The Sierra citizen., 1854-02-18
Correspondence Sierra Citisea.]
ST.. LOUIS, SEARS DIGGINGs,
Eahruarv 18th 1874

cDEudry 1Ctn 1904.
EDITOR CITIZEN LIN looking through
the first number of the Citizen, I discovered
that you have withdrawn from our ancient
and honorable order of the D. B. NJ, (dead
broke miners,) and that you are about to
undertake the publication of q miners
paper. The people in our place are
pleased to learn that local paper may
hereafter be obtained, in which they will
not be bored with stale political slang
If there be anything supremely annoying
to miner, it is to be humbugged out OF
two bits and disappointed in the bargain
by buying smallfry political sheet,
filled with party squabbles and the
chickering's of political loafers. What we
want is something to read for amusement
as well as instruction, knowing that the
affairs of government will go on just as
well, as though we should vex ourselves
with every partisan quarrel.
Since the late rains our place presents
lively appearance. Hitherto, the faces
both of miners and traders have been
gradually lengthening, and fears we're
entertained that general bankruptcy
would ensue. But now everybody is at
work. and believe that the season will yet
make amends for the long delay of the rains.
You know Sears Diggings never were
famed for extraordinary riches, but every
day one can safely reckon on fair wages
and often for much more. Hitherto, no
very large strikes have been made, though
vast amount of gold is daily taken out
in the vicinity.
You have heard of the movement in
fav'r ola new county to be called "Sum-
init" county. The proceedings of the
GibsOnville convention have been forward
ed to the Citizen for publication, which
saved me the trouble of explanation
The law-going portion of our citizens do
not admire the scenery between this and
Downeville-which may be exceedingly
romantic when sketched on paper, but
very commonplace where ene is forced to
climb the hills in six feet of snow.
People generally care but little about
the matter-but in every community there
are embryo statesmen and patriots who
would take pleasure in serving their
country in any little Offices where their
services might be required. At present
there is but little opportunity in Sierra
county for such benevolent individuals to
do the State some service, inasmuch as
the loaves and fishes are monopolized at
Downieville. On this account we have
determined to have county of our own.
prortded We can get it, where experimental
genius can have chance to spread
itself. We think it probable that brother
of the young President, who is said to be
running barefooted in Oregon may be
within the bounds of the new
county. and if SO we want him "to come
out" Besides, in all mining towns there
are professional witnesses who attend
rows, and for a consideration give clear
of the whole affair at the next
court. This useful class are greatly
inconvenieLced by having to go all the
way to Downieville, and frequently miss
proitableengagements during their absence
Our amusements here are confined to
exercise ofthe pick and shovel, occasionally
varied with pugilistic entertainment, in
which operations are performed on the
eye with promptness and despatch
Now and then ball is advertised, but for
my part have not had the opportunity of
observing the doings thereat for several
reasons-first because did not get an
invitation, and secondly, because my
wouldn't pass muster. What
sort of figure would l cut among the
gifted and the gay, with my great stogie
boots, laundering ON the floor like
quartz-mill? Some of these years I'll lay
aside my venerable pea.jacket, don a white
shirt and high crowned bellteazer, and
some fine evening in the leafy month of
June quietly walk across the prairie to
certain little log cabin-and- and--But
for the present, good night. SPOON.
,s1rI, L y