The Nevada Democrat., 1857-09-16
,ronntn,n Correspondence.

CAMP Du LAC, Nevada Co, Sept. Sth.
Aware of your desire to obtain and publish
every item that tends to expose the enterprise
and nrosperity of Nevada County, furnish the
following, which, please insert, II worthy OF
your columns.
Some few weeks ago to obtain employment
nv steps were bent TO this nhosptabie region.
The arms oe ditcher, on arrival. were placed
in NV hands: and am proud to say, that SO
far. my post is held with honor. The toll and
tedousness of the trip were amply paid for by
a contemplation of the wild and grand scenery
that obtrudes itself on all sides, from Eureka
to the big French Lake, on the head waters ef
Canon creek. Tradition informs me that acci-
dent discovered this main lake in '52, and re-
mained unclaimed until 53, when it was loca-
ted for Canal purposes, by seven enterprising
natives of France In the prosecution of their
enterprise, thirty other lakes of less magnitude
we're discovered aud claimed, which, from posi-
ton and grade, form an inexhaustibie body of
water, which can be tapped at pleasure, and
furnished in such quantities as the demand re-
ouires The poverty of the original owners
rendered this splendid property worthless in
their hands Wisdom at length dictated sale
of large portion thereof to men Of capital and
enterprise. Fortune favored them in their new
partnership, as none more efficient, honorable
and intelligent could be presented, to project
and accomplish the enterprise. The French
Lake Water Co. in the short space of months
.I I L chi miles of the
most difficult part of hume and ditch, and 1t is
their determination to increase their force so as
to complete an equal distance from this point to
Eureka ere the storms set in. Here they con-
meet with Capt. Irving's ditch, now consolida-
ted in the company. which by timely enlarge
ment, will furnish an abundance Of water, in
season, at Eureka, Columbia Hill, Humbug and
all intervening points These vast localities Of
rich mines have been sadly deficient Of water
hitherto, and hence, mostly yalueless. Hence
forward they may rejoice and prepare for the
copious gold harvest which will be garncred
shortly The length of the ditch from source to
terminus is 25 miles. Its capacity is computed
at 5000 square inches, and its estimated cost
when finished, is set down at two hundred thou
sand dollars.
When | reflect on the confguration of the
country that borders on those lakes-on the
supendous piles of snow that falls within their
vast draining lmts,--on the numerous springs,
creeks, and rivulets that pour down their wa
ters to lakes and ditch the facility and
cheapness of damming each lake to any desired
height thereby convertible to enormous reser-
voirs It's impossible to doubt the wisdom of
the scheme. acd irrational to croak about the
scarcity Of water Nevada county and this
ridge especially, my rejoice that the propria-
tory now lies in the hands Of the present own
crs. Whilst Cregan presides, aud is aided by
such worthless as Irving, Henry, Hale, Macnul-
ty, Brigham aud others, none need predict a
failure in completion, swindlc in payments or
loss to holders, or others in their invest
mcnts. Every portion of the work is well APP
pointed and substantially built; the hands are
well managed and fed bounteously; the pay is
liberal and sure; harmony, industry and con-
tentment reign all through. Every observer
must admire, applaud and wish God speed to
the company. Yours truly,