The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-07-10
The Mineral Wealth OF the American Cua-
ttDent-rhe Gold Piacers OF sonora A.
Mexico.

The Mineral Wealth OF the America" Co.-
sintn.-rhe Gold Piacers Of Sonora A.
[From the New Orleans Picavune
We have compiled, tor the information of our
readers, variety OF facts, connected with the pre-
sent extraordinary movement the direction Of
Calitornla. They are taken from communications
furnished us by our correspondents at the CITY OF
Mexico, from the journals of that metropolis, and
from private sources 10 winch We have had priv-
legged access. We will not add a word of CONNIE nj
on them, feeling assured. that hey will command
the utmost attention, from their lntrin SIC worth
The facts themselves are ct undo bted authen-
ITCHY; the deductions, speculatIons remarks, &c ,
with which they are accompanied are tho e OF
men Of the world
The city of Mexico has become point of great
attraction 10 Americans and other foreigners, slnce
the discovery Of the gold pldcers OF California. Ii
is in that city all correct Information Is collected
and from that pom speculotions are sent forth in
every direction.
An unusual impulse has been gwen TO business
on the Pacific since S3,00O,0O0 Of the gold dust
has been brought TO Mexico, and 1t is supposed
that nearly an equal amount of silver has been
sent TX Jm IN, 10 San Frdpcisco.
The merchants have petltionrd Congress to per-
init the transit OF gold and silver through tn. re-
public free OF the export duty, which is now i'm
posed on The precious met is.
An unusual attention lis beng gwen to the pre-
ductlon OF silver and gold IN Mexico. Ii is believed
that the yield OF silver alone will be equal 10 forty
millions. This Increase OF twice the annual guam
lily heretofore, attributed 10 the abundant supply
of quicksilver, which has reduced the price of that
article, az stated by the Minister of the Finances,
from $l50 to $l05 the quintal. IL is said the Eng
iish Mining Company contempt ate abandoning the
greater richness They have advertised for all
creditors forthwith topresent their accounts. This
supposed 10 be for the closing of The mine, and
transfer Of their machinery to the Santslma Trl-
nidad
The merchants and men of capital, as we'll as
Americans IN Mexico, are turning their attention
TO speculalOns In Sonora But few persons, II any,
there, have left TO emgrae to California, In conse-
quence of the prevalent opinion that the placers of
Sonora ale richer and afford wider field for
terprise.
The greater part of the Mexican population of
Sonora have abandoned their homes about fifteen
thousand in number, and gone by land TO Cafor-
MA Since their arrival at their destination, they
have said that they emigrated TO be protected from
the savages, and not IN search OF gold, for the
placers OF Sonora richer than those of the Sa-
-cramentO.
In addition to this. all the reports and traditions
.of Mexico are that Sonora is the richest placer in
consequence OF the annua irruprions of the Api-
ches, who defeat the Mexican troops, and plundsr
and murder the inhabitants.
Several companies now forming, under mill
tary organization, to fight these savages and to
work the rlacers. One of these is headed by the
house Of Manning x Mack lntosh, Rubio, &c.
Another is Scotch company; and thlrd is SAID
TO be an American speculation. They propose
with aims, ammunition, provisions, &c, until they
can be re imbursed from the pacers
The government is lending every encouragement
TO this emigration, as barrier OF whites is desired
against Indian hostihties. Terms offered, more
liberal than those conceded In the settlement of
Texas: II is currently reported that severa parties
from toe United States now moving along the
boundary line to locate in Sonora But II is feared
that they may be cut off by the savages, or other
wise fall, IN consequence Of the natural obstacles
they must encounter. as well as the appalling prl-
vatiops they must suffer over many hundreds of
miles Of sterile sands and prairles. The proper
route TO Sonora is through the city OF Mexico.
The accounts which have reached San Francisco,
have induced many 10 turn their attention to the
Gulf of California.
The tide of emigration at present seems to be
settling in that direction. 1t Is remarked In the
city Of Mexico that California has become old
country, and that the placers further south.
The productions OF Sonora are represented to be
gold, silver cinnabar, pearls, diamonds, emeralds
and other precious stones. la confirmation, the
specimens deposited in the Mtnerea or Mneralo-
gical Museum, are daily examined; they seem to
be OF the richest character Formerly this country
was called New Andalusia, from the circumstance
of the climate resembling that province IN old
Spain.
1t is calculated that about 1900 Americans have
PASSED through the city of Mexlco, within the last
six months en- route for California. Many of these
went to San Bias and Mazatlan, and others pre-
fened the road to Acapulco: Those who proceed
ed TO San Bias were at first enabled TO obtain
sand who arrived at Mazatlan, either from vast Of
vessels or being tempted by the superior attractions
of Sonora took the direction by land TO its placcrs.
At present there are large numbers at both these
points waiting tor transportation TO California:
The route by the way OF Acapulco Is considered
the best. But the uncertainty of meeting with
ships al that port has prevented Its being taken
except only when passage could be previously
cured in the city OF Mexico. Some OF these Cali
fornlans have passed through the country In good
health and spirits, with great comfort To them
selves. Others again have suffered very much.
Without a knowledge Ut the country and plenty OF
money the Journey cannot be made with much
pleasure. The cost Of travelling through Mexico
is much greater than Is generally imagined, and
consequently many undertook the route without
being properly provided. Some have found them
selves without money on arriving IN the city, and
have been compelled to sell horses, blankets, sad
dies, pistols riiles, watches, &e TO raise funds.
Others have been delayed at the ports for months,
not beng able to get shipping AT any price.
Parties have recently passed through from Nlr-
GINA, North Carolina, Ohio and Indiana. The
.Juniaa company were very fortunate and comfort
able but the Qui-ne-ep-esc, from Connecticut, are
IN a most deporable condition. They have had
great difficulties TO encounter. ia reaching the
city Of Mexico they were without money, aud how
they contemplate reaching California is uni nown.
The government is well disposed towards Anne
ricans AT the custom houses, baggage - pissed
without examination. No objection - made To
either Large small parties, with or without arms.
The supplies and accommodations through the
country are limited. The road itself ls excellent,
and probably since the repairs are finished. the
best in the world. Although this route Is by Tar
the most comfortable and e1pedItsus, yet the
scanty supplies at the ranches, for Travellers for
bid It's being taken by large parties at the same
time. No one ought To calculate making the trip
fr,m the United States through TO California, Tor
less than 500 to $50. THIS is the unanimous
opinion OF the Americans IN Mexico. 18th tina
cum he can travel with comfort and pleasure
But, even then, he is not certain OF shipping on
the Pacific
The Congress has authorized the government TO
grant an exclusive privilege TO a company TO con
struct n railfead from Vera Cruz to the Pacific
The proposals are to be published IN the papers OF
the tnit,d States, and whoever offers the most
favorable terms will receive the grant. The adj
refreshments already appear in the Mexican jour
mails.
Congress has also reduced to one half the circu-
auon and export duties the precioss metals.
The circulation duty will henceforth be per cent
a. d.t.. y