Volcano weekly ledger., 1856-07-05

not there but at Rough and Ready. l
found him not at Rough and Ready, he had
Just passed on his way to Nevada. / saw
him, | smelt him. / heard him; arrived at
Nevada he was not there, but was seen ram
oslng on towards Downieville. / went to
Downleyille, and they said would find him
at Shasta. My feet were blistered / was
exhausted in mind, body and purse, and
worked few days at Downieville in order 10
recruit my finances. Concluded twas too dry
at this place / again took up my traps and
made my way for Shasta Phantom had
pletey worn out | had run oil over Cali
fornia, had met with many in my situation,
they had spent all their means, all their
strength-and all their hopes were exhausted,
in pursuit of phantom. / was not to be
baffied in this way | expected to have to en-
dure some disappointment, and undergo
hardship when | left home. So | resolved
to keep stiff upper lip, and never give it
up-then on | went, and on have been going,
making my semannual tour over the State,
ever since | arrived. But thank my stars
for my good fortune, have met with my ne
Plus ultra at last. But in looking back over
my past life in California my blood almost
curdles in my veins, chill Of horror pene
trates my whole system. How many tracks
have | made how many sacks of flour and
potatoes-how many pounds of pork and
beans-what tremendous bulks of blankets
and tools have / backed over steep rugged
mountains and through canons threading
the mazes" of, as it were narrow sheep
path, where to have made one misstep, would
have precipitated me over precipice into the
unfathomable depth of eternity How many
plans have been thwarted, how many hopes
blasted, how many prospect holes have L
sunk, in doing which, how many big drops
of perspiration have oozed through the pores
of my flesh, and all in search of phantom
How many sleepless nights have l laid upon
the cold damp ground, while war was raging
above me in 'ether elements" and prowling
beasts were bowling around me on every side.
How many deep and long sighs, how many
tbrobs of the heart, how many impulses have
heaved in my bosom, and how many-ah,
will not say tears-but how many times has
my throat been choked up Of emotions too
big for delivery, whilst thinking Of a mother,
a SISTER, brother, aye, and a friend whom
had left behind Twas phantom that
made me a second Wandering Jew"-'twas
phantom that decoyed me away and made ire
prodigal son; OH yesl it was phantom that
stole four Of the best years of my life, and
dear reader, If you win take the advice OF
one who has within him sentiment of pure
affection and of deepest sympathy for every
one who came to this country for the purpose
of laboring in the mines, you will never chase
the phantom, never go on wild goose chases,
or in search of gold lakes, but find your way
to some fourishing mining locality, and re-
main there, yes stop there and hire to work
for wages first, until you become acquainted.
If you cannot hire, do not be idle, but get a
pick, pan and shovel, and show disposition
to work, (you will make board any where)
and you will soon gain the confidence Of every
one around you and business will find its
way into your hands. BE truthful, act hon
estly with all, and deal uprightly in every
respect, and do not be too avarcious of gain,
but be satisfied with moderate income, and
my life uponit, you will make your pile in the
country. Only do not chase the phantom
Remember do not chase the phantom. Noun.
tain Messenger.