.OTA3.NTcwNjk

Stock pretty universally runs at large, & even in the dry season, finds water enough within a mile or so. But when they shall be enclosed which probably must be within a few years, dependance must be had in a great measure upon wells even for stock. But almost universally water enough may be found by digging from 15 to 40 feet. This is generally pretty good, but not so good as it is in the East. I rest my opinion of the future prosperity of the country upon the extraordinary fertility of the soil, & the tolerable salubrity of the climate. This I apprehend must decide. Business is not yet regulated, but it must in a few years be as well regulated as in the East after there shall be due competition in all its departments. Illinois, rather than Missouri, or Indiana, or Ohio, holds out the greatest encouragements to emigrants, whether farmers, mechanics, or merchants. Indeed the emigration from Ohio here is very great as well as from others. It is now probably the most favorable time for making settlements. Emigrants ten years ago, had greater room to select the place & to obtain land at bargain prices. But the character of the countrey, & the central points for business were not ascertained, & things which they had to purchase excessively high, & milling could not be obtained without great difficulty. I think my removal was in time for the countrey. And pretty certainly a few years hence, the countrey will afford an encouragement to emigrants than at present. Mechanics, who have barely a sufficient capital to set up their business, have a fair prospect of doing well. And farmers, who can command only 200 or 300 Dollars may soon, if prospered, put themselves into an easy state for a good living. But it must be very desirable that emigrants, should know before they come, where to settle, especially if they have families. For it is expensive having a family boarded until a man can take a tour of the state, & make understandingly a selection for himself. If they think of coming on in companies, it may be well worth their while to send a judicious agent to look out for a settlement, that after having made a thorough examination, he might lead them directly to the spot. Much better to expend a little money in previous examination, than to be kept upon expense in the countrey with a family until a journey of some hundred miles can be made. But the agent may want his money with him, or at his command, so that he can secure the purchase, the moment he makes up his mind what to purchase. In regard to regions of settlement I have mentioned the northern one. And yet for ought I see, here is a wide extent of countrey, in which there is not room for strong preference. A thousand eligible settlements might be made within 20 miles of Kaskaskia. And so almost any where above. I am aware Dear Sir that I have not answered all your questions, & it is because I could not in a letter. I will endeavor to give you further information hereafter in some way or other. I rejoice in learning your welfare, & the enlargement of the church which I left. I should indeed rejoice to meet you & my friends in your village. Please to accept my kind regards & to present the same to Mrs Kimball, also to Mr Hester? and his Lady, & to the Dean? and his family ? Affectionately yours H. Loomis