The New York herald., 1845-12-15

RAJ RESOURCES OF THE UNITED STATEs-- Cop
EEs OF LAKE SUPERIOR. twas not until with
ast few years that the attention of our people
ected 10 the immense mineral resources pos
by the United States. Heretofore, large i'm
pns OF minerals were received from England,
and other countries, which, in consequence
Developments OF our own mineral resources,
w comparatively small. Nature, which has
? liberal IN bestowng upon 1t every other ele
Of national greatness-salubrity of climate,
and area OF soil, capable of supplying the
world with sustenance-has been equally lbe-
dispensing her blessings in minerals. The
scoveres which have been made, justify US in
ne, that IN mineral wealth this country is SUI
70 any other. In lead, in copper, and silver,
nave, within few years, been discoveries made
Fsourl and IN the Lake Superior region which
that these metals exist In those places to an
liable extent, and immense quantities have been
p the Eastern markets. Missouri lead, and
Superior copper, are extensively used in our
cities now, and there is no doubt that IN few
our importation of those articles will cease,
hat we will be able to export in large quanti-
lSi2, the United States government came into
sson, by purchase from the Indians, of large
raj territory on the southery shore of Lake
rior. 1t was from this region that the large
OF copper which is now at Washington came,
which occupied the time and energy of Mr..
Erred, of the city of Detroit, two years, and
large outlay of money, in removing and trans
|ng II to the capitol
le first discovery that copper existed in the
Superior region was made In the year l766.
an Engshmap named Alexander Henry
e on visit there, he found on the banks OF the
Ontonagon, abundance of virgin copper, in
ses OF various weights, some as large as TWEEN.
punds Recent explorations have, been made
iov. Cass and Mr.. Schoolcraft and other enter
ing and scientific gentlemen, among whom was
eminent Douglas Houghton, State Geologlst of
fhigan, which not only confirm the statements
were made by MIR. Harvey, but prove that that
on is rich beyond all calculation in minerals, not
topper alone, but likewise in silver and lead
he most valuable OF the mineral localities in the
Re Superior region, yet discovered, is on the
Ele river, flowing into Lake Superior. Frag-
hts OF the rock and Jumps Of native copper,
nd at the mouth of the river, first attracted the
fnton OF the explorers to examine the bed and
ks Of the stream, when they discovered metal
copper ore, mixed with silver. The ore in this
hon consists OF an admxture OF copper and silver
The crevices and veins in the rocks are also filled
h thin sheets OF an alloy of copper and silver
occasionally Jumps of these metals OF consider
g magnitude are found. Specimens OF the different
2 from the Lake Superior region have been tested,
found TO vary in value from Sl20 to $500 per
!, existing in some places in amount sufficient to
rrant mining, with every probability of success
lie IN other places specimens have been found
Dedded In detached rocks, which bear evidence
having been carried by the influence of ice from
tant places, to where they are found. The United
ties government has granted permits or licenses
several enterprislng individuals, who have asso-
ted themselves together in companies, some of
om, in all probability, will secure harvests of
alth, while others will be ruined. Like every
ng else in the United States, the mining business
J been turned into a gambling speculation.
( that country should prove as valuable as 1t is
PRESENTED to be, the immense advantages which
development of those treasures will confer upon
country at large, is beyond computation. Lake
perior will, In short time, be covered with craft
nveying the minerals-the shores will re.echo the
rnal puff, puff, OF the high pressure steamboat, as
Lake Erie, and the inspiring songs of the
rdy scamen. Regions at present barren, will be
lvered into thriving villages agriculture, with
its blessings Will follow, and another proof will
given to the world Of the enterprise and perse-
rance Of the American people.
The copper region Is situated on the southerly
g of Lake Superior, extending from Chocolate
er to Black river, a distance of over 200 miles
ng the shore OF the Lake, embracing several fine
ers and harbors; and permits for mining having
IN granted by the United States government,
re have been numbers OF companies organized,
4 are now actually engaged in carrying on mining
erations.
l he following companies are now at work -
AXE Superior, al Eagle River Pittsburgh, at Copper
rbor; North West at Marais Harbor; Superior Co,
eoent Copper Harbor; Ontonagon, Ontonagon and
y Rivers; Bohemian, South side of Point Kurna; New
TX and Lake SUPERIOR Agate Harbor aud Dead River;
ippswa Black Hiver; Copper Falls, at Copper Falls,
mt kurna; Eagle IIarbor, Eagle Harbor North Ameri
!, near Eagle River; Isle Royal, Kurns Point and
tonagop River: Kurna, Mouth of Eagle River; Bos.
!, Point Kurna, near Copper Harbor; Massachusetts
ntreai River; Peninsula, west branch Ontonagor
yer
held in Boston and Pittsburgh, and but little
mparatlvely IS owned in New York. The
Ike Superior and the Pittsburgh Copper Har-
r Companies were among the first that were
yanlxed, and the result of the first year OF
,Ir operations has met the expectations OF
: most sangHne There have been some 300 OF
D tracts located on this mineral region; but a
lal number, comparatively. OF these have been ex-
,red, and on these tracts there some 500 resi-
mt miners at work, employed by the several COM
MES, and on the opening OF navigation next
ring It IS calculated that the number will be aug
.nted to 20O0. Within the last year there have
en- placed on Lake Superior Ia or Is sail of ves-
ls, and as the mining operations increase, there
il be an increasing number OF craft engaged.
In the vicinity of Lake Superior, in addition to
,sc valuable mineral resources, there are immense
rests OF pine and other timber, which can be used
advantage in working the mines, and, likewise
luable fisheries 1t is from this Lake that the
,ut and white fish come down In myriads to Lakes
lron and Erie, and which are destined, in time, to
sve vast source of profit to the United States.-
lis branch OF wealth is only partially developed
needs but enterprise, and small outlay OF capl-
, TO make 1t great source of wealth, In the year
a, OF white fish alone, there were 10000 barrels
lpped from the Saut ST. Marie, and there is no
ubt but 100000 barrels annually might be put up
d shipped from this part OF the country.
On the whole, the richness of the Lake Superior
untry cannot be over-estimated; and to bring out
developmentsnecds but for the general government
construct ship canal round the rapids Of the
'er 81 May. which connects Lake Superior with
IKE HpIfon. II a canal were constructed, we would
IN r.ave water communication from the shores
Lake Superior to the Atlantic.
At the last session OF Congress, there were sundry
emorials sent to government praying Congress tc
ke measures to open canal Of this description.
1ese memorials were referred to the committee
roads and canals Of the Senate, who, upon care
review of the matter, made report, which waf
by an estimate made by Col. J. ]
bert, OF the Typographical corps of engineers, warm
recommending the construction Of such work
an estimate made by Col. Albert, the whole cos
the work would not be S450,O0O.
II this sum shall be appropriated by the general GO
there will be a boundess field of enter
lse opened, and, in few years, Lake Superior
i'll be OF the most thriving parts OF our country
natural harbors, it is better provided than any
her of the great Lakes