The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-04-03
THE UNION.

blade OF grass If this is the case when there are bu
1000 5000 animals, what are we TO expect when
900, even $4,000 start the route Many horses
mules and annually abandoned the journey
so reduced by hunger to be unable 10 proceed What
then must be the consequence, when such vast herds OF
animals are started upon the same road? The loss OF
their animals would cause thou sands to be shut up
IN the mountains amidst the of winter, and
we should have the OF starvation and cannl-
ballsm which occurred two years since, repeated on
more extended and terrible scale believe this Is
not mere speculation and should the emgrants take
the best possible precautions for their safety and that OF
Their animals such number OF people could not reach
here by That road In one year Those who come late IN
the season might take the Santa Fe trace and enter the
country by the ella river in the winter fall the only
period OF the year when that route is practicable Tor
large paTes having many animals IN their tram II rs
said that large emgralions will take place from New
Mexico and some OF the Mexican States in that quarter
and would not be safe 10 rely toe confidently upon the
resources OF that route. We have OF an ami
grafton from New Mexico being the road and one OF
more than 1000 people from Sonora now coming in.
believe the steamers via Panama will afford more
certain expeditions and comfortable way of reaching
California than any other and for emigrans in the east
ern middle and southern States will probably be the
cheapest. Where families are coming with the inten
ton OF remaining the country, believe the voyage
round Cape Horn is preferable in all respects journey
across the mountains 1t is cheaper, safer and more
comfortable, and quite as expeditions, generally speak
ing, that the mountains and for emgrants eav
ing the eastern and middle States far preferable
route except that across the ishmus at Panama by the
new line OF steamers.
The trade of the country is rapidly increasing in con-
sequence OF the m mes and the great influx of population
For several months past the average of duties
collected at this port exclusive OF the expenditure OF the
custom house has been rising $50 900, and 1t is thought
that will exceed 500 900 the present month Ii will be
safe, think, TO put the revenue of California for the
current year at 81 900 0OO and fourf of this will be
collected at this port The amount paid is becoming
subject OF comment, and the fact that population pay
ing such tax has no government and no representation
is exciting very general dissatisfaction. Should Con
gresS again adjourn without any action relation to this
territory, 1t will create still violent comment and
might lead TO measures the part of the people OF
the country which would bring lasting disgrace upon our
flag
All the trade of the coast is fast concentrating this
bay Nearly all the goods consumed in the lower part
OF THIS territory are sent from this por and as soon as
coasters can be got for the business, foreign vessels will
not visit these ports at all The Introduction of
on the coast will give additional Importance to this har
bor and it is most likely that much of the business of
Oregon will be done here also In arranging government
establishments in California | believe it will be found
advisable to make this the only port of entry This
would foster American shipping interests IN this ocean,
and would be no injury TO other points the coast
no foreign vessel goes 10 the other ports unt after
visiting this place; and indeed, generally not at all 1t
would be the safest for the revenue and would be the
best possible arrangement to develop our commercial in
erests IN the Pacific, all this traffic would then be
done by coasters. Much of the coast is well fitted for
the operations OF smugg lers and nothing prevent
their carrying on fraudulent trade, if allowed run
along the whole coast. | have reason to know that
Commodore Jones agrees with me in this matter and
port of entry in California for some years to come
We are now expecting the first steamer here in about
month, and all look forward to their regular trips
new era in the history of this coast There are many
persons here who will avail themselves of their rapid
trips to remit gold dust TO the States and certain regu
lar and expeditions mail communication with the States
will give great assistance to the mercantile community
1t generally believed that the business of the line will
justify such augmentation of boats allow of semi
monthly trips before the end of the present year, for il is
presumed that active emigration will take place from
the eastern and middle States via Panama
write IN great haste, and beg that you will take the
dscordant matter send you for what ii is worth
am, dear sir, yours truly,
j. L. FOLSOM
Major General IEsup u s Army