The Kansas herald of freedom., 1859-04-02
ForfAs Herald Of Freedom.
Route 10 the Gold Mines.

rorAe Aerutd y Free1nm
Route 10 the Gold Mines.
ST GEoRGE, March 8. 1859.
FRIEND BRowS AS much interest is
now being manifested in reference to ih.
various routes to Pike's Peak, allow me
to suggest the route would follow, and
perhaps you, or some Of your readers viii
agree with me that 1t is the best one.
There seems to be an almost universal
opinion, that the travel from Leavenworth,
Wyandott, Kansas City, Lawrence and
Topeka, should and will take up the
north side of the Kansas river, as far as
the Big Blue; so, as to that portion of the
route, have nothing to say, only, that
after crossing Rock Creek. all should re.
member to take the left hand road, which
will take them through ST. George instead
of following the Military road. By so
doing they will save both in time and dis
tance, and find better road, with several
excellent camping grounds. Besides, we
have good blacksmiths, wheelwrights. &c,
to attend to repairs if needed, while there
are none upon the otherroa1.
Crossing the Big Blue at the upper ferry,
which is kept by the very gentIemanly
aud accommodating Mr.. Flagg, take the
Military road to the crossing Of the Wild
Cat, then up the north side Of that creek
and across the divide into the Republican
valley, striking the Military road from Ft-
Riley to Ft. Kearney, at Yunkin's Creek
Those who choose, however, can go first
to Fl. Riley and then take the road last
mentioned, to Fl. Kearney; but it is abOu.
twelve miles further that way, than by
striking across the divide, and the road no
better. When once in the Republican
valley yon have an excellent, and almost
direct road to the mouth Of Cherry Creek.
The entire road from Fl. Riley to f.
Kearney has been newly bridged by gov
ernment at an expense of twelve and a half
thousand dollars, and there is an abun-
dance Of wood and water. When you get
to Fl. Ksarney. you strike the Great Mil.
itary road to Fl Laramie, which leads to
within about one hund red miles Of the
mines; you then follow up the South
Platte to Cherry Creek. BY this route
you are on water courses the entire dis
tance.
To me it appears that this route has
many advantages over the Smoky Hill
route. In the first place it is generally
conceded that all the paying diggings are
at Cherry Creek and the South Platte
The town Of Auraria, which promises to DO
the San Francisco of that country, is at
the mouth of Cherry Greek, and on or near
the northern boundary Of Kansas, about
sixty-four miles north Of F.. Riley, Law
renee or the mouth Of the Kansas river
By taking the Republican route you
make this northern bearing on agood mil
itary road, while by the Smoky Hill route,
YOU have to beat south at least thirty
miles after leaving Fl. Riley, crossing three
or four ferries, (but one Of which is yet in
operation and then take this same north
ern bearing. which, by your southern di-
gression, throws you ninety instead Of sixty
miles south Of your destination, and upon
no road, save trail made by a few wag-
ons last season.
II Pixies Peak, that is, the foot Of the
mountain bearing that name, were the
place sought, the Smoky Hill route is un-
doubtedly the shortest route, but from all
reliable accounts that is not the place to
mine. Greene Russell, Of Georgia, who
has explored that country more thorough.
lly than any other man, and who is an eI-
lperienced miner tells US that the best
mining district lies many miles north Of
Pixies Peak, on Cherry Creek and the
South Platte.
Another reason in favor Of this route is,
that II is through country less infested
with Indians Governmenttrains are cor
stantly passing along the route, and In
dians seldom try their tricks in the imme-
diate presence Of United States troops
By this route there are no ferries to cross
and then you have the benefit Of hall
way Quitting place at Fl. Kearncy, and
IL mistake not, few trains viii make the
journey without realizing the need o
physicians, blacksmiths and other con.
veniences found q. such place. These
and many other like reasons force me in
to the beliefthat this is the nearest, best
safest, cheapest, and most practicable rout.
to the mines set opened. II q middle
route IL sought between the Smoky Hill
and Republican along the divide, a glanc'
at any correct map Of that country, will
convince every one that in order to head
the Solomon Fork and Saline. 1t would
be advisable to follow up the north or ess
side of the Republican till you arrive a
or near the first standard parallel, and ther
cross the Republican and follow north
; ward on the divide. heading numerouslit-
tie creeks. which will afford wood and
! water, to Cherry Creek.
These views, which would never be
,, uttered. were 1t not that many individuals
, through self-interest are willing TO tosubjsci
. the travelling public to gross incouven'
lisnces and hardships. are humbly submit
ted. Yours ever. l.
or The vote for or against Constitu
tion, was very meagre, no one seeming 70
} care much about it. The fact is, We have
4 n - II -. a