The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1859-01-05
A Pioneer Going West.

72f; NEalebone and taliow are trm.
A Pioneer Going West
The following picture of family travelling to
the "new countries We find in the Evansville
Journal;
Near the saw mill. on the banks of the river
10 the lower part of the city, was moored to the
shore, on Sunday evening last, a wretched raft,
about ten by twenty feet 10 area, constructed of
parcel Of old plauk, the surface of which rose not
more than two inches above the surface Of the
water. On this trail structure the occupants had
raised ridge pole about five feet high, and plac>
ing against it a small piece of beard. apparently
picked up from the drift in the river, had formed
roof with kind of dog kennel beneath of about
six by ten feet on the floor of the raft. Into this
hovel, on little straw aud heap of old rags
were crowded i'll most forlorn and wretched con.
dtiop, man, woman and four children, one at the
breast, and tue eldest, perhaps, ten years old
The only household goods were iron skillet q
pot, and two Old barrel; not seat, tabis or
dish was visible.
On the bow of the raft, on piece of old boiler
iroa, raised few inches above the plank was a
blazing fire OF drift wood, which. fortunately is
abundant aud without price. Around this that
wretched group were huddled presenting scene
of squaid poverty and destitutiun seldom seen in
this country, and sufficient TO move the COMPASS
sion OF the most selfish and penurious How they
endured the pitiiess rain storm that followed in
toe night, with no shelter buta roof Of few loose
boards leaning against pole, the reader can cons
lecture.
They have navigated the Ohio, on their fraii
structure, from the mouth of the Kaua1ha to this
point, III voyage of about six weeks during
which there has been an uninterrupted Succession
Of cold and cheerless storms Every wave washed
the wretched raft, aud rain must have peue-
trated every part of the miserable roof they have
passed towns andcities-the abodes Of luxury and
professed Christian benevoence-and no aid has
been rendered them bnt q few crumbs from tables
that were covered with abundance, which have
kept them from starving.
10 spite Of all this wretchedness and suffering
the womenw was well and robust, aud the children
were hearty and cheerful, and full of sport as
10 the midst OF plenty and comfort The father
was cripple, aud told n short and simple story of
misfortune. He a teamster at a saw mill in
the upper part OF kentucky, and had his leg
crushed by log rolling on iu. Unskilifnl surgery
had left an iDcurabe sore. His sickness had re-.
duced them nearly to desttution. when their Gala
mites Were made complete by fire that consumed
their dwelling aud all its couterts. Without
cent in the world, he had gathered a few refuse
plank from the river and constructed his raft and
it placed his family for a voyage dows to Ar
kansas, where he intended to squat on public land
raise small corn patch, and rely on his gun for
the other Eieans ofliTlng.
The hearts and purses of few generous .per,
who visited them Supplied their iumed
wants. Clothing for The women and children we
saw going on board, with q good supply of bread
and meat. Ii any one be discontented with bis
lot in life, and is disposed to grumbie at the dis
pensations OF providence let him visit the wretch
cd family upon the raft below the city aud he will
return contented and grateful man.
How WOMEN BEAR HARDsHIps TO K.SsAs.-A
correspondent writing from Kansas, says:
During our trip, we encountered All Indiana
family moving to their new home in Kansas Tho
husband came to this Territory about year
since and located; and now, having returned to
Indiana for his household goods, bringing
them to their new Western home. They were
ntit nln rad
by two horses. They had been about two noaths
on the way. and since reaching the State of Mis-
souri, had "csmped out" or lodged in their wagon ,
not spending single night under roof. The
wife genial, appe-faced woman, of about
thirty; and like the children 1.-TWO girls, one of
three, the other Of six years,) seemed to enjoy
degree of health and vigor very unusual among
American ladies. When We met, the weather was
exceedingly severe; the ground was covered with
six inches of snow, and the thermometer stood
below Zero. They camped near us for one night;
and persisted in lodging in their wagon, though
We ionn1 it very difficult to keep warm iu a good
log house, where bed clothing was plenty. In the
morning, on gsDg out to the wagon, found the
children and the mother both in excellent spirits.
In reply to my question, whether they had suffer
ed from the cold, che said, so, no. we are used to
IL. The journey has been rather tedious, but we
are almost home now" She looked forward to
their rude squatter home as cheerfuily and hope
fully as if it had been palace. The hardhood of
Western women is certainly remarkable; it is un-
questionably the result of much exercise in the
open air.
A CoLoREp pCoNcEgT.-Madame Boston, ''colored
vocalist" advertised grand concert in Lancaster.
Pa on Thursday last, accompanied by her husband
Lijah. The Laucas ter Express speaking of it
says
At the conclusion of Marian" or MARY Ann,"
as Madame pronounced it, tue house came down in
one long, loud, tremendoUs-clap, and grand STAN.
psxe was made for thsstage. which was immediate
l. covered and surrounded by the noisy, enthus-
astic lovers OF music AT this Juncture some indi
yidnal. with remarkably good TASTE, threw on the
stage bunch OF Chinese. fireworks, the Explosion
of which, mingled with the plaudits of the most ex-
citable. the stentOiian voice Of the go Oh" man
aud the pleasant smiles of the prima nonna, form-
cd a picture which painter never painted, and eye
has rarely witnessed.
In the midst of the exciting scene Liza was here,
there, and everywhere, exhibiting in his rear the
one had tackled to his coat Order restored;
and Madam threw on her shawl. gathered up her
music. aud was about to part. fearing the excite.
ment she just passed through, and thas which was
to follow. might affect her health or vocal powers
But. through the persuasive etoQuence Of q number
OF gentlemen and appeals to go on,' she consent
ed 10 remain.
some one shouted for the "0id Am Chair"
(xhic hwas TO be. aud was, the gem of the enter
aud went ia' on the Old Arm Caair The Oad
Arm Chair was commenced d-continued and psrse'
know What the ady .iagiag whsn Lila. In h big =
blande8t manner. replied the Old Arm Chair IN
satd the voice. After the ancient cnair nad osen
put through an indefinite number OF times the IN
qulstive Individual again wanted TO KNOW what Ine
lady was singing and again Liza replied. DE Old
Arm Chair Lets have something ese," reared
sJme ore
After q desperate attempt on the part Of the
fcoiored vocalist" to sing 'GaiIy the Troubadour"
tbs audience resolved itself into committee OF
the whole on the state Of anarchy, and the concert
WAS closed by some wag turning the gas of.
THREE PERSONS DRowNgD --0n Thursday last, AZ
Edward kiiuepeter and Samuel Ashton, aged re.
spectively 7 aud ii years, were fshing on the dam
OF Robert 8. King, near Luncannon, Perry coanfy,
Pa the ice gave way, and the boys were thrown
ia to deep water. Mrs. Klipepeter, ths mother OF
one OF them, went 70 their assstancs but all three
were drowned
J.P. Unsworth, we'll known In Memphis. TsnH !,
killed himself ou the 29th inss by lespiug out OF
hotel window Of Cairo, Ill,