The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-08-04
MODERN ROBINSON CRUsOE.


A strange story was brought GOWN On
the steamer ALIKE. which arrived here
from, ryea iast Sunday. This Is Tot d
Clcrsyke story, but /, is as interesting as
many o. these told OF the experiences OF
the gold hunters in the new Eldora6o or
the aorth. and shows now varied are TIE
incidents that are woven into the lives OF
those who go into the wilds 70 entice the
precious gold from its secret hiding
places
Eight years ago, there lived here a man
well known in Seattle named James
Campbell He was miner and had seen
something OF the early days ia gold rnin-
ing in California. For some years he had
abandoned the occupation OF mining, but
with the new discoveries in Alaska came
the temptation 10 again seek a fortune
at his old calling Packing an outfit TO
last him year or so. Campbell set sail
for the north and. after rowing about for
some months. found a location on one of
the smaller islands off the Alaskan coast
above Juneau. After prospecting il with
varying success, he returned to Seattle
for a visit.
Campoelfs wife did not share her hus-
bands interest in gold hunting. She pre-
ferred the ease and quiet OF life in the
city and did not care 10 leave the state
Campbell tried in vain 10 induce her 10
accompany him on his return 10 the north,
ana rnally set sail. after spending the
winter here. without her He returned TO
the island. where he lived in q little cabin
ana again set about the task Of locating a
ledge or quart or the island, which was
supposed TO contain much Of the precious
ores.
IN the meantime Mrs. Campbell. weary
ing of her husbands absence and perhaps
psqued at his refusal TO remain at home
and abandon his interests in the north,
brought an action for divorce against him
In the superior court. on the ground II
abandonment. She won her case, the cid
man failing TO appear.
Matters drifted along with Campbell in
his island home and he suffered all the
privations and hardships of the extreme
winters OF the northern CLINE and he
lack of variety in his food. He heard of
MS wlfe's suit for divorce, but determined
to win fortune II there was gold In the
country He remained at work. searching
the islands in the vicinity and often trac-
ing up lodges on the main land. In this
way he spent several years in the north,
MS visits to his home becoming of rarer
occurrence as the years rolled on. He
associated with the Indian tribes inhab-
iting the island where he made his home.
and when some time had elapsed after
his wife's divorce. he took squaw to his
cabin 10 keep house for him. He located
a claim on quartz ledge carrying free
gold. running crosswise through the ISL
and, and sent several samples to this city
and Portland to ne assayed. The returns
were Very favorable so good. indeed.
that Campbell had little difficulty III
eniisting capital to aid him in the de-
velopment OF the claims.
From this time on Campbell prospered.
The lowest assay TO be had from the ledge
was $25 per ton. There was ample harbor
room. and transportation was cheap. He
sent for his son. who had remained here
with the divorced wife, 10 join him. They
both came and are now living on the
island. The squaw. however, still keeps
house for the old prospector.
The ledge has been uncovered a distance
of 5000 feet. running from shore to shore
of the island. The ore. running the entire
distance of the ledge. is uniform in char
acter and assays UP TO 800 in free gold.
There is any quantity of II.
Here Is the amusing part Of the story:
Campbell's first location he named the
Belle This was 1.500 feet along the
ledge. Three other locations have since
been filed on the ledge. taking all of II
from shore to shore. One Is named The
Old Woman the next The Old Man"
and the last ''The Kid" 1t is understood
that Campbells former wife. as we'll as
his son. have share in his good fortune.