The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1859-04-28

An extensive plain at the base of the Port
age Mountain, probably near the western
extremity Of the Kootonais Pass presents
every advantage for the foundation Of a city.
The mountains surrounding this agreeable
site are majestic and picturesque. They
iorcibly recalled to my memory, the Mapo.
cho Mountains that encompass the beautiful
capital Of Chill, (Santisgo.) The
quarres and forests appear inexhaustible,
and having remarked large pieces Of coal
along the river" am convinced that this
fossil could be abundantly procured. Great
quantities Of lead are found on the surface
OF the earth, and from the appearance OF
its superior quality, we are led to believe
there may be some mixture OF silver. .
After few days journey we arrived at the
Prairie du Tabac, the usual abode Of the
Kootopais. Their camp is situated in an
immense and delightful valley, bounded by
two eminences, which from their geEtle and
regular declivity, covered with smooth peb-
bles, appear TO have originally bounded an
extensive lake. Thence | journeyed
on towards the sources Of the Columbia.
The country we traversed was highly pic.
turesque and agreeably diversified by beau
tiful prsiries, smiling valleys and lakes, sur
rounded by hoary and solemn pines grace
fully waving their flexible branches. We
also crossed dark Alpine forests, where the
sound Of the axe has never resounded.
On the 4th Of September, l found myself at
the source of the Columbia.
when emigration, accompanied by indus
try, the arts and sciences, shall have pene-
trated into the numberless valleys Of the
Rocky Mountains, the source Of the Colum.
bis will prove q very important point. The
climate Is delightful; the extremes OF heat
and cold are seldom known. The snow dis
appears a. fast as it falls; the laborious hand
that would till these valleys would be repaid
q hundred fold. Innumerable herds could
Craze throughout the year in their meadows;
where the sources and streams nurture Q
perpetual freshness and abundance. These
hillocks and declivities Of the mountains are
generally studded with inexhaustible forests,
in which the birch tree, pine Of different
species. cedars and cypress abound. " =
The advantages nature seems to have be-
slowed on the source Of the Columbia, will
render its geographical position very i'm
portant at some future day. The magic
hand OF civilized man would transform it
into terrestrial paradise"
II 10 an interesting coincidence, that De
Smst published in Saint Louis paper, about
. year since, . similar description Of this re-
gion, adding that it could be reached from
Salt Lake City along the western base Of
the Rocky Mountains with wagons, and that
Brigham Young would lead Mormon ex.
odus to the vicinity Of Portage Mountain.
The fact that the Mormons had established
q Hourishing half way post on the Salmon
River, Q branch Of the Columbia, gave an
aspect OF probability TO De Smets preiie-
ton but, 90 far, events have not developed
such movement by the Mormon hierarchy.
do not feel at liberty to extend this com
nuuication, by any further details; and l
have only ventursd to give the foregoing,
because many OF them rested on individual
statements, or have not been made familiar
BY frequent publication.
Next to the pleasure Of sharing the ex.
ctement and interest OF the proposed eIpe.
dition. will be the qualification Of sdvsne.
ing its objects in any manner which you
may suggest to me, now or hereafter.
remain, Gentlemen,
Yours truly,
Jas. w. TAYLOR.