Saturday morning visitor., 1848-12-23

lubrity of the climate, the fertility of the
soil, peculiarly adapted 10 The production
of some of our most valuable staple con=
modities, and ner commercial advantages,
must make her soon, one Of our most pop
| ulous States.
New Mexico, though situated in the in
terror, and though without a sea coast, is
known 10 contain much fertile land, and 10
abound in rich mines of the precious met
ais, and 10 be capable of containing large
population. From its position, il is the
intermediate and and connecting territory,
between our settlements and our possess
ions in Texas, and those on the Pacific
coast.
Upper California, irrespective of the
vast mineral wealth recently developed
there, holds, al this day, in point Of value
and importance, TO the rest Of, the Union,
the same relation that Louisiana did when
that fine territory was acquired from
France foriy-five years ago. Extending
nearly l6 deg. OF north latitude along the
Pacific, and embracing the only safe and
commodous harbor OH that coast for many
hundred miles, with temperate climate
and extensive interior of fertile lands, it
is scarcely possible 10 estimate its value
until it shall he brought under the govern
meht Of our laws, aid lis resources fully
developed. From lis position, it mus;
command the rich commerce OF China, Of
Asia, OF the Islands Of the Pacific, Of
Western Mexico, Of Central America, the
South American States and of the Rus
sian possessions bordering on that Ocean.
A great emporium will, doubtless, speed
lily arse onthe California coast, " hich may
be destined 10 rival in importance, New
Orleans itself. The depot OF the vast
commerce which must exist on the Pacific,
will be at some point on the Bay of San
Francisco, and will occupy The same re-
latiun 10 the whole western coast of that
ocean as New Orleans does 10 The Valley
Of the Mississippi and the Gulf Of MeSi-
cn. To this depot, our numerous hale
ships will resort with their cafgoes, to
trade, refii, and obtain supplies. This trade
will largely contribute 10 build up City
which will soon become centre of the
great and rapidly increasing commerce.
Situated OF safe harbor, sufficiently ca
pscious for all The na, les, as well as The
marines of the world, and convenient to
excellent timber for slip building, owned
10y the United Slales, il must become our
great Western Depot.
1t was known that mines of the pre-
cious metals existed To considerable ex
teni in California, al The time Of its occu-
patton. Recent disco, rieS render il prob
aole, that these mines are more extensive
and valuable than was anticipated. The
accounts Of the abundance OF gold in that
territory are of such an extraordinary
character as would scarcely command be-
lief, were they not corroborated by the
authentic report OF officers in the public
service, who have visited the mineral dis
dricts and derived the facts which detail
from personal observation. Reluctan, 10
credit The reports in general circulation as
10 the quantity of gold, the officer com
manding our forces in California, visited
III, mineral district in July last Tor the
purpose of obtaining accurate information
on the subject. His report 10 the War
Department of the result OF his examina-
tion, and the facts obtained on the sgoi, are
herewith laid before Congress. When he
visited The country there ere about 600
persons engaged in collecting gold. There
is every reaseu To believe that the number
OF persons so employed has since beeh
augmented. The explorations alreads !
made warrant the brlirf that the supply I!
is ,ey large and tina; gold is found IN var
rious points in an extensive district .,
country.
Information received from officers and
other sources, though not 20 iull and mi.
mute, confirm the account Of the cnmmnHd |
er of our military force in Csliiosnia. 4
appears, also, from these reports, lhas
mines of quicksilver are found IN The VI |
cinity of the gold region. One it then Is I
now bning worked, and is believed 70 be
one Vt the most productive inihe world
The effects produced by the discovery /
of these rich mineral deposits, and lha
success which has attended ths lshaE- q
those who have resorted to thsas las /
produced a surprising change IN u .;-i<
Vi affairs in California. Labor eoIs .as,.,s
a most exorbltant price, and all elher raf-
suits, but that OF searching ioE he fss'
cious metals, are abandoned. NfNly |he |
whole male population OF The County hsVs /
gone 10 the gold district. Ship alfiEIat |
on the coast, are deserted by lheIf nfeKs
ans their voyages suspended &c want n
sailors. Our commanding ottcess 1eff
entertain apprehensions that seldieFs can.
no. be kept iuihs public serylee = i.heal /
a large increase Vi psy. Deeefion. II /
lns command had become. ireQo1N and
he recommends ihose who shal D '|l|atd !
The strong Temptation, and reu. N''i,
fulsAshall be rewarded,
'Fhis abundance .of gold, and "a I|'|