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ing to publish a neutral paper. Well, Democracy is on the wane in Jackson County.
     Monday, 24.--Clear and beautiful morning with a clear silver frost, with every indication of a beautiful day.
     Went over to Kansas for the first time for nearly five months. Spent some time quite agreeably with my friends, Dined with M^r Knight. Called at the Post Office; subscribed for the St. Louis Republican at $1.45, in a Club. Cheap enough in all Conscience. Came home.
     Tuesday, 25.--Went to attend the session of the Council.
     John C. McCoy commenced to-day surveying the Wyandott purchase.¹ Commenced at the mouth of the Kansas.
     Wednesday, 26.--Finished Schoolcraft's enquiries into the Indo-American language, i. e., Wyandott.
     Sunday, 30.--Russel Garrett bro't my mail. News from Ohio.
     On the 15th inst., on the 28th Ballot, Benjamin F. Wade, of Ashtabula County, was elected U. S. Senator, having rec'd 44 votes out of 81. Good! APRIL, 1851.

     Sunday, 6.--0 temporal 0 mores! Oh what a biting and killing frost! This frost has done the deed for the fruit for this year of 1851.
     At 12 o'clock I set out for Independence. Went to John C. McCoy's and staid all night.
     Monday, 7.--Cloudy and misting. Rain. Went in company with J. M. McCoy to Independence to attend the session of the County Court. Arrived midst rain "noise and confusion" about the Court House. Selling at auction negroes, horses, mules, etc.
     Here I must be allowed to make a remark upon the characteristics of the citizens of Independence. They are the most

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     ¹ McCoy surveyed most of the Indian Reservations in what is now Kansas. He laid out and was the proprietor of the town of Westport, Mo.

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selfish, exacting, grinding, mercenary people I ever saw in any Country, barbarian or Christian. Hospitality is an utter stranger and foreigner to them. A stranger might arrive and stay six months or a year and may form many acquaintances and be a stranger still. He will never see the inside of their dwellings unless forced there by urgent business. And it really seems that the citizens have completely imbibed the notion that they have an indefeasible claim to the money a stranger may bring with him--that he ought not to be suffered to carry away from town any money,--that it is their prescriptive right. Independence is a spoiled child!
     Tuesday, 8.--Attended the Council. A joint meeting of the Legislative Committee and Council was held. Committee adjourned sine die.
     Wednesday, 9.--Staid at home all day feeling quite unwell.
     Hired Russia Chop-The-Logs.¹ Cloudy day.
     Monday, 21.--A most severe and biting frost! Farewell fruit. My Curse upon this Missouri Climate. Upper Missouri will always be subject to the drawbacks of an unstable and irregular Climate. From one extreme to another. Some winters rivaling Lapland and others mild as Louisiana, and spring varying from summer heat to zero. All this is attributed, by wise men, to the elevation or altitude and proximity to the snowy mountains. Well, there is no help for it.

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     ¹ Russia Chop-The-Logs was afterward a soldier in the Union Army. While he was away in the war the late M. B. Newman, one Cooper, and others of Wyandotte County, supposing, or hoping, that he was dead, had an administrator appointed for his estate and sold his allotment of land. When "Chop," as he was called, came home sound and well Newman & Co. hid themselves, for he was a dangerous man, especially when under the influence of intoxicating liquors. He was furious when he found that his land had been sold, and that, too, on the representation that he was dead. He chased Newman up a stairway one day and said to him, "Oh, you scoundrel! I am mad now! I go fight while you cowardly devils hide at home! Then you swear I am dead and steal my land. Oh, I am mad now! I wish fight on the other side!!" They prevented him from injuring Newman, but those concerned had to pay "Chop" for his land, and pay him well, too, to avoid serious trouble.

     Just heard that Geo. I. Clark had arrived from Washington.
     Monday, 28.--Wrote to G. W. Boyd, by Russia Chop-The-Logs to let Hamilton have the Store House for $8. per month for 5 months, to keep a Grocery.¹
     Wednesday, 30.--A most severe, biting frost. Farewell fruit!
     C. B. Garrett, M. R. Walker and myself having been appointed by the Hon. Executive Council, School Examiners, we examined one applicant, M^iss R. Garrett, and pronounced her competent. MAY, 1851.

     Thursday, 1.--Croesus! Jupiter!! What a Frost! The fruit totally destroyed.
     To-day Henry Norton and Hannah Hicks were partially united in the state of Matrimony by Rev. M^r Shaler. They were married without the license required by law. The marriage is clearly illegal.
     Friday, 2.--Just received a line from Maj. Moseley announcing his arrival last evening--and forthwith the Annuity must be paid, ready or not ready--softly, Major.
     Special session of the Council appointed for to-morrow.
     Saturday, 3.--Clear and beautiful morning. Must attend the Council.
     The Council fixed on Wednesday, the 7th inst., as the day for the Commencement of the Semi-Annuity payment.
     Got my family stores from Kauses this evening.
     Sunday, 4.--Wrote letters, one to M. Butler, St. Louis, and one to F. H. Hereford, Independence.
     Monday, 5.--Went to town--dined with Maj. Moseley, Met with C. Graham. Came home and found a M^r Lunsford, who is an applicant for the Post of Pedagogue. He seems

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     ^I A grocery in those days is a "saloon" in our day, and in the Kansas vernacular a "j'int."

to have some knowledge of the Art of teaching the young "idea how to shoot." Refer'd him to F. A. Hicks, School Director.
     Wednesday, 7.--Examined Russell Garrett, a Candidate for School Teacher.
     Commenced paying out the Annuity and paid out till 2 O'clock P. M. and adjourned for the day.
     Thursday, 8.--Beautiful, clear morning. All nature has put on her gayest attire of "Kendal green."
     Closed the Annuity payment at 3 o'clock P. M.
     Friday, 9.--The Council in session: Gov. M. Bartley from Ohio, had an interview with the Council upon the subject of T. W. Bartley's claim upon the nation for Attorney's fees. JUNE, 1851.

     Monday, 2.--Finished a written report and argument against the claim of T. W. Bartley against the Wyandott nation. Went to attend the Council and there learned that Isaiah Zane was in confinement in the Jail for having stabbed James Barnett on Saturday evening. Went to see the wounded man and my prediction is, he will die, as I regard the wound mortal.
     Made out the pay roll for the distribution of the Commutation money. Whole number entitled to receive, 609.
     Tuesday, 3.--Attended a called session of the Legislative Committee.
     M^rs H. Walker and Harriet set out for St. Charles. They went 'board the Yawl in company with H. M. Northrup, J. Walker and Sam'l Drummond to Kansas, intending from thence to take the Steamer, St. Paul.
     The Council and Committee both adjourned at 5 o'clock.
     Saturday, 7.--Special session of the Council to-day and also of the Legislative Committee.
     Reported to the Council their answer to the claim of T.

W. Bartley as presented by Gov. M. Bartley.--It was read and with some slight amendments, adopted.
     Sunday, 8.--In the evening M. R. W., J. W. Gray Eyes and Mr S. Drummond called and staid a couple of hours.
     I have heard that there are some cases of Cholera in Kansas. May a kind providence deliver us from this scourge.
     Monday, 9.--To-day it is intended by the Council to bring over the National money from Kansas and I will avail myself of the opportunity of getting some provisions bro't over.
     Tuesday, 17.--Cloudy morning. So by order of the Council there is to be [a] convention of the Wyandott nation, convened for the purpose of determining by vote the admission or rejection of certain persons from Ohio claiming the rights of Wyandotts.
     By John Solomon, I have just learned that John Standingstone died last evening with cholera. This, if true, is the first cholera case in the nation this season.
     This day the Wyandott nation extinguished the [balance of the] Delaware debt, $16,000.00. Our domain is, therefore, paid for.
     Thursday, 19.--Cloudy weather. Just heard of the death of Charley Elliott¹ He died, as I learn, at Bigtown's House.

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     ¹ The following facetious biographical sketch was written by Governor Walker:

"'His life was gentle, and the elements
 So mixed in him, that nature might stand up,
 And say to the world, this was a man.'
                          -Shakespeare.

     "Died at the residence of Big Town, in Wyandott Territory, on Friday morning last Charles Elliott, in the 41st year of his age. He died suddenly:---and it is supposed from apoplexy. Charley, as he was familiarly called by all who knew him, was completely identified with Kansas. When he left town for a season to enjoy rural life, there was certain to be something wrong, or out of joint about town--things did not move on as smoothly as usual--something out of fix--a screw loose here and a screw out of repair there. Business did not seem to move on with that celerity and briskness that was always noticed when he was present. It has been even said that the Captains of the Steamers have noticed the difference when landing at our port.
     "The Counters and floors of the Coffee Houses and Groceries have remained undusted and unswept and decanters and glasses uncleaned till Charlie's return, and his smiling face once more beamed upon the hitherto, dull town. His return was certain to revive business, if a degree of stagnation happened to occur, as is frequently the case

He was apparently well when he came there. He died in the night, supposed from Apoplexy. Kansas has truly sustained a loss in the death of Charley. Some public demonstration ought to be made by the corporate authorities of that city.
     Friday, 20.--At night rain pouring, not upwards, but downwards "orfully."
     Saturday, 21.--A certain apology for a man named M----- recently from Cincinnati, and still more recently from New Madrid, called and sat-and-a-ah-ha and--a spoke and said--ye--es; bright boy, that chap. "Where little is given, little is required" saith a wise man.
     Dr. Wright called this evening:--thinks our sick out of danger. Ah Grand Dieu! des marauguan! C'est terrible.
     Sunday, 22.--Clear and beautiful morning. Wind from the east. Atmosphere in a more sanitary condition than yesterday. Cool and pleasant all day. The sick folks gettin some better. M^rs Garrett staid all night. Sophia gone to Kansas.
     M^r Miguel Otero from Mexico bro't Harriet home in his carriage from Kansas, on her return from Lexington, where she has been paying a visit to her friends.
     Thursday, 26.--By M^r John Moseley, we just beard of the

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in all the River towns. His facetious and dry humor, his ready wit was enough to dispel ennui from the most confirmed Hypochondriac.
     "The town Constable will not soon forget the good services rendered him in the way of advice in all doubtful questions of public duty. Charley's advice was as good as that derived from the Law Book. He was familiar with the Ordinances of the town; hence the value of his advice in all questions in Municipal law. As a faithful biographer I am bound to say that some transient person rather indiscreetly called Charley a loafer. This was a calumny. Albeit, he was, in his habits, a little Loaferish; but he was invested by dame nature with a dignity that caused him to tower 'a head and shoulders' above a wilderness of Loafers.
     'Charley was a Widower and has left an only child--an interesting daughter, Mary Elliott, who succeeds to his estate and honors according to the laws of the Wyandott nation. It is but just and a due regard to truth requires that, it should be stated that, Mary is not as discreet, prudent and well behaved as she would have been had she been more mindful of the precepts and admonitions of her lamented sire.
     'Stranger, tread lightly upon the sod which covers the remains of poor Charley.

(Signed) "GUIZOT."

death of John Nofat. He is said to have died this morning of cholera.
     Sunday, 29.--John Williams, son of Geo. D. Williams, was committed to prison yesterday for an assault on one of the twin boys, who died from his wounds. A sad fix for John. Went down to make a call upon Major Moseley. Spent a couple of hours with him in general chit chat. JULY, 1851.

     Tuesday, 1.--Went to town to see what the Hon. Executive Council was doing. Two members being missing and they being the oldest, James Rankin and James Washington, the Council adjourned till Thursday.
     Friday, 4.--The glorious 4th spent in Kansas amongst very good company.
     Saturday, 12.--Cholera still raging in Independence.
     Tuesday, 15.--To-day John Williams will have his trial, if a Jury can be raised and the witnesses be bad.
     Went to town and called on Major Moseley who had just returned from a Delaware Council.
     From reports from Independence the scourge is performing deadly work in that place. Six more deaths on Saturday.
     Went up to the Council House to witness the trial of John Williams and Tyson Big-Snake. I was unexpectedly forced upon the Jury. For the want of evidence they were acquitted.
     Wednesday, 16.--Adam Brown and Peter Bearskin called upon me to do some writing for them. By them I learned that Charles Graham had died of Cholera, probably the 14th inst. Just as I predicted and repeatedly told him. Poor Charley! he fell as an--a victim to the god mammon. The particulars of his death have not transpired.
     I have since learned that he was attacked in the forenoon and died that evening. M^r Guthrie went to see him on busi-

ness, but when be reached there, found him in the agonies of death and [he] died a short time afterwards.
     I have also heard of the death of Tondee. He yesterday of the flux.
     Saturday, 26.--Went over to see Uncle James Rankin who has been sick for several days. Found him quite a promising convalescent. M^r J. Walker and a M^r H. A. Walter called upon us and spent some time.
     Several cases of cholera in Kansas.
     Sunday, 27.--Clear, but warm-the sun rises with a fiery and lurid glare.
     Went up to see Uncle James and staid till 1 o'clock P. M. Found him apparently free from disease but much weaker than he was on yesterday.
     Rev. M^r Scarritt preached to-day. After meeting, he and his lady came and dined with us. I then called on M^r Shaler and found him improving. Therm. 98^o.
     Monday, 28.--I went over to see Uncle James and found him much better.
     Major Moseley and Joel Walker went up to attend a Council of the Delawares.
     Thursday, 31.--Clear and cool morning. This is the last day of July and with this month may terminate our excessive warm weather.
     This has truly been a dull, monotonous day; not a soul has come near us up to this hour, 5 o'clock P. M. Half of the Wyandott nation might be dead and we unconscious of the calamity. Well, well, ignorance is bliss.
     Within 20 minutes of 8 o'clock P. M. while I was sitting in the passage looking out upon the green, all of a sudden the yard in front became illuminated, [I] supposing upon the instant that a lighted candle was being bro't in from the kitchen, but upon looking up, a vast, brilliant illumination of a mixture of purple, crimson and yellow was looming

most magnificently in the South at, as near as I can recollect, about 45^o above the horizon. The illumination lasted about 5 seconds and suddenly disappeared. Whether this was an Aereolite or not, I am unable to tell. About a minute after, a distant rumbling like thunder was heard in the same direction, which lasted a half minute, and gradually died away. I am certain it was not thunder, as at the time, the sky was clear and the stars twinkling all over the heavens--not a cloud was to be seen.¹ AUGUST, 1851.

     Sunday, 3.--In the evening Rev. Mr Dofflemeyer called upon me and spent an hour in quite agreeable chat.
     Monday, 4.--Finished reading Dickens' latest production, "David Copperfield, the Younger."
     Major Moseley called to-day and staid an hour, [which we spent] in social chat. Learned by him that M^rs Cheauteau's negro, Waller, died of cholera yesterday--a truly great loss to that family.
     Friday, 8.--Went to Kansas. Settled with M^r Coffman, a debt due the Estate of Leonard Benvist, $26.70. Came home in the evening.
     This evening our folks took the Steamer 'Clara' for St. Charles.
     Saturday, 9.--Staid at home all day. John Johnston lost his entire family--his wife and two children, by Cholera.
     Our neighbors all gone to the Camp Meeting at Delaware.
     Sunday, 10.--Warm. In the evening Major Moseley called and staid some time. Rain, rain. John Van Metre and William Taylor, clerks to Walker Boyd & Chick, died of cholera.

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     ¹ From the year 1850 to that of 1860 such phenomena as is described here, and comets, and other strange appearances in the sky were often seen in Eastern Kentucky. People believed they were signs of approaching war. When the war commenced they were convinced that they had judged the signs aright.

     Monday, 11.--Cloudy, and thro' the day more rain. What is this country going to come to? We shall have a pestilence. The Cholera is still carrying off its victims and other diseases will soon follow, especially those autumnal epidemics so common in this country.
     Tuesday, 12.--Went to town to attend the National Election. Before going into the election a proposition was submitted by John Kayrohoo, one of the Candidates for the Council, to enquire into the expediency of so Amending the Constitution as to do away with the Legislative Committee.
     It was, after some discussion, finally agreed to proceed with the election of members of the Council, and afterwards to elect members of a Convention to revise the Constitution.

Present Incumbents				Nominees.
James Washington,	62	Votes.		John Kayrohoo,	28	Maj.	34
James Rankin	58	"		Towareh	37	"	21
Mat Mudeater	52	"		John Arms	45	"	7
J. W. Gray Eyes	38	"		J. S. Bearskin	67	"	29

      It was then proposed to proceed to the election of the members of the Legislative Committee. Agreed to. When the following men were elected:
     John Sarrahess, Esq. Gray Eyes, White-Crow, J. Kayrohoo and J. D. Brown.
     This election being disposed of, the Convention proceeded to the election of thirteen delegates to revise the Constitution.
     John D. Brown, Esq. Gray Eyes, M. R. Walker, White-Crow, John Sarrahess, John Kayrohoo, Towareh, Silas Armstrong, J. M. Armstrong, Michael Frost, Matt Barnett, Thomas Coon-Hawk and Isaac Brown. 13.
     James T. Charloe declining to be a candidate Louis Lumpey was elected Sheriff in his place. John Pipe was re-elected Sheriff.
     Thursday, 14.--Deacon Shaler packing up his things.

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