White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1858-08-19
r-on Ii. Hill.So-oesA 90, American Citizen. .

( or slope OF the missouri rlf6T pIcSeutS Ou'
little variation in appearance. so that a
description at one point is description
of all. This town is one Of the many
that have lately sprungu up on the Western
bank of the Missouri, and is one of the
fev that have advantages and resources
which viii bear them prosperously through
financial troubles and hard times gener-
ally, like those experienced at present.
White Cloud is located in Doniphan
county, Northeast part of Kansas, within
few miles of the Nebraska line. 1t is
situated in a ravihe, between two high
hills, which end in abrupt bluffs at the
river. The buildings are superior to most
river towns, from the fact that they are
put up for a future, as well as present use,
A large hotel, nearly completed, will add
much to the appearance of the place, to-
gether with two brick storehouses are
being finished, and others about to be
commenced. An inexhaustible quarry oil
excellent stone-a fortune in itself-is
worked at the landing. beside which good
stone coal is found in the vicinity.
u
Sol. Miller-you knew Sol. when en-
rolled in our little Fillmore band in '56,
well, Sol. is here publishing the Kan
sas Chief. as spicy and Independent as
ever. When you pick up the Chief, you
can depend on finding something worth
reading within, which cannot be said OF
many Western papers. For new place
he is well fixed, and doing well, and we
hope his prosperity will eOntinue to in
crease, for he richly deserves it.
Thus you will see White Cloud has
superior advantages as regards location,
and of its agricultural resources we will
proceed to speak. Three of us landed on
the wharf here, near midnight, Just after
a cessation of showers that had followed
one another in rapid succession since
noon, and another threatened to over
whelm us ere we could get shelter. By
the aid of lightning flashes we managed
to pick our way up town. and knocking
at the door of gentleman with whom
one of our party was acquainted, we were
bid to enter and find shelter for the rest
of the night. As we had nothing to do
until clear weather came, we hired some
horses next day, and proceeded out in the
country. Our principle object was to see
the Indians who have encampments few
miles up the river, as my two companions
had never seen any " sons of the forest "
in their wild state. After offering to pay
an exorbitant price we managed to get
two Indian ponies and an old horse that
had the appearance of being slightly ac-
quainted with hard times. Immediately
after breakfast we mounted and proceeded
toward our destination, despite the warn
ings and advice of some would be- friends
A few days previous an Indian had been
shot by an Irishman under rather aggra-
waited circumstances, which had caused
the tribes generally to get on a spree, and
consequently were considered dangerous.
Half a mile back from the river we
reached the highest point of the bluff; far
away the prairie extended to the West
ward in billowy undulations, presenting
a scene of great beauty. Little streams
could be traced afar off by the low stunted
timber that lined them. As our path was
scarcely perceptible at best, and our di-
rections rather poor, we proceeded to the
first bark wigwam we saw to inquire our
way. a half dozen Indians, with as many
squaws and children, were lazily reclining
near the door, and one of them very po-
litely showed us the right path, and also
went down and forded creek ahead of
us, which politeness, by the way, was
prompted by the expectation of reward.
Consequently, l gave him piece of mo-
ney, while the Doctor gave him box of
cigars. 1t was not long ere we reached
the encampment where the Indian shot,
as stated before, belonged. He was still
alive. with prospect of recovery.
A half mile farther was large encamp-
ment, which we first proceeded to visit.
When some distance off we saw dozen
young lads of eight or ten years engaged
in game, but as soon as we were seen,
they all scampered in the rude tents like
frightened sheep. We rode up, and dis
mounting, shook hands with those who
SIOOu uedItSI 10 US, WHICH Calling iOI
pipe, we filled it with tobacco, and were
soon putting away with great zeal, with
determination not to be outdone by these
red skinned brethren.
The Doctor was quite sociable with
them, now trying to buy war-clubs, pipes,
and ponies-then turning and trying to
get beads or moccasins of the squaWs.-I
As for the writer, contented myself with
saying but little and seeing a good deal.
After staying two or three hours among
them we returned, with the conclusion
before entertained. veri6ed-that they
were the most indolent and filthy set of
people we ever met with.
The Pawnees, whom we had the plea
sure of visiting while in Nebraska, live
like princes beside them. These Indians,
however, the Iowas, are under Govern
ment pay, which they draw semi-annu-
ally, which is their only subsistence
They are too lazy to hnnt or raise any
grain, consequently they have hard time
to get along from one payment to an
other.
We shall leave in day or two for St.
Joe, where you will hear from me again.
Yours truly,
HEBRON REIJ.