Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1849-11-24
A VIRGINIAN IN CALIFORNIA.

Inc letter from which we copied Wednesday,
some interesting extracts under the head of 'Fact
and Fiction, was written, the esprit of Jefferson
states, by Mr.. B. F. Washington, who is evident
ly very intelligent observer The following re-
marks in the same letter on the experience of as
ISOLATED enterprise in the business of gold dig
cling will be read with interest by those who have
friends in the companies that sailed in the Glen
more and Mariana. Speaking Of the certainty of
the Charlestown company's disbanding, Mr.
Washington says:
Its materials are too discordant-and it is the case
with every company OF any size that has here
FORT ever to remain together There to be a
general wish for division of the spois and separation
when every man will be on his own hook as they say
or will unite n small parties to suit themselves am
satisfied from all learn and see that this is the best
and only course Tor them to pursue We too large
and cumbersome as company ever to work to any ad,
vantage, and besides, do not believe could find
space enough OF the streams, where the gold is
worth digging, to allow to operate together Besides
there are hundred other difficulties which | could
readily suggest to you, did imagine they would be
eresting, in the way OF our continued union. |
preparing to leave this place with Long and some
men from Oregon-hardy sons OF the toresfor the dig
gings the dead waters OF the Sacramento, which
said to be the most productive in the country-and whe-
Their the company dissolve or not my course is deter
mined on He not on y furnishes me mule to ride
packs provisions, &C., enough for BOTH which of course
[ have to pay Tor when am able. Thus you see my
dear, that although penniess, am not frendess and
although with the Apostle can say "sver and gold
have none yet have stout heart and unfaltering
courage and doubt not shall be able to make raise
before long. think that am in luck thus far, and
know that it only requires industry, and mind fixed
its purpose, to make something out here, for |
thought for moment that was to pick up without la
bour splendid competence in a few days or weeks. |
expect to remain up on the Sacramento or months
Vct,a
quite handsome least sufficient PERHAPS to enable
me IN the spring to return
Mr. Washington confirms the accounts we
have before received of the general prevalence of
order throughout California, which is certainly
one of the most extraordinary incidents of the gold
mania. We copy his entertaining observations
on this subject and also upon the general topic
of god'
AS to Law and Order here it is can almost say, un-
objectionable There is, suppose, less security given
to mans movable estate here than any country the
world and yet there fewer intrngements upon ones
rights OF property, far less than iii Virginia. One half
OF the goods in Sacramento City are lying in the street,
and the other halt, not much less exposed, and yet
theft srarely heard Of The letters in the Post Office
there have nothing between them and the street but can
vass, when single rent with knife would admit your
hand to the whole OF them and yet fear is felt for
them. Whipping, and death in some cases. are the
rogues reward here The miner leaves his tools in his
hole, and they are as inviolabe there under the
guard OF Regiment And as to acts of personal vio-
ence they equally rare But few persons carry arms
except for hunting and pistols command little Or no
price. Every to have come here for parti
cuar purpose, to make money-they have gone to con-
siderable expense and undergone great hardshps
compsh this object, and each feels an interest in pro-
tectng the other in the enjoyment OF isperson and pro-
pery. Hence tibet or cu-throat stands no chance
And as Tor the Bandtl OF whom you may have heard
in the States, ii is too absurd to think Of A can
ride throughout California, and particularly this portion
OF it, by night or day alone, and without for his
Defence without particle apprehend than when
at home in the States.
few words now as to the golden prospects here
AS have said before there is plenty OF gold throughout
the whole mountainous regions OF California. But is
not to be picked up without trouble, but requires dill
gence, patience and the hardest kind OF labor get
il and make it own There is however, certainty
that he who will labor diligently will have his labours
rewarded tar more beautifully here than by any pursuit
know of in the States Mining here is spoken of like
farming in the States. 1t is regarded the most indie
pent pursuit man can engage in; You there your
own master, work when you like and can rely con-
fideny on living when you do have not heard
of any extraordinary fortunes being picked up in day,
but is not uncommon tor men to make their thousand
dollars and upwards week. Ot course this does not
happen with every one, and therefore must be looked
upon lucky hits expect to make from 80 to so dol
lars and may be more, where am going, yet in this
may be disappointed. OF this can give you more GER
tain information when shall have tried experimentaly
than at present
Men, however, view the prospects here very different
ly While some declare they not at all dsappoint-
3D. and every thing is equal their antcipaons, others
are dsheartened anG lament the folly that induced them
to abandon their homes Tor this wild and uninvitng
gion | learn that each homeward bound vessel car
ries back large number of passengers the out
ward bound brings here and that passages are engaged
such the number seeking to return, up to the first OF
January. Many merely visit the mines with their outfit
and all ready to go to work. and dsheartened at the
process of gold getting sell and without dig
cling lick. As for myself, things about as antci
pated have no doubt the quantity OF gold here will
render it profitable TO work the mines for the next fifty
years and longer If succeed however, in getting
pile in the next two or three years. will give,
So far as am concerned posterty release OF all far
her interests in the premises
Boarding cannot be had here for less than 20 dollars
week, and this includes simply your meals, while all
Kinds at labor commands the most exravagant prices,
physician will not make pill or walk ten steps for
ess than one or SIG. Wood is from $50 To- $25
md $50 cord, while other articles of household con
sumption command proportional prices. Potatoes are
s2 per pound Onions ditto. Beef Is cents and Hams
10 cents.