November 15, 2011

Nevada's Online State News Journal

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Nevada History:

 ["Argent," Letter from White Pine, Alta California, July 24, 1869]

LETTER FROM WHITE PINE.

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[FROM AN OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE ALTA.]

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Chat About Mines, Mining and Real Estate — Improvement in Morals — Water Coming In — Business Looking Up.

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TREASURE CITY, July 19th, 1869.

            Editors Alta: Doubtless most of your readers have heard enough of White Pine, and as the excitement and speculation attending the discovery of these mines has subsided, many who were not in, or who rushed in to secure an interest out of which their fortunes should be realized, are not a little disappointed. Sound men will look into the real condition of the district, and I am glad to say there is a disposition to do this, for our mines are visited every day by patties capable of judging. I have yet to hear of any report other than favorable as the result of such investigation. Hamilton and Treasure City may have grown too rapidly and real estate, which was run up to a fearful price, we all know has declined. Trade is dull, and weak merchants who could not stand the decline in prices consequent on a reduction of freights and great competition, were forced to succumb. The White Pine mines are thrown on almost their own resources. Money was found to buy claims with, but very little to work them. Your money market was tight, and every one with a speculative turn was loaded with White Pine property. Capital is much needed; it is now the only need. Labor is abundant and wages generally $4 per day. The cost of living is only a trifle over Virginia City rates. Some few of the San Francisco Companies are working with vigor; some stocks are well held, and, I think, a few months will reward all who persevere. The Chloride Consolidated Nevada, Bromide Tunnel Company and Silver Wave are all doing well. They are pushing the work of development and raising ore from the drifts only, as they propose to have a large portion of the ground well prospected and wait for lower mill rates before crushing to any extent. I saw no finer prospect in the district.

            I can report some desirable changes in the condition of moral and social matters, By agreement, stores and all places of business close at noon on Sunday. A school has been opened with a competent and very popular lady in charge. Rev. Mr. Stewart, of the Presbyterian faith, is organizing a Society, and will institute regular service. Bishop Whitaker, of the Episcopal Church, will soon send a clergyman from New York to take charge of the Parish of White Pine; and we hear daily of additions to our society of good families.  In fact, progress is made in every desirable direction.

            Colonel Bulkley assures me that water will be brought through the tunnel to Hamilton within one week, and raised to Treasure City by the 1st of September. "I will open rivers in high places and fountains in the midst of valleys." This promise will be fulfilled to the comfort and prosperity of the dwellers on these limestone mountains.

            Dr. Spaulding, of Virginia fame, has finished his fine three-story hotel, where spring beds, well ventilated, carpeted apartments may be had, if one is fortunate enough to speak in time. I mention this for the benefit of some who would like to find a little comfort while they sojourn with us. There is a good deal of activity in building at Hamilton, and the improvements are made with a view to permanency and safety.

            Some seventy stamps are now on the road, and they will be put in operation very soon after arrival. With water to run them all we shall start in August with liberal shipments of bullion, and White Pine will soon work herself out of the woods. We want more capital, and when it is properly placed very large returns will be made.

ARGENT.