Weekly Calaveras chronicle., 1867-11-16
Quartz Excitement.

For the past few weeks there has been
an unusual excitement IN regard to quartz
in this vicinity. The whole region of coun-
try hereabouts is alive with anxious seekers
after "leads," and in most instances the
"voyages of discovery" have been crowned
with success. Every horse, mule or other
quadriped in town, capable of locomotion
with man on its back, is daily brought
into requisi,ion, and has to make wearying
tramp over the hills and gulches. The sound
of the ''pestle' is heard on every hand, and
'horns" of curious kinds, are in great de-
mand. Quartz is the one all absorbing topic
of conversation, everywhere, and among all
classes of people. Our citizens appear to have
at last become aware that we have as good
lodges here as there are in any portion of the
State, which only require developing to DEM
onstrate their richness. The lever which has
proved strong enough to open their eyes and
awaken them from their worse than Rip Van
Wrinkle slumber. is the advent of capitalists
among US. knowing that the development
of our mineral resources was our only fnan-
cial salvation, both as a community and
county, and well aware that nothing couldbe
accomplished without the assistance of mon
ey, we have for years labored 70 attract the
attention of capitalists in this direction, and
prayed and watched for their coming more
anxously than the Jews do the advent of
Messiah. Our supplications have been an
swered, and men who have the means to
make quartz mining profitable business,
are now conducting operations in this vicin-
ity. Its effect has been magical upon the
community. Men who, for years, have
shown no more significant signs OF life than
to stretch themselves and yawn occasionally,
have shaken off their lethargy and are among
the most active in prospecting and locating
claims. New life and vigor seem to have
been infused into every branch of business
and industry, and there is more hustle and
activity visible in the streets of Mokelumne
Hill to- day, than there has been for years.
Inertia is contagious like other diseases.
the longer it continues the more difficult be-
comes its cure. The first check which the
spreading disorder received in this vicinity,
was administered by Alexander, Seavers &
Co. They purchased the old Rich Gulch
claim, and without making any fuss about
it. erected good ten-stamp mill and COM
menced crushing. Our citizens looked on
FL IL A. IL. 81
few months they have paid for their machine
~, all the expenses of working the mine,
and have the snug little sum of $4,000 in
bank. Mokelumne Hill opened its eyes and
wiggled. A short time since it traEspired
that company of capitalists had purchased
an extension of their lead, paying a round
sum for it as it was-totally undeveloped.
Mokelumne Hill shivered with excitement.
Since then every quartz vein within a radius
of five miles of town has been located, and
work commenced in earnest. The company
which purchased the extension of the Rich
Gulch claim-Staples. Norton & Co.,-arc
making preparations for the erection of a
twenty-stamp mill. Just the excitement
which the knowledge that capitalists are 60
ing to assist US has engendered. has made
times lively. The working of the mines in
this locality will necessitate the employment
of large number of hands, and those seek
ing for labor or a chance to invest capital,
should direct their footsteps towards Mokel-
umne Hill.