, 1863-10-31
Letter from Grand Rondo valley.
LA GRANDE. Oct. 25th.

measure the same, and as we are yet too far
behind the times to have a medium for COM
municating with the public of our own, we
are compelled to tax the generosity of our
neighbOrs.
Some Of the citizens both of Walla Walla
and La Grande, have succeeded in inaugu-
rating a state of rivalry between the Valleys
and the Roads connecting them, which is en-
tirely uncalled for With the immense ex-
tent of mining country situated inland from
these valleys our resources will never be able
to supply their demands.
In placing our claims before the public,
as forwarding point for the mines, we wish
to rendar justice to the indomitable energy
of the citizens of Walla Walla, who, notwth-
standing nearly every one acquainted with
the business Of the northern mines, has pre-
dicted that their place would die a natural
death during the present season, have still
succeeded in retaining fair share Of the
forwarding business to the mines.
The citizens of this place, have high an
ticipations for the town as a forwarding point
for Pack Trains to the mines during the
coming season; and even capitalists from the
Dalles and other points on the Columbia,
have at last arrived at the conclusion that
this will be THE place for forwarding in the
spring.
We have at present, eight Mercantile
houses, with capital invested Of about one
hundred thousand dollars besides those who
have merchandise stored in tents and out
houses; and, but for the scarcity Of timber
for building purposes, undoubtedly by this
time there would have been double that
amount invested. We have three Hotels
with superior accommodations, and two Liv-
cry Stables that will compare favorably with
any in the northern country two extensive
Blacksmith shops, and Saddler's shop with
stock sufficient to supply material for re-
pairing all the Pack Rigging on the Boise
Roads, at a small advance on Portland prices.
The facilities for imbibing," are at pres
ent rather limited, but Mr.. w. B. Taylor, of
Hotel celebrity, has just contracted for one of
the best buildings in town, which he intends
to open as a first class Saloon and Restaurant,
with large stock Of choice wines and liquors.
There has been about two thousand tons
of good hay put up in the valley, and alto
gether | think it will prove desirable place
for packers to winter in.
There has been an unusual amount of sick
ness in the valley this season, but thanks to
the skill Of our resident physicians, the
mortality has been very light, and at present
we have every reason to congratulate our
selves upon the health of the valley.
On the Oath inst a daughter Of Mr..
Harding, five years old, was so severely
burned by her clothes taking fire, that DR..
Stockton has some fears that the injuries
may prove fatal
Yesterday, Dr. Peyton was called to visit
one Of Mr.. Chas. Russeps teamsters, near
Lees Encampment, who is supposed to be
very severely injured, by the upsetting of
Wagon.
The shooting afray, in which Mr.. An
drew Morgan was fatally wounded, was be-
fore Justice Black for examination on the
23d inst. Mr. Van Lurvin was discharged
for want of sufficient evidence in the opin-
ion of the Court to convict him for trial.
In connection with the subject, I will state
that Mr. Van Lurvin came to this place at
the time the affair occurred to place himself
under arrest, but did not succeed in conse-
quence of the absence Of the Justice Of the
Peace.
In regard to the different routes to the
mines, ] shall say but little and leave the
travelling public to judge for themselves;
but the time made by Wells, Fargo q Co.'S
express Wagon in the last trip is hard to
beat; the express left Walla Walla at eleven
clock on Wednesday night and arrived at
this place at o'clock, P NJ, on Thursday;
George Holmes, the obliging Messenger, has
an eye to "bic," and brooks no delay at the
stations Travellers between Walla Walla
and the mines will do well to patronize this
line.
Gentlemen, if you doubt the veraoity of
my statements in regard to this valley and
its Surroundings" please come over and
pay us a visit. We will give you good
''grub, " place you in buggy behind friend
Murray's bays, take cock tail at the Iden-
tical, and with single dash around the
valley convince you that we have the most
beautiful valley, the best soil and the pret-
test girls on the Pacific slope, and send you
home GLORIOUS"
Yours. CONsCRIPT.