The St. Johns herald., 1896-05-23

CaplC211SrS ana New tOrkerS C9sg Eyes
 on the wealth-An old Squaw Told the
 secret-Maybe New Cripple Greek.
 Gold has been discovered in Putnam bounty, N. r., and some of the largest capitalists in that section are said to be interested in the development of the mines.
 It was several years ago that nuggets of gold were first found on the shores of Indian Lake, about 8 mile back from Garrison's. Silver in large quantities was also found, and at that time mui- titude of prospectors were drawn to the spot. Free fights occurred when claims were being staked out, and for weeks a state of anarchy prevailed on the grounds. As in the present rush to Vest chester county, the operators then had no right to take gold from the place. MT. Donahoe, the owner of the land, called upon the authorities for protec- tion, and the jumpers were ejeoted. For years afterward nothing was done to de- velop the mines.
 Capitalists came and offered Donahoe large sums for his tract of mountainous land, but he refused to sell It had been gossiped around the village that Dona- hoe knew where the principal bed of precious ore lay, but he kept his own counsel. An Indian woman had been brought up in the Donahoe family from her childhood, and she it was, the gos- sips said, who imparted the secret to old John Donahoe.
 About five years ago the old man died, and on his deathbed he told his son where the vein was.
 Several months ago the younger Don- ahoe decided to work the mines. He hired laborers and began in systematic manner. He called upon Speaker Fish and explained his situation. John M. Toucey of the Hudson River railroad, Samuel Sloan of the Delaware, Lacka- wanna and Western railroad, Assembly man Louis F. Goodsell of Highland Falls, and a few others were also let into the secret.
 The project of starting big mining company was discussed, but the desire of the majority was to keep the matter 8 secret until it was certain that gold in paying quantities could be dug. In the meantime all the land in the yicin- ity was secured.
 Donahoe still kept his men at work and soon made other discoveries. He found cave which extended fully 500 feet into the heart of the mountain. Chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites of unusual brilliancy made it look like an enchanted place. Lumps of silver ore weighing several pounds were found. Gurgling streams of spring water ran through the center, and on the bottom small nuggets of the pre- cious metal were found. The walls wece also studded with Jumps of silver ore,
 Other chambers of unknown oxtent branched north and south, bEt the lack of good air prevented the explorers from proceeding. Donahoe closed up the mouth of the cave and set his men to work drilling and digging over the spot where his father said the richest vein was concealed.
 There shafts are now being sunk, and the new machinery will soon enliven the surrounding hills.
 Recently half dozen English specu- lators paid the place visit and com menced making soundings. Donahoe's men warned them off, and since then they have lowered around the district. A score of New York mining operators also came prepared to jump claims. A liberal display of six shooters caused their quick departure.
 Donahoe still runs the hotel at Gar rison's, He is excited over his good for tune. He is a single man, not much over 30 years of age.
 When Assemblyman Goodsell was asked about the mine, on his way to AL bany, he was reticent and wondered how the news leaked out He admitted having heard of the gold mines at In dian Lake, and intimated that there were also large quantities of gold in the mountain on the west shore of the Hud- son. He denied owning stock in the mine, but thought it likely that the mil lionaires of the Garrison slope were helping Donahoe. Donahoe says that t ,e quantity of ore so far unearthed will nav for the labor and expense incurred. Ho has several beautiful specimeps or ora ir