Name/Title
Tootle Letter Journey to Denver regarding Plattsmouth, NE, Photo, 1862Entry/Object ID
P1995.1H.551Description
Tootle Letter Journey to Denver regarding Plattsmouth, NE, Photo, 1862. b/w. Photographs of two page letter concerning a trip via the "Westwind" to Denver. It is not certain who wrote the letter, but it deals with Tootle business. (1 copy each page included) As follows:
"Journey to Denver
Started from St. Joe Tuesday, May 27th, 1862 on the "West Wind" at 10 o'clock, P.M.
May 29 A storm last night compelled the boat to lay by 4 or 5 hours, so that we did not arrive at Plattsmouth, Neb until 1 o'clock. Were awakened in the night by the rain coming on us and found the berth quite wet in spots and some of our clothes on the upper berth completely saturated with water. Though its stopped raining in the morning, it continued cloudy and just before we arrived at Plattsmouth came down in torrents. We had to climb the hill in wind & rain our feet slipping back every step we took. Staid (sic) with Mr. Hansson, Mr. Tootle's partner. Were received very cordially by himself & wife (both Kentuckians) & treated with the greatest kindness.
Plattsmouth is situated on the bluffs. It is much large than it appears from any one point. There is but one place from which the whole town is visible. Like all new towns the houses are of board with one or two exceptions which are brick. The location of the place & country around are beautiful. It is one of the principal points from which the emigration & freighting for Colorado, California, & those countries start from. Would after awhile be the chief ? and there are no obtacles on that rout (?), which the other roads possess, no rivers to ford and road very fine. That western trade is even now immense & what supports the place. Eggs, potatoes & butter are very cheap & the latter is very fine. Potatoes were selling for ? per bushel. A farmer went to the store & offered 10 bushels of potatoes for a pair of shoes for his wife, price $2.50 & haul them to town (10 miles). In the fall they will not dig them for that price but in the spring will sell them for whatever they can get. Nebraska, Iowa & north Missouri, the farmers raise a good deal of sorgum (sic) (? Sugar Cane) & manufacture not only all their own molasses but for sale too. Iowa farmers, the pooer ones never have sugar in the house during the year, but make their perserve pies & sweeten their coffee with sorgum. Some of it is as clear as honey.
May 30 The Presbyterias had a "reception" as they term it for the purpose of assisting in raising funds to build a church. They were entertained by Charades & for refreshments, cake & ice cream. Charges 10 cts admittance, 10 cts for a large saucer of ice cream & slice of cake. It rained & there was such a small attendance that the charade was postponed, though the ice cream was all sold. Friday, the evening appointed, though it rained...."
Original digital scan on History CD 06Made/Created
Date made
1862Place
City
HagerstownState/Province
MarylandLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Secondary Object Term
Print, PhotographicNomenclature Primary Object Term
PhotographNomenclature Sub-Class
Graphic DocumentsNomenclature Class
Documentary ObjectsNomenclature Category
Category 08: Communication ObjectsSearch Terms
Tootle Family, Western Migration, Plattsmouth, NEProvenance
Notes
Photographs of portraits or photos owned by Tootle Family taken by SJM staff photographer.
