Year: 1863

PLACERVILLE, Aprll loth, 1865.


EDS. STATESMAN In my last letter from
Powder river valley stated that it was only twen-
tyi-fve miles from the Grand Ronde valley 10 the
Eagle creek mines, and, that should go there.
In company with Mr.. "Wabash,' of Wala Wal
a started for these mines; but on coming to
the turning off place we we're informed that the
mines were eighty miles distant from that place,
and over very rough country Ny statement
before was made and based entirely upon infor-
nation received from an intelligent citizen of La
Grande, with whom | had before been familiar, and
in whom placed much confidence. Finding the
distance much greater than | had at first sup
posed it to be, turned in the direction If Auburn
thinking would go 10 that place and get some
provisions, when | would again start for Eagle
creek On arriving at Auburn | learned from
parties who had beer there, that those mines were
situated on the summit of very high mountain !;
and that nothing could he done in the way of
mining at this season of the year on account Of
snow. would not advice any person to 60 to
these mines at present


mad very pleasant visit at Auburn and after
stopping there one day and night, set out on my
road 20 the far famed Boise. In conversation with
business men of Auburn, heard it frt qnenily re-
marked that the place was still IN its infancy.
could not doubt the truth of the remark, knowing
so well, as did, the short space oftime in which
the city had been bull but it did occur to my
mind, after getting upon an adjacent hill, and
viewing tie place. that il was q mammoth infant.
At present Auburn is dull but the inhabitants
seem to be living in happy anticipation of the
future New and rich discoveries are being made
in that vicinity almost daily. 1t is my opinion.
however. that if the people of that place would
turn their attention more to mining and develop
ing the resources of the country, and less TO the
4 Ill Ill t,-.,l
would have a more prosperous mining camp.
When left Aubur.. Travelled one days travel
out of my way on a toll bridge excitement ard
from the representations of some of the Auburn
sharks, came near going by the way of Mormon
Basin the nearest and best route 10 Boise.
should Judge that these toll bridges were paying
institutions, all person has to do to get one in
working orde. is to cut some brush and throw
this into a mud-hole, then take some tar or
piece of charcoal and write on board, in "glaring
capitals" toll fifty cents


After leaving Powder river valley had a very
pleasant trip, Notwithstanding l bad heard so
much about having to cross Burnt river eleven
times in going a distance of ten miles. was very
agreeaby disappointed to find a good trail down
this stream, only crossing it once, and that at a
good ford | was informed by gentleman there
that he would have a ferry in operation, by the





crossed Snake river at Olds fprry-good ferry,
and good place to cross Mr.. Olds has small
boats at the Weizer river, with which he carries,
foot-men, saddles, and packs across, besides using
them to swim animals, when necessary, free of
charge.


Persons coming to this country need not delay
on account of nigh waters, as there are, and will
be, safe modes Of crossing every stream on the
route.


Standefer's party, or portion Of them, came in
day or two since, they brought with them seven
teen scalps and some prisoners-one squaw and
two or three children. Their provisions gave out
and they were compelled to resort to horse-meat
and about the time, too, they were getting into
the Indian country. What trophies of war the
remainder Of the party may bring in is not known,
but it is to be hoped that they will bring many
captives home to Rome.


1 learn that you have a correspondent with this
war-party, who will give you all the particulars
or l should endeavor TO detail. | was informed
by one of the party that came in, that they
adopted a system of unhorsing every Indian they
came across-'or any other man."