and thumping
you will get on this N. A. & S. rail.
road excels either Wells or Boyers's
"last fast" In fact, we do not see
how the 6utter-making process, can be
brought any nearer perfection. We
question, if rougher road can be
found; and if ''Jordan" be "harde1'
one" we have no desire to extend our
journeyings in thar direction.
Our course now lies north. We pass
up the valley of the Wabash few miles
and after crossing that river, we enter
the first prairie we have yet SEEM
Two miles bring us to the celebrated
Tippccanoo battle ground. Here, on
the morning of the 9Th Of November
1911, the Americans commanded by
General Harrison defeated a large
force of Indians led by the brave .Te-
cumseh. The trees browning the knoll
on which the engagement took place,
bear to this day, the marks of the des-
peratc struggle. The battle ground is
enclosed by neat wooden fence, and
is a favorito spot with the Hoosiers for
18th of July celebrations, and political
gatherings. We have no doubt the
Union las been Saved, on several oc'
casons, on this sacred spot; at least
politicians would feign have us think
SO.
We now push out boldly into the
prairie. On either hand far as the eye
can reach, little else grcets our vizion,
other than almost illimitable cornfields
dotted thickly with shocks of Indiana's
great staple; The surface Of this