San Andreas independent., 1858-09-11
LETTER FROM MURPHYs
Correspondence of the Independent
MURPHY's September 9th 1870

MURpHYs, September 9th, 1858.
Mr.. Editor Il am sorry that | can
not inform you of a revival of business
in this vicinity. the cry is still dull
times, but the great measures for the fu-
ture prosperity of our camp are progress
ing rapidly. The work upon the fume
is being prosecuted with energy, while
the Union Water Company, with their
usual enterprise, have sent force to the
mountains to work upon the reservoirs
that are to give US an abundant supply of
water the coming season.
But another matter of vital Importance
demands our attention, and upon which
too much cannot be said. / refer to the
Big Tree Road, the natural advantages of
which are acknowledged to be far supe-
rior to any other road leading from Cali
fornia to Carson Valley But little, in
comparison, has been said or done to at
tract attention to the great advantages
possessed by this road over any other;
even those most interested have seemed
willing to allow it to rest upon the fact
that it does possess these advantages,
without making the effort to have others
know and profit by them We are happy
to see that though slow in being known,
it is becoming fixed fact; and evidence
of the most substantial character arrived
here on Saturday last, in the shape of a
large train of wagons, loaded with as
sorted merchandise, bound for Salt Lake
City, to supply that market and vicinity,
forwarded by Messrs. Loud, Hosmer q
Tilton, of San Francisco. 1t is impossi-
BILE to calculate the advantages that
will result by the opening of large
trade-destined topass through our midst
not only to our camp, but to the whole
southern portion of our county, and line
of road to Stockton, of which this train is
the advance guard. The teams were in
the hands of careful and experienced
drivers, who looked as if they could sur
mount every difficulty they may be called
upon to encounter They are also well
equipped and appointed for a trip like
the one upon which they have embarked.
An accident occurred to one of the wagons
a short distance below this place (the
breaking of the forward axle), which de-
tanned them here for repairs till Monday;
since which time, their progress has been
slow but sure, for such heavily loaded
wagons. Some of the ascents are severe,
rendering it necessary to double team
sometimes, in order to surmount them
Another difficulty is found in the short
turns in the road for such large teams !;
but these difficulties require but little
outlay of labor to remove them. l re-
ceived information yesterday (the Sth, J
that they were little above the Big
Trees, getting along extremely well.
An article in the San Francisco Bullc-
tin, of Mondays issue, speaking of this
expedition, stated that the goods consists
of five tons sugar, about half as much
coffee, 100 chests tea, 10000 pounds
rice, tobacco, and other various groceries,
large quantity of liquor, and few sta
pie articles of dry goods. 1t also men,
tions the sending out of concord coach
drawn by four mules, to join this train,
on board of which are Messrs. Hosmer,
Beardsley, Flenner and Hickey This
team arrived here this morning, and fully
deserves the remark, that the outfit is the
best, perhaps, that ever started to cross
the plains. No pains or expense has
been spared to secure the best running
gear aud animals for the trip. The gen.
tlemen express themselves pleased with
their trip and progress thus far. They
resumed their journey this afternoon,
and will probably overhaul the teams be-
fore they reach Carson Valley. We wish
them God speed, and may they be emil
nently successful.
The agent of Mr.. p L. Traver, of this
place, (Mr J. Bills, is now in the Val
ley with the second lot of goods sent out
by this enterprising and energetic mer-
chant this season, to open the trade with
the people of Carson Valley, and by thus
doing much for this town and the road
by liberal course of trade, drawing a
large share of the Valley trade this way,
may he derive rich reward for this en-
terprise.
Mr. Inks returned from the Valley
day before yesterday-having taken load
of goods over for Mr.. Traver-and re-
ports the road in excellent condition,
even free of frost at the summit, thing
unusual at this time of year. To the above
we can add the fact (of which you have
already received information that by the
last mail our Post Master received official
notice from the Mail Department, de-
claring the route from Murphy's via the
Big Tree Road to Carson Valley, Utah
Territory, a Post Road. Mr.. Stevens,
according to instructions, is now engaged
In making the necessary examinations
for the establishment of this new postal
route. He is accompanied by our enter
prising citizen, James L. Sperry, and
they intend going over the whole route
From the well known character of these
gentlemen, we may expect an able report
of the advantages of the route, which |
shall endeavor to lay before you.
A few days since had conversation
with two young gentlemen just arrived
over the plains-two of the few lmmI-