The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1881-06-29
lester From the Belmont District,

NARYsyILLE, June 20, 1881.
To the River Press:
There have been so many pen and ink
sketches of our town and camp, of late, that
there is but little in regard to either town or
mines about it to be written. Nothing exag-
gerated has appeared in either of the Helena
papers, either in regard to the mines or the
prosperity Of our district. Everybody here
seems c%ontented, satisfied and happy. There
is no rush in any direction, but a steady in
crease, constantly, Of population and in the
working force upon the different mines.
At the head Of the list the Drum Lomond
proves itself better with each days develop
ment. Some Of the best informed men tell
me it is the best mine in the world, and that
It it was not its owner could not pan out the
bullion that pours out of his little five stamp
mill. He seems to be one of the few level
headed, lucky ones. In every outward sense
he is the same Tom Cruise We have always
known. He attends as closely to the details
OF his mining and milling as if he was under
a stringent contract with the Drum Lomond
TO see tnat none Of its interests were neglect
ed, and 1t. would be q difficult matter for any
stranger to recognize him as the owner or
the best mine in the Territory, or see any
difference between lin and any one Of d
dozen men employed about the mine and
mill. lie has been a patient, persevering
prOspect0r, and merits the great reward he
has IN hand.
The Belmont mine runs about as usual, and
can 30 classed among the paying mines. The
ore is not high grade, but regular in its ore
paying, as the monthly returns from the mill
for the year past proves.
The Gloster is receiving much attention,
and improves in its yield steadily. Some of
the incest work in timbering to be seen any
where is in this mine.
The Blue Bird and Albion are doing well,
and Ed. McCrea's new strike, near the Clos
ter, promises most faVorably. The Whippo-
will mill is pounding away, and [ am told the
looks as well as at any time in its his
tory.
There are about 800 men employed in the
district. Everybody gets paid for what is
donee and there is less complaint among all
classes than in any mining camp | have ever
been in on the score Of nothing to do. There
are a few idle men, but they are SO because
IVY = DC. DQo1uCSS AACu SCCA W UE
troubled to keep supplied, and consequently
they have nothing to make a fuss about, ex-
cept their f%reighters, who admit the grass is
good enough to keep their stock fat without
the expense of buying oats.
Ihere IS much prospecting going On, and
hardly q day passes without bringing the us-
supply Of hand quartz mines prominent
" to the fore, each one certain to make the
Of its prospector.
Marysville is growing in log cabins all
around the margin of Jimmy's Flat, which
lat is covered by q placer mining patent
owned BY the owner Of the Drum Lomond,
upon which he grants the right to build for
he consideration Of 1915 for a lot with q
frontage of fifty feet.
The recent arrivals in Benton show that
'ur business men think the route the route by
which to ship their freight. In the course of
mother year this district is certain to become
large contributor to Benton interest in this
inc. EXIT.