Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-01-24
LETTER FROM THE WEST.
ROCHELLE, H., Jan. Is, /

ROCHELLE, H., Jan. Is, 1870.
| DEAR JOURNAL II left Rochester, N. Y,
on Friday at half-past 10 A. NJ, and arrived
at Chicago at 9 A. NJ, Saturday, making the
600 miles in little over twenty-five hours.
| When I left Rochester the snow had all dis
appeared, and it was as pleasant and warm a.
May, and it was hard to realize that you were
having sleighing and perhaps the mercury
might be at Zero
| The first event that occurred on my journey
was fatal accident when about thirty miles
west of Rochester. A man was walking on
the track in advance of our train and on
seeing train going east, stepped directly in
front of our engine and was instantly killed.
The train was stopped and the mangled bedy
taken on board and carried to the first station.
l learned no particulars. We passed along
and how soon it was forgotten. Other scenes
and incidents engrossed our minds, I'VE know
not how many hearts were caused to bleed or
how some dear wife or mother waited anxious
ly the return of the loved one. Perhaps the
first intimation of his fate might be the lifeless
body returned by the hand of strangers. But
Goods ways are not our ways" and we leave
it in His hands-feeling that what we see not
now we shall know hereafter.
/ When about 800 miles west Of Rochester we
met powerful rain storm and it continued till
we got near Chicago, when it turned to hail
and sleet, and when we got to Chicago foot
of snow had fallen and the wind was blowing
fearfully and drifting the snow so that locomo-
ton was sadly impeded.
We left Chicago at IL A. NJ, and the train
made slow progress through the drifts, arriv-
ing at this place at 2 P, NJ. As ! had some
doubts about reaching Clinton before night,
and having standing invitation to stop with
Rev. W. II. Strout, my former paster in Hal
lowell, decided to stop over. found him in
charge of flourishing society, and as proof
of his usefulness he has been retained three
years, which is rather an exception in the
Methodist itineracy. However, the sttwo year
rule" is fast becoming the exception, and soon
nnr preachers will not be obliged to ''pull up
stakes every two years as in the past. All
concerned are seeing the advantages that re-
suit in the change, in the increased usefulness
of the preachers. But am sort Of digress-
ing from the subject in point.
l think was speaking of the storm. 1t has
continued till this hour, a P. NJ At this
time there is over two feet and drifted terribly.
1t is hoped the trains will get through by to-
morrow. 1t has been the most severe storm
ever known here, but am told that the first
of the week was real April weather and no
snow. They also tell me that it is probable
that in a week from this, the snow may all be
gone and the reign or rain of mud again as
sumo its sway. Since writing the above am
4 told by one of the s'oldest inhabitants" that
many years age there was great fall of snow
some four feet in depth, and the buffaloes died
in great numbers on the prairies. The mer-
curry has been as low as 22o below zero, which
eclipses anything you have felt in the east
during the winter. But I am reminded that
the winter is half gone, here is hoping that
it may be the most severe half
The sudden changes of weather are serious
drawbacks to fruit-raising in this western
country. Still there are fine orchards, and
large crop of apples was harvested the past
year, considering the newness of the country.
This is a thriving village of about 1900 in.
habitants, on the LChicago & N. w. Rail-
way, rs miles west of Chicago. 1t contains
four churches, has q splendid brick school
house just completed, that cost $4,000.
large block of stores was burned here about
six weeks since, but will be rebuilt on much
larger scale in the spring. Land is at fabu-
lous price, as is the the case with all the cities
of the west, that are on the lines of railways
and good country adjoining.
will speak more particularly about crops,
prospects for the future, in my next. Hoping
to be able to close up my business and be able
to return very soon.
l remain yours truly,
]. r. SAwTELL.