Articles From The Western Standard (San Francisco) 1856

NEWS FROM UTAH.

LOS VEGAS. The attempt to establish a settlement at this place appears, by the following extract from the News, to be successful. Situated nearly midway between San Bernardino in Cal. and the southern settlements of Utah, it will be a welcome and heart-gladdening oasis for the weary, toil worn traveler to stop And refresh himself and animals at, without experiencing the apprehensions formerly indulged in by those who had occasion to pass through that country, of losing their lives or having their animals run off, by the predatory tribes which inhabit that portion of the route:

"Up to the 10th of Dec., Elder William Bringhurst writes, 'the brethren in that region had continued to enjoy peace, health, union and plenty, and had nearly finished their fort walls to the height of eight feet. '

The letter enclosed a specimen of cotton of very good quality, planted on the 1st of July and gathered on the 1st of November, affording a fair indication that any required staple and quality can be raised in that locality.

"The settlers are quite spirited in planting peach stones and other fruit seeds, and are making arrangements to procure grape cuttings, fig trees, &c., from Lower California, and there is no doubt but that their soil and climate will prove well adapted to raising almost every desirable variety of the products of warm climates." (WS 15 March 1856:2:5)

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NEWS FROM THE INTERIOR

FROM CARSON VALLEY. -- The Placerville American publishes the following from a letter to a citizen of Placerville from a resident in the Valley:

"Under date of March 1st, he says that cattle in the Valley are rolling fat; the winter has been favorable, but that so much snow has fallen upon the mountains during the winter, as to force wild animals in great numbers to the valleys, and that considerable depredation had been committed by them upon stock. It is not unusual to see eight or ten cayotes with more or less of the larger mountain wolf, around their stock corrals during the night and morning; and they have recently killed three calves for Williams; and that last night a California Lion had killed one of Jake's mules." (WS 15 March 1856:3:3)

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FROM CARSON VALLEY. For the Western Standard

BR. CANNON, Dear Sir:-- I have received your Prospectus for "The Western Standard", and am truly happy to learn that one more luminary is about to be added to that constellation of brighter orbs revolving in the more immediate neighborhood of the grand Center of all things, borrowing light and vitality therefrom, and dispensing the same upon the hearts and pathway of the benighted sons and daughters of Earth, emigrating from this, to another, and an Eternal State. May its "CANNON", well charged, ever be planted on the ramparts of truth, and directed by a "single eye" to the magazine in the fortress of error, that every successive discharge may tell for the triumph of right and downfall of wrong.

We, at present, have an express mail, hence to Placerville semi-monthly. Our newspapers come to subscribers free of charge; but in addition to the government postage, we have to pay on letters, fifty cents each, received, and the same on each one sent. This makes us feel rather queerly too on finding the finances at a low ebb, with perhaps a dozen letters to pay for, and those calling for answers. But we live in hopes of getting regular mail service on this route which will mercifully relieve us from the burden which, through necessity, we are now compelled to bear.

Henceforth, please address me at Genoa, Carson Co., U.T., and send me 3 copies of each number of the "Standard" by mail; and when the snow melts from the Sierra Nevada, we will see what further can he done.

It is expected there will he something of an emigration this spring from Salt Lake to this place, or to this western part of Utah: and if our friends in California are disposed to come over and aid us to build mills, make farms, raise wheat and other grains, vegetables, stock &c., their co-operation is respectfully and cordially solicited. A few good thorough-going business men with some capital, could be of great advantage to this part of the country, and no less so to themselves. If they wish to do good, there is now here a fine chance for them to put their "talent to uxury." They are invited and requested to come, even as many as wish, according to the advice and counsel of hr. Parley P. Pratt last year.  Such as prefer not to come, we will not urge. Yet such as esteem it both a pleasure and a duty they owe to them-selves, -- to their friends,-- to their religion and their God, are desired to come and join us in making the wilderness and solitary places glad; and to create around us, from the elements, comfort, happiness and good-will. We want schools, meetings and lectures, -- the means of morals and intellectual improvement. In short we want to serve our God and "speak often one to another;" and spend not the strength and vigor of our days in pursuits that add little to our earthly prosperity or happiness, and that will not secure to us a staff to lean upon while passing through the dark valley and shadow of death. It is not good to spend too much labor for that which is not bread, nor too much money for that which satisfieth not. A portion of gold is very good, because our tradition, education and laws have attached a certain value to it which enables us to exchange it for such things as we really need, and such as will do us good: Yet "that head of gold" was first to crumble. Ancient Babylon, with all its greatness, exists now only on the pages of history. The desire for gold has often led to many a fatal snare, an cankered many an, otherwise, noble spirit; and after all, perhaps they have not obtained it: or if they have, they have not always been able to keep it, and have found themselves forsaken by the god of this world; and what is more to be regretted, forsaken by the God of the world to come. Then, to sooth sorrow and disappointment, comes the dram; next gambling, with all its shady branches, to retrieve a lost fortune. Then the last lingering ray of virtue is basely exchanged for a free and full indulgence in the lowest vices. Then the revolver and bowie knife; and the preparation and outfit for Beelzebub's kingdom are about completed. The bullet, the prison or the gallows come to aid and facilitate the exit. This is a dark and painful picture: yet too true of many who were tired and offended with the service of God and their brethren, and they sought relief in laying up treasures on the earth only. But time and the demon of war are on the wing, nor wait to consult the convenience of any. Some may say, however, "Go thy way for this time, and at a more convenient season I will call for thee." But, beware! lest the Lord answer: "Ephraim is joined to his idols; let him alone." Though the gold of these mountains and plains should lie in its native bed until the elements melt with fervent heat, no real Latter-Day Saint will be the poorer for it if he does his duty to his God, nor yet the richer by disturbing it.

Bring with you all useful kinds of seeds adapted to the growth of the climate; especially the seeds of righteousness, life and salvation. The latter have not been very extensively tested in this soil; yet with proper care and cultivation, we think they may take root and produce a plentiful harvest.

We want the irons, stones, and entire materials for a good Grist and Saw-mill. We also want several heavy breaking ploughs, also common ones for broke land. We want axes and helves, (broad and narrow,) also spades, shovels, hand, cross cut and mill saws and files. Joiners' tools, Carpenters' and Cabinet makers' tools also. A good turning lathe and accompaniments. Scythes and sneaths, cradles for the harvest fields, rakes, pitchforks; cows, oxen, horses and mules. Come over and help us. Though our land he not quite so warm and good as in California, there are no Mexican claims upon it to harass and torment. Bread shall be given you if you will work for it, and your water shall be sure, and of the best kind, as cold as you like; for we can show you frost here every month in the year. But this is only a "lion in the way" of such as prefer warm climates.

I could not but he a little amused the other day in reading an article in the Chronicle from the pen of a French gentleman, said to have taken a trip to Salt Lake. I believe that there were two or three of them in company; and they passed through Carson Valley last summer on their way to that place. There must be some intelligent persons in Salt Lake City, a place where almost every language under heaven is freely spoken and written; and where "the people all seem to know the Bible by heart from beginning to end," (as the writer says.) Now it is my opinion that he never converse with one intelligent Latter-Day Saint while there; if he did, he has failed to report the arguments. Among the many false and erroneous statements and representations which the article contains, I will, at present, only refer to one. He says, in reference to the legitimacy of children among the saints:

"The sympathy of the sexes, and not the ceremony of marriage, is the measure of legitimacy. A child conceived beyond the limits of the matrimonial state, if born of a father and mother who loved each other tenderly at the time of its conception, is a legitimate child. But the child conceived of parents indifferent toward each other, is only a bastard, even if the parents were formally united under the laws of the church."

Such sentiments emanating from some French philosopher -- from a country whose religion and morals are rotten to the core -- a country whose seeds of vice, sin, pollution and death, as a loathsome disease, have cursed every land --from a nation whose politeness is only exceeded by the looseness and corruption of its morals, I should not so much wonder at. But the Mormons neither know nor practice such doctrine. It is not found in their books or discourses; neither in their heads nor hearts, except to condemn; nor yet in the head, heart or practice of any other person having any just claim to common sense. It is a wicked lie so far as the Mormons' faith, doctrine or practice is concerned; yet it contains as much truth as many other statements of the writer.

James Townsend, Esq., at whose hotel on East Temple street, Salt Lake City, one of these French gentlemen boarded, (and perhaps, the very writer of the article alluded to,) is now in Carson Valley, sitting by my side while I write you this communication. He says that the subject of Mormonism was never made the topic of discourse between him and any member of the church to his knowledge while there; but that he and his French companions walked the streets "solitary and alone;" and never heard of their investigating Mormonism for any purpose.

The real truth, I suppose to be this. So far as the writer might have had any intercourse with the Mormons, he wished to disguise his intentions in order to frame some kind of a story, the better to amuse the public, and might perhaps have called around him some rude, rattle-brained youngsters who were just shrewd enough to discern His Majesty's wolfship in sheep's clothing, and to have a little fun at his expense, told him any thing that might have come into their heads. This must be the source of his great observations and discoveries among the Mormons.

By taking a very little pains, I think he might have found, in Salt Lake City, gentlemen as learned and logical as himself. If William Penn had been a Mormon, his policy towards the Indians, I suppose, would have been as objectionable to narrow minded scribblers as that of Brigham Young.

Respectfully Your brother in Christ, ORSON HYDE.

P.S. It is supposed the mountains will be passable on the Johnson cut-off by way of Luther's pass, for pack animals, by the latter part of April; and on the old Carson route, for teams, about one month later. Gardens may be made to advantage during the months of May and June; also some field crops may be put in that late and mature. O.H. (WS 22 March 1856:3:1-2)

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THE WAGON ROAD. We give below, taken from the Surveyor General's Report, the bights of the various locations on the route of the contemplated Wagon Road to the Mormon Station, Carson Valley: Placerville, altitude 1,755 feet; Hawley's, altitude 2,674 feet; Sportsmen's Hall, altitude 3,246 feet; Taylor's, altitude 4,517 feet; Camp Springs, altitude 5,497 feet; Tragedy Springs, altitude 7,512 feet; West Pass, altitude 9,036 feet; Camp Four, altitude 3,736 feet; Camp Five, altitude 7,176 feet; Carson Pass, altitude 7,972 feet; Red Lake, altitude 7,247 feet; Hope Valley, altitude 6,535 feet; Head of Carson Creek, altitude 6,488 feet; Corey's Mill, altitude 5,032 feet; Doggett's, altitude 4,417 feet; Mormon Station, altitude 4,387 feet. (WS 29 March 1856:3:4)

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WE call the attention of the Saints to the Correspondence, under the head of which they will find a letter from President Orson Hyde, Carson Valley, making a call for help and giving counsel in relation to the best course for the Saints in this country to pursue. We hope they will respond spiritedly to these suggestions, and prepare themselves by the time Bro. Townsend arrives. (WS 5 April 1856:2:6)

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FROM CARSON VALLEY. For the Western Standard.

CARSON, March 23, 1856,

BR. CANNON, DEAR SIR:

I have received five copies of No. 2 Standard, and one of No. 3, per last Mail. It is a noble and well executed sheet. I hope the friends in California will sustain it, not only by subscribing; but sustain it also by liberal contributions. It will be no draw back to their prosperity; but will add materially to their comfort, intelligence and happiness. And it will be the means of keeping them duly apprised of all the movements and doings of the church.

Brother Pratt's address to the Legislature is a most interesting and important document. None can object to it, Jew or Gentile, unless he wishes to indulge in sensuality and be called a gentleman. How will that discourse tell along side of your Frenchman's representations of the Mormons' notions of the legitimacy and illegitimacy of children, marriage, &c? Poor miserable specimen of frail humanity: But the game is not worth the ammunition. Let him return to moral and christian France in peace if he wishes, while we warn mankind to repent, believe, and obey the truth.

I wish to apprise the friends in California through your paper, that in about three weeks from this date, brother James Townsend, a man highly approved and confidential, will go over to your State to visit the friends there, and to obtain irons and fixtures for a for a good saw mill to be erected in some valley in this vicinity for the convenience and accommodation of the new settlement that is now being made. It is desired that our friends will consider our condition and circumstances, and the immediate necessity of said mill; and contribute freely to brother Townsend the amount necessary to procure said irons and fixtures. The liberality of many on former occasions is not forgotten, though we sometimes talk plainly; yet never too plainly for those who wish to do right. But brethren, consider this call and invitation, and come over with your means and help us: yet if you cannot come yourselves, send us the irons and fixtures for a good saw mill which can not diminish a hundredth part from your interest to what it will add to ours. Therefor contribute freely according to your condition, and your substance shall not be diminished thereby.

With sentiments of sincere regard for yourself, and for every friend in California and throughout the world who feareth God and worketh righteousness, I re-main your fellow laborer in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ,

ORSON HYDE.

P.S. The recent warm and pleasant weather has so diminished the snow upon the mountains that footmen are now crossing. There are only about ten miles of deep snow upon the top or crust of which a horse or mule may travel in the latter part of the night or early part of the day without seriously breaking through. A small quantity of barley will sustain an animal through at the present time. U.H. (WS 5 April 1856: 3:1-2)

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CARSON VALLEY EXPRESS. Mr. J. Thompson, the Expressman, arrived in this city on Thursday last, in three days from Carson Valley. He represents the snow to be two feet deep in Hope Valley and Luther's pass, one foot in Lake Valley between the summits, and four feet at Slippery Ford, which is the deepest on the route.

The people of the Valley are busily engaged putting in their grain crops of oats, barley and wheat. Weather mild; no frost for the last two weeks, and grass six inches high; animals in excellent condition, and every interest prospering but that of mining, which is languishing for want of a full supply of water in mining localities.

A company of fifteen men had gone south to the head waters of Walker's river, on a prospecting tour; whilst Orson Hyde had gone to the north, exploring the numerous and beautiful valleys in that direction, in view of their settlement by a large immigration from Salt Lake the coming summer. -- Placerville American, March 29. (WS 5 April 1856:3:2)

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ADVANTAGES OF LOCALITY. CARSON Valley, and indeed the whole range of vallies lying along the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada or snowy mountains, from their very position, possess advantages so peculiar as to merit the attention of the herdsman, the agriculturist and the legislator. From the summit of the Sierras westwardly, a gradual descent is observable, made up of a succession of lesser mountains and foothills, until at a distance of from sixty to one hundred miles, the great vallies of the Sacramento and the San Joaquin are reached. These mountains and foothills embrace the great mineral region of California, and except an occasional small isolated valley, no really good agricultural country, of any extent, exists within its limits.

Not so with the eastern slope of the Sierras. In fact they have no such slope or shed upon the east, but more properly a wall; for at a distance of less than ten miles from their summits, the great valleys known as Walker's, Carson, Wash-ho and the Truckee, lie spread out, vegetating in rank luxuriance at their very base, The advantages of this peculiarity of position are these: the immediate proximity to mountains of great height, covered with perpetual snows, gives these vallies the benefit of frequent showers of rain, at a season when the agricultural portion of California is entirely deprived of it. As a consequence, no country in the world can surpass these vallies in the deep, rank luxuriance of its native clover and grasses. It is therefore peculiarly adapted to stock growing, and the success that has attended every effort thus far made in this line, is proof of the correctness of our position.

For purposes more directly agricultural, as the productions of grains, vegetable and fruits, in which the lands might possibly require irrigation, no country in the world possesses superior advantages. The great snowy summits of the Sierras, on which alone the summer's snows remain, furnish innumerable streams of water that now course their natural channels, unappropriated because not required, directly to the Carson river can all be turned and made subservient to the irrigation of thousands of acres at the most trifling cost; while on the west or California side, though an equal quantity of water be produced from the melting snows, yet before it reaches the lower foothills, is made so turbid and thick with mud from mining operations, as to render it wholly unfit for purposes of irrigation.

Thus has nature provided in the immediate vicinity of California (the greatest mineral region of the world, but subject to periodical seasons of drouth of great severity, even to the destruction of both animal and vegetable life,) a group of inland valleys of great extent, that when peopled by an industrious population, will be equal to the support of the entire mining population of California, and from their position, entirely beyond the contingency of such extreme drouths and consequent suffering as the past history of California records. Will not the Legislature of California give us at least one State road through the mountains to these great inland valleys? -- Placerville American. (WS 5 April 1856:4:2)

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LATER FROM CARSON VALLEY. John A. Thompson, who left Placerville for Carson Valley, on April 1st, encountered new snow ten miles above that city some two feet in depth, most of which, however, he found had disappeared on his return last Friday. Little snow, however, fell on the mountains during the late storm. On his outward trip Mr. Thompson found a man in Lake Valley named Castro who had become bewildered during the storm of the 1st Inst. In his wanderings, however, he fortunately found a cabin, built by Mr. Hawley, and in which there were a few potatoes. On these he subsisted until discovered by Mr. Thompson. At one time, while straying about, he reached a point within four miles of the settlement in Carson Valley, but the uncertainty of his whereabouts, and the imminent danger of frost in the event of his remaining out over night, forced him to retrace his steps to the cabin. At evening Mr. Thompson passed along, with whom he came on to the Valley.

Orson Hyde has returned, very well pleased with his trip of exploration, which was satisfactory. There has been neither rain nor snow in the Valley. The gold prospectors had not returned, although they had been looked for for several days. It is feared that they have been cut off by the Indians. There is nothing in Carson Valley matters of moment. -- Sac. Union. (WS 19 April 1856:3:3)

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IN our issue of last week, we inadvertently omitted to notice the arrival of Elder James Townsend, who landed here from Carson Valley on the 11th inst. Elder T. has been appointed a mission to this country -- as premised in a letter from Elder Hyde that was published in the seventh number of the STANDARD -- to visit the Saints in California, and endeavor to raise the necessary means to purchase irons, etc., for a saw mill to be erected in Carson Valley. By reference to the letter alluded to above, the Saints will perceive the necessity of immediate and definite action in this matter. (WS 24 May 1856:2:3)

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A NEW TERRITORY. The settlers in Honey Lake Valley, which lies at the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada, about latitude 40 deg. North, have held a public meeting, says the S.F. Chronicle, and resolved that they organize an independent Territory, styled Natauqua. Their Declaration of Independence is signed by twenty names. Peter Lassen is the Surveyor of the Territory. By the law of Congress, Honey Lake Valley is within the jurisdiction of Deseret. (WS 24 May 1856:3:3)

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BOUND ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS. The past week, says the Placerville American, has been one of more than usual activity. Large numbers of miners from all the more eastern and mountainous parts of the country, have been in, arranging for their summer supplies.

Trains of pack animals are daily leaving our city for Carson Valley, Ragtown, and trading posts upon the Humboldt. "Fit-outs" for the plains are of every day occurrence, and by this route will many noble hearts, and firm, resolute men, return this summer to the land of their earlier years. Fifty-five men have already made this city their point of departure for the plains this spring. (WS 24 May 1856:3:3)

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FIRST ARRIVAL FROM THE PLAINS.-- A company of ten men, direct from the Salt Lake country, says the Placerville American, reached Carson Valley last week, and a part of them this city on Sunday and Monday last. Their names are Geo. and Cyrus Snell (brothers,) C. Merkley, J. Pack, L. Wines, J. Vance, J. Hollinshead, C. McKinley, J. Robinson, J. Stoddard and Hon. E. Reese, the latter the returned Carson Valley Representative to the Utah or Deseret Legislature.

They left Salt Lake, or rather a point 12 miles north of the lake, on the 17th April, and were twenty-three days to Carson Valley. Their animals, nineteen in number, horses and mules, bringing through two wagons. Encountered a severe and very cold snow storm among the Goose creek mountains, but in the valleys and on reaching the Humboldt, found the grass excellent. Hon. E. Reese who has frequently made the trip, says he never saw it better. Water of the Humboldt not unusually high though then on the rise at the great upper meadows where emigrants first strike it. (WS 31 May 1856:2:3)

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WE learn from the Placerville American of the 24th inst. that numbers are arriving in Carson Valley on their way to the States; two wagons having crossed the Sierras, going eastward. The route can therefore be considered as open for wagons for the season. Six other wagons were met by a Mr. Smith this side the summit, with a family to each wagon, in all twenty-five persons, on their way to the States via the plains. The recent troubles in Panama, with the much greater risk there is of accidents on that route, will no doubt prompt many who are desirous to return to the old States the coming season, to take the overland route. (WS 31 May 1856:2:3)

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FROM PLACERVILLE.

PLACERVILLE, El Dorado Co. June 5th, 1856

DEAR BROTHER:

We had the pleasure of meeting brother Townsend here, at Placerville, on his way to Carson Valley, with a set of mill-irons, carpenters' tools, &c.; he is enjoying good health, and feels that the Lord has blessed him on his mission to this country. He has counsel from the Authorities of the Church to gather up the Saints scattered throughout the mines, with their means to make a settlement in Carson Valley. All who wish to make a home with the Saints, he counsels to go at once, and secure a homestead, before the land is all taken up; he will not leave until he hears from brother Hyde, which will, he thinks be ten or twelve days yet; in the mean time, he intends visiting the Saints scattered abroad. We wish him God speed, and pray the Saints to give heed to his counsel, if they would be blessed.

We are still traveling from day to day, lifting a warning voice to wayward man. We met brother John Harris, of San Bernardino, at Coloma, on the first day of June; he left home last fall with the missionaries; he is at present working for his brother, neat Greenwood Valley. He intends staying here till fall; we recommend him to all who wish to hear of our principles; he will take subscriptions for the WESTERN STANDARD at Coloma.

God has blessed and prospered us thus far on our mission; we have had to want for nothing; we have had victuals and clothing -- we want no more. Traveling on foot over the hills exercises the body, the mountain air invigorates our minds, while the change of scenery amply supplies us with reflection. Often when we have reached some promontory height, o'er looking all below; the mountain gulch and gorge, and river bed, where many disappointed miners

By rumor false, are duped

From hill to hill;

And oft, in vain, for fortunes looked --

They're poor men still.

If they were but as earnest seeking for the Kingdom of God, these mountain dens, or towns would wear a different aspect. Man is but a little thing, compared with all these mountain monuments, towering away to heaven; rock piled upon rock, in ruins lie beneath my feet, to seek his power and show the littleness to man. May the Lord bless you, is the daily prayer of your brother in the cause of God.

DAVID M. STUART (WS 14 June 1856:3:3)

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Arrivals from Carson Valley, says the Placerville American, are now of every day occurrence. There is almost a continuous line of pack animals, passing one way or the other, along the Johnson route through and over the Sierras, to and from the valleys beyond. (WS 14 June 1855:3:4)

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The gold of the more northern placers and valleys of western Utah, says the Placerville American, is found to he from five to eight carats finer than that from the valley of the Carson, or Gold Canon, a tributary of the Carson. (WS 14 June 1856: 3:4)

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GOLD FIELDS BEYOND THE MOUNTAINS. -- In Carson Valley quite an excitement has grown out of the late discovery of extensive golden placers upon the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, in the vicinity of the Truckee meadows and extending as far north as the Honey lake valley country. There is no longer a doubt as to the extent and richness of these newly discovered placers, and hundreds are making their way to them. There is an advantage possessed by these placers not often found in connection therewith. Occupying the base and foothills of the mountains, they extend in great richness to the very verge of the meadows and to some extent into them, rendering the country one of the most desirable in the world for settlement, as agricultural and stock-raising pursuits in connection with mining or not, can be carried on at any or all seasons of the year,

Groves of magnificent timber skirt these vast meadows, sometimes extending quite into their midst. Bold and dashing streams of water leap down the canons of the mountains that serve for either mining or irrigation, while the whole face of nature, mountain, hill, plain and meadow, are, winter and summer, a perpetual green, quite unlike many portions of California that are for months together dry and parched with thirst.

Large numbers of Mormon families from Salt Lake, will settle upon these perpetually green and fertile valleys, during the present summer, working the placers of the hills and converting the vallies and meadows to all the purposes of available husbandry. Thus is their ancient, calm and magnificent solitude, destined to be broken by the busy, ceaseless hum of civilization. -- Placerville American (WS 14 June 1856:4:3)

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THE WAGON ROAD. A gentleman writing to us from Murphy's (says the San Joaquin Republican,) under date of 29th ult., says the contactors for the wagon road leading from Carson Valley to the lie Tree, are ready, and will be at work this week on the route. (WS 6 Jul 1356:3:3)

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FROM UTAH VALLEYS. The Placerville American says: From Col. L.A. Norton, who has just returned from Carson Valley, we obtain much interesting intelligence from the Valleys of Western Utah. The great immigration of Mormons, of which we have made mention, heretofore as being on the way from Salt Lake, consisting of one hundred and ten families, and nearly as many wagons, with large numbers of cattle, even thousands, were within three days' drive of their places of destination -- the beautiful valleys of Wash-ho and Truckee.

Bro. Orson Hyde is erecting a new saw and grist mill in Wash-ho Valley, to be propelled by an overshot wheel on one of the mountain streams that in such numbers and great beauty are found ever full and leaping to the valleys. Both mills will be in operation in a very few weeks.

No country can he more charming than these magnificent and fertile valleys, and none can excel it in its advantages for stock raising; while the accession of so large a number of people to their permanent homes in our immediate vicinity, all dependent upon this city as the only point of trade with California, cannot hut tend greatly to increase the now rapidly improving trade of this city. (WS 6 Jul 1856:3:5)

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LOST ON THE MOUNTAINS. The Volcano Ledger says that about the 16th of May, a man named Robinson started from Sandy Gulch to Carson Valley. He tried to follow the trail leading from the Gulch to the Valley, and after traveling five days through the nine forests, and over a succession of hills and valleys, he lost the trail. During this time he was entirely without any thing to eat, except what he picked up on his route. He finally found a party of Indians, who gave him something to eat, put him on the trail again, and informed him that it was about half a day's travel to the `Valley. He started, but soon lost his way again, and was wandering about for ten days, unable to find his way. He finally ascended a mountain, and at a distance of ten or twelve miles, saw the smoke of the cabin of a party who were building a saw mill for the Jackson Ditch Company. He started for the cabin, and arrived at the place in almost a famishing condition. He remained there five days and left for the settlements. (WS 12 Jul 1856:3:3)

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TRADE WITH UTAH. Already does the largely increased population of the great inland valleys of Utah, contiguous to California, begin to toll upon the trade of our city and the mountain commerce over the only great thorough-fare connecting central California with Carson Valley and adjacent country.

This inland country is to become a cast agricultural district, in which the rearing of live stock will be always, or for a long time to come, the paramount interest. Grains and vegetables are produced in prodigal abundance, but the mountains Present so formidable a barrier to their profitable exportation that but little more than sufficient for their own consumption and convenience will he likely to be produced, while animals are easily reared and easily sent forward to the market.

Hardly a day passes that our merchants are not freighting caravans of pack animals over the mountains. The wants of one hundred and fifty or more families recently arrived from Salt Lake, numbering nearly one thousand persons, will add much to the regular mountain travel and trade of this city; because the whole of that great immigration is so located as to find in the Johnson route leading through the Sierras from Carson Valley to this city, the only practical one connecting them with California. -- Placerville American. (WS 26 Jul 1856:3:5)