Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1858-06-05
Later from the New Gold Mines...Two side.
to a story.

Later from the New Gold ines...TwO sides
to story.
From the San Francisco Herald we clip the fol-
lowing -
The steamer Commodore arrived yesterday
"wednesday afternoon. We are indebted to the
Purser for the following information:
The news from the gold mines is highly favora-
BILE, and no doubt exists as to the richness and
abundance of the precious metal. Considerable
difficulty has been anticipated in ascending the
river above Fort Langley, on account of the high
state of the river, but from Captain Winsor who
has just returned from the mines, we learn that
though the river is high and the current very
strong, any one accustomed to boating would be
enabled to reach the point of debarkation, which
is at the fork of Thomson's river, and within
twelve miles of the diggins,'' either in whale
boats or canoes, in about twenty days from Port
Townsend. The Hudson Bay Company's steamer
Otter declined carr yng passengers from Victoria
to Fort Langley, and those landed from the Com
nOdore ascended the river mostly in caDoes
others left at Port Townsend, and others still at
Bellingham Bay. From this latter point a road
is being cut through to interseet the old trail of
the Hudson Bay Company at Fort Hope, and it is
expected to be completed in from three to FIVE
weeks. Provisions scarce. Flour at the
mines being worth 500 per barrel. Beef and
Pork are not to be had for money. The Indians
are peaceable.
We have been favored with the following i'm
portant and interesting intelligence by gentle
man direct from the mouth of Frazers river. He
came passenger on the steamer Commodore,
which arrived yesterday. He says that the face
of the country is deeply covered with snow, which
in some places is from twenty to thirty feet IN
depth. The river had risen to the astonishing
height of sixty feet and was still rising when he
left. Several persons who attempted to navigate
the river, on their way to the mines, had been
drowned, but he could not give their Names Pro-
visions were exceedingly scarce, and -four was
selling at one dollar and fifty cents the pound !;
other provisions being similar scale of prices.
Our informant saw no one who had been to the
diggings, but had been shown a specimen said TO
have been obtained there. Many of those who
had ventured away on the first intelligence were
completely out of funds, and in a suffering condi-
ton. They would be extremely glad to get back
to San Francisco. He is of opinion that two
months hence will be quite early enough to start
from California, even granting that the diggings
are as productive as has been stated. The people
resident at the mouth of Frazers River are repre-
sented being quite ignorant of the existence of
the alleged mines, and received the intelligence
with surprise. The above is certainly gloomy
and forddding picture; but at all events, no evil
result by waiting patiently the arrival of fuller
intelligence from some of those who left this city
after they shall have reached Frazer's River, while
inconsiderate haste may be productive of serious
disaster. If the mines rich and extensive as
reported, there will be wealth and room enough
for all who can go in the next five years, without
crowding each other, and if they are not, it were
much better TO stay at home on our own golden
soil, under the protection of our own flag.
LATER YET.-By the arrival of the Columbia We
have files of the Pioneer and Democrat to 23d pril
The Democrat says that it has received letters
fully confirming the attering intelligence hereto
fore received, concerning the gold region in the
vicinity of Frazer's river
1t appears that on Sunday, the 11th instant, sew
eral gentlemen returned to Bellingham Bay direct
from Frazers river, who report that there is gold
in abundance there and that it is easily obtained:
that the Indians friendly, and provisions at Fort
Langley cheap. The party, it seems, came down
for the purpose of obtaining tools and goods, and
intend returning Immediately. Amongst the NUM-
Der was Mr.. Washburn, of the firm of Washburn
s. Co., merchants atPort Townsend. 1t is report
ed, however, that provisions in the mines are ex-
tremely high-four being worth 81 per pint, and
the same for sngar, coffee, etc. A report has been
in circulation that It the design of the Hudson
Bay Company to place their steamer Otter on Fra
zer's riyer to form blockade against American
trading vessels furnishing supplies for the miners
thus securing for Victoria, Forts Langley and
Hope, the exclusive furnishing and forwarding
monopoly. This report, however, we have not
heard reported during the past week. Letters have
been received here, at Whatcom and other places,
substantially cOrroborating the above, and parties
are constantly organizing and starting up.
letter from Port Gamble states that many of
the hands have left the different mills on the
Sound" and " all the large ships loading with um
Der at Port Gamble, are without crews-the sailors
having almost to a man started for the diggings;"
that "a party ofthe Northern Boundary Commission
that had left Semiamoo for the purpose Of making
a reconnaissance of the boundary line had discov-
cred gold near the Sumass Lake, on the American
IA