Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1860-07-05
Misfellanfons.
LETTERS FROM "QUAILS."

MISSISSIPPI STEAMER MILwUKEE, COMING I
DOWN THE River. MAY 81, 1860.
Coming down the river from St. Paul,
about one hundred miles to Wabasha, in
Minnesota, on the western bank, we went
ashore to visit the old and favorite grounds
of the great warrior aud eminent chief of
the Sioux and Dacotah Indians-Wapaha-
sa. The present name of the town, Waba-
sha, is no doubt an abreviation of the old
chieftain's S name, and, like all diluted In
dian words loses much of its euphony.-
Speaking of euphonious names, it has for
a number of years been generally conceded
by the most eminent languists, that for
linguidrithmeticaf euphony, there was no.
thing known equal 10 Oceola, the name Of
the famed Florida Chief, but have found
its superior! A few miles from St. Paul,
there is beautiful WATERFALL, even as ro-
mantle and picturesque as Minnehaha,
which bears the liquid musical name of
Minne-inne-opee. Was there ever heard a
name SO sweet? 1t titilates the lips like
the loving kiss of a beautiful woman. Min
ne-inne-opee is name too sweet and de-
licious for cross grained old bachelors to ev-
er profane by using.
Wabasha is near the mouth of the Chip
pewa, an extensive river, running through
a fine pine country, has a population of
about fifteen hundred, and Wilt is thought
become, in few years, city of conside-
rable distinction. For hundreds of years it
has been the favorite resort of the North
west Indians for their hunting, dance and
play grounds. They have assembled here
in large numbers within the past three years
and mourned over the graves of the de-
parted braves; indulge in the graceful and
athletic harvest dance, frightened the peace
full inhabitants by their wild and fearful
war whoop, and have sqandered their all
for the white mans damnable beverage
the soul destroying flrewater. The race is
fast becoming extinct! 1t is poetical to be
sorry; but we ain't-a bit. We don't like
'em.
Another important fact in connection
with Wabasha-the ground is thickiy pep
pered with comedians, varying in size from
the head of a pin to large black walnut.
The comedians are of the most superior
quality, and are dressed and set by the jew
elers of N. Y. for the heaviest aristocrats
in the land.
The Mayor of Wabasha, the Hon. A. L.
Sharp, was formerly a resident of Ohio,
aud taught music in many of the counties
in the old Buckeye State. We found him
as full of life, humanity and hospitality as
of yore, and as he turned up his pipes for
our especial qualification, it made us both
feel young again. aoa ll1s
Mr.. Sharp is deservedly popular with
both the whites and the Indians of this
country. Of superior intellect, integrity
and eloquence, he is the chosen one to pre-
side at the City Council, and to win and
retain the esteem of the best men of both
parties
The following anecdote illustrates bis
bold upon the affections of the Indians
A few yeaas ago the renowned Winneshick
the chief of the mighty Winnebagoes-
came to Mr.. Sharp, and complained thai
BY the legal trickery of some white faced
white-livered land spectators, the old chic
and his people were likely to be swindle(
out of an extensive tract Of land. Mayo
Sharp's sympathies were excited, and witt
bis accustomed energy-backed with th'
RIGHr-most always wins! 1t did in thi
case; and with emotions of unadulteratet
gratitude, the old chief walked into hi
honor's Office 10 pay for bis services-ex
peeting to find the bill between two AM
three hundred dollars. On being asked 70
his bill, Mr.. Sharp exclaimed
"Winneshick you have often been th
white mans friend l am now the Indian
friend! My bill is nothing! Let us smoke
Winneshick silently stood with swellin
bosom, dilated eyes and quiveripg lip for
moment and then replied:
: "Indian heart big! Winneshick choke
i White chief great brave! He not take golf
he must take what gold no buy! He tax
Winneshick's pipe"
He hereupon presented To his honor th
: old pipe Of peace which fer generations ha
y belonged to the chiefs of the Winnbagoe
and which no amount Of money could hay