Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1865-10-25
VOL. l2.--NO. I.
Beauty BY the Shinload.

The want of females having long been felt
IN Washington Territory. Mr.. A. s. Mer-
Ger, resident of that remote region, con-
! ceived the novel idea of colonizing them
from the Eastern States, and finally was an
pointed eInlgrant agent, under an act of the
Territorial Legislature. When the project
was first mentioned people laughted at the
Idea OF taking cargo OF women from our
denseiy populated States to the womanless
edens of the great Northwest. But it
seems Nh. Mercer went to work with will
and has actually succeeded In getting the
National Government TO furnish him YES
sci to carry his precious freight to their des-
tlnatlon. Between 700 and 900 young wo-
men have agreed TO emigrate. About two
thirds are from Massachusetts, and the re-
malnder from other eastern States. New
York, Ohio, Illinois, &C.
The reporter of the New York Times.
who has visited the Continental. 4" which i
the name of the vessel furnished by the
Government. after stating the average age
Q. the emlgrants Is about twenty two years,
though there are several elderly ladies with
two or three daughters, says
There are large number of soldiers Wild
ows, who by the war have lost their lawful
protectors, young ladies who have no charms
or romance and travel, have resolved TO seek
the new Eldorado OF promise. The induce
ments are certainly great for these Young
ladies, many of whom, ere spring, will reign
III and rule over the household Of men whom
they know not to-day. Expectant hearts.
beaming eyes, and out stretched arms await
thcm at the end of their journey of twenty
thousand miles. They will come fresh rud.
dy and Drowned after tieir life upon the
ocean. Already scores have arrived in the
city, aad anxiousiy await the day of sailing
and look forward 10 their arrival in their f1,-
ture home with more than ordinary interest.
:. " hat a load OF precious freight will the
Continental carry just think of what a
sight between decks--seVen hundred and
perhaps more females ranging In years from
eighteen to fifty. We are thankful, young
and handsome as they call US, not to be of
this party. just think of the questions that
viii be asked. Only think of the band hoy
eS, acres OF crinoline, miles Of bonnet-rib
bons, cases OF calico. pieces of lace, feet of
shoes, plies OF trunks; of the MARYs, the
JAMES. the CLARAs, MAGGIES, EssIEs. ,JU-
LiES' sweet Ilttie ones, ugly OLD ones, paSsa-
bly, good ones, quaint, queer, curious quo.
tatlon from the human market
hree months, one quarter of a year these
gentle ones are TO be together Won t they
hioH dIi dDout Sicu obnef before that time
recount ali their love stories, tell all their
Affections, exhibit all their cart-de-yisites,
rings and other mementoes of affection. and
pc. .laps Of blighted love Wonder how he
will look whom they have not, but expect
to see aud then wed.
Won There be some tall tea parties there?
and at sunset, far out upon the ocean. when
grouped about the decks, they sing old and
familiar songs, whose notes will be watt
ed lar over the ripping waters. Won't
that be SO nice? And then when the storm
howls around their bark, how thev will
-renlble and wish they lad never started
This voyage viii be one of strange and
novel interest. and it is to be hoped that
.onie Of the voyagers win give US pen pho
ograph IN book form, of the trip from New
ork to the North Pacific coast. Well writ
en. 1t would DC the most interesting sea vow
lge ever given to the public The CONT
rental viii touch Ell route at Rio de Janeiro,
. ilr araiso, Panama, Acapulco San Fran
:isco. and then proceed 20 Puget Sound.
'assing through the Straits OF Magellan q
7here for the first time in their lives, they
Eill behold some Of the grandest scenery on
he face Of the globe.