The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1867-05-25
TO THE CASCADE NOUN.
TALNS.

ly accepted an invitation from Messrs.
Hackleman, Alexander and Wheeler
all of Linn cOunty-to accompany them
on a trip to the Cascade Mountains. Ac-
cOrdingly We put u hunting apparatus
in first rate order, laid in such provisions
and made such other preparations as we
deemed necessary for such an occasion.
Our companions, at the outset, were a.
Hackleman and Martin Luper. In con-
sequence of a pressure of professional du-
ties, DR.. Alexander eOnld not goa cir
eumstanee much regretted, not only by
him, but the entire party.
The first point of Importance on the
route is the own of Lebanon. The u
try between it and Albany is among the
best and most beautiful We ever beheld.
1t forcibly reminds US in its CONFORMATION,
its productiveness, and its neat cultivation;
of the country Immediately around Jack
souville, Illinois; which Schoolcraff once
pTOuOuucS1 luG EAcu u @AaEtICA. III 81
far as surrounding scenery is concerned
it excels any lands around Jacksonville.
Several large hills, Knox's Butte, and
the Cascade Mountains in the distance,
covered with yerdure, reaching high up
into the clouds, each and all lend an in
terest and impart a charm to this section
of our noble county, which must be seen
in order to be fully appreciated, The
crops on the route look well, and give ev-
cry promise of a rich harvest. AS usual,
in this Valley, the husbandman's labOrs
win be amply rewarded.
The town of Lebanon is a neat, tidy
place, in the midst of a very fertile
district of country. It is distant from
Albany, fourteen miles, and was onee a
prominent candidate for the county seat
of Linn county. Here we overlook Jason
Wheeler, Esq, one of our party, Having
two horses, re abandoned orr friend Lu-
per's vehicle, and travelled the balance
of the route on horseback. Night over
took Us at the residence Of John Gilliland,
Esq, in Sweet Home Valley. Dir. G.
lives just at the foot Of the mountains
He settled here in 1853, and has remain
ed here ever since. At that time he
could have claimed iaRd ia the Willamette
Valley; but he chose to push out to the
extreme verge of the frontier. That he
has selected a healthy locality is evident
from the fact that he has had no occasion
to send for a physician, since he has been
there, except once, and then only in con-
sequence of a severe cut with an axe
Mrs. Gilliland, for the last fifteen years,
has made all her husbands clothes. three
pair of pautaloons excepted. At first she
was very much dissatisfied with the place,
but now no spot seems so dear as their
farm in Sweet Home Valley. Dir. g.,
being astaunch democrat, takes, and pays
for the State Rights Democrat.
Next morning We continued our journey.
Our road wound around the mountain.
Nooned at Hsnsley's-bagging a pleas
ant and grouse on the way, Here Messrs.
FrOman and Baber, 9Th their wives, were
encamped. They were drinking the
.healthful waters of Soda Springs, hunting
and jerking the venison they had cap
tured. Dir. Hensley, the owner of the
ranch, is an industrious bachelor-pre-
fering the solitude and majestic scenery
of his mountain home to the civilization
of the Valley.
Sometime in the afternoon we reached
Upper Soda Springs-ten miles distant
and encamped. These Springs are similar
to those at HensIey's; but there is more
iron in them, apd they do pot eferyesce
as freely. They are situated in the cen
ter of the Burnt Woods which, wher
swe were there, abounded in wild game.
After u~npackipg OR animals and rest
ing 3 little we started out from camp will
our friend Hackleman, to procure SCAMP
meat"--in other words a vepison. AS thii
was our first attempt at deer-hunting since
our arrival in Oregon, we trust the reader
will pardon US if we go somewhat into de
fail. Dir. Hackleman, who, it was ar
ranged, should lead off, is a number one
-
hunter. He settled in Albany over TWEEN
y years ago, and owns a section Of thu
best land IN Linn county, except what HI
has Laid of into lots (and sold) fronting
the river. He is tough and wiry, anc
spends much of his time in the mountains
Carrying double-barreled rife thrown!
a half ounce ball; and being an e~xccllen
shot, the consequence is that when h
draws a bead on a buck, or bear, or elk
they are almost sure to bite the dust
Such was u companion OF this occasion
The mountain being steep and the wealth
er soneWhat warm, he started out at
regular slow gait, having on a SLOUGH hat
wooden shirt, pants and brogan shoes, tn.
soles Of which were full of tacks. w
were similarly clad, except We wore !.
vest. collar neek-tis and a pair Of brogar