The New York herald., 1850-05-18
Our Caiifornl. Corresponds ucc,


SAN Francisco. March 30. 1850.
The Experience Of Gold Miney-1he Profits of the
Audnbon PUty-Farming Prospects in Cali.
fornia.
After siege at the mines, living in snow, rain,
and mud, for two months more, am better pre-
pared to give account of this interesting coun-
try. Judging from the vast number that are flock
ing TO this country from the States, cannot but
think that insanity is common thing with YOU
The sad experience of the more early emigrants
seems TO increase rather than lessen the rush. 1t
is impossible to give you an idea of the misery this
California fever has produced, mean as general
;ning u is true men have made large fortunes N
short time, anu some are doing so now ; but
such cases are rare, considering the large popula
ton. can assure you, that were ! as well oil az
when left New York, would leave the country
in post haste. But am determined to make up
my losses and repay myself for the troubles have
had in getting here, provided my health and
strength are spared While have two hands and
am able TO work, am sure OF making living by
hard labor. But do not think | shall resort to-
the mines again until all other things fail at any
rate not while can do better at other business.
Mining is extremely laborious. No one will be-
lieve il till experience proves it, Think of my dig
gng hard fostwo months, half of the time in cold
snow water up To my knees, and at the end of the
time receiving hive ounces as my share U the pro-
ceeds and sort of bonus, got the rheuma-
tism, which has not left me yet. My intention is
10 cultivate the soil instead of searching for gold,
soon as can increase my capital sufficiently to
make myself safe for the first year. / can make
good arrangements with first rate farmer who is
anxious to enter into the business There are but
very few who have turned their attention TO FARM
ing: but those few are coming money. Would
you believe that saw radishes sold in this place,
few days since, at two dollars bunch, only four
in bunch; other vegetables in proportion. ann,
make money. Time will show whether fortune
ever is to favor me-.
About daylight, on beautiful morning, we first
saw the Pacific, and soon after had our mules
turned loose, and ourselves stretched upon the
ground in sound sleep, our minds at last set at ease,
and free from anxiety. Long before we were rest
ed, Mr.. Audubon had procured bountiful supply
of provisions from the Quartermaster, and placed
them in camp, at our disposal. From first to last,
he has evinced a great attachment to all of his
company. He has endeavored to promote their
interests and comfort throughout, and further than
this, we all acknowledge that he has been the.
hardest working man in the company. No one OF
us has done as hard duty he has. Eighteer,
went by sea from San Diego. The rest Of us start
ed up the coas. and, after weeks pleasant travel
arrived at Los Angeles, beautiful little town
about twenty-five miles from the sea coast. On ac
count Of the loss OF so many mules, il was found
impossible for us all to continue the land route.
Fourteen of consented to 60 by sea, and the rest
went up the Tulane Valleys with the mules. At
tT WuitlIS TWO Weehs, we WtIc tdheu OIL DOdTu Il
bark, bound for San Francisco. In one weeks
time were landed upon this sandy beach, in a.
sad condition. The rain was pouring down in tor
rents when | was put ashore in a small boat
assure you was in a ragged condition. had not
even coat to my back. ] wrapped my blanket
around me, felt in all my pockets with the vain
hope Of finding shilling or two, and, in thought
ful mood, walked on until came to the square. l
sought in vain for an acquaintance among the va
rions crowds that filled the hotels. In the after
noon ! presented myself at the counting house OF
Ward Il Co., and made myself known to Mr.. Geo.
Ward 4 his brother Frank. They received me
very kindly, and gave me the assistance | 90 much
needed. The next day made myself more COM
Portable in nice private family from New Jersey,
Van Ness by name. Ii was utterly impossible 10
get any employment; the city was crowded with
cmierants who had lately arrived and with miners
who had come down TO spend the winter. A.
soon Mr.. Audubon arrived, we left for the mines
and after hard journey, reached the Southern
mines. II was found utterly impossible to accom-.
plIsh anything while the rainy season continued
aud as the treasurer drained of cvery farthing
II was necessary TO dsband the company We
then divided into messes Of three or four and
lived as we could until the weather allowed us TO
work. MIR. A. is travelling for the purpose OF
taking sketches, and intends TO return home in a.
short time.
The members of the company are scattered all
over the country. This is the sad fate of tSc IA
nous Colonel Webb company starting with had
fortune, travelling with bad fortune, and ending in
smoke. Mr. Audubon deserves praise for his con-
duct throughout. He strove to the utmost TO ad-
vance the interests Of the company, as all will say
who have been with him. q. i. V. Il.