New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1850-06-11
CALIFORNIA.
The Discovery Of Humboldt Harbor.

Correspondence OF Tho Tribune
SAN FRAScIsco Monday, 18th April, 1880.
HORACE GREELEY, Esq-Dear SIR: When
last wrote to you had seen nothing of California
but the sterilelookiDg bills which surround this
Bay but since that time have visited the Valley.
Of the Sacramento as far up as Yuba River, and
the American Fork as far up as Mormon Island
The country through these regions does not appear
to be well suited for agriculture, and notwthstsnd-
ing the luxunant appearance of the hills at dis
lance, when closely examined the grass 10 so sparse
upon them that is really surprised that 50 many
cattle should be able to exist on such pasturage.
The trees also have aged look, and nothing in
the shape of twig saplng shows itaef TO replace
them.
have, however, recently made voyage along
the coast from this place to Cape 81. George, on an
exploring expedition In search Of the outlet Of
Trinity River, and the result Of my observation
Of the topography Of the country has given me
more correct estimate of the yalae OF California
than could possibly have acquired without this
opportunity to observe the richness Of It's soil beau
tiful streams, immense growth Of timber and de-
Iigbtful climate. Since know that the country Is
so well adapted to agriculture and the gold mines
continue to yield so abundantly, shall not hesitate
to advise my friends who are competent to endure
reasonable hardships and ere not probably ooos'
pied at home to come 70 California with fah con-
fdence that with energy and Industry they wiil
succeed in the course Of time IN obtaining com
potency, If not wealth
I ioclose herewith sketch Of Bay and Harbor
which had the good fortune to discover and tho
frat TO enter with vessel. have named IL Hum
boldt HTbor.
Bot what viii perhaps most surprise you IL, that
although it Is only some twenty days sinee sma
party from my vessci was landed there, IL 10 even
now a place of some considerable commercial i'm
portance, as three vessels IN this harbor are load
ing with merchandise and passengers for that point
believe, that the ease with which the rich Dig
eipe. on the Trinity can be reached from its head
waters In addition 10 in agricultural and other
advantages, win give it permanent value.
Yours, sc. DOUGLASS OrrsGgR,
U.s.R Marina
In the San Franciseo Journal Of Comweree
Extra. we find map Of Humboldt Harbor, which,
IL appears, Is very similar in form 10 that Of Ban
Diego, the entrance being By narrow channel,
about half mile In width, inside Of which the har
bor expands TO the length Of Is miles. IL lies in
Lat. 400 40 n which IL little TO the north Of
Cane Mendocino, and about 20 hours from Ban
Francisco by steamer. We copy the following de-
scriution of the hrbor from the report Of Nessn
Lansing and Kellogg, who accompanied Capt OF
finger on bis cruise Of exploration IN the schooner
Laura Virginia:
This harbor combines, 10 an eminent degree, Oh
the Essentials OF Commercial Port with capacity
and depth Of water 10 admit vessels drawing 1t
least twenty feet, and has room 10 anchor two nun-
dred sail ir perfect safety. The entire bay about
eighteen miles lone. aud from one TO i've miles
wide. The soundiBes IN fslhonss a. given on tho
skeicL above, can be relied 90. ss they were taken
81 lo~ water mark by Cap, Ottinger 10 person.
The lsres on the shcFes 0. tia Bay are so sdm'fs'