Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1865-12-02
Western Correspondence.
FREEropT, I'LL, Nov, %, '65,

INbbHOHI, ihi'J ANON' 81 VIZ
Cot. j.. L. TATE, DEAR SIR ;--Hav-
ing a few leisure moments, | shall endcav.
or to place some facts before your readers,
which may Provo interesting, 1t has bee n
my privilege TO spend some fifteen months
in different parts oftho western States, and
as a general rule | find a highly cultiya-
ted country, especially iu this locality
The time was when Michigan, Illinois,
Wisconsin, and a few others, were con-
sdered "thc thinly inhabited far western
States.' But by referring 10 the census
Of the present time, We will observe that
that time has passed, aud that Illinois
may soon stand, both in population and
enterprise, as one Of the entral States.-
In fact, at the present time she outstrips
number Of the older States, in ACricul.
turo as well as Financil affairs. Having
Chicago, (thc Garden City,) accompanied
by Lake Michigan, as her base Of oper-
alton on one side, and the Mississippi on
the other she stands almost independ-
ent. Freeport is one Of the many thriv-
ing towns, which lie scattered through the
! Great West. 1t is situated on the Picka.
tonica river, which is noted for the zig gag
direction in which it flows. 1t is of such
a winding character at points, that it has
been said Of Raitsmen coming down the
river, to have tied 10 the same tree two
successive nights. Frecport is rail road
center, comprising about 10000 inhabi-
tapts. 1t contains four printing Offices,
three English aud one German, with an
extensive job department connected with
each office.
Itis glorious sight, indeed, at the
close of clear day, to take westward
glance over this vast scope OF rolling pra.
rie. And it is still moro startling to the
mind when we contemplate the thought
that but few years ago, this entire coun-
try was in possession Of the red man who,
like the Sun at the close Of bright sum.
mer s.day, has taken hisrcst in the genial
cline of the far West, with the exception
of a few who may be seen occasionally
vending ;hoir way from place to place.
believe it TO be truthGuly asserted,
when l state that this Great Valley of the
Mississippi is the most fertile section Of
Country on The face Of the Globe. But
the tide Of emigration westward appears
to be greater than ever before, almost
every train brings large number Of emi-
grants, the majority arc Germans por,
ton of them are settling in the western
part of Iowa, while others are going far
ther west. And at the same time, the
tide Of emigroton Soutbward, is swolcd
to surprising extent, especially to Mis-
souri,. Where do the people come from
is question which czctes inquiry.
Our market prices at present, stand thus:
Wheat is worth from 81, is to So Oats,
to 10 cents Corn, 20 cts Rye, 80 to
40 cents ; Timothy seed, $3.50 Clover
seed, So 90; Butter is worth 40 cents per
pound Potatoes are worth 30 to 30 cts
per bushcl, and plenty at those prices
All crops, with the exception of fruit
yielded abundantly this season.
We are now having our Indian summer,
and the farmers are taking advantage of
Of this pleasant weather, by gathering the
golden corn.
There are many things which I would
be pleased to insert, but as lime and space
forbid, shall here close for the present.
Yours Truly.
9. NJ. NANDERSLICE.
THE New YORK DAY DooK We