The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-05-27
Coal In Oregon.

From the Oregon star March 20
A late number Of our paper contained commune
cation from Captain Whitcomk, relative to some
native csal, which had been sent to him as a speci-
men. At that time we were unacquainted with its
character or locality; and hearing it had attracted
the attention of parties of men who were likely to
make reliable investigation Of the subject, We
have been awaiting the result.
townsman of ours, DIR. Steinberger, who has
coal field of Pennsylvania, at the invitation Of and
in company with, some gentlemen Of Fort Van
couver, made, few days since, visit of expl0ra-
zion and examination, of this new discovery. Tho
party have returned, and we have the gratifying
intelligence to present to those interested in the
resources Of Oregon, that valuable, and, probably,
extensive field Of COAL adds another to the category
of our territ0ry's intrinsic worth.
We are informed that the coal was first discover
ed by MIR. Roberts, in the employ Of the Hudson
Bay Company, on the east branch of the CowltZ
river, about half mile from the forks, and twenty
miles from the Columbia river, on the ground now
owned by MIR. Leach. The stream, in its course,
had removed the surface earth to some depth, and
exposed the vein Immediately on the banks. II is
three feet in thickness between rocks, and about
two feet and half good coal. This, the Doctor
informs US, appears to be one of the underlying
veins of the basin. After close examination Of
the character Of the stratfcation he believes that
does not extend farther south than the forks Of the
Cowlitz. Impressed with the belief that this was
not an isolated vein, few days were spent by the
party in examining the character Of the ground in
which resulted in the discovery Of other veins, pur
suing uniform course, and bearing all the marks
Of regular and well defined basin.
The quality Of the article is pronounced to be eK-
cellent-a high order Of camel or irat, by English
biologists called Glance coal, approaching in tex
ture somewhat to the anthracite. Experiments
have been made to test its qualities and the result
shows its most excellent adaptation article Of
fuel 1t possesses properties that it is thought viii
make it peculiarly valuable for steamboat purposes;
and informed that II is the intention Of the
proprietor Of tho steamer " Lot Whitcomb," to
make o trial of il as q sufficient quantity
can be had.
The Cowlitz river, up to the point points where
the coal is found, is navgable, understand, for
barges that will carry sufficient quantity TO make
its transportation eligible; and as preparations
have already been made for working these veins,
may expect to the article fairly tested.
When we see the immense consumption, and that
daily increasing, of coal on the Pacific, for steam
boats and other purposes-and remember the fact
that nowhere south of Oregon, on this side Of the
continent has workable veins Of coal been found
and that we are indebted to other countries for
a supply, so distant to ma Ike its transportation
command for ii q high price--we may DO able to
form an estimate Of the value Of so important dis
covery in territory. For the benefit Of Oregon
cannot but feel great interest in the Of
those employed in developing the mine. We are
assured that Investigations still progressing, to
prove more thoroughly the extent Of this coal field;
and we hope to give our readers, ut an early day.
more full and explicit account.