Bozeman avant courier. [volume] (Bozeman, Mont.) 1872-1882, 1872-08-22

On Wednesday last, in company with Col.
Chestnut and Maj. Bowen. we made visit To
Col. Chesnut's coal mines. The mines ale To-
Gated about seven miles northwest OF Bozeman
in Bozeman Pass. They are of easy access
via Fort Ellis, over good road, which Is to
be materially improved during the fall by
making it more direct in its course and avoid
Ing the present numerous crossings of tile
beautiful stream that smeanders through the
canyon. Bozeman Pass is one of the most
remarkable In the Rocky Mountains, being
almost as level as our own lovely valley the
road running through it is thickly studded
with timber and skirted on either side by
towering mountains decked with magnifi-
sent scenery and presenting views of the
most picturesque nature. Thesurvey of the
Northern Pacific Railroad was made through
this pass. and no grading scarcely will be
required in its passage. We are free to say
that it is not only the most practicable route
Tor the road to enter this valley, but that no
pass, relatively speaking, on the whole line
of the road will present as few obstaclee as
the Bozeman Pass.
Col. Chesnut's coal mines are situate about
three miles from the mouth of the canyon,
going north, on the West side of the creek.
The Colone. has erected near his mines a
comfortable cabin, where we stopped and
refreshed ourselves with a sumptous andex-
cellent lunch provided by the thoughtful
Colonel. After which we were conducted to
the mouth OF the tunnel, and being provided
with can les. proceeded toexplore the mines,
We were astOnished in the first place to find
the mines SO well developed. The tunnel is
well aud securely timbered, and runs in a
direct line about two hundred and twenty
five feet, where a fine vein of what we would
call No. / stone coal meets the eye. The
vein appeared to be about fifteen feet wide,
and its extent can only be determined by the
energy of Col. Chestnut in its fntur develop
ment. Both above and below the developed
vein are fine groupings, indicating the exist
ence of other equally rich and extensive
veins. Col. Chestnut has tested the lower one
by running branch tunnel in that direction.
and in seventv-fiye feet has struck twelve
loot vein, converging toward the more fully
developed lead; he also struck an eighteen
inch vein OF what appears to be fire or potter's
clay.
The mines are now in shape to commence
taking OUT any amount of coal, which we
presume will be done as soon as the demand
will justify it. Col. Chestnut informed us
that he will at anyrate take out a large
amount during the winter. The coal has
been practically tested by the blacksmiths
and others of our town and pronounced of a
superior quality. As the railroad survey
runs Immediately past the mouth of the
mines, the construction of the road will af-
ford an ample demand for all the coal that
can be taken out, and it appeared to us as If
the whole mountains was mass of coal.
We learn that Majors. Bowen and Pease
have beco me interested with oil. ChesEut
in the mines. which is guarantee that no
means will be spared i'll their development
when the proper time arrives. We regard
the property as the most permanent and val
liable OF any mineral possessions We have
yet seen in the Territory, aud congratulate
the lucky owners on their valuable acqusi-
ton and our people on having this natural
source of wealth In our midst. "