News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1883-09-06
OUR DAKOTA LETTER.
MADISON, d. T., Aug. 10, IS.

MADISON, -. l., Aug. 10, IS.
Dcu' No1rS and Citizen, grectinq:
My thoughts have been constantly
roaming eastward for many weeks.
notwithstanding my long silence at
testing to the contrary. Across the
beautiful prairie, with its bounteous
charms, over lake and river, and
fields of gathered grain; beyond the
wooded hills, the laughing brooks and
lovely village homes, these busy mes
sengers of the brain 90 on low
inc pilgrimage, never resting, never
turning until they fold their wings in
the one place more dear, and green,
and bright than any other. Longing
desires to revisit the old home this
fall have been Juggling at my heart
with irresistible force, and at one
time | almost resolved to 90.
as friends out here who were also
neighbors there were going back for a
time. Dear old father, how GLAD |
would he to see him again, and many
others, whose smiling faces and low
ing hearts this sunshiny afternoon
brings to mind. The sunshine is es
pecially cheering at this time, from
the fact that we are just emerging
from a three days thunder storm
more clouds and thunder than rain
fall, however, which latter feature has
been the distinctive one of most
storms of late. We have had fine
growing season, and no more sickness
than usually falls to the lot Of a town
Of our size, and we have had very lit
tie high wind, that is, high wind for
Dakota. Harvesting was progressing
finely until stopped by the storm, but
everything is again fair. Well may
the farmer boy whistle and sing, with
the bounteous crop spread out before
him, and the summer breeZes sweet
with the breath of q thousand flow
ers. The flowers are sweet and in
viting, and would gladden. the heart
Of you eastern people, but neverthe-
less | have one corner of my garden
devoted to old fashioned fOur-O' clocks
and bachelors buttons, their charms
wildly set off by a plentiful sprink
ling of coXcOmb and Princess feather.
Every one speaks of q generous,
and some Of bountiful crop Of small
grains, but corn, it is thought will be
nearly a failure, owing to the cold,
wet spring, the excessive hot season
following being of too short duration
to make up for former hardness. Just
here | must lay down my pen to well
come and refresh a pair Of birds
which have come to me by express.
This is their first glimpse Of the great
world of travel, and having been on
the road two days and 4 half they are
weary, thirsty and travel stained.
You have seen birds, 50 l need not
describe them, or say how much com
pany they will be. | should never
think of imprisoning any living thing,
but as they were raised for me and
know nothing about liberty l shall
doubtless keep them and treat them
tenderly for the giver's sake.
Some are beginning to look blue
for fear that grain may be hurt in the
stalk, or field. Report says that the
hail storm two weeks ago did consid-
cradle damage 80 or GO miles south Of
us, but we have thus far been spared
any wrathful visitation Of the eIe-
ments. While wind and flood have
held high carnival all around us, life
and property, beauty and gladness
being swept away by their resistless
stride, the spirit Of peace and plenty
has spread her beautiful mantle over
our heads and under our feet, and all
around us, and | still think that this
wonderful land Of ours holds as good
as there is eNtant in the line Of in
ducements to any who wish to try
their fortune in the west. Tdon't know
as we want any more here who can
think Of nothing better than to make
money. But the large hearted, free
handed Christian men and women
would be an acquisition. The invalid
in search Of health would do we'll to
come here in the summer months.
About 20 miles from here is the
growing town of MOntrose, the site of
which is owned 10y Il former fellow
townsman of mine, and doubtless
well remembered 10y many there yet,
Washington Wilson. lie called upon
me once and suggested that l make
honorable mention Of him in some Of
my letters. The reason l have not
done SO was not for the excellent
spirits found in him. | beg his par
don for mentioning him now lint
saw him in the midst of his posses
sions, in blouse and oyeralls, looking
fresh and manly, and | was glad.
But my sheet is nearly full and | have
not mentioned the Russian settlements
and their curious houses, nor the
steamer, Lady Van Daren, 50 lately
launched upon the beautiful waters of
Lake Herman, only little way from
here. Must, perlOrcc, leave these for
another letter.
MRs Il. I. STEWART.