We arrived at Swan River at about one o’clock, where we dined on wild ducks.  That is a village also of considerable importance; but it is not so large as Little Falls, which is three miles this side.  At that place the Mississippi furnishes a good water power.  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.  Mr. Burke says—­ " In order that we should love our country, our country should first be lovely,” and there is much wisdom in the remark.  Nature has done so much for this locality that one could be contented to live here on quite a moderate income.  The land is somewhat elevated, near the bank of the Mississippi, affording a pleasant view over upon the western side, both above and below the two graceful mouths of the Crow Wing River.  Towards the east and north, after a few miles, the view is intercepted by a higher ridge of land covered with timber; or, by the banks of the Mississippi itself, as from this point we begin to ascend it in a northeasterly course.

Crow Wing was selected as a trading post upwards of twenty years ago.  Mr. McDonnald, who still resides here, was, I believe, the first white settler.  Till within a recent period it was the headquarters of the Mississippi tribe of Chippewas, and the principal trading depot with the Chippewas generally.  Here they brought their furs, the fruits of their buffalo and their winter hunts, and their handicraft of beads