, 1853-10-08

coming in from lake and Cranberry marsh.
The Indians tell me .here is a small fall, a
good mill site up this river. Opposite this
arm of the bay, on the north side, the Lay
expands in the shape Of a horse shoe, which
gives it a considerable extent from north to
south, while it is only some ten or twelve
milos from west to east to whore, on either
side, the fine bold shore compreses it to
about six miles, and then it extends about
fifteen Or eighteen niles to the N. E. to the
mouth OF Chehalis river. There are FIVE
rivers besides double that number Of smaller
streams, pouring their beautiful clear waters
into the salt chuck Those FIVE rivers, and
one emptying into the Chehalis river near
its mouth, are nlvigable streams for steam
boats The Wishcar, nayigable about 25
miles, is a beautiful stream, has great fine
falls, and splendid praires in the immediate
vicinity of them. Also on the Humptalaps,
the Indians assure me there is a fine fall,
and many fine pruiries along the stream.
Around the bay is an immense quantity Of
magnificent grazing. Two miles below my
claim is a small river, upon which there is
FIVE or six thousand acres Of grazing land
These lands are called tide-land, and is ex-
tremely fertile and dry except in the winter,
when high tides will occasionally rise over
it few inches IN depth for about two hours'
but they are free from mire-holes. con,
slider this land well adapted to agricultural
purposes, and is certainly the best plpce for
rearing stock that ever saw in M e -
The uplands are ihickly studded with ex-
cellent timber, the soil is extremely fertile,
and lays beautiful for agriculiurs-a fine,
loose black loan with clay subsoil The
land around this harbor as far as you can
see back, is not bluff or mountainous, as is
generally the case in this country, but looks
beautiful and smooth; whilst tho many
streams rushing through our forests afford
numerous mill privileges for the consump-
lion oGthe magnificent forests OF unsurpassed
beauty and wealth. These streams also
abound in the finest of salmon trout and va
tious other kinds OF 6,h; whilst the bay is
Ihronged with multiudes Of tho different
kinds in their turn; first in the spring is the
herring in great profusion, then sardines,
sprai, haik, sun6sh, and perch of different
kinds. A short lime since the Indians bro I
me some Of the finest mackerel Tho sal
mon is just now making its appearance, and
will be as plentiful as delicious. Founder
and sturgeon are abundant the year round,
and was informed by the captain of the
Willimanlc that he has seen the Indians
have some splendid cod fish, at the point
near the entrance Of This harbor. Shell fsh
Of many kinds are in abundance, also por-
poise and seals In the fall, the fealhered
tribe is no less prolific either in number or
kinds. As you ascend the Chehals river,
you will find several 6ue small streams and
creeks, affording good mill seats, and upon
their banks are numerous praries, beautiful
rich, dry, high land, some entirely free from
gravel, are covered with magnificent grass
and many of them are near tide water, soma
Immediately on it. On the Wynoosha, be-
tween 1t and the Satsop river aud upon
most Of the streams on the north side Of the
Chehalis, are large beds Of coal, which |
have no doubt is Of the same strata as the
Skookum Chuck coal. These coal beds af-
ford several chances for claims that will be
fortunes TO those who procure them. -Four
streams come into tide wafer that have Goa
mines upon them.
As to settlements and Improvements in
this section, ! will only state facts. There
is only about one hundred inhabitants about
this harbor and country. At this time there
is only mySelfand family, and FIVE other mcr
that expect 10 remain here; but | expect
several families here in few days. an
building a stall-frame house, seventeen by
twenty feet, with a good cellar under it.
which will rent to any ono for a store
This is a good point for man to establish
+ himself, as he could d well trading with the
Indians. I will give lot 10 any one who
will build upon it. expect considerable
, settlement here this season. There is a set
tlrment at the mouth of the Wynoosha
and some claims taken below on the river
at one Of which will be built a steam saw
, mill. And at the mouth of the Salrups is
, house BruDn's Fishery, tho head Of tid
water. Above is Mr.. A Armstrong; saw mill
nnin I'm succrl.fll onerniion. and he inionh