The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1859-12-14
Letter from W. HI. Harding.
SABISAL, Vivalde Co., Texas,
Noy 18th 1853 {

Dear Col With pleasure (whilst on
the Rio kio,) | communiate to you hoping
the same may find you and yours all we'll
Twas on the Sth Of September, | left the
city Of McGregor and made my way to
Texas. No doubt many of my old friends
would like to know my whereabouts and
most things transpiring on the road over
which l. travelled. In the first place you
can say to all enquirers that passed over
some fine country: The southern part Of
Iowa is not so good as the northern part
crops not so abundant, water none too plen-
ty and land more broken. Iowa City was
the first town of any note (and dullCt
Washington next in place; fine town, good
land, timber and water then on to Keokuk,
fine business place; crossed over to Mis-
souri, and went through Monticello, poor
town and country, then on to Huntsville,
better town and land; after leaving
Huntsville twas good farming country for
hemp, tobacco, &c On to Boonvile on
the Missouri river. Boonville is fine place;
country good, on to Calhoun and so on to
Jasper county. Near Carthage found my
old friend VIM. FL. Baker preparing to
leave the ague as soon as circumstances
would admit and find his way to McGrcgor.
kindness to me) After leaving Baker, l
Chcrokees, Choctaws and Chickasaws.-
There, Pat, is the best country have ever
seen in the United States twas it only in
habited by American people.) The soil,
timber and water cannot be better; climate
good and healthy. Then l crossed Red
River at Cobbert's Ferry and went on to
Sherman, lively place; went through
Collins county, on to Dallas, found it o fine
farming country; went on from Dallas to
Austin, passed over fine scope of land,
saw some antelope, turkeys &c. Found
Austin business place, everything high.
| tbiak their expectations most too fiat
tering. remained over night and made
for San Antonio. There found that had
PASSED over the Jordan of life and landed
amongst various kinds Of people; pitched
tent, promenaded over the town and ran
against Dr. Isbell. We scraped acquain.
tance and finally left the city. The Doc
tor, George, James and myself made for
the mountains where we found the Doctors
family and stock surrounded by the
Camanche Indians. They are desperate
race of beings. The Doctors farm, al
though surrounded by all the wild hearts
of the forest, still bears very pleasing
sight. You can behold the cattle feeding
and rowing over the pasture which looks
fine.
am now 80 miles west Of San Antonio
and had not seen the Doctor should now
be in San Antonio. There are all kinds of
people there, from an honest man to the
devil and most time the devil is unclaimed.
No doubt Col. but some Of the boys are
waiting for me to return to give them a
description of Texas. l would say to you,
this is the country for me, and any person
can do well if they follow the directions
which man should in every state; and that
is to be industrious, not frequent the
gambling rooms, keep from the saloons
after dark, keep sober all day, deal upright
with all mankind, 60 to church on sabbath,
mind their own business all the time and
never tramp on the ladies toes 'Tis very
essential to follow the above if we wish to
accumulate wealth and live happy. You
are aware that many Of US are never salts
fed, from the fact that we pursue the wrong
course. sac
The country is improving fast and there
is room for thousands to get farms from
fifty cents up to twenty dollars per acre
and the greater part under two dollars
men can do well with little capital if they
will only 20 to work in proper way. As
regards the climate tbs very good. am
much pleased with it; tits now warm with
bracing winds, grass as green IS when
left, no frost yet; green corn, peas, beans,
and all kinds Of vegetables now plenty
Any person living here can have green aud
fresh vegetables the most Of the year
There are some places water is very scarce
part Of every year.
cannot say how soon shall return, but
think not before spring, and when do !
am willing to sell out and leave for Texas.
remain yours, respectfully,
WM. H. HARDING.