, 1862-01-25
Letter from Orc Fino.

Ono FNO, Dec. 80 1861.
MEssRs. EDITORs-I have seen a copy Of your
iirst ISSUE Comparing it with other journals, it
certainly makes a favorable appearance and I
see the people of Walla Walla eyince their ap-
probation Of the establishment of such paper in
their midst by extending TO it liberal patronage.
shall take an active interest in extending its cir
cuatOn among the business men and miners in
this locality, for we even feel gratfed at having
paper, presenting So fine an appearance and so
well filed with the news Of the day, published so
near us; and l hope soon to see it become the
general favorite among newspapers with all classes
in the upper country. Being published much
nearer to the mining districts than any other
journal, it is but reasonable to suppose that we
can get it oftener and more regularly than those
printed at a greater distance. There is but one
obstacle in the way Of extending your circulation
in the mines, and that is the absence of good
mail route; but | hope this will be remedied by
its establishment in the spring, both to this place
and to the Salmon river Mines
Everything in this particular locality is very
quiet-in fact, extremely dull. For some time
past the weather has been nclement and very dis
agreeable. Considerable snow has fallen during
the winter, and there have been frequent thaws,
making it very bad under foot. Until quite re-
Gently, we have had no severely cold weather.
the thermometer standing at five degrees below
Zero Mining operations are generally suspended
until the opening Of spring.
The Salmon river fever don't seem to abate any
in this region, Notwithstanding the unfavorable
weather, which renders travelling very unpleas
ant Undertaking at this season Of the year. Not
only this. but persons going now are under the
necessity OF carrying on their backs all the blank
cts, provisions, and other equipments necessary
for such a trip Success TO them all" for if any
person is deserving of remuneration for his labor
it is certainly the honest miner, who has more
than his Share OF the toll, hardship and exposure
to undergo; yet there is a peculiar excitement
which urges him on, and he never seems happier
than when in pursuit Of the golden treasure that
glltters in his imagination.
There are but few miners left here at present,
and presume the majority Of them will be off
for Salmon as soon as they can conveniently, or
at least early in the spring. As a matter of course
this speedy depopulation Of miners leaves the
merchants remaining here in quandary to know
the future prospects Of this mining locality. l
anticipate the latter part of next summer will be
better lor the trader than the last, however dull
it may be until late in the spring. for 1t is not
probable that the Salmon river diggings will fur
nish employment for all who are going to seek
their fortunes in that vicinity, even though our
most sanguine hopes are realized.
A ball was given in Pierce City on Christmas
eve, which passed off quite pleasantly until Old
Bourbon and Champagne became master Of the
room. OF course the natural result was the evac-
uation of the main spirit Of the party. Another
will be given on New Years eve, when | trust
neither Of those gentlemen who occupy a very
prominent position in society, will be present.
Mr.. -, of the news depot has rendered him