The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-10-21
California.

California
Extract of letter ritten by Mr. Sample Finn, of Phil
adelphia, to his brother, VIM. Finn, Of this city.
We are satisfied from the character of the writer that
he gives very conscientious and probably picture
Of things as they really exist in California What he
says is Of course entitled to the attention Of the public
It may be useful to many individuals here and elsewhere
pursuits under the hope Of realizing large fortune in
the course Of few months.
SAN FRANcts6o. California, Sept. /, lsi9
DEAR BROTHER The news from the gold mines is Of
very uncertain and mixed character. Some OF the dig
gers have had good luck, some have had mddng, and
some have had none at all The gold is here, and
ties, another question. The best and most accurate
footing to place ones chances on, is TO compare il to
lottery Do this, and you have the surest description
that can be given OF by all the saared leterwrters in
California One thing to be borne in mind in relation
to the glowing richness OF the California gold mines
These exaggerated accounts gotten up here by land
spectators and hired etterswters and home to the
States to deceive the people and encourage already
large and increasing emigration, that they may faen and
enrich themselves upon the deception. The beautiful
pia country, afe to speak the honest truth exceedingly
d sS who SSeS
one sde Of The picture This class Of the first settlers
here own large tracts OF land, and numberess town lots
that cost them nothing and hence their desire TO see the
county py ss b as S o. ns
the arrant humbuggey that is carried on here by land
SPECTATORS old school gamblers, and aspiring politicians
From all the information am able to collect there are
this time between and hundred thou
sand persons al the various miaes and, take them col
lecvey they do not average over eight dollars per day
Out OF this, one must pay two dollars day Tor living,
(eating his shirt week, sleep on the ground, eat
salt pork, salt junk, beans, rice dread, pancakes
made OF Hour ana water associate with persons oil whom
he knows nothing; more than likely be taken down
with the diarrbea prevailing here, and pay doctors bill
that will swallow up two months labor. What think
you OF this picture Quiet and good order continue here
and at the various gold mines Al the latter place. al
to be found Americans, Mexicans, Spaniards, French
men, Englishmen, lrishmen, Germans, Cinnamon, and
Peruvians, yet with all this amalgamaiion. good feeling
a this time prevails acquainted with several young
men who came up from Panama with me; they have
been up at the gold mines have the elephant"
tail, tusks and al-fa:led in digging any gold-now are
more who are able, will do 90 likewise The steamer
Panama will this trip, carry back the States $50 or 200
passengcrs-how much gold dust, am not informed
vanced any since Tas, wrote YOU Goods Of every quail
ty arriving here daily, and though sadly sacrificed al
auction, bring fair prices at retail. Since have been
here have been employed at surveying. Cumming Town
der the ten: hour rule, to ten dollars per day.
Col J. w. Geary, OF Pennsylvania, who was removed
by General Taylor Tor his cabne from the Office Of post
master at San Francisco, Of the most popular men
in this country. He elected first acade in August
last; and his umphan and popular election is severe
and just Isbuke TO the reckless administration at wash
ington. Their reign will shortly terminate More than
half the population here democrats, although party
lines are not yet fairly drawn.
My goods have not yet arrived, nor can ! hear any
word Of them am exceedingly anxious that they should
come, but OF must bde my time Several Of the
overland companies have Just arrived. They much
reduced purse and person. Manual labor is falling here
on account OF many laborers coming down from the
mines, seeking employment A number OF fine young
men (astocracy, 80 called at honey employed in dr
wing carts and wagons and digging out cellars nc, &c
have seen several Psbugers here-Foser, editor Of the
Despatch Geo. Richard, Daniel Curry, and many Others
too numerous TO mention.
This is the most singular country in the world, and
more ovenated than any have ever been in The fact
is that the singularty 10 very great that Phiade
phia lawyer would draw his imagination, here pur
suing the business Of an attorney At law Inc truth u
ed would advise any man doing well. or even making
comfortable living at his home to stay there and no
cone TO California II you wish to read correct &C
count OF California s, and has been-the success o.
the miners, their disesses. prvatons, &c read Co!one
Sevensons letter Of Ag last, Published in the New
York Herald OF June 10 ls49:
| Every man who cones here, as soon as he ha
made few thousand dollars, leaves tor the States Al
quickly possible. No charms bind them here goot
society, enjoyment and comforhome, sweet home, ant
business, fascinating may be, OF hunting after gold
mines. fine, industrious class OF females are very
much wanted here. There are at least nifty males 10
every female in the country and good-looking Amer
can lady passing along the streets OF this town. creates
much excitement as a wild "elephanf would do in pass
ing up Pennsylvania without keeper The natv
females OF the country kind OF mixture Of all
ton. They fat, too regardless OF their persona
ATTIRE and not very attractive in their appearance bu
many OF them have beautiful hair.
The citizens here have paid appropriate honors TO III
memory OF ex.President Polk. Sermons were preache
in two or three churches, guns fired, and all tn
shipping flags hung in mourning at halfmast The peo
pie fell The loss not only in their hearts, but manifesto
Il in their department and looks Col Gearys wife
out here with him but she has returned home on &C
OF the dsagreeable climate, and want OF society
II was made known in the church o.day Sunday tina
about thousand emgrants crossing the plains on the