The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-09-17

From the Philadelphia Inquirer
GALENA AND THE LEAD REGION.

We had an opportunity, day or two ago, of ex-
amining some truly extraordinary specimens oflead
ore. They may be seen by the curious in such
matters at the store OF Messrs. Lambeth & NUNS
No. SIS Chestnut street, between Second and Third.
One piece weighing about 70 pounds, and consisting
OF number Of wedges embedded together, is per-
haps remarkable specimen as was ever discov-
cred in the West. 1t is Of the cube formation, and
was taken from vein running east and west, about
mile west from Galena. II found about 80 feet
below the surface. To the eye of the unpracsed oo-
server, it looks like mass of pure lead. The pro-
duct of metal from this kind of ore ranges from 30
to IS per cent Other specimens may be seen at the
store of the gentlemen named, as well of lead as
of copper and iron ore. Galena and Its neighbor-
hood are rising very rapidly into Importance. The
mining business, and the lead trade generally, have
increased wonderfully of late years. Last year,
there were shipped from Galena alone, $50 900 pigs
of lead. This year, the aggregate will be over
$780, 900; the greater proportion, both years, being
the product Of the mines Of Galena and vicinity II
is estimated that there are from 10000 to $4,000
persons in the neighborhood, engaged in the mining
business. Any individual may with pick-axe and
shovel wander over the lead region In search OF
veins-the property all as yet belonging to the
United States and being under lease. On discover
ing vein, even upon land leased by another indi-
vidua the dscoverer may either work it himself by
paying the lessee small rent and per cent of the
product to the government he may sell his right,
DC, for whatever he can get. II is thought that a
bill will pass Congress during the coming session,
authorizing the sale Of certain lead ands-an object
which the miners have greatly at heart. Hereto
fore, leases have been obtained merely by indi-
vduals giving bonds to work the lands according to
certain specifications and to pay per cent. to the
United States. Many enterprsing individuals have
made fortunes within few years, by discovering
rich VEINS and either working or selling them.
The great. advantages Of the Galena region for
settlers grow out of the fact that the mineral lands
fad ricb ,lfnr cnt,n 40
fine wheat is raised there in any part of the
Union. The miner may be found with his cabin
by the side Of his mine, and a few acres of ground
fenced in, where he raises his grain, cabbage, pota
toes, and other vegetables; so that if the mining
business should fail for time, he could still MAIN
tain his family by agriculture. Emgrants are
crowdng in, in great numbers. The society is quite
good, being intelligent, moral, and indusrious-es-
pecially so when the mixed character OF the popu-
lation is considered. Galena itself is one Of the
most stirring and active business places far west
1t presents quite picturesque appearance, and is
located the Galena river which empties into the
Upper Mississippi. The currency is gold and sill
yer; and honest industry is certain Of obtaining
abundant employment and fair wages. Families
determined TO be industrious and upright, are GER
tain Of getting along with comparative ease, while
the chances of Independence are by no means rare
and has resided in the West about four years. He
left this city with but few dollars in his pocket, de-
termined, however, to do his best to merit and Sc
success and he is now an active and extensive
lead merchant and miner. At the last dates, about
two weeks ago, lead sold at Galena at from SO 80
to So per cwt. 1t can be shipped from that place
Philadelphia, including insurance, commissions,
freights, &C., at an average Of 62l cents per cwt
throughout the year. In brief, the West presents
many chances for the young, the active, and the
perseyeIing Galena is one of the most thriving
Gifts young cities; and, will be seem holds out
mar 10 and indur Anv
however, who will glance at the history of Ohio,
Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Iowa, for the last
ten twenty years, notice how they have increased
in population and resources, and will observe how
villages, towns, and cities have started into exist
ence, must feel satisfied that the progress of that
section of the Union has but just commenced; and
that with patience, perseverance, energy, and good
habits, the field is wide one and abounds with OPP
portunities Of obtaining independence, distinction,
and wealth.