The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-06-01
On Board OCEAN WAVE,

men Of the press present from the Atlantic
States.
We left Chicago at Q P. NJ, glad to escape
from our thronged hotel. and somewhat IA
tigued with the convention eIcitements through
which we had passed. A brief note written In
haste just amer the convention adjourned an
nounced the nomination Of Mr.. Hamlin for the
Vice Presidency. His nomination was made
unanimous on motion Of Mr.. Evcrts Of N. Y,
seconded by Mr.. Caleb d. Smith Of Indiana.
both Of whom made eloquent speeches. Hon.
W. McCrills Of Maine, who had acted as Chair
man Of the Maine Delegation. took the stand,
and amid rapturous applause thanked the con-
vention for the honor II had done Maine, and
eloquently detailed the character Of our distin-
guished Senator and stated In truthful and tell
ing language the hold which he had on the az
fections of the people of Maine, assuring the
convention that Maine would respond to the
high honor which had been done her by giving
such majority for the Republican cause in her
fall election as would meet the most earnest
hopes of the Republicans throughout the Un-
ion, and would give that impulse to the cam
paign as would result in certain victory. Cheer
after cheer followed.
The States were then called for the member
agreed on for National Committee man.
Maine named Hon. Charles J. Gilman, Of Bruins
wick. He takes the place Of our travelling
companion, Jos. Bartlett, ESQ, Of Bangor, who
has discharged the duties Of the place for the
past four years to the satisfaction Of all, but
who positively declined, though urgently re-
quested, the continued responsibilities Of the
place and the pecuniary sacrifices 1t involved.
We left the convention in session transacting
its q nal business before adjourning.
As we LEFT our hotel for the depot, the streets
we're blazing with bonhres, professions with
bands of music were on the march, the Wide
Auakes were out with their torches, and there
was rush and plenitude Of enthusiasm for
Lincoln and Hamlin such as my pen fails to
describe.
Our journey to Prairie du Chen being IN good
part In the night, Of course We had little OPP
portunity to see the country through which we
passed. We found the railroad, however, .
very good one, little Jolting Of the cars, and a
conductor gentlemanly and pleasant in his man.
ners. There are three routes from Chicago to
the Mississippi; one terminating ut Galena,
one at Prairie du Chen, and one at La Cross.
The middle route is the Prairie du Chen route,
over which we came. 1t is q pleasant, easy
route, and as II passes through the interior OF
Illinois and by the city of Madison, the capital
of Wisconsin, said to be one Of the finest cities
Of the West, and celebrated for its singular
beauty OF location and the excellence ani num-
Der Of its public buildings, 1t naturally has
great attractions. II was in the gray OF the
morning as we passed by, not through. the
town-and although we had q glimpse of its
local beauty, and could admire the clear ponds
between which 1t is situated, we had no oppor-
tunity to make ourselves acquainted with the
improvements by which art has adorned Il.
Prairie du Chen, where we took the boat,
and commenced our sail up the waters Of the
mighty river, is q thriving town, but nothing
important to notice therein.
Our sail to-day has been one Of constant
pleasure. The eye has not tired with the ever
varying and beautifully bold scenery through
which the continuous waters run. The air has
been deliclously invigorating, and the sunlight
has given its richest light to add brightness to
foliage Of forest, and the silver waters. 1t is
near hundred miles from Prairie du Chen to
La Cross, and nearly all the way succession
of bluffs in one continuous line border both
sides Of the river, sometimes approaching d.
rectly to the border and at other times receding
space being either islands In the Mississippi or
lowlanis. Some Of these bluffs are very strik-
ing in their appearance, and as the limestone
frequently crops out, and in regular layers,
they present the appearance Of immense fortih-
cations built by the hand Of art to protect the
approaches Of an enemy ur the river. The
river frequently spreads out INTO many chan
nels, and leaving lovely Islands 70 ariety
to the grand and magnificent seer
We have passed in our way up tc'dAy Lans-
ing on the Iowa shore. De Soto on the Wisconsin
shore, and other places, some Of them nestled in
ouiet nearly ut the base Of some enormous
bluff, which gives them when approached re-
markable appearance.
La Cross, where we are now waiting for the
arrival of the Milwaukee train. Is situated on
the Wisconsin side Of the river. Is place OF
some thousands inhabitants, looks thrifty, and
is the home Of one OF the washburns, Hon. C.
c., who represents this section in Congress
But enough for tonight o. q
81 The appended letter written BY the Ed
itor Of the Union and Journal the morning A.
ter his arrival at Chicago, by some failure In
the mail was not received In due course ana
not until after the paper Of last week, for which
Il was intended. was put to press. In order OF
time Il 10 before some Of the letters already In
serted. We publish Il now to keep the series
unbroken. and to show what the impressions OF
the Editor were. respecting the nomination.
soon AFTER his arrival at Chi,ago.