San Andreas independent., 1858-03-27
TRIP TO WEST POINT.
Correspondence Of the Independent

correspondence OF the independent
m CHILE GuLcH March 2lst 1858.
Mn. EDIroR Leaving Mokelumne Hill at 2
O'Clock P. NJ, we took up our line of march
for the much renowned village of West Point
-four in company our hearts as light rs IS
feather, with the determination TO have some
j fun, as we'll as to learn the condition of matt
ters and things in general, especially in refer
ence to mining in all its various forms, that
we might be more able to judge from, the cir
cumstances of others whether our case was a
sad one or not. Our attention was first called
TO notice the mines in and around Happy VAL
ley, one mile east of Mokelumne Hill, where
we were surprised to find quite an extensive
camp, and at first sight thought we might be
mistaken in the place we had so recently left,-
and thought it possible that Mokelumne Hill
had changed her place of residence. Mining
here appears to .'play lively string;' though
having only made fair start we hardly
deemed it prudent to stop for inquiry.
We leaned forward in our saddles 10 make
Roadway, and before we could drink dozen
times, we called a halt at Root Clifiord's'
store, at Rich Gulch Flat, where we met quite
rush Of business indeed. ..
Mr.. Clark having lately introduced water
in this camp, places new feature upon, 1t in
various forms. The camp contains two very
large and well filled stores, two hotels, one
billiard saloon and two grog shops, with other
places OF resort, to accommodate the t0Ihn&
miner. Many claims are found to be immens-
ly rich, and very soon we will expect to see
quite large camp, as our faith of its being
one of the richest mining districts in the noun
tains, is strong. Blake, Griffin Co., are max
ing from $40 to SIC per day to the hand /;
Handlen Co have, for the last week, made
an average of $50 per day to the hand; Capt.
Treat, Sl2 to $50 per day, and our worthy
friend, X. Austin, who has an extensive claim
in Cass Gulch is doing heavy business in
the way of separating the earth from the gold.
The Gulch is becoming somewhat noted for its
rich deposits. eHAk3
From the many cheerful faces we met in-the
camp (ladies included,) you would readily i'm
aglne money to be plenty; So after an hours
stay in this thriving camp, we again wended
our way TO Pleasant Springs, thence to the
Mosquito Village--another camp of consider
able business, both in quartz and placer Dig
| gings.
| We arrived at onr destined Post, lWespoint)
at 8, P. NJ, which we must admit is one of the
most tiourishing camps in the mountains and
from the present prospect, is one of perma-
nent nature. The placer diggings appear to
be inexhaustable !; and when we sneak re
1 W
one among the best in the State Among
some twenty mills in and around the village, ia
one, we visited, owned by Dan Zeider Co.,
at the head of Skull Flat, lately finished. and
now in active operation, with twelve stamps
| The mill is well able to crush 90 tons per day.
The last two weeks crushing has paid them
81 900 per week. with an ordinary expense at
tached to a water-mi Kaddish Co. are
doing well. DR.. Fischer & Mensells mill is
IN rapid motion, and many others, too nuu,er--
Gus to mention at present. AS our stay was
short we will have to write accordingly
We also visited some placer claims Among
them was one owned by Collier l. Co.. in Skull
Flat, which is paying them from $3.50 to $500
per week to the man. The deposite of this
is IN depth ranging from twenty to forty feet
paying from the surface to the bottom
Other claims of a similar character are paving
weH. Westpolnt has an advantage in the
useful article of water, as there is a full sun
ply, which is being sold as low as twenty cts.
per inch, with a large pressure. Time will
not allow me to give full description of the
many resources of this camp, and the WELL
filled purses, which at no distant day, will be
here revealed to the public.
The citizens of Westpoint deserve great
credit for their disposition in a business point
OF view, as well as for their uniform good hu-
NOR and cheerfulness. Quite an interesting
ball had just come off in the new School
House, at which some forty ladies were in at
tendance-mostly belonging to the village
the proceeds of which went to defray the ex-
pense of erecting the aforesaid School House.
1t is fine building, and is designed also, to be
used as lIallfor the Ancient and Honorable
Order of Odd Fellows A
Passing the night very pleasantly, with few
bumpers in the morning, we thought of home
ana It's pleasures, and accordingly took our
winding way, remembering the many friends
we had left behind. and how we would rejoice
to meet them again, with cheerful i" How do
you do 2" "what'll you take =" &c.-satisfied
we were well paid for our fun. Suffice it to
say we yet live, move and have our being, in
or near the old Chill Gulch habitation, where
we are now enjoying the free use of the salu-
brlous air that belongs to country life.--
Happy is the man who keeps bachelors hall
sour grapes,] he lives at his ease, and no
children to bawl Yours. c.