Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1859-02-23
For the Chronicle.
THE NEW GOLD MINES.
OMAHA C1TY, Feb. 16, 1859.

AesSrS. Editors: DIR. SIRs-Havlng
noticed that somewhat of an excitement
exists in Trumbull County, as well as
other parts of the country, relative to the
newly discovered Gold Mines on the
South Platte, and from the numerous
letters Of inquiry from persons who know
ofmy having been there, 1 thought proper
10 give my views and experience in as
brief manner as possible, through the
columns of your paper.
1 left Omaha City on the ED of Sept,
in company with FIVE others, but ere we
got one hundred miles, our company grew
to about 60 men. In this way we tray-
eled one hundred and thirty miles, stand
ing guard every night. When at this
point, thirty-fve miles west Of Ft. Kear-
ney, we had stampede; thirteen head
of cattle were lost. We laid by two days
to repair. Nine of US then left, and trav-
eled the balance of the way. never stand
ing guard at night, but regardless of the
treaeherous natives we pushed along,
aud got through safe on the s6th of
October.
The road from here to Fl. Kearney is
a very good one, almost level, dry and
sandy, after you cross the Loup-fork.
over which there is Ferry, aud all the
balance of the streams are brdged by
Government, along the military road.
The Platte we crossed at Ft. Kearney,
which is an easy fording place. After
leaving Ft. KearneY there are no more
streams which are difficult to cross, and
the roads are good. A great many per-
sons have an impression that the South
Platte must be crossed, but this is not the
case. After crossing at Kearney, we
keep on the south side of both main and
South fork of the Platte.
Omaha, as starting point, is by far
the best, nearest and most direct to the
mines. and for the necessary supplies for
ouIftting, there will be no better point on
the river, think. Even the Missourians
have commenced to make this their route
to the new Ell Dorado. I saw persons
who went through on the Southern route
with Mules. that were forty.fve days
crossing. They report the route as unfa-
vorable, and all intend to return by this
route. Our return trip was accomplished
in sixteen days, with horses.
The mines had been worked but very
little, principally prospecting.) but those
who were working were making from SO
TO SO per day, with very imperfect ma
chinery. IsaW some digging and wash
ing done. from which 1 was fully satisfied
of the existence of the genuine metal, in
paying quantities. The gold is what is
called float or scale gold, evidently COM
ing from larger deposits, which learned
since my return to Omaha, have been
partially discovered.
A company of Georgians, who have
been prospecting all over that country,
me that in present diggings,
hey can, with proper machinery. ave.
rage s25 per day, per man. When
eft Auyaria, there were about 600 men,
most of them engaged in building cabins
iar the winter. Some, eager to see if gold
'eAlly existed, would pick up the Pick,
Shovel and Pan, and prospect, when
heir most sanguine expectations were
'ealized; which reports would spread and
1--WE rise to feelings of great satisfaction
every man was eagerly looking forward
o next spring for rich harvest. The ,
old in the valley is found very unlike to
california, being much more equally dis /
so that persons who choose to
abor, can make it pay. q
The country from Omaha to The mines |
J, as you might say, one unbroken plain P
r prairie, with exception of what timber {
lere is along the Platte, and few other t.
mailer streams. The soil about Cherry il
reek is rot so good as have seen, but 4
i'll there is much of it suitable for culti-
alton. The timber along the Platte and
berry Greek, at this point, is exclusively
ottOn Wood. but from twenty to forty :,
lies up Cherry Greek and Platte, in the
ountains. Pine exists, which is said to
; of the very best quality. 1t is in plain .
ew to the naked eye from the mouth of :.
berry Creek. =
Very respectfully, yours, =
z HR ETER "