The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1859-09-07
MISCELLANEOUS.
The Kansas Gold Mines.


The Kansas Gold Mines.
At the request Of many friends in Du-
buque, take this opportunity of cominu-
nicating to the public some facts and OBJ
servations connected with the gold region
familiarity known as pixies Peak"
left Dubuque for the mines, at very
unpleasant season Of the year, when the
travelling was dangerous and uncertain,-
after tedious journey Of nearly ten weeks,
during which we suffered much from priva-
ton and the inclement weather, arrived at
Denver, a village situated about 40 miles
from the well known Gregory Diggings."
Denver City is situated on the east side
Of Cherry Greek. 1t contained at the time
Of my arrival, some 40 small buildings,
most of them being without tenants Since
that time the number has largely increased,
and are occupied by an intelligent popula-
usf&ss . asrsFs-z.<s = s,srs~p s-s ssz~s<Ssr-
ing qsite rapidly, and the foundations Of
many stores and other buildings are being
laid. Auraria, which is directly opposite
Denver has about the same number Of in
habitants, and is finely situated. In these
two places there is population Of about
300. Ash in all new countries, many
towns are being started, each trying to RI
val the other. ..... ....
The country for about 100 miles around
the mining region, is like all gold countries,
but poorly adapted to agriculture, although
on the Platte River and smaller streams.
some fine farms have been commenced, and
are being cultivated, with prospect of suc-
cess. | am Of the opinion, based on OBJ
servations and information derived from
parties well able to judge, that large por-
ton of the land east of and near the Rocky
Mountains, in Kansas, will not prove, even
with great labor and skill, profitable for
farming. On the Arkansas River, some
100 miles south Of Auraria, am informed
that the soil is rich, and we'll adapted for
cultivation.
The best route to the mines is to start
from Leayenworth, or some point in the vi
cinity, on the Missouri River, keeping the
south side of the Platte all the way, which
avoids the difficulty Of crossing that stream,
which is often attended with great danger
its bed being composed of quicksand. In
crossing with teams, if you have unruly
animals, and are unable to proceed, YOU are
in great danger Of losing your life and pro-
perty The sand gives way, and you grad
ually sink without being able to aid your
The mining region, as before stated; is
situated some 40 miles from Auraria and
Denver, and for some six miles north and
south.sis thickly populated with hardy,
energetic and determined set Of men whom
no misfortune will discourage, or privation
disheaften. Discoveries Of rich quartz
veins at distance of 40 miles from the
!" Gregory Diggings,' have been made, and
it is my opinion that gold will eventually be
found In large quantities for q long distance
beyond that. The gold is mostly found in
quartz veins, although there are some guleh-
es which pay well. These veins are situa-
ted between lodges Of granite or sand stone,
and are in width from six inches to five
feet, varying in value greatly. ! was one
Of the Commissioners appointed to test the
value of 40 different claims sold to our
COMPANY, and found the value to vary from
20 cts. to 81 so per pound. This may seem
incredible to many, but is strictly true.
The gold excitement first commenced on
account ofdiscoveries made at Cherry Greek,
as is well known. At that time gold was
found in small quantities only, and no dis
coyeries had been made in the mountains.
At Cherry Greek, by hard labor, from So
to % perday only could be obtained, and
the inhabitants became very enthusiastic,
and perhaps made representations which
the facts would not warrant. Large num-
bers Of people became dishesrtened on as
certaining the exact state of affairs, and
turned back. Meeting great multitude on
the plains, the panic was communicated to
them, apd the widest excitement was the
consequences; causing the return Of the
crowd to the States. Soon after this, the
discoveries in the mountains were made,
and proved richer than any thing ever known
in California. When the proper machinery
is in operation at the mines, the result win
equal, if not surpass, anything which is
promised by the statements which have been
made by the press.
would advise no one to 60 to the mines
who is engaged in a legitimate business, and
loing well here, as in order to secure for-
tune in that country, it requires the most
indomitable perseverance, and untiring en-
ergy, and at times the severest privations
must be endured OF the great crowd who
are at the mines, only few will ever make
money. OF this have satisfied myself by
laily observations. WILLIAM Ii. BATES.
"Johny," said a doting mother to
her somewhat Unsuitable son, "can you eat