The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-12-27
N
From the st. Louis Republican

From the ST. Louis Republican
COPPER MINES IN FRANKLIN COUNTY.
Some time ago, we noticed the shipment of about
six tons of copper ore, from the mines Of Messrs.
Ruckcr, Camden q CO., in Franklin county, in
this State, about sixty miles from this city, to Bal
timore and Boston, us an experiment, and for the
purpose Of testing the value of the From this
shipment, returns have yet been received. Since
then, we understand, much larger amount has
been sent to Boston from the mines in the same
county, owned by Messrs. Gamble, Bredell & Co.,
from which no returns have been received.
We are gratifed in being able to state, that an
experienced and intelligent smeltcr, MIR. Preston,
who has for several years been engaged in smelling
copper ore at Mineral Point, has made satisfac-
tory assay of the Ores and has become interested IN
the mines Of Messrs. Rucker, Camden g. Co., and
will carry on the smelling business for them. The
proprietors entertain doubt of the success Of
their enterprise Mr.. p. is engaged In reconstruct
ing the furnaces and if the weather is not too severe,
will be in full blast early in January. His plan,
we are told is quite simple, and is superior to all
experiments hitherto tried, in the application of the
blast and the employment of fur suitable to the
various ores. He was, previous to his present EN-.
ployment, rehner of lnetas--is Marylander by
birth, and his improvements in the application of the
blast and the employment of the proper f1ux, are
the result of his own experience and study. That
he is confident of success, il sufficiently proven by
the terms which he has engaged. The materials
for Gaping the furnaces, and for all the purposes of
smelling, are abundant IN the immediate vicinity OF
the mines.
Mr.. p, we understand, has made an analysis Of
the several Ores sufficient to satisfy himself Of their
value, and Justify his investing considerable por-
ton of his means in the undertaking. We learn
that he proposes smelling the from the mines Of
Messrs. Gamble, Bredell, & Co., on terms as fa-
vorable, or even more favorable, than in which he
is now engaged.
To the whole community, it will be matter Of
qualification to know, that these ores can be worked
probably. Every analysis has proved them to pos
from twelve to thirty-our per cent of pure cop
per; they are abundant beyond conception, and
every day new discoveries are made. few days
since, a party of workmen, in following vein,
struck upon another vein Of different appearance
from the one which they were working, much hard
err and more difficult to work, and about four feet
through. This they esteemed Of no value, and
threw what they took out away. Upon the arrival
of Mr.. p, they for the first time, learned that the
ore which they thought Of no value, was much more
valuable than that which they were laboring for.
These ores, though very abundant, are Of no value
until they are smeed. Heretofore, although large
sums have been expended in the erection Of fur
naces yand efforts Of various kinds, they have been
unsuccessful now, there's every to believe that
these difficulties are overcome, and that the day is
not distant when this article will form one Of the
prominent articles of export from this city.