The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1871-05-06
Letter from Salt Lake City.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, !
April 4th, 1871. {

county, Md, station, it was warm and al
things out in bloom; and the same aspect
presented itself all through Ohio; but al
Chicago it was very cold. Remained there
al day Sunday, and visited the Universalis
Church and heard DR.. Rider speak on
Religious Union. Leaving there, arrived
at Burlington, Iowa, in due time; thence
on to Council Bluffs; took boat crossed the
Missouri, and arrived at Omaha, Nebraska,
at midnight. Here is in course of con-
struction one of the grandest bridges in the
| West; and here, too, is town of confusion.
compared it to defeated army. Emigra-
| ton, travel, DC, are such that one imagines
the whole town is about to leave in a few
hours; but l was informed that such is an
every day occurrence. The wind blew
here in continued hurricane and the dust
was almost binding. The faces of the
inhabitants are marked similar to those
having had the small pox, with ring OF
dust about their eyes-looks at distance
like every individual wore "specks." Yet
| this is only q prairie breeze. The ther-
mometer indicated about 500. Leaving
here we soon get into the celebrated Platte
Valley, which is 800 miles long by 10 to so
miles wide. 1t rises gradually toward the
west, until it attains the height of 5000
feet; and if ever heard or felt wind it was
on that plain. In crossing the plain
thought every minute we should have been
hurled from the track. The valley is
strewn with bones OF animals; perchance
they belonged to the emigrants that used
to go overland with teams. 1t was very
cold. And here allow me to remark, that
many people of the East are deluded res
pecting the productiveness of this ''cracked'
up valley. OF course l can state only what
| saw each side of the line; but my opinion
is that farming in this valley can never be
profitable, except grazing, and for it the
seed must be sown. The winds are such
here that corn, wheat or anything, except
grass, would be torn up by the roots.
Here can be seen the authenticity of my
predictions on Sylvaculture, that recently
sent you.
Entering Wyoming State and still "get-
ting up in the world;'' passed Cheyenne,
at which place is a branch, which goes to
Devcr county. We soon found the useful
ness of stove; going on arrived at Sher-
man, the highest summit, on the Z. P r. r.,
S,235 feet above the level Of the sea.
found two coats and double blanket very
agreeable, and some of the passengers
tried to warm themselves with "fire water"
but l took none, and can now boast with
Horace Greeley, that l crossed the plains
and mountains templar. Here antelopes
were abundant; and snow sheds numerous,
which protect the road from snow drifts.
At Fort Steele, which is situated on the
north fork of the Platte, are stationed four
companies of infantry and one of cavalry,
to protect the road from the Indians. Here
was the first time that we saw the Heather
Chinee ON the road. At Laramie is one of
the best iron beds in the United States; at
Carbon are several coal mines; at Rawlin
are many veins of different ores-gold,
quicksilver &c, &c. l believe that this
State is destined, some day, to be great
of the strata.
Getting into Utah here the eye of a
stranger gets glances of undreamed of
grandeur. | am afraid to attempt to pic
turc it, for there are no words at my COM
mand in our language suited to represent
it. Passing through the narrow canons,
on each side towers the mountain peaks;
on one side clothed with some kind of veg
citation, OH the other bare rock. Some tops
lost in the clouds are clothed with snow;
while at its feet flowers nestle by the side
of gurgling crystal streams, and the air so
pure, one imagines that he is in the beat
itudcs of bliss. At Echo a pistol shot
sounds like the bursting of the mountains.
The DEVILS Slide is indeed very singular;
also the DEVILS Gate. Suffice it to say
that it is the grandest scene ever saw,
and well pays for an excursion from the
East. Leaving these mountains we now
emerge into the Salt Lake Valley. Arriv-
ing at Ogden we take cars for Salt Lake
City. On the right is the lake, on the left
the mountains robed in snow, and 43 miles
from the main road is the Mormon City,
beautifully situated, with wide streets,
streams of water on each side; also trees.
Peaches, &C., are in full blossom; though
it showed here yesterday it effects them
not. The city is full of people, obliged to
sleep Oh the floor. Here, too, is more con-
fusion, hustle, hurry, scheming, &C., than
any one can think of. We hear of nothing
but silver, gold, and Brigham Young.
Now for the Mormons. 1 was at the
Little Tabernacle yesterday and heard Car
rington preach on Mormonism and abuse
the United States; in fact, all nations of
the Earth. He stated that females dying
old maids was the greatest curse that
could be-violating the just laws of God.
Also that eventually the Latter Day Saints
would rule the whole world. This Taber-
nacle holds 5000 people and it was full. l
also heard Grant lecture against Spiritual
ism, and Taylor against everybody, except
| WIN 'Oteiiiet' S't" many VI Jung
tiers; they belong in the choir. The Big
Tabernacle holds $4,000 people; has huge
organ containing 5000 pipes, and the large
ones 10 inches by 80 feet long Brigham S
house is enclosed SO also are the Taber-
nacles, with a high wall; but managed to
get a full view of it. 1t is like many houses
joined together.
The females are equal in their dress: nc
hoops, Grecian bend, chignons, &C., an
| observed they wear boots not too tight
for their feet. | must confess out of SC
many females did not see one that would
choose for a help-meet. They are so dry
complexioned, and almost think not indi.
eating high mental requirements; but
should be afraid to tell Darlington of it, fol
he is smart man and Il good speaker
There are other denominations here build.
ing splendid churches.
1t is also very singular that have moi
seen any Germans or any other people that
cannot speak English fiuently. Also, did