The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1861-04-20
CORRESPONDENCE or THE NoNrAREIL.
CoTToNwoop SPRINGS,
Anril 18th. 1851.

CoTToNwooD SPgINGs,I
April 18th, 1861.
MR. EDIToR-Much has been said and
written by those interested possibly hired
AS to which is the best route to Ft. Kear-
ney from Council Bluffs, tho North or South
side of the Platte River. Having received
nothing, nor the promise OF anything, for
what may say in regard to these routes
and being the special advocate Of neither,
shall endeavor to state the simple truth in
regard to both, according to my experience.
No traveller should put any dependence on
the cards Of distances got up by merchants
for either route, or even for the whole dis
tance to Denver. To say the least, they are
| very incorrect, and do not announce many
Of the best stopping places on the different
routes. Last October saw an emigrant-
on the South side-with a card got out by
firm in Omaha, Fastening at the top of his
speed to reach Ranch he had left twenty
miles behind-the Ranches by come accident
having been trausposed. Having set himself
right by enquiripg, he felt exceedingly cha
grined-tore his card in pieces, and with az
oath declared he never would purchase an.
other outfit at that Store.
But for crossing the Platte at Fl. Kearney,
the North side would have much the superb
ority over the South-nine months in the
year however, this great obstacle, which
many so much dread, is easier overcome
than most travellers imagine. The facilities
for obtaining wood, water and good camp.
ing grounds must commend this route to
emigran.s in preference to the South and,
while farming on the South side, to any
considerable extent, is entirely out of the
question, the North side is already quite
,hiekly settled with as worthy and industri-
Gus class of farmers as can be found in
any Territory. You scarcely leave the
banks Of Loupe Fork, before large farm,
owned by G. C. Barnum, greets the eye,
where travellers can fnd hay, grain aud meals
at most reasonable prices. The emlsrant
who may be obliged to lay over at this place
a few days, will never regret his acquaint-
ance With Mr.. Barnum. Some ten miles
further you reach Prairie Creek, where
Hurley has good accommodations for oil
who may favor him with call. Eight miles
further YOU reach the Junction, where tbs
traveller will end gen.lemanly landlord and
everything all right. Baker knows how tc
do things, and how to make every traveller
glad wto calls on him, that he has made h''
acquaintance. The same may be said Of tht
landlord at Eagle Island, who has but re-
Gently taken this establishment, formerly
Huftalen's.
We now come to farming population
industry and the thrift that follows, line YOU
route, with little exception, until you reaes
n. crossing a, Kearney. 1t is scarcely nee
e,.ary to designate farms or ranches, wher'
they are all farmers, and nearly all vel
situated to accommodate emigranss Or oihe'
travellers. l may be pardoued, however
for mentioning one or two. J. II. Parker
forty mile. west Of Loupe Fork, needs to o.
called on bus once, to make you call asaio
|, i. no disparasemens to others, to say tina
b. has superior Accommodations. for sn'
.bor, time since be commenced here.
good stable, capable of accommodating o.
horses, and conmodious house., well arrange'
far the accommodation Of the trsvesini
publie-eulinary department e1eellensl
managed, with the sens!enanly and ee1d's