Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1851-03-26

an hour, not being able to shihe my
eyes" We turned in, but the Cravings
of hunger would not suffer US to sleep
soundly. Our slumbering visions were
disturbed by the sight Of bloody mule
steaks, smoking on the spit, but before we
could enjoy the imaginary feast, the shrlll
howl of cao,, would "tear our eyes open.
Saturday, Sep. 22.-I started out with
my rife this morning, in hopes that could
kill on antelope, but was so weak ,ha, |
could not hold out long. and alter stroll
OF two or three miles, was obliged 10 re.
turn 10 camp. We attempted several times
to ca, the green acorns, boiling and toast
ing them, but they only sickened US. We
firmly resolved to kill a mule Tomorrow
morning if our men do not return before
that time with provisions. 1--WE have
since learned that number Of companies,
coming into the San Joaquin valley from
the coast, on their way TO the MaraPosa
mines, were as badly bewildered and los,
as ourselves, and some Of them much
worse, getting into the mountains amongst
the Indians, and were obliged TO live upon
srasshoppers, acorns, horse beef. &c.)
About 3 o'clock p. NJ, Howard and Arm
strong returned, having run the trail out
on which they started. They sung out
for some mule beef before they had reached
camp, thinking that we had certainly
butchered one by this time. A few mo-
mon,s after, Musser and Dixon came in
with mule load, having been more sue.
cessful. After a considerable winding
abou, amongst the mountains, in search oi
trail, they struck out in due north
course, and reached the Rio Marcaides,
where they saw some cattle ,and shortly al
terwa:ds a man, who directed them to
Scott and Monigomery's ranch, few
miles down the river. which they reached
yesterday evening. They purchased and
packed the supplies last nigh, and left
early this morning. When about to buy
they were asked, whether they had any
money? or course they wanted TO know
why such question was asked ; and were
told if they had money, they must pay
well for what they got. and if not they
should have it any how that's the way
We do business in California" Our boys
said they likely had enough, but none to
spare, and they charged accordingly, IS
cts. per lb. for pork, IS for jerked beef,
62l for -four, IS for sugar, s73 for green
beef &c. 3 days ralions. The bill
amounted to 800, the whole Of which could
have been purchased in Lewisburg for IS.
We thought it smacked" strongly OF the
diggings. but were rejoiced to get it at any
price, and Immediately set about satisfying
our appeti,es. John and Hill were two or
three meales ahead Of US, but they well
earned them. | ate very sparingly Of
bread alone, fearing the effect, but with all
my care, was very unweil during the
night, and at the same time suffering from
too,hache. Hill and Charley shook
" hands and made up" and peace and
plenty being once more restored in camp,
more pleasant, jovial evening has no,
been enjoyed in long time, and all our
past troubles and trials were set aside as
things that have happened, but can no,
happen again. Besides all this. our boys
while at the ranch, saw some Of the genuine
gold diggers. and lots Of the dust. that had
been taken out Of the earth not more than
two days journey hence. Under the cir.
cumstances, who wouldn't feel good. 40
California, that's the land" &c. SC.
Sunday, Sep. 23.-Our mules have
done finely. and started off more lively
than usual. feel some better this morn.
ing. Travelled in N. W. direction, over
rolling tabelands, and stopped TO noon al
fine pool of water. Towards evening we
reached the Rio Marcaides, and encamped.
Here we found large trail and wagon
road leading up the river. This is beau.
,ilul, clear running stream, abounding in
fish, and at this poin, is 20 feet wide and
l deep. Distance, l6 miles-2572.
Monday, Sep. 24.-Unwell during the
night, and feel bad this morning. Going
up the river some distance, we left il and
turned to The right, on the road leading to
the Maraposa mines. 1t had been our in.
tention 10 stop on the Mercaides, but having
become so accustomed to travelling, we
could not halt. Like the sailor, We would
be out Of our latitude in any other business.
We saw where some washing had been
done, but nobody was at work. Travelled
over mountainous country, partly covered
with stunled oak. pine, and other timber.
The earth is of a reddish caste, clay and
gravel, with slate and quartz rock crop.
ping out in places. We nooned at a
spring by the way side. Here we met