1806

"I do not like the west very much...."

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 I do not like the west very much....
Length letter of Mississippi River town settler N. Lynch, Rock Island (Ill.), Apr. 17, 1849, 8 x 9 1/2, 4 full pp. + 2 pp. postscript on half-size blue sheet. "...The peach business, they brought from $1 to 2 per bus(hel) last summer in this place...I do not know that I can tell you what they brought in St. Louis and other towns on the river, but when I came out here peaches was selling for $250 to 300 per bus(hel) in St. Louis and Quincy 'Ill.]...Land...can be bought for $5 to 10 per acre I believe almost anywhere within a short distance..., but to plant an orchard I prefer it near Alton and then you would have the advantage of St. Louis and Quincy both...The peach business... would pay first rate. I am told that land can be bought already improved...A long and cold winter here... The river is very snowy and the ice stopped there and the water raised so fast that it piled the ice on the shore from 15 to 30 ft. high...The whole shore was covered and the little boats was paddling on Water St. and some of the families moved out of their houses. Our town was entirely surrounded with water, but not so much damage done on Rock River at Camden...Today the snow has been falling ...so you may judge what this country here would be for fruit...We have some delightful apples come here from the south part of this state...$1.87 1/2 to 2.00 per barrel...and in the fall of the year they bring about $2 to 2.50...and peaches $4 to 5...." Recites prices for corn, wheat, pork, "beaf," eggs, and butter. "Everything is high here but bread and wages...I have made nothing since I came out here. I have just about kept clear of the world...I have seen many things that I should not of seen...but I do not like the west very much, at least this part...I have worked at the harness business...I am at this time driving a team for a man in town...Wonder if I ever shall see you again, perhaps not on Earth...." Toning of two panels of p. 4, fine wrinkling of postscript leaf, else very good, and darkly penned. 80-110