Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-01-21

we have Deell peIlHitleu 10 lake tne IOllOWlng
extracts from private letter written by gentle
man who went from this city to his father Our
own impression is, that the writer gives about as
correct an idea of the golddgging business as the
reader could get from any other source:
CuRrIsvuLE ALTA California;
November 9th, lS49.
am now seated I'M my tent not being able to work
In consequence OF the ran, which is pouring down on
my little sheet OF canvass IN goodly style but, am
in hopes that this is not the rainy which is so
much dreaded here receive the present with welcome
of the hearest kind, it will enable get water at
places which likely to pay WELL and where
The work is much calculated to scken one as the
place at which have been work for the last several
days, and where we are frequently in the up to
our knees.
last week wrote down to San Francisco for two
barrels OF pilot bread, which, when landed here are to
cost me about SIS; and, | hope, will last me or
monthsn the bread line think that was quite for
unate in striking good hole in the ofsett as all who
spoke to me concerning the mines, told me should not
be able to make my bread for week or two, until
became somewhat acquainted with the manner of work.
ing, &c |, last week, (only working S days. made
something 5000, though this may not be the case
again in the next month"; or, itmay be- that Imay make
as much again next week. The mining here is very
much like lottery in which there are very few blanks
but a good many small prizes, and very few large
Ones as man when he undertakes to sink his hole does
with the very good assurance that he is receive
entire blank, and may get small prize (such one
as struck last week. for his labor and he still hopes to
strike large Jumps. shall, tomorrow morning
in company with w. II. G., J. H. T. and two others,
winter ourselves. The hut is 10 be 10 feet square inside
and there reto be six OF us when all together. W. K
is to be with when he arrives; we left him in San
Francisco, then awaiting the discharge OF the ship Mari
anna, and the settling OF the business of the company
with which he is connected. We are looking Tor him
every evening, though have not much idea that he
will remain here long time, if he has to work in the
way we have done for several days past as he had
some idea OF returning home on board of the ship
Architect the captain OF which offering sailors
(when lett San Franclsco) the sum OF $500 for the
passage to New Y ork.
The general impression at home is, Cor was that in
the mines the people are savage and erocious as the
beasts OF the woods but assure you that all that
have OF them induces to think them as neigh
borly kind courteous and feeling OF persons you
will meet with at any place which you think Of
Of course these are here elsewhere who rolc
and drink but take them body OF people, they are
as kind as any others. | yesterday purchased half
deer tor 81 which the cheapest thing ever purchased
in California and not the worst either by good deal,
asst makes the finest kind OF stew, and | am no bad
cook now. Every mining district to which there are
fifty the Southern side of San Francisco Bav)
has its own Alcade elected by two thirds vote of the
people, who elect him during good behaviour. He is
generally applied cases of disputes and his decision
the law the land Tor the law otha district in which
ne resdes.) We elected Alcade on the 1st Novem-
Der, las the old Alcalde resgned but do not remem
Der his name, nor have heard it since the day of the
election.
There at present seventy five persons on this
creek who have determined to winter it here and if
am able to preserve my health during the winter land
rest assured that shall take all reasonable precautions to
10 as consider this OF more value to me than gold
hope to be able to return fall with at least enough
10 repay me tor my troubles in getting here, and my phi
5atous whilst remaining here The pryatons are not |
only 20 be deprived good meals and good feather beds
% sleep in coa-fle to sit around and eat nuts
ot long winter night but the main thing is to be absent
rom all OF your friends and relations and indeed from
al the comforts of life. However, l am, like many
others, here and think about comforts and lux
aries, but "push along, keep moving"
Provisions in San Francisco are worth scarcely any
hing in comparison to what they are here You can
purchase very good bread there for 7c per h. and flour
tor Sc 5O whilst here bread worth from so to 60c per
b., and flour almost as high. But | think shall save
something by sending down to San Francisco for them
as can get the bread here for about 30 cts per h.
j. Y is here and his brother p they expect to put up
utjust by the side ours and winter on this creek
- -,assa.--~~@uas~s--H