Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1850-02-19
CALIFORNIA LETTERS.
CALIFORNIA, Nov. Is, AZ.

CALIFORNIA, Nov. 10, ~.
D. H H. ood
rived at the Gold Region on the 22d
Of September, after long anu 'no9cm'
trim olive months on and across the plains;
Mr. health was tolerably good, though
was Greatly fatigued. We had lost some
If ou1 oxen on the way-the others need
ed rest--so we concluded to rest ourselves
and them, and look for winter quarters e,.
aafore we commenced gold hunting. FL
nalIv we located on Silver Creek, a branch
Of the Juba or Yuba river, 90 miles from
Sacramento City, at the mouth OF fea'ner
river. on the 9th Of October. by the 8o'h
we had finished our cabins-three IN fium-
ber--in which live 81 persons. In our
cabin or family are Mr.. Goreham, two
sons. and servant; Mr.. Lassater and SER
want: Mr.. Wilcox and myself. We are
comfortably situated for California; with
the exception of vegetables, we have
plenty of provisions for the winter.
The rainy season set in about the time
we had finished our cabins, consequently
we have done but little work, nor DO we
expect to do much during the winter, con-
sidering it bad policy to expose ourselves
in the rain and cold. believe persons
here may be very healthy, if they had a
sufiiciency of vegetable food, and did not
expose themselves too much IN wet
weather.
Although I am not yet prepared to say
much about gold finding, | will give you
the result of our practical operations. Mr.
Wilcox and myself work together. l have
rocked or stirred the cradle to the tune OF
from one to eight ounces of gold in day,
though this is not an every day occur
renee much time is lost in removing
from one place to another. There is nc
doubt of gold being abundant here-lt Is
Frequently found on the surface OF the
earth in Jumps worth from So to 500
We have found few of such pieces, the
LARGEST of which weighed four ounces
Large quantities are found by turning
creeks out of their channel and searching
their beds but this mode is expensive
and if il fails, as is sometimes the case
much time and money are lost.
The country is mountaineering rldg
es are covered with Pine and Oak trees
&c.. and between them are vallles covered
with grass. In and on the ridges, in the
valleys and all the ravines, gold may be
found by digging and washing; these are
termed {" dry diggings," and are consid
cred by many the richest, but they car
only be worked in the winter or rainy sea
son--water, which is essential for wash
inc, being too scarce in summer.
: Taking all things into consideration
miner earns every dimes worth he OBJ
: tains. would not, for many reason:
which | will not now assign, advise any
. of my friends to attempt TO make the 'rlI
have done.
| would be happy TO receive from yo'
vegetables, acids, anything conducive O.
necessary to preserve health. Articles o
this description are scarce, ruinously high
, and Indifferent when obtained. Flour Il
selling at $50 per Dbl. eight miles distan
from us; vegetables at Sacramento City
is selling at 81 per ID.
Anything forwarded on, direct to Sac
ramento City.
If my health continues good | expec
to make something handsome before | re
turn. }. II. i.
DR.. l. II. t.
Al czII oo{ fro