The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-12-23
AMERICAN PARADISE-CALIFORNIA.

The following communication is from gentleman
who spa Mt last winter in Upper California, and al
fords some valuable information in relation to that
country.-St Louis Rep.
FouEcmE A'RENALr, (Mo,) Nov. -, 1s42.
Gentlemen In answer to the many inquiries for
IN ormaon respecting the route TO, and country Of
Upper California, take the privilege of sending you
this imperfect sketch, which, if you think il will in
eres any of your numerous readers You will please
insert in your valuable paper.
Upper California lies between the 2lst and 22d de-
grces Of N L., embracing extent of coast of about
700 miles, and extending back to the foot of the great
mountains, (Which run parallel with the coast dis
lance of from SO $50 miles. This great valley is
crossed by low hills from three to ten miles idc
with valleys of from 10 to 100 miles wide. Through
these valleys flow larger streams, having their rise in
the main mountains, with many smaller streams emp
tying into them from those ridges, aifordng many
beautiful sites for mills and other machinery. The
principal rivers JOACHIM and Sacrament the lat
ter Is navgable considerable distance for vessels
of large size. They both enter into the bay of La
Francisco. The land of these valleys is equal to any
in Missouri or Illinois, the productions are the same
are found in the ATTITUDES Of the United States
Corn yields well here wheat seems to be perfectly
at home, producing from IS to 100 (and more)
bushels to the Grain of every description sue
cccds well.
Apples, peaches pears oranges, figs, cherries Sc
&C., come to fine perfection. Oats and clover grow
spontaneously, ana oil superior qualities TO any grown
in the Western country.
With the exception of narrow skirts of oak along
the streams, the valleys entirely destitute of TIM
Der they are covered with oats clover, and grass.
the most luxuriant the eye ever behed. The ridges
or hills are covered with timber of the finest quality
for ship building and other purposes, and growing to
the enormous height of 200 feet, and twenty feet
in diameter. The streams abound in fish, and the
plains are covered with thousands of wild horses
elk, deer, antelope, bear, wild ducks, geese and
brants. The climate is mild and remarkably
healthy, there being no disease either endemic or
epidemic We saw green pumpkins, lettuce, gourds
&C., growing finely during all the months of last vim
ter.
Silver and lead are the only minerals vet discovered
The number of inhabitants docs not exceed 3 600.
They are an ignorant ndoIent people, spending the
most OF their time on horseback, in puTsui, of wild
horses and cattle, in which amusement thev take
graai delight. They own immense quantities of cat
e the hides and tallow of which they barter to yes
sells foi clothing and other necessaries. Ii is
common for one man to own from nine to ten, and
even forty thousand head, which cost hem nothing
but The clothing and feeding of or three Indians
10 herd them the range being rich that they keep
perfectly Fat during all seasons.
Situated, as that country is, the coast OF the Pa
C -possessed of many of the best harbors in the
kuown word,-a soil inferior to none-a climate far
superior to y,--such country in the hands of an
industrious and enterprising people would, dis
tan day compare with the hourishing countries
Of the globe The government will give liberal
giants OF lands To persons that will take the oath of
allegiance TO conform TO the doctrines of the Catholic
ailh.
Titles can be bought of citizens of the country for
mere trile, upon which foreigner can live in the
enjoyment of his own religious views, and have the
right TO dispose of his land any manner he may
deem proper.
Inc best and only route that wagons can be taken
INTO ihe country is to the Rocky Mountains
the head waters of the Platte River thence to the
soda Springs on Bear River, above the great Salt
Lake. thence to Fort Hall, on Lewis or Snake Riy-
cr; hen due west TO the north Fork Of Mays or Og
dens River, down this River TO where il forms tue
lake at The loot OF the California Mountains thence