["Oro," Colonel Lander's Expedition, Sacramento Union, June 8, 1860]

 

COLONEL LANDER'S EXPEDITION.

[CORRESPONDENCE OF THE UNION.]

__________

Progress of the Expedition—Snow on the Route —The Settlers about Honey Lake- —Assistance offered by Colonel Lander —The Indian Troubles.

Near Cold Spring House, Sierra Nevada )

Mountains June 2, 1860. )

            Messrs. Editors : In fulfillment of my promise, I now proceed to write you a few lines, informing you of the whereabouts and movements of Colonel Lander and his Expedition.

            The Colonel and his party reached this point on the 21st of May — two days since — in fine health and spirits, having in the meantime, however, encountered and overcome many, and some very serious obstacles to a rapid and successful march — such as deep sloughs, steep mountain ascents and descents, and heavy snow banks. Our goods have all been packed over to Humbug Valley, where our Superintendent has established a small detached camp, and the animals sent there to graze, as he had been informed by a messenger sent in advance that there was an abundance of grass at that place. All the men of the Expedition have been busily at work for two days past in shoveling snow (the snow drifts, in many cases, from six to ten feet deep) from the trail, preparatory to moving the wagons over the summit. The road has been cleared for about five miles, and as much more remains to be done before we can reach Humbug Valley with the train ; thence, on to Honey Lake Valley, as we have been apprised, no very serious obstacles are to be encountered.

            The train is now within about sixty miles of Honey Lake Valley, and we expect to reach that place in a very few days. Colonel Lander learned from a traveler, whom he met on the road a day or two since, that the Indians had visited Honey Lake and burned two houses, one of which belonged to Thomas Harvey, and was situated near the entrance of the emigrant road (Lander's route) into the valley. At the same time he also was informed, that the settlers in and around Susanville had united and built a log or block fort, to protect themselves and families against the attack of the hostile savages. Colonel Lander immediately sent forward word to them, by a messenger, that if they were or expected to be attacked by the hostiles, to send him a message to that effect, by express, and he would mount his force and make a rapid march to afford them all the assistance and protection in his power. As the inhabitants of Honey Lake Valley are at this time short of ammunition and arms, his presence and assistance would, without doubt, be invaluable to them. Besides, his tried and well known courage and determined energy would give confidence and hope to those distressed and imperiled people.

            From another traveler, we learned that the Indians had concentrated at Pyramid Lake, to the number variously estimated at from fifteen hundred to three thousand warriors — the latter number I think far above the mark — where they intend awaiting battle from the whites. The combined Indian force it is said consists of Pitt Rivers, Utes, Pah-Utes, Modocs and others, and are very sanguine of a successful fight with the whites. Superintendent Lander thinks, however — and his judgment in these matters is entitled to high respect — that, not over six hundred can be concentrated and sustain themselves for a week at any one point.

            It was snowing fast yesterday, and the weather is still cloudy and unsettled. When we shall have moved our wagons from this point onwards, this route will be open for the season for wagons and general travel. To those taking it immediately, I would advise that they provide themselves with feed for their animals at Oroville. It may be had, however, at Lovelock's, some thirty miles beyond. When we reached the mountain town of Inskip, twelve miles beyond Lovelock's, all the feed was cleaned out. Two miles to the right of where we are now camped, at the foot of Round Valley, there is a large meadow of many acres, where we grazed our animals one night. It is about five miles from Chapparal House.

            I ought to say here that our efficient and energetic Commissary, James A. Snyder, was sent in advance in charge of the stock by our Superintendent. He started in the night when the snow was hard frozen, and it was thought he might lose some animals in the dense woods and thickets. Colonel Lander the next day received a note from him, stating that he had found an excellent camp, and good grass for the stock. Jim is the pet of the expedition. He has been an overland traveler since 1853, then a boy of sixteen. He was one of the survivors of Captain Gunnison's unfortunate and ill-fated party. He is much esteemed and liked by Colonel Lander, who employed him on the Wagon Road from the outset.

            I shall send this letter by the first person I meet going down, and may add a P. S. upon crossing the snow. Our Superintendent considers himself across it, because his stock is in good grass. The keeping of horses and mules in good condition is the sine qua non of all overland travel.

            I shall keep you apprised of all the interesting or exciting events that may occur during the season.

ORO.