USA > Arizona > History of Arizona, Vol. III > Part 15
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been so snowed in as to leave only the top of his head and his ears exposed, forming a tempting chair for his weary pursuers. By means of a good deal of hard tugging we got the old fellow down to the cabin before a blazing fire where he gradually thawed out.
"We remained in the Gulch ten days, pros- pecting several deserted claims, but found noth- ing that would warrant our locating. Many of the miners were about leaving to join the Gov.'s expedition going East to the Francisco and Salt Rivers, seeking a site for the capital in a region which many supposed to be richer in minerals than any yet discovered.
"On leaving Walker's we returned to Forbes ranch, where we met Surv. Genl. Bashford and Atty. Gage. The Surveyor being anxious to make prospects and get specimens and informa- tion in view of a report to the Dept., we joined him and put in a sluice on Granite Creek, which we ran until the water failed, (forty-eight hours), finding gold in almost every pan of dirt. As soon as the water fails, the digging suspends, the miner fails, pulls up stakes, and leaves. There are in Walker's, Granite Creek and the Hasiamp Diggings, about four hundred min- ers, most of whom have located quartz leads (lodes) and are holding on for capitalists to come in with means and machinery. The coun- try is rich, but the scarcity of water ruins many a man's castles.
"On returning to Fort Whipple Mar. 4th, I joined a small party, Maj. Duffield (U. S. Mar- shal) and others, about starting for Tucson. (I joined them and started on the 5th.) We made our first camp about twenty-five miles
CONDITIONS IN ARIZONA IN 1863 AND 1864. 221
from the Fort; signs of Indians were numerous, but with a watchful guard, bowie knife and pis- tols at our belts, shot-guns with charges of eighteen six-shooter bullets to the barrel, within reach, we straightened out upon a soft rock and slept as comfortably as has been usual since our arrival upon the red man's hunting grounds, intrusting ourselves to Him who watches over the virtuous and the good. Since Morehouse and myself had that severe skirmish with the Indians before reaching Fort Whipple, my fore- lock seems dearer to me than ever.
"At about daybreak Capt. Butcher of 11 Mo. Vol., came up with a detachment of his com- pany, having left Fort Whipple during the night upon hearing that the Indians were in strong force upon the lower Hasiamp Diggings and had killed that day five Mexicans and three Americans. The Capt. thought it unsafe for such a small party as ours to proceed further, and advised us to go with him to the Hasiamp, whence, if necessary, he would give us an escort. We acceded, of course, and were not long mak- ing up our minds, knowing that by going with him we were sure of protection and but about twelve hours out of our time. On our arrival at Vickroy's cabin on the Hasiamp, we found about fifty miners congregated for protection. Indians had been seen at different points during the day and a large number of campfires ap- peared at night on the mountains. The Major being anxious to proceed southward, in the morning we were furnished with an escort and proceeded via trail to Antelope. We passed the dead bodies of the five Mexicans who had been killed the day before. They were muti-
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lated in the most horrible manner, heads, ears, feet and legs cut off, etc., etc. Fifteen arrows were in the body of one. The fires around which these Indians had had their war dance were still burning. It was an awful sight.
"We arrived at Antelope, (Weaverville), about dark. Here is where gold was found on the top of a mountain and from forty to fifty thousand dollars taken out with jack-knives. There is a man here in Tucson who was one of the first to discover the 'rich claim.' He has one piece which weighs $92, and twelve nuggets which weigh over $700. He has at several times taken out thirteen pounds in three hours, $3,120.00. What do you think of such dig- gings ? There is no gold to be found about there except on the very summit of the moun- tain, which is in the hands of a few men.
"We left Antelope on the 10th of March and proceeded via Pima Villages (Pueblo Indians) to Tucson. In a future letter I will give you a plat of this town with a description of the houses, inhabitants, mode of living, etc.
"There is not a doubt but that this is the rich- est mineral country in the world, but the scar- city of water prevents the placer (surface) dig- gings from being developed. There are parties en route from California, I understand, who intend putting into operation quartz mills in the different districts. We await the results. I was shown yesterday a gold bullet which the holder took from the pouch of an Indian he had killed. He had found it with several other lead and stone bullets in the Indian's pouch.
"The silver mines below here are getting ready for operations. One, the 'Mowry' I
CONDITIONS IN ARIZONA IN 1863 AND 1864. 223
understand has been running for some time. It will be impossible for either the gold or silver mines to be worked successfully until the In- dians are exterminated. Their depredations are of daily occurrence. I have a good Utah horse which would readily bring $100 in the States, which I offered for $40, but found no purchaser. All in this section had rather, at present, invest in a faro bank, than in livestock. In the former there is some hope, but the latter is confiscated sure when Johnny Apache makes his round.
"Provisions are at present very high, flour. .25c, bacon .60¢, coffee $1.00, sugar $1.00, eggs $1.00 doz., the rest in proportion.
"There are two Cal. Companies stationed here, both of which are on half rations.
"I will make inquiries and investigations in regard to the mining interest here, and write at length in my next.
"Regards to all.
"Your son, "JONATHAN.
"To Wm. A. Richmond,
"Michigan.
"Tucson, Arizona, "April 3d, 1864.
"My dear Parents :-
"By this mail I write you giving you my ex- perience in the mines, which was by no means limited, I being between three and four weeks in the different districts. Gold, silver, copper, tin and coal are to be found in abundance in the Territory of Arizona, but the great requisite for developing the gold mines, i. e., water, is not to be found when needed.
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"Some to be sure have acquired fortunes in a short time, having struck a rich lead, but more are to-day working for their board. Parties are anxious to prospect further east, but the hostilities of the Indians prevent people from scattering. Should the Indians be well whipped, as there is hopes at present, I think many new and important discoveries may be made.
"The silver mines are considered by all to be far the more reliable. A gold mine is some- times worked out in a short time, while a silver lead is a life estate. There are the Mowry, Patagonia, Eagle, San Pedro, Empire or Monte- zuma, Santa Rita and Mariposa, which were before the war worked to considerable extent, and there is now hope of their again thriving, providing they can have the necessary protec- tion against the Indians.
"Provisions are, at present, very high; while in the mines flour was worth 35¢ per pound, and everything in proportion. Here flour brings 25¢, bacon 60¢, sugar $1.00, beans 50¢, etc., etc. Flour is, I learn, selling in the mines for $50 per 100#.
"There are extensive and good farming dis- tricts hereabouts and people anxious to work them, but there is no safety for a man outside of the town limits. Hence the exorbitant price of provisions.
"The following letters I received before leav- ing Fort Whipple: Rebecca's of Sept. 27th/63; yours of Oct. 12th from New York. Yours of Nov. 18th/63, covering dft. Leelyard & Fralick on Metro. Bank for $50, for which receive my thanks. Rebecca's of Oct. 12/63. Yours from
CONDITIONS IN ARIZONA IN 1863 AND 1864. 225
Washington Dec. 10th, New York Dec. 21/63, and Mary's from N. Y. Dec. 30th. Those with the two received at Santa Fe, are the only epistles which have come to hand since leaving home.
"The Gov. is expected here tomorrow, when a location for the capital will probably be de- termined. Everything is behind. The Judge has, as yet, no power to act, which of course pre- vents me.
"I think I shall be able to make my expenses the first year from my fees, probably more. I think that if I have time to look around I might get hold of some silver mine, still I do not think mine, or even the judgment of the Judge, would warrant a move in the matter, still, should you feel like placing capital at my command, say $1500 or $2000 for prospecting and opening a mine, I will put my best foot forward to the work.
"If Uncle Fred would like to come out here, let him come. Not on my say, however, for :I never shall advise any person to come on this coast. Not that I have anything against the country, climate (the finest in the world), or people, but many coming by the advice of others get discouraged and blame their advisers. I have undertaken the trip, am located, and am satisfied (that's a big word for me). If he should conclude to come, my advice as to route I fear, is poor. By stage from Kansas City via Santa Fe to Mesilla on the Rio Grande, 300 miles from here. He could come in about eighteen days at an expense of at least $200, and 40¢ # for baggage over 50#.
15
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"From Mesilla he would have to wait until some train was coming through, or buy a good horse and come through with the military ex- press. Should a party of ten, fifteen or twenty wish to emigrate, the following would be my advice : Purchase two, three or four light wagons or ambulances, cost say $250, eight or ten good mules, not under six years of age, load your wagons light, say eight or ten hundred pounds. The following articles I think in the way of provisions advisable to bring for use only : Flour, bacon, coffee, tea, sugar, beans, dried apples and peaches, butter, a barrel of crackers, eight or ten doz. boxes yeast powders (an over- plus would readily sell here at good advance), rice, hominy, lard, keg of molasses, matches, powder, and what assortment of can fruits you think necessary. Grain for animals can be pur- chased at different points on the road. A little should be kept on hand, and as your provisions are lightened, fill up with grain. A few water kegs for making dry camps should be slung under the wagons." (Letter incomplete.)
"Tucson, Arizona Territory, "April 20th, 1864. "My dear Father & Mother:
"I recd. yours of Feby. 13th by yesterday's mail from Fort Whipple. I have also by same mail letter from Charley Weaver (Ray) for- warded by you. You make many inquiries to which I cannot, as yet, make decided answers, the capital not being located, the movement and stationing of troops not being complete, and the country being altogether in an unsettled condi- tion. We hope within six months to be able to give an entirely different account of affairs, for
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CONDITIONS IN ARIZONA IN 1863 AND 1864.
the Gov. and his officials are working with all their might to bring order out of confusion. However, shall give it to you as my opinion which the Judge, will I guess, endorse :
"This territory is rich in minerals, probably by developing will prove to be the richest in the world. Gold, silver and copper are to be found upon prospecting, in all sections of the country.
"Sylvester Mowry, Esq., President and prin- cipal stockholder of the Patagonia Mining Co., has a copy of a map drawn in 1757. The origi- nal was presented by the Society of Jesuits to the King of Spain.
"The reports of the immense mineral wealth of the new country made by the Jesuits induced a rapid settlement. There are laid down on the map more than forty towns and villages. There were a few north of the Gila River, and several on the lower Gila near the Colorado. The Santa Cruz and its tributaries and valleys teemed with an agricultural and mining population (Spanish). Thousands cultivated the rich val- ley of the San Pedro, and scattered settlements flourished at every suitable stream and spring at the foot of the mountains towards the Rio Grande.
"In the western part of the Territory were the missions of St. Pierre, St. Paul, St. Matthias, and others. On the Santa Cruz the missions of San Xavier del Bac, and Santiago, the towns of Tucson, Tubac, and many others.
"At San Xavier, nine miles from here up the Santa Cruz, stands the mission church of San Xavier (some two hundred years old). It is of great size, built entirely of brick, and is magnifi- cently ornamented within.
Forty thousand dol-
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lars in solid silver still adorn the altar. The church is surrounded by a Pagago Indian vil- lage, a few tame Apaches, and a few whites also live under the shadow of its towers. Judge Howell went down to visit the church soon after his arrival here, but I have not yet had an opportunity. Two years ago a cross of solid gold, six feet high, weighing five tons, was taken from its altar down into Mexico. There are evidences everywhere about corroborating the strange traditions of the country.
"Most of the mines which are about to com- mence operations below here, Patagonia, Santa Rita, Mariposa, and others, were first opened by the Spaniards many years ago, and deserted on account of the Indians. There are many men here in town who have silver lodes (or veins) but have not the capital to open and pros- pect thoroughly. These claims may be pur- chased from $400 to $1,000 each, provided upon opening they would pay to work. The gold mines lay north on the headwaters of the San Francisco and tributaries. They are rich but the scarcity of water has prevented a thorough development. There are, I understand, several quartz mills en route from California.
"Provisions are at present so very high that more mining companies do not commence operations. Mr. Hopkins, Agt., for the Copper Mining Co., is here, but will not com- mence operations at present on account of the exorbitant prices of provisions : flour 25¢ ; coffee $1.00; tea $2.00; beans 30¢; eggs $1,00; lard $1.50; bacon $1.00, and everything in propor- tion. People cannot make anything in even a rich country where it costs so much to barely
CONDITIONS IN ARIZONA IN 1863 AND 1864. 229
live. The reason for this state of things is that people have not been able to cultivate the valleys on account of the Indians, and all of the supplies have been brought from Cal. or Sonora, where duties are collected.
"The Gov. before leaving Fort Whipple, ap- pointed King Woolsey (an old mountaineer) on his staff, with rank of Lieut .- Col., and gave him provisions and ammunition for a campaign against the Apaches. He was not long in rais- ing a party of one hundred miners, and is now on the war trail. Troops are to be sent out from Fort Whipple and this place soon and hopes are entertained of a speedy extermination.
"Arizona will have no peace and her great wealth must remain undeveloped until this is accomplished.
"The Gov. before leaving for Tubac and the silver mines last week issued his proclamation designating the Judicial Districts and assign- ing Judges, appointing time of holding court, etc.
"The Territory is divided into three Districts. The first comprises all the section south of the Gila, Judge Howell, assignee, place of holding court, Tucson; times last Tuesday in May, to continue two weeks, and last Tuesday in Octo- ber, to continue two weeks.
"Judge Allyn is assigned to the Second Dis- trict to be stationed at La Paz on the Colorado. Chief Justice Turner is assigned to the Third District, to be stationed by subsequent proclama- tion, probably when, if ever, a site for the capitol is found.
"Judge Howell, on being assigned, at once gave me the appointment as clerk, took oath, etc.
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"You write about sending safe, stock of goods, etc. Either of your safes would probably pay you here. Could, as you say, take deposits or sell to the Treas. Dept., but the cost of getting here would be not less than $500. Freighters had much rather transport goods at half the price than to take the responsibility of getting a safe weighing 2500 lbs. through here.
"A stock of goods is what money is to be made on. Everything sells here at a profit of from two to three hundred per cent. Coffee, sugar, tea, cocoa, bacon, lard and butter in 10 lb. cans, factory cloth, calico, canned meats, assorted, canned fruits and jellies, Yankee notions, sta- tionery, soap, candles, liquors (good brands), champagne, bitters, tinware, camp kettles, fry- ing pans, axes, whip-saws, ammunition, pistols, derringers and six shooters, raisins, dried cur- rants, etc., matches, hoop skirts, shirts, pants, coats, etc., paper collars, shoes, boots, gaiters, yeast powders, saleratus, salt, in fine, everything usually kept in a first rate store in the East, both groceries and dry goods; never mind silks and satins in bill of dry goods, but everything in the calico line. Flour, beans, corn and dried peaches, quinces, can be purchased here at the proper season very reasonably. In my former letter I wrote it would not do to bring out goods, thinking by the way you wrote that Charley Mosley, or some one wished to bring out a few hundred dollars worth, which I say now there is no need of. If a person intends bringing out a stock of goods, bring a big one, it will all sell.
"Goods can be purchased probably very rea- sonably in Cal., shipped to Guaymas, Sonora, by boat, and then brought here by wagon train
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three hundred miles, but the duties would prob- ably be as much as the freight via Santa Fe.
"Wagons and mules, large ones not under six years old, would bring a good deal more than cost, provided they were got through all right from the States. A person can do well freight- ing here for mining companies, from six to ten cents per pound from mines to Fort Yuma or Guaymas, etc." (Letter incomplete.)
"Territory of Arizona.
"Office of the United States Supreme Court. "Tucson, May 5th, 1864.
"Dear Father:
"Mail after mail and yet nothing from home. I have given up all hopes of hearing from you before fall, or until this blasted military leaves the country.
"The Governor returned from the silver min- ing region a few days since. He returns to Fort Whipple the first of the week.
"It is not yet determined where to call the first Legislature. It is not at all probable that it will be called here first, but ultimately (on motion of legislature) it will, without doubt, be at this place.
"Since my last I have been to San Xavier, nine miles below here, to visit the old mission church, one of the wonders of the world. The building, in places, shows signs of decay, and the inner walls have been very badly mutilated, probably by the Indians. (There are over twenty statues of life size carved out of solid wood which are considered by many to be a study for modern sculptors.)
"I also started for the silver region of Santa Barbara last Friday, together with Majors Stick-
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ney & Duffield (U. S. Marshal) who have inter- ests there. We were out twenty-hour hours, being in the saddle all of the time, when we re- turned, having lost the trail, but found many fresh Indian trails. We gave it up being un- able to find the trail which it was necessary we should do to get to water. We will not under- take it again before the middle of June after Court. Then I am in hopes to spend some time in that section.
"Interests can be got in many lodes, but as for working one without an immense capital, it would be foolish. It is as Mowry says : 'It takes a gold mine to work a silver one.' I have made you acquainted with my ideas of silver mining, but will repeat. Interests, 1/2, 1/4, 1/6, 1/s, or a whole mine may be bought upon prospecting it for from $200 to $1,000. After purchasing, sink a shaft, produce specimens, send to New York, San Francisco, Smithsonian Institute, Washing- ton, with label or stamp, and wait the action of capitalists, and when agents are sent out to in- spect, show them around and, if possible, sell them a claim say for $3,000, $4,000 or $5,000.
"I wrote you in regard to forwarding goods which I think would be justified either from the States or San Francisco. Goods can be bought there for greenbacks and brought here in the mines and sold for gold and silver. Should you conclude to forward me a stock or place funds for the purchase in San Francisco, say $5000 or $6000 to start on, I will, I guarantee it, double it in a year's time. Had I money here to work with I could make a spec in the street; for in- stance, a man comes in and has a wagon to sell cheap; buy, hold on for a day or two, and sell
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for double. Same with grain in the season. Prices in this country fluctuate hourly. To operate in any way funds must be placed in San Francisco. No one here takes drafts on N. Y. or the East.
"I am very busy making copies of Gov.'s Proclamation assigning Judges, etc. Business for courts comes in all at once. Have many suits on hand. Mail leaves. Will write giving account of Tucson and vicinity soon as business lets up a little. Much love to all.
"Your son, "JONATHAN.
"I can attend to business outside without in- terference as soon as Court is over, May 31st."
"Santa Rita Mine, "Arizona, Aug. 17th, 1864.
"Dear Father:
"Your letters from New York (June 3d & 6th) were recd. just before I left Tucson. Should like to go ahead and open and prospect several silver lodes which I have in view, but in the absence of my friend, Judge Howell, with whom I am to operate, I am required to hold on, which I am very sorry for fear that others may step in and endeavor to become interested. Things are at present very changeable. Green- backs will not go here at all. The stores in Tucson are all closed and will probably remain closed until the news from the States is more favorable. I left Tucson ten days ago in com- pany with Mr. Wrightson, Prest. of the Santa Rita Mine, Mr. Hopkins, Agt. of the Maricopa Copper Mine and Dr. Locke, of Cincinnati. We have visited the mines in this vicinity, done a little surveying, and to-morrow, weather per-
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mitting, shall start for Sonora to purchase beef cattle, sheep, fowls, &c., &c., &c. Shall be gone ten days. I shall not go up to the Legislature, being short of funds and not being able to see where I can make the ends meet. I shall re- turn to Tucson in time to attend the Court in October.
"Will you please send me, either by Judge Howell, or before, the things which I sent for, with the following: Four or five good French flannel shirts (to wear in place of white), sev- eral brown linen shirts, and two or three extra thick pants good quality and fashionable style. Several pairs of boots, socks, &c. &c. Goods are very high here. Pants worth from 18 to $30 gold, and everything in proportion.
"Should you conclude to invest at the present state of things, have the drafts which you for- ward made payable in San Francisco. The per- sons of whom I should buy would be mostly Mexicans, and I could purchase for very low figures by drafts on California.
"I write in great haste. Love to all. "Your affectionate son,
"JONATHAN."
"Arizona Territory, Tubac, Oct. 3rd, 1864. "Dear Father:
"As I promised in my last letter to you from the Santa Rita to give you a brief account of my trip into Sonora, in the following I comply : "I left the Santa Rita Silver Mines in com- pany with Mr. Wm. Wrightson, Mr. Locke, Mr. D. G. W. Hopkins, Agt. of the Maricopa Cop- per Mining Co., and four others on the 17th of August for the purpose of buying supplies for the Santa Rita (in Sonora).
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"Our first drive was to Calabasas, an old Spanish fort twenty miles south of this place, where we camped for the night. The fort is occupied as a vidette station by a few of Com- pany L. 1st. Cav. C. V. We crossed the line about nine o'clock on the following day, some twelve miles from Calabasas. A large stone monument marks the boundary, the Lat. and Long. being given on its face. A few miles be- low we passed the remains of a horse and its rider, a Mexican boy, which had been killed by a party of Indians the day we left the mines. There were three in the party two of which es-
caped with slight wounds. At five o'clock in the afternoon we camped at Elias ranch twelve miles this side of the first Pueblo (village) in Sonora. On the following day we drove twenty miles passing down a rich valley through which flows a never failing stream of water. After pass- ing the first town (Imeras) we found the valley under cultivation, corn, sugar cane, and tobacco being the principal products for the second crop, the first throughout the entire country being what is harvested in June and the ground pre- pared for the crops mentioned as now matur- ing. On passing through the village we would see fine orchards with trees drooping with fruits, oranges, pomegranates, figs, quinces, etc., in the gardens. Melons in abundance were to be found, which, by the way, are a common luxury during the entire year. At dark we dismounted at the house of Hosa Elias in San Ignacio, hav- ing passed through the villages of Imeras and Terrenate. San Ignacio is a small farming town of about eight hundred inhabitants, Hosa Elias being one of the most extensive dealers
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