Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1861-06-13


is an excellent letter writer, but as yet he
has negested to design and write anything
for publication. We take The liberty how
ever Of printing part Of bis private letter
Of June 10th, hoping that nothing therein
viii give ofense to himself or any one Of
whom he speaks; he writes from the
south part of the county, somewhere about
Dickyyille, jamestown or Fairplay; some
Of the places Whereabouts are well de-
scribed. He says;
/ am asked by many how | like this
business; one says, !" / should think you
would be pleased with it," another, I'D
suppose YOU would not enjoy a business so
toilsome,n DC. Without deciding upon
nv likes or dislikes Of touring through tie
country, | will give you hasty sketch OF
one day's labor. started from the house
of a friendly family at 5 o'clock in the
morning, leaving all in bed, and leaving
line to inform them that | would call again
in the course of the day. BY mistake |
travelled four miles out Of my way; when
reached the place for which | started,
the family were at breakfast. | said, l
suppose you will furnish me with water to
wash, and then let me have some break
fast. o certainly, and it was done. |
then told my business. when the gentleman
Of the house asked me, "do you collect for
the Herald?" / said, l am authorized to
do any business for Mr.. G. "Well, then,
| will pay you" then inquired for the
place of Mr.. ; said he, we are about
starting in that direction and will 60 IN
sight Of his house; you can ride;" SO
rode a mile, perhaps. "Ihere IS the
house," though at this distance | should
not know that to be house and home;
but on reaching it, | found an intelligent
looking man, in appearance and speech 4
German; he was reading the Herald; l
told my business when lie said, 40 yes,
know Cover; be is friend, is liberal and
willing to live aud let live, so | will pay
YOU SO much now. | wrote receipt;
then he took the pen aud made note Of
the amount paid Though this man occu-
pies an humble tenement, he IS perfect
example Of good citizen and IS above
average in natural intellect and education.
| pass on more than mile for the next de-
Iinquent who is away from home; fine
crops and much thrift on every hand. |
90 down deep, dark rayine; am al
most ready to write, mountain gorge;
the hills above me OH the right, a dismal
water pass on my left, beyond which the
hills grandly rise to dismal heights. en-
Joy this scenery all alone rs | pass along;
what luxury for those who can admire
the likel Presently, turning to the right,
gradual slope brings me to the top Of a
mound-Iike bill. Here is presented a new
mould of smiling scenery, something unlike
what my eyes had ever beheld, but have
not the time to describe it. Now am to
take that path and pass down; sometimes
the descent is gradual, but at others the
decliyity is painful. The man l am seek
ing is not come-at-able at last, and / have
to turn back, retracing my steps through
this scenery Of grandeur. much thereof
scarcely ever relieved from everlasting.
shades by the rays of sunlight. In some
places are seen 1ocks Of sheep and | won
der how they escape the wolves and other
enemies which must have their harbors in
these secluded deserts. About the sum-
mits of hills there are houses and farms;
several apple orchards and vineyards are
distinquishable; infer these are German
people and no doubt they are happy under
their own vines and apple trees, there be-
ing none to modest or make them afraid.
Now | am back to the place whence |
started in the morning. The man / have
not yet seen, but the woman says, +" | will
p@y you s., but cannot pay you ALL" /
give her a receipt, then go on greatly en-
joying the beautiful face of the country.
call at a house for dinner; do you want
to subscribe for the Grant County Herald.
" | have thought of subscribing, have often
read it and think well of the paper"
Well. now is the time, and the name is
added. | am kindly treated, remain but
short time and pass on; make two calls
but collect nothing but good, kind and en-
couraging words. | reached J--n, re-
ceive what Mr.. A. has for me, get informa
ton Of persons and places, have inytations
to call and stay without charge, but 60 on
calling on deinquents. At each house
there is some Distinguishing kindness and
much familiarty--at one a hospits Die sup
per. At O'Clock | stop for the night,
after IA hours active work.
| started next morning, and having no
long rests, travelled nearly Is miles, stop
ping about three miles from where / was
the night before, collecting $l2.00-ex-
penses, including the night before, 55 cts.
supp being free. That was the best
day; Monday and Tuesday had collected
none. though making many calls and re-
ceiying numerous promises. The next day, |
travelled about as far, with half the sue
cess, and feet nearly used up. Next, ] |
was hindered by the rain, but improved
leisure moments as well as could-col- |
Letting over 5000. On Saturday had
some long walks-hoping | might collect
something of the two men that had
travelled so far to see. One, very.much be-
hind, could only make fair promises; the
other | did not see and must call again.