The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1862-10-28

Ninona, is in the mouth of defile that
runs back among the hills. There is a
ledge of rocks just below town, built up
as neatly as he most tasty mason could
have built it, Mount Vernon, on the
west side is a little place of, some fifty
inhabitants. 1t is situated like most oil
these towns, at the foot of the bluffs.
Minnesota, just above Mount Vernon, has
a hundred inhabitants perhaps. Here
some ladies from their home, away back
under the bluffs, threw out a flag, tie
first | had seen on the voyage. Our
boat had hitherto kept the flag concealed
but at the demonstration of these noble
ladies they soon raised it. Alma is the
next town. 1t is a town of one hundred
inhabitants. Wabasha is town of three
thousand people, is rather pleasantly
situated, but not SO pleasantly as Winona.
Pepin is just at the foot of Lake Pepn.
Now we enter the lake. Outlines, when
little school boy, have | looked upon
the map for this lake, and longed to sail
upon its rolling tide. That desire is
now granted. All hands are upon deck,
1t is getting a lttle dark, North Pepn
is on our right Lake City is ahead
! The lake is mere expansion Of the riy-
er. 1t is a little ruffied now. The
steamer is beating her way up at the rate
of ten miles an hour. The sky is almost
cloudless. The beautiful stars and
stripes are floating at the masthead
The great gray cliffs are in the distance
When | have read thrilling accounts Of
adventures, | have felt deeply impressed
But as stand leaning over this old bell.
frame, going up to those silent and ever
abiding preachers Of Omnipotence, no
incompetent do l find myself to express
the workings of my soul Spread around
this lake, is most gloriously beautiful
scenery, end how l wish you ard a
,aoasand more of my friends were here
to enjoy it with me.
1t was cold Tuesday night, too cold
to sleep on deck. But Col. Lake secured
the cabin for us to lie in that night. The
next morning, when a@oke, We were
within eight miles Of ST. Paul. The boat
was aground and had been injured during
the night. We got aground again about
eight o'clock, and it being election day,
we commenced voting. Granger, and
Miller of Alamakee, and Donnsn of Blu.
chanan, were chosen judges Of election
The vote, Lieut. Donnan has sent YOU
St. Paul is more Of place than | sup
posed We did not go through the city,
hence cannot speak of lis thrift and
general prosperity. From the river i;
presents very good appearance. The
buildings, are nearly all substantial stone
! buildings in view of the warf We stop
ped only an hour or two in ST. Paul, then
sailed on the Clara Hine for Fort Smell.
ing Every part of the scenery was de
| lightful. On the south side Of the bluffs
| noticed several nice caves, and hang
ing high up | saw icicles. When we
reached Fort Smelling, we marched out
to the west about one mile, where we
found the companies which preceded
us. Capt. Mobiles company had pitched
tents for our company, but unfortunately
had pitched them in the wrong place,
and we were compelled to pitch our
own Here we are, eight miles from
st. Paul, on a beautiful prairie. in our
white tents. The fort has good many
troops. 1t is a substantial stone build
ing. Was constructed in 1892 OF its
natural advantages will speak ere long.
1t has six guns, There are some two
thousand cavalry here, which are training
and preparing to move forward with i'm
petuous speed, and swiftly form in the
ranks of war. Our regiment il broken
for few days. Capt. Mobiles company
and FIVE others, together with two can.
non are going to Mill Lac Oh Rum river,
distance of 70 miles, 10 be gone about
fifteen DAYS. Colonel and Lieut.. Col
are both going. They are going TO SUI
perintend the payment of the Indians up
there, after which they will return to
this place. 1t is reported that Captain
Miller's Company, and the other three,
will 60 into the fort in the morning /
must close my rambling thoughts, al
ready too much extended. If were to
do justice TO our very delis htful trip up
the river it would fill your paper.
G. III. l..