Year: 1863

June 18th, 1868.


EDS. STATEslAN.-I arrived here some
ten days ago and found about one hundred
men in the diggings, some of whom were
industriously engaged in sluicing the hills
and bars to the bedrock and daily receiv-
ing for their lobors from sixteen to sixty
dollars to the man. But few claims com
paratively are yet open, although quite
number are hard at it, preparing to turn in
the water. For some days past there has
been considerable excitement here on the
subject Of quartz leads. There has al
ready been discovered four different lodges
of gold and silver quartz, and are named
respectively, "Ada EImOre," Brady"
Barker and "Eas Barker" The Ada
EImore is the farthest West and generally
admitted the richest. Next to 1t is the
Brady lead which is a few hundred yards
below Some ten miles further down the
creek, and near the South Fork of Boise
river is the Barker and East Barker, all
parallel and running northeast and south
west. Mr.. H. Il. P. Comstock of the
Comstock lead, is here, and deeply inter
ested in the Ada Elmore He pronOunces
it to be the counterpart Of the original
Comstock lead, and not less rich, in both
gold and silver The only difference, he
thinks, is that the metal is more inclined
to a metallic state in this, and consequently
will be easier saved. A company is about
to be formed Of which he is a prominent
member and which viii commence prepara-
tiOns Immediately for opening the lead. A
part Of the Co. start in the morning for the
lower country to procure machinery and
design getting into practical operation at
the earliest possible moment.


have conversed with several men from
Washoe, about this quartz, and all agree
in respect to its being in appearance very
rich; and one good evidence Of their sin
cerity is, that all Of them manifested much
anxiety for claims and did not let up until
they had secured them Ground sold yes
terday for ten dollars per foot, and to-day
the same could not be bought for five times
ten There is no doubt but this is a rich
country in gold and silver, and truly it
ought to be, for aside from what is con-
sealed within the ground, il is outside
rough, rugged, and ! might almost say, a
God-forsaken district From Placerville
to this place it is one continuous line of
high mountains, rocky and steep, and the
the present route is over these and through
canons deep and narrow. The distance is
eighty miles. Leaving Bannock, we as
cend a long and high divide, some eight
miles, thence down what we will call Dead
Horse creek, to the north fork Of Boise,
crossing we wind around a spur to the
middle Fork and follow it some fifteen
miles, and crossing strike for the head of
Bear creek, which puts into the South
Fork The Ada Elmore is some twelve to
fourteen miles from the mouth of Feather
river, through which Bear creek yields its
waters to the South Fork.


The country along the South Fork, in
character, partakes more Of the nature Of
the main Boise river being to some ex-
tent adapted to grazing ard agriculture.-
Several Ranches have already been taken
for that purpose and viii no doubt be i'm
proved Warm and hot springs are quite
numerous


We have town laid out here and ex-
pect soon to see a city in all It's parts grow
ing up on the town site. Another town
at the mouth Of Feather river on the
South Fork, called Boise City," will soon
show colors Of life.


We ezpect much of the emigration this
season to stop on the Boise and in the
Beaver creek mines.


Thus far we have experienced no trouble
from the Indians and we hope not to, yet
there are many chances of having ''set
too" with them. A gentleman who was
down the river yesterday informed me they
were coming into camas prairie in droves
about fifteen miles from here whether it
is their annual trip for roots or Prepara-
tions for descent on the miners no one
knows No one feels in any way uneasy
on account Of these Indians except for the
safety Of stock Paper, among other things
is very scarce here We have no regular
Express.


As things progress, and as opportu-
mites afford, you may expect to hear from
me. Yolrs, &C.,


H. o RoGERs.