The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-08-05
A BLIND MANS BOOK.
Chaplain Milburn Has Finished His His
tory of tho Mississippi valley.
Tspaclai CorresDoDdence.l

tory of tho Mississippi valley.
Especial CorresDoDdonce.l
NEW YoRB, July 2G-The blind preacher
Mlburn sailed early in july for Europe
where he proposes TO spend several months
in rest and recreation. He is accompanied
by his daughter Mr.. Milburn spent few
days in New York city before his departure,
and 1t was an interesting sight TO see him
in some one Of the book stores, whittier he
had gone with his daughter to select
some books for summer reading. The
daughter would take o book up, glance
through It's pages, chat with her father
ebout it, and upon his advice would either
buy It or put It back upon the shelves. Mr..
Miiburn also visited good many Of his
friends in New York, with whom he
chatted in the most interesting way about
his trip, and be also did business in the
city at some Of the banks, and with such
shrewdness az TO indicate that although he
may have lost one Of his senses yet his
business sense is very acute.
The writer met Mr.. Milburn a day or
two before he sailed, and from him learned
some facts about a book which is soon 20
be published and which the blind preacher
regards as the best literary effort Of his
life.
81 have recently finished, " said be, "a
book upon which have speut thirty years.
1t Is to be published in St. Louis and the
publishers tell me that the sale IS sure to
be large. It is really history Of the Mis-
sissippi valley, not written in the critical
and analytical style Of the professional
historian. Il has been my aim rather so
TO write it that it will be of interest even
TO those persons whose education has been
limited. In it | tell the story Of that won
derful valley which is now not only the
granary Of the United States but which
feeds so many in Europe. which is capable
of supporting a population Of hundreds Of
millions and Of raising breadstuffs enough
to feed the world.
That is q marvellous country, in many
respects tho finest gift Of the Almighty 70
the children Of men. I know its story
well. I began to study this valley more
than thirty years ago, when / went 10 live
IN the heart Of it az Alton, Ills. and ! even
then began collecting materials for this
book. 20 back 10 the time Of De Soto
and tell the story Of his discovery, and
most fascinating and romantic tale it II.
That was a conquest with the lance or by
military power. Then L take up that glo-
rious narrative Of Father Marquette's con-
quest in the far north, he carrying the
cross instead Of the sword.
II think that this part Of the narrative
will perhaps appeal more powerfully than
anything else in the book, although the
story Of the conquest of it by the emigrant
and the first settlers and the history Of It's
development TO its present condition OF
magnificent prosperity also make a thrill
ing tale Of modern civilization.
Even in this country the marvellous
story of the Mississippi valley IL not as
well known as IL should be. Every posi-
bic romance and tradition is suggested by
this majestic territory. There are tales OF
conquest and variations Of discovery;
there are romantic stories Of expeditions
Ia search for mines Of gold; there Is the
thrilling story Of the war and its many ep-
isodes as they occurred when the Union
was fiphting so that the Mississippi should
flow unvexed 60 the sea; there is that
splendid evidence Of the genius Of JeiIer-
son. which the purchase Of part Of this
valley from France suggests and the story
fIlilL Us lhnlln1lllH Nd AohAesAfNN 80
fiction; and then, above all, is the story OF
today, with the material development OF
that rich soil and the establishment Of
farms upon it which are the greatest In
the world"
Mr.. Milburn became quite enthusiastic
as be thus spoke, so that it seemed almost
as though he were delivering an address to
an audience, for his tones became those Of
oratory and his gestures were significant
of his enthusiasm.
lie said that the book would be profuse-
~ illustrated and would contain between
ZOO and 500 pages Mr. Milburn's style as
n writer is peculiarly fitted FOR this sort Of
work. and although good many other
books descriptive Of the Mississippi valley
have been written, it is not at all improha-
bile that his will attain the widest popu-
iarity.
The writer asked Mr.. Milburn something
about his method Of composition, and be
explained it at some length.
"AIy own observations and Investigations
have been from time TO time dictated TO
my amanuensis, and in thirty years had
thus collected q vast mass Of material In
my leisure moments during that time /
searched the authorities, carried on a great
dead OF correspondence with men who were
familiar with some things / wished TO
know, and collected large number of
books bearing on the subject.
Then my amanuensis would read these
notes and these authorities, and l dictated
from time 70 time as much as l thought
advisable to Gull from these sources. Hay
ing thus concentrated, so TO speak, my in
formation, and having the matter firmly
fixed in my mind. began TO dictate con-
secutively -- sometimes an hour a day
sometimes all day. Frequently my other
duties interfered for a week at a time with
this work; then again had time enough
for several weeks to make splendid
progress. IL has been on the whole a slow
work, and | em very glad that it il now
out of my hands and in those Of the pub
fishers certainly regard it as my most
important literary work"
Mr. Milburn spoke with delight Of his
trip across the ocean, saying that the sea
always gave him rest and health, and al
though be could not see the ocean, yet he
says that he perceives IL By that same
subtle sense which seems I'm some measure
| to COMPENSATE him for the loss Of sight