Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1859-09-09

The valley of Mill Creek is one ofthe
finest creek valleys that have seen in
Kansas. recOllect well the impression
it gave me, on the occasion of my first
visit nearly two years since, in search OF
a claim. l was very much in the same
dilemma that young man would be ii
placed in the midst of thousand hand
some young ladies and told TO choose one
one remember: that isl had a
strong desire to take them all. But /
forget about my journey. We were soon
again en- route and after traversing four
prairies and as many creeks, we found
ourselves, about sunset, at the Baptist
Mission. As we drove into the yard we
were surrounded by 4 score of urcLins,
of every color and description, from the
blue-eyed halfbreed, down to the rusty
red Indian. These, we afterwards learn
ed, we're scholars belonging to the estab
lishment. This Mission was established
about twelve years ago, and is doing much
good among the Prairie Band. Mr.. jack
son, who keeps the Mission, is very ac-
commodating, and our stay with him was
truly pleasant.
The next place of Importance is To-
peka, a name with which all, acquainted
with Kansas history, are familiar. Here
l found our esteemed and worthy friends,
the Kellams-busy as ever, dealing out
their drugs. They are almost the only
Vermont acquaintance l have met in
the Territory.
Topeka is made the temporary capital
under the new constitution, and the citi-
zens think, of course, that it will be per-
manently located there when the vote is
taken: how that will be we cannot now
say, but that opinion seems TO prevail
very generally at present.
Considerable improvement is being
made this season, more than in any in
land town have seen in the Territory.
Five miles further on, we came to Te-
cumseh-once formidable rival of To
peka, but now nearly "defunct" and ex-
hibiting little sign of resusc:tation. This
town was located by southern men
slaveholders-andw was one of the strong
holds of Ruffianism during the troubles
That huge old q Bastile" still stands, in
which so many free state prisoners were
confined, and from which fifteen, at one
time, so cleverly effected their escape. A.
we drove along the street my attention
was called to two new churches standing
within few feet of each other, the one
belonging to the Northern, the other tt
/ the Southern Methodists, wonderful con
fsistvtIvy -vr'.,>ss-..- -:=Lk, L--s ---- -
pecially gratifying, to such as are seekin:
for fields in which to establish missiOna
rieS. Near to these churches stands tht
Wigwam"-a low rum shop-where 81
many villanies have been concocted AM
committed. Scarcely year since, a fire
state man was brutality murdered here
| IoY-
: The country between Teeumseh an,
Lawrence, is gently rolling, beautiful an
fertile. Along the route are numerou
places of considerable interest, rendere
so from having been the scene of som
peculiar tragedy during the war. Anon
these, are the spot where Captain Sal
Walkers house was burned, the site
Judge Wakefeld's residence, also de
troyed by the Border Ruffians, the sp
where young Buffum was murdered, ar
several others which | do not now recc
81. lect. A storm, which had been gathe
ing during the afternoon, broke upon
:. soon after passing Wakefeld's, and
we drove into Lawrence, it was rainil
= a perfect torrent. The hospitable che
st which greeted US at the Eldridge Hou:
il soon made US forget, however, the sho
le er-bafh so unreasonable and unceremoI
is ously administered, and a cup of hot C,
I'd fee soon restored US to our usual spin
~ This hotel, which is built upon the site
p the old Free State Hotel, is one of t
"a finest buildings west of St. Louis. E
! cry thing is conducted in the real c
.. style, and in manner to suit even I
. most fastidious.
Nv Delegates were pouring in from eve
r. portion ofthe Territory when we arriv
ng and by night-fall, nearly every Coul
of was represented. Then commenced
% scene of clever "gerrgmandering" {
electioneering, such as Kansas alon'
he capable of. The friends Of the differ
Ill candidates are tkumbing and bsttton-hoL
he you on every hand, extolling this G
ed and denouncing that, till finally, at alb
es, the third hour" quiet reigns, and
rec satellites of the various parties file off