Hannibal journal and western union. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1851-1852, 1851-09-04
: rTTrR rROM CALIFORNIA.

The following letter from Mr.. c. A, LrAMAN
win be read with much interest We regret
exceedingly, that VIC commenced setting it up
too late to udmit of publishing it all this week
KrNruckr FLAT, California July g, 1851.
DR. NoRroN:
DIAN FR1rNp AND BRoTHER:-l have for a
long time promised myself the pleasure OF wrl-
ting TO YOU to let you know my whereabouts,
but have not had the opportunity until now, but
having little leisure to-day, thought | would
set down and drop you few lines, TO let you
know that through mercy am still IN the land
of the living ard in the enjoyment ct first rate
health, not having had any sickness since lett
home. As it respects my trip across the plains,
it is unnecessary for me to say anything more
thanrn common, with most Of those who came out
last Summer had TO suffer much from fatigue
and hunger, and after a travel OF liz days from
the Missouri river ! arrived at Sacramento City
on the Goth August last, on foot, having lost my
last horse on the Humbslt, on Mary's river, and
having had to pay for 100 lbs of flour at Carson's
river, l75 dolls. and, to save myself from per-
ishing from thirst, on the Great Desert, ST. per
gal. for water. 1t is true, up to the time Of
reaching Fort Laramie, considered it pleasure
trip; but when the snow capped top of Laramie
Peak hove in view, at a distance Of 40 miles,
and we began TO ascend the summit OF the Rocky
Mountains, to use a cant saying, we began 10
see the snout. of the Elephant" and by the
time we had crossed the Sierra Nevada, where
the sdow in July was 20 to 80 feet deep, we
we also saw his tail. But after all, do not re-
gret having come by the. way oF the plains, as
by the time got in | had become Injured TO
hardship, and was better prepared TO got work,
but felt amply compensated, in having seen SO
many of tho wonders Of nature. 1t is truly an
interesting trip; the curiositics Of the way have
been so often described by able pens, and you
have seen them in the public prints, that it is
not necessary for me to say anything about them;
suffice it to say that with me they begullcd
much of the t9diousness ofthe journey, in view
ing Gods handy work as displayed in the
towering mountain, the rolling streams, the
laundering water Fall, and all the varied evil
dences of his Almighty Power. Perhaps, how
ever, nothing appeared more curious than the
Natural Soda Fountain, and the Boiling Springs
in many instances so hot you could not bear youl
hand in them, and then, within few feet anoth.
err, the water Of which was as, cold as ice; I'VE
also saw vast lakes covered with Saleratus ant
Potash, and at one place, by digging Is inches
we could get pure solid ice two to three inches
thick. Another of the springs emitted Gas
with the sound similar to the escape pipe Of ;
Steam Boat, throwing the water up in spray fol
several fee, this has been denomnated Steam
Boat Spring. Also Court House, Chimney ant
Independence Rocks The whole country give.
strong evidence Of Volcanic action, the plain:
themselves are destitute Of timber, except alons
the streams; there will, however, no doubt bt
settlements formed nearly the whole way
through. AT Salt Lake, the Mormons have
done wonders; they have built up large city
laid off in the finest manner, and the gardens anC
farms in the vicinity are irrigated by water
from the Mountains, which is so plenty that i
runs in every street The UtahoValley, l an
told, is fine, STILL The Mormons have got mucl
wealth from California, and also have made
great deal off the emigrants. From what SCI
in the papers, the emigration to the country will
be comparatively small this season, mostly con
Sisting of families who intend settling here per
manently. Thesc'wil do well, butthe time ha
past by for the adventurer or the one who ex
poets TO make 4 fortune in a short time. Til,
Mines have fallen off wonderfully, and it re
quires the hardest kind of work for q Man t.
make anything now. 1t is true, occasionly,
lucky one happens 10 strike something rich, ant
makes his pile rs we say in a short time; TO
myself I have done but little since have bee
here.