davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-07
A TALE oE BAD LUCK.
Gen. Cerro Gordo Willinms' Experi
ence in pike Fishing.

Gen. Ccrro Gordo Willinms' Experi-
ence in pike Fishing.
Several of us were ut Kanawha Falls
enjoying the black bass fishing, which
at that time was very good. In the
party, or rather he came after we had
arrived, was old Cerro Gordo Williams,
OF Kentucky. There was an angler to
please the shade of old Izaak Walton
himself. The general was not one of
the kind who makes an occasional trip
in the summer time. He was at it
at all seasons of the year, had been to
Maine, Canada, Florida and the lakes
in the northwest, to say nothing of
his experienced in ocean fishing. One
day at the falls his luck had been bad,
and after fishing over at the old mill
for three or four hours without even
a bite, he came to the hotel and joined
the group on the porch. After little
bantering, he said:
"Well, never get disappointed when
the fish won't bite. 1t is unphilosoph-
ical and unsportsmanlike. l was in
Kentucky one spring, or rather one
summer, as it was in June, and word
came to me that there was some fine
pike fishing in the Killilinnick, stream
that enters the Ohio about 100 miles
above Cincinnati. Now there is no bet
ter fishing than pike fishing, They're
game and big, and that stream was
at one time filled with this noble fish.
Three or four of us packed up and
drove over on Sunday, and fixed every
thing ready for full weeks sport. On
Monday we tried one or two of the
pools, but without a bit of luck. We
didn't complain. On Tuesday we took
another shy after going down the
stream five or six miles. But a few
little, measly perch was the net result
of that days work. Then we went up
stream few miles. far enough to tire
us out pretty thoroughly, when we got
home that night, without single thing
to show except lot of sunburned faces,
for the weather was growing hotter
and hotter, and our accommodations
were none of the best. We thought we
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-07

thusiasm for wealth to the rich locali-
ties almost within the arctic circle will
find themselves poorly equipped to cope
with the chilliness of below-zero
temperature. How many may succumb
to the hardships they must necessarily
undergo in their le9p after goldl And
this applies to any route that may be
selected by the adventurous spirits who
are rushing in quest of fortune. There
is said to be great difference between
the climate of the coast and that of the
interior of this land of gold. In winter
there is extreme cold. while in the
short summer the heat is intense. One
of the prospectors, writing recently
from Dawson City, has told the world
that the dreaded mosquito finds home
there, and that he is "our worst
enemy"
The landing place by the Yukon river
route is St. Michaeps, about 60 miles
from the mouth of the Yukon. From
this point, before the gold fields are
reached, it is necessary to plow the
waters of this great river for distance
of 1890 miles. leaving behind the terri
tory of the United States as the des-
tination is neared. To reach Dawson
City, states a recent writer, "one must
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-07

Days Sailing from seattle-Mon-
Total distance in miles by st. MI E,s
TStal Shaeii distanee rEHse in miles by chiKat '
Total days required for journey by, -,
Total days required % for journey by - "
Chilkat Pass ......................... SO
The dominion government at Otta-
wa. Ont. is now considering means to
preserve to Canadians the lions share
of the profits which will flow from the
northern Edorado, but it is highly
improbable that there is any founda-
ton for the report that the exclusion
of all but British subjects is under con-
temptation. What the government
probably will do is to impose a royalty
on all ore taken from the soil.
1t is assumed that there does not ex-
list the slightest doubt as to the Klon-
dyke region being well within Canadian
territory. Although it is only within
the last few months that the Yukon dis
trict has sprung into notoriety, the
Canadian government surveyors have
been there for many years. In 1887 an
expedition was sent by the interior de-
partment to explore that part of the
northwest territories drained by the
Yukon river. The expedition was un-
der the charge of DR.. George M. Daw-
son. now director of the Dominion
Geological survey, and of Mr.. William
Ogilvie, who had had previous expert
ence in exploring and surveying the
northwest. Their chief task was to
mark out the one hundred and forty-frst
meridian of longitude, which is desig-
mated by treaty as the boundary line
between the United States and Canada
from Mount st. Elias to the Arctic
ocean. Mr.. Ogilvie determined, by a
series of lunar observations, the point
at which the Yukon river is intersected
by the one hundred and forty-frst
meridian. and marked the same on the
ground. He also determined where the
boundary line crosses Forty-Mile creek,
the western affluent of the Yukon in
the gold-bearing district. The Canadian
surveyors reported at the time that 'in
proximity to the boundary line there ex-
listed extensive and valuable placer
Mines" and in view of this fact they
made their observations with special
care. The United States government
was invited to make joint survey. and
the invitation has been repeated since,
but up to this time there has been nc
disposition to take advantage of it.
The boundary, according to the sur
7eyors, crosses Forty-Mile creek 20
miles west of the point where 1t flows
\ into the Yukon. Fort Cudahy, which is
situated at the confluence of the Yukon
and Forty-Mile creek, is, therefore. con-
siderably within the Canadian side OF
the boundary. The Klondyke river flows
into the Yukon from the east, so miles
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-07

The Eldorado is tho richest mine of
them all. 1t has 10 claims, said to be
worth 100000 each. The total wealth
OF the Eldorado, Bonanza, Baer and Gold
Bottom mines is estimated at $60, 0,0O0,-
900. Lots are selling ut Dawson City,
at the mouth of the Klondylte, for ST, 900
and upward. Across the boundary in
Alaska there are many mines in opera
ton, and the entire region northwest to
Forty-Mile creek contains a great deal
of the yellow metal.
The wages paid to miners in the Klon-
dyke district arc SIS day. Workers in
the sawmill of Joseph Ladue, who
claims to own the entire Dawson City
site, are paid ten dollars day.
Prices in the latter place are fairly
representative of the amounts charged
for provisions and articles of wear, and
the following list will give interesting
information on this subject. These
were the ruling prices when the miners
left Dawson City to return with their
immense wealth and entrance their
neighbors with the recital of the story
Al.
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-07

had been misinformed, but we stayed
Fridays experiences were to be but
repetition of those we had had during
the other days.
"'Pretty tough luck, boys said to
them on Saturday morning, "but We'll
try the thing once more, and if we have
no luck to-day we will go home to-mor-
row and say nothing
Saturday morning we went to one of
the best holes in fhe creek. We were
there bright and early, and we fshed,
and fished and fished. l don't believe
there was pike within 10000, 900 miles
of the creek, judging by our luck.
Along toward midday there ambled
down to the hole one of the typical
eastern Kentuckians-long, gaunt, sal
low and shiftless. He mosied down
through the sand bar without a word
until he had taken in the situation.
"'How dye he said.
"'Any pike in this blasted creek?' 1
inquired.
~ dunno. Thar's some here sum-
times an a'gin there amt. Do you uns
he, as he pointed at lot of dead sinners
rotting in the sun.
"'No. Help YOURSELF said.
"Then he unlimbered his tackle. He
had hickory Sapling with an old trot
line wound around and around, and
pom my word, he had a hook on the
end that country blacksmith had
made for him out of a piece of old
scrap steel. 1t was about three or four
inches long and proportionately thick.
On this he stuck an old sinner that
must have smelt, as it had been in
the sun long enough. Then he made
his cast, and the old pole and line
whirled through the air with swish.
But he didn't sit down, for he didn't
have to. It's the Gospel truth that in
less than ten minutes that old native
pulled out the finest pike 1 ever saw
| in my life and shambled over the sand
bar with the fish over his back and
then through the willows.
"'Well, I'll be hanged!' was about
all our crowd could say. Let's go
home And we did. From that time
never kicked at my luck.".--Detroit
Free Press.
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-07
YUKON GOLD FIELDS.
Events Which Led Up to the Pros
ent Boom
The Route 10 KIondyke-HnrdSh ips
60 tie Observation-Disclosures
Figures ms TO Distances
Cost of Living.

The excitement caused by the dis
coveries of gold in large quantitiesalong
the KloudyNe river and the waters trib-
utary to it, near the Alaskan boundary,
has aroused spirit of wealth-hunting
which viii not be allayed for many
day. Determination to become pos
sessed of the riches of the cold and
dreary Yukon basin has impelled thou
sands to go forth, in many instances
with very imperfect preparation, to Sc
cure the yellow metal, which, it is
known, this region so largely conceals.
The gold fever has taken such hold
along the Pacific coast that breathless
haste to reach this new land of promise
has dominated all considerations of pru-
dence and even of safety. The tales
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-07

told by miners returned from the klon-
dyke fittingly rival the stories of Cali
fornia's golden period.
AS far back as 1860 deposit of gold
was found in the basin of the Yukon by
a prospector named George Holt He
also reported the finding of coarse
specimens along the Hootalinqua river.
But it was the discovery of gold near
sitka in 1878, followed by the finds in
the vicinity of Juneau in 1880, that drew
attention to the possibilities of the
newly-acquired territory of Alaska as
a gold-producing country. The great
abundance of gold was first made known
by Joseph Juneau, who prospected in
the region around the city bearing his
name. In 1885 mining prospectors be-
gan to scatter themselves along the
Rivers Pelly and Hootalinqua, and in
the year following much mention was
made of the Stewart river as field for
the enterprising gold hunter. Rich
strikes were made in 1892 by prospec
tors along Miller creek, tributary of
Sixty Mile creek. The progress made i'll
fuding gold along the Alaskan and
British Columbian rivers, although Civ
ing high promise of future discoveries
OF gold, was not followed by anything
which created widespread adventur-
Gus spirit among people who were out
side the mining region.
The Klondyke and it's aptly named
golden tributaries, the Bonanza and the
Eldorado, have again turned the heads
of Americans and Canadians, starting
them in pursuit of the metal which has
been described as bright and yellow,
hard and cold, heavy to get. and light
to hold"
The reports from this locality of
riches would indicate that the gold
diggers have comported themselves in
such an uneXampied manner in times
OF great excitement as to somewhat
revolutionize the traditions of gold
mine prospecting. Systematically and
orderly did they go about their work,
and when the harvest was reached each
one appears to have rested content with
the measure of his luck.
Encouraged by their tales of success,
thousands of others are crowding the
outgoing steamers in the hope that sim
liar good fortune may be awaiting
them. So dazzling appears the prospect
that distance and hardships are INSULT
ciently measured, and the long wintry
Alaskan day which will have dawned
upon the fortune seekers before they
reach their intended destination has, it
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-07

traverse icy plains, climb steep, snow
clad mountains, and invade treacherous
rivers"
In the shorter route, by way of
Juneau, on the southeastern part of the,
Alaskan territory, difficulties are also
encountered. When the Pacific inlets
and straits have been left behind and
the vessel enters the harbor of Juneau
a diversified method of travel lies before
the gold hunter. 1t takes 90 days to
reach here from Seattle. Then Dyea,
at the extremity of the Lynn canal, is
made. This town reached, the great
passes of the Chilkoot, Chilkat, and
Moore, with their frequent snowstorms,
next invite the weary traveller to con-
tinue his journey. This is not path of
roses he is about to tread.
To save themselves when caught in
the terrible storms which overtake
wanderers in these passes above the
Lynn canal, men have been known to
crawl under some overhanging rock
and remain there without food until
the danger was past. The storms some
times last for several days. From
Juneau to Dyea is 100 miles. Crossing
the Alaskan line one goes to Lake Lin
derman. 80 miles. on foot. Then across
the lake for about five miles, after
which an overland journey to the head
waters of Lake Bennett, 2S miles long;
on foot again to the Cariboo river; four
miles to Tagish lake, from whence 81
miles may be travelled on boat. Con-
tinuing through a mountainous coun-
try, Mud lake is reached; thence to
White Horse rapids, and on to Lake La
Barge, where 81 miles of navigable wa
ter is found. After further journey
of 200 miles along the Lewis river the
the Yukon is reached at Fort Selkirk.
From Juneau to Dawson is dis
tsnce of $50 miles. The following ad-
vice has been offered to parties intend
ing TO take this route 10 the gold
creeks: mo one should venture with
out eight months provisions. and these
should be bought at Juneau. He should
have 400 pounds of flour, 100 pounds
of beans, 100 pounds of bacon, 100
pounds of sugar, 10 pounds of tea, 80
pounds of coffee, $50 pounds of mixed
fruit, besides salt. pepper. and cooking
utensils. All these can be bo"ght for
the sum of 500. To convey them to the
head waters of Lake Lnderman would
cost SIS per hundred" A month of
perilous travel is ahead of the prospec-
tor.
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-07
A WINTER SCENE IN CIRCLE CITY.

The Klondyke empties into the Yukon
so miles above the Big river. Bonanza
creek is tributary of the Klordyke
and Eldorado is again a tributary of the
Bonanza. 1t is along these two rivers
that the most extensive finds have been
made. Prospecting on other creeks
along the Klondyke has resulted in con-
siderable success. and much is expected
from future operations in this part of
the Yukon basin.
Circle City is 200 miles from the Klon-
dyke fields. Fort Reliance is ESQ
miles from Juneau. The mines of
the Klondyke run from IS to 100
miles from the Alaskan bound
airy, and are in British Columbia.
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-07

higher up than Fort cudahy, near Fort
Reliance, and it Is, therefore, within
Canadian territory for the whole of it's
course.
The Dominion government has an
nounced that it will publish a summary
OF some further reports which have
been received at the interior depart
ment from Mr., Ogilvie. In these re-
ports Mr.. Ogilvie speaks Mt length of the
great difficulties and dangers which
have to be encountered by explorers in
that land. The lack of mail service
seems to be felt almost as great an in
convenience as the want of claims
registration bureau, with a court FOR
the collection of debts.
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-07

is to be feared, been little taken into
consideration. Few setting out from
San francisco, Seattle or Vancouver
have stopped to think that when Behr-
ing sea has been reached and a dis
rtanae of $500 miles traversed over the
waters of the Pacific, the journey is but
beginning. The cliffs of st. Michael's,
however, can only remind the traveller
that there is still before him voyage al
most as long. much more perilous, and
through an inhospitable country beset
with the dangers of Alaskan river navi-
RatioD.
Neither have the seventies of the
new cline been properly reckoned.
Many who have gone forth in their en-
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-07

1t is now too late to reach the Klon-
dyke district this year; and as mining
is possible only during the months of
May, June and July gold-seekers are
advised by experts to delay the start
Tor the fields until April Is of next
year. The following summary of the
cost of the trip, from Chicago, and the
length of time it will require to get
there is reasonably authentic:
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-07
Getting IL Back.

81 see the railroad Bunger has SO
much stock in has gone into the hands
OF receiver"
TOO bad. | suppose ne has lost
everything?"
"Oh. no. He has been appointed the
receiver."-Brooklyn Life.
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-07

Fare, Chicago to Seattle. 81 SO
Tourist sleeper, fare ................" 20
Pullman sleeper. er........................ 15 50
Meals in dinirg-car........... 10 90
Tourist meals at stA.ion............. 6 w
Chicago to Seattle, in miles ......... 1886
Number of days en- route.
Steamer fare, Seattle to Juneau, with
cabin and meals s.:;..:..,.............. % N
Steamer fare, Seattle to Juneau. Sec
ond class, including meals. .......... II 90
Miles, Seattle to Juneau : SSg
Cost of living in Juneau, per day 100
Steamboat up Lynn Canal to Heal go,
ey's Store, miles. ...r;..,...;...:.... 100
Number of days to Healey''s Store
Cost of complete outfit. with provi-
sions for one SVS e9S ~ W.
Last steamer from San Francisco
berths already flled-August 80.
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-07

1t is astonishing how many men
have been caught by some patent night
swindle.-Washington Democrat.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-03-14

my dependence TO do rs much good with II ms
the resource will admit; for though IN the
estimation OF the world I possess n good and
clear estate, ret 20 un prod active Is IL that |
an oftentimes ashamed 10 refuse aids which
I Cannot afford unless I was TO sell rart OF II
to answer the pirpose."
1t Is noteworthy that tho two Washington
letters that nave here come together. like
drift coll,ding npon the stream Of Time. should
have been penned bv him during tie most try
Ing two epochs OF his great career. Tt strain
upon him OF tho winter at Valley Forge Is
conceivable by all. Tho beginning OF his sec
ond torn OF Presidency. already cloudcd by
the tragedy OF the execution OF Louis NVI.,
was distressed by party factions, charges
against him abhorrent to his sense OF justice.
u Threatened. loss OF prestige. and the prohn-
b!lity OF war between France and England.
In The month Of juno Jefferson wrote to Madi.
SON: THE President Is not we'll. little linc-r.
Ing fcvers have bcca LanginG about him for
a week or ten days. and affected his looks
most remarkably. io IL also extremely az.
lected by the attacks made and kept up on
him in the public parers. | think he feels
these things more than any other person |
ever met with" A little later IN tho summer
were held the. meetings OF the.Cablnct to re-
view tho recent conduct and discuss the re-
call OF the French Minister. Genet. After
one OF these meetings occurred that most pain
full or episodes. quoted by Irving from ,Teffer-
sons "Anas." but appearing In a slightly diff
frrent form in tho original manuscript:
Washington. already weary ana imp .ticnJ under
tho incessani disSensioas OF his Cabiuet. was sfuns
by tho suggestion that he might be held IN as in
conflict with Genet, AMI subjected. as no had been,
to the ribaidry or the press. Al this uulucky mo.
ment Knox Numbered forth with IA specimen OF the
scnnd ,ious libels already IN circulation. a pasquin.
ade lately printed. called the Funeral of George
sented AS placed upon a suilintIne. a horrible par.
ody OF the late decRpitation ~ the French King.
The President now burst forth into one OF those
transports OF passion beyond his control; invaighed
against tile personal anuse whloh had been ueStowcd
on hiIn. and denei any man on .arth 20 produce a
single act OF his since he had been In the Govern.
mcnt that had no, been done on the purcst motives.
lie had never repeated but once the having slipped
tho moment or resignIng his onlcr. aud that was
every moment si.cc. In the agony OF his heart lie
declared that he hal rather 10 In HIS grave than In
his present situation; that he had ra her be on his
farm than 10 he made Emperor OF tho world-aud
yet, said he, Indignantly, they are charging me with
wanting 10 be \ King!
All were silent during this hurst OF feeling, n
pause ensued. IL was iincuit 10 resume tho uiIas
equanimity, put an end to the dInicully. There was
NO necessity. he said, OF deciding the matter ut
present.
Tho agony OF Washington's heart! This in
deed were n scene from Which Jefferson had
better not have torn away the veil! g.. &. II.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-03-14
the JEFFERSON AUTOGRAPHS.
Washington the Soldier and
Washington the
Farmer.
Mrs. Burton Harrison Finds His.
tory in the Mont.
cello Collection.

We nnd .-amonz tho jefferson autographs.
two letters. only. from Washington. Tie
arst. from his head rtors'a at Valley Forge.
Il addressed 10 Col. Charles Lewis Of Abe.
marie. Va. an officer who had efficiently COM
msnded q company OF minute mcl from his
own county in the war against Lord Dunmorc
and a%ftcrward In n sortie against the Chero-
KEGS. Lewis had been a member nj tho Nir-
ginia Convention OF 1873. and. in that year
was commissioned Colonel by the
OF Safety. lie had then gone into the Cen.
tinental service. and, upon his ultimats re-
tlrenentfrom the army. was appointed Colonel
Com nsndnnt Of tho barracks in Albemarlc.
"whcro he died In discharge OF his duty" In
1T7J. This letter Is here presented with fac
smile OF the AUTOGRAPH signature:
SIN Your favor ~ Yesterday was duly received. It
gave NE great pain to md that you were -olicitous to
sesign your commission. I hope you will think bet.
Ter ~ thr matter and consider th' fatal consequences
that must necessarily attend 81 many resignations.
This proceeding In the line ut large. | have scnsibly felt;
but that the resisnationS in the Virginia limo should
exceed greatly exc 'ed-thuae IN that ~ any other
State, distrciscs me- in "a more peculiar manner. There
arc none among W.. WIN do rot experience great In
convcnlcnrcs from the but are We to quit I?
What the con-rqucn rs vii, h. nrr Obvious o. all.
Onicers wishing 60 retire have frequently observed
that thor, would hc enough left. ami. therefore. that
tho want ~ their services could no, hc material.
Those who reason thus pay themselves hut IN III COM
plimcn:, nsthey evidently confess. that Others possess
NOR" virtue and attachment 10 tn great and common
cause than they themselves 'io. II there arr hnrlships
attending the service, whv should hot all equally
share In them? Why are they NOR severely felt by
the vi,g nj, line. than any nthcr' Look. NV ropd sir.
nrl r,rcr, on tac shock II has nlrctdr sustained. you
Iw"Ilh fain fatter myself will not increase 1t.
IaT with respect.
SIR.
Nnnr naoaf nh1f anrnt