Weekly Trinity journal., 1874-03-28
LETTER FROM IDAHO.
LEWISTON, IDAHO, March l9, IA

DEAR JOURNAL 1T may be possible
that line from this far-of region would
be interesting to some of your readers,
especially rs there are some of Trinity's
former early inhabitants here and at To-
calties not far distant.
Lewiston, in the halcyon days of '62,
contained from 1900 to 5000 inhabitants
as what was known as the Salmon Riv-
er excitement varied in intensity but
as the placer mines have gradually de-
creased in productiveness the population
Of the town decreased correspondingly
until some three years ago. During that
time the fact gradually dawned upon us
that we were in possession of ono of the
best grazing and agricultural countries
anywhere to be found. Mild climate, soil
rich and boundess in extent, ard mex
haustible meadows of the most nutritious
grasses. The consequence is that the
country is now settling up with perma-
nent inhabitants, farmers and stock men.
Two years ago last Fall, there was but
one settler between Lewiston and the
Spokane rivera distance of about one
hundred miles-where there are now at
least five hundred along the main travel
ed route alone, supplied with post roads,
postoffices, churches, school houses, So
cieties and schools, and already assuming
a character of permanence and comfort.
North Idaho and eastern Washington
bid fair to become the rivals of Califor-
MIA MS grain-growing countries - their
not being subject to that drouth which
sometimes visits the agricultural districts
of California, being more than an offset
for their great distance from market.
Sheep have been tried with marked sue
cess, as also cattle and horses. Under
these encouraging circumstances Lewis
ton is again inspired with new energy,
and permanent improvements are under
way and in contemplation. The most
enterprising Of its business men have al
ready formed joint stock company and
are constructing an extensive race for
water power for milling purposes. Con-
sidering that Lewiston is situated at the
head of navigation on this branch of the
Columbia, in the midst of the most fertile
agricultural county, which must ever be
tributary to it, the center of trade for as
many as five or six mining camps of
more or less importance, and blessed
with a mild and heathful climate, it
seems to me her future prosperity cannot
be doubtful.
John Clark, whom all old Trinity peo-
pie know is located here, in the practice
Of law. He is good lawyer and rapidly
working into lucrative practice and the
confidence of the people. l presume he
is settled here for life, as he is married
and has four children-not his own, how
ever; he married widow-but he ap-
pears as much domcsticated and content
ed as though he had married at twenty
one.
George Pamy, we'll known on Lower
Trinity, is also here. He followed pack
ing up TO about a year ago, since when
he has served term as City Marshall,
and at present is unemployed. George is
hearty and rugged and seems to be as
happy as anybody l know.
Louis Small is near Orc Fino, mining.
The world seems to treat him like some
of the rest of us old Trinity folks-a little
shabbily. Loui begins to look q little
old and gray, also like the balance of us,
though when l saw him last, some three
years since, he was able to crack his dry
joke about as we'll as ever.
Durkee is on the Walla Walla road
to Boise City, keeping way station. l
hear of him occasionally, and that he still
tells the old stories of his terrible adven-
lures at Burnt Ranch, fighting, bleeding,
dying, etc., defending himself against the
Mad River Indians and protecting his
hair.
Uncle John Wood and family are at
Slate Creek, on Salmon River, about 100
miles from Lewiston, keeping hotel.
Many of your readers will rememb Der him
as he was in the same business at New
River, in your county, some fifteen years
ago. Harry Mason, another old Trini-
tartan, is also on Salmon River, running
a trading post. Harry is married. also.
HO