The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-06-11
new Discoveries,

The alchemists pursued fallacious purpose, yet
made useful discoveries in their progress. The
present gold-seek intent upon an object,
promising, il is true, certain advantages; yet,
like the former, they may effect discoveries not
dreamed Of by themselves the result of their
labors.
The following extract will perhaps reveal some
instances Of this
"Among the most important discoveries resulting
from the presence and enterprise of our people in
California several safe and comnodious har-
bors along the coast, which were heretofore UNI
known. Respecting Trinidad Bay, the latest intel
ligence is furnished by Captain Kemp, of the bark
Hector, who arrived at San Francisco on the 18th
Of April, in thirty hours from the bay.
:" He reports Trinidad as being in his opinion,
destined TO become place Of considerable impor-
lance. Already u number Of enterprising men have
given TO the town most business like appearance,
houses having been erected stores opened, lands
enclosed, &c. On the northern shore of the bay
nature has left level plateau which appears to
have been adapted TO the very purpose TO which it
has been put, viz laying out town. Ii is the
only spot the bay which is entirely free from the
rich and luxuriant growth OF timber that forms
distinguishing feature Of the surrounding country
Upon this plateau town has been surveyed and
regularly laid out into lots, sixty feet by hun
dred and twenty, by the companies OF Messrs. Par
ker. Hawks, Van Wyck, Cronyn, and sayles.
Captain Kemp reports the timber ON Trinidad
bay being the finest he saw both for build
ing purposes and spars for vessels, especially the
latter. As regards the bay itself, he most
agreeably disappointed. He considers it the finest
barbor he has upon this coast, with the excep
tons Of San Francisco and San Diego. II is beau
tful little bay, perfectly secure from all winds
cept those from the southeast; and with little
improvement, such as the captain of the u S. cut
ter Ewing intends suggesting to the Government
at home, might be made perfectly secure anchor
age in all weather. II is protected from the north
and west by high, bold headland. This promon-
tory has been claimed for Government purposes
such lighthouse, batteries, &C., by Captain Nc
Arthur, OF the Ewing. There is plenty of water
within biscuit throw Of the shore. The holding
ground ia excellent, and there is good anchorage
within quarter Of a mile of the shore in any part
OF tile bay
"a party Of Frcnchmen had arrived there direct
from the Trinity djggings, with quantities OF the
gold. The Frenchnen report the mines as being
very rich, and about twenty miles from the bay
About sixty Americans have left the bay for the in
terror, and report of road to the mines having
been explored will probably be brought down by
the next vessel.
"A bay, supposed to be good harbor, five or six
miles north OF Trinidad, discovered by the
mate of the schooner Galindo. He named it Deci-
sion Bay
"An exploring party on board the schooner Gen.
Morgan had found another bay twenty five miles
south of Trinidad. Into il fine river cmptied its
waters. II had three fathoms depth on the bar at
ts mouth, but line of breakers extended across it.
The river and bay were partially examined, and
named Mendicna Bay and Brannan River. In a
subsequent paper we shall probably furnish some
farther accounts of both. -