GENTLEMEN:--After this long silence, I proceed to improve the passing moment by giving you a few items in relation to the Coos Bay enterprise.
    Two years have passed since first I found my way into this new region. A year and a half ago I told you of its existence, and of the progress I had then made in its exploration. The Bay was here then--the stone coal was here--the white cedar timber was here--and the gold was here. But the resources of nature, like the marble in the quarry, lay dormant. The wild savage was the lord of the soil and the sea, and the white man was as unknowing to the place as its natives were to him. The scene is now changed. Five miles from the mouth of the Bay Empire City is located, and before its wharf vessels are lying, discharging their freight and receiving their lading. Small boats are plying from it to all parts of the Bay, and pack trains and wagons are loading at it with supplies for the gold diggings, which are only a few miles off. In a word, we have here a city which already presents the appearance of an active seaport town.
    You will recollect that I told you in a few years all this would come to pass. You then doubted it, and so did many others. When raising and forming Coos Bay Company, at Jacksonville last spring, I stated the same. I told them that all these resources were here, and I showed them specimens. They believed it only in part. I told them what would be the result of a settlement here; but they doubled my predictions. Yet they tried the experiment, and the result has exceeded the expectations of all. Indeed, the Coos Bay and Coquille country present at present the most fruitful field of enterprise anywhere to be found on our great western border. The Bay is large and beautiful--the climate is salubrious--the soil unusually productive--its resources for superior white cedar timber, and for stone coal of excellent quality are unsurpassed--while it is here that the northern extremity of the California and Rogue's River coarse gold range terminates. As a mining region there is, in our opinion, no field in which the laborer is at once so richly rewarded for his toil, so comfortably situated, and so readily and cheaply furnished with supplies, as in the Coos Bay Diggings.
Shasta Courier, March 4, 1854, page 2


    FRIEND BUSH:--There passed over this place last week one of the most terrific storms, accompanied by thunder and lightning, that was ever known on this coast. The brig S. R. Jackson, lying at anchor near the mouth of the bay, waiting an opportunity to go to sea, was struck by lightning, and her mainmast completely destroyed, the [electrical] fluid passing through the deck, entering the cabin, displacing chairs and tables, tearing off the side of a berth, and shivering the steps of the companionway to atoms. It then entered the hold of the vessel, destroyed in its course some hundred bushels of potatoes, and passed through the side above water.
    The most remarkable fact is that no one was hurt or affected in the slightest manner, except the captain, and he only feeling a jar and a slight numbness for a few minutes. One of the passengers who had retired had a bottle of gin under his head, which was broken without his being aware how it was done. There were eight or ten persons on board at the time. A portion of the mast, in falling, pierced the deck of the cabin some two feet, yet no one was hurt. The gaff-topsail was pierced through and through by the lightning, and looked as though it had been eaten by the rats. The damage done is estimated at eight hundred or one thousand dollars. She was obliged to put back for repairs. There was a tree struck in town during the same storm, without doing any particular damage. On the other side of the bay from here, the scow used for the ferry was moored with a rope cable; it was found on this side next day, all stove in pieces. How it was so completely broken up in one night, unless struck by lightning, is hard to conjecture.
    The present winter thus far is said to be [the] most unpleasant ever known here. Snow fell in sufficient quantity to cover the ground, for.the first time this season, last night; it remains still, and more is occasionally falling. The thermometer stands tonight at 36--six [sic] degrees above the freezing point. This place is at present quite dull, owing in some measure to many being gone to the new mines, and waiting there for the waters to run down, when all expect to do well. I think, from what I can learn, there can be no doubt but they will meet with good success; all that have visited the mines speak highly of them; they are distant from here about two days travel.
    There are a few way down here in Coos that regret very much the impossibility of being with the Democracy at Salem on the 8th. Distance and bad weather must be our excuse. Consider us there in spirit and feeling; we have just heard down here that Mr. Buchanan is elected. The true lovers of the Union as it is are much rejoiced at the result. Yours, truly,
Oregon Statesman, Salem, January 20, 1857, page 2


    COOS COUNTY.--From a letter published in the Advocate we obtain the following in regard to Coos County:
    Empire City is a pretty little seaport town, situated on the south side of Coos Bay, about four miles east of its mouth. It is quite a thriving town; has three stores, two saloons, and three hotels. The county of which Empire City is the county seat consists of Coos River Valley, which is settled twelve miles above its mouth, and Coquille River Valley, which is settled for seventy miles from where the river empties into the ocean. There are two large saw mills on the bay, which employ from twenty-five to thirty hands each, besides many who are employed in rafting and cutting logs to supply the mills. The two valleys alluded to are being settled up fast and the large trees are made to feel the woodman's ax, that room may be made for the cultivation of the rich soil. Randolph is another place of some importance. It is situated near the mouth of the Coquille River. There are some good mines here. There is a report that new diggings have been discovered near by, but I shall not place implicit confidence in it until confirmed by more thorough investigation. The Coquille River is navigated by one small vessel, of forty tons, and it is reported that another will be put on, to ply between its mouth and San Francisco, next summer.
Oregon City Enterprise, April 6, 1867, page 1


    ED. STATESMAN.--As I seldom perceive any communications in your excellent paper from this place, I propose giving the numerous readers of the Statesman an occasional view of matters and things on Coos Bay.
    Some time ago a report reached this place that numerous persons upon the Bay, and identified with the lumbering interests, had been presented before the U.S. grand jury for the crime of cutting timber on government lands. As regards the probability and the truth of this allegation, nothing definite is known by your correspondent; yet, in view of all the facts connected with the manufacture of lumber on the Bay, and the timber taken from government or unsurveyed lands, ungracious and unjust would be the jury or court that would procure the conviction of persons so situated, for numerous reasons, a few of which I hope you will allow me space to mention. Universally, since the settlement of our frontier territories was commenced, the most liberal inducements and friendly aid have been afforded and pledged by the government. Coos Bay was settled by a band of hardy pioneers, at an early day in the history of Oregon. There is but a small portion of tillable land included within the limits of the county, and the immense forests of timber afforded many facilities for the manufacture of lumber, and persons became therefore necessarily engaged therein, and some of them, by hard labor and incessant toil, have secured quite a competency. Every effort they could devise to have the lands surveyed and brought into market they have not failed to employ. Petition after petition have been sent to the heads of department praying for a survey of these lands, but they have been unheeded. These persons are willing and ready to pay a reasonable price for the lands and the timber thereon; and now, to indite, prosecute and embarrass them is not only unjust and reprehensible, but villainous and mean. The annual fires raging in these forests destroy more timber in one day than the mills can or have manufactured since their commencement. Such is a limited view of this matter, which interests and involves many of the "hardy sons of toil" known as "the loggers."
    The schooner Alaska, Capt. Godfrey, was wrecked on the 30th day of November last, while trying to get out over the Coquille River bar. The cargo consisted of lumber, which, with the vessel, will prove a total loss. The wreck was sold at auction, and purchased by the Johnson Bros. for a nominal sum.
    The health of Dr. Herman continues in a precarious condition, and his many friends and acquaintances are much alarmed for his recovery. He certainly has their earnest sympathies in his prolonged suffering. Favorable reports continue to come from the gold mines on the coast. Some persons of Empire City are interested in them to a large amount, among whom I may mention Mr. T. G. Sockart, Mr. A. Moody, our efficient Sheriff, and Mr. H. Wyckoff, our County Treasurer.
    The Independent Order of Odd Fellows have a flourishing lodge in Empire City, which was organized some time in August last with eight members, and now numbers near fifty. The Masons have a lodge just organized at Marshfield, some eight miles from this place.
    The weather continues fine up to date.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, December 17, 1869, page 2


    ED. SENTINEL:--A few items from our coast may perhaps add interest to your paper; if so, you are welcome to the following:
    Coos Bay is a beautiful sheet of water, situated in Coos County, Oregon, about twenty miles long and one mile wide. The bar, at the mouth of the Bay, is considered very good for vessels drawing twelve to fourteen feet of water. The lumbering business is carried on to a considerable extent, there being three large saw mills in full operation, one at Marshfield, one at North Bend, and one at Empire City. Last week fifteen vessels crossed the bar, loaded with lumber and coal, bound for San Francisco and San Diego, Cal. On the 17th inst., the brig Ida C. Rogers was wrecked, while entering this harbor. Owing to the thick fog the captain of the tug boat Fearless, who had her in tow, could not see the channel. The Fearless also came very near being wrecked, and would have been, had she not received assistance from the tug Escort, which, in answer to the sign of distress, hastened to relieve her. The Ida C. Rogers sank in thirty feet of water, just inside the Bar, with several tons of merchandise belonging to Messrs. Flanagan & Mann, owners of the Eastport coal mines. The vessel went down so quick that the crew had barely time to launch their lifeboat. They were all saved, but lost all their clothing, &c.
    Dr. Herman, an old and highly respected citizen of this county, died on the 16th inst., at his residence on the Coquille River. The Doctor was respected as a good citizen, a skillful physician, and a kind neighbor; he is a great loss to his large family and to the people of this county.
    We are having a mild and pleasant winter here, and times are quite lively.
Empire City, Dec. 19th, 1870.
Stat.Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 1, 1870, page 2


    ED. STATESMAN:--The Scriptures informs us that where "little is given little is required." So in our case, where little transpires, but little news may be expected. The good people of Coos Bay were somewhat panic-stricken a few days since to see appear in our midst the U.S. District Attorney, Mr. Cartwright, and U.S. Marshal Young. Fears of warrants and arrests--visions of dungeons and prisons--hastily flitted across the public mind. But a genial smile and pleasant greetings soon dispelled the accumulating fears; and it is believed by the parties at present that a satisfactory arrangement of this affair concerning the taking of timber from the government lands can be had.
    The community of Empire City have been honored with a visit from Col. Craig, the "bilk." He soon commenced his confidence operations, representing himself as a physician, Confederate surgeon, missionary, &c. If the good people of Corvallis, Salem or Albany want a writ of arrest, now is a favorable opportunity, for officers are ready and willing.
    Empire City is improving very rapidly. Many substantial buildings are being erected; among others may be mentioned a town hall by A. C. Rogers, 32x60. Empire contains at present six hotels, four saloons, four dry goods stores, two drugstores, three law offices, and a number of fine dwellings. The Independent Order of Good Templars have a flourishing lodge of some sixty members. The second quarter of the district school under the supervision of Miss Annie West is near its close, and has been very acceptable to patrons generally. The weather is fine at present. More anon.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, January 28, 1870, page 2


    ED. STATESMAN:--Since writing my last, there has been a dearth of news items. The people are talking of the approaching election, and both political parties are marshaling and mustering their forces for the campaign. The Union Republican Party are confident of carrying Coos and Curry counties by increased majorities. The defunct, rotten, polluted carcass of Democracy will be totally demolished, and the putrid remains be scattered forever. The success of the administration of President Grant has lowered their topsails. The Union party is united, and will be as one man in the approaching canvass. The course of Oregon's noble Senator, Geo H. Williams, has given entire satisfaction to us, as well as to all other sections. Candidates are getting numerous as the convention approaches. Among those mentioned in connection with the nomination for joint representative with Curry are S. S. Mann, D. L. Watson, Esq., and others. Coos River precinct is the banner precinct in Coos County, as there is but one Democrat in a poll of nearly 50 votes. I lately had occasion to visit that part of the county, and was much struck with the great beauty of the country and fertility of the soil. Vegetables are produced upon Coos River, that for size, quality and quantity will successfully compete with any in the world. There are many fine locations on the river, and some beautiful dwellings; among others I may mention Martin Davis' and Hanson Rogers'. Mr. A. B. Colver has the mammoth orchard of Oregon, I think, containing over ten thousand large and bearing trees. Mr. Colver exports large quantities of fruit every year. The hearts of the good people are as large as their orchards and vegetable productions, as your correspondent can testify from the amiable and clever way in which they ministered to his wants. The young ladies, blooming and fair, made quite an impression upon my companion, who was an "unprotected youth from town," and upon the voyage homeward was somewhat "looney." After so much nonsense, Mr. Editor, I will add a few sundry items.
    On the 21st day of' the present month the bark Charles Devens, while going out over the bar, in tow of the Fearless, made a shear and struck upon a sand bank known as North Spit. The sea being rough, she was thrown with much violence against the bank, and all attempts to save her failed. She, with her cargo, consisting of lumber, will prove a total loss. The Charles Devens has quite a history. She was built in Newport, R.I., twenty-three years ago, and was the first vessel that ever made regular trips between San Francisco and Portland. After an eventful career and many narrow escapes, she now lies at the mercy of the waves, at the entrance of Coos Bay. The birthday of Washington was properly observed here; the flags were displayed from the town and vessels in the harbor, and in the evening a ball was given by A. C. Rogers, Esq. The lovers of fun seemed to enjoy themselves, and "tripped the light fantastic toe" until near morning. A splendid supper was prepared by mine host, Mr. Bushnell, and his amiable lady, which was duly appreciated by all, as well as your correspondent.
    The weather is rather stormy, and is unfavorable for shipping. More anon.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, March 11, 1870, page 2


    ED. STATESMAN: Dear Sir--I will avail myself the present opportunity to inform the numerous readers of the Statesman of matters and things in Coos County generally. Politics are the all-absorbing theme, and as much capital has been manufactured by the unterrified Democracy out of certain transactions and actions of the Union Republican Party in this county, I propose giving you some account of this matter.
    The Republican County Convention met on the 26th day of March and nominated a county ticket for Coos County, and D. L. Watson for joint representative. There was much competition for the officers, and as a matter of course some dissatisfaction was expressed at the action of the convention. This, together with some local causes and prejudices, being brought to bear, the respective candidates for County Judge, Sheriff, Clerk, Commissioners, School Superintendent, resigned. A new convention was called to fill those vacancies, which met on the 23rd of April and proceeded to fill the vacancies. Our county ticket at present is as follows: Joint Representative D. S. Walton, of Empire City, a young man of ability, who will, if elected, faithfully and truly represent the people of Coos and Curry counties in advocating their interests and that of the Republican Party. Our candidate for County Judge is the Hon. S. S. Mann, who has been Judge for this county for eight years, and I venture to say a more just and eminently qualified individual is not to be found among the judges of the state. For Sheriff, we have A. J. Moody. of whom I need say no more than that he has been elected sheriff three successive times, and is again before the people by the spontaneous action of the convention. For Clerk, Mr. Gilbert, a gentleman well qualified for that position. For Commissioners, J. Roulre and C. Warner; for Treasurer, A. C. Rogers; for Assessor, D. Giles; for Surveyor, T. M. Bridges; for School Superintendent, C. W. Tower, a graduate of Harvard, and well fitted for any position. For Coroner, M. N. Worth.
    This ticket is a very strong one and will be elected by a handsome majority, all the efforts of Lockhart (Copperhead) and company to the contrary notwithstanding. The Republican Party here is increasing in strength every day; new accessions to our ranks are continually coming in, and to our co-laborers in the state elsewhere, we send words of cheer. Our state and judicial ticket give supreme satisfaction, and we shall roll up such a majority from Coos and Curry next June as shall cause repudiation and repudiators to quake like aspen leaves.
    There is little news of importance. An Indian was brought before Justice Roberts a few days since charged with assaulting A. H Hunch with a knife, but after a hearing, was discharged.
    The parties engaged in trying to raise the J. C. Rogers, a vessel wrecked some time since, have abandoned the undertaking.
    The weather is somewhat stormy at present. 
Oregon Statesman, Salem, May 20, 1870, page 1


is navigable about ten miles. The "North" and "South Forks" unite about five miles from its junction with the Bay, and each fork is navigable for about five miles. The main river, and each fork, is walled in with high, precipitous mountains. The soil of the "bottoms" is very rich, but the bottoms are very narrow--not being more than half a mile wide in the widest places; and, in many instances, the mountains--several of them solid granite--come to the water's edge. The river is very crooked, and in its bends and narrow bottoms are many nice little farms. But farming here is very different from farming in the Willamette Valley. The largest farms here consist of about twenty acres of tillable land--some consist of five or six acres. The principal products are garden vegetables and apples. There are some as fine orchards as I ever saw in the Willamette. Some oats are raised, for hay, and a little wheat, for chicken feed. All the flour that is used here comes from San Francisco, as there is no flouring mill in this part of the country. No wagons are used on the farms. In fact there arc but two or three wagons on the river, and not more than that number of farms on which they could be used to advantage. Previous to last Sept. the farmers had to transport their produce to market in open boats, which was very laborious and, at times, dangerous. Two little steamers are now making regular trips, twice a week, up the river. Some apples are shipped to San Francisco, but a ready market is found for most of the produce at the towns and coal mines on the bay. Land on the river is valued at from fifteen to twenty dollars per acre.
    The weather is still remarkably pleasant, the thermometer ranging from 45° to 50°, and very little rain. Frogs keep up their croaking, and flies and gnats, though not as abundant as in the summer, are yet in sufficient quantities to make their presence known.
    There is some excitement about the "terminus"  on the Columbia River; and one of our wealthiest men talks of moving his business to that place about the first of next March. At any rate he will visit it at that time to sec what he can do.
    In my other communication, the place left blank should have been filled with fifteen thousand, as that is the number of feet our mills cut per day.
    The Register visits us regularly, and all appreciate it very highly.
Albany Register, Albany, Oregon, February 11, 1871, page 2


abounds on Coos Bay. Thirteen hundred acres of wild, mountainous land, on which coal has been discovered, sold recently tor fourteen thousand dollars. Last week another vein was discovered, on unsurveyed land, by two gentlemen who have since taken it under the homestead law. Ten thousand dollars will open this vein--so say men who are supposed to know. Fifty thousand dollars have been spent in opening one of the veins which is now worked, on the Bay.
    Last Wednesday evening
installed their officers for the ensuing quarter. Dr. North was installed as WCT; Mrs. E. H. Woodruff, WVT; Miss Eva Lockhart, WS; E. A. Woodruff, WFS; O. E. Smith, WM; Mr. Finch, WDM; Mrs. Philips, WT; Miss Florine Woodruff, WIG; Charles Getty, WOG; Miss Alice Stokes, WRS; Miss Ella Lockhart, WLS; Miss Addie Vandervort, WC.
    The lodge seems to be on the decline, yet it has done much good in this place. The weather last week was quite fine, but it commenced raining last Saturday, and it has been quite stormy ever since.
are now caught in large quantities by the Indians, and sold to the citizens of Empire at fifty cents a wooden pailful, or $1.50 per bushel.
Albany Register, Albany, Oregon, February 18, 1871, page 2


prevailed most of last week, which has rendered the bar at the mouth of the Bay quite rough, but this morning it cleared off and it now bids fair to be fine for some time. Four vessels were seen outside last evening, but the bar was too rough to permit the tugs to bring them in. Sometimes vessels have laid off the bar three weeks before the tugs would venture to bring them in. A few weeks ago, one came up from San Francisco in four days, and then on account of stormy weather had to lay off seventeen days.
    There are three tugs here, one owned by Mr. Pushbacker, of Marshfield, and the others by the North Bend Company. As
is very dull sale in San Francisco, times are quite dull here. Mr. Luse, the owner of the mill at Empire, has sent one of his vessels to Callas, in South America, to see if he can open the trade for lumber in that part of the world. If lumber does not "come up," our only hope of better times is in the coal mines; but as it is confidently believed that another mine will be opened this summer, by a company from San Francisco, we have not much to fear.
    As this is not an agricultural county, the land on the river being heavily timbered,
has to be well fed during the fall and winter, or they become quite poor. Most of the beef that is used here at this season of the year comes from the Coquille, distance thirty miles. It is not very good, yet a choice cut commands fifteen cents a pound.
    One great drawback to this country is the want of
to the Umpqua Valley. At present there is but an indifferent trail, but a route is now being surveyed for a road, and by next fall we hope to have a good wagon road connecting Roseburg with this place, or with Coos River.
was celebrated by a vessel, which was lying out in the bay, firing a fifteen-pounder occasionally during the entire day, and by an impromptu ball at the courthouse in the evening. By the way, almost every celebration or dedication has to close with a ball.
    We understand that the
owned by Mr. Lockhart, on the Coquille, near Randolph, bids fair to pay well. Hope it may, as he has spent a large sum of money on it.
Albany Register, Albany, Oregon, March 11, 1871, page 2


    The little steamer Argo, which plies on the Bay and its tributaries, was seized by a United States officer, for violation of law. It seems that she had, without a license, been carrying passengers. Her owner, Capt. Claugh, has gone to Portland to try to get her released. Hope he may succeed, as his all is invested in the boat, and he has a family depending on his earnings. Besides, the boat was a great convenience to this part of the country, as she made daily trips to North Bend and Marshfield, and weekly trips up the various tributaries of the Bay. Though she was not licensed, there are many mitigating circumstances in her case.
    The tug Escort, while trying to get out to bring in a vessel, a few days ago, stuck on the bar and knocked off about six feet of her false keel. This occurred in consequence of the stormy weather, causing the channel to close about up.
    When I wrote you last, I supposed the storm was over; but it has continued to rage, with short intervals, ever since. The last week was the most stormy of the season. No vessel has gone out for six weeks; more than a dozen are now laying in the Bay, ready for sea.. The tugs can bring them in when they cannot take them out, on account of their being more lightly loaded when coming in.
    A sad event occurred here last Saturday. A few weeks ago a man came down here from North Bend. He brought with him $225, a "Whitehall" boat, shotgun, and a few other items. He went into O'Conner's saloon and commenced drinking, and kept it up till the day of his death, which occurred last Saturday. In less than a week his money and property had fallen into the hands of O'Conner, who then went and notified the sheriff that the county must take care of the poor wretch. By this time he was afflicted with delirium tremens. The sheriff took charge of him, but left him in care of O'Conner. He lived two weeks after this. Last Saturday he died, and was buried Saturday evening at the expense of the county. O'Conner now brings in a bill of fifty dollars against the county, for taking care of his victim two weeks. He took the man's money, and property, and caused his death, and yet, as greedy as the grave, clamors for more. But as long as a government, that claims to be civilized, will license men to carry on such business, such conduct must be expected and tolerated.
Albany Register, Albany, Oregon, April 1, 1871, page 2


    There are at this time
in the Bay ready for sea, by far the largest number that has ever been here at one time. The southwest wind has prevailed so long that the channel has closed. At least there are three feet less water on the Bar than there was last summer; but a few days of northwest wind will again cut a channel, and calm down the bar so that vessels can again get out. Several accidents have occurred lately to vessels coming in, but nothing serious. A wave struck the stern of a schooner, broke the wheel and crushed the man at the wheel considerable.
    The ladies connected with the sewing society of the M.E. Church gave
last Friday evening, at the courthouse for the benefit of the parsonage, and realized about fifty dollars. The parsonage is a good one, and it will be well furnished, as the ladies have taken it in hand; and the ladies of Empire always accomplish what they undertake. The Methodists are raising funds to build a church. They expect to build this summer, and to have it ready for dedication by the first of September. At present there is not a church edifice in Coos County.
is now upon us in all its beauty. Gardens are being made, trees are putting forth their leaves, and many flowers are in full bloom. There are many more wild birds here than in the Willamette; and also more beautiful singers. One kind sings as sweetly as a well-cultivated canary. Hummingbirds abound. Speaking of birds reminds me of white wild geese that come here in the fall--perfectly white. They were very abundant last fall, but disappeared about the first of January.
Albany Register, Albany, Oregon, April 8, 1871, page 2


    After a few days fine weather, it commenced storming again last week, and it has kept it up to the present moment. The "oldest inhabitant" has never witnessed so "wet a spring" as the present one. Rain, rain, rain, almost continuously, since the first of February.
expect to have some sort of a celebration on the 26th inst. This order is well represented here. They have a good lodge room and is it well furnished; and arrangements are being made for securing a site for a cemetery. They are, with few exceptions, a noble band of brothers.
is being carried on by the pastor of this charge, assisted by Rev. J. Harer of Wilbur. There are but few church members here, yet the congregations are good and orderly, and the Sunday school is large and prosperous. At the quarterly meeting which was held last Saturday and Sabbath, the quarterly conference concluded to hold a camp meeting embracing the first Sabbath in June. This will be the first camp meeting held within the bounds of Coos County. You see that we are somewhat behind the times.
is being agitated, and the temperance men have resolved that they will be felt in our next election. We do not think that a third party could succeed, but if the Republican Party wishes our votes, temperance men must be nominated. That the Republican Party is entirely free from the vice we do not claim, but that a majority, a very large majority of those who manufacture, buy, sell, and use intoxicating liquors are Democrats, no honest, intelligent person will deny. Therefore the hope of the temperance cause is the Republican Party. Temperance men must attend the primary meetings, and select those to attend the county convention who will nominate true temperance men for office. This done, the temperance cause and the Republican Party will be successful. If a different course is pursued, both will be defeated, as a third party will be formed.
Albany Register, Albany, Oregon, April 29, 1871, page 2


    The schooner Margaret Crockard; Capt. Godfrey commanding, was
on the 18th inst., soon after crossing the Bar. She was loaded with lumber for the Society Islands. As she was being towed out to sea, she struck so violently on the Bar as to start every timber in her, but at the time it was thought no serious damage was incurred. The tug towed her out to sea, and returned. When she had gone about fifteen miles out, the steward came on deck and told the captain that water was coming into the cabin and he believed the hold was full of water. The captain went below and found water rushing violently into the cabin. He rushed upon deck, brought the vessel to, and ordered the deck load to be thrown overboard, but before this could be accomplished she careened and went over on her beams end. The crew had barely time to secure ropes with which to lash themselves to the vessel. As she went over they climbed upon the side and lashed themselves fast. This was late in the evening. They remained there over night. The next morning the captain of one of the tugs descried her from the Lookout, and two of the tugs went to her relief. By this time the tide had brought her within five miles of the beach. The tug took the crew on board, and worked all day in trying to right the vessel, but the sea was so rough they could not succeed. Captain and crew lost everything but the clothing they had on, but our kind citizens supplied their immediate wants, and they were furnished by the captains of some of the vessels plying between here and San Francisco with free passes to the city.
Albany Register, Albany, Oregon, May 6, 1871, page 2


    Our District Court closed last Saturday evening. This occasion always draws a great many persons to town, although there may be no case on the docket of much importance. Our Bar was graced this term by more than the usual amount of foreign legal talent. Corvallis, Eugene and Roseburg were well represented. The ladies held their
on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. They realized, clear of all expenses, one hundred and fifty dollars, which for so small a community is remarkably well. The occasion was a very pleasant one.
    The steamer Alpha, and the tugs Escort and Merrimac were
last Thursday evening, by our Deputy Collector Woodruff, for violation of law; but they gave bail, and went on their way. The little steamer Argo, that was seized a few months ago, has been released, and she is refitted and is now making daily trips to Marshfield and other points on the Bay and river, to the great delight of our citizens generally. It has been
that Judge Skinner is to receive the appointment of Deputy Collector of this port in the place of E. A. Woodruff, who has resigned. A more suitable man, or one more deserving than the Judge, could not be found. He is a true man, and has ever labored for the interests of the Republican Party; yet he has received no office at their hands, while men far less deserving than he have been placed in power. Then his interests are identified with the people of this place, as he owns property here and expects to make this his future home. His appointment would give universal satisfaction. The Company that recently purchased the
has commenced operations, and the prospects so far are favorable. If it should prove as rich as it is expected to be, its development will be a great benefit to this county. Mr. Lockhart's
on the Coquille, has proved richer than even expected. Mr. Larre's claim is also paying better than ever. It is generally believed that there are good paying mines in that vicinity that have not been developed.
to our Bay, which for a time last winter was closed by southerly winds driving sand into the channel, is now open, and vessels are passing in and out daily. Southerly winds drive the sand into the channel and quite close it; but a few days of northerly winds cut it out and render it as good as ever.
Albany Register, Albany, Oregon, June 10, 1871, page 2


    Not long since we received a pamphlet containing an account of the early settlement and settlers of Coos Bay. On looking it over we find that it presents a great number of historical reminiscences of that part of Oregon, with personal sketches, description of eccentric characters, and other interesting matter. The author, there may be reason to suppose, is S. S. Mann, formerly county judge of Coos County. A rapid, even though it be a partial, summary of the contents of the pamphlet will be received with interest by large numbers to whom the entire sketch is inaccessible; and the Oregonian is the more desirous to present such summary because it wishes to take every opportunity to call attention to that important part of our state, than which no other part has greater resources or is destined to surer wealth and greatness.
    Previous to 1853, as the writer says, no white man had a residence on the fertile shores of Coos Bay. The aboriginal Indians alone enjoyed the wealth of game, fish, fruits and berries which were in such abundance as to make an Indian paradise. Prior to that time the locality had indeed been visited by a few whites. A small schooner, bound to Umpqua River, entered Coos Bay by mistake in 1852, and remained for several weeks, hunting for the settlements. At length persons from the Umpqua, learning their condition from the Indians, piloted them out of Coos Bay and into the place of their destination. During the summer of 1853, P. B. Marple, a resident of Jackson County, made an exploration to the coast, passing down the Coquille River. Learning the general character of Coos Bay from the Indians, he deemed it a valuable location. Returning to Jackson County, he formed a company of about forty persons, who, proceeding to Coos Bay, became the pioneers and early settlers of Coos County. Among these are mentioned Marple, Harris, Jackson, Lockhart, Coffin, Tolman, Noble and Boatman. Soon after their advent the discovery of gold sand mines at Randolph made a large addition to their number, and Empire City became the depot of supplies for a large mining population. Vessels with merchandise and men were attracted to it. In the end the mines proved less rich than was anticipated, but the population and capital induced by the excitement remained, and was added to the permanence of the settlement. Among the settlers of this period are named Northrup & Symonds, the originators of the Eastport coal mine; Rogers & Flanagan, pioneers of the Newport coal mine; James Aiken, the principal discoverer of these veins; A. M. Simpson and H. H. Luse, pioneer sawmill owners, Dr. Foley, Yoakum, Winchester and others. The first coal was discovered at North Bend. Soon afterwards similar discoveries were made in several other places. On further exploration these discoveries were abandoned and the mines were opened at other points.
    The lumber interest has always been an important industry at Coos Bay, though its growth of late years has not kept pace with former expectations. A. M. Simpson built the first saw mill. He has since built many vessels at the bay, which have been employed in the large trade created by the numerous saw mills since erected.
    In these early days, angel women, "uncertain, coy and hard to please," were commentably few and scarce. Bachelors' halls were in the majority. The occupants were under the necessity of being their own cooks and housekeepers, as well as attending to outdoor avocations. They could cuddle the imaginative "girl I left behind me," to their hearts, and "nothing more." An occasional ball gathered the few beauties, young and old, from far and near, in some rough-boarded room, brilliantly lighted with tallow dips. The "fair" and few shone gorgeously in calico. The bachelors in scores, arrayed in their best, looked on in admiring hopelessness. "Biled shirts" were proscribed as too pretentious. Whoever should dare to appear in one would have been the subject of ridicule. Freed from the ceremonious forms of fashionable life, they "tripped the light fantastic toe" in joyous hilarity "till daylight doth appear." The advent of a marriageable young lady produced a lively sensation. All the bachelors rushed in hot haste to secure a chance in the matrimonial prize. The fair one was perplexed to choose among her many offers; and could select her own time to restore the "lost rib" to some happy swain. This terrible lack of female loveliness and companionship made men desperate. There were many native maidens camped about, who could be purchased from their fond parents for a few pairs of blankets. Rather than live on, hopelessly languishing for fairer loves, many embraced the opportunity and provided themselves with companions from the wigwams of the "noble red man," and lived clandestinely without any marriage ceremony. Suddenly clouds arose, darkening the horizon of their domestic felicity. An order was issued from the Indian Department that all the Indians at Coos Bay should be removed to the Siletz Reservation. This order would ruthlessly include all those dusky companions to whom these men had become attached, turning them adrift again to solitary, single life. These Indian maidens, strange as it may seem, had wound themselves deeply into their affections. They looked with horror upon a separation. Lucky thought, happy discovery! Marriage would make them wives and American citizens beyond the control of Indian agents. The danger was imminent. The emissaries of the Indian Department were gathering the Indians together for removal. There was a rush of these couples to the justices of the peace in the county, and about thirty couples in this vicinity were joined in the bonds of wedlock. Some of them proved faithful wives, and some of their liege lords are respectable, honored, thriving citizens.
    From this point the pamphlet from which we are condensing is mostly taken up with personal reminiscences and anecdotes of the early settlers. These are of great interest to those who have been acquainted with the persons to whom the sketches and anecdotes refer. But we could wish that the writer had given us with them some further statement of the resources and material development of that important and growing part of our state.
Oregonian, Portland, January 31, 1880, page 2