San Andreas independent., 1858-05-22
LETTER FROM MURPHYS.
Correspondence of the Independent.

Correspondence of the Independent
MURPHY's, May 10, 1853.
Mr.. Editor The Bulletin is before me, and
have just finished its perusal. What glori-
GUS sport that Sacramento party and its
friends must have had, in desecratng those
noble trees by giving them such inappropriate
and heathenish names. But gently, if you
please, my wayward pen, for there were Ia
dies assisting in that sublime christening and
as thy master is supposed to be responsible
for all thy eccentrcities, be more polite in fu-
ture nor break the peaceful slumbers of the
dignified Chesterfield, or immaculate Dorsey,
by thy ungallant remarks. What you will
not be scolded restrained like u truant
school-boy, with Freedoms soil beneath thee,
and Freedoms skies o'erhead Well, then,
have your own way but remember, that you
alone responsible, and wash my hands
clear of all share in your irrelevant criticisms.
Marble Heart BY the shamrock and thistle
of ould Erin this is singular name for a
living tree. How very suggestive of imperi-
Gus beauty-cold, naughty and disdainful un-
willing to be loved, and without single smile
for her numerous and infatuated worshipperS.
How unfortunate it was that none of those
present could not have hit upon these equally
graceful and far more appropriate names
Grizzley Top, Quartz Back &C.; for of
them should be chosen. beyond all doubt, as
they are so closely allied to the mining inter-
ests in general. Next, we have the Night
ingale." Now, laying aside the shape, pu-
mage and song, it is certainly a very correct
personification of a North American Nightin-
gale Where could that laggard Posey have
been, that she did not assist the beautiful lady,
who named it, in her choice, and whisper in
her delicate some such names as these:
Wind-Harp, Zephyr-Lute, Night-King, &c
The Salem Witch" Can it be possible that
the name here given, was intended to perpet-
uate sad occurrence which happened near
that place some years ago, when a poor old
woman, decrepit and lone, perished miserably
at the stake, martyr to superstition and ig
norance? All, no it has higher and hoer
Specification, or ruby lips and sparkling eyes
would never have joined in the wild acclaim
which heraded its advent into existence
Now, with all due Difference to the exquisite
taste of tlrese gladstone and accomplished la
dies, must say that as these trees-the Big
Tree and all its kindred-will form part OF
the future history of our young and glorious
State, and when they have mouldered into
dust and disappeared, the legend of their ex-
istence will be handed down through the long
vista of generations yet to come. | could
have wished that their names had been more
expressive, euphoneous and appropriate.
How inexpressibly green the scene must
have been at the close of the touching cere-
mony, as they silently stood beneath the shade
of those kings and queens of the woody
world, each holding aloft in either hand
moantain.top like Atlas with a world upon
his shoulders, to hurl against the rough coat
ing of the favored one. But ahl how desolate
and cheerless must it be now with the sur
rounding mountains, rudely stripped of their
emerald crowns-i. e. cones-(for | am at a
loss to know the real meaning, but presume it
refers to the loftiest portion of concal- shaped
mountains)-to have them hurled against an
inofending tree.
Will these marble slabs spoken of contain
lithograph of the whole scene or not2 | ask
you Mr. Editor, for information on this alb
struse question, knowing that you are always
posted ; and if so. it will certainly be another
great inducement to pay the gentlemanly pro-
prieter of the Big Tree visit, to say nothing
of the stump and what is upon it. After all
the party seems to have been merry one, as
it should, and methinks, even now, that can
hear the sweet and silvery tones of the leaders
minghng with the hearty laughter of gentle
men and dying softly away amid the distant
gloom May they ever be as joyous and hap
Ply when they visit (which | hope will be
Mt least once every year. Indeed, though far
distant, seem to participate in their merri-
ment, and am ready to sing with the poet:
Some love TO roam DER the dark sea foam,
Where the shrill winds whistle free;
But chosen band in mountain land
And life in the woods for me.
Mining news generally good. Placer claims
paying well; quartz ditto. KNOWING
what a very awkward pen l have to control
you need not be surprised when you see the
first evidence of a struggle between us for the
supremacy but in this instance | will WELD
the point with all the grace and pleasure nos
sible, and step aside while it whispers in your
ear that III. A Stevens, our gentlemanlv. corr-
teous and attentive Postmaster, has for his of
fee one of the most tasty and comfortable
rooms in this or any other town in the mines
If YOU are thirsty, on the left of the entrance
YOU will find neat little bar at which YOU
can allay your thirst in the choicest of liquors.
and please yourself afterwards with cigar
fit for prince with dozen titles, stars and
ribbons. Then you can vile away the time
very pleasantly by having game OF billiards
upon his excellent table lolling upon his
nicely covered and comfortable lounges, or by
resting IN his easy chairs and looking over the
latest papers, which are always to be found
upon his tables Success to him, for he de-
serves it and will succeed. The beauty and
importance of our little valley are increasing
daily. and if the f1ume was completed 1t would
be ali that we could wish it TO be.
MAzErPA.