November 15, 2011

Nevada's Online State News Journal

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Nevada History: 

 ["Hamilton," Letter from White Pine, Alta California, April 24, 1869]

LETTER FROM WHITE PINE.

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[FROM AN OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE ALTA.]

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The Weather Moderating — White Pine District Still Holds its Own — Inducements for Eastern Capitalists — Continued Development of the Country — Flattering Condition of Things — Etc.

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TREASURE CITY, April 19th, 1869.

            Editors Alta: The storm of hail and wind has subsided, and again we have promise of fine settled weather. Preparations are to be seen at every step for work, and now we may look for real prosperity. All rushed in to get mines or interests, until the supply exceeded the demand, and worthless things were taken up in the excitement of the moment. More careful scrutiny is now exercised in the selection of property, and the "wild cat" shrinks a little from facing the determined inspection for good, sound claims.

The Old District Yet Ahead.

            The prospector for ground and claims that will do to invest in is here, and a large number of original prospectors and locators have pushed off to the score of new districts around us. From my own correspondence, and what can be gathered outside, I am quite well convinced that the White Pine District must be the one to show permanency and riches. My correspondent at Patterson confirms the belief, and I have no confidence in a class of men who are buying for a song the tracks of a few who pushed for other new districts, and are now through the country papers trying to get up an excitement. Let them take hold and develop their property, and get in a mill, and not put off their claims untried in a way that will prevent their development. It is from no prejudice especially in favor of White Pine that I write, but from a desire to see all who venture here, with their personal efforts or their money, successful; and here the capital concentrates, affording facilities for mining that cannot be had elsewhere.

Mining and Milling.

            Mining operations in this district present a new and attractive feature, particularly to Eastern capitalists. It has always been understood at the East that to engage in this business, an appropriation must be made for a mill and reduction works, and this usually absorbed all the money that should go to the development of the mine. It may have been necessary, but the money rarely held out to do anything for the mine. Here mining and milling may be kept separate and distinct. The mills are in the hands of experienced men, like Colonel Avery, Charles Bonner and others, men of judgment. No risk of mismanagement at the mill to be assumed by the mine, and every dollar paid into the treasury can be expended in the mine. If the profit is less on each ton worked, the loss of time while the mill is not running and every risk is avoided.

A Glance at Sundry Interests.

            Colonel Avery starts the Newark Mill (20-stamps) on the 1st of May, and others follow soon: then we shall show cause for all this excitement. I note some marked improvements in a number of mines. The Charter Oak, situated directly over the bluff about one thousand feet from the Hidden Treasure, have just struck fine ore (chloride) at a depth of 85 feet. West of Pogonip Flat, and below the Seymour or Hearst Mine. The Marion, just opened, shows a vein 11 feet wide, somewhat base, but working well at the mill, and paying about $80 per ton. It is a new and very promising claim. At Hamilton new discoveries of rich claims have been made during the past week, and on the southern slope the Cayuga Chief shows decided improvement. The California attracts much attention, and is immense. The body of ore struck in the Massachusetts still holds out, and I am told the claim with one or two others have been taken by Eastern parties at a round figure.  If such claims as these fall into the hands of New York capitalists, we shall have more of their help to develop our mines.

            From the North America and Governor Stanford — locations in the base range — I have seen some good ore, but have not examined the ledges; in fact, I can only note the matters that happen to come under my personal observation from time to time. I am glad of the change; from buying everything and everything, neglecting work, and trading on future prospects, attention is now turned to the mines and to see what is in them. It is hard on some; but sweet are the uses of adversity, which, like a toad, ugly and venomous, wears yet a precious jewel in its head.

            It will turn to good honest labor some hands that were opened for no good; it will save the last few dollars of some men who thought it was only necessary to own a mine and sell it, to raise all the money they wanted easily, and by no drop of sweat from the brow.

Cheerful Prospects.

            The good mines will come into notice; capital will seek them, and work will first open them to a fair market.

            I have in no way changed my opinion of the district, unless it be to stand firmer in the conviction that it will outstrip any of its predecessors in riches and prosperity.

HAMILTON.