The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1865-11-22


ducemcnts than others. The time was when
many supposed Gregory, Central City and
Nevada we're the only mining sections in
Colorado that would pay to work, but that idea
has long since exploded. In nearly all Of the
districts named, are equally a. extensive
mining establishments in operation. or in pro-
cess OF erection, as in those last named -
Every one who engaged in mining operations
in those days, located at one Of those points
Hence, wood, very important item, especially
for steam power, has been wholly consumed
within those territories. This compels the
operators within those districts to construct a
Railroad to the coal beds of the valley, at an
enormous cost, to obtain fuel for future opera
tons. In any other one Of the mining districts
is an abundance Of wood, water and pasturage.
and in several Of them are sui 'erior water.
powers, sufficient to drive any amount of
machinery. The streams known as the North
Boulder, Middle Boulder, South Boulder and
South Clear Creek, are sniailing fountains,
flowing from the Snowy Range. Nearly all OF
these districts have also another big advantage
over the other three. on the ground OF being
far more accessible, costing much less to build
good, feasible roads among the mines. Idwcll
upon the above facts more at length than
otherwise should. were it not that great many
are still laboring under the erroneous idea that
Gregory, Central, Nevada and Russell's
Clutches are the most important and richest
portions Of the mines of Colorado, whereas,
the facts, on an investigation by competent
judges, prove to the contrary. Neither do
wish to detract from the gulches in QUESTION,
but simply to present the facts as they appear
l feel that am fully prepared to judge in this
matter, after three years Of untiring scientific
investigation throughout all the districts above
mentioned, in connection with the most scien-
tic and experienced men who have visited
these mines since their discovery in 1855
And furthermore, having long since disposed
Of all my interests in the mines, my sole object
is to set the public right as to the facts.
might add, also, that all the gentlemen com
posing the "James MacGregor Expedition"
as you term it, are not only pleased, but, with
Dr.. GARDENER. they are prepared to say that
they are more than satisfied Of the untold
wealth Of her mines; not only in gold. but also
silver, iron. copper, lead, coal and oil, all Of
which abound in greater abundance than in
any known portion Of the world.
Our tour, thus far. has been one of real
pleasure and interest. aside from the military
restrictions on our passage across the plains,
and a slight illness OF two Of our party on
arriving in the mines, which was probably
caused by too free use Of the alkali water on
the plains, which We did not seem to realize
until We arrived at our journeys end. The
main object of our mission to these mines, was
to investigate them carefully and impartially
which ot.;oet h.~s~ f.i6ll0d 80 IL.. letter;
and, with our eastern friends, we are constrain,
ed to say that We are immeasurably astonished
at the actual results We will leave the re.
mainder of the facts for the history of 1866 to
record. and give our permission to every one
who wishes to make profitable investments, to
take the same course that we have. Only
"SSSS"sS iOE ourselves uuu We Will guar
antee the result to doubly reward you for your
expenditure Of time and mon-y.
We shall start for home in few days if the
redskn "pets" Of our government will give us
permission. For some weeks past we have
contemplated the pleasure Of returning by way
of the newly established Smoky Hill, Overland
Coach Line. but the renewed hostilties Of the
different tribes Of Indians, if not checked in
some more effective way than any yet adopted
BY our government, We are probably elected to
spend the winter, not in Washington, D. c.,
but Central City, Colorado Territory, or have
our scalps lifted in attempting to run the
gauntlet. Unfortunately for our party, at least
those Of US who expect to return to the States
this fall, we are not skilled in the art Of war
therefore, perhaps we are unnecessarily eau.
tious. None Of US seem to have any particular
anxiety to test our courage in a combat with
the red hounds Of the plains.
Hoping to have the pleasure of seeing your
cheerful countcnances soon. remain,
Yours, as ever,
J. S. HOW'LL.