, 1858-06-25

as the most certain aud practicable one for
reaching the mining region, and that at
present it has a decided advantage over
the Columbia river, the Dales, or any other
route IN either Territory, and from the i'm
pedments met with above Fort Yale, in
river navigation or mountain travelzthe
Frazer river route is not excepted
In the first place, that miners can pack
out to the gold region through it, from
either Olympia, Steilacoom, or Seattle, is a
fixed fact. 1t is much nearer than via the
Columbia river or the Dalles, and much less
danger need bo apprehended from the In
dians. 1t is safer than the navigation of
Frazer's river, besides the trail is located
over American soil.
We earnestly hope that the projected
trail from Bellingham Bay to the mining
region may not prove impracticable or q
failure The more routes Of travel that
can be afforded thither, the better it will
be for the convenience and prosperity Of the
territory at large. But we repeat: as far
as the real and most certain aspect of
things appears to be reflected at present
from the surface, we would advise gold
seekers and ndventurers from California
either TO bring their animals along with
them on the steamer or procure them and
their outfits here, and take the Snoqualmie
pass across the mountains for the mining
district.
P. S.-Since writing the above, Mr.. W.
II. PEARSON, well known as the fearless
and untiring expressman during the late
war, both in the volunteer and regular SER
vice, arrived here from the Thompson and
Frazer's river diggings, by the last steamer
Constitution from Victoria. Mr.. PEARSON,
although we'll aware of the dangers which
he would probably be obliged to encounter
on his way, started from the Dalles about
the first of April last, accompanied only by
a Clickatat Indian, and arrived safely in
the mines in the course of time. The jour
ney was one Of hards hips and periIs, but,
with the "luck" which has never deserted
him, we again have the pleasure of vel
coming him upon his safe retur.
Mr.. p, as will be seen from the annexed
communication addressed to us, started for
the purpose of convincing himself as to the
extent and richness Of these mines, as well
as to discorer the easiest and most feasible
route thereto. From his extensive knowl-
edge of the country, both east and west Of
the Cascade range, CLEANED from constant
'AOrSe6aek residence" in the mountain re-
gions. for upwards of three years, and 10
all this time never camping a second time
in one place-we venture to say that the
opinion, knowledge, and experience of Mr..
P. is entitled to infinitely more credit than
the combined bOasted knowledge of iudivid-
nails Of both territories. How well he CO.
incides with us in our views of the Snoqual-
mie pass, as expressed above, may be arri-
we'd at by reading the following:-
OLYMPIA, June 22d, 1858.
Mr.. EDToR;-I left the Dalles about the
lst of April last, in company with Clika-
tat Indian boy. Travelled by way of the
Nez Perces' country, Occur d. Alene, the
upper Columbia, the Forks of the O'Kana-
gan, Similkameen river, to the famous
Thompsons and Frazer's river mines, in
New Caledonia. Thence down Frazer's
river, by way of Victoria, to this place.
This journey was made for the purpose
of prospecting the country and to satisfy
myself in regard to the reported mines. l
am fully satisfied that the mines are rich
and extensive; the only question being as
to the most practicable route to the same.
From a somewhat extensive knowledge Of
the whole country east of the Cascades, l
think can safely say that the proposed
route by the Snoqualmie pass, through the
Cascades, is the most practicable of any of
the routes yet projected. / do not hesitate
to offer my services to conduct o party
through said pass to the best mines east of
the Cascades, should any such party con
centrate at Seattle, or atany point between
Seattle and the mountain pass. can safe
ly assure the public that this route will
prove less expensive and more expeditions
than any other yet proposed.
Yours, respectfully,
W, y Pearson.
~Thanks to our ever-mindful and en-