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Show 262 Early Western Travels [ Vol 26 of nuns, and by these is conducted a Seminary for young ladies of some note. This institution - if the Hibernian hostess of the little inn at which I dined is to be credited in her statements - is the most flourishing establishment in all the region far and near! and " heducates the young leddies in everything but religion!" For the redoubtable Tonish, who whilom figured so bravely on the prairies and in print, I made diligent inquiry. His cottage - the best in the village - and a dirty little brood of his posterity, were pointed out to me, but the old worthy himself was, as usual, in the regions of the Rocky Mountains: when last seen, he could still tell the stoutest lie with the steadiest muscles of any man in the village, while he and his [ 249] hopeful son could cover each other's trail so nicely that a lynx- eye would fail to detect them. In the vicinity of Florissant is a setdement called Owen's Station, formerly the ate of a stoccade fort for defence against the Indians, and of a Spanish station on account of a fine fountain in the vicinity. 1* The direct route from St. Louis to Florissant is an excellent one, over a high rolling prairie, and commands a noble sweep of scenery. From several elevated points, the white cliffs beyond die American Bottom, more than twenty miles distant, may be seen, while farmhouses and villas are beheld in all directions gleaming through the groves. Scenery of the same general character presents itself upon the direct route to St. Charles, with the exception of steeper hills and broader plains. Upon this route my path entered nearly at right angles soon after leaving the French village. Upon 10 Bridgeton, still a village, about fifteen miles northwest of the St. Louis court* house, was incorporated February 27,1843. Jt w a s settled by French and Spanish families) about the time that St Louis was established. A fort was built as a protection against the Indians, and William Owens was placed in command. In consequence the place was until the time of its incorporation generally known to the Americans as Owen's Station.- ED. |