Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1861-06-08
From Our Portland Correspondent.

AuS AOA'O"I"S 'SSISA was ASSSA'SN
alter we had gone to press last week:
PORTLAND, Ogn., May %, 1861.
Ed. STANDARD "A few items of local
interest have transpired since my last.
A number of letters were received last
night from the
NEz PERCEs MINES,
giving various accounts Of their rich
ness. I copy from one, from gentle
man with whom I am personally ac-
quainted, and in whose veracity have
the utmost confidence. Having had
some twelve months experience in the
Colvillc mines, I consider him fully
competent to judge of the Ncz Pcrces
diggings. His letter is dated Orc Fino
Gold Mines, May 10, and is written to
friend who intendedto visi: the mines
in case the writer gave him good ac-
count of them. He says:
81 have been in the mines three
weeks, and have prospectcd thoroughly
for several miles round, and find the
prospects very similar, with some en-
ceptions. The average yield to the
pan is about one cent and a half from
the gravel down to the bed rock, which
varies from two to four feet. There is
of stripping, or top earth, from two to
three feet before striking the gravel;
consequently it takes some time to open
claim. Experienced miners say that
after claim is opened, with good
sluice- head of water, from $S to $1Oper
day can bc made. There are claims
here that are paying on an average an
ounce per day to the hand, but they
are supposed to be the best. Those
pans of dirt that yield so largely arc off
the bed rock. l have seen no claim
here that would average over five cents
to the pan. There have been but few
claims opened, owingto the high water
There are no bar diggings herc-all
flats, beds of creeks and gulches; beds
of creeks are all in the future, but it is
thought by most miners that they will
pay. All the creeks, gulches, and flats,
in this vicinity, are taken up, so far as
know, and miners are striking off in
search of new diggings. A party of
100 men intend to start this week up
the south fork of Clearwater, where,
report says, there is any quantity Of
gold. This is the Indian report, COR
roboratcd hy the statement of white
man named Martin, who passed through
that country in 1856, on his way to the
States. He said he prospected with
Indian implements, and got as high as
ten cents to the pan. l have taken a
claim which prospects from nothing up
to ten cents; but have but little dirt,
and cannot tell but little about the pros
pect, as my main dependence is in the
creek, which cannot be prospectcd un-
til the water falls, when 1 intend to
flume the creek. I think have given
YOU correct account of the mines, and
YOU must act on your own Judgment
about coming. II were in the valley
making four dollars per day, would
stay there. Flour is selling here at
$50 per hundred; bacon, 40c per tb;
beef, IL to 15c: beans, 40c; potatoes,
2Oc; common boots, $12; India-rubber
boots, 500; coffee, SOC; sugar, Orleans,
soc; China do, 30 to 40c. ...p.t
"There are about 1850 miners here,
and I understand there are great many
on their way hither. Some have be-
come disguised with the mines and left.
Traders here are doing we'll. A great
amount of goods is being sold, and ut
large profits. Mr. will leave for
your city tomorrow. He " i'll give you
much more favorable account of the
mines than have done. I think he
overrates them"
Other writers give more favorable
accounts, but think none of them are
entitled to more credit than the one
quoted. ...Iy.
Tracy & Co. brought down about
800 ounces of dust last night. Besides
this, there were small amounts brought
down by private hands. 15,a' noldJ
CELEBRATION OF THE FOURTH OF JULY.
Our citizens have already made pre-
liminary arrangements for having q
grand old-fashiOnad celebration here
on the 4th Of July. A large meeting
was held at the Council Room on Sat
urday night, when several committees
were appointed, who are authorized to
make all necessary arrangements. A
resolution was passed by the meeting
cordially inviting tho citizens of Wash
ington Territory to join with them in
celebrating the natal day Of our nations
independence. The spirit Of patriot
ism is alive in the hearts of the people
of Portland inst now, and I predict .
more glorious celebration than will be
had here on the 4th of July next will