The Placer herald., 1863-02-21
From our Esmeralda Correspondent
AURORA, February 9Th. 1868.

AURORA, February 9Th, 1868.
Editors Placer Herald:-Not knowing
,,ha,ber those of the old Placer residents,
who are at present. located here, ever under
take to inform you and your numerous read
ers of the many matters OF interest which
are daily transporting in this isolated region,
and thinking few lines from an old sub
s,rber may be worth corner in your pa
ner. will, with an apology for the liberties
taken with Mr.. Llndley Murrey, endeavor
TO give you some idea Of the now famous
town of Aurora. Walled in as it were 10y
surrounding hills, the town, from an emf
nence, appears to be about twice the size of
Auburn. Here, however, we cannot boast OF
the many handsome family dwellings with
picturesque gardens, which strike the strang
er when first setting foot in your county
seat. But in the way of substantial fire
proof stores, rich gold and silver lodges and
fine quartz mills, Aurora is cassed second to
none this side of 'Jordan." Within the
last two months, two splendid and expensive
mills (Which are particularly worthy of men
tion,) have been erected by capitalists who
see in the not far off future the golden har-
vest to be reaped from their investment.
One built by John d. Winters (of Carson
renowr) at cost of 100000 is now com
pete, and will commence crushing next
week, when the music of its sixteen stamps,
and the shrill note of the steam whistle will
resounl among the hills OF Clayton's
Ranch.
The other, belonging to the "Wide West"
Company, will, when completed, be the larg
est in the district. From the outside it
presents quite handsome appearance, while
the inner department arrests the attention of
the beholder to its massive and finely finish
ed machinery. When these, with the Napa
and Antelope mills, are going in fell blast,
crushing from the new developed lodges,
a silver music will issue from these mountain
regions, and re,echo in the remotest corner
of California Then, the bright visions of
many poor miner, (who has given up the
luxuries Of life to live on quartz and sage
brush) will be realized. Several who came
here "a year or two ago, with their stockin-
trade consisting of peek, shovel and a pair
Of blankets, are now baskng in fortunes
smiles, while others who have not been
quite 50 Fortunate cherish strong hopes Of
soon being able to follow their example.
will not, in these few lines attempt
description of the mines, but will dot down
what think will be more Interestingly a
few items concerning Aurora. The town
takes pride in its fine military company,
which, when on parade. dressed in handsome
uniforms, presents qnite a gay and soldier
like appearance. a fire company is also or
ganizeI a"d soon expect to have their MT
chine aher4v.)b to run Rivals to the latter
touiv in spirit Of competition and enter
lni.e) is tie Emke't Company, who are
ever on the aar; to stiila the raging clement
when or where il should mals lis nppear-
ence. The ladies' ton, not 10 he outdpne Ia
patriotism ut heueVoieure. have esiab i>hrl
a "Laiv Washington" Society, for Obtaining
contributions toward The sanitary fund, and
other charitable PURPOSES. 1t is quite taking
not a take,jn) institution, at least | am SO
informed 10y some caIlanrs who have Obtain
ed admission to their meetings. TO finish
the lis, of ndispensihes, We, or | should
say those, who are on the LIGHT fantastic,
support a dancing school, where the petite
art of TerpSichore is taught, with all the
mountain variations, in Annoy liaLI-at ine
building erected at the expense OF the E>'na'
ralda Rifles. And to enjoy the latter pleas
ure,-as well AS the more profitable depart
ments of business such rs mining, teaming
and hunting mot game but new hedges
never WAS weather more favorable therefor.
cold, bright and frosty mornings and even
ings, with g"nia sunshney days, have So far
with Slight exception) comprised the presl
ent winter. The tri weekly stage from Car
son makes its trips as regular MS at any time
last summer. We will Ito meet the demand
of our go ahead dislrict) soon have daily
mail. The necessity for telegral hlc com.
muncaton with San Francisco has also
attracted the notice Of the monied men Of
this community, and before next Summer is
over this consumation will be made. When
these wants for the rich district of EsmeralI
da are supplied, when in another year or
two the (now to outward appearance of our
barren) hills shall yield forth their millions
of treasure, then will city arise beneath
the snow capped summit of frowning Mount
Braly, second to none in Importance Tex
cepling the great emporium ofthe Bay City,
this side of the great Pacific. Then can
Virginia mot the scene of the late bloody
strite) over whose head towers Mount Davi'
wall lnoly TO tar ln,,rn1c