Page:History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century Volume 1.djvu/310



and exchange of products was the only method of carrying on business.

The Legislature assembled at Iowa City on the 5th of December, 1842, and organized by the election of John D. Elbert, of Van Buren County, President of the Council; and James M. Morgan, of Des Moines County, Speaker of the House. John M. Coleman, Territorial Agent, reported sales of lots at Iowa City, amounting to $22,871 since he had come into office. W. B. Snyder, Superintendent of Public Buildings, reported a portion of the new Capitol inclosed and in condition to accommodate the Legislature. He estimated that $34,143 would complete it. It is a singular fact that the only act of a general nature passed at this session was the appropriation bill, providing for compensation of members and officers of the Legislature.

The winter of 1842-3 was one of the severest known since the first settlements were made in Iowa. Snow began to fall early in November and continued at frequent intervals throughout the entire winter, the first snow remaining on the ground until April. The cold was intense, with fierce winds and before spring, in many parts of the country snow reached a depth of from three to four feet. The settlers were poorly prepared for such a winter, their cabins were cold and little shelter had been provided for live stock. Great suffering ensued. Provisions became nearly exhausted; cattle perished by the thousands; deer, prairie chickens and quail were nearly annihilated. Half-starved wolves prowled about the settlements, seizing pigs, sheep and poultry wherever they could be found. The failure of banks had left the people without money; business of every kind was prostrated and the collection of debts became almost impossible. The only market for farm produce was the limited demand from immigrants moving into the Territory. Good cows could be purchased for ten dollars each; pork for one dollar per hundred, wheat twenty cents a bushel, corn and oats for ten