The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1859-04-27
a SENSIBLE LETTER ABOUT PIXIES
PEAK

The following letter from gentleman we'll
known along the Upper Wabash is worthy the
attention of every person who entertains the
idea of visiting Pixies Peak to dig gold. If a
man is determined to fgo it blind of course
nothing in this or any other letter will knock
the scales from his eyes but the man who
wishes tolvisit the Peak only on condition that
he can make money by the trip, will listen to
statements from reliable sources. We believe
Mr.. English to be entirely reliable in his state
ments :-Logamsport Imd.) Pharos.
GLASGOW, Mo-, April 1st, 1859.
To THE EDITOR OF THE PHARos:
L Dear iSir-I noticean article in a late No.
/ of your paper (the 23d ult.) stating that con-
templafed taking "mills, &C., to the Pixies
Peak Mines" When 1 met my friend, Judge
Wright, at this place. few weeks ago it was
my intention to embark into something of the
kind, but since that time have become pretty
we'll convinced that the gold stories from Pixies
Peak are a humbug. 1 have always been rath-
er skeptical in regard to the big stories from
that quarter, but must confess was altogether
unprepared to realize the facts of the case
Several letters have lately been published that
may be relied on, stating that the amount of
gold found will not pay forthe labor of digging
it. / have conyersed with young man that
returned from the mines lately, and he states
that he left ST. Louis last summer in company
with several others. They prospected the
whole country from the Arkansas River to the
Platte, and found the color at almost every
-placa, but not enough to pay. They prospect
ed the neighborhood of Cherry Greek, until
they were fully satisfied After two months
hard work he had taken outS28 worth of gold.
He spent one month of the time near the mouth
of Cherry Creek the balance higher up in the
mountains. About so cents per day is the
best average man can make, and the best
days work any man made to his knowledge
was 81 SO. This young man is Mr.. Baily,
of St. Louis. I am satisfied his statements can
be relied on. This is the dark side of the ques-
ton, but it is the safest.
Now, what has been the object of all those
encouraging letters from Pixies Peak? 1t is
very plain they were written by set of heart
less spectators in paper towns, and sharpers.
They will make money by selling lots and shares
to simple adventurers, who will find after their
money is all gone (Which will be very soon the
case, unless their "pile" is pretty large) that a
lot in Arizonia or Denver City will be but
poor thing to break ones fast on. Humanity
may well shudder at the amount of suffering
that some poor mortals will encounter out there
this season. The gold hunters are going by
thousands. Every avenue from the Missouri
River west is crowded with Pike Peakers now,
and what may we expect when spring fairly
opens? They are passing through our town
daily with all kinds of mottoes-among them,
''PIKE's PEAK OR DEATH GOLD OR THE
GRAVE" Thousands are going from this State,
many from this neighborhood. Hundreds have
left Ind are now more than half way at least
| But asa sehesai-thinIs they leave here we'll
provided with good teams, and plenty of pro-
visions to last six months. They can return in
the fall, and the trip will pay them for what it
COSTS But what will become of the poor hand
cart and carpet sack men that started with no
money only sufficient provisions to last them
half way to the Eldorado? -
Mr.. Baily informs me that the country
around Pixies Peak is fine farming country.
The yallies between the spurs of the mountains
are very rich, the grass growing to the height
of from two to four feet. Those who go there
prepared to take claims and go to farming will
do well. Saw mills will also pay this season,
and grist mills in another year. There is plen-
ty of good pine, cedar and spruce on the noun
tain sides. The climate is said to be delight
| full. Maj. Bent, (of Bents fork) passed this
| place few days ago. He confirmed all Mr..
Baily's statements. He states 'that he has
known that there was gold in that section for
the last 20 years, but says it will not pay to
collect, and pronounces it a miserable humbug.
My object in writing is to caution my old Wa
bash friends to be careful how they receive the
reports of those 'big strikes" that are so often
published in the papers of the Upper Missouri
towns, from Sioux City to Kansas City The
way they make poor mortals bleed that are
bound for the Peak is some to talk about.
For my part, am willing to wait until /
hear more of the ''big strikes" form some of
those that understand the clicks to make If
pay better than I do Till then ] shall re-
main in Missouri. This gold excitement will
have one good effect, by settling up that region
of the country, heretofore inhabited by rowing
bands of Indians, where the central Pacific
Railroad must pass through.
Yours truly,
NJ. ENGLISH.