Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-10-13
LETTER FROM THE WEST
of the '.Raftsman.s Journal. =
Qx,rI, orr n T Sent 2nth 1S-S

4
OMAHA CRY, n. T., Sept. Both, 1858.
FRIEND Row We have busy and exciting
! times in Nebraska now, and l have concluded
1 to give you brief description of what is trans
| piring in thi, part of our young, beautiful and
/ prosperous territory, thinking, perhaps that
the same may, TO some extent, amuse, if not
interest you: and if you think any of the many
readers Of the 'sJournal'' would be interested
in the s'passing events noticed herein, then
you are AZ liberty to make this public through
the columns of your paper. TIE excitement.
the great, unbounded, unlimited excitement,
is caused by the recent discovery of Gold at
Cherry Greek and Pixies Peak. The great
subject of conversation, so where you will
here, the one that overshadows all others, is
show and at 'swhat time are You going to the
mines" Business of all kinds appears to be
neglected, and in some places almost entirely
abandoned, SO violently does the s.yellow
ieyes' rage amongst US. The little blaze first
kindled on our borders from spark of Cherry
Greek fire has been famed into A great fame,
and the whole West appears NOT to be exempt
from its rayagcs. Every day men are making
preparations and getting their out fit ready for
departure thither. Large numbers have al
ready gone, and others are constantly making
preparations, so that g company of 10 or IS
sometimes much larger, starts every two or
three days. Indeed, if things progress for a.
"hiie as they are now doing, some of our towns
viii be almost depopulated in less than six
months. Ok and Mule teams, with wagons
laden with provisions are passing almost daily
on their way to the ssnew Eldorado.'' The
outfit OF persons starting from here is gener
ally good and safe one. One team and
wagon takes enough provisions and stores to
supply four men for from six to ten months
So By judicious foresight but few of the
miners or others will be subject TO difficulties
such as embarrass the miners at other dig
gings. Any doubts entertained by persons here
Of the existence of Gold at Cherry Greek and
Pixies Peak have long since been dissipated.
1t is said here, (and is probably correct) that
the teamsters employed by Russell & Majors
in the transportation OF Government supplies
to Utah, alI desert their posts as soon as they
get in the vicinity of the gold region.
The Legislature of Nebraska is in special
session, on call of the Governor on the 2lst
inst. Party lines have been strictly drawn in
the lower House. The Council is more moder
ate and conservative. Its tendency is Demo-
cratic or rather ''Douglas Democrat About
two thirds OF the members of the House are
opposition to the Administrations Both
parties had caucus nominations for the several
Offices to be conferred By the House. But the
"opposition' succeeded in electing Speaker
and all the other officers by near two thirds of
the votes. Both parties are quarreling in the
House over party questions, and have not as
yet, effected but little.
Matters in the Territory at this time appear
to be prosperous. The improvement of the |
country is going on rapidly, notwithstanding |
the ''haTd times" The crops, as a general /
hing, are said by the old settlers to be better |
han they ever were before in the Territory.
More grain is raised in the Territory this year
Ean will probably be needed for home con-
The public Land is being taken mp very fast,
n all parts of the Territory where have been
md especially in the southern part of it. The
2ostponement of the Land Sales in Nebraska
until the 9th of next September was source
j great JOY, ana gave almost universal salts
action to the squatters of Nebraska. By the
oostponement they Will be permitted and VIII
nave time given them 70 make their pre-emp-
ions, which will, as any person of any expert
1nce knows, be a very great advantage to the
The speculator is kept at bay one
'ear longer and the poor man who sguatted
lpon the land purchased by sour common
rcasure'' viii have an opportunity to secure \
lomc for himself and family. Nebraska is
'ound to prosper; and notwithstanding the
Iold excitement may, and does take from US
many, very many, of our people, some of whom
re our best and most enterprising people, yet
the end we all expect to derive many and
.reat advantages from it.
Yours Very Respectfully,
DENDY.