Mineral Point weekly tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1859-1868, 1859-02-01
From the Rockford Republican, Jan. %.
From the Mines Direct.

The following letter from Pixies Peak vicn-
lty was received IN this city day or two since
by Mr.. y. +. Mitchell, who has very kindly
submitted it to US for publication. The writer
is personal friend of Mr. MitchelTs, and the
information contained in the letter is without
doubt OF the most reliable character. His ac-
counts are confirmed by another, letter which
our readers will find below, from Thos. H Ben
ten Jr., to Geo. ). Moore, Esq, of this place
and which Mr. Moore has allowed us to use pub
llcly
TuoMsoSs FORK, DEE. 25, 1853.
HALO FRANK How fare you g? Here uc are
at the famous gold Diggings We arrived all
safe and sonnd just three weeks ago Tomorrow
evening, (Sunday,) and since THAI time | have
been prospecting, both for the purpose of salts
tying myself ia regard TO the validity of the re-
ports and also to let my friends East know
what there Is here and what can be did To-day
Is Christmas, and as work on short time - |
thought / could not better occupy my time than
writing You 4 few lines. | suppose YOU are all
anxious Is know the facts of the case aud what
can be depended upon, SO | write this as show
ing what hare seen and kAow If any of your
friends talk OF coming out here in the SprInr
tell them 10 come with oxen OF COWS, and on no
account 70 take horses for they cannot stand the
journey and are in no demand here. Have them
come the Northern Route and on no account To
take the Santa Fe. The Northern Route leads
by the South Fork Of Platte River to this sec
ton, which Is considered the best mining dis
trIct. We started with tour oxen from Iowa
City, but Increased our train by two cows at
Council Bluff. For wagon we had what is
called a PT5F5e Schooner, species of euIgrant
wagon. l presume you have seen them. Cows
are IN great demand here aud worth from
$50 to 8 80. For a fit out YOU will find tie
best statement in the Chicago Press from one Of
our company A good i've inch Colts Revolver
and an eIght inch blade Bowie kni.e are iudls-
penslble. We have moved TO this place from
Cherry Greek since Henry wrote that to the
Press, and are now eight miles South of Cherry
Creek. 1t is better TO take SIX months provis-
Ions, as they are scarce here. Game Is getting
scarce now there Is so many after IT, The gold
region commences with the Platte River and ex-
tends IN all for many miles, as we have pros
pecfed. We nave done pretty we'll since our
arrival, and enjoy ourselves hugely. We have
Just finished our Winter Cabin and now are all
ready. There Is gold here and no mistake, if
persons will only dig for it /; tut you must not
expect to make fortune in a hour We have
been making from two to eight dollars a dav
per man since arriving here with pans alone
and 1t IS our firm conviction that with siuices
DC, an industrious person can easily make $50
to $40. Every one here is in good spirits and
are doing well. Now Frank, If your doing well
and your business is paying well, don't come,
doa't leave, for you won't letter yourself at the
same time, where man is not making well, be
better leave If he can for there Is every thing
lucky for smart man, and you would do well
mere IT your business or mining. Come on, we
have double claim, and you can come in with
us, jolly set. and don't get honesick
If you conclude to come, start by the first Of
April The emigration Is big and the chances
viii be taken Don't let any one come by the
Santa Fe route. You may think it strange of
hearing from me here, but you know l was al
ways rowing character, and / turned "
here awhile ago where shall turn up next l
don't know
Very truly yours. O. E. FARGO