The New York herald., 1849-06-11

ARRIVAL OF A LARGE AMOUNT OF GOLD FRsn
CALIFORNIA, IN THE U. S. SHIP LExINoroN.-
This ship, which is the first arrival at this port
direct from the gold regions, came in yesterday,
and took up her berth at the Navy Yard, Brooklyn.
TO the courtesy of Lieutenant Wilson, her very
gentlemanly purser, we are indebted for many ex-
tremely interesting particulars, detailed us viva
poce. The following is list of the oficers:-
Frederick Chatard. Lieutenant Commanding; Will
liam II. Macomb, Lieutenant; Joseph Wilson, Purser;
John j. Abernethy, Passed Assistant Surgeon; James
H. SPOTS, Acting Master; J. Blakely Creighton Passed
Nidshpman James d. Bullock, Passed Midshpman.
The following is list of her passengers
Samuel F. Hayard. Lieutenant, from Rio de Janero;
Frederick w. Robinson. Midshipman from San Fran.
cisco; and Thomas II. Stevens Of the u. s. Navy, and
family, from San Francisco.
The Lexington has been absent for thirty-five
months. She started from San Francisco on the
9th November, from Valparaiso on the 1st of
March, and passed the u s. ship Independence
going into that port. On the 2lst of April, she
sailed from Rio de Janeiro. She has brought, on
freight, from California, twelve hundred and
eighteen pounds Of grain gold, having landed at
Valparaiso four hundred and fifty-eight pounds
making total of GIG pounds, troy weight, which
is supposed to be the largest amount of gold
shipped to the United States at any one time, pre-
vious to the sailing of this vessel. She has also on
board number of curously-wrought guns car
ttured from the Mexicans; sixteen composed of
brass, and seven OF lrol.-caliere, eighteen and
nine FOUNDERS. The Lexington has arrived in
capital condition all on board in right good
hea tn and in high spirits.
She experienced delightful weather during her
passage. The accounts from the gold diggings are
of the most satisfactory and cheering character
in fact, exaggeration is out of the question Every
thing which Is and has been said respecting them,
is the truth, and nothing but the truth; and, more
the most lmaglnasive cannot exceed the reality
In any part of tract of country to the extent of
FIVE or SIX hundred miles, the precious metal is
found, and is carr led about by the fortunate dggers
in bags and this is the with all, from the hign
est lady down to the humblest washerwoman-
When they make purchases in the stores, they give
in exchange this uncoined gold, whichis weighed
in proportions according to the value of the articles
purchased. In San Francisco every article of food
and clothing Is enormously dear. Bologna sausages
for instance, are two dollars and twelve cents
pound but at the dlggings the profits are consider
ably upwards of two hundred per cent. There has
been considerable suffering in consequence of a
want Of shelter and other Indispensable convc-
nienccs of life but this has been obvated to
some extent by the arrival of frame houses and
tents. At the digglngs the only shelter at
first, were the trees, which were totally inadequate
TO afford protection against the distressing effects
of The climate. 1t is said that there are but three
months out Of the twelve in which the dggers can
prosecute their labors; but by industry and pcrse-
vefancc. q nch harvest may he gathered IN that
time. This arrival, with so large an amount Of
gold will be the subject of important specuIations
among the Wall street gentry; and will so absorb
The public attention 10 leave lItto time for CAL
cnlgtng the fatal effects of the prevailing epidemic.
This is well, as the medical men say that thinking
too much Of the visitation, or depression Of
,plnis, prcdlsposes the system TO an attack.
Iy The time that the excitement produced
10y 'hls golden event is on the decline, we shall
nave some startling accounts from Europe of the
dehnt or victory of one Of the great contendny
parties to take ITS place. Thus we move through
this sublunaIy scene.