I wish to inquire if Babcock has deposited a check in the Bank to my credit for $88 00 also if 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. Some friend kindly sent me the first number of the Greeley Tribune which is quite creditable I had subscribed for it and the Rocky Mountain News (weekly) but neither have yet made their appearance 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? 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 I am yours very Respectfully E. S. Nettleton [NETTLETON TO WEST.] Pleasantville Penna Friend West I learn that the Yours of the 20th ult came in due time 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 R. 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 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 [Personal matters. 2 paragraphs omitted.] 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 And as I shall re Your letter of the 4th inst is at hand. turn 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 lbs. 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 My Friends here advise I have not sold my property yet me not to offer it for less than I am. of the Pithole Rail way being extended through this place, in that event property will advance. I think there may be something 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 I judge Pinkerton's Colony is not making as rapid progress as he anticipated It is very easy matter for people to talk of going west but it is another to sell out just now without a large sacrifice My wife has got up quite smart but has not been out of doors yet, the babe is 4 weeks old to night I hope to meet you in Greeley in a few days. [Endorsed] E. S. Nettleton Letter Febry 11, 1871 EXCERPTS FROM COLORADO NEWSPAPERS' [ITEMS ON THE VISIT OF MEEKER TO COLORADO.] 2The 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 N. 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. The 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. 2The Daily Colorado Tribune, October 20, 1869, P. 4. 3The Daily Colorado Tribune, October 22, 1869, p. 1. 229 |