The Fremont weekly journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1867-1877, 1868-04-24
LETTER FROM CHEYENNE.
The Ride over the Plains-A San6
Storm Frontier Life-The Indians
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[corrs.pOndsnee FrsnOn. Journal
CHErENNE, DAKOTA TERRITORY,
Anri1 9Th 1868

CHEYENNE, DAKOTA TERRITORY,
April 18th, 1868.
DEAR JouHNAL:-On Monday evening we
left Omaha, in company with Gen. Hazen
and Gen. Wilson, of Montana, formerly of
Gov. Fenton's Stsff in N. Y. The train
started at 6 o'clock P. NJ, and we took supper
at Fremont, a 6ourishing town about 45 miles
west of Omaha. The route of The Union
Pacific R. R. is along the valley of the
Platte, natural highway. Taking sleep
ing car We reached Mcpherson at o clock
the next morning. A few miles further on
we reached North Platte and trenkfasted;
here we crossed the North Platte and then
travelled along the South Platte uLtil~we
reached Julesbury, then took up Ledge Pole
Greek. The weather was most delightful
until about noon, when we reached Sidney,
when it commenced blowing severe gale
and increased in fury all day. The sand
drilled through the windows and crevices
until we were literally covered with dust.
Gen. Hazen said be had travelled over these
Plains often, but bsd never seen such a
storm. There would be lull and then the
storm would again break out with renewed
fury.
The ride is along the Platte river which,
until we reach JulesbuIg, is wide and in
many places studded with little islands, COW
cred with thick growth of willows, but
vegetation has not put forth yet. Along the
route occasionally we could see the ANTE
lopes over the plain" aud the skeletons of
Buffalo bleaching in the sun.
The scenery is monotous aud devoid of in
terest, and nothing particularly noticeable
until we reached Pine Bluffs, on each side
of the road apparently not more than three
miles apart; but we were told they were
fourteen miles. They were covered with
sparse growth pine. We saw some horse
men on these Bluffs as we passed, and in
less than half an hour afterward they came
down and stole the stock belonging to the
Railroad. They were Sioux indians and
were too cowardly TO attack train.
We reached here at O'Clock and were
kindly received and cared for. In the eve.
Eing, with Gen. Hszen, GosliDe, Newton,
and Campbell, the Ticket Agent here, we
made tour of observation. California in its
palmy days could not touch this place in the
extent and character OF its gambling houses
and concert saloons. Gambling houses
capable of holding 500 persons were crowded.
Every kind of game, Monte, Roulette, Keno,
&C., was played, and by all kinds of people
Mountaineers, Bushwhackers, Mexican
"Greasers," &c. The very worst kird of
frontiersmen and the vilest wretches of the
cities meet here. But under the rule of the
Vigilance Committee they are kept straight.
Since the town has been built-and by the
way there are some substantial houses and
strong firms here-there have been some 80
persons buried in the graveyard, and only
six of them died natural deaths. -
The building of U. P. R. R. is the only
thing that gives life to this point, Like Jules
burg it will move next TO Ft. Sanders, as
that point did to Cheyenne. Cheyenne con-
tains about 4OOO inhabitants, and among
them some fine people. There are two
Hotels; three Papers, two dailies, Leader
(Rsp.) and argus (Dsm.) No Church as
yet but one is about to be built. a. -
The road is now at the summit of the
Black Hills, the highest point the road
passes. being 5000 feet above the level of the
sea. Gen. Sheridan and the Peace Commits
sioners visited it last week. Regular trains
run no farther than this point l am going
up tomorrow.
The Indians are becoming quite trouble-
some and there is every indication of fear
ful outbreak among, them, and the repetition
of the frightful scenes of last summer.
The poetry and romance about "Lol the
poor Indian" plays out when he gets here.
He is very io1. Cooper and the noTelists
have fearful responsibility in forming the
ideal Of Indian character, which has kept
this Government and people from from
treating these savages as they deserve.
After visiting the Summit I will write
you again. MAHLoS CHANCE.