Year: 1859




ST.. PAIL, Aug. 9th, 1883


EnrroR EMrmF;-This letter date a little
nearer home as the rapid fall Of the River, which
all the spring has been remarkably high, would
not allow Of any very extended explorations
above St. Petcr-so facing about we came down
the winding Minnesota with the current and
were soon riding on the broad waters Of the
Mississippi arriving speedily at this point -
There were several gentlemen on board who had
been up the river merely to see the country and
enjoy the ride and all profossed themselves very
much pleased aud satisfied not only with the
climate and soil but with the present condition
Of tho State, and the appearance Of the crops.
The expectations Of none seemed disappointed
aud 1t was universally conceded that Min.
nesota is indeed already a State Of no small
strength and importance and Of It's ultimate
wealth and prosperity are well disposed to pro.
dict largely. il great things are expected Of
Minnesota, great things must be eexpected Of ST.
Paul its Capitol and Commercial center. During
my few days soiourn here have been surprised
at the apparent large amount Of business done
even in these as yet, dullest times, the severcst
| blight Of which seems to have fallen on this
city st. Paul is without doubt destined to be
the center Of the Northwest trade both by its
position, its advantages and facilities, and lie
present superiority to any other cities, which
superiority 1t will not only maintain but make
more conspicuous. It's location is IN the midst
Of rich country nd at the head Of Mississippi
navigation. In high water Boats can 70 up as
far as st. Anthony Falls, but in low water it is
difficult to reach this point as we'll as many
Others some distance below the Minnesota River
trade can only be carried on by a second class Of
boats, which necessilates q reshipment at 81.
Paul. The importance Of this position and the
prestigeit gives to the city will not be appreciate
ed except it be remembered that this river is At
present and will be for a long time the only
outlet Of an almost unlimited territory which is
rapidly filling up with resident settlers and that
the trade Of this section even now requires three
or four daily boats up and down the river
Beside the ordinary business of country
large Indian fur aud supply trade is carried on
from this point, no small item, as the business
with the Hudson Bay Company alone is estimat.
ed at $2U0,O0 this year. Should channel of
water communication be effected with the Red
River as is anticipated and through the St.
Croix River TO Lake Superior a business will
be opened for St, Pa ul superior to that of any
other city west Of Chicago Several Rail Roads
are projected from here and some are in progress
of construction. The Seat of Government can
scarcely be removed from st. Paul at least until
the city shall have attained such proportions
that the presence or absence of the Capitol can
dardly affect its growth or Importance,


The site Of the city is favorable, somewhat
elevated and yet easily accessible from the river
and though rather rough originally, is being
eveled and graded at a moderate expense while
the nights in the rear furnish beautiful locations
for residences, All building materials are easily
attainable-the bluffs in the vicinity furnishing
an unlimited supply Of stone which with some
dressing make buildings of strength and beauty
though Of no great variety. The city seems to
possess every advantage and facility for gro 9Th
while the energy Of the inhabitants are suffi>
cient assurance that these will not be neglected
AS proof Of this and evidence of the ability of
the city it will not be amiss to mention very
briefly what the city is and what itisdoing. The
number Of inhabitants is variously estimated
The city already occupied extends over large
territory four or five miles in length and nearly
two back from river. Ofits actual business /
cannot Of course speak definitely but the amount
as well as the vigor is sufficient to impress il
not surprise stranger. Its Public Buildings
are creditable as said before and in some cases
eviuce much taste and elegance. It's accom-
modations for the travelling public are ample,
equal in comfort to far larger aud older cities
This is feature Of all western towns Of any
note as that a complimen Of western comfort or
hospitality is never heard. Among numerous
good Hotels there are two Of the very first class
the Fuller House and the Winslow House.
Three Daily Papers arc published all of them
possessing merit and marks of ability and all
devoted to the interests Of the city, one of which
we regretted to notice had seven instead of six
issues per week. This is an indication of
state of society and morals which is by no means
peculiar to this city alone. People 90 West to
make money, end some to leave their better
natures behind them, aud foreigners who are
here in great numbers have proverbislly little
regard for the Sabbath except as play day.
But with the growth of Schools and Churches.
the influx of permanent residents and the
naturalization of the foreign population this
delinquency, it is hoped, will be corrected.


| must restrain myself at this point as did
not propose to writo so long letter. The
present and future Of st. Paul seemed to me to
warrant II not demand mention Of its condi
tiOn aud prospects and only regret my inlbil
ity to do it justice. If any are inclined to re-
eeive these statements and speeulations at a
discount, would only say that they cor
respond with the opinions and impressions of
older heads than mine, and for the full convlc-
tion Of the doubling would advise a trip to
Minnesota which, though it should not produce
this effect, would at least form pleasing cpl
sode in this humdrum life not often secured.


M.


DW Up to this time but few big peaches