Volume 08 (1864) (474 pages)

The Rlining and Scientific Press, ls Humboldt ee Ne T. FROM AN OCCASIONAL CONRESPON DENT. Frexp Ewerr.—l have long promised myself the the gratification of communicating to your valuable journal, so herewith receive my firat episode. To write of the progress of our mineral ranges and the aspects of this county generally, would occupy quite tov inuch space, for each week developes more and more the illimitable wealth of this section. Muscle capital and money capital is our great want. The Sheba imine is of unbounded extent and, one equal to nny found in the Comstock rauge. Asa proof of this wo may cite the fact that its mnnagers have been sxcking up its richest ores for many months past, and have also several tons of ore of various grades ready for the stampers. Indeed from the very opening of this mine, paying ore has been extracted. Why this valnable property is in its present low state, none but the directors, probably, can explain. The ranges here coutain series of rich lodes: the Mammoth, Frauklu, Sophia, Butler, Charter Oak, Alntra, Yankee, Cora Ida, Aggis Land, with very many others whose names I have not by me just now; bot all aro in abeyance lor want of laberers and capi: tal; and then good mills to test the ores. ‘The Sheba mill, of Star cafion, either from want of power or inismanavement, is of no acconnt to ns, so that we have to hani our ore to Fall's mill, nt Buena Vista, distant from East range 20 to 35 miles; from the west side of Homboldt range 35 miles. There is no mill of auy kind on that side, though water sufficient for steam pnrposes can be obtaiued in all the canons nnd abondant water power on ths Humbuldt rauge. Thus many leads are nndeveloped, nnd vast wealth remuins locked up in Nature's burglar-proof safe. Draw the atteation of some of yonr capitalists to these facts, that we may hope for mill aid before the close of 1864. ‘Phe ILnmboldt Tunnel company is undoubtedly testing the hidden wealth of this range. Itis intended to eut throngh from west to east three or four miles, i.e, from Humboldt to Star City. Already a very large ledge has been cut, its width nod valne, I believe, ig not yet tested. We have wnany fine and volnable lodes in Hnmboklt district ond should be bullion producers if we had properly constructed mills, working at moderate charges, say fifty dollars per ton. Buena Vista possesses maay valuable leads, but as your paper of the 9th of Jannary gives items fron Fall’s Mill I need not say more.—{See also another letter in to-day’s issue— Id. Press.] . The east range is full of rich veins—ths Gem of Sierra, the Natches, the Yosemite, the Empire Tunnelling Company, the Minnesota, with very many others ars all paying lodes, but re foreed to haul their rock to Falls’ Mill, 20 to 30 miles. It is needless to dilate on this great drawback to our prosperity. Water and fuel for steam mills can be had in this range to nny extent. 1} Dorado district, ou the west side of Humboldt range, four miles from the river and 7 miles south of Iumboldt City, is another valuable district, lying in nbeyance more for the want of n mill than aught else; lor most of the ledges are owned by the right sort of men—prnetical miners. The Zanesville is un example of what may be accomplished by energy and the nnited netion of the owners. Five men only hold this rich lode; they incorporated locally, resolving to raise only $450 a month, or 25 ets. per foot by assessments ; went to work vigorouslyand are now taking ont pay rock, and if nmill were at hnud would soon be bullion producers. They owa a stream which yields sufficieat water for n good steam mill, with fucl for years to come, so tliat a mill conld be erected within ear-distance ; but the owners probably have not the capitalto expend on the work. This lode crops ont three fect wide for 300 feet, showing the finest kind of mineral. Other lodes in this canou want mill power. Echo district, St. Mary's and Indian each have their good ledges ; the latter is crashing ore at Fall's mill, from ths Moonlight, n very fiue lode—the prospects were very fair when I was last at that mill; the yield TF have not ascertained. Casnal visitors fancy we have neither wood, water, nor feed for stock—all of which is most erroneons. We possess each article in great abuudanee, with many fertile spots and canons, that now supply ns with the finest vegetables nnd garden stuff generally. Qur winter season is gliding onward to spring, pleasantly enongh, nnd a few weeks more will hind ns a busy and stirring people. Now however our populatiou has thianed out by departure for the west, eonsequently trade is dull and monsy very . out pay rock through their tuunel. Star, as well as Sunday schvols, while a Methodist clergyman visits the different districts on alternate Sundays. Peace and harmony prevail generully, and tho Irenith of the connty is excellent. Your puper is of uch value to us, while the articles under the head of “The Miners’ Laboratory” and “Hints to Prospectors” are of yast importance to all miners. We hope they will be coutinued. We want iaformation on the tests for cinnabar, silver and gold. ‘Tests for tin and zine would be of great advantage. (Our correspondent, and others will soon be gratilied in these particukirs—Ed. Press.] My uext will give you an account of nvisit to Pyramid Lake ond that beuntiful spot, “Surprise Vulley.” H. 0. G. 8. Jlumuotnt, Feb. 8, 1864. From the Humboldt Mines. BY OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT. Eprror Mixixa anp Scirntiric Press :—Being a reader of your paper, and noticing that Humboldt is poorly represented in your columns, ns well as in most of the San Francisco papers, and being desirous of enlightening the good people of your city in regard to matters generally, I will write down a few lines for your consideration. We have had n very pleasant winter thus far; but litfle snow, nnd no very cold weather. Since the winter began, we have done munch towards developing the immense mineral , resources of the conntry. Iu this district (Bnena Vista), quite n number of companies have been constantly at work, nnd the result of their labors has been very satisfactory. The Jackson Company have been rnnuing their tonns! without intermission. They are now in 275 feet. They recently strnck quite a stream of water ia the tnnuel, which is pretty good evidencs that they are near the ledge. ‘The ledge is large, and shows good mineral in the croppings and from the shaft, which has been sank on the ledge toa depth of 50 fect. The Manitowoc is at work on their incline. Considerable buition has been shipped from this mine dnring the winter, of which I have seen no notice in the San Francisco papers. ‘I'he rock bas yielded over $400 per ton onan average. This is not the result from a few ponnds of rock, but from several toas. (Do yon think this will pay?) A onmber of tons has been worked from the Mars ledge, which has yielded handsomely per ton. The Aaderson Company has beeu working aight and day, constantly, for the last eight months. ‘I’beir tunnel is in no little over 350 feet, and they are now taking out the richest silver ore I ever saw, which will be crushed as soon as the rond tothe mine can be completed. It is supposed that the ore from this ledge will work at an average $1,000 per ton. he qnartz is freo from base mineral, and is casily worked. The Blaek Hawk Company have severnl tons of ore ready for crashing. The Bacua Vista Company ars taking Tbe Nevnda Company, on the Pern ledge, bave their tunnel in 160 feet. The rock is very hard, but they keep hammering away, determined to break into their huge treusnre vault, and convert the shapeless mass of mineral iuto half-dollar pieces. The Venns Coapany are putting in their best licks, and expect to strike the ledge in a short time. ‘I'he tunnel is now in over 200 feet. The Cedar Hil! Company have recomnienced ‘work on their shaft, which is now down 73 feet on the ledge. The Monitor has snspended work duriug the winter, but will reecommence early in tbe spriag. In Indinn District, the Moonlight is working night nnd day, takiag out good mineral and having it crnshed. They have already shipped considerable bullion. The ledge continues wide, aad gets richer as they go dowa. he l!linois Company, on the same ledge, have their shaft down 60 feet, and nre now drifting for the ledge. 5 Star District still maintains its reputation of having the best ledge ever discovered—the Sheba. lam not well posted as to what they are doing on other claims at Star, but know tliey have some very rich ledges, and it is the fault of their owners if they do not realize fortunes from them. Sierra District has doue more in the way of gettiag out the metallic substance than any other District ia the connty. Several lots of ore have been worked from the ledge known as the Gem of the Sierra. ‘I'he last lot of five tons worked over $500 per ton. I tbiuk that is pretty hard to beat in any country. Rock has also been worked from the Minnesota ledge, which yielded well. A very rich vein of ore was receatly struck in rnnning the Neptuns ; tunnel, which is said to eclipse anything ever before scarce. A school is established at Buena Vista and . discovered. 1 am informed that considerable work is going on in Numboldt District, The work in the big tunuel goes ou briskly. Among the other companies at work in Humboldt nre tho Melrose, Morning Star, St. Charles, Cuba, Calaveras and Winnemncea. Keho District is commg ont bravely. Many companies at work; no idlers in the district. They havo some ol ths best ledges in the Verritory, and the hoysin Kcho know how to work them. ‘Ihe Morning Star tunnel is in 180 feet. ‘The Scottish Chief Company lave their shaft down 60 feet. There are several hundred tons of quurtz ready for erushiug in this District, and n good mill would do n laud office busiuess there. It will be impossible lor me to give you nn acconnt of all the miuing districts in this letter; but I will endeavor to do them justice hereafter. Many of those which I huve omitted to mention ure entitled to as much credit as any of those named. The future ol the Ifumboldt mines looks bright. Of all the quartz that has been worked, to my knowledge none of it has failed to pay well. hs smallest yield at Fall & Prics’s nil! was $175 per ton, nud running from that to $500. It is niy opinion that no other country iu the world can beat us for rich silver ore. The Hninboldt Canal is progressing finely. ‘Ten miles are nlready completed. This Canal will furnish an immeuse water power, which will be a fine thing for the Humboldt miners. Ths Connty Commissioners have ordered a road laid ont from the head of Buena Vista Canon, ncross the mountain, to connect with the road from Humboldt City to Carson, @ little above the Junction House. ‘This new yoad, when complsted, will shorten the distance to Humboldt river, Virginin or Carson, about 15 miles ; besides it will rnn past several of the best ledges in the district. All who have claims near the proposed roud will no donbt contribnte liberally to the enterprise, ond the road will, most likely, be completed early in the summer. I will write you agaiu when I have anythiug worth communicating. Quartz. Unionvitie, Feb. 8, 1864. Santa Pe District, Reese River. We make the following extract from n letter rocently received from Austin, N. T: Tbe reason that so little progress has becn made in the development of Smoky and Santa Fe districts is, that when those districts were organized, n proviso in inining laws made asmall amount of labor sufficient to hold claims until the first of next May. The consequence has been thnt as soon as prospectors had perlormed the required labor, they applied themselves to a search for other ledges, either in the same or other districts. Weare very much mistakea if these men would not have found it much more profitable to have developed a few ledges rather than to have turned their entire attention to ledge hunting. Santa Ie district contaius between three and four thousand locations. jIn Reese River district the Iedges are mostly situated in grauite and do not ayerage more thaa two feet in width; in Sante Fe, Smoky, Big Creek and some others of the outside districts, they are eacased in slate. Perhaps the King ledge should rnnk first among those of Santa I*e, although it is not as wide as the Otho, Mammoth, or Impcratrice. Some very fine specimens from the King ledge were exhibited at the California State Fair, and it is held firm at $35 per foot. ‘The San Francisco ledge is an extension of the King, and 1s undonbtedly a good ledge. The Imperatrice is about a half mile north of the Mammoth and is twenty feet in width. It, like the Mammoth, runs north und sonth aad contaius 1,200 feet. ‘The Otho ledge is a fine vein. The Belle claiai rons east and west. It contains about 1,000 feet, and its cropping’s assay from $40 to $50 per ton. It is clearly traesable by croppings for nearly fonr hundred feet, nnd native silver is discernable to the naked eye on the outcropping. The Florida ledge is one of the finest ta the district. It rans northandsonth. Near the Florida is the Maryland, a location of 1,200 feet, which also runs north and south; it is six feet wide, nnd tho rock shows splendid sulphnrets. It is bound to ay. About onc-half mile south of ths Maryland is the Santn Maria, an original location. It is about six feet in width, runs north and south, and is encased in slate. Iu the whols of Smoky valley, of which Santa Fe district forms one-half, there is an abundance of exeellent water nnd munch more wood tban is to be found at Anstin. A gawmillis to be srected immediately, and in the courss of three months, two excellent, quartz mills. Quire Correct.—The First Board of Brokers, , and also the Facifie Board, have adopted a resolution prohibiting their members from belonging to other Boards.

The Rlining and Scientific Press, ls Humboldt ee Ne T. FROM AN OCCASIONAL CONRESPON DENT. Frexp Ewerr.—l have long promised myself the the gratification of communicating to your valuable journal, so herewith receive my firat episode. To write of the progress of our mineral ranges and the aspects of this county generally, would occupy quite tov inuch space, for each week developes more and more the illimitable wealth of this section. Muscle capital and money capital is our great want. The Sheba imine is of unbounded extent and, one equal to nny found in the Comstock rauge. Asa proof of this wo may cite the fact that its mnnagers have been sxcking up its richest ores for many months past, and have also several tons of ore of various grades ready for the stampers. Indeed from the very opening of this mine, paying ore has been extracted. Why this valnable property is in its present low state, none but the directors, probably, can explain. The ranges here coutain series of rich lodes: the Mammoth, Frauklu, Sophia, Butler, Charter Oak, Alntra, Yankee, Cora Ida, Aggis Land, with very many others whose names I have not by me just now; bot all aro in abeyance lor want of laberers and capi: tal; and then good mills to test the ores. ‘The Sheba mill, of Star cafion, either from want of power or inismanavement, is of no acconnt to ns, so that we have to hani our ore to Fall's mill, nt Buena Vista, distant from East range 20 to 35 miles; from the west side of Homboldt range 35 miles. There is no mill of auy kind on that side, though water sufficient for steam pnrposes can be obtaiued in all the canons nnd abondant water power on ths Humbuldt rauge. Thus many leads are nndeveloped, nnd vast wealth remuins locked up in Nature's burglar-proof safe. Draw the atteation of some of yonr capitalists to these facts, that we may hope for mill aid before the close of 1864. ‘Phe ILnmboldt Tunnel company is undoubtedly testing the hidden wealth of this range. Itis intended to eut throngh from west to east three or four miles, i.e, from Humboldt to Star City. Already a very large ledge has been cut, its width nod valne, I believe, ig not yet tested. We have wnany fine and volnable lodes in Hnmboklt district ond should be bullion producers if we had properly constructed mills, working at moderate charges, say fifty dollars per ton. Buena Vista possesses maay valuable leads, but as your paper of the 9th of Jannary gives items fron Fall’s Mill I need not say more.—{See also another letter in to-day’s issue— Id. Press.] . The east range is full of rich veins—ths Gem of Sierra, the Natches, the Yosemite, the Empire Tunnelling Company, the Minnesota, with very many others ars all paying lodes, but re foreed to haul their rock to Falls’ Mill, 20 to 30 miles. It is needless to dilate on this great drawback to our prosperity. Water and fuel for steam mills can be had in this range to nny extent. 1} Dorado district, ou the west side of Humboldt range, four miles from the river and 7 miles south of Iumboldt City, is another valuable district, lying in nbeyance more for the want of n mill than aught else; lor most of the ledges are owned by the right sort of men—prnetical miners. The Zanesville is un example of what may be accomplished by energy and the nnited netion of the owners. Five men only hold this rich lode; they incorporated locally, resolving to raise only $450 a month, or 25 ets. per foot by assessments ; went to work vigorouslyand are now taking ont pay rock, and if nmill were at hnud would soon be bullion producers. They owa a stream which yields sufficieat water for n good steam mill, with fucl for years to come, so tliat a mill conld be erected within ear-distance ; but the owners probably have not the capitalto expend on the work. This lode crops ont three fect wide for 300 feet, showing the finest kind of mineral. Other lodes in this canou want mill power. Echo district, St. Mary's and Indian each have their good ledges ; the latter is crashing ore at Fall's mill, from ths Moonlight, n very fiue lode—the prospects were very fair when I was last at that mill; the yield TF have not ascertained. Casnal visitors fancy we have neither wood, water, nor feed for stock—all of which is most erroneons. We possess each article in great abuudanee, with many fertile spots and canons, that now supply ns with the finest vegetables nnd garden stuff generally. Qur winter season is gliding onward to spring, pleasantly enongh, nnd a few weeks more will hind ns a busy and stirring people. Now however our populatiou has thianed out by departure for the west, eonsequently trade is dull and monsy very . out pay rock through their tuunel. Star, as well as Sunday schvols, while a Methodist clergyman visits the different districts on alternate Sundays. Peace and harmony prevail generully, and tho Irenith of the connty is excellent. Your puper is of uch value to us, while the articles under the head of “The Miners’ Laboratory” and “Hints to Prospectors” are of yast importance to all miners. We hope they will be coutinued. We want iaformation on the tests for cinnabar, silver and gold. ‘Tests for tin and zine would be of great advantage. (Our correspondent, and others will soon be gratilied in these particukirs—Ed. Press.] My uext will give you an account of nvisit to Pyramid Lake ond that beuntiful spot, “Surprise Vulley.” H. 0. G. 8. Jlumuotnt, Feb. 8, 1864. From the Humboldt Mines. BY OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT. Eprror Mixixa anp Scirntiric Press :—Being a reader of your paper, and noticing that Humboldt is poorly represented in your columns, ns well as in most of the San Francisco papers, and being desirous of enlightening the good people of your city in regard to matters generally, I will write down a few lines for your consideration. We have had n very pleasant winter thus far; but litfle snow, nnd no very cold weather. Since the winter began, we have done munch towards developing the immense mineral , resources of the conntry. Iu this district (Bnena Vista), quite n number of companies have been constantly at work, nnd the result of their labors has been very satisfactory. The Jackson Company have been rnnuing their tonns! without intermission. They are now in 275 feet. They recently strnck quite a stream of water ia the tnnuel, which is pretty good evidencs that they are near the ledge. ‘The ledge is large, and shows good mineral in the croppings and from the shaft, which has been sank on the ledge toa depth of 50 fect. The Manitowoc is at work on their incline. Considerable buition has been shipped from this mine dnring the winter, of which I have seen no notice in the San Francisco papers. ‘I'he rock bas yielded over $400 per ton onan average. This is not the result from a few ponnds of rock, but from several toas. (Do yon think this will pay?) A onmber of tons has been worked from the Mars ledge, which

has yielded handsomely per ton. The Aaderson Company has beeu working aight and day, constantly, for the last eight months. ‘I’beir tunnel is in no little over 350 feet, and they are now taking out the richest silver ore I ever saw, which will be crushed as soon as the rond tothe mine can be completed. It is supposed that the ore from this ledge will work at an average $1,000 per ton. he qnartz is freo from base mineral, and is casily worked. The Blaek Hawk Company have severnl tons of ore ready for crashing. The Bacua Vista Company ars taking Tbe Nevnda Company, on the Pern ledge, bave their tunnel in 160 feet. The rock is very hard, but they keep hammering away, determined to break into their huge treusnre vault, and convert the shapeless mass of mineral iuto half-dollar pieces. The Venns Coapany are putting in their best licks, and expect to strike the ledge in a short time. ‘I'he tunnel is now in over 200 feet. The Cedar Hil! Company have recomnienced ‘work on their shaft, which is now down 73 feet on the ledge. The Monitor has snspended work duriug the winter, but will reecommence early in tbe spriag. In Indinn District, the Moonlight is working night nnd day, takiag out good mineral and having it crnshed. They have already shipped considerable bullion. The ledge continues wide, aad gets richer as they go dowa. he l!linois Company, on the same ledge, have their shaft down 60 feet, and nre now drifting for the ledge. 5 Star District still maintains its reputation of having the best ledge ever discovered—the Sheba. lam not well posted as to what they are doing on other claims at Star, but know tliey have some very rich ledges, and it is the fault of their owners if they do not realize fortunes from them. Sierra District has doue more in the way of gettiag out the metallic substance than any other District ia the connty. Several lots of ore have been worked from the ledge known as the Gem of the Sierra. ‘I'he last lot of five tons worked over $500 per ton. I tbiuk that is pretty hard to beat in any country. Rock has also been worked from the Minnesota ledge, which yielded well. A very rich vein of ore was receatly struck in rnnning the Neptuns ; tunnel, which is said to eclipse anything ever before scarce. A school is established at Buena Vista and . discovered. 1 am informed that considerable work is going on in Numboldt District, The work in the big tunuel goes ou briskly. Among the other companies at work in Humboldt nre tho Melrose, Morning Star, St. Charles, Cuba, Calaveras and Winnemncea. Keho District is commg ont bravely. Many companies at work; no idlers in the district. They havo some ol ths best ledges in the Verritory, and the hoysin Kcho know how to work them. ‘Ihe Morning Star tunnel is in 180 feet. ‘The Scottish Chief Company lave their shaft down 60 feet. There are several hundred tons of quurtz ready for erushiug in this District, and n good mill would do n laud office busiuess there. It will be impossible lor me to give you nn acconnt of all the miuing districts in this letter; but I will endeavor to do them justice hereafter. Many of those which I huve omitted to mention ure entitled to as much credit as any of those named. The future ol the Ifumboldt mines looks bright. Of all the quartz that has been worked, to my knowledge none of it has failed to pay well. hs smallest yield at Fall & Prics’s nil! was $175 per ton, nud running from that to $500. It is niy opinion that no other country iu the world can beat us for rich silver ore. The Hninboldt Canal is progressing finely. ‘Ten miles are nlready completed. This Canal will furnish an immeuse water power, which will be a fine thing for the Humboldt miners. Ths Connty Commissioners have ordered a road laid ont from the head of Buena Vista Canon, ncross the mountain, to connect with the road from Humboldt City to Carson, @ little above the Junction House. ‘This new yoad, when complsted, will shorten the distance to Humboldt river, Virginin or Carson, about 15 miles ; besides it will rnn past several of the best ledges in the district. All who have claims near the proposed roud will no donbt contribnte liberally to the enterprise, ond the road will, most likely, be completed early in the summer. I will write you agaiu when I have anythiug worth communicating. Quartz. Unionvitie, Feb. 8, 1864. Santa Pe District, Reese River. We make the following extract from n letter rocently received from Austin, N. T: Tbe reason that so little progress has becn made in the development of Smoky and Santa Fe districts is, that when those districts were organized, n proviso in inining laws made asmall amount of labor sufficient to hold claims until the first of next May. The consequence has been thnt as soon as prospectors had perlormed the required labor, they applied themselves to a search for other ledges, either in the same or other districts. Weare very much mistakea if these men would not have found it much more profitable to have developed a few ledges rather than to have turned their entire attention to ledge hunting. Santa Ie district contaius between three and four thousand locations. jIn Reese River district the Iedges are mostly situated in grauite and do not ayerage more thaa two feet in width; in Sante Fe, Smoky, Big Creek and some others of the outside districts, they are eacased in slate. Perhaps the King ledge should rnnk first among those of Santa I*e, although it is not as wide as the Otho, Mammoth, or Impcratrice. Some very fine specimens from the King ledge were exhibited at the California State Fair, and it is held firm at $35 per foot. ‘The San Francisco ledge is an extension of the King, and 1s undonbtedly a good ledge. The Imperatrice is about a half mile north of the Mammoth and is twenty feet in width. It, like the Mammoth, runs north und sonth aad contaius 1,200 feet. ‘The Otho ledge is a fine vein. The Belle claiai rons east and west. It contains about 1,000 feet, and its cropping’s assay from $40 to $50 per ton. It is clearly traesable by croppings for nearly fonr hundred feet, nnd native silver is discernable to the naked eye on the outcropping. The Florida ledge is one of the finest ta the district. It rans northandsonth. Near the Florida is the Maryland, a location of 1,200 feet, which also runs north and south; it is six feet wide, nnd tho rock shows splendid sulphnrets. It is bound to ay. About onc-half mile south of ths Maryland is the Santn Maria, an original location. It is about six feet in width, runs north and south, and is encased in slate. Iu the whols of Smoky valley, of which Santa Fe district forms one-half, there is an abundance of exeellent water nnd munch more wood tban is to be found at Anstin. A gawmillis to be srected immediately, and in the courss of three months, two excellent, quartz mills. Quire Correct.—The First Board of Brokers, , and also the Facifie Board, have adopted a resolution prohibiting their members from belonging to other Boards.