The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1860-07-11
Letter from Prof. Tomlinson.

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SILVER CRY, U. r., May 81, 1860.
Dear Col. II have repeatedly endeav-
ored to avail myself Of leisure hour, to
inform you that have turned my face
eastwardly, and am within the limits of
Utah, though not subject of Mormon ju-
risdiction. The mail is about to leave for
the Atlantic side, therefore am obliged to
be very brief
After remaining in California during the
mild, genial winter, and enjoying the rare
luxuries of earth, (save being permitted to
witness bewitching smile beaming forth
from the possessor of a beautiful pair of
blue eyes.) notwithstanding all that, ma
ture presents to render it truly inviting
West Of the Sieras, none Of them were
sufficient to induce me to remain longer;
but in the early part of April, ] was led to
think, after summing up the many conflict.
ing reports concerning the Washoe mines,
situated on the eastern slope of the Sierra
Nevadas, that it might be well to try my
success once more. And here 7 am, in
the midst Of the most enthusiastic excite
ment, created by an Indian attack made at
Williams station, forty miles east of Car
son city, where seven men were masacreed;
Immediately on receiving the terrfing intel
ligence, one hundred and five armed men
started for Pyramid Lake, to gain redress
by chastising the perpetrators.
Thursday afternoon, MAY 1Oth,) the
volunteers, with Major Orrpsby to COM
mand, left Carson city; after travelling
about 40 miles, they began to find unmis-
taxable evidences that they were on the
aggressors trail, as a number of Indian
blankets, &C., had been dropped inten ton
ally by the way, all Of which should have
been conclusive to the pursuers that stra-
tagem was awaiting them.
Saturday, 4 o'clock, P. NJ, confirmed the
conclusion, when the whites found them
selves in canon, while the damnable red
skins stood on the hill side, directly above
them, holding heavy per centage over
their enemies. Taking the benefit of sage
bush and bolders, behind which they would
secrete themselves to reload. Three to six
Indians are reported to be killed; out of
500 to 700 whites, at least 80 of our men
were killed an1 as many wounded.
The Major fought bravely while he
could, but his strength was soon exhaust
ed after receiving an arrow in his mouth,
Immediately followed by a rifle ball that
sealed his fate One and half hour close
viving men to hasten a retreat, finding
their horses shot from beneath them
: > Many Of the Indians were mounted on su-
perb American horses, apparently we'll
drilled to the business. Some of our re-
turned survivors have found bullet holes in
their hats and coats. think such marks
are strong indication of close call. One
: man had an arrow shot in his arm, but il
, did not penetrate the bone; on its being
extracted, was found in circular shape.
Through the assistance of globe sighted
rifle, the Major discovered some white men
with the Indians-Mormons, of course.
After strenuous efforts to obtain suffi-
cient arms to be we'll prepared for the Sec
ond expedition, week subsequent to the
e battle, there arrived from California one
hundred soldiers; they with a reinforce,
ment of four hundred volunteers contem-
plate setting out again tomorrow. The
t day after the last defeat, great number OF
, faint-hearted, big bodied men took gene
raj stampede for the opposite side of the
mountains.
\ At Genoa, Carson, this city and Virgin
ia, picket guard is constantly kept up
At present business is suspended, but
think in a few days the natives will be sub.
! dued, and all things will resume their for.
! mer business character
About 10, 900 men are on this side, and in
a short time the warlke atmosphere will be-
, come calm and placid, insomuch that the
late puSilanimous stampeders will retrace
,, their steps, and many more who have but
, a vague idea of the real wealth of this
mineral region. 1t is beyond a doubt (ac.
, cording to Spanish authority,) far richer
than the Arizona region. Rich discoveries
are being made every day. The richest
leads thus far discovered are blind, (Com.
, stock is a blind lead, worth five thousand
dollars per foot,) that is lead which is
found by digging down, where nothing ndi-
Gates ore, only an occasional Quartz boulder
on the surface, hence rich leads have been
S found in the highway and trails. The op.
portunities are as good now as last fall Al
Gold Hill, man and rocker will rock out
, in one day on an average $4,000. Ooh!
] Dick Ed
r The Comstock title is in dispute, as il
9 has been relocated twice The present
company have built fertilization, and keep
. at their command sufficient firearms to
: maintain their rights.
Arastras and quartz mills are being
lNi~Ss~o w NJ ooiA iustitL. DouotlSSS VIZ
shall be prepared to manufacture our own
: cash.
e The price of provisions is quite reason
: able. Flour $50, bacon 4Oc, sugar Soc,
beef-steak 25c., butter 81, barley 25@3Oc
per ID. On my arrival here, heard one
man offer another $3.50 for the barley which
he was to feed his four mules night and
morning; in fact, nothing eatable could be
: had for anything less than it's weight in the
indispensable spondulix Board, $12 to
SIG per week; So for lodging.
For the benefit of the ladies who contem-
plate coming to this region, they will please
allow me to inform them that the partition
of the sleeping department is nothirg more
> than chalk line.
: Lumber has been selling for $500 per
; thousand, it is now worth 1925 per thou
sand.
Friend Richardson, wrote you letter
dated Jan. End, from which I have not
heard. I would like to hear from you
when convenient Address, Silver City,
Carson county, U. T. Please give my re-
CARDS to all inquiring foes.
Respectfully yours,
r. B. TOMLINsoN.