The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1859-03-25
COMMUNICATION.
WooDBERRY, Pa, BlARcH 81, I85

AlEssRs. EBIroRs:-
There are many 10 this sec
lion who are just now afflicted with the
"Pike's Peak" gold mama, and who seem anx-
ious to gather all the information possible. as
regards the possibility Of "goId being found in
paying quantities" in Western Kansas. So
greatly are the public excited upon this all ab-
sorbIng subject, that they seize with ayidity
any Fumor or report, that comes under their
observation. All seem willing 10 admit that
gold Is found IN Paying quantities, in the re-
gion OF "PIke's Peak on the western bopnda-
~ Of Kansas. Having been a resident OF that
Territory for nearly two years, and living m
close proximity 10 the Santa Fe Road, [ was
thrown, much OF my time, into The society OF
the travellers and trappers of the mountains,
who were visiting The States for fresh supplies.
and to sell their PeltrIes. They State thd. gold
has long been known 10 exist in small ouanti-
ties, IN that region, and that Indians possess
large nuggets Of this valuable mineral. =
While on my return East, made the acouain-
tance oi gentleman in the service of the gov
ernment (ME. GalIher, who now resides at the
head OF Puget Sound, w. IT, He informed
me that he was at Pixies Peak, durinr the
summer OF 80, and while there he traded fer
two specimens OF gold, one weighing S42, a.
mother worth $50, in return for which he gave
the Indians red blanket, and some -four
The Indians have always refused 10 disclose
the whereabouts of this geld, although compar-
atiyely ignorant of It's value.
There seems to be considerable competition
between the different towns on the Missouri
River, each claiming the preference, or the
greatest advantage, Tor fitting out expeditions
tor the mines and that the roads from their res
pectiVe sites, are each the best, most direct and
are the best supplied with fuel, &c. sc.
we Hnd the western correspondents. lof
which there are host) all striving to turn the
Tide OF emigration, through their own neighbor-
moods. nus We find Nebraska correspondents
prescribe the Platte River route, to which there
are good roads from their respective towns. 81
Joseph and Northern Kansas towns. advocate
the Richmond, MlneSyiile and Fort Laramie
Road; Leavenworth and Lawrence via. Fort
Riley, and Kansas valley road; Kansas CITY and
an other towns South of the Kaw, the Santa
+ { koad. Alter reading the many cona,ctinc
reports, on the dIieren! routes it is almost i'm
possible to come 10 any correct conclusion. a.
10 which is the most practicable. ST. 10. seems
however, to have the preference at present. as
the Hannibal road is completed to that place
and all the northwest are using their inanence
ior that point. There is not at present town
oF village, but what Is receiving flaming bills
and circulars from Chicago, CleavelaJ. Tols-
~ %c'' as oelng on The direct route 10 Pixies
Peak by the Hannibal and ST. Jo. road. and Of
eaSt IOo or lo0 miles nearer, than by another
also, that there IS connection with the East
by TINS route, tins winter, while by all others !
I Is entirely cut oil, for want Of provender, all |
he grass having been destroyed by fire, aIonq /
he Southern routes. The contest will. | think /
'e between this and the Santa Fe route. The
cute 10 the western line Of Missouri, is in IA
'or OF 81. Jo, if you are anxious to see the wes-
ern part ofMo. At least three DAYS can be
aimed, bat this delay will be made I'D in The
iierent routes The road from Kansas CITY
o the gold mines by Fort Bent, is the bess
atural road, in the United States. havs
raveled 100 miles, on this road, and neye,
aw Turnpike that could rival il, aIthouvh
here has never been any work done on it.
'rlvate enterprise has built several BRIDGES a.
ross the streams, which in cases of hgh water
cap quite a harvest in the shane Of talls
eTsons can start from Leayenworth and strife
lie Santa te road at WillowSprings, or Burlin-
anne, without any detention, ornconyenipnce
he Northern, or Fort Laramie road, is verv
ou5h, and cattle are frequently troubled with
IRE feet 50 much as to be unable to travel
he distance BY the two routes is nearly equal,
1t as TO tie good roads the Santa Fe IS much
le better. The conclusion to which I have
'me, is that the best out-ftting posts, are Leav
lworth and Kansas City, and the best and
ost practicable road the Santa Fe. The fare
ON Pittsburg 10 either of these points BY the
yer will be from l g TO 90 dollars. Bg Rail
DAD TO St. Louis, $40, and Sl0up the Nilsson
By Chicago, and Hannibal, frofs .28ro 30
'llars. Bat must close, as have extended
y letter already more than | intended.
Yours Truly, r.
Fl IT