The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1863-11-03

your eyes, fold your hands, and lean bac
in thy cushioned seat, for the bell ring:
and we are about to leave this place {
disappointed hopes and aspirations 70
Raymond, eight miles further Wes
We rode slowly down the descendin,
grade, plunged across Spring Greek
which here you can almost span wit
your hand-ascend another grade, bow
merrily over intervening table land, un
settled and untitled, until the whistle
warns you that Raymond is reached; anc
hero you are in sight Of the timber
beautiful in its autumnal hues, that frin
ges, as with belt Of gold, the majestic
Cedar. AS for the town Of Raymond,
saw Station house and huge wood
pile, but my vision failed to rest upon
anything else except the ineyita BILE shan,
ties, but l am willing to forgive the
meagre looks Of the village, in consider.
alton of the beautiful country adjoining
And leaving these scenes behind, we
came 10 Waterloo, which presents a
splendid appearance with It's stately
Court House, spires, and white washed
cottages, to any one approaching from
the East. Waterloo has, and still is,
gaining ground rapidly, and with its
present advancement, but few years will
elapse ere it will be one Of the most
hourishing inland towns in the State.
Between Waterloo and Cedar Falls the
track, for wonder, is in good condition,
and in the twinkling Of an eye, we were
at tho depot, and western termi us OF
the Railroad. or this fact you will soon
become apparent, on stepping out Of the
cars, for you are straightway assailed
with host Of unfortunate hackmen, who
shout the names Of their respective hotels
in your ear, grab your valise, and depos
it you uncermonously in the already
overaowing cab, among a sex of hoops
and balmoral skirts. Seventeen ladies,
old and young-lean and wrinkled -
rosy and fair-cross and surly-gay and
lively-with the usual compliment of
babies, made out our precious
cargo. And after many lurch, in ruts
and out of ruts. over bridges aud stony
roads, we at last drew up at the Carter
House, where mine host, Wilcox, stood
ready 10 receive US.
When left at the mercy of one Of these
Americanized hotels, where people eat,
drink, smoke and talk with lightning
speed, where you are expected TO pay
an exorbi;ant bill, and move out of the
way for another soon as possible, it is
foolish to think of describing anything,
and therefore | shall merely content N.Y.
self with observing that Cedar Falls is
all hustle, life and activity, po sessed Of
many natural beauties, and those ele-
ments which go to build up a town But
there is preceptble lack OF taste on the
part of some one in regard TO outward
show and appearances. This is apt to
be the case, however, in all of our west
ern towns. The citizens are too much
devoted 10 their own interest and money
making. to spend much time or attention
in the way of public improvement, and
the consequence is that the buildings are
thrown loosely and disjoiniedly together,
while the streets run 10 all points of the
compass. with no attempts a, regularity
But this, no doubt, will all be remedied
in due season. Not more loyal, devo-
ted, Union loving town can be found
West of the Mississippi River, than Ce-
dar Falls. Many of her choicest, noblest
young men gil our regiments, and hith
erto in every battle they have left a rec.
ord that their friends at home may feel
proud of. Copperheadism is at a sad
discount here, as Hotnett and few 9th.
er but;ernuts Of the like persuasion. will
readily testify. Taking the stage from
the Falls, or any other conveyance you
choose, ride of few miles soon brings
you 10 Beaver Creek, clear, sparkling
stream, fringed Will. linn aud the inevi
table birch. Tho rich, alluvial loam.
and rank, rusting grass, bespeaks a
boundless fertility Of soil, fact OF which
many are becoming cognizant, for cabins
and new TILED fields meet your gaze in
every direction, Still pursuing your
ride in northwes,erly course. YOU
cross the West fork Of the Cedar. leav.
ing the town Of GAINESVILLE to the right.
Looking away to the North and East you
can discern the outline Of the Big Woods,
SO called by way of distinction from
patches of timber that contain not maple
or walnut. The tops of the trees, mot
lled with autumns different hues, some
gray. some yellow. and Others bright and
shining rs flaming dstsrs, while over all