The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-12-14
Rs.oures. OF Calirernla.
MosrEREY, California; September

MONTEREY, (CalnornIa,) september 20, lo49.
To the Editors Of the Union:
States discover that the California fever has not abaied
since the introduction of the large quantities OF gold by
the new line OF steamers. therefore think that a
connected view OF the mineral and agricultural as well
the commercial OF California, would be read
with interest description OF the country, with the
present and contemplated improvements may be OF great
service 10 persons who wish TO invest in this country
The maps, though not very correct give some general
idea OF the localities The great bay OF San Francisco
may be considered general haIbor tor large vessel
may anchor in almost any part OF it. and with good an
chors will ride out the hardest gales Yet there but
few points at which vessel can get enough TO the
shore to discharge cargo, unless at great expense.
Sansalta is situated the north side OF the bay, and
Immediately al its mouth. There is small plain border
ing on the bay but in the very high mountains There
is good water near the beach, and at this point all the
vessels from San Francisco get their water from the
fact that il cannot be obtained in San Francisco The
mountains in the Of Sansata 10 very great extent,
cut IL of from the country though there large and
fertile country lying northeast yet its products will
reach the bay at San Raphael Petaua, and Sonoma and
from these points must receive their supplies In add
ton its agricultural resources there great deal OF
valuable hmber but far minerals, OF much import.
ance, have been discovered.
Sonoma is situated the north side, at the head OF
tde-water II is not large valley many Others but
very FERTILE and surrounded by the most picturesque
scenery, and climate moderated from the cold winds Of
the coast by the high mountains which intervene II is
rapidly increasing in population and wealth.
Napa situated on the Napa river, the head OF tide
water and in OF the most fertile and beautiful valleys
the world, about fifty miles long and four miles wide
No minerals yet discovered
Benica situated on the north side OF the bay OF San
Francisco and at the straits OF Carquinez The site
very favorable one for convenience OF building, being
inclined plane, about mile wide and three long, with
low, rolling hills in the but OF them have any
trees upon them, but covered with oats The grant
extends to the edge OF the deep water, making natural
wharf The largest merchant ships lie alongside OF the
bank and form stage Of two spars, and discharge their
cargoes they do at New Orleans. II is IS miles from
the mouth OF the bay and although small barques and
brgs may 90 higher up II Is the head OF navigation for
large ships There is bay called the Suisun bay, be-
tween Benca and the mouths oil the Sacramento and San
Joaquin but the smallest steamers and even small
Benca is very wide, and there are but few points where
steamer or small boat could find shelter in storm,
while the largest ships pass in and out, with wide
and straight channel The army depot has been moved
TO Benicia and for full and accurate description
OF both land and water communication, would refer TO
the official communications Of Gen. Smith and Commo.
dore Jones' both Of whom have made extensive examna-
tons OF Bencia and its connexions with the country.
There is no other mineral than sulphur spring, about
three miles in the Of the town. and bed of cnnabar
or quicksilver. at about the same distance.
Martinez, new town recently laid out by Mr.. VIM.
M. Smith, Immediately opposite Benica, on the south
side Of the straits, is rapidly increasing in wealth and
population. There is beautiful agricultural country
around II.
Pueblo de San Jose is situated about six miles above
the head OF navigation on Santa Clara creek is in
the centre Of very large and beautiful agricultural
country and near the celebrated quicksilver mines OF
Mr. Forbes The seat OF government has been located
at San Jose, by the convention 10 organize the State
stution and will become beautiful inland town
. San Francisco-as though not least Of the towns-is
is in small cove on that Of the bay which extends
towards Santa Clara, about six miles from its mouth,
and on the peninsula which extends between the coast
and The bay From The fact that this place was se @
from the great difficulty and expense Of landing goods
Is now being abandoned by many persons for the more