San Andreas independent., 1858-04-10
LETTER FROM MURPHYS.
MURPHY's, April sth, 1858.

ters from this place have confined their
remarks to items about the fume and its
effect upon the interests of this Camp,
leaving localities upon which we now de-
pend for the present supply of the /" cir
culating medium" with but a passing
notice. Now, sir, l do not wish to de-
tract one jot from this great undertaking,
or the vast Importance the fume will be
when complete, but at the same time
think it but fair that the rich mining local
tiles in our vicinity should have some
notice taken of them.
So let us take walk this fine morn
ing, the pleasure of which will be en-
hanced by the bright sunshine and the
singing of the birds, and visit some of
the mining localities surrounding this
Camp. First, we will walk over to
Pennsylvania Gulch; here we shall find
many hardy, industrious miners getting
out the orc, part of which we find at pres
ent distributed among us at Murphy's;
! first, We come to the claim of Messrs
Shearer & Co.; this claim is worked by a
hydraulic, and is paying good wages; a
little further on is the claim of Messrs.
Peoples, Davis q Co., also worked by a
hydraulic, and fitted with substantial ap-
paratus; the late rains caused this claim
to cave, and they are now engaged in
stripping off this dirt, but with bright
prospects of success. Next we come to
the old Cruise claim, now worked by
party of Englishmen; this is an old claim
and large amounts have been taken from
it; it is now worked with hydraulic and
other improved apparatus and is doing as
we'll as ever. Close to this is the claim
of Messrs. Manuel & Co.; they are ground
sluicing and making good wages. A few
steps more brings us to the claim of
Messrs. Ashley, Proper & Co.; there is
no claim in this vicinity better fitted with
all useful and substantial apparatus for
successful operations than this; the claim
has been worked for long time with un-
varied success, and never was it in better
condition than at present; they have been
ground-sluicing all winter, and are now
engaged in cleaning up and expect to
reap a rich harvest for their labor, and
am sure all that know them will wish
them success beyond their most sanguine
expectations. Many other claims in this
vicinity deserve mention, but as we do
not believe that the interest is entirely
confined to mining, let us enter the en-
closure of Messrs. A. & G. Browns ranch;
this is one of the finest pieces of property
in this vicinity, and its beauty at present
will fully repay us for our walk; but let
us take drink, not of $40 rod," but
clear, crystal water that gushes from a
beautiful spring by the side of the path.
At the house we shall be received with a
hearty shake of the hand and courteous
hospitality, and as we stand upon the
slight emincnce and cast glance around,
we are struck with what energy and IN
dustry will accomplish. For three years
the present proprietors have worked with
untiring industry, surmounting every OBJ
stacle, and are about to reap an abundant
harvest; the late rains have placed this
beyond a doubt, and they will this season
cut 80 tons of hay where last year they
only cut 20; their young trees and vines
look fresh and vigorous, and give evidence
of an abundant crop in the future; as we
turn away to resume our walk, we cannot
but be pleased with the ranch, and also
with the gentlemanly proprietors.
Now we will direct our steps to Owls
borough, (the place you "sloshed about"
and was Hatched out of, but did not
,,,, A., rrood oo,,pl;,oo,t 70 ~ ooll;n,r - 9,
s'desponding gulf as many of the miners
will not agree with you;) the claims of
Petoky & Co., and Coil & Co., two of
those fearful hydraulic claims, with those
long hydraulic fumes, are doing well and
making good wages; also, the claim of
Miller & Co. is making from S6 to So per
day to the hand
Upon Central Hill, the Central Hill
Mining Company are doing well; the
claim of Hall 4 Co. is also paying good
wages Upon our way home we will stop
at the claim of the Barry Brothers, at the
head of the fat, upon which they have
erected fine hydraulic which works we'll;
the boys are doing finely and we hope
luCy Will COHtluuc " SuCCcCu uHeli lhCh
pockets are full of crooks.
The fume is progressing as rapidly as
the nature of the work will allow, as every
inch has to be blasted through solid rock.
In few more months this great work will
be completed, giving renewed life to our
camp, making it one of the best in the
Southern Mines The campis improving
upon every side. The sound of the ham,
mer is heard in every direction; new
buildings are being erected, and old ones
refttcd; it has never looked SO well since
| have been resident, as at present.
Travel to the Big Trees has commenced,
and in no place in the mines can the
traveller be better accommodated than here.
Sperry's Hotel cannot be beat in its ac
commodations or comfort We have two
bath houses and hair-dressing saloons,
where the tired, dusty traveller can be
renovated, while good horses and teams