The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1859-04-13
Correspondence OF the Times.

OMAHA CITY, NEBRASKA
March25th 1869.
EDIToR NORTH Iowa TlNEs:---d arrived
at this place yesterday, much fatigued with
my long tramp through the wilderness of
western Iowa. Every day since left Fort
DesMoincs-whichp place is one hundred and
fifty miles from here have Travelled from
six to twenty-five miles without seeing a
house or a sign of cultivation. Where the
voters come from is mystery tom
My last letter was dated from Brook lyn
where was informed that all our troubles
were ended, that henccforth we would have
good roads; but our hopes were doomed to
be disappointed-th roads still continued
to be bad, especially in crossing the skunk
bottom, which odiferous place lies three miles
west of Newton. The bottom is about one
mile wide, and the water and mud was near
ly belly deep to a horse the whole way
1t is impossible for a wagon even with light
load to cross, except at least four good horses
are attached to it. Some rascals who live
near the east side Of the bottom, make good
wages by plotting teams across-getting
them stuck, and then charge or 10 dollars
to get them out l would recommend all
the emigrants who come this way to push
through the bottom without pilot; but if
they arc too timid for that, employ guide,
put revolver to his ear, give him to under
stand that unless he guides you through
safely you will fire, then and then only you
will get through safe.
From Fort DesMoincs here, the road was
in excellent order, the streams are all bridg-
ed, and no trouble need be apprehended.-
Provisions can be bought here as cheap ason
the Mississippi; corn is worth from 35 to
As cents per bushel; hay from 2 to So per
ton, of an excellent quality. Many teams
are cncamped in the outskirts Of the town
also ut Council Bluffs, which hes opposite,
about four miles from the river. At present
that place has larger population than
Omaha but the time is not farLiistat& hen
this place will exceed it in everything which
constitutes superiority. 1t is the inevitable
fate of all towns on the cast bank Of n wes-
tern river, to yield to their western neigiibor,
and the Bluffs" will not prove an exception
to the rule.
This place is situated on the river, and has
the finest country in the world back of it to
support 1.-THE famous Platte valley. The
country west Of this as far as Fort Kearney,
is well settled-plcnty Of wood and water;
beyond that there arc a few trading posts.
Late news from the mines confirm pre-
vious reports. Men just arrived from there
speak in glowing terms of the prospects,
Many have passed through here on their
way east for their families. All are jubilant
with the good news. enclose you an ex-
ira issued ut the 'sNcbraskian" office which
you will Of course publish. THE Extra
contains the letter of young Curtis which
we published 3 weeks ago.-ED.]
From oil l can learn, the north side Of
Platte is decidedly the best route, and l
would advise all to make Omaha the start
ing place on the Missouri. A good steam
ferry runs between this place and the Bluffs,
and there is no trouble in crossing. Trust
ing to see your face at the mines ere long,
Irernain, yours truly,