Page:History of Goodhue County, Minnesota.djvu/551

 HISTORY OF GOODHUE nirTY 11 1 by land. We could only avail ourselves of the Last-named craft when we wished to go to the head of navigation on the .Mississippi. For two years and a half our nearest postoffice was Point Douglas, twenty-five miles by river from Ked Wing. After learning how to manage a log canoe, I could go that distance in one with pleasure. The missionaries on the upper Minnespta, in conjunction with the Indian traders, used a large boat, carrying several tons, for transporting their goods and supplies from Fort Snelling to their several stations during the summer. In September, 1851, I had the pleasure of a trip on the boat — named Winona — on its return from Traverse des Sroux to the fort. It had been raining for a week or more, and early in the morn- ing of the day fixed upon for starting the rain was still pattering upon the roof of the mission house. By eight o'clock the storm ceased and the clouds began to disperse. Preparations were immediately made for embarkation. By nine o'clock our party were all snugly packed on board the Winona, a barge of eight tons burden. The party consisted of twenty-four persons ; nine- teen were missionaries and their children. Some were returning to their several stations at Shakopee, Oak Grove, Kaposia and Red Wing, after having attended the annual meeting. To com- plete the number were two Frenchmen, employes of the traders, and three Dakotas. For freight, we had three horses, sixteen packs of furs and a considerable quantity of baggage belonging to one of the mission families, who were on their way to visit friends in Ohio. When all were ready, farewells were exchanged with those left behind, and our little vessel moved out upon the bosom of the charming river. It seemed to me that nothing on earth could have exceeded the variety and beauty of the scenery by which we were surrounded as we glided down the "sky-colored water." The dark rain clouds had disappeared, and the golden- edged tieeces, which appeared in their stead, were moving in majesty, adorning the great archway with their richest drapery, while sheltering the traveler from the too constant heat of the sun. In consequence of the great rain the banks of the river were full, and in many places overflowing. No ghastly forms of uprooted trees, no shelves of dropping mud, nor bars of yellow sand were visible. Every object that could be thought disagree- able was covered by the flowing waters. We sailed on, in our winding course, through banks of living green. The willows, which .skirted the stream in abundance, bending under the force of the current, seemed to be bowing their heads and kissing the water, like things of intelligence expressing their gratitude for favors received. Our course for that day was bounded for many