Box 3, Folder 3: Typewritten Letters 1840-1844

542 [507] 1843.

near perishing last fall on this lake about one mile from shore in a shallow place.

Beyond Tacheeda I met teams hauling limestone from the "Ledge" giving evidence of enterprise and improvement. Overtook two Brothertown Indians, one with a wooden leg, took them into my cutter, they were very polite, intelligent and thankful for the short ride.

Limestone similar to that of Milwaukee, destitute of organic remains. The road goes long a ledge above the tops of the trees in the bottom near Lake W. Crossed a deep valley and brook on both sides of which are high mounds. Ten miles from Tacheeda I passed Pipe village, where there are three houses and a blacksmith shop, which don't go! Half a mile further passed a new frame house, immense cornice, no trees or other appearance of taste. Stopped at Fowler's seventeen miles from Fond du Lac, forty two from Green Bay and sixty four from Milwaukee. Brothertowns first settled here nine years ago, they have lost their language and speak English. Passed Doty's road from Sauk Harbor yesterday.

A religious meeting was held in the house where I staid attended by Brothertowns. The language used by the leader was very correct and appropriate, he associated each quotation from Scripture with the number of chapter and verse, all appeared to be pious, many spoke, one old man appeared especially anxious to save sinners. He had been for forty three years a sinner, could not bear to have his wife (now in Heaven) read her Bible. The meeting lasted until nearly eleven, afterwards, the hostess gave orders for tea and a warm supper for "Daniel" who had just returned home with a load of lumber.

I left Fowlers on the 22nd at 8 o'clock. The weather clear and cold, I needed all my furs. First eight miles all Bass-

543 [508] 1843.

wood [Basswood], sixteen miles began to see Pine with other trees, it soon became common and continued to Green Bay. Struck the Neenah river fifteen miles above the Bay, it is a broad stream, banks high and bold and continued so to the Bay.

Depere [De Pere] a pretty town,--some aircastles. Dam partially repaired, saw mill in operation. Thence to Green Bay appearance of an od country, many houses decaying. Put up at the 'Aster House' kept by Mr. Green, on the 22nd. The three following days attend to business [business]. Visited Mr. Ellis, member of Legislature who resides near here. Rode back to Depere [De Pere] twice.

Sunday the 26th. Last night a severe gale with snow commenced which continued through this day and night, the severest storm of this winter. The Astor House was made in the day of speculators, does not stand plumb, rooms cracked, large snow drifts forced through cracks in every window and door, well furnished and as well kept as can be at Green Bay. Town very dull very little business. Too far ahead of the country, which is none of the best and consequently will be filled up but slowly. When that is done the town will again improve. The citizens live in the hope of the improvement of the Neenah and Wisconsin rivers from which they expect much. Went to Church, which (in some measure owing to the storm) was but poorly attended. Church highly ornamented, a poor place to learn humility. Good sermon, the clergyman disapproved of children making opposition to their parents, churches to their clergy and people to their governors!

Mr. Horner, formerly Governor of Michigan, now of the Land Office at Green Bay, stops at the Astor House. Mr. Martin another member arrived from Milwaukee.