It Has A Spacious
And Tidy Hotel, Several Stores, Mechanics' Shops, A Saw-Mill, &C. At
Belle Prairie We Begin To See Something Of The Chippewas.
The
half-breeds have there some good farms, and the school-house and the
church denote the progress of civilization.
It was near sunset when we
reached Fort Ripley. The garrison stands on the west bank of the
Mississippi, but the reservation extends several miles on both sides.
The stage crosses the river on the ferry to leave the mail and then
returns. The great flag was still flying from the high staff, and had
an inspiring influence. Like most of our inland military posts, Port
Ripley has no stone fortifications. It is neatly laid out in a square,
and surrounded by a high protective fence. Three or four field-pieces
stand upon the bank of the river fronting it, and at some distance
present a warlike attitude. The rest of the trip, being about five
miles, was over the reservation, on which, till we come to Crow Wing,
are no settlements. Here I gladly alighted from the coach, and found
most comfortable and agreeable entertainment at a house which stands
on the immediate bank of the river.
LETTER VI.
THE TOWN OF CROW WING.
Scenery First settlement of Crow Wing Red Lake Indians Mr.
Morrison Prospects of the town Upper navigation Mr. Beaulieu
Washington's theory as to Norfolk Observations on the growth of
towns.
CROW WING, October, 1856.
I AM highly gratified with the appearance of this place.
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