The miners' express. (Dubuque, Iowa) 1849-1854, 1850-11-20


pendicular for one mile, and for time it appear
cd impossible to ascend TO the summit; Lut after
tedious and dangerous drive over the high gra-
mite rocks, we at last reached the summit with
our whole team in safety; the whole surface Of
the ground covered with snow from to feet
deep.
Travelled to-day % miles, and encamped to-
night 10 miles west Of the summit; found grass,
water and timber in abundance.
2SM. After leaving camp this morning, con-
tlnued our ascent up the mountains, and at A.
H., brcakfasted in a small valley at the foot of
snow mountains; after breakfast, we Ightentd
up our load by packing four Of our horses, and
commenced the ascent of the last difficult range
Of hills, After travelling until I2 o'clock, NJ,
we reached the summit, having asccndcd six
miles from the foot Of the mountain since morn
ing. At | p. n, We commenced the descent,
which is by far the most difficult, although not
80 steep, as the cast SIDE of .hc mountains.
Travelled to-day Il miles, and encampcd up
on the west side Of the mountains. Water,
grass and timber quite plenty.
2N. Attct leaving camp quite early, contin-
ucd our descent Of the mountains, which still
continue steep and dangerous. Met to-day IS
Spanish Traders, with 30 pack mules loaded
with provisions, principally for the miners who
are working on the cast side of the mountains,
and from what can learn, are doing very we'll.
Travelled to-day Is miles, and cncamped one
nile south Of Leach Springs, found water, grass
and timber quite plenty.
3OM. Leaving our wagons this morning, |
strollcd down the sides Of the mountains, III
search Of goose berries, which grow wild on the
sides Of the mountains; a short distance from
the road, found large quantities Of them grow
ing upon low bushes at the sides of the noun
tain; they grow to an enormous size, and are OF
yellow aud rcd color, covered over with sharl
thorny substance, which renders it very Difficult
to cat them After spending some time in fill
ing my handkerchief, hurried on, and over
took our company about 0 miles distant. Aftc
travelling to-day . miles, we cncanped at
small mountain stream, near the road; found wa
ter, grass and timber in abundance.
5lst After leaving camp this morning, w,
dispatched breakfast, and pushed on, detcrnn
ed to reach the mines this afternoon, about q
miles distant. After driving hard over mucl
better road than we have lattcrly found, at 3 p
~, we reached Hcaccr, one Of the first mining
towns on the road 50 miles from the City. At
ter getting in, we pitched our tent upon one o
the hills overlooking the town, and prepared sup
per; after which, we took stroll through the
town, which was throngcd with cln;grants from
all parts;-;Ee town appeared to be Utterly dug
up, and over one hundred men were working
ravine running directly through the place. Or
the following morning we packed up our bag
gage, and scattered oH' through the mines, in or
der to make our fortunes as soon possible, an'
return to our homes in the Statcs as soon as cir
cumstanccs will permit | start this mornin!
for the City, which is ;j5 miles distant. IIov
long l sla! remain, ami unable to say.