["A Miner," Letter from Gold Cañon, Placerville Mountain Democrat, May 14, 1859]

 

Correspondence of the Democrat

GOLD CAÑON, U. T., May 10, 1859.

            EDITORS MOUNTAIN DEMOCRAT — That a word occasionally from this vicinity would be of interest to you and your readers, is my apology for this communication.

            The miners, generally are doing well, and some, indeed, are making big wages — so large in fact, that I am fearful some may think it all a humbug — The miners on Gold Cañon Flat, where they have a sufficiency of water, are making on an average, five dollars per day to the hand. This Flat, you are aware, is worked principally by the Chinamen. At Johntown, with barely enough water for a tom head, "Dutch John" & Co. are making from $16 to $20 a day to the hand, and still higher up the cañon at what is called the "New Diggings," and with just a sufficiency of water with which to rock they are taking out $50 per day to the rocker. To substantiate this statement, I refer your readers to Messrs. Vignot & Comstock, who are mining at said new diggings. The country has been prospected for miles along the ridge of mountains north west of Carson river, and gold has been found in every hill and ravine. All that is wanted to make the eastern slope of the Sierras another California in '49, is water. Let some of your capitalists and enterprising citizens take notice of this, come over and turn Carson river or take water from Lake Bigler to the new diggings, and thereby secure a fortune to themselves, and a good time to the miners generally.

            I am happy to inform you that that contention and strife which prevailed to such an alarming extent a few moths ago, in our valleys, have now almost died away, and now we can see those who were the bitterest enemies, apparently the warmest friends. It is to be hoped that they have indeed buried the hatchet of discord, and the vile slanderer has ceased to let flow from his poisonous tongue, that venom which once dropped from his damnable lips. But the question is frequently asked, why this sudden change ? We all hope it is sincere.

            Our good citizens are highly elated at the idea that we will soon have the "man for the occasion and time" in our midst — Judge Cradlebaugh, and as I understand, in anticipation of his arrival, a large portion of the citizens of Carson, Eagle and Washo Valleys and Truckee Meadows are now preparing to give him a grand reception, while some others are preparing to leave the Valleys for their own safety. The high grounds which our honorable Judge has taken in relation to the Mormons, and by his prompt action for the welfare of this Territory, he has won for himself a name which will ever shine bright upon the pages of history. We indeed thank our government for sending us such an officer — knowing his duties, and knowing them, performs them fearlessly and independently.

            Our Valley farmers are all in high spirits. Prospects were never better for a bountiful and luxuriant harvest. Stock of all description fat and sleek, nor do I learn of any dying with poison which was so prevalent last spring.

            I understand there will be a large party given at the Carson City Hotel on the 24th June. Come over and bring some of your fair damsels with you — Plenty beaux here for them all, and some of them would make most excellent husbands, too. Speaking of Carson City, reminds me to state that it is now the most important point on this side of the mountains — best assortment of goods &c., for the miners and citizens — the best hotel and accommodations can be found there at the store and hotel of our friend Ormsby.

Yours &c.,

A MINER.