Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-12-13

PORTER
Mr.. Charles T. JohnsJn, an old miner
and prospector. arrived in Denver late
last evening from the South and is stop
ping at Charplot's. A reporter Of the
News called upon him and in the course
of conversation elected from him most
remarkable story of adventures with the
Indians and discoveries Of marvellous
wealth, which will have an important
bearing spon the future Of Arizona and
the States bordering upon it. Mr.. john
son said: s.You may remember that some
two years ago two young men OF an ad-
yenturesome spirit. named Merrick and
Matthews, started from q ranch Of tine
formers father, situated on the lower San
Juan, in quest of some fabulous deposits
of gold said to exist on the border OF the
Indian reservation some hundred miles
distant. Being thoroughly mounted anu
armed and prepared for any emergencies
they started full of hope to investigate the
truth of the legends which had been cur
rent among the Navajos for long time.
After a weary journey lasting some weeks.
during which they crossed succession OF
barren plains. but by numerous deep can
yons, eventually reaching the mountains
of which they were in quest. Alter sew
eral days. wandering. during which they
met with frequent signs Of Indians. they
came upon rude sort OF forge or furnace
bearing evidences OF having been at one
time ia active use in fabricating some
kind OF metal; this from evidences found
in the neighborhood. they soon discovered
to be gold, and in fact, piece Of the pre-
cious metal of considerable size was found
which had been subjected to the action
of fire and partially hammered into
shape. In the vicinity they also pick
ed up nuggets of large size. While
looking tor the ledge from which
this float had come. they were sur
prised one day by the Indians, who came
upon them In considerable force, and be-
fore ther could make any attempt to de-
fend themselves poor Merrick was killed.
His companion, after enduring incredible
hardships, escaped from the country and
made his way back to the home of Mer-
rick's parents, carrying the mournful news
of his fate, but also bearing tangible evil
dence of the wealth of the country in a
small bag of nuggets of surprising rich
ness. The matter OF finding the source
of this auriferOus wealth remained in
allowance until early the past summer.
when party of 80 miners, brave and
hardy men, thoroughly Injured to the hard
ships of a new country, one Of which |
was once, started to retrace the route Of
the Inflated Merrick and find the immense
deposit which it was certain existed there.
After two weeks of forced march during
which many detours had to be made to
avoid the gaping chasms with which the
plains were scanned, they reached the
Treasure mountains. Cautiously at first
they began their search, but not meeting
any Indians they soon divided up into
small parties, and made q somewhat
thorough investigation of the country. but
for long time without success. One day
| became separated from the party to
which was attached, and found myself
in forest OF fallen timber through which
it was impossible to ride. Fastening my
horse to a large trunk, and noting partic-
ularly the surroundings started in search
of my companions. had not gone far
when, stepping upon some loose brush,
suddenly found myself falling down what
seemed an inclined plane. How far |
went know not. but upon reaching the
bottom / discovered myself in sort of
cave. which l soon ascertained was the I'm
foreground workings OF mine. My fright
soon gave way to my prospecting instincts.
especially as 1 found was none the worse
for the fall, and lighted candle. which,
fortunately, had brought with me. Two
galleries led from the bottom OF the shaft
and taking the one the least incumbered
with debris had penetrated perhaps some
fifty feet when found was in vain OF
pure white quartz. richly scanned with a
shining metal mineral. which knew at
once was gold, but in thicker and richer
streaks than had ever before known in
the history of gold mining. All around
me shone the precious metal, and it is no
exaggeration to say that millions were in
sight in every direction. In my excite
ment and elation at the importance of the
discovery l had made, lost all idea OF
time, but as matter of fact had spent
a number of hours in the tunnel before
realized thoroughly my position. and it
flashed, upon my mind that unless some
means of getting out of my cave of riches
was found. should perish in the midst
of inexhaustable wealth like the miser OF
old. MY candle had become exhausted.
and cropping my way back TO the foot OF
the Shalt essayed in vain to climb its
precipitous sides, with but little hopes oil
its being of any avail. began shouting
at the top of my voice until was hoarse
Suddenly heard an answering cry, and
pretty soon felt rather than saw cord
or rope touching me on the face. Grasp.
ing this tightly, / felt myself raised quick
ly TO the surface, and was landed in the
midst of nv companions. 1t seems tina,
shortly after had become separated from
them they had missed me, and, ever fear
full of Indians. had began a cautious. bu
thorough search of the neighborhood
led on by occasional prints made BY
the hoofs of my horse. These had en-
abled them to find my faithful animal
standing where l had left him. which
was not far from the shaft. They hat
examined almost every foot of ground
calling frequently. and had almost giver
up the search when they heard my voice
1t was some time before they realized my
position. but finding the mouth of tn.
shaft. they had fastened several lariat rope!
together and lowered them to me, thu,
enabling me to make my escape. w,
all camped at the spot that night, and The
next several were lowered into the shaft
when it was found that description die
not begin to picture the enormous wealth