Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1855-05-24

all the necessary implements. After dinner,
therefore, disclosed TO her the object of my
visit, and begged her to procure a black fell
low as guide to the spot | wished to visit
hrst; for, though this part of the world was
many years back, pretty well known to me,
| 1t is matter of no small danger to at
tempt to penetrate alone the dense forests
that cover the whole surrounding country.
She entered with woman's bsartiness into
my views, and offered me the assistance of
her son, youth Of about eighteen years of
age, who she assured me knew the country
we'll He was, therefore, mnde acquaiRted
with my object, and at my request provided
me with the requisite tools-a smdl! pick,
trowel, and TIN dish FOR washing the
! soil.
After resting one day at Guyong, on the
18th of February started thence, accom-
panied by young Lister. Our course was
down the Lsves Pond Creek, tributary of
the Macquarie river After travelling a dis
tance of about fifteen miles found myself
in the country that was so anxously long
ing TO behold again My recollection oft
had not deceived me. The resemblance of
its formation to that of California could not
be doubted or mistaken.
My guide went for water to drink, and,
after making hasty repast, told him that
we were now in the gold fields, and that the
gold was under his feel as he went to fetch
the water for our dinner. He started with,
incredulDus amozement, and on my telling
him that would now find gold watched my
movements with the most intense interest,".
My own excitement was probably far more
intense than his. | took the pick and
scratched the gravel off schistose dyk.
which ran across the creek at right angles
with Its side; and with the trowel dug pan.
ful of earth, which washed in the water
hole. The first trial produced a little piece
of gold "Here it is," exclaimed; and l
then washed five panfuls in succession, oh,
taining gold from all but one.
No further proof was necessary. To de-.
scribe my feelings at that eventful moment
would be impossible. What / said on tho
instant-though must admit not warranted
as the language Of calu, reflection-bas been
since much laughed at; and, though my rea.
ders may renew the laugh, shall not hesi.
tate to repeat it, because as it was the natur-
al ana impulsive expression of overwrought
feelings at the moment, so it is the only ac-
count can now give of what those feelings
were
"This, exclaimed to my guide, sis men,
orable day il the history OF New South
Wales. shall be baronet, you will be
knighted, and my old horse will be stuffed,
put into glass case, and sent to the British
Museum"
| Crowds soon repaired to the spot, MANY to-
be disappointed. Mr.. Hargraves was made
commissioner Of crown lands, and, on leaving
Sidney some time after for the land of Ophir,
| this scene occurred:
! DISAPPOINTMENT AND DANGER
! When obout two miles from Sydney mot
with member of the Leg slative Council,
who begged me to retrace my steps assuring
me that should lose my life i: ventured to
proceed; for that there were hundreds of un.
successful diggers not far in advance, on
their return from the diggings, who declared
that had deceived them, and that they wo'd
put me to death.
Nevertheless | proceeded on my way, and
certainly met many returning from the
mines. Fortunately was not known 10 any
OF them. tccosted many of them in pass
ing, but was shocked to hear at times the
most horrid imprecatio on levelled against
what they called the :'curse of God" a man
"who had brought them ac-oss the mountain
in search ofgold." In answer to my inqui-
! ries one said that there was little god but
that it was all dug out; he had lost four
pounds, sixteen shilling, and had no, got to
the value of far,hing, besides having to
cross and recross the IN ountains; another had
lost fifteen pounds, another twenty pounds,
and another thirty pounds.
But it would be in vain for me to attempt
TO describe all that | witnessed at this parti-
cular junctrre. Among other strange sights
l,saw blind man led by lame one, trudg-
ing across the mountains en- route for the
gold fields. They solicited charity The
lame man was hopping on crutches, and tho
blind man had hold of his right hand, which
was extended over the crutch. Thousands
who sta red from Sydney never reached half
way, and seeing as many com ng back as 60
ing, those upward-bound got discouraged and
returned in air,vowing vengeance against
the man who had SO deceived them.--Loaaon
Economist.