Arkansas intelligencer., 1849-05-19
GOLD PLACER ON THE ARKANSAS.

letter, which will be found in another column of
this weeks paper, that party will start out on
the 18th August next to gold region on the Ar.
kansas river, which Colonel B. alleges to have
visited in company with some 20 persons. during
the summer of 1926.
Col. Black is worthy and respectable citizen
Of this county. and one Of the earliest settlers in
Arkansas. He has been living in this county
over 80 years, and is known to be man Of strict
veracity. Great reliance, then, is TO be placed in
his statements, whatever may be the estimate
held of his opinion and judgment. In those he
may err but in the first there can be no doubt.
Besides, that gold hunting trip is remembered by
many of the old settlers in this county, and his
references are to men of the highest authority.
Mr.. Pickett retired merchant, living in this
neighborhood, was one of the party, and assured
us but short time since, that he entertained no
doubt Of the existence of gold on Walnut creek,
and in the region thereabou. Mr.. TomIinson
is leading citizen of Scott county, and is referred
10 for the authenticity Of this account. .....
And why may there not be gold on our own
Arkansas? Be sure it heads in the gold regions Of
New Mexico and opposite the great Colorado basin,
where it is supposed The richest mines exist
Vague rumors and thousand reports have
reached us from time to time, through various
channels, all pointing TO Walnut creek, as gold
region. The McNairs' of the Cherokee nation
are of the highest credbility and their state
ments are all TO be relied upon. And hear their
account: Twenty years after Col. Black re-.
| IL
dentay upon these sands. Not knowing what
they were, they washed them out from the
the earth and brought in a small parcel, which
proved to be pure gold. Upon comparing notes,
Col. Black and the McNairs' discover that it
was on the same creek, surrounded by the same
physical features these golden sands were seen,
by each. although in space of 20 years apart.
So striking and convincing are the evidences, that
both parties agree TO fit out mining expedition
10 that region. And such are the integrity and
standing OF these men, that numbers of persons
are willing to embark in the enterprise.
From what learn the number of persons
at all desirable, have signifed their intentions TO
90. Col. Black objects to more than one hundred
going with that company. The number will
either be doubled, or there will be more than one
company. Already we Lave heard of citizens of
Crawford and Washington counties, and of the
Cherokee nation, who have determined to 90.
| We understand that several of the citizens of
this place who going, not so much for the
gold as for the pleasure of the trip--a hunt after
fell with the prospect of keA.
Some may laugh at our presumptons in favor
of Arkansas, as god regon-and in fact some
think gold is not worth having or it is not as good
unless they 60 to California for it. We must be
excused if we do not follow after the fashion, and
estimate things according to their remoteness.
! We have lived long enough 10 know that :. hills
took green far off, and distance no longer lends
enchantment, to view.
Arkansas is n mineral State. Silver, lead,
zinc. iron and coal, are to be found in various
parts of it. Then why should we doubt the exis
tence of gold. On this subject, more next week ::
the probable success of the expedton-the effects
on the prosperity of Arkansas-of Van Buren,
particularly.
Col. Black writes that he will publish card,
next week for the benefit of those W no are going
with the expedition in August next.
Il Defaulting Ireasurer.-Some weeks since.
we believe, the Treasurer OF Franklin county
started to Ozark, to make settlement with the
county, but on the way thither, he was Iightened
OF the cash by robbers. Many doubts are expires.
sed by citizens of Franklin as to the truth of the
gentIemans statement, and others positively refuse
10 believe word of it.
We would say, suspend all hasty opinions, un.
til the matter is investigated. We believe the
Treasurer is minister of the Gospel and in good
standing in church, as well as with the commune.
ty in which he lives.
ARKANSAS ELECTIoNs.-The long agony is
over; democracy sorely pressed in its strongest
and darkest citadel has escaped, painting and
breathless, but not yet annhiated, from a hot
contest; and Roane is Governor of Arkansas bv
majority of about fifty votes, as per official re-
turns. The Arkansas democracy has won n
Pyrrhus victory, but little better than absolute
defeat.
You have done well. nobIy, gallant wings of
Arkansas; and if you are not victorious YOU ha We
yet future contests and, we dare promise, future
triumphs.
The wings of Arkansas have deserved well of
the wings of the Union. ST. Louis Mem Era