New-York daily tribune., 1858-12-16
AUTHENTIC FROM THE SOUTH PLATTE
MINES.
A MINERS ACCOUNT.
Correspondence Of The N. Y. Tribune.

Correspondence of The N. Y. Tribune.
AURARrA CRY, Souh Platte, Nov. 2, 1853.
On the 18th of May 1853, your humble servant, in
company with eighteen persons from the State Of
Georgia, started from Leavenworth City, Kansas Ter
ritory to prospect the eastern slope of the Rocky
Mountains generally, but particularly the vicinity
Of the South Platte.
We came 10 the Arkansas River route and Joined on
the way a company of Cherokee Indians, consisting Of
IS men, and few Missourians, which increased our
company to l04 men. Alter encouaterlug many diff
culties we arrived at the Platte the 23d OF june
Crossing thst river we continued to our particular
point Of destination, which email creek, seven
miles north Of the Platte, from the banks of which
man of our company IA Mr.. Beck, a Cherokee half
breed said lie psnned in the Spring Of 1850 much
s. worth of tie dust to pauful of gravel But after
prospecting about two weeks, and our best panning
being only abou. one grain of gold to the pan, the
majority of our company became dsheartened and
were determined to return to their homes.
Accordingly on the 9th OF July ell recrossed the
Platte and encemped on its southern bank. All were
for returning home except myself and twelve others,
eigh; Of whom were from the State OF Georgia. one
from Iowa three from Kansas Territory, and the
writer from the old Keystone State
The iolowiig morning being the 7th Of July, our
IOult-DOunu COiIpdutls loOh licI lOl sno
States. Our small company then assembling together,
concluded to spend the Summer prospecting the Platte,
Arkauss ard their tributaries in search Of the precious
metal.
On the afternoon Of same day striking our tents w
moved up the River Platte about eight miles and
camred. Some Of our men went out in every dlrec-
ton prospecting Soon Green Russell, esq, most
experienced miner and leader, arriving ct camp gave
l.. -.
a mine where could realize 3I5 per day.
Our Joy knew bounds, We huzzaei, whoOped and
yelled at the prospect OF being loaded with gold in
few months and gave vent TO any amount of Kisses
and groans FOR our apostste companions that were
making ell speed for home. W. congratulated our
selves, Sir that inaugurated new era in the
history # our beloved country.
This mine we worked for some two weeks, realizing
from - to sl5 per day. Then set ont on another
prospecting tour, and discovered another deposit,
somewhat richer than the first Here our best pannng
amounted $3 20 TO the pan Of gravel which = the
best pannng done the Platte up TO tlis date, and
from $40 TO 40 per day to the hand. We worked this
mine some twenty days when cOucaded 10 set out
on another prospecting tour riis tour embraced
Cherry Creek Sand Greek and thef tributaries, all
of which found more or .ess gold, prospecting
varying from 70 ten per pan Of gravel in
district forty miles square.
Returning 70 tie Platte, concluded to prospect
the river 10 it, at tie summit OF the Rocky
Mountains. Not knowing Il, length we only took two
dsys provisions. Our supplies being e1hausted, We
were obliged to 1--we fresh meat, ~i-hout any salt
for two weeks the cnd of which returned TO the
Plsite. very much exhausted and euacieted.
After recruiting ourselves for a few days, We drcov-
cred richer d-posit, paying fr9ln 81 to $40
per day After working this few dsys, We con-
cuded to ~ north in search Of the source
of this gold, as il oil drilled hoa,sd. Aboat the l..
Of September We took up the line OF march Tor the
Platte ri, ,er which was about 800 miles dstsat pros
pectigg the way al tue creeks, the black hil ani