Mountain Democrat. [volume] (Placerville, El Dorado Co., Cal.) 1854-1860, 1859-12-24

Nellie's Journal.


Wednesday, 10th. As Mr.. H. and JOB gave
us the fish to cook, and supped with US lasi
night, this morning we cooked the last of theiI
dried beef and they partook Of our bread and
tea. Purchased at q station 10 pounds Of -four
at III cents per pound; pounds Of fresh pork
at two bits pound, and one pound ol butter
at six bits Had warm biscuit and butter for
dinner. Reached China Town which was
composed of six houses and about thirty Chi.
namcn. Camped at the foot Of mountain,
on the side Of which were two bitches to con.
vey water from the river to Gold Canon, three
miles and half
Thursday, 1lth. Stopped at Carson City
1t Is new place, having eight houses, and
two in course of erection. Maj. OrmSby and
wife, and DR.. King and wife called on u.s.
The noise at billiard saloon disturbed us
nearly all night had Sacramento aud San
Francisco papers given me which spoke oi
Horace Greely's reception. The papers speak
Of sporting matches on the Sabbath. | arm
afraid that there is not as high moral tone
pervading communities here as in the North
ern States. "Set watch, o Lord, before my
mouth keep the door of my lips. Incline not
my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked
works with them that work iniquity. Teach
inc TO Go thy will for thou art my God, thy
spirit is good lead the into the land Of right
cOusness The Lord preserveth the strangers,
He rclieveth the fatherless." Friday nOOn.-
Air. K. and EUH, and kir. u. concluded tn 20
tho Truckee route. to Forest City Dlggings-
We passed through Genoa, very pleasant
place. Stopped near house where we bought
hay. and milk at bit quart.
Saturday, 18th. This morning Theodore F..
al, II
mouth Of Woodl0rd's Canon. The wind blew
very hard through the night, tent was blown
over, and wagon nearly upset.
Sunday, 14th. Travel to-day in order TO get
good feed for the horses, SO purpose going to
Hope Valley, seven miles from here. Very
anxious to get through the Canon, as We are
told that is the worst part Of our road over the
Sierra Nevatlas In slipping of my hoops
and long skirt, that ! might don my boomers,
and climb with moro ease, my foot slipped on
rock, and nearly Sprained my ankle Un-
doubtedly you have often heard Of the rocks,
and how nearly impossible this road was in
40, and how much Government has done to-
wards removing distractions, and smoothing
the rough ways for the Stage. In this canon
l beheld scenery that made me clap my hands,
and cry-Magnifcentl Sublime Indescriba-
blc!! Oh! that could WELD the pen of a
ready writer, or the tongue Of ready speak
er, or tho pencil Of an accurate artist, what
glowing descriptions would give of all this
loveincSs in its primitive, unbrOken grandeur.
We reached Hope Valley about Q o'clock,
completely tired out with walking, and riding
over the rough roads. Drove near the noun
tains to get feed for the hOrses-had to dig
Aale in the miry, wet ground to get water.-
Entirely surrounded by mountains, OH the top
Of which is snow. Very cool evening-had
log fire to sit by.
Monday, 10Th. Mr.. Burton & Co. left for
Sacramento, leaving behind one wagon, and
mon to take care Of $50 head of cattle. Com-
mcnccd washing our clothes. After tea, Theo-
dorc +. told me that he had a chance to go to
-Plaeeryilc, as there was young man with a
four-hOrSe team going TO San Francisco. AS
Mr.. Z. had to purchase oil the provision now,
and was going to remain in the Valley to re-
cruit his stock, no advised us to 60. Accor.
dinghy l packed up my things as we'll as
could, in my largo carpet sack and basket,
tiiaving thrown my trunk away;1 uud wns
ready to start in the morning. Very cold
night-ice half an inch thick.
Tuesday, 10th. Mrs. G. gave me IS. Left
old friends and acquaintance to 60 among
strangers. Mounted up, and took place on
a high spring-seat Of high-boxed wagon
Saw lake up in the mountains, which werc
covered with huge rocks, heavy pine timber,
and beautiful flowers. Went down hill +" for
great distance. Watered the horses at
beautiful stream in Lake Valley-had the road
pointed out to me, which looked ike white
thread strvtched diagOnally from the base to
the summit Of steep mountain. There is
only room for one wagon Up grade road two.
miles in length, and so very narrow, and winds
along mountain SO precipitOus, that one in
Stinctivcly maniicsts preference for the in
ner track. Being fearful that should grow
dizzy, descended FROM my lofty position and
sat in the bottom Of the wagon. When about
half way up. glanced into the depths below.
There lay the secluded valley, murmufing
stream. grotcsqne rocks, splendid forests Of
dark green pine with rich brown trunks, rear
ing their lofty heads heaven ward. cattle SEEM
ingly no larger than pigs were grazing below
aud tho bright sunlight was gliding everything
in lis changetul beams. Itwas magnificent
panorama-a above, around, below us, were
scenes stretched out to view that made US wild
with delight Up we went until We came to
placs. where two days previous, an OK team
had been preCipitatsd below, by the earth Civ
ing way. Notwithstanding the road had been
repaired, was Nmid,' and walked some dis