Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-05-11
LETTER FROM THE NORTHWEST.

following interesting letter, by the gentleman
to whom il is addressed =
bayfield,, La Pointe County,i
Wisconsin, April l6, 1889
DIR. VIM. CAMPBELL My dear Sir: Since [
arrived at Bayfield,, which l have selected as
my permanent residence, | have often prom
ised myself to communicate some information
to you concerning the Lake Superior country.
1 am satisfied that / came here. Many young
men are anxious to settle down in large and
we'll ll-eStablished societies. In this, some are
influenced 10y relationship, some by associa-
ton, some by money or hope of making it,
some by popularity, and some by love of ease.
This was not my desire. | concluded that
could render myself more useful by fixing my
self in new place with a hopeful future be-
fore it, and where my services would be need
ed. This | hope l have done. In many of
our old communities, professional men and
mechanics have scarcely elbow room, and ma
ny scarcely living. This is not necessity,
but 1t is a proof, in some cases, of want of
manly energy. Why not go to the great West
and Northwest, which are fast settling up. In
| this vast country, hundreds of towns and cities
arc springing up, which want the services of
ministers, physicians, lawyers, teachers and
mechanics. Farmers are needed also. Here
no worthy young man will be at a loss to find
a situation. He must be q man. Quacks,
sluggards and intruders should stay with their
mothers. This country is filing up with ener-
be likely to come.
trust shall not be prejudiced in making
| my statement; nor shall exaggerate. l own
no property here, nor have any pecuniary in
terest to gain. l came benefactor OF my
| countrymen. If 1 can in any Tay benefit So
ciety, my object is gained. This is high
end, and that for which all should live. i am
confident your services would be appreciated
here, and that you could render yourself very
useful in helping to mould this society, which
is now in process of formation. l write with
the hope of your coming.
Bayfield, is located on the southern shore of
| Lake Superior, and about so miles from its ex-
treme western terminus. On recent map you
will see the Apostle Islands, 30 in all. They
are covered with fine timber, and the soil is
good-some Of which is under cultivation.
La POinte is 4 town, an old trading post, and
is situated on Madaline, the largest of the Is
lands. The average width of Madaiine is
miles, and its length is 13 miles. 1t is about
miles from the mainland. Directly oppo-
site this island the shore forms a gentle curve
on which is the town of Bayfield,. 1t is on
large and very beautiful bay, which extends a.
bout II miles into the northern part of the
State of Wisconsin. The group of islands
named lie at the entrance of the bay. Bayfield,
is respectable town for its age. Three years
ago the place was Wilderness, with here and
there wigwam. There two piers, one
common school, and project on foot to eS-
tabish a classical school, and two organized
churches. Notwithstanding the revulsion in
business, the town has improved during the
last year. The PreSbyterians have built re-
spectacle house of worship, and several dwell
lings have been erected. The stage road to
Hudson, on the St. Croix River was consid-
eraby improved before winter set in. The
company, some of whom are excellent men,
are determined to spare no pains to make Bay
| field one of the first places on Lake Superior.
hn off for licFr t, 4o1
| here, the revenue cutter will lie at this port,
and the railroad (Which is already surveyed)
| from St. Paul to Lake Superior, will terminate
here. The work has been commenced on it
at Hudson, and will be commenced at this
place next summer. These considerations
show that Bayfield, occupies an important po-
sition. But this is not all.
The location of Bayfield, is the best / ever
saw. The earth in every direction gradually
rises to the confines of the town plot, on the
highest parts of which are springs of clear,
cool water, which supply the town. Few
towns are favored so well with water.
The harbor of Bayfield, has been pronounced
the best natural harbor in the world. This is
the opinion of a gentleman of Washington
City, who was here last fall, and who had been
with the Japan Expedition. This gentleman
and others with him, were so we'll pleased with
Bayfield, that they selected lots, and have had
| houses put upon them, in which they intend
| living in the hot seasons. This is wise. The
harbor is protected in every direction by is
| lands and projecting points of the mainland.
! 1t is nearly three miles wide, and its average
| depth is sixty feet. 1t has two entrances the
| northeastern and southeastern. These chan
nels are deep and safe. Vessels can run into
this harbor at any time. This is their only
refuge, in time of storm on the western part
of the lake. They cannot run into the ports
OF Ontonagon and Superior. the former so
miles east of Bayfield,, the latter so miles west
in time Of a storm. / have known them to
come back, after they left our port, on account
of storms on the lake, while our bay was calm.
The geographical position OF Bayfield, as
well as its safe and commodious harbor, gives
1t an eminent commercial position. 1t is the
best and most natural outlet for produce and
inlet for supplies for vast extent of agricul-
tural country west and north of st. Paul.
Here allow me to quote from the speech of the
President of the ST. CroiX and Lake Superior
Railroad Company, which he made last fall to
the citizens of Hudson and st. CroiN counties.
when the road was commenced HIt is a well
known fact that Bayfield, stands in the same
relative position, as to distance 10 water COM
munication, to Buffalo and New York as do
Milwaukee and Chicago, showing conclusively
that freight can be landed at Bayfield, as cheap
as it can at either Chicago or Milwaukee. The
distance from Chicago to Dunleith is some 800
miles by rail- while the distance from Lake
Superior to the city of Hudson, is only 140
miles; thus showing in favor of this route
some so miles of railroad carriage, and some
400 miles of river navigation. When we COM
pare this route with that of the Milwaukee rail
road, the results are nearly as satisfactory.
The distance from Milwaukee and Prairie du
Chen or La Crosse being each 200 miles by
rail, and from thence to Hudson or st. Paul,
| as follows: Prarie du Chen 800 and La Crosse
200 miles; showing a saving of so miles by
rail in favor of the st. Croix and Lake Supe-