[Joseph Tyson, White Pine, Alta California, January 21, 1869]

 

WHITE PINE.

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People Still Flocking Thither — Prices of Lumber — Scarcity of Water — Other Drawbacks — Cost of Living — The Health Question — Etc.

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            Colonel Tyson, writing to A. S. Gould, of this city, from Treasure City, under date of January 13th says:

            * * * People are still crowding in from all quarters, but the majority soon acknowledge that they have come too soon — that spring would be the best time. We are, however, well supplied with all kinds of merchandise suitable to a mining district. Groceries and provisions are abundant, and in the way of clothing the supply is far greater than the demand. It seems now that our traders are greatly overreaching themselves, judging from the stocks already on hand and the number of freight teams on the road. A friend, just in from Austin, counted one hundred and sixty large wagons loaded with freight for this place. Cigars and tobacco may be had in every hole and corner, and, apparently, in unlimited quantity. In this line especially there is the strongest kind of competition. Lumber has increased in quantity, and fallen in price — from $450 per M to $400 for clear imported; domestic, from $250 to $200 per M.

            Restaurants, coffee saloons and chop-houses are innumerable, so there need be no apprehensions on the score of starvation — that is, with those who have money to pay their board. Beef is plentiful and good at from twenty to thirty-seven and a half cents per pound, and flour at eighteen cents — supply large, sufficient for all winter. In fact, nothing particularly is needed here at present except more lumber, another express office and a Post Office. Letters sent by mail are consigned to the care of self-appointed Postmasters, one stationed behind Frank Wheeler's bar, at Hamilton, and the other, "Uncle Tom," in his cabin in Chloride Flat, take the letters for Treasure City. Two bits each letter is charged for delivery but we don't grumble, for the charge is reasonable for so great an accommodation, and the aforesaid Postmasters get our thanks as well as our quarters.

            Owing to the severity of the climate on Treasure Hill nearly all San Franciscans take up their abode at Hamilton, where the temperature is much milder. Two or three lines of passenger sleighs run between the two places, arriving at Treasure City in the morning and returning at night, the fare varies according to the state of the weather — clear days $1, during a storm from $2 to $2 50. The distance, as measured by Brastow, of Wells, Fargo & Co., is two miles and seven- eighths. Should some enterprising "omnibuss cuss" from San Francisco establish a line between the three towns of Hamilton, Treasure and Sherman it seems to me that he would make a fortune sure.

            One of the great questions now agitating the public mind is "Which will be the important city of White Pine?" The rivalry, of course, is between Treasure, Hamilton and Sherman. Much depends upon the energy and liberality of the property holders and business men. So far, Hamilton has certainly the inside track. The "hill" has the advantage of close proximity to the more celebrated mines, but the fearfully inhospitable climate, and lack of building room on the town site, together with the scarcity of water, and the insecurity of titles to building lots, may be sufficient to counterbalance even that great advantage. Hamilton has comparatively a good climate, a pleasant and commodious town site, secure titles and plenty of water, with an energetic and liberal class of citizens. The only thing to recommend Shermantown is that of being by far the most pleasant place to reside at. It is, however, very difficult, if not impossible, to say where THE TOWN will be. There are as many different opinions with regard to it as there are different interests, and the surest method of getting up a heavy argument, if not an actual "muss," is to differ in opinion with any one of those whose interests may be in favor of either place.

            I see it reported that several cases of small-pox have made their appearance in Sherman, and one or two on Treasure Hill, but I doubt if there is a single case at either place. The people of Hamilton yesterday raised a subscription of $1,000, to be used toward the erection of a hospital. Severe colds, rheumatism — inflammatory and otherwise — sore throats, pneumonia, diphtheria, and all sorts of pulmonary complaints, are as prevalent as ever, and death from some one of these occurs frequently, but people are too busy to pay much attention to such trifling occurrences.

            I have just been talking with an old Arizona pioneer and friend, with regard to the new Mining District, "Grant." He says the ledges are all clearly defined and numerous, as well as large, and the mineral looks fully as good as the majority found here.