Transcript

CIRCULAR.

At a meeting of the citizens of Kanesville, (Council Bluffs,) on the 15th day of September, 1849, for the purpose of putting forth to the world a statement of the resources of this place to facilitate emigrants to California, or other points west. The following persons were chosen a Committee to put forth such statements: J. B. Stutsman, T. D. Brown, C. Voorhis, H. Bishop, and John Needham. The Committe report,

That emigrants have been grossly deceived by statements, from interested or ignorant persons, as to the country, its resources, roads, &c., we would say, that the country around Council Bluffs is very well settled, that the crops of corn, wheat, potatoes, and in fact, all farming crops are abundant, the soil very fertile, and climate most healthy. At Kanesville there are now some six stores with large and unlimited stocks of goods and other stores around, two Public Houses, a Bakery and Confectionary Establishment, Drug Store, four Wagon Shops, two Blacksmith's Shops, an Establishment for making Riding and Pack Saddles, Larrietts, Packing Bags, Lashings, &c., as well as other mechanics, such as Gun Smiths, Watch Smiths, Harness Makers, &c. There are two Ferries across the Missouri River near, and probably will be more in the spring, that the range on the prairie for cattle is unlimited. The Missouri River is navigated to this point with as much facility as to any point below, and the roads leading here from the different places on the Mississippi River are generally good, being three main routes; one from Fort Des Moines reported very good by the emigrants last spring. Those from Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, Montrose, Nauvoo, Quincy, &c., the Committee advise them to take the Mormon Trace, being the best and most direct. The streams are bridges excepting the Nichnabotna [Nishnabotna], where there is a Ferry. The road generally keeps a dividing ridge. There were many emigrants here this summer that went to St. Joseph from Burlington; they report the road through the State of Missouri very much broken, with many hills, and sloughs. If you should wish to go to St Joseph, this is the best place to come, and from this place to St Joseph is a good road and thickly settled, and teams constantly passing to and from. And we would also say, that the longest distance on the Mormon Trace without inhabitants is now forty miles, the before next spring, we think there will be many more settlers on the road as the Surveyors and Commissioners are now laying out the road from Pisgah, also from Fort Des Moines, and a weekly mail established from the Fort to this place. The distance from Council Bluffs to Fort Laramie is 445 miles. Distance from Independence, Missouri, to Fort Laramie, according to Mr. Bryant 672 miles; over two hundred miles farther than from this point. Thus you see that emigrants who cross the Missouri at this point shorten the distance over 200 miles.

We have eight or ten grist and flouring mills in the county, and any number of horses, mules, oxen, cows, &c., in the market for sale. Yet it is always safe for persons to bring their own teams. We advise all to have very light strong wagons, for either oxen or horses as all with heavy wagons this year have, if possible changed them at Salt Lake, or taken to packs, but if you pack from here your wagons will generally sell well at this place. Here we have many persons offering as guides to Salt Lake, California, Oregon of the Sioux Country North, finally if our fellow citizens are disposed to take this route they will find every facility to advance them on their journey.

All of which is respectfully submitted,
J. B. STUTSMAN, }
T. D. BROWN, }
C. VOORHIS, }
H. BISHOP, }
J. NEEDHAM. } Committee.
Council Bluffs, Pottawatomie Co., Sept. 15, 1849