The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1881-02-11
Aud Lang Syne.

And now, from out the shadows OF the past,
there energies another wrath Of "the departed
years." to again awaken US to livelier realiza-
ton OF the numerous changes wrought by the
last thirty-seven years.
The following IS a faithful copy OF letter
written. long ago, by youth who now ranks
among the most prominent business men OF
Paw Paw, aud to the anxious parents whom he
had but recently left in the old home back
among the New England hills
The zest with which each little detail OF the
journey is described, well portrays the unso-
phistcated lad Of nineteen, who finds every
thing he sees so novel, during his first journey.
There are, probably, many OF our sold set
tiers" who will find themselves carried back to
an early day by perusal Of this letter, but none,
we think, will enjoy it more heartily than the
writer thereof when he Unexpectedly finds 1t in
these columns.
We are indebted to distant relative for its
contents. Now guess all OF you:
PAW PAW, Aug, I'd, 1874.
DEAR FATHER AND MOTHER:
You have probably received paper before
this time and know OF my safe arrival. I sup
pose you will want to know how got along on
the road, as l was rather green hand at trav-
cling, as found before got here. However,
got along very well had very pleasant ride
the first day; had 4 very respectable class OF
passengers. We had one darkey only, and he
crawled off into corner so that he did not
make it very dark.
Arrived IN Albany about six o'clock, Here
the baggage-cars are run on TO the ferryboat,
and the passengers go on also. The baggage is
taken out of the cars while you are CROSSING
You take piece Of brass with number on it
when you put your trunk on the tram, and the
same number is put on your trunk; the bag
gagem then calls the number, then you must
show yours and take your trunk.
There are some of the most curious signs in
Albany that / ever saw. Dutch names: no
decent man could read them. Took tea at the
Railroad House and started for Buffaio at half
past seven, p. In. Fare, S11.5O. | did not look
after packet boat, as felt as though wanted
to get along as fast as 1 could, and there were
two gentlemen who got in at Springfield who
were going on the railroad and | had got some
acquainted with them, and as they were going
to Detroit thought 1 would keep along with
them. tell you! leta man get into another
state, and il he comes across a man from
Mass. he seems like an old acquaintance.
Arrived in Buffalo at eight p N. Tuesday
Put up at Huff's Hotel tired and sleepy There
are some fine farms in York State. The farm
ers were harvesting their wheat, which was
fine The horses here have better grazing than
they would in any Of the meadows IN H.
You let man travel here. aud If he don't
think Ii a dry place, III give ii up
There are some OF the finest farms IN Western
New York in the world.
Took passage for Detroit on board the Gen.
Cotton-fare 81; started at
nine o'clock Wednesday. She Is a very strong
boat, though not so fast as some. She put IN
to Erie Ashtabula, sandusky, Conaut, Glove
land, (Which is quite place. Toledo, and
Munroe, which made good while on the lake.
However, it was fine weather and was boarded
so / didn't care much. Was a little sea-sick
once though not enough to vomlt
Arrived at Detroit Friday, at eleven o'clock
Stopped at Woodworths Hotel Took the
train Saturday at seven o'clock for
Albion, as far as the railroad extends; fare
1921.
Arrived at three o'clock p. m. at Albion. and
took seat for Paw Paw; fare, 1925. Then
comes the tug Of war after you take the coach.
The roads here are worse than a man can think
OF. Why, one would think he was going to tip
over every minute, till he got used to it. They
drove on the walk, and il you dropped to sleep
the first thing you would know, your head
would be up against the top OF the coach
Tedious work, tell you
Arrived in Paw Paw Sunday morning at eight
o'clock, almost used up. Found the folks all
well. Little F., out at the door locked as
happy as q clam. He is buster, tell you
Fat asa pig; has got so that he likes me pretty
well; wish you could see him.
Mother tell F. kissed him for her lots
OF times. She would like to play with him
first rate. So far, like it well: have not
thought OF being homesick. Have been pretty
busy. Went at it Monday, so that have not
had much time to look around. Sleep IN the
store, Like the business pretty well.
Yesterday went down to Brush Creek with
Mr.. d -. to get a load OF lumber, so we
took his gun and sported along on the road.
went into q wheat field and started about
twenty turkeys. The way they took it was a
caution.
Your affectionate Son.