, 1861-12-25

Its Gold, Silver and other Resources

correspondence of the Chicago Tribunc.]
VIRGINIA CRIT, Nevada Territerg,}
November q, 1861. ! /
People hear Of and talk about Washoe Us be-
ing country rich in mineral deposits. But
very few think Of the extent Of country over
which these mineral deposits extend. In
speaking Of Waaloe, they only associate with
the name few square miles Of rough, noun
tainons country, little thinking they extend
over large portion Of Nevada Territory.
It is true, this portion Of tho country, Or
mining region, has been longer known, and
the mines better developed, than others. Here,
in the District Of Virginia, are some dozens
Of mines opened, aud return handsome in
come 10 their owners; and there are hundreds
Of others inviting the enterprise and capital
to develop them; and when once opsned,
they too will be a source Of wealth that will
richly reward the industry and enterprise that
develop them.
There IL the district Of Silver City-which
comprises some as rich mines as the Territory
affords situated about five miles south Of
Virginia. Silver City, the center Of this dis
trict, is q lour1shiug town Of about ono thou
sand inhabitants. Between Virginia and Sill
ver City lies the thrifty town and rich mining
district Of Gold Hill Herc is directed thou
sands Of dollars of the capital brought into
the territory; thc mines being mostly Of gold
quartz, more quickly reward any invest
| mcnt.
| Down the side Of the mountain to the cast
/ Of us four or five miles, is FIowcry mining
| district, and here, as vel as in the other
| districts already mentioned, are number of
steam quartz mills. The greatest drawback
| to mills in these districts is the scarcity Of
wood, which has to be brought by teams 4
distance Of ten or twelve miles: Yet, unlike
the history Of quartz milling in California,
| q man has but to erect good mill, and he re-
miles farther to the east, furnishes splendid
wafer power, which is appreciated, and Is to
be fully improved. Every foot Of ground
nlong the river has been claimed as mi1l sites,
and there are now in operation snd being
erected nbout fifty Water mi1lsf
DAYTON {forncflF Chinatown) Ia Eftnated or
the river, and il bound to be a tine town from
the fact Of its being the center around whict
Dayton labored hard to induce the Legislature
to locate the capital Of the territory at tha
point. But Carson City had the preference
and believe that 1t is permanently locates
there.
About twent5 miles southeast of Virginia
the district Of Palmyra clainsed By those in
tcrested there, to be rich mining district, AMI
, here, within few weeks, hare been discoV
| cred extensive deposits Of coal, which Will b
| Of great value.
About one hundred miles to the southeas
: is Esmaralda- This, as q mining region,
: | fast. becoming one. Of note, and dourishin
, | towns are sprmginE up within the neishhol
hood Of the best minea. The largest town
that region is the town of AuroTa.
Humboldt, about one hundred and hft
c miles northeast from here, the knowing one
:. begin to look upon Us another r1ch d1str1c
: and the name Of Humboldt is now associate
with 1ich strikes and immense fortunes. BI
: the distance which oil machinery and pro1i:
E ions have to be transported IS a great draV
= back upon TINT country.
" Some twcnty miles northwest Is the lie
B1uff mining district, where there are son
!. very rich mines and having the advantage
. excellent water power, on tue Truckee rlTe
II It is destined TO be Of some importance.
n Galena, fifteen miles west Of here, alreae
- beasts number Of mills, and thriving u
- leec, One hundred quartz mills are in operate
e. OF being erected, aud Of the amount 81 bulGt
D a&Aatis daily turned out, will not risk i CO
ea} E5setqre. 80 qeh-tor the mineral resorrc
~ You viii notice have made Vi,giraiist h
centre Of all this extcnsiEe mining countl
I'll and go may il Heu he, it being the metroPo
he and the highest city or town In tie Ter1itol
AZ 1t is eaid Virginia is the largest city OF
M; attitude: twith: one exception} IN the knQ'
u Nv world, and it now boasts ill the Improvement
to d, modern. cities. During the SUNNI
.psst. Improvements <haye: been prograssi
fapitlY, and I think there is not another
F. 1ard town In America Chicago perhaps,
re 'ecptcd, aEd that has the adyantageof being
~, iniand po,t), that has sprung as rapidly in
[th inportance ~ Virginia. Tie FIRST Ter1ltor
,ss Legislature which has beenin session at cars
l. CITY for the Inst sixty days, adtourns tod