Later From The Gold Mines.
Later From The Gold Mines.

Later from the Gold Mines.
________

Progress of Mining--Winter Quarters
--The First Duel--Fatal Affray, Etc.
________

[From the Rocky Mountain News, Oct. 27th.]

    THE MINES.--At the Greggory Mines a few leads and gulches are still worked with as much success as ever, and some are paying much better.
    Dr. Middleton, who has recently returned from the South Park and Tarryall diggings, reports the miners as doing exceedingly well. There had been two falls of snow, but it remained on the ground but a short time and up to the time of his departure the weather was fine for out-door operations.
    Messrs. Hoffner, Cooper, and McLain discovered gold in the Clay County lead on the 5th of July, began work on the first week in August, have averaged eight hands working since that time, (five beside themselves,) and have taken out $9,642, at an expense for hands, provisions, tools, &c., of about $2,000; quit work for the season on the 22d of October. They took out last week in four and a half days $982, being the best week's work of the season. Largest yield in one day, $224.70; least day's work, $40. They have reached in their mine a depth of sixty-four feet; at thirty feet they drifted one hundred feet on the lead. Their mine is steadily increasing in richness.

    GOING INTO WINTER QUARTERS.--Nearly all who design returning to the States this fall, have set out on their journey--a few, however, are still leaving daily by the Platte route. Most of those who remain have left the mountains, and are concentrating in the various towns of the plain, where improvements are being made with wonderful rapidity. Auraria and Denver are, of course, growing most, but there is much doing in St. Vrain, Boulder, Arapahoe, Golden Gate, Golden City, Baden, Colorado, Fountain City and Russellville. Many settlements are also springing up in the fertile valleys bordering the various streams; houses are being built, farms enclosed, and an immense quantity of hay saved for winter feed for stock. Considerable numbers, however, are preparing to winter in the several mountain mining districts, for which purpose they have laid in large supplies, and built extra warm winter quarters. As yet they are working with unprecedented success. All say that the season is now more favorable and the yield of gold larger in proportion to the hands' employed, than at any previous time this year.
    A number have set out within the last few days for the new diggings on the Bayou Salada, and Little Blue rivers, with the intention of wintering there. Some two hundred men have not yet left that vicinity, so that there is a prospect of a very considerable community spending the winter in the very heart of the Rocky Mountains.

    THE FIRST DUEL.--On account of previous difficulties, W. P. McClure sent a message by his friend John C. Moore, to R. E. Whitsitt, on the evening of the 18th inst., requesting a hostile meeting, which was promptly accepted by Mr. Whitsitt, through his friend, Chas. A. Lawrence; and it was agreed between the respective seconds that the meeting should occur the next evening at half past five o'clock, at a point on Cherry Creek about one mile from Denver City; that the weapon's should be Colt's revolvers, navy size; and the distance should be ten paces; one shot, to be fired between the words one and three.
    Before the time appointed, both parties were on the ground. Mr. Whitsitt was accompanied by his second, C. A. Lawrence; M. C. Fisher and Dr. A. F. Peck. Mr. McClure was attended by his second, J. C. Moore; O. B. Totton, Judge S. W. Wagoner and Dr. Drake McDowell. The ground was chosen and measured and the principals took their positions, about which time the Sheriff of Arapahoe County made his appearance upon the ground and attempted to put a stop to the affair, summoning the crowd present to act as a posse in the preservation of the peace, failing in which, the principals were handed their pistols, and the word given by Mr. Lawrence. The parties fired nearly simultaneously, and for a few moments retained their position, when Mr. McClure recoiled a step and said to his second and surgeon, who had approached him, "I am hit." Mr. Whitsitt was uninjured.
    Mr. McClure's wound was immediately examined by his surgeon, when it was found that he had received his opponent's ball in his right groin, thence passing obliquely and downward and lodging in the left thigh directly under the skin.
    The parties then returned to town.
    The following day the ball was extracted from Mr. McClure's wound, since which, he has been doing well, and there is no doubt of his early recovery.

    AMUSEMENTS.--Sam Hunter's benefit drew an overflowing house at the Apollo Hall on Saturday evening last. The entertainment was decidedly the best of the season. Last night Tom Thorne took a benefit. He drew a large house and materially increase his former popularity. Tom is a rising star.
    On Saturday evening next, that charming lady, Miss L. Wakely, takes a benefit, on which occasion will be presented "Still water runs deep," and the amusing farce of "The Siamese Twins." The company will be supported by an imposing array of talented volunteers. A rich treat and a crowded house may be expected. Secure your seats early.
    Reed's Theatre was first opened on Monday evening last, by the "Sabola Minstrels," who gave a highly popular entertainment. The house was full to overflowing, many being unable to obtain seats. They gave another exhibition on Tuesday evening to a full house.
    Their next entertainment will be given on Saturday evening. See small bills.

    SELECT BALL.--M'lle Haydee and sisters will give a select ball at the Apollo Hall to-morrow evening. Let lovers of the amusement attend.

    FATAL AFFRAY.--Our last paper had hardly left the press on Thursday of last week, when a terrible and fatal affray occurred on the opposite side of the street from our office, between Oliver Davis and W. J. Pain, both colored, the former a baker and the latter a blacksmith. Pain shot Davis, killing him instantly. The former, after an investigation, was honorably acquitted, he having acted only in self-defence.

    NEW ENTERPRISE.--On Saturday last Messrs. Ming and Solomon started a train of six wagons, freighted with provisions, etc., for the new diggings on the Blue Fork of the Colorado. These wagons are regular prairie freighters, and each carry about two tons. This is but the beginning of the immense outfitting business which another year will see springing up at this place for the mountain mining regions.
    The idea that the Rocky Mountains can only be penetrated in a few places and at long intervals is fast being dissipated. They are accessable at almost every point, not only with animals, but with heavily ladened wagons.

    RELIGIOUS.--Second quarterly meeting of this mission will commence at the house of Rev. J. Adriance, on Saturday next, at 2� o'clock P. M., at which hour there will be preaching by the Rev. G. W. Fisher. Sabbath morning, at 9� A. M., love feast at the same place. 10� o'clock preaching by Rev. J. Adriance, in Masonic Hall after which a collection will be taken up, and the sacrament of the Lord's supper administered.


Source:

Unknown, "Later From The Gold Mines," Chicago Press and Tribune, Chicago, Illinois, Wednesday, 9 November, 1859, Page 2.

Created February 5, 2006; Revised February 5, 2006
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