, 1861-04-05
Letters from WaIIa WaIIa.
WALLA WALLA, March 18th, Is

WALLA WALLAi March 18th, 1851.
DbAR LODGE;
arrived here last evening, after journey Of four
and half days from the Dalles. l had intended to
have written you full description Of the route, but
l have to say into as few words as possible.
would advise any one wishing " come this way by
land to make arrangements for camping out and not
to depend upon the stopping houses on the road. 1t
amounts to the same thing, as far as comfort is
oerned or II there is any difference, 1t is in favor Of
camping. The accommodations that are TO be had
6e OF the most primitive kind and the prices charged
are enormous. The grass along the road is, even at
this early season, most excellent and should judge
from the appearance OF the stock that II has been
all winter. All the cattle are fat really fat aud the
beef Is as good as any ever eaten.
The news IRON the Nez Perces mines Is of the most
encouraging character. The people here are true be-
levers in the richness and extent Of the gold bearing
country, and many have gone up already this spring
As ] want TO raise no excitement and intend 70 look
dspassionatey at the question, will avoid retailing
any and all rumors and state nothing but what are
facts.
Last evening, on my arrival, saw Mr.. Smith, for
mer Representative from this county; who has winter
cd in the mines, and just returned from there. He
brings down thirty ounces Of dust which he dug after
removing two feet Of snow. According to his ac-
count, the pay dirt begins about foot from the
face and Is from five to ten feet deep. The bed rock
is rotten quartz, and contains gold in paying quant
ties 10 the depth Of eight inches. The appearance Of
the country he represents as being very similar to the
gold bearing regions of California-the sugar pine
largest prospect he has raised He puts the mines
down as ten dollar dggings. Another man whom
have not seen, has arrived, with some dust. What
quantity he has brought in don't know Mr. Smith
thinks there is room enough for several thousand min
ers.
The distance from here 10 the mines is about hun
dred and seventy miles good wagon road when there
Is no snow, 10 within q few miles of them.
will try and get little Of the gold from one OF the
gentlemen whom have spoken Of, and enclose it to
you.
] shall take fresh horse here tomorrow and push
on for CHg's. In the Nez Perces country take q re-
mount then, and go-not exactly as far as the devil
went into the mountains-but as far as can go for
snow with horses, then over on foot to the mines.
Capt. Robie will accompany me- want to settle the
thing in my own mind beyond all manner of doubt,
then will freely give my opinion TO friends at
home, and they can take 1t for what it is worth.
shall ride like an express man, and make the Jour.
ney in the shortest time possible horses being no OBJ
ject--my friends having any quantity Of them, and
ready to bestow them TO me. You may expect me
back In about ten days after you receive this when
will give you full and true account Of what have
seen.
Enclosed is a small piece of retoTted gold that GER
tainly dug in the Nez Perces mines. The speci-
mems have been "hired" to send below. Mr.. Smiths
largest specimens, l believe, weighed about eighty
cents
NISOTTAIJFY