Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1849-07-12
Col. Stevenson's Letter.

Since writing or rather putting together the
article on California in another place, we have
seen letter from Col. Stevenson, who COM
manded the New York volunteers sent to Cali
fornia during the war. The Colonel confirms
the accounts of the abundance of gold, and says
that any sober, industrious, prudent man can re-
alize an ounce per day, besides his board -
Speaking of privations he says that, " If a man
labors upon the rivers and streams he must stand
with his feet in the water every moment he is
laboring, if he works at the dry diggings, pick
ing and sitting he is constantly in cloud of
dust and dirt, and no man can distinguish his
best friend by the color of his skin"
He pictures the manner Of living at the mines
as of the meanest description, But we refer to
his letter principally, because of his remarks up
on the strong temptations to immortality that sur
round man both at the diggings, and in the
towns. He says:
Let no man hatter himself that gold is to be
gathered without toll and peril; toll the most Sc
we're must be endured, and peril to life, health,
good morals and habits, hourly surround them;
and many who leave their homes pure and good,
free from the terrible vices of gambling and
drunkenness may return, (if indeed they ever do
return,) with gold but without these possessions
infinitely more valuable than gold or diamonds,
to the man, his family, or his country. No one
but those who have witnessed it, can form the
least idea Of the perils and temptations that sur
round all, and more especially the Young and in
experienced. When the day Of toll is over, they
have no home or social circle to enter The
tavern tent is the resort of ALL here cards
are the only books to be found or looked into.
At first. they drink and play lightly but if sue
cessful the thirst increases, the stakes are doub
led, more liquor is drank, and many seek theil
bed (mother earth and blanket-few have any
other) with aching heads and empty purses. The
: latter is regarded as Of little Importance, whel
toll Many avoid gambling at the mines, VIII
fall into the vice when they come here and il
;. other towns they find themselves suddenly pos
sessed of more wealth than they ever had before
AS they have no home but the bar.room, tn
- gambling table is the resort for excitement an
: amusement, and a few days find them, like tn
sailor returned from long voyage and at tn
y end Of his frolic "cleaned out" and ready t
:, embark again for the golden ocean. Men inur
ed to toll, of sober and industrious habits, many
" of them mechanics, who, during the sickly sea
son at the mines, (which is about four months il
:: the year, can turn their attention to other pur
suits, and earn from five to ten dollars per da,
at their trade, Or by labor; these are the kind o
- men that should come-they can we then
=, selves, their families and their country; but al
:, who do come must make up their minds to fare
y hard, if they intend to gain gold. Young mer
who have been delicatey reared, and whose
"a habits are not firmly fixed, should not come, ex.
cept under the guidance and control of men o
fixed and firm character, for again repeat, thai
nowhere upon the habtlble globe do believe
% the same temptations to vice await the young
=. and inexperienced as in California.-Sat. Epe
Post