The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1862-10-08
DubuQue-State Fair-Camp Fro uklin
mboa ting ncide n(s.

out oil the cdltOrlai harness ana went or
board the stately steamboat Milwaukee
Captain Holcombe, Clerk Coffin in office
and Watson clerk at large. The first fea
ture that strikes the attentive observer or
going on board is the system and order
which pcrvades everything animate anc
inanimate. Every person has his sphere
and fills it without infringing upon thu
sovcreisnties Of his ncishbor, and it is rare
to meet boat that is better handled, o,
that is more popular with shippers and the
travelling public. A pleasant run Of a few
hours brought us to
DUBUQUE,
which we had the pleasure of viewing from
the opposite shore just as the sun was 60.
ing behind the bluffs, which here form SC
picturesque ground to the city. We
confess to considerable disappointment in
our impressions of the Key City as seen
from the water, and on shore. 1t is sci.
dom that nature affords man SO ra-e an
opportunity alorg this blutfy river to plan,
town, as at this point. A few tasty re.
sidcnccs, and fewer attractive grounds,
aforl a brilliant contrast to the lily shaped
and lily preserved houses which meet the
eye on every hand.
We labelled oursclf for the "Key City"
as did almost everybody else, and register
cd our name with the expectation Of being
compiled to take cot for our lodging
place but thanks to the kind attention OF
friend Jones we were Struggled"
word-''into No. T." and nobody was ever
more fortunate in like circumstances. We
here remark parenthetically that the crowd.
ed condition Of the house, and the horrible
state Of the weather, did not permit
Messrs. Russ & Jones to do themselves
justice, nevertheless, found their table well
supplied, officers attentive, and charges
fair.
Strolling out with friend Giles our Gem
pagnon-we went up Main street as far as
the Post flee, where, on invitation of
our townsman, B. Strouse, We desce nded
TO the mouth Of the underground railroad
directly beneath the federal office. Here,
we sat down by a little table in companion
able position, when S. in the language Of
Schiller summoned rotund and benevo-
lent looking individual, who administered
materially to our comfort. In a few mo-
ments in came Knapp, of Elkader, shortly
followed by Dr. Reed, Garnavillo, and anon
by Smith Of Clayton, Judge Crazy, of Gar
navillo, and Sheriff Sawyer Of West Union.
We learned from these gentlemen that
Clayton county was well represented at the
Fair, and many other matters of interest.
In the morning, in company with Capt.
Kirkup we visited
CAMP FRANKLIN,
And spent the first half Of the day in
hand. shaking with numerous friends, and
the condition of the 9th, sd,
and 3sth regiments. But one regiment,
the 9th, is yet clothed with army uniforms
and n,ither Of these are yet equipped
The 9th are better satisfied with their des
tination than we expected to find them,
ard almost idolize their Colonel-Gilbert,
Of Lansing. Sanitary condition good; 10.
cation Of camp, very superior.
In the afternoon We visited the
STATE FAIR,
There was an immense crowd in attend
ance, and receipts at the gate must have
been heavy. At the time of the trotting we
doubt not there were more than ten thous-
and people within the enclosure.
Our space will not permit an extended
notice of the fair. We can only say in
brief that the display Of stock was very
good agricultural implements, fair; agri-
products, small fruit and pre-
serves, meager; and fine arts, light; c. S.
Boynton Of this city carried off three first
premiums, with diplomas, viz: best fancy
binding best ledger; best record book
Robert Grant Of this city had some seed
wheat which was promptly awarded the
first premium, but the ribbon was after.
wards taken off from the fact that accord
ing to the regulations, wheat must be en-.
tered in the producers name.
The bad weather which prevailed during
the first part of the week discouraged eve-
rybody and materially interfered with the
attendance and success of the exhibition.
Nevertheless there was a large crowd pre-.
sent Friday p. m.-mainly attracted by
the trot between Tom Hyer, Of Cedar Falls,
Iowa, and Black Douglas-best two in
three. Black Douglas won the first heat
in 3:Ol, ard Tom Hyer took the two next
heats in $50. The track was in torerable
and the strife between the nor.
ses was very animated.
Under the stimulus Of a state fair and
large military encampment,D Dubuque looked
gay and festive, and her merchants, land
lords, and restaurant men made large
hauls of green backs.
We visited the Times and Herald Offices
but found neither editors in. We subse.
quently found neighbor Clement who has
occupied Petit's chair since that eccentric
genius ''went for to be soldier"
On Saturday we went on board the swift
and popular packet, KeyfCity and started
homeward. Captain Jones Wordsn has
right to be proud Of this fine boat which
he commands. Draughted by his own
hand, and superintendent in its construc-
ton by bis own eye, who has better right
to admire the manner in which she splits the
stream and distances all competitors, than
hop Ion w Eidrad mn NJ thu hoet .,d