St. Cloud Democrat. [volume] (Saint Cloud, Stearns County, Minn.) 1858-1866, 1863-06-11
1 TRIP TO FORT RIPLEY.

A desire, for long time entertained,
of seeing Fort. Ripley and the adjacent
country, was grati6ed by an invitation to
join party that would leave town on
Tuesday of last week for an excursion to
the Fort. At three o'clock on the after
noon of the day appointed, a "coach and
FOUR" bearing Adjt. B-f-d and
lady, Lieut.. F--sk, Mrs. Col. Is,
Miss rs, Miss NIL and the wri-
ter, rolled away from the Stearns House.
Per parenthesis, it, was understood that
anoth her party should follow on Thursday.
Crossing the Mississippi at the upper fer
~, we passed through the quiet little vii.
lage of Sauk Rapids The afternoon was
bright and pleasant, with fine breeze,
while the fields and trees were covered
with the freshness and luxuriance of early
summer, all combining to make the drive
a charming one. Six miles further on
We came to the town Of Watab, whose
name has long since passed wi,hin the
bounds Of classic literature. Could the
"reminiscences Of ca'ly "court days. and
times when this was the principal place
IN this region of country, be written, a
rich volume would be given to the world.
Soon, leaving the oak groves and hazel
underground, We emerge upon 'Iuther's
Prairie" which stretches for miles in all
directions without tree OF shrub to break
the sweep of the eye. Bringing the mats
ter to a question of utility, the first idea
that suggests itself is Of the advantages
offered TOR stock raising. And indeed
this is now no subject of mere expert
ment, for it has been tried on the prairie
with the most salts factory results. Before
long we reach orr first evenings destina
tion, Mr.. I.Hthers, Who's, house i, situa-
ted almost IN the mi idle of the prairie
The party were soon discussing the merits
Of an excellent supper, not the least i'm
portant item Of which was "spring chick
ems"
Up next morning at five, breakfasted
and on our way before half past six
The great drawback to the country on the
east side Of the river in a grain growing
point Of view is evident from the ext,eme
sandiness Of the soil, and this becomes
more apparent as we pass on. Near Lit
tie Rock Creek is place where acres
have been washed away by the rain.
The next point on the journey is Platte
River, and as we passed through the street
a sigh escaped from more than one OF the
party, and
'tSweet smiling village, lovleiest Of the lawn,
Thy sports are fed, and all thy charms 'cith-
drawnP' , nJ
rose involuntarily to the lips.
The scenery along Platte River at this
season is very attractive. The roadside
bloomed with wild phlox, roses, tiger ILL.,
les, moccasin flowers. and many other
beautiful varieties. The road is on the
high prairie, while to the left the river
rolls along below. AT that time "drive"
Of logs was being brought down to await
a rise in the Mississippi
I Continuing, Swan River is soon reach
ed, but the most important buildings were
burned about two months since.j An ac-
count Of the fire, from. correspondent.
was published at the time.
From this place to Little Falls, the
principal point along the Mississippi Riv-
er above St. Cloud, the distance is three
miles. The country here, as along the
entire route, is principally prairie, either
open or dotted with scattering oak trees
and groves. About half way along this
intervening distance stand two small
trees, which have been rendered immor:
, .
tai by having several years ago been used
by Ans. Northup in hanging couple Of
Indians-whereby great service wasrenS
dered the country. A. little III advance
two deer stood not far from the roadside
quietly watching the carriage as it drove
BY, and they remained browsing when We
passed out of sight. E: Reached Little
Falls, thirty. FIVE miles from ST. Cloud, at
ten o'clock, hadilunch and renamed until
half past eleven. Resuming our journey,
the next place Of Importance is Belle
Prairie, small hamlet beautifully situa-
ted among fine oak trees that stand clear
Of underbrush. Along the edge Of the
prairie, to the east, where it Joins the tim
Der, farm houses are seen standing on ev-