Greeley, Colorado - The Union Colony at Greeley, Colorado, 1869-1871 (part 1 of 4)

The Union Colony at Greeley, Colorado, 1869-1871

1871. and Nettleton. R. A. Cameron was elected PresiiMinute Book, Town of Greeley I, p. 3. This volume is in the custody of the city clerk of Greeley.

The Trial Of The Whisky Rioters

Complaint sworn to and filed in my office this 30th day of October 1870 against the above mentioned Ralph Meeker Alonzo Long J Max Clark and one Post and one Strunk charging them with Arson and, Riot and Destroying property belonging to the Complainant

Warrant isued this 30th day of October 1870 for the above mentioned Ralph Meeker Alonzo Long J Max Clark and one Post and one Strunk returnable forthwith

And now this 30th day of October 1870 Alonzo Long one of the above mentioned names was brought before me and entered into recognizance with F. L. Childs as Security in the sum of five hundred dollars for to appear at my office on the 31st day of October 1870 at Eleven oclock A M. for examination on the charges prefered as above

Subpoena's issued for R A Cameron M. S. Ghirley Russel Fisk J. H. Leathemian Jerry Titcomb George Fry Jno Peach - Davis Kellog ordering them to appear at 11 oclock the 31st day of October 1870 at my office in Greely iJustiee of the Peace Docket Book, entitled on its cover, "Weld County, A. H. M. Docket, 1870." This volume was deposited in 1917 by the editor, on behalf of Mr. George Young of Evans, with the county clerk of Weld County, at Greeley. The initials A. H. M. are those of Anson H. Mallory.

Miscellaneous Documents 205

Wm H Post Edgar Strunk and one man who refuses to make known his name on separate warrant and having them in court and now at 11 oclock Oct 1870 the above named prisoners were put on their examination and plead not guilty

After having J. D. Gargan Justice of the peace associated with me The witnesses on the part of the people were sworn and, we proceed to .examine them assisted by Anson Mallery who acted as attorney for the people After hearing the evidence of several witnesses and it appearing that services could not be had on some of the witnesses wanted on behalf of the people the court was adjourned until 9 oclock A. M. on the 1st day of November 1870 the prisoners entering into bonds of two thousand dollars with C F Uanby as security Conditioned that they appear as above specified Nbv 1st 1870 Court opened the accused all apeared and as there had been no evidence against J Max Clark he was discharged by the court after which the court adjourned until one oclock P. M. And now at 1 oclock p. m ISTov 1st 1870 Court opened and proceeded hear testimony on the part of the People the accused [p. 114] all present after hearing all the evidence on the part of the people that could be obtained W H. Post was Discharged

C F Hanby one of the witnesses for the defense was sworn by affirming After hearing all the evidence by the people and witnesses of the defense it is our Judgement that Alonzo Long and Edgar Strunk be discharged and that Ralph Meeker be held under bonds for his appearance at the next district court to be held on the second Tuesday in December at Evans in the sum of three hundred dollars for the crime of Riot

The above named R. A Cameron E. W. Gurley and Russell Fisk came before me on change of venue from Esquire Gargan from the showing of the papers the accused were entered into recognizance to appear before me at Evans charged with inciting Riot and other misdemeanor set forth in complaint the above named parties appeared before me at Evans this 12th day of December A. D. 1870 at 10 oclock P. M. and after the court having consulted M. A. Baggers District Aty it was deemed advisable by the court that the case be continued ten days

Thursday December 1870 at 10 clock A M the defendants appeared and asked to be discharged which by the advise of the prosecuting atty was done

Fritz Nemeyer made Complaint on the oath before J. D. Gargan and enters complaint that on or about the 23rd of October R, A. Cameron E. W. Gurley, and Russell Fisk came to deponents place of business, and by force and intimidation comiJustice of the Peace Docket Book of J. D. Gargan, p. 9. This volume is without title, but covers the period of November, 1870 and September, 1873. It is in the custody of the county clerk of Weld County, at Greeley.

Miscellaneous Documents 207

pelled him to leave his house, and thereby then, & there instigate a riot and encourage the same - Whereupon the said J. D. Gargan J. P. Issues a warrant for the arrest of R. A. Cameron E. W. Gurley & Russell Fisk. A. T. Drake makes return of said Warrant by bringing the prisoners into Court - A. T. Drake Subponeas Peter Smith H D Kellog and, D. W. C Root as witnesses said witnesses appear in Court Prisoners. File affidavit that J D. Gargan is so prejudiced against them that they cannot safely go to trial

Gave change of venue to J. H. Pinkerton J. P. Turned over papers & prisoners to the aforesaid Justice Justices fees Warrant for Three person $2.00 Subpoena " three " 1.00

Private Correspondence

Dear Sir : I reached home this a, nL at 4 :30 in excellent health. Secured the two rooms opposite the railway offices at $35. per month; possession next week. Will get the propositions required by Meeker this evening or tomorrow. Write him by 6 o'clock mail today & will do same tomorrow - to St Louis. Materials all purchased today for the Denver Pacific.

I wish McCaffrey would stop a day at Omaha and examine Davis land system. I think some of his books & maps an improvement on anything I have before seen. He will be given every facility & politeness. I hope you will send him out at once. Weather magnificent. Plowing & planting progressing rapidly.

Gentlemen: I reached home this morning. Have the promise of a proposition and favorable terms from the Denver Land Association, and Gov. Evans is to see Phelps (who arrived

*Mr. Byers was general manager for Colorado of the National Land Company, assuming his duties as such in March, 1870. The appointment was accepted during a trip to New York made during the months of January - March, 1870. Mr. Byers' Diary of the year 1870, in the possession of his son, Frank S. Byers, of Denver, contains the details of this trip.

zThe following letters of Mr. Byers, with the exception of those of July 22, 1870 and April 26 and 28, 1871, are to be found in his letter copy book, relating to the affairs of the National Land Company. The three exceptions are to be found in the letter copy book of General Correspondence for the period 1868-1871. Both of these books were kindly placed at my disposal by Mr. Frank S. Byers.

here today) and secure same from him, for the Cache-a-la-Poudre tracts. I have no doubt that tomorrow will be able to advise you of both. Then will see what can be done with other tracts in same neighborhood. Will write you again tomorrow.

Dear Sir : Have secured today written agreements covering the tracts of land bordering Cache-a-la-Poudre desired by Meeker colony. I write him to St Louis.

Gentlemen : Have secured the refusal of all PhelpV land at $10. per acre & the Denver Land Association tract at $15 per acre - written propositions for both, running for thirty days from this date. Have talked a good deal with the railway directors and think we will have no difficulty in coming to terms. Hoping to see you soon, believe me yours truly,

Dear Sir: Have not yet rec'd a line from you nor from any one else of the Co. - not a blank or anything else. Am needing some money badly to fix up office & pay current expenses. Please have some forwarded at once. What delays Mc- Caffrey ? He ought to be here. Am receiving filings every day and am kept busy all the time answering questions and in fixing up the Meeker business. I go with them tomorrow to

Private Correspondence 211

Evans and the Cache-a-la-Poudre. Guess will get them fixed out in three or four days more. Must get up tract books & plats as soon as possible. Send some Stars soon as possible. What about commissions to local agents ?

Dear Sir: Col. Loomis assured me when I left New York that he would at once have some money transferred hither to meet expenses in fitting up office &c. None has yet come and I am needing it badly. I also need blanks and forms every day. Applications for land are coming in every day but I can as yet do nothing except place them on file. We can have a large business just as soon as we can be prepared for it.

Dear Sir: Have secured the location of the Union (Meeker) Colony on D. P. land. We are now making selections. Their cash payment for railway lands will be $30,000 to

$35,000. They also buy about $25,000 worth private lands and a large quantity from Gov't. We returned this morning from their location. Improvements will be commenced at once and pushed actively.

There is a large and growing enquiry for lands and many enquiries for those of the Kansas Pacific. If possible appraisements should be made upon this end of the line without delay. Mean time I am receiving applications for same. Have filed three today. Applications for D. P. lands are also pouring in daily.

Please advise me whether there is probability of change in the location [p. 15] of your grant. As I understand it your located line runs entirely off it.

Am glad to have your explanation of the Smith and Smedley matter - but yet think it important that their interest and influence should be conciliated if it can be done reasonably.

My Dear Sir: Have anchored the Union Colony (Meeker) as anticipated. Came from the location this morning - rode all night. We are busy selecting their first batch of lands & will complete it tomorrow. Will report the result when through.

Applications are pouring in & I am filing them but am not yet ready for a single transaction. Have no* tract books, plats, blanks, forms, instructions nor anything else. ~No letter from you yet not word of McCaffrey.

The Kansas Pacific should adjust their grant to their location, if they are going to change, and appraise their lands at this end of the line. Filings upon them are coming in daily. Please hurry up my affairs. Yours Truly,

Private Correspondence 213

Think we can secure agency for lands of St. Joseph & Denver road by a little figuring. Have the ropes in hand. Best streak of lands across the plains.

Dear Sir: Received your telegram yesterday and this morning drew upon you for $200. This will not be sufficient to get my office fairly started - to furnish it, procure signs, stationery &c. Col. Loomis told me, last thing, to open a good office and fit it up in good style, which I am endeavoring to do, but am incurring no unnecessary expense.

Have located the Meeker colony and selected a portion of their lands. Will complete the sale tomorrow or Monday and can then make you a good report for a beginning.

Dear Sir: Enclosed I send you a/c of first sale to Union Colony for which they pay cash. They will make another large cash purchase in a few days and have contracted for all the railway lands at present surveyed north of the Cache-a-la-Poudre. They have also paid out to private parties over $25.000 for entries of land that had been made inside their location. Gen. Cameron takes charge and goes to work actively at once on the ground. Quite a number of the colonists are dropping in. Meeker leaves today or tomorrow for New York.

[p. 19] In talking with Col. Greenwood the other day - suggesting that the K. P. Co. should at once appraise their lands on this end the line so that we could be selling them, he remarked that he had been applied to for lands and he thought he would have some one sent up to examine & fix a price upon them so that he could sell. I asked if the applications would not have to be referred to the N. L. Co? He said, "No, the K P. reserves the right to sell its lands and to keep an agent in each town for that purpose." This was news to me and I think must result in confusion. How is it? I am receiving applications for K. P. lands and by a little advertising could, I think, secure nearly all, but if the railway company is so disposed, they can greatly embarrass our operations.

Mr. Lamborn authorized me by telegraph to draw upon him for $200. which I did but it is insufficient to meet first [p. 20] month's bills, increased, as they are, by expense of fitting up office - signs, furniture, stationery &c. Hereafter they will be comparatively light.

My friend, L. W. Tappan, of this city leaves today for New York and I have advised him to make your acquaintance. Please introduce him where convenient and promising advantage to his plans which he will explain.

Private Correspondence 215

Dear Sir: Herewith I send copy of first cash sale - $31,- 058.58 - to the Union Colony. They promise to make another similar selection in a few days and have made contract by which they agree to buy all railway lands at present surveyed north of the Cache-a-la-Poudre.

De'ar Sir : I enclose you a copy of the form of deed adopted by the D. P. R. Co. yesterday. You will observe a special provision respecting fencing the track which must be explained to persons who think of purchasing lands contiguous thereto. Previous ignorance of it raised a terrible breeze with the Union Colony folks yesterday but this morning all was made serene by the Railway Co. conceding the point in their case. They had given notice withdrawing all negotiations.

What commission to local agents, and what instructions about supplying them with appraisement lists, plats &c ? Several must be appointed soon.

[p. 33] Gen Hughes notifies me that he has collected for you a quantity of ores - probably a 1000 pounds. Shall I have them boxed and shipped ?

Meeker and Cameron have got terribly out with Gov. Evans and somewhat with Gen. Pierce. They say that hereafter all their transactions will be through us. They are buying tools &c and employing men to go to work. Notice this week's NEWS.

Dear Sir: I understand you talked of contracting with some one here for 100 farm wagons. If so please give us a show. I think we can give you as low prices and favorable terms as anybody.

Dear Sir : Col. Fisher, Supt. D. P. E. sent up a complaint today that half a dozen passengers came over the road with Union Colony tickets claiming that they should carry them to Denver - saying they were so assured in New York. He was going to repudiate them altogether but telegraphed Gov. Evans who replied that his understanding with you extended to all who desired to purchase lands. Last week an English party came through on Colony tickets and when the train stopped at Greeley no one got off, which seems to have irritated the railway men somewhat.

Dear Sir: We have made no arrangements nor promises for agency at Greeley. There will be: but little to do there since the Colony itself covers all the adjacent country. However, we may when the work in this office is brought up, be able to give Mr Elliott something to do. As you are aware the rail-

Private Correspondence 217

I hear of a good deal of dissatisfaction at Greeley and some of the sore heads have applied for the use of our columns which was denied. I expected this result.

Dear Sir : I enclose diagram showing the condition of Sec, 1, T 5, R 66 W. and price of the land remaining vacant. You will 'observe that four forties of that you want have been entered. They have never belonged to the railway company. In the present condition of the section I do not know whether you will want any of it at all. If you do, you can send memorandum of the particular tracts, & check, and I will have deeds made & send you at once.

A dispatch from a disgusted colonist appeared in the St Louis Democrat this morning to the effect that the Colony has broken up & the members scattering every where. I dispatched the associated Press contradicting it. Hoping to hear from you soon, I am, y's truly, just about covers all expenses. With only one eighth of our lands in Colorado ready for market it cannot be expected that we will do a very heavy business. The footings of our appraisement sheets show 531.438 87/100 acres, of the value $2.097.351 32/100. Average $3.94 6/10 per acre.

We are trying to recuperate from a "total abstinence" celebration at Greeley yesterday. It was "mighty thin" but good. They are doing famously, lying reports to the contrary notwithstanding.

Dear Sir: I hereby tender my resignation as Trustee of your colony, to take effect from the date of its acceptance by your Executive Committee. The time has doubtless arrived when you have abundant support within yourselves and it is certainly most proper that all your affairs should be controlled at home. Wishing you every success and the most unbounded prosperity, believe me, as ever, yours most truly

Dear Sir : Herewith I transmit our monthly statement for July, statement of account and abstract of vouchers. Business has been very bad. The Union Colony were to have paid us at least $10,000 in cash in July but failed! to come to time. Farm- ers who want to square out their farms have been busy with their harvest and many have written to request a few week's or month's delay. I think this month will be considerably better, and hope before long that some of the promised new colonies will begin their selections.

Judge Devereux gave orders today for a set of plats for his appraisers, but he has not yet explained his plans. Please acknowledge receipt. Yours Truly. ^ Ttf B

Dear Sir: Yours of 7th inst. at hand. The Union Colony made a contract for a certain body of land for which they were to pay cash from time to time for certain portions - 1/5 of the whole each year for five years. Each year there is an advance in price of 50 cts per acre. The purchase they made the other day was outside of the land covered by that contract, hence the departure from the original agreement. They were to have made another selection and cash payment in July but failed to do so. They promised about $10.000 in that month. Business is running much better this mo.

enrolled as a member? I have recently been told that they do. If yes, has any selection been made for me, and is there yet time to pay arrearages ? An answer will much oblige yours truly,

It is as I thought in regard to membership but, I was assured that mry name appeared on the list as having paid the initial fee ($5.00) which I thought possible.

Miscellaneous Correspondence.1

The propositions we found in New York were incomplete and unsatisfactory, seeming determined to drive us to Evans, where every body says we must not go ; which is in accordance, you remember, with the advice and opinion you privately gave me. Mr Meeker and myself are to be sent back to reopen and

Private Correspondence 221

If you know of a competent person (who is or wishes to be a member of the Colony) to act as Surveyor in running out and [p. 2] plotting the town and adjoining lands, write me here within a week and after ten days at Denver. We may give him employment.

We have agreed to cut the out-lying property into pieces of five acres, ten, twenty, forty, eighty, and one hundred and sixty each, and to apprize each tract, the average value at $150 each, making those who have the best pieces pay a little something to those who have the poorest. And in case two or more persons insist upon having the same tract, to then sell it to the highest bidder. We have agreed to give sufficient ground to any parties, over and above their share, who will erect grist-mill - saw-mill or a good brick hotel containing 90 rooms

As soon as a location is made, I will write you (telegraph if you wish) that you may be on the ground at once. I hope you may see it to your interest to do so; as I know you and will need your Counsel and advice.

I wish you could unite with some parties [p. 3] in putting up a temporary hotel and boarding house, if your first location does not suit you the building could be taken down and moved anywhere. Not that you might desire to run a hotel but you might find some partner that would. The want for it will be immediate and pressing. I am in correspondence with some parties in Texas in regard to operations in cattle, which I shall open to you when we meet again.

If you are early on the ground, you will have many opportunities to see what is necessary to be done, and what will pay the best the first season.

My eldest daughter, who has consumption, is quite feeble. I hope to be able to get her to Colorado in May, in which case I am not without hope she may recover.

Office Of The National Land Company

We cannot well get thro so as to start before to morrow noon & we shall probably come in our own conveyance We have a surveyor engaged here, on Dean who is said to be a good man - I would be glad to have Mr. Phelps survey the Ditch if he can get time - but we want to be there when it is done - We have had great trouble with Barnes but have finaly closed with him & paid his check - Tuttle started at noon

I wish you would not sign that contract which the D. P. K. R. gave us for 50,000 acres of Land as it is not according to our agreement, but return them to me blank and I will have new ones drawn by Mr. Witter.

Private Correspondence 223

Now a strict construction of the words put in by Evans that we were to take the Sections in [p. 3] a line would make us take many sections of land as you will see by the large map given us to act upon which they never expected to sell us, or even any one else. It is best to have it made plain now before we increase any further the values of lands, [p. 4] I think you better not make any perminent record of any buisness under our Legal Organization as the Union Colony of Colorado untill we can be together as some important points have occurd to me.

Greely Col- Mr Pratt of the above Company has joined our Colony and as he is confined here attending to transportation matters he wishes you would make a selection for him of a lot say of 10 acres, or he he would like it not more than 2 miles from town in which case he would not expect so much. Now please make a good selection for him, for he will do good service for the Colony as you will know he is able so to do

Since you left we have received the resignations of Mr. Witter & Mr. Byers, and a private letter from the former a very interesting letter intended only for our private eye.

I shall write my wife to come out with you on the 10 of August. My Brother-in-law Mr. Fitch Flower [p. 3] will also call on you coming through with our car-load of Freight and may ask your councle.

Please also call on Drug house and tell them we shall order a little bill from them within the next six weeks. Make arrangments also, for us to purchas book and [p. 4] Stationary, also Segars and Tobaco.

You can say what you know to be true that I have worked to hold this thing up and make it a success, and you can tell them how valuable my [p. 6] labors have been as compared with any ones else. You know what two men have had most of the weight thrown on their shoulders.

iMr. West seems to have been absent from Greeley in July and August, 1870, as his name does not appear in the minutes of the trustees for that period.

Private Correspondence 225

I wish to inquire if Babcock has deposited a check in the Bank to my credit for $88 00 also i'f McDivitt & Stratton have left the am't of their bills.

I have not sold my property yet. Money is a little close here and business quite dull on account of the low price of oil which is caused by the Foreign War, but principally by the large increase of production amounting to over 18000 bbls pr day against about 12000 one year ago - Property has declined in value here since last spring - I have done but little surveying since I returned having been summoned on the Grand Jury a few days after my return - The weather has been very fine here all of the fall this eve are having a warm thunder shower.

What is the news in Greeley ? Have you any stock for sale located or not if so please describe the location and state prices I have some friends who wish to buy -

You cannot sell me another ticket via the St Louis and Chicago R. R. as the holders are entitled to only Second class fare on that Road. Did you know it when you sold me the ticket 3

I am very glad to learn by McDonnald that the ditch is so near done I had not calculated that it would be finished this fall or before cold weather -

The progress of the Colony is watched with much interest by many people in the East, and it seems to me that arrangements for building Ditch No 1 might be made, as many are looking towards Colorado for a place settle - My best regards to all who may inquire

Yours of the 20th ult came in due time - I learn that the price of membership has been put down to $155, that being the case I do not think the locations on those you have will warrant the advances - if I reccollect Block 40 lies down near the river and is not a desireable building lot - I did not have any trouble with the ticket I bought of you, although it did not entitle me to first class fare over the St. Louis & Chicago E. R. but through kindness of the conductor received what I expected when I purchased the ticket

How did some of the timid ones in Greeley stand it with the thermometer 28° below zero ? I hear the cold you had about the middle of Dec was uncomon for that locality. I hope so. About the Holidays we had extreme cold here 14° below is the lowest I have heard here, last week we had a January "break up" which spoilt our fine sleighing and nearly took the frost out of the ground -

From different sources I learn that there is a fine prospect for a large emigration to our neighborhood next season. I presume you are acquainted with many in the Chicago Colony. Have they made the selection yet ?

The Colorado fever is raging here considerably Some of my friends insist that I shall deliver a public lecture on matters pertaining to Colorado, the Union Colony and Greeley - if I had the Generals gift I would not object, but really people are very much interested in things connected with [p. 2] the Colony. I have to spend about two hours each day in answering inquiries and explaining matters about the past present and future of the Country and Colony

Several families will probably go from this vicinity next season. Many more will go if they can sell out - just now it is a very bad time to sell - Money is quite close and business dull, though the staple product of this country is looking up which has a tendency already to help business

Private Correspondence 227

I have not sold my House & Lot yet and hardly think I shall I have a good opportunity to rent for about 10 p ct - on its value and I think I may do that instead of selling at a sacrifice though I had much rather have the money to use in the West -

I have the promise from some Capitalists to visit Greeley in the Spring with a view of investing in stock, manufactures or something which may look favorable for moderate but sure returns -

Your letter of the 4th inst is at hand. And as I shall return so soon I think I had not better purchase the stock you speak of, though before mailing this I will show some parties here who are intending to purchase new certificates the location on the map of the city, and perhaps they will think best to pay the advance in order to secure the Residence lots - Several parties from this place intend to visit Greeley this spring but from your Report they will find it rather "Dry picking" for City lots - We ought to have made the town site larger, and I can see that some will be very much dissattisfied if the "Reserve" is not used to supply the deficiency - I have seen Isaac Canfield and had a letter from his Father respecting Freights &Car

I am negotiating for freights. I can get a Hannibal & St Joseph Car sent to our place to go through to Greeley for about $400. but I think that too high to warrant us to ship our goods, as we could not get over Three or Four tons of Furniture and H. H. Goods in a car. hope to hear Monday the cost pr hundred Ibs.

Mr Hanna was here last week, he has really got "Cattle on the Brain" he has changed his plan and intends to buy in Iowa instead of Texas. I think this will relieve his family of some anxiety - Some parties are talking of putting in some money in the enterprise

I have not sold my property yet My Friends here advise me not to offer it for less than I am. There is a good prospect of the Pithole Rail way being extended through this place, in that event property will advance. I think there may be some-. thing in it for I received a telegram from the Superintendent of the road this P. M. that he would be here Monday to see about buying or renting my house -

I reed a letter from the Genl today asking me to come very soon. I shall try and arrange to leave week after next and I think it very doubtful if my family can come so soon, and I probably shall leave them to come with some friends later -

A letter from C. N. Pratt says they have located the Chicago Colorado Colony on the St Vrain and Boulder creeks. I think that is a fine selection as I suppose we run that R. R. line last fall through that locality, and I noticed it was a fine country -

Excerpts From Colorado

2 The excursion party with which is Cyrus W. Field left Pueblo yesterday morning for Colorado City, and will be at Denver to-night or to-morrow. Among the party is Cyrus W. Field, A. D. Richardson, and 1ST. C. Meeker, of the New York Tribune, Morris K. Jessup, a New York banker connected with the negotiation of the loan for the Kansas and Denver Pacific roads, Mr. Archer, of the Kansas Pacific, who was here in the interest of that road two years ago, and several others.

Distinguished Arrivals.3

Mr. Cyrus W. Field, C. N". Meeker, one of the editors of the New York Tribune, Gen. W. J. Palmer, Dr. C. C. Parry, Jas. Archer, and Gen. Carr, were among our noticeable arrivals yesterday. They are here to make an inspection of our Territory, and see if its wonders have been exaggerated. Most of the party, including Mr. Field, go to Georgetown to-day, and will return Saturday night, Mr. F. desiring to leave the next morning for the East, as it is likely he will be present at the opening of the Suez Canal in less than a month from now. Mr. Archer and probably Mr. Meeker, will remain here for a week or two, and will endeavor to become better acquainted with our people and resources. We bid them all welcome.

iThe following excerpts from the newspapers of Colorado are not intended as a complete reprint of all the articles appearing. In the case of The Greeley Tribune such a course would be impracticable. In the other newspapers a number of articles duplicate information. All articles which throw light upon the conditions in the colony are, it is believed, here reprinted.

1The storm prevented our distinguished visitors from proceeding to the mountains as they intended and desired. They consequently will leave this morning for Cheyenne. Mr. Meeker of the New York Tribune will stay awhile.

2Mr. Field, Gens. Palmer and Carr, Mr. Archer and Gov. Evans, leave this morning for Cheyenne, via the Denver Pacific railway. They will reach the end of the track tonight, where they will take the cars. Gov. Evans goes as far as Omaha and then returns. Yesterday Mr. Field, Gen. Palmer and Mr. Archer visited Golden City and Murphy's coal mine, returning in the evening.

3Mr. N. C. Meeker, of the New York Tribune, has formed his colony for settling in this Territory. We understand that it consists of about eight hundred persons, who have a regular organization. Horace Greeley himself is President of it, but of course the Philosopher will not come himself; Mr. Meeker is Treasurer. The locating committee is to start for Colorado at once to select the site for their town.

The Union Colony.4

Our people are interested in everything pertaining to the colony which Mr. N. C. Meeker is organizing for Colorado. For this reason, and because it contains hints useful to all emigrants to this territory, we copy the following article of Mr. Meeker, from the N. Y. Tribune :

"In giving to the public the constitution and by laws of this colony, as adopted, I wish to make some statements in regard to what is supposed to be the greatest difficulty - irrigation.

Excerpts From Colorado Newspapers 231

What is suited for a small colony is not so for a large one. The healthfulness and purity of the atmosphere of Colorado are due to the fact that rain seldom f aills, hence there must be artificial supply. Now, to make a selection that shall include also, rich soil, coal, stone, and iron ore, and be in a vicinity where timber can be had, is the work of the Locating Committee. Such a combination as this is rare, even in the old states, and wherever it exists real estate is of great value. There is scarcely a doubt that such a combination can be had in a territory so large as Colorado, and which has not been culled as other western states have been. Irrigation is cheap or dear according to the amount of land to be watered and the distance the water is to be brought. It is an improvement which corresponds to what must be made in every new country that it may be habitable ; it is no greater than must be made in any new state where rain falls - perhaps it is not so great - since the colony, besides manufacturing, will largely engage in growing stock, which is to be cared for by herdsmen, as is everywhere practiced in Colorado, and no fencing will be needed, at least at present. Every good farmer who settles in a new country goes into the stock business as soon as he can, and he ceases to grow grain except for his own use. The cost of irrigation is perhaps equal to fencing, and it is a work that is to be extended from year to year. During the first year gardens can be plowed and some vegetables raised, and a few acres for each member prepared for growing breadstuffs the next year. A new settler needs at least eighteen months in which to grow bread, wherever he may locate, hence the actual condition in Colorado is the same as in the state of Iowa, but the preparation is of a different kind. That this system requires work is true, but there is no place on the face of the earth where work is not required, and there ought to be none. A colony which can control water in that country will be master of the situation for all time. Some look upon irrigation as an alarming thing, but they do not consider that by this means the growth and yield of fruit, vegetables and grain is enormous, as is proved by the productions of California, now in the front rank of food-producing states; while in Colorado, where there are many good farms, there is a similar exhibit, and its wheat is superior to the finest Genesee. Nor is irrigation a new thing at all. It is practiced in southern Europe, particularly in the valley of the Po, which is the garden of Italy, and it has been established in a large part of Asia for so many ages that it is seldom mentioned. That a country where irrigation is a necessity, is favorable for health and human development, would seem evident from the fact that the first human pair - precious in the sight of their Creator - were placed in the garden of Eden, which was watered by a river.

lThe executive committee of Mr. Meeker's Union colony for Colorado held a meeting in New York, a few days since, and voted to "make arrangements with capitalists friendly to the movement to purchase large quantities of land adjoining the colony land proper, to be held in trust by the treasurer for two years, that accessions may be made during this period, and that the colony may control the surrounding country. Such capitalists as buy this land are to be allowed 50 per cent, for the use of their money until the land is sold, and if not sold, they are to possess it in fee simple!" A soliciting committee was appointed, and the enterprise is being vigorously pushed. It promises a large and valuable addition to our population this year.

2 The locating committee of the Meeker union colony will start westward early in February. They will visit Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado, before they return, although the preference is already given in substance to Colorado. The committee consists of Mr. N. C. Meeker; W. C. Fisk, of Toledo, Ohio ; and Gen. Cameron, of Elmira, N. Y.

Excerpts From Colorado Newspapers 233 Union Colony.2

The locating committee of the Union Colony, lately organized in New York for settlement on lands in Colorado, arrived yesterday evening at the Broadwell House, where they have taken rooms. The committee consists of N. C. Meeker, Esq., of the New York Tribune; Gen. R. A. Cameron of Elmira, N. Y. ; W. C. Fisk, Esq., of Toledo, O. ; and H. T. West, Esq., of Chicago, 111. Mr. Meeker is accompanied by an invalid son. , The committee stopped at Evans for examination of the Cache-ala-Poudre valley, but were obliged to suspend the examination by reason of not being able to get full information in regard to the unoccupied lands of that section, so they came on to Denver to get a look at the plats, etc., in the land office here. The committee will establish headquarters and radiate from here in selecting a location for the colony. We give them welcome and hope their mission will be crowned with a full measure of success.

3 The Locating Committee, Messrs. Meeker, Cameron, West and Fisk, of Union Colony, spent most of the day yesterday at the Land Office in the examination of township plats. They were assisted by several gentlemen who are well posted in land matters. The Committee leave this morning on an extended tour of observation in the south. They will first stop at Colorado City; one of the party will make a detour up the Platte iDaily Central City Register, February 3, 1870, p. 1. 2The Daily Colorado Tribune, February 10, 1870, p. 1. 3The Daily Colorado Tribune, February 11, 1870, p. 1.

into the mountains and join the main party at Colorado City. From there they go to Canon City; thence to Pueblo; thence to Fort Gar,land and the San Luis Park; thence to the Rio Grande via Poncha Pass through the South Park to Denver. The Committee propose to make quite a thorough examination of the agricultural lands of the Territory before reporting a location to the Executive Board, by whom their location has to be approved. We wish the party an agreeable and pleasant tour.

1The Meeker party returned from the south this morning, having gone only as far as Canon City. They had anticipated going into the San Luis park, but failed to get through the pass, owing to the deep snow. They will make a thorough examination of the country north of the Divide.

The Union Colony.2

Mr. Meeker, General Cameron and others of the locating committee of Union Colony, returned from the south yesterday. They only went as far as Canon City, being unable to get into the San Luis Park on account of the deep snow on the pass. They leave on Monday morning to take a thorough look at the various valleys between Denver and Cheyenne, after doing which, they will proceed to Salt Lake City to study the system of irrigation as practiced by the Mormons. It is their desire to learn from Brigham Young or some other of the Mormon officials, their method of colonization when new towns are to be built up, and probably they could go to no part of the country where they could get more information on this subject. We understand that the committee are also intending to take a look at Bear Valley, on the Union Pacific Road, that company being quite anxious to have them locate there, and for which they offer strong inducements. The committee are well pleased with

Excerpts From Colorado Newspapers 235 Letter From Southern Colorado1

1 met the Union Colony committee at Cottonwood on their return; they only went as far as Canon City, and were there informed that it would be difficult for them to get into San Luis valley by reason of the snow in the mountains, consequently their examination of Southern Colorado was very superficial

2 The "Meeker Locating Committee" has returned east. The Omaha Herald had a call from them, and says: "Mr. Meeker and his associates have examined the country in Colorado, as far south as the Arkansas, and as far west as Bear River Valley (Evanston) in Utah and Wyoming. They are more than delighted with what they have seen. They now go to New York to report on the various locations, embracing as many as three between Cheyenne and Denver. They expect liberal propositions from the Union Pacific and other railroad corporations, and will undoubtedly receive them. More than 500 men, men of means and capital, are already in this movement, men of the highest character and intelligence in the main, and the executive committee have received more than 5,000 letters of inquiry in regard to the plans, objects and aims of the association."

*A press telegram yesterday said: "1ST. C. Meeker, President of the Union Colony, of which Horace Greeley is treasurer, returned from his trip west in search of a location. He reports that 100,000 acres of land in Colorado, can be purchased for one dollar per acre.

- 2When Mr. Meeker was out here the first time, some one in this city pictured to him, in glowing terms the beauties of Bear river valley, meaning Bear river west of the range in this territory. Mr. Meeker, however, got the impression that it was the Bear river that heads somewhere in the western part of Wyoming and flows into Salt Lake, and upon expressing a desire to visit it, was kindly furnished with passes over the Union Pacific, and he and his party went there, after examining this territory. The result was that that valley fell far short of the description given them, and they returned east feeling considerably disappointed. If they had visited Bear river, Colorado, they would have found everything just as it had been represented.

The Union Colony.3

The locating committee of the Union colony, of which Mr. Meeker is president, will be in Colorado in three or four days, to purchase lands for the colony and make other preliminary arrangements. Mr. Meeker publishes the following notice in the New York Tribune:

Excerpts From Colorado Newspapers 237

The committee of this organization for selecting a site have reported on several locations to the executive committee, which has directed them to return to make a purchase. There are difficulties in getting so large a tract of first class land as the colony requires all in one body, and belonging to one party, and more or less complication arises in securing for the colonists a territory wholly under their control. One proposition which in many respects is favorable, is to buy largely on railroad land, which costs about $3 an acre. In this case the colony would have its own station and county seat.

The number of members who have paid their full dues is about 400, and the amount of money on hand is $60,000. It will be difficult to complete the necessary preliminaries and announce the location before the first of April. It is expected that members will begin to move in April or May, and full directions will be given in regard to the articles they should take as well as other matters.

The committee were pleased with the country ; the weather during the entire month of February was pleasant; farmers were putting in their wheat, and the roads were dry.

The executive committee have voted to name the town after Horace Greeley, who has promised to deliver an address to the people of the colony on the Fourth of July next.

[ANNOUNCEMENTS OF THE LOCATION OF THE UNION COLONY.] - 2We are pleased to announce that the locating committee of the Union colony have decided to locate in the northern part of the territory, having found a tract of land suitable in every respect. We congratulate the people of Colorado upon such an acquisition to their numbers. The Union colony is composed of hundreds of intelligent and enterprising people who will make the now wild but fertile valleys of northern Colorado to "blossom as the rose."

1The Union Colony has fixed upon a location not far from Evans. The site of their town has not been positively fixed, there being a number of contracts to be completed first. The Colony will have five hundred families on the ground in a short time. We shall give further particulars shortly.

The location of the Union colony in our territory is a matter of great interest and importance to our people. It not only brings to us a large body of the best class of citizens, but is a public testimony to the material advantages of Colorado, in itself of the highest value, and that must have the eifect to direct general attention to this region ; for the intelligent locating committee of the colony visited the most inviting localities of the "Far West", and after deliberate comparison of the soil, climate, means of communication, and other essentials to pleasant and prosperous settlement, have given their decided preference to Colorado. This is a fact that will tell. It ought to tell. It is the deliberate judgment of men of intelligence and sagacity, and it will be accepted by others contemplating emigration to the West as a sound and reliable opinion, upon which they themselves can safely act. And this will eventually bring thousands more of enterprising settlers to Colorado.

The Union colony has some marked peculiarities, which its projectors believe will contribute largely to its success. Their town of Greeley is to be a temperance town. The members of the company are temperate men, and by the terms of their compact the manufacture, sale and use of intoxicating liquors are to be wholly excluded from the lands owned and controlled by the company. If this rule can be enforced, there is no doubt that it will promote morality and good order in the colony, and make it a nucleus for settlers who desire to place their families under safe and elevating influences. Such a community will naturally and speedily furnish itself with schools, libraries, churches, and all the means and influences by which cultivated and Christian society perpetuates itself. The experiment will be a very interesting one, and even those who do not personally sympathize with the strict code of the colonists as to liquor, must nevertheless concede that if they err at all it is on the safe side. In a country where freedom of drinking is very apt to degenerate into destructive recklessness, an illustration of the other extreme by a whole community may prove a wholesome example and restraint to the rest of us.

The colony starts virtually on the joint stock basis. The land is purchased out of the common fund, and is held by H6race Greeley as trustee for the stock-holders, who will subsequently become personal owners of the land by compliance with certain conditions. There are town lots, larger rural lots around the town, and farm lots outside of these, all of which will be equitably distributed, and eventually secured by title to those occupying and making certain specified improvements upon them within a given time.

We not only hope for the Union colony the highest and best success, but we confidently predict it. It is organized on a sound basis ; it has ample capital to enter at once upon all necessary improvements; it has hit upon one of the best locations in the best territory in the Union; it is managed by shrewd, sagacious and honorable business men, and in fact it has all the elements of a pleasant and thriving settlement. May Colorado soon have many more like it.

The Union Colony.1

The definite location of what is commonly known as the "Meeker Colony", renders a description of its organization and purposes, appropriate. We accordingly will attempt to do this, as we understand it.

If we are not mistaken, the idea of such a colony as this, was a pet one of Horace Greeley's, on the strength of whose wishes and requests, Mr. N. C. Meeker of the Tribune staff, commenced to travel in the search for the kind of country desired. He went through half a dozen or more Southern States, and found nothing, and then came west. He visited Kansas and Colorado, and returned to New York, where the colony was organized on the 2 3rd of December, 1869. Mr. Meeker was elected President, Gen. Cameron Vice President, and Horace Greeley Treasurer.

A locating committee was then appointed, who visited Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas Wyoming and Utah, and they were unanimous in the opinion that no where was there anything to compare with Colorado in advantages. Upon so reporting to the colony they were sent back to secure lands, which has now been done. Seventy thousand acres in all have been obtained, including 50,000 acres of railroad lands, and 20,000 entered under the pre-emption and homestead laws, and bought of private parties. The town has been named Greeley, and by the 4th of July, when Mr. Greeley is going to address them, they expect to have a city in something more than name.

Five hundred members of the society, most of them being heads of families, have paid in the sum of $150 each, as all other members will have to, before receiving any of the benefits of the society. To provide against speculators, who might otherwise pay their fee and obtain a portion of the lands without settling u-pon them, and contributing to the general improvement, the lands are placed in trust of Horace Greeley, to be deeded only upon occupation and improvement. The society will organize under our general incorporation act, as "The Union Colony of Colorado/' and will make themselves a permanent society for the encouragement of emigration to their midst. An office will be kept permanently in the Tribune building, New York, and a proper person kept in charge. The results of this will be seen in the addition of thousands of the best kind of people to our Territory.

It is perhaps known to some of our readers that there are two cities in the United States where liquor cannot be and never has been purchased. Those cities are Vineland, New Jersey, and Evanston, Illinois. The latter was named in honor of our Ex-Governor Evans. Deeds for property in these places contain a provision that no intoxicating liquors shall ever be sold on the premises or words to that effect. Greeley will be the third city of that kind.

The members of the colony will now be soon arriving. Special arrangements have been made over all the roads, so that each member comes on a special ticket as soon as he is ready. It is expected that in addition to the erection of their houses, and public buildings, such as school house and church, they will raise a part of a crop during the present year.

The five hundred members include workmen of all trades and professions, besides men of capital for carrying on manufacturing, &c. There are also among them fancy stock and fruit growers, and some who will introduce a new business into the Territory - that of growing mint, burgamont, &c., for their essential oils.

The committee now here estimate that most of the trading of the colony will for the first year, at least, be done in Denver. They inform us that their estimate is, that the 500 families will at least average $200 each during the year, amounting to $100,000. Our opinion is, that it will be much larger, but those are the figures arrived at in New York.

important facts connected with the colony, and we expect in future issues to chronicle its rapid success. We have no doubt but that it will be the most important in its grand results that ever located in the west, and its effect upon Colorado can be no more measured at the present time than can that which will follow the two railroads about to reach us.

The settlement in our Territory, and but a few hours ride from this city, of a colony which will at no distant day be second only in size to the city of Denver, and which must of necessity contain men of prominence, ability and future importance, renders a sketch of their lives of interest. Hence we have "interviewed" "one who knows" - the President of the colony, Mr. !N". C. Meeker, and we present the following as the opening sketch:

Mr. Meeker was born a few miles from Cleveland, Ohio, in 1818, being now fifty-two years old. He was one year at Oberlin, and graduated at Western Reserve College, of which Dr. Pierce, father of our General Pierce of Denver, was President. In the early part of his life he was a farmer in Eastern Ohio, but left that to enter upon mercantile pursuits. In 185Y he moved to the southern part of Illinois, and became a successful farmer and fruit-grower. At that time he commenced his agricultural writings for the New York Tribune, first as a volunteer, and in 1860 as a regular paid contributor. So successful did he become in this line, and so valuable were his writings, that in 1867" he was induced to discontinue his agricultural pursuits altogether, remove to New York, and attach himself to the editorial staff of the paper on a liberal salary.

Mr. Meeker has traveled extensively over the United States, and possesses peculiar qualities which make his letters of unusual interest. He gives much attention to details, writes in an easy sensible way, so that the reader sees what is being described, just as the writer sees it. Mr. Meeker is not a talker, is modest and unassuming to a fault; would attract no attention in a crowd, and would generally be underrated. In appearance he reminds us of a miller, or Horace Greeley as tradition describes him in his earlier days. His face is good, and denotes honesty, simplicity, confidence, that he is a searcher after truth, and aims to benefit mankind.

His position as President of the Union Colony, is the first public office he ever held, and we have it from good authority that he only accepted this, upon the positive refusal of his friends to allow any one else to do so. His mission to Colorado is a great one. It is to write up in the next five years this Rocky Mountain country for the Tribune in the most thorough manner ; to tell the world of its grandeur, its beauty, its wealth, its people - individually and collectively - its progress in the great march of civilization, its openings for capital, its asylums for the sick - in fact everything that the most active brain or the quickest eye can discover. This, in addition to his efforts in founding a city, which shall be an honor to America, makes his position a noble one, and deserving of the best wishes of all our people.

Large Land Transactions.1

The Union Colony has just completed, through the National Land Company, a purchase from the Denver Pacific Railway and Telegraph Company of over sixty thousand acres of land, upon which they paid in cash over $31,000. Another payment will be made inside of sixty days. For some of this land they pay five dollars per acre, and the average is over three and one third dollars. They also apply to government for an equal amount, and have paid to individuals for improved and entered lands, within the last week, almost $30,000. Their purchases entire will cover at least, 150,000 acres, and amount to more than $400,000. Mr. Meeker left today for Greeley to commence work actively, in surveying the town,, digging ditches and getting in crops. He will in a few days start for New York. There has been talk of attempts at jumping colony lands. Our advice to such as have thought seriously of so doing - if any there be - is to let the job out. The colonists have moved cautiously and securely. Right, law and justice is on their side and will protect them.

Gen. Robert A. Cameron.1

Continuing our personal sketches of the prominent men of the town of Greeley, recently founded in our Territory, we give to-day the following facts concerning Gen. Robert A. Cameron, Vice-President of the Union Colony, which we obtain from a mutual friend.

Gen. Cameron was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1828, and lived there until 1842, when he removed to Valparaiso, Indiana. His home was at that place for the next twenty-five years. He graduated at the Indiana Medical College in 1849. In 1857 he purchased the Valparaiso Republican newspaper, and run it until 1857. In 1860 he was elected to the Indiana Legislature, where he distinguished himself as an active leader on the Republican side, a ready debater, forcible and argumentative, able, honest and fearless, all rare qualities in a politician. He was a member of the Republican convention which first nominated Mr. Lincoln for the Presidency, and was a member of the delegation which cast the first full State influence for him, and which was quickly followed by the other States.

At the breaking out of the war he raised a company as rapidly as men could be enrolled, and on the 17th of April, 1861, reported by telegraph to Governor Morton, and was on the same day mustered into the three months' service as Captain of a Company in the 9th Ind. Vols. Upon going to the seat of war, he was promoted to be Lieutenant-Colonel of the 19th Indiana Volunteers in July of the same year, and in June

Excerpts From Colorado Newspapers 245

1862, he was appointed by President Lincoln Brig. Gen. on the special recommendation of Gen. Grant for gallant services at the siege of Vicksburg. After the fall of Vicksburg he was sent to the Department of the Gulf, and there commanded the 3d Division of the 13th Army Corps in Banks' Red River campaign. When Gen. R-ansom fell, at Sabine Cross Roads, the command of the corps devolved upon Gen. Cameron. He was afterwards placed in command of a District in La Fouche, La., and we recently saw a letter from there which said that they had just formed a new parish (county) and had named it "Cameron" - "after the gallant General who so bravely defended the rights of the loyalists in the dark days of the rebellion."

During one of his campaigns, through exposure and exhaustion, he lost his eyesight, and for nearly two years he was totally blind. It is gradually improving now, and will undoubtedly eventually be entirely restored.

In personal appearance Gen. Cameron is several degrees removed from a pigmy. His height is six feet or over, and his weight more than 200 pounds. He impresses us as a man of solid worth whom it is well to tie to, and we doubt not but that he is destined to become an influential citizen of this Territory, as he has been of all other States or localities where he has lived.

Union Colony.1 Location

The locating committee, consisting of the President and Vice President of the Colony, have determined upon both sides of the Denver Pacific Railway, fifty-two miles north of Denver and fifty-four miles south of Cheyenne. The town site will be in every respect desirable, inasmuch as there are several localities each suited to the purpose. The lands of the Colony stretch away in all directions ; gently undulating prairie, thickly covered with the rich native grasses of the country.

Scenery

Eastward, the outlook is down the plain that stretches unbroken to the Missouri river, six hundred miles away, relieved by the groves and fringes of timber that skirt the Poudre and Platte rivers and Crow creek. North and south are rolling prairies, and westward the same to the mountain foot, twenty miles distant but plainly distinct, and in the wonderfully clear, rarified atmosphere, seeming scarce half a dozen miles away. Beyond that line rises the great Rocky Mountain chain, massive and dark, with pine forests, rising ridge beyond and above ridge until they culminate in the lofty snowy range, fifty miles away and with a sweep at least a hundred and fifty miles. Long's Peak is the nearest and seems the loftiest in sight. It bears southwest by west and is over fourteen thousand feet high. Snow is always visible on the main range.

Soil And Products

The soil is rich, warm and generally deep, containing sand enough to make it pleasant and easy of cultivation. It is formed from the denudation of the mountains and is composed of disintegrated feldspar, granite, lime and sandstone with magnesia, soda and vegetable matter. It produces well all the small grains common to the latitude, grasses and vegetables. As proof we cite the native grasses which cover the entire country; springing up rapidly in the spring and early summer, they are cured into hay as they stand, and upon them cattle feed and keep fat until the next year's crop comes on. Of grain, wheat is the leading crop. Spring varieties are generally sown, though fall or winter wheat does well. Spring wheat is planted from February to the first of May, but the earlier, as a general thing, the better. The average crop throughout the Territory for three years past has been about twenty-eight bushels per acre. Forty bushels is not an uncommon yield and the premium crops in the last three years were respectively 68^4, 72^4 and 65^ bushels per acre. The average yield of oats and barley is about thirtyfive bushels per acre; of corn thirty, and of potatoes one hundrd and fifty. The premium corn crop in 1868 gave 115 bushels to the acre and was raised near Denver. Exceptional crops of potatoes have exceeded 600 bushels to the acre. The average weight of cabbages is fifteen to twenty pounds - exceptions often running up to forty or fifty, and a single specimen reaching eighty-two pounds. Melons, twelve to fifteen pounds ; pumpkins fifteen to twenty pounds, with many very much larger ones. Garden vegetables common to the latitude do well without an exception. Wild fruits are abundant and a never failing crop. They consist of plums, cherries, thornapples, currants, grapes, gooseberries, and, in the mountains, the addition of strawberries, raspberries, service and whortleberries. All the small fruits produce abundant crops under cultivation, and limited experience with the larger varieties have been successful. Peaches have been grown in Boulder and Arkansas valleys, pear's in Denver and apples in various places.

Stock, Butter And Wool

Owing to the fact that horses, cattle and sheep, if they have free range, always thrive without being fed, Colorado must ever be prominent as a stock growing, wool producing, and butter and cheese making country. Stock men estimate the cost of raising cattle to the age of five years at one dollar and a half per head per year. This of course contemplates unlimited range, cheap herding and no feed except what they find for themselves. At the present time milch cows are worth from $35 to $65 each. Five year old steers, suitable for beef, $45. Oxen $110 to $125 per yoke. Saddle ponies, $75 each. Good farm horses, $350 to $500 per span. Mules, $350 to $450 per span. Broken down stage horses, $100 each. Sheep increase rapidly and are invariably healthy. Herds that have been brought from the States infected with the foot rot have entirely recovered from that disease in a short time and it has never been known among native flocks. Butter and cheese making are very profitable. The native grasses furnish the best of food, whilst pure water and air enable the dairymen to turn out the most excellent of those articles, for which there is always a ready, cash market.

Mineral Productions

Sandstone abounds in the vicinity and will doubtless be found upon the lands of the colony. Lime, or plaster, is found in the higher lands adjacent to Greeley, which has been used in the vicinity for building or plastering, and answers the purpose well. Coal has been found within eight or ten miles, and a bank twenty miles distant is being worked. Abundance will probably be discovered on the lands of the colony. The coal veins of the Territory are very numerous and range from three to eighteen feet in thickness. Along the foot of the mountains, twenty miles west of Greeley, and bordering the lands of the colony, there is abundance of iron - consisting of hematite, bog and magnetic ores - coal, gypsum, limestone, freestone and granite, all in close proximity.

Timber And Lumber

There are inexhaustible supplies of timber from thirty to sixty miles west along the Cache-a-la-Poudre in the mountains. It consists of white, yellow, black and pitch pine, white, yellow and red fur, spruce and cedar. It can be floated down the stream named to any point desired. Millions of feet of railway and other timbers have already been brought from the mountains in that way. Lumber is now worth on the ground from $30 to $40 per 1,000 feet.

Excellent water powers can be made all along the Poudre and at Greeley they can be multiplied to any extent desired. Saw mills and wood working machinery will be first required. They can be put in operation almost immediately. Flouring mills must follow soon. Manufactories for brick, furniture, wooden and willow ware, cheese, beet sugar, pottery, paper, leather, harness, agricultural implements, boots, shoes, woolen goods, &c., may be added rapidly as stock is abundant and the market ready for all such goods. Furnaces for the manufacture of iron, and foundries and machine shops for its working, will be required and prove profitable.

Climate And Its Effects

Oreeley is in latiitude 40° 30°' and 4,800 feet above the sea leve!. The temperature in the warm days of summer ranges from 84° to 96° above zero, in the shade. The sun shines very warm some days, but in the shade the air is always pleasant, fresh and cool. Sultry, hot nights are unknown. In winter, the common range of the thermometer is from 30° to 60° above zero, but in most winters the temperature at two or three periods and for one, two or three nights each time, falls below zero. At one time the past winter it reached 18° below at Evans. The prevailing winds, the year round, are from the northwest, ranging all the way between north and west. Northeast winds bring snow in winter and rain in spring and summer. There are occasional wind storms but no tornadoes. Fogs are unknown. The average fall of rain in spring and summer, from the most reliable data at hand, is six inches ; of snow in winter and spring, from twenty-five to thirty inches, giving five inches of water, and a total for the year of eleven inches. The first snow usually comes in October and the last in April or the first of May. There is seldom more than three or four inches on the ground at a time, though two or three falls of thirty inches each have occurred in the last eleven years. Rain comes in showers through April, May, and June, and occasionally in July and August, after which there is seldom any until the next spring. Rain never falls in the winter months. Owing to the firmness of the surface soil, roads seldom get unpleasantly dusty or very muddy. For natural excellence as highways they are doubtless the best in the world. The best evidence that late spring frosts do not kill

As healthfulness is largely dependent upon climate it is classed under the same head. Colorado is far above the average of "healthful countries/' so-called. The invigorating air gives remarkable tone and elasticity to the nervous system. In that respect none other is known to excel it. Agues and other miasmatic diseases, are unknown. Asthma is quickly cured. Pulmonary diseases and bronchitis never originate here, and unless firmly seated are greatly relieved or entirely cured by a change hither. A long list of diseases, to which females are peculiarly liable, are greatly mitigated in their severity. There is nothing that can be termed a "prevailing disease of the country."

The immediate markets for the colonists will be Denver, fifty-two miles south, Cheyenne, fifty-four miles north - both reached by railway - and the mining towns of Gilpin, Clear Creek, and Boulder counties, from fifty to one hundred miles distant, over good wagon roads, or by rail to Denver and thence by wagon for thirty-five to fifty miles. The development of the gold, silver, and other mines will secure always a reliable and growing market, which will doubtless task to its full capacity, if not entirely outstrip, the agricultural facilities of the Territory. Wheat is worth two and a half cents per pound, corn and oats the same, barley four cents, flour $4.50 to $6 per $100 pounds, butter forty-five to fifty cents per pound, potatoes two to three cents, eggs thirty-five to forty cents per dozen.

Wages And Peices

Farm laborers now command from $25 to $40 per month, with board. Mechanics $5 per day, without board. Women as cooks and housekeepers, $7 to $10 per week with board and room. Mexicans, as teamsters and herdsmen, $15 to $25 per month, and board. Good two-horse wagons, with brake, bows, sheet, &c. complete, cost at Denver from $125 to $140. Double harness, $40. Best steel plow, $15. Agricultural implements of all kinds, a trifle above Chicago prices.

Excerpts From Colorado Newspapers 251 Beasts, Birds And Fishes

Native to the country there are upon the plains, antelope, deer, wolves, foxes, badgers, prairie dogs, rabbits and a number of smaller animals ; to the mountains, elk, white and blacktail deer, antelope, grizzly, cinnamon and black bear, mountain sheep, mountain lions, wolves, foxes, martin, mink, hedge hog, mountain badger, beaver, weasel, cony, <&c., &c. Birds are abundant - all the water fowls, four or five varieties of grouse, including the prairie hen, sage hen and ptarmigan, and a great variety of singing birds, including the lark, robin, mocking bird, blue bird, oriole thrush and black bird. Quails have been introduced the past winter. Of fish there are trout, river white fish, suckers, and a number of others. Game animals, birds and fishes, are protected by wholesome territorial laws at certain seasons.

Water And Irrigation

Springs abound along the Poudre river. Good water can be procured in wells from ten to thirty feet deep, owing to location. Irrigation is necessary to produce crops, but the expense and labor are by no means formidable, while it gives the farmer absolute control of the nourishment of his crop, increases the yield and practically insures it. The supply of water for that purpose is abundant and entirely under control of the colony. The Cache-a-la-Poudre heads in the snowy mountains, and in summer, when water is most needed, the supply is greatest. The warmer and dryer the plains the fuller the streams.

Miscellaneous

There are a number of inquiries that cannot well be included under any of the foregoing heads which will be answered here. Wheat does not rust. Weevil and chinch bug are unknown. Grasshoppers occasionally become a scourge in some parts of the country, but in a series of years their depredations upon crops have certainly been less than five per cent, per annum throughout the Territory. The people of Colorado are generally enterprising and wide awake. The colonists will occupy new ground with very few of the former settlers among them. There need be no fear of trouble with Indians. Money is worth two per cent, per month upon real estate security. Loans prudently made are absolutely safe. There are national banks at Denver and Central, and private banking houses at those places, Georgetown and Cheyenne. The country is admirably adapted to the culture of sugar beet. The crop is wonderfully large and very rich in saccharine properties. Peppermint and other essential oil herbs will also prove profitable crops; irrigation placing their culture entirely within the control of the planter. It might be well for the colonists to bring stock from the States. Horses and mares, the latter preferable, can be purchased in eastern Iowa at $100 to $125 per head. Three year old heifers in southwestern Iowa and northwestern Missouri at $15 to $18 each. Good farm wagons can be bought in Chicago for $70 to $75 each, shipped to some starting point on the Missouri river, whence a party of twenty or more men, properly armed, with a competent and experienced leader, can drive teams and herds across the plains without much danger of loss. Some good blooded stock horses, cattle and sheep, for breeding purposes, should be brought by all means. Ayrshire cows and Devon bulls would be a good investment. Fruit trees, grape vines, shrubbery, and all kinds of plants can be put out this spring. Ground will be in readiness. Mail matter for colonists on the ground should be addressed to Greeley, Colorado.

The Lands Of Colorado.1

Concerning the Union Colony's location, we take the following from the Omaha Herald. It surprises us, who have so long known and so frequently published as facts the surmises set forth below, that it should ever be considered questionable this side of the Missouri :

Excerpts From Colorado Newspapers 253

It may not be altogether flattering to Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska, that such an important colony has passed hundreds of miles beyond their borders to found an agricultural community. To eastern people, who still believe in the "Great American Sahara" of the earlier geographies, it must be a matter of astonishment that Mr. Meeker has taken his followers to the extreme western verge of that mythical country. And what is the lesson which the fact conveys ? The answer is, that such intelligent and careful observers as Mr. Meeker and his associates aie willing to stake their money and their future fortunes upon the belief that the richest agricultural region on the continent, within their preferred parallels of latitude, is that which they have chosen to be their home. It will not surprise those who, like ourselves, are already converts to this kind faith and doctrine, if these colonies shall prove the solid ground of their confidence by their works.

Old Weld Happy.1

Editors News : - I have not trespassed upon your columns for so long that I am afraid you may think me dead, and stop the News, thinking the estate is not worth the back subscription. But I can inform you, sirs, that Weld county is looking up. Old Weld, that has lain wild for so long, is to be reclaimed and be made to "blossom like the rose." The Union colony is to locate in this county, on the Cache-a-la-Poudre, six miles from Evans, our county seat. The locating committee have certainly justified the confidence placed in them by the colony, by selecting the most advantageous site, notwithstanding the persistent efforts made by different rings to haul them about. They have shown their good sense and integrity by locating in the best county, everything considered, in the territory. Our stock range is inferior to none ; our agricultural capacity is superior to any, and our numerous coal veins are a well recognized fact ; while the best vein in the territory is within our county lines; I refer to the old Austin. Financially our county is ahead, not owing a dollar and a surplus in the treasury, while we have placed no incubus upon our energies and resources by railroad subscription or otherwise. And for size, bless you ! We could absorb the entire population of one of the little eastern states, and give each man a stock range to himself. The locating committee have shown their good sense by locating upon the Denver Pacific road, as by the completion of the Kansas Pacific to Denver this fall, which is a fixed fact, it places them upon the great thoroughfare of the continent, accessible by rail from any part of the Atlantic and Pacific states. While the settlement will more than double the wealth and population of Weld county, it will insure the admission of Colorado as a state, at the next session of congress, as our hitherto disputed political position will be placed beyond a doubt. So, brother News, just hold my

[THE COLONISTS BEGIN TO MOVE WESTWARD.] - 1From Monday's Cheyenne Leader: A large number of colonists, en route for Greeley, Colorado, arrived on yesterday's train from the east. The Denver Pacific company had provided an extra train, which took the new comers out without detention.

2The Omaha Herald of Sunday says of the Union colony: This colony destined for the new town of Greeley, on the line of the Denver Pacific, and which we learn is comprised of the best class of pioneer settlers, have commenced to move to their new home, and about fifty went out west on the Union Pacific yesterday. Others will follow almost daily, until the full number of about one thousand families have established their city home. These are not emigrants, but well supplied colonists, with means and material for immediate success. They are comprised of farmers, merchants, mechanics and professional men, with money, stock, goods, skill, tools and knowledge to establish immediate independence. They have splendid tents for homes until houses can be built ; material for manufactures, and stock for farms. The fruit of the gathering will be a city built in a

- 1 Some sore-headed Union colonist who expected to find a finished town at Greeley, with manufactories, churches and street cars awaiting him, telegraphed to the Missouri Democrat, and his special was published this morning, to the effect that the Union Colony is all broken up and the members scattering in every direction. The statement is false. There are only a few of that kind of fellows in the colony - probably three or four - and they had better go back to Illinois at once. They are not wanted in a new country - unless it be to start grave yards.

- 2A private note informs us that every thing is doing well at Greeley, and that the colonists, as a rule, are well satisfied with the country and their location. The large ditch is progressing rapidly, houses are being rapidly built and every thing is going on finely. There are at least 400 people there, and the colony so far is a perfect success. That it will be so is assured by the character of the people who compose it.

A Good Account From Greeley.3

members had left. Could those who have sent such reports visit our colony, and see the improvements made during the last week, and converse with our best men, they would come to a very different conclusion. It is true that there has been some dissatisfaction, but the most of it has arisen from a misunderstanding in regard to our situation. Some have come, expecting to obtain an eighty or one hundred and sixty acre tract of land immediately adjoining the town site, and were dissatisfied because they could not. Others came wholly unprepared as to clothing and shelter, and of course felt some privations to which they were unaccustomed, and were thus disappointed.

Lumber has now become more plenty, and as we have two large buildings and nine tents for present shelter, we shall have no more trouble of this kind.

Another class, and the most troublesome, have come expecting great chances for individual speculations, and because they found that such was not the case, and that they could not obtain positions as officers, they have left us - for which we are very thankful.

The town of Greeley will be built ; and those who have borne the brunt of the labor will have occasion to be proud of their work. Some of our members have been to the mountains and purchased logs, which they will send down the river during high water. They have sent a man to Chicago for the machinery for a good saw mill, which we expect will be in operation in a few weeks. Good clay has been discovered for brick, and a yard will probably be started soon. A fine bed of clay for pottery ware has also been discovered and will be used. Parties are on the ground ready to contract to put up grout and adobe buildings at about the same price as wooden ones will cost. A company for mining coal has been organized, and will proceed to immediate work. They expect to obtain plenty of coal on the colony grounds. We have found fair stone within six miles of the town and hope to find some nearer.

At church, yesterday, there were present by actual count, two hundred and fifteen persons - twenty-three being women. We have at least four hundred persons on the ground, and all are doing their best to build up the place and are working in general harmony. The clouds are passing away and the sun of prosperity is shining brightly.

1'N. C. Meeker, President of the Union Colony, writes from New York to the Omaha Herald , refuting the slanders on the location of the Colony by a few disappointed ones who returned east. He closes his letter as follows: "One word more. I know all about Colorado; all about Iowa, Missouri, and the whole west, and this bosh about Colorado being unproductive, is a dodge of land speculators, real estate adventurers, and of 'dea'd beats' generally. I am selling out my property here; I hope within ten days to be on the ground of the Union Colony, to commence forthwith to build as nice a house as I am able, and during the remainder of my life, where I mean to live at home."

- 2In a letter to the Omaha Herald Mr. N. C. Meeker answers the slanders of a few of the deserters from the Union Colony. He gives a plain statement of the facts, and indulges in some well-pointed sarcasms on the deserting colonists, as well as on the course of the Council Bluffs papers. His letter is a complete refutation of the lies told by the kid-gloved gentleman who saw nothing but barrenness in Colorado. Regarding the course of the Council Bluffs papers, and the evident motive which prompted it, it is too mean and contemptible to be noticed, and presents a strange contrast to the more manly conduct of the Omaha Herald and Republican. All we have to say is that when the papers of a town have to resort to such low and unfair means to obtain settlers, they had better lay no more claims to rival Omaha. Mr. Meeker' s letter, however, is the best rebuke they could have.

Eds. Tribune: - We are living in a fast age, in an age of wonders. Especially true is this remark when applied to our own land and people; where every one is free to think, free to speak, free to act, and free to work. Everything is done in a hurry; we conceive plans and execute, all at once; with us to conceive is but to build. Cities are born and grow to maturity, as it were, in a single day, and in the twinkling of an eye the desert is changed into a garden. To what, unless it be the peculiar character of our institutions - union and freedom - shall we attribute this rapid growth and development of our country ? And now the question arises, what must this freedom, with this mighty union of heart, heads, and hands, bring forth ? A civilization on a scale greater than the world has yet seen.

These thoughts flashed through the mind of your correspondent as he came in sight of Greeley, the home of the Union Colony of Colorado. Never did we more fully appreciate the true character of the American people than when we stepped from the cars at Greeley, greeted by the sound of the hammer and the merry hum of the laborer as he toiled building his future home* Would you see an example of the energy and pluck of Americans, come with me to Greeley and note the results of the past three weeks. A city has been founded, houses erected, gardens tilled, ditches dug, and one man I noticed busily engaged in planting fruit trees. A spirit of enterprise pervades the whole colony ; you will find represented here, every section of the Union, from the rock-ribbed hills of New England to the shores of the Golden State. The colony own about 12,000 acres of land, a mile square of which has been laid out in city lots. The city site is beautifully located in the valley of the Cache-a-la-Poudre, about four miles from its junction with the Platte. The view of the mountains from this point is grand and magnificent; eastward, the landscape stretches out into a gradually widening plain, as far as the vision can extend, and the bluffs standing in bold relief on either side. All taken together, combine to make the view picturesque and beautiful.

The colony numbers about 500 souls, men, women and children, and rapidly increasing. Between thirty and forty wooden houses have been erected, and many more are in process. Owing to a scarcity of lumber, building has been somewhat retarded; though a lumber yard has been established, yet the supply is not equal to the demand. A number of buildings have been purchased and conveyed from Evans to this place. Your correspondent has been informed that nearly every house in Evans is for sale and can be purchased by the colony. Cities rise and fall like bubbles on the water, and as Greeley rises, Evans Alls.

Greeley can boast of a postoffice, a grocery, a boot and shoe shop and a hotel, (Bailey House) where at any hour of the day you can be accommodated with a good square meal. Its proprietors (Root & Hankins) are polite and gentlemanly.

The colony, fully appreciating the good results that naturally flow from proper intellectual and moral training, have made preparations for the erection of school houses, churches and other public buildings, while a Sunday school has already been organized. There is another fact worth noticing, strange and paradoxal as it may seem, and that is this: that the sale of alcohol is expressly forbidden by the constitution of the colony. With such principles as these, a people is sure to prosper. There never started out a class of men with brighter prospects of success than those composing the Greeley colony - men of character, influence and capital being at the head of the movement. The most influential man on the ground is Gen. Cameron - full of life and energy.

Mr. Meeker, President of the colony, reports that the receipts of the colony will average $1,000 per day (terms of membership being $150). P. T. Barnum, prince of humbugs, is a member, and will visit Greeley in June. He writes Fisk (a capitalist) who is putting up the largest building in town, telling him to build as large as he can, and he will beat him when he (B.) gets there. Thus, ever from boyhood up, has he talked.

Some little dissatisfaction prevails among the colonists, and a few have returned to their old homes ; they expected too much; their imagination having got the better of their reason and experience. They did not realize the many difficulties that would present themselves in the settlement of a new country; and thus they were disappointed and murmured and at last turned back into Egypt. Most of them however are contented, and bound to make the enterprise a success. Experience and energy, character and capital will win the victory. Would that a dozen colonies composed of such men were located in Colorado.

The Greeley Colony.1

Publishers Colorado Tribune. - At a meeting of the Executive Committee of Union Colony, held at Greeley, Colorado, this 27th day of May, 1870, the following resolutions were adopted, viz:

Excerpts From Colorado Newspapers 261

Union Colony, No. 1, at the price for membership of one hundred and fifty dollars, and five dollars for contingent expenses, be closed, and that between that time and the first day of August hereafter, the lands now purchased may be selected.

Resolved, That on the fifth day of June, 1870, books for receiving new members be opened, and that the price of membership shall be two hundred dollars, ($200) and five dollars ($5.00) for contingent expenses for the next six months, dating from June 5th, 1870, and that those joining as new members shall be entitled on and after the 1st day of August next, to select from the lands previously purchased, and from the new lands purchased, equally with the old members, who have not located their land.

The members joining the colony after the 5th day of June, shall be allowed one year from the first day of August, 1870, in which to make the improvements required.

Members declining to select and improve their land may transfer their interest in the colony by gift or sale, but the holders of the certificate (receipt) will be required to take possession of the land to which the original purchaser was entitled, and improve the same, as no money invested in land by new njembers will hereafter be refunded by the colony.

Don'T Go Back.1

When people emigrate from the older States westward, it is difficult for them to anticipate and fully realize the difference between an old settled country, with its many acquired advantages, and a new country, the resources of which are just beginning to be developed; hence, to many who emigrate west things appear so different from what they expected that they turn about and go back, without looking around, or waiting till they get over being homesick, or find out the advantages and future prospects of the country to which they have come. Now this is all wrong and foolish, for such persons are never prepared to judge of a country, or whether they will like it or not, until they have looked around and stayed some time in it.

We understand that some of those who belong to the Meeker colony came all the way from Illinois and some of the other States, and when they arrived at their new home were so much disappointed that they immediately reshipped and took the back track, without even looking around to see if there was not some place in all Colorado that might satisfy them. Now Greeley, the town just springing into existence by the colony, is situated in a very rich valley, near the confluence of the Cache-a-la- Poudre with the Platte river, and on the Denver & Pacific railroad, thereby possessing all the advantages of an agricultural district as well as railway communication. Yet it labors under some disadvantages. It is a long distance to timber and not very convenient to coal, so that when the immigrant from the States arrives at his new home he naturally concludes that if he is not far from water he is a good way off from fuel.

We have long since thought that the county of Boulder possessed more natural advantages than any other county in the Territory, having within its limits proper proportions of mountain and valley, prairie and timber, of agricultural, pastoral and mineral lands, all distributed admirably through the entire county. Then her many streams, all having their sources about the snowy range, meandering easterly at proper distances from each other, all afford an amount of water power for machinery and manufactories of all kinds, unsurpassed by any county of like extent in the United States, if not in the world.