EXPRESS TO JACKSONVILLE.--G. L. Taggart, of Yreka, has established an express from Yreka to Jacksonville.
Sacramento Daily Union, January 1, 1858, page 4


    CRESCENT CITY.--The Herald of the 16th Dec. says the latter part of last week we experienced the severest blow we think that has been felt here since the settlement of the town. It had the effect of causing an extremely heavy sea to roll in, which came to the doors of the buildings on parts of Front Street, and on the upper part of the street did a good deal of damage by washing away sidewalks, &c. Had it been at the time of spring tides, serious loss would undoubtedly have been occasioned. We learn that the mail hence to Kerbyville and Jacksonville will probably be discontinued for the balance of the winter. The stage line has been taken off for the present.
Shasta Courier, Shasta City, California, January 2, 1858, page 2

    SHOOTING AFFAIR AT JACKSONVILLE.--A rencounter took place at Jacksonville (O.T.) on the 25th of Dec., between John McLaughlin and one Rhodes, in which some dozen shots were fired, without injury to anyone except a bystander, Henry Klippel, who accidentally received a severe wound near the knee. He was trying to prevent the parties from firing at the time. The principals in the affair were arrested, and had an examination before Justice Arundell. McLaughlin was discharged. Rhodes was held to bail in the sum of $1,000 for his appearance at the next term of the District Court, to answer a charge of assault with intent to kill. Klippel, we learn, is recovering.
Sacramento Daily Union, January 15, 1858, page 2


    STEALING AT A BALL.--At a recent ball, in Jacksonville, O.T., at the Tremont House, some thieving fellows took advantage of the festivities of the occasion, and stole a variety of overcoats, hats and boots, together with a pair of saddlebags belonging to Sheriff Pyle, which contained papers of considerable value. The bags were subsequently recovered.
Sacramento Daily Union, January 15, 1858, page 3




    Companies are being formed in California and Southern Oregon for the Mormon war, in case government shall call for volunteers.
The Oregon Argus, Oregon City, January 16, 1858, page 2


    MAILS IN OREGON.--The people of Southern Oregon are congratulating themselves that they are going to have a weekly mail in that section.
Sacramento Daily Union, January 18, 1858, page 1


    SUDDEN DEATH AT JACKSONVILLE, O.T.--On the 4th of January a German named Gerhard Walters was found dead in the baking room of Hesse & Co., at Jacksonville. He had been in good health.
Sacramento Daily Union, January 18, 1858, page 2


    MINING IN OREGON.--The Jacksonville Sentinel, of Jan. 9th, remarks of the mining prospects in its vicinity as follows:
    "Mining operations have been about suspended by the cold weather for two or three weeks past. We think there are now in this county and Josephine as many miners as at any time since '52-3, and if they could have sufficient water the yield of gold would, no doubt, be as great as that of any former season. A few companies in this vicinity have water, and are doing remarkably well. It is to be hoped that we may soon have enough rain to give all our miners work."
Sacramento Daily Union, January 19, 1858, page 4


    The folowing is a correct list of the newspapers, together with their correspondents, who have been supplied bythe Speaker with desks in teh Reporters' Gallery, in the new Representative Hall at Washington:
"The New Reporter's Gallery in the House of Representatives," New York Tablet, New York City, January 30, 1858, page 3

Del Norte Record, Crescent City, November 25, 1893, page 2


    A CAPTURE AT YREKA.--An escaped convict by the name of Owens, from the Jacksonville Jail, O.T., was captured January 21st near Yreka, by a posse who went in pursuit of him. Some twenty-five shots were fired before Owens was brought to.
Sacramento Daily Union, February 3, 1858, page 3


    DITCH ENTERPRISE IN OREGON. From the Oregon Sentinel, of the 23rd ult., we learn that a mass meeting of the citizens of Rogue River Valley is to be held at Jacksonville, on the 6th inst., for the purpose of making an energetic move towards bringing the waters of Applegate to the Sterling and Jacksonville mines. The Sentinel thinks there is no other question of so great importance to the whole population of Jackson County as that of procuring a supply of water to miners throughout the year. It has long been well known that the mines near Jacksonville and Sterling are rich and extensive, but the absence of water has prevented their being worked except a short portion of the year. If the proposed enterprise succeeds, it will open a new era of prosperity for Jackson County.--Yreka Union.
Daily Alta California, San Francisco, February 4, 1858, page 1


    DITCH ENTERPRISE IN OREGON.--A mass meeting of the citizens of Rogue River Valley will be held at Jacksonville on Saturday, February 6th, for the purpose of making an effort towards bringing the waters of Applegate to the Sterling and Jacksonville mines. The Sentinel says:
    "There is no other question of so great importance to the whole population of Jackson County as that of procuring a supply of water to miners throughout the year. It has long been well known that the mines near Jacksonville and Sterling are rich and extensive, but the absence of water has prevented their being worked except a short portion of the year. If the proposed enterprise succeeds, it will open a new era of prosperity for Jackson County.
Sacramento Daily Union, February 4, 1858, page 3


    Editor Sentinel:--Within the last year our citizens have taken a decided stand and have prosecuted the work of making a wagon road from Crescent City to Illinois Valley, and I think there is no doubt about the road being completed for stages to travel on by the first of June next. When this road is completed it will settle all further disputes between individuals and newspaper editors as to which is the best route for merchants to transport their goods. The Scottsburg route will answer for all the country north of the Canyon--the location naturally warrants such a conclusion; but when I hear a man say that a good road can be made through the Canyon and over the Grave Creek Hills at a comparatively small expense, it seems to me that he is either ignorant of the route or selfishly blinded and prejudiced against our Crescent City road, and wishes to instill into the minds of the uninformed portion of the community that Scottsburg, at comparatively small expense, will be the place for the citizens of Jackson County, Oregon, and Siskiyou County, California, to transact their business at. I really believe that it will take from thirty to forty thousand dollars to make a good wagon road through the Canyon, and at least ten thousand dollars more to continue it over the Grave Creek Hills. Now, if this is comparatively small expense, why has it not been done? When the money to make the road through the Canyon has to be raised by stockholders, there will be a failure. The Crescent City road is the only one that is going to benefit Southern Oregon. It will be made, and the friends and shareholders of the road remunerated for the enterprise. In writing to the Sentinel, I do so knowing that it has ever advocated the road, and is most likely to publish my letter.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 6, 1858, page 2


    FLOUR.--Merchants have been asking $12 per hundred since our last issue, with but few purchasers. Rogue River Valley and Scott River Valley have been favored with good crops the past season--enough to supply the whole northern section, independent of the markets below, and flour can only be maintained at its present price by the combinations of speculators. Oregon is sending her usual supply. The impression is that flour will decline from its present price instead of advancing. Corn meal is selling at $7 per hundred, and potatoes at $4 per hundred, and as long as these prices remain there is no real necessity for the creation of a flour panic. Small quantities of flour is already finding its way to our market from the northern country. On Wednesday, Feb. 3, 14,000 lb. were offered at $10½.--Republican.
Red Bluff Beacon, February 10, 1858, page 2


    CAPTURE--TROUBLE WITH INDIANS.--The Yreka Union says:
    We are informed that on Thursday of last week, a man named Owens, who escaped from jail in Jacksonville, Oregon Territory, last fall, was captured by a party of men about twenty-five miles above Cottonwood on the Klamath. The party in pursuit caught him about midnight, and had fired twenty-two shots at him during the chase. He is now on his way back to his old headquarters in Jacksonville, where it is to be hoped he will be more secure for the future. The prisoner stated that the Indians at the Cave would be troublesome in the spring, with whom he had been stopping until quite recently, when on becoming alarming he left for his own safety.
Weekly California Express, Marysville, February 13, 1858, page 1


    BURGLAR ARRESTED.--Jenk Owens, one of the party who broke open and robbed Mr. Walker's house at the upper part of the valley last spring, and who was shot in the knee while robbing the house by Walker, and afterwards arrested and committed to jail, and made his escape, was arrested again a few days since on the Klamath, and brought over and lodged in jail to await his trial.--Jackson (O.T.) Sentinel, Jan. 30.
Sacramento Daily Union, February 15, 1858, page 3


    The Democratic citizens of Jackson County are requested to meet at the usual places of holding elections in the several precincts on Saturday, the 13th of February, at 2 o'clock p.m., for the purpose of electing delegates to represent the precincts in the county convention, to be held at Jacksonville 20th Feb., 1858, to elect eight delegates to represent Jackson Co. in the proposed state convention, to be held at Salem the 16th day of March, 1858; and to transact such other business as may be deemed necessary.
    Jacksonville and Sterling precincts are entitled to four delegates each; the other precincts three each.
February, 1858.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, February 16, 1858, page 2


    The Jacksonville Sentinel raises the name of L. F. Grover as candidate for Congress, subject to the decision of the Democratic convention.
    The Sentinel of the 30th ult. sustains the action of the Democratic Central Committee, and the regular Democratic organization. Upon the slavery question it says:
    "The Sentinel never has advocated the organization of a pro-slavery Democratic Party in Oregon. We have time and again declared that it did not affect the Democracy of any Democrat to vote against slavery in Oregon."
Oregon Statesman, Salem, February 16, 1858, page 2


    "'That little bill' for the Oregon and Washington Indian wars has been presented by Gen. Lane. It amounts to nearly six millions. Among the items hay is charged at $200 per ton. Grass must be scarce, or brass plenty, on the Pacific coast."
    We clip the above from a Massachusetts Know-Nothing and Black Republican paper. No such price as that above stated was ever allowed or charged for hay used in the late volunteer service. The commission allowed six cents per pound for hay furnished in Southern Oregon, which is the highest price allowed by them for that article. The War Department allowed and paid six cents per pound for all the hay used in the Rogue River Indian War in 1853, and we are informed that in the spring of 1856 as high as seven cents per pound was paid in cash for some of the hay used in the regular service in Southern Oregon. It is not unusual for packers and travelers to pay five and six cents per pound for hay in Josephine Co.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, February 16, 1858, page 2


    GASBURG.--This place is situated in Oregon, near the border line of California, between Jacksonville and Yreka, and is looked upon as a strong rival of the former town. The Jacksonville Sentinel thus refers to it:
    "We visited Gasburg the other day, and was much pleased to see such rapid progress in improvement. The location for a county town has advantages over almost any other place, being near the center of the farming settlements on Bear or Stuart Creek, having one of the finest flouring mills in the Territory, also an excellent sawmill, a tan yard, and extensive manufacturing establishments. Being located immediately on the road between Jacksonville and Yreka, at a beautiful site for a country village, with the improvements already in progress, it bids fair to become a rival to Jacksonville in point of trade: for most certainly the location has superior manufacturing advantages, and is much nearer the center of the great farming community on Bear Creek, and without doubt if there is not something done by the citizens towards supplying the mines with water, there is no inducement for the farmers to give Jacksonville the preference over a village situate in the midst of their settlement, with the advantage of water for manufacturing purposes."
Sacramento Daily Union, February 16, 1858, page 1


    FATAL MINING ACCIDENT.--A person named Oscar Dietz, engaged in mining upon Jackson Creek, Southern Oregon, lately fell into a mining shaft and was killed. He was found at the bottom of the shaft, with his head under water, and already dead. The deceased, says the Jacksonville Herald, was from the city of Berlin in Prussia, where he possessed considerable estates. Having taken part in the revolutionary movements in that city in the year 1849, he was banished by the government for a period of ten years. His term of banishment would have expired next year, when he intended to return to the land of his birth, but death has frustrated his plans. He was about thirty-six years of age.
San Francisco Bulletin, February 18, 1858, page 2


    SNOW ON THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINS.--Snow is so deep on the Crescent City mountain as to render travel over it by animals impossible. A gentleman who succeeded in crossing it on foot reports the snow as from six to ten feet deep on the mountain. A number of gentlemen who left Jacksonville (Southern Oregon) for Crescent City some days since were at Kerbyville, waiting for a thaw.--Jacksonville Herald.
San Francisco Bulletin, February 19, 1858, page 2


Three Men Drowned.
    We learn from the Jacksonville Herald that three men, named Z. Levens, Edward Craymer and Wm. Hunter, were drowned in the Umpqua River recently, while on their way from Scottsburg to Umpqua City. The boat in which they started down the river was a small one, having about five hundred pounds of freight, besides those three men, and when at "Long Beach" it is supposed she "shipped a swell," which sent her to the bottom, with all within her.
Daily Globe, San Francisco, February 20, 1858, page 2


    ESCAPE AND RECAPTURE OF JUDD.--Judd, who murdered Rothenheim between Crescent City and Jacksonville, lately, escaped from the Crescent City jail, by knocking down the jailer. Two hundred dollars had been offered for his capture. We hear that he has since been arrested by some soldiers on the Klamath, and sent to the Jacksonville jail.
Weekly Trinity Journal, Weaverville, California, February 20, 1858, page 3


Snow on the Northern Mountains.
    Snow is so deep on the Crescent City mountain as to render travel over it by animals impossible. A gentleman who succeeded in crossing it on foot reports the snow as from six to ten feet deep on the mountain. A number of gentlemen who left Jacksonville, Southern Oregon, for Crescent City, some days since, were at Kerbyville, waiting for a thaw.--Jacksonville Herald.
Daily Globe, San Francisco, February 21, 1858, page 2


    NEWS FROM JACKSONVILLE, OREGON TERRITORY.--We find in the Sentinel of February 6th, the following items of intelligence:
    On the 24th of January, at Cañon Creek, in Josephine County, a man by the name of Robert Wilson stabbed a man by the name of Hawk. We learn that two of the wounds were considered by Dr. Barkwell, as dangerous. Wilson was arrested and examined before Justice Post and committed, and brought by Sheriff Hendershott, of Josephine County, and lodged in jail in this county to await his trial. At last advices, Hawk was not dead. It appears that Wilson is a person who figured considerably in the Yreka and Greenhorn riots some time since.
    On Saturday, the 23rd of January, at the residence of Charles Williams, in Jacksonville, Mary Angel, aged 18 months, infant daughter of Mary Ann Williams, fell into a tub of hot water, remaining until the mother ran some distance. When the child was taken out, every remedy deemed advisable to relieve the little sufferer was used, but to no purpose. On Sunday morning, the 24th ultimo, about four o'clock, it died.
    On Sunday evening, January 31st, Oscar Van Dietz left a store on Jackson Creek, about one mile above town--a noise was heard a short distance from the house, and shortly Van Dietz was found in a mining hole about fifteen feet deep. In falling, he struck the back part of his head against a rock and broke the skull, causing his death instantly.
Sacramento Daily Union, February 24, 1858, page 3


    The cost, to the Territory, of bringing a penitentiary convict from Jackson and Josephine counties, is from $300 to $700, according to the number of guards.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, March 2, 1858, page 2


    INTERCOMMUNICATION.--The prospect of a telegraph to Oregon is very gratifying. There is already a line from Portland to Corvallis--50 miles; thence to Jacksonville, about 250 miles, will not cost much in proportion to the convenience to Oregon people, and the Jacksonville folks are able to build a line to Yreka. A stage road from Crescent City to Jacksonville is being built, to be traveled in 24 hours. Now the Crescent City and Jacksonville papers are two weeks old when we get them; the telegraph will put us in instant communication with the northern coast.
Weekly Trinity Journal, Weaverville, California, March 6, 1858, page 3


    We are going to have a telegraph. Mr. Hubbard, of the Northern Telegraph Company, is here, and he informs us that the connection between Red Bluffs and Oroville will be completed within thirty days; then the workmen will commence north of Shasta, and will have completed the line to Weaverville by the first of May. The wires and other materials have arrived; everything is in readiness, and the work is going on vigorously. The Board of Directors abandoned the original design of following the Sacramento River route; they now intend to build the telegraph through Weaverville, Trinity Center, Scott Valley and Deadwood, to Yreka. This conclusion was in compliance with the request of stockholders in Trinity County. It was a wise conclusion, and it will secure the company the cooperation of people on this side, who must have been indifferent about the success of the enterprise, had their decision been otherwise. Considerable stock had been subscribed in this county; the first and second installments are now due; a large amount has been paid to the contractor, who is now here, and who will remain to complete the collections. It is earnestly desired that all subscriptions be paid promptly, so as not to delay the work.
    The Jacksonville people talk of continuing the line from Yreka to that place; thence it will go to the chief city in Oregon; thus completing a highway of thought from San Francisco up-coast, to the limits of our republic domains. In the East the iron trails of thought are reaching farther and farther westward; ere long they will leave the confines of civilization, and will wind their ways across the Great American Desert, through the snowy defiles of the Sierras, and descend to the broad green valleys of the Pacific, there to find well-trained messengers ready to take up their story and flash it away a thousand miles through summer and winter, across luxuriant valleys and over perpetual snows, to the remote mining village where the grating of stone and steel tells this progress of American enterprise.
    One is amazed at the magnitude of man's inventive genius. For ages of ages two great oceans have been roaring to each other until the terrified monsters of the deep hid themselves in the profundity of ocean, yet their voices have died on the breeze, leaving thousands of miles of silence untraversed. Earthquakes and mountains travailing with fire scared the lazy aboriginal from his camp, but their thunders did not reach the camp of the American Bedouin who sits on the desert sands laying out his war path. But on the Eastern land-verge a man sits among acids and wires; a paper is before him on which is written "Disunion," or "Invasion"; he touches an instrument that answers with a "still small voice," but each syllable is heard above the surges of the western ocean, or amid the storms that wail round the cold temples of Mount Hood.
    Shut out, as we are, from railroad or river communication, and dependent on the slow progress made over a mountainous country, we think a telegraph indispensable for the convenience and interests of the business community, and we trust that subscribers will respond to the requests of the collector at once, and cheerfully. There is no doubt but what the investment will pay; the line from Marysville to Oroville, dependent on the business of Oroville, alone, has paid a small percentage above expenses; that between Shasta and Red Bluffs exceeds the expectations of the Company. Surely then, a telegraph sustained by Marysville, Oroville, Red Bluffs, Shasta, Weaverville, Yreka, and intermediate places of less note, will make the Northern Telegraph not only a great convenience to the people of the north, but an enterprise of profit.
Weekly Trinity Journal, Weaverville, California, March 6, 1858, page 3


    B. J. Barnes, late editor of the Jacksonville Herald, has been appointed Collector at Umpqua in place of A. C. Gibbs, resigned.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, March 9, 1858, page 2


    KERBYVILLE, O.T.--A correspondent of the Jacksonville Sentinel, writing from this place, remarks:
    "For the last two weeks we have no intelligence from any quarter, on account of the tremendous floods surrounding us on every hand. It is stated by some of our oldest settlers that the rivers have not been so high since 1852, a year notorious for high waters in Southern Oregon. Macklin's bridge across Illinois River has been carried away. The mines are paying well."
Sacramento Daily Union, March 15, 1858, page 3




    TELEGRAPH TO OREGON.--The Trinity Journal thus discourses on the prospects of a telegraph to Oregon:
    "There is already a line from Portland to Corvallis, 50 miles; thence to Jacksonville, about 250 miles, will not cost much in proportion to the convenience to Oregon people; and the Jacksonville folks are able to build a line to Yreka. A stage road from Crescent City to Jacksonville is being built, to be traveled over in twenty-four hours. Now the Crescent City and Jacksonville papers are two weeks old when we get them. The telegraph will put us in instant communication with the northern coast."
    FROZEN IN THE SNOW.--Louis Remme, who was lately frozen in the snow while crossing from Table Rock to the South Umpqua, was left by his associate, who found that he (Remme) could not proceed further, with horses, saddles and saddlebags containing $3,000. When a party succeeded in finding his body, the horses, saddles and saddlebags had disappeared.
    FIRE NEAR JACKSONVILLE, O.T.--On the 12th of February, the dwelling and smoke house of James Tatum, on Butte Creek, was burnt down, with about two thousand pounds of bacon, also furniture, clothing, etc.
Sacramento Daily Union, March 16, 1858, page 2


    MINING IN SOUTHERN OREGON.--In the vicinity of Jacksonville, the miners are represented to be doing well. The water in that locality it was thought would hold out until June.
Sacramento Daily Union, March 16, 1858, page 3


    Three men, named Z. Levens, Edward Craymer and William Hunter, were recently drowned in the Umpqua River, while on their way down from the town of Scottsburg, Southern Oregon, to Umpqua City, in a small boat.
Daily Dispatch, Richmond, Virginia, March 17, 1858, page 1


    Gasburg, on the road between Yreka and Jacksonville, bids fair to rival the latter place in point of trade--says the Sentinel.
Red Bluff Beacon, March 17, 1858, page 1


Del Norte Record, Crescent City, December 9, 1893, page 1


    LATER FROM SOUTHERN OREGON.--We find the following intelligence in the Jacksonville papers of March 13th:
    The Sentinel publishes the address of the disaffected members of the late Legislature, nine in number, to the "National Democracy of Oregon," calling a convention at Eugene City on the 8th of April, and also a call for a county convention in Jackson County, to appoint delegates to said Territorial convention, over the mythical signature of "Many National Democrats," but says it is not in any manner committed to the movement, and thinks it will result disastrously to the party.
    The same paper learns that an attempt was made to murder David Sisson, of Ashland, by a man named Becket. The latter stationed himself early in the morning, near Sisson's house, armed with a shotgun, and when he went out for a bucket of water fired upon him, one shot taking effect in his head, and several others in his body, inflicting painful, though not dangerous wounds. Becket had not been arrested.
    The house and lumber kiln of Captain M. M. Williams, of Josephine County, were destroyed by fire. Loss estimated at $1,200.
    The Herald of the same date says that a man by the name of Wright, but whose real name is said to have been George Peacock, and formerly a resident of Yreka, was shot by a Mr. Sargent, on March 1st, at his store on Cow Creek. It seems Sargent had previously had a lawsuit with Wright, and received some seven dollars damages, and Wright had threatened to kill Sargent unless he repaid him the money. Wright entered the store and drawing his pistol, which Sargent observing, drew his, and they fired simultaneously, both missing. Sargent then ran into another room and seized his rifle, shooting Wright dead as he pursued him. Sargent was examined before the proper authorities, and was discharged, it being considered a case of justifiable homicide.
    The editor of the Herald urges the boring of artesian wells, as the only feasible mode of supplying the mines near Jacksonville with water. The waters of Applegate Creek, which it had been proposed to bring in by a ditch are not sufficient to furnish a supply.
    During the night of the 9th of March, a house on Applegate, occupied by four Chinamen, was entered by two men and the inmates robbed of $500, which they induced the robbers to believe was all they had. They had $1,500 left however, which they wisely concluded to deposit in a merchant's safe in Jacksonville.
Sacramento Daily Union, March 24, 1858, page 3


    SCOTTSBURG ROAD.--A gentleman who arrived a few days since from Oregon informs us that the late severe rains, which caused a flood in almost all the streams, were very destructive to the wagon road between Scottsburg and Jacksonville. The portion of it through the Canyon is entirely washed away and destroyed, so that it is impassable, and it will require an outlay of several thousand dollars to repair it so that it will again be practicable for wagons, if indeed it can be made so at all.
Crescent City Herald, March 24, 1858, page 2


    ITEMS FROM SOUTHERN OREGON.--The Yreka Union gleans from Jacksonville papers some late items of news from Southern Oregon. It says:
    An attempt was made to murder David Sisson, of Ashland, on 11th March, by a man named Becket. The latter stationed himself early in the morning, near Sisson's house, armed with a shotgun, and when he went out for a bucket of water fired upon him, one shot taking effect in the head, and several others in his body, inflicting a painful, though not dangerous, wound. Becket had not been arrested.
    A man by the name of Wright, but whose real name is said to have been Gregory Peacock, and formerly a resident of Yreka, was shot by a Mr. Sargent, on the 1st March, at his store on Cow Creek. It seems Sargent had previously had a lawsuit with Wright and received some $7 damages, and Wright threatened to kill Sargent unless he repaid him the money. Wright entered the store and, drawing his pistol, which Sargent observing, drew his, and they fired simultaneously, both missing. Sargent then ran into another room and seized his rifle, shooting Wright dead as he pursued him. Sargent was examined before the proper authorities and was discharged, it being considered a case of justifiable homicide.
    The Jacksonville Herald urges the boring of artesian wells as the only feasible mode of supplying the mines near Jacksonville with water. The waters of Applegate Creek, which it had been proposed to bring in by a ditch, are not sufficient to furnish a supply.
    During the night of the 9th of March, a house on Applegate, occupied by four Chinamen, was entered by two men and the inmates robbed of $500, which they induced the robbers to believe was all they had. They had $1,500 left, however, which they wisely concluded to deposit in a merchant's safe in Jacksonville.
San Francisco Bulletin, March 24, 1858, page 3


    OREGON.--The college at Eugene City was burned last month. A "National Democratic Convention" is to be held at that place on the 8th of April. The Jacksonville papers come through to Yreka by express. The Herald gives some unknown persons a severe talking to, for stealing clothes "from the line of Mrs. Savage."
Weekly Trinity Journal, Weaverville, California, March 27, 1858, page 3


    THE KLAMATH INDIANS.--An Oregon paper says of these savages: "We understand that the citizens of Jackson intend to have a petition in circulation, requesting the Superintendent of Indian Affairs to take some energetic steps to prevent the large number of Indians from roaming through the settlements and loafing around Jacksonville. If something is not done to prevent these Klamath Lake Indians from mixing with the settlements, there will be another Indian war--for there is no love for the redskins in Southern Oregon, and the Klamath Lake Indians are as great thieves as any other."
Weekly California Express, Marysville, California, March 27, 1858, page 4


    The California Stage Company will commence running a tri-weekly line between Yreka and Jacksonville on Monday next, leaving Yreka every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
"Matters About Yreka," Sacramento Daily Union, March 29, 1858, page 3


    YREKA AND SHASTA WAGON ROAD.--We see, says the Yreka Union, that the "Shasta and Yreka Turnpike Road Company" are preparing for an energetic campaign the coming summer against the mountains lying between us and our neighboring town, Shasta. They have advertised to receive proposals, until the 20th inst., for the construction of a wagon road from the Mountain House, on Clear Creek, on the east side of Trinity Mountain (to which point there is now a good stage road from Shasta), over the mountain to the ferry on Trinity River, and thence up Trinity Valley to the New York House, immediately at the east base of Scott Mountain, and for the building of four bridges on Trinity River.
    ANOTHER.--The Shasta Republican of last Saturday says:--"The Pit River passenger route from this place to Yreka will be opened in about ten days from this time. Passengers will go by stage to Pit River, thence by saddle to Soda Springs, and thence again by stage to Yreka. Leaving this place at five o'clock a.m., passengers will reach Yreka on the evening of the same day."
    The Union adds: In a few days the road will be in a condition to run coaches twelve miles below Soda Springs, which will leave but thirty miles by way of this new route to be traveled on mules. We do not think, however, that the trip will regularly be made from Shasta to this place in a single day, the distance being rather over than under one hundred miles.
    YET ANOTHER.--We learn by the Trinity Journal, says the Union, that active measures are being adopted for the building of a good wagon road from Weaverville to Trinity Centre, which, when the road is completed over Scott Mountain and through Trinity Valley, will put us in communication with Weaverville. The Crescent City road will soon be finished; so we are soon to have a wagon road connection with Shasta, Weaverville and Crescent City. Two years ago the practicability of such a connection with any of those towns was not settled.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 3, 1858, page 4


    CRESCENT CITY.--The Herald of March 24th has the following local intelligence:
    A gentleman who arrived a few days since from Oregon informs us that the late severe rains which caused a flood in almost all the streams were very destructive to the wagon road between Scottsburg and Jacksonville. The portion of it through the cañon is entirely washed away and destroyed, so that it is impassable, and it will require an outlay of several thousand dollars to repair it so that it will again be practicable for wagons, if indeed it can be made so at all.
    One night last week the house of Smith, at the mouth of Pistol River, was set on fire by a band of Pistol River Indians in two places. On Smith's going out to extinguish the flames, he was fired on by the Indians, the ball just grazing his arm, and lodging in the side of the house. He retreated to the door, and as he was about entering, four more shots were fired at him, but without effect. In the morning the Indians had left, and have not as yet been found, although a body of fifteen men are in pursuit of them.
    A gentleman, lately over from Indian Creek, informs us that the snow on the Siskiyou, between Sailor Diggings and Indiantown, is about twenty-five feet deep, and that the trail will probably not be practicable for mules before about the first of May.
Sacramento Daily Union, April 5, 1858, page 3


    Friend Bush--Our usual quiet town was somewhat aroused from is lethargy some two weeks since, by the appearance in our midst of the notorious disorganizer of the medical department, Dr. McIteeny. It seems the Dr.'s object was to organize a National Digger Democratic party to oppose the Salem Democracy, as he called them, but his efforts proved a total failure.
    The people have not forgotten that during the last war, when Southern Oregon stood in need of the assistance of every patriot that could be spared form home, this said Dr. Mc. took great pains to break up the medical department, at a time when their services would be needed to go into the field. His excuse was that his honor could not allow him to serve under the Surgeon General appointed by the Legislature, but the truth was he had stayed around the hospital all winter, doing nothing, and he was too lazy to go into the mountains on an active campaign, and he had too good an opportunity to show his disorganizing propensities not to avail himself of it, thinking perhaps that in breaking up the medical department and leaving the army without surgeons, it would be compelled to lay up, and not make the campaign, at the same time giving the disaffected an opportunity to instill their pernicious doctrines into the minds of the good intending of the troops, that to go into battle without surgeons was--should any of them get wounded--almost certain death, so far away from the settlements.
    Soon, after the noble Doctor left, a detachment from the northern battalion, under Maj. Latshaw, met the Indians on Cow Creek, and completely routed them, but had one man killed and two wounded. An express was sent after this said Doctor, who came back part of the way, but when he heard that there was only one man killed, and two wounded, considered it beneath his dignity to put himself to the trouble to ride through the Canyon to attend to one or two common volunteers. But we had men in the ranks who could not only fight the Indians, but administer comfort to the sick and wounded soldiers--Dr. Coombs acted as lieutenant and surgeon.
    But the country then had men, and still has, who baffled his disorganizing schemes, as well as those of his brethren who endeavored to prevent the movement of the troops so that the designs of a set of thieving traitors might be accomplished.
    I have said this much to show how much claim he has on the south, or indeed any part of the Territory, and well does the south know it.
    But to the mass meeting, as it was called in the Sentinel, to be held in Jacksonville yesterday. The day came, but no National Democrats, not even a man could be found who would own even the beautiful name, as no one can be sold out here with a name, some of them, mostly all, having read Shakespeare about "a rose with any other name," &c., and so the Doctor started for Josephine County, and was taken sick on the road, probably from the effect of his bad success in Jackson County. After the June election, I think the Territory will be at some expense to send some of them to the insane asylum, in Stockton, Cal.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, April 13, 1858, page 1


    STABBING AFFRAY ON WILLIAMS' CREEK.--The Jacksonville (O.T.) Sentinel of March 27th gives the particulars of a murderous affair which transpired recently near that place:
    "It seems a Mr. Selby, who owned cattle, had missed several head of them, and found their skins in the woods, his own brand being on the hides. A few days since, Selby went to the house of Banning, on Williams' Creek, where he met Banning and two others, Brumley and Hewett. Brumley asked Selby if he had accused him of stealing his cattle, having at the same time either a stone or some other heavy material in a handkerchief, with which he struck at Selby; the latter, retreating, said he had accused no one, as he did not know who was the thief, and desired Brumley to leave him alone. He persisted in striking at Selby, who drew a knife, threatening to use it. The attack being repeated, Selby stabbed Brumley in the upper portion of the abdomen, the knife pointing upwards, undoubtedly penetrating the liver. Selby then turned and ran. Brumley rushed to the house, procured a gun, came out and shot Selby through the back, the ball coming out a little above the bones of the hip. The parties above mentioned were taken before the proper authorities in Josephine County. After an examination, Brumley, Banning and Hewett were all bound over to appear at the next term of the court. Brumley is not expected to recover, and it seems rather singular that, with so severe a wound, he should have been able to procure the gun after it had been received. Selby, we learn, has been discharged by the examining court as having acted in self-defense."
    MINING AT JACKSONVILLE (O.T.)--The Sentinel of March 27th gives the following particulars of mining in its vicinity:
    "We learn that Robinson, Ward & Co. took out of their claim on Jackson Creek, on Thursday last, a chunk weighing six ounces and six dollars. This is the claim formerly worked by Kenyon & Co., now of the 'Metropolitan,' Yreka. The claims generally continue to pay very well. From Sterling, we hear that those who have water are doing as well as usual. Some of the parties there are reaping a rich harvest with their picks and shovels, and so long as the water lasts there can be no doubt of their success. We also learn that in the gulches on the right-hand side of the road leading from this place to Rogue River, where water can be obtained, large prospects are found, and in some of them the diggings bid fair to be much more extensive than was at first apprehended."
Sacramento Daily Union, April 13, 1858, page 1


    MINING ACCIDENT AT JACKSONVILLE (O.T.)--A miner named Van Net, March 24th, who was working on the left fork of Jackson Creek, had one of his legs broken by the falling of a stump, which he was undermining at the time for the purpose of removing from his claim. The leg was badly crushed just above the ankle joint.
Sacramento Daily Union, April 13, 1858, page 4


    Sometime in last February we published in the Express that our fellow citizen, Chauncey Miller, had in a hunting excursion killed five deer with four shots. This little paragraph found its way to Oregon Territory, and our old friend, Andy Carter, writes the following to us, as some of his hunting exploits in that far-off region:
    Dear Friend H:--I see in your paper an account of some crack shooting by C. Miller, and I will proceed to give you an account of my hunting exploits. One day in February last, after one hour's travel towards the snow on the mountains, I fell in with a herd of deer. The first shot I made fell short of the mark, it being the first shot I ever made with my new gun. The second one, however, told better, for it knocked over two in their tracks. I followed on, and soon got another one, making three for that day. One of the two killed, the ball went the whole length of it, and lodged against the skin in the breast.
    My second hunt turned out tolerably well by getting two more at one shot. This time I did not see but one fall, the other being nearly fifty feet from the first one. You may judge my surprise on passing by the first and coming on to the second one lying dead. On examination I found the ball had passed in at the front of the right shoulder and out on the left side, thereby passing through the heart.
    I do not want to banter Chauncey, but I think I can beat him with the gun I now have, and by the by it was made in Terre Haute, by Harry Fairbanks, and is the best gun in Oregon. I think I shall try my hand on some elk and bear next fall. Tell the boys, five deer at three shots.
    We expect it would be hard to beat Andy, but if Mr. Miller wants to try his hand he will only have to wait "a few days," for the Pacific Railroad, and then go to Oregon on a hunting excursion.
Wabash Express, Terre Haute, Indiana, June 16, 1858, page 2


    SETTLED AT LAST.--At Ashland, a small town in Jackson County, Southern Oregon, a Dr. Sisson was recently shot at and wounded in the hand. Three days afterwards his stable was burned; and a few days later as he was riding into Ashland he was shot dead by a man who was lying in wait for him behind a fallen tree.
San Francisco Bulletin, April 15, 1858, page 3


    MATTERS AT JACKSONVILLE, O.T.--We find the following items of interest in the Sentinel of April 10th, including a case of cold-blooded murder at Ashland Mills:
    "Professor Sisson was shot, and almost instantly killed recently by some concealed assassin, who succeeded in making his escape without being identified. We are informed that one or two persons saw Sisson fall at the report of the gun, but did not see the assassin. This is certainly one of the most cold-blooded and cowardly assassinations that has ever occurred in this or any other country. Doctor Sisson leaves a wife and child to mourn his untimely death.
    "New mines, and rich ones, have been discovered about eight miles north of Jacksonville, near the military road. Rails and Patty have been taking out as high as two hundred dollars a day to the hand. No doubt remains that some of the richest gold deposits anywhere in this section of the country is in the region of hills north of Willow Springs ranch, and west from Fort Lane. All that is necessary to make that district the most extensive and best-paying district of country is the procuring [of] water from Stuart's Creek to wash with.
    "Jackson Creek mines are not exhausted. The miners are doing well, as a usual thing. Our old friend S. Dunlap showed us a most beautiful and smooth specimen, weighing over one and a half ounces, picked up on his claim about a mile and a half above town."
Sacramento Daily Union, April 17, 1858, page 4


    Just as we were going to press, we heard a report that a party of Mormons numbering from 75 to 100 in men, women and children, who had recently made their escape from Utah, and were on their way south, and had arrived at the Canon. We give the report for what it is worth, but our informant is a gentleman in whose word we can place implicit confidence, should his information be correct.--Jacksonville Herald.
Shasta Courier, Shasta City, California, April 17, 1858, page 5


Siskiyou Items.
    We find the following items of news in the Siskiyou Chronicle of the 8th inst.:
    ASSASSINATION.--A most atrocious murder was perpetrated at Ashland Mills, on Tuesday morning last. The victim was a Dr. Sisson, of that place. Some time previous to this he was shot at, which, however, only grazed one of his hands. But on the morning above stated, he received the fatal shot and was found dead near his residence. The person or persons who committed the murder have not been detected, but we learn that suspicion rests on certain parties thereabouts, though not with sufficient evidence to warrant arrests. Ashland Mills are situated in Rogue River Valley, Oregon.
Daily Globe, San Francisco, April 18, 1858, page 3

Del Norte Record, Crescent City, December 16, 1893, page 2


    INDIAN OUTBREAK.--By the Gold Beach, from Rogue River yesterday morning, we hear that all the Indians have left the Reserve above that river, and are burning houses and committing depredations on the coast. Four men left in camp at the mouth of that river were attacked on Friday last, and one of them, John O'Regan, wounded. The body of Taylor, whom we have mentioned before as missing, has been found horribly mutilated. Unfortunately, an account which was written to us has been lost, or we should be able to give more particulars. A day or two will probably bring later news.
Daily Alta California, San Francisco, May 9, 1858, page 1


    The weather has been most beautiful here for the last fortnight. Indeed the warmth and balmy softness of the atmosphere, compared with that of our boreal winter, is such as to make one inadvertently revert to the halcyon days of childhood, when, in the springtime, the magical springing of the grass and flowers had such delicious charms for me--carpeting the fields and woodlands with their velvet green, and inviting the young and innocent in barefoot gambolings to press the dews upon their calm surface. Ah, the "happy days of childhood!" The brightest dreams of our existence fade away with the innocence and guilelessness of youth. And then comes age and stern old experience stealing on, hardening the tender heart to prepare it for the storms and battles of life, robbing it of its most heavenly attributes, and substituting a cold, unfeeling selfishness akin to misanthropy, and which is, by many, appreciated as the noblest precursor of true manliness. But I hold that it is this heartless misanthropy--sometimes in the form of shrewdness, sometimes that of treachery--that causes man to "look out for number one," regardless of the interests or even rights of their fellows. It is an acquired attribute--acquired at the sacrifice of far nobler attributes--and those most prone to evil are apt to make the greatest advancement in its acquirements, and profit most by its practice in the social walks of life.
    I started in on the weather, and have "weathered it out" thus far without saying "much of anything." I must say a few words of our diggings. The mines here open very well for a "starter" on the approaching summer. From the "signs of the times," it is not at all unreasonable to expect as flourishing times here this as any previous summer.
    There is a large scope of country lying to the eastward from here, which is, as yet, but partially prospected--not sufficiently well tested to prove its merits as a mining region.
    Althouse Creek has yielded two large chispas since, my last. One weighed seventy-four ounces; the other, 57 ounces. The company which took out these nuggets made over $1200 the day they found the least one.
    The political storm is now raging over our embryo atate. The "Tartar" hordes are being awakened to a lively sense of duty by the grandiloquence of our "big gun" statesmen. They spoke at Althouse a week ago. The Honorables, Delazon Smith, L. F. Grover, Col. Kelly, Bush of the Statesman, and others are doing the stumping. O'Meara, of Calaveras County, Cal., celebrity, is the National Democratic candidate for State Printer. They tell us Oregon is bound to be a state soon. Secretary Cass has written to one of our honorables, stating that Oregon is now needed to assist in getting the Pacific Railroad on the Platte River and South Pass route. The President, they say, favors the Gila route. Joe Lane is the acknowledged champion of both Democratic parties for the U.S. Senate, and the Hards, or "Salem clique," have Judge Williams and Delazon Smith in view for Gen. Lane's colleague--provided that their ticket wins.--'W.H.A.
Daily Alta California, San Francisco, May 15, 1858, page 1


    SOUTH OREGON.--The Chinamen on Applegate Creek offer $700 for the capture of the persons who robbed them.
Trinity Journal, Weaverville, California, April 24, 1858, page 3


    CRESCENT CITY.--Dates have been received from this point to April 21st. The Crescent City Herald says: We learn from a gentleman lately down from the mouth of Rogue River that, on Tuesday night last, some fifteen Indians rushed into the house of one Thomas--about two miles this side [of] the mouth of that stream--his door being only secured by a blanket, and attacked him in bed. He fought his way out through them and escaped. Two other men, named Taylor, who were sleeping in the house, broke for a boat which they had left at some little distance, but on arriving there found it guarded by Indians. They ran for the brush, but we regret to say that one of them has not been seen or heard of since, and too probably has been murdered. There is great need of troops at the mouth of Rogue River. Some should be stationed there at once, and all the Chetcoes who will not go on to the Reservation should be killed or driven out of the country. This is the third murder perpetrated by them within the last few months."
    We learn from Bowlin and Sucker creeks that the mines were never paying better than at present. Average wages made by those at work there are ten dollars per day to the hand. This is in the banks, where nearly all the work is being done at present. North & Co. took out last week a piece weighing $160. Ball & Ward have taken out of their claim in one day, by their own labor, as high as ten ounces. Numbers are prospecting in the vicinity of the well-known McDonald claim, and all striking good diggings.
    The contractors have been making the most of the late fine weather, and are rapidly pushing the road on to completion.
Sacramento Daily Union, April 26, 1858, page 1


    THE NEW WAGON ROAD.--The Yreka Union has received from a reliable source the following in reference to the wagon road between Crescent City and Kerbyville:
    "We learn from the same informant that the wagon road from Crescent City is expected to be completed to Kerbyville by the first of May, that Mr. Mann, of the Crescent City Express, is now in San Francisco purchasing coaches to put on the road between the two points. He also informs us that Mr. Thomas, of Rogue River Valley, has secured a charter from the Oregon Legislature to construct a turnpike road across the Siskiyou Mountains between Jacksonville and Yreka, and is now operating with a considerable force at both sides of the mountain, and is making an excellent road. This is a very desirable work and will greatly facilitate the passage between us and our Jacksonville neighbors."
Daily Democratic State Journal, Sacramento, April 28, 1858, page 2


    SISKIYOU ROAD.--A charter was granted by the last Oregon Legislature to a company formed for the purpose of constructing a macadamized road over the Siskiyou Mountain, between Yreka and Jacksonville. The work will shortly be commenced.
Nevada Democrat, Nevada City, California, April 28, 1858, page 2


    By the Rev. N. C. Locke, in the Presbyterian Church, Hempstead, L.I., on the 19th inst., Wm. H. Watkins, M.D., of Illinois Valley, Southern Oregon, to Miss Ann Elizabeth Bloomfield, of Hempstead.
New York Observer, April 29, 1858, page 7


    Pownell's Map of Oregon.--The people have felt much the want of a complete and reliable map of Oregon, and it affords us pleasure to know that the want is in a fair way to be satisfactorily supplied. Mr. Pownell has just finished his draft of the Map of Oregon, and he has good reason to be proud of the effort, since all who have seen it concede readily and cheerfully that it is a perfect work. It may be seen at the "Franklin Book Store," where it will remain for a few days, when it will be sent to New York for engraving. We are informed that it is the expectation of the proprietors, Messrs. Pownell & McCormick, to have copies of the work here and for sale within about four or six months. We confidently predict for it the extensive and speedy sale it so worthily merits.
Oregon Weekly Times, Portland, May 1, 1858, page 1


    BREADSTUFFS IN CALIFORNIA.--The Press Current gives an interesting review of the flour speculation in this state, from which we quote the following, as showing the limited portion of the state depending upon the San Francisco market for a supply of breadstuffs:
    "From all we can learn, it seems evident that the demand on this market for breadstuffs comes from a very limited region of the state. Remote points are well supplied from their own and adjacent districts. A gentleman who arrived in this city from Yreka, a few days since, informs us that on his way up from Shasta to Yreka, quite recently, he met various trains packing flour to Shasta and Weaverville, from Shasta, Scott and Rogue River valleys. Four hundred and thirteen muleloads of flour were thus encountered. The crops in those valleys were quite prolific the last year, and as they have but a sparse population to consume it, a large surplus remains from which to supply other sections. At Yreka, flour was worth $14 ₽ bbl., and the freight to Shasta and Weaverville by the return trains was only 2½¢ ₽ lb., making the price at the latter place $19 ₽ bbl., a rate as cheap as it could be obtained at by packing it from below. There are two mills in Scott's Valley, three in Rogue River Valley, and two in Shasta Valley, at least, and we believe there are still others. Freight, at the present reduced rates between this city and Shasta, is $85 ₽ ton, and, when commissions are added, the cost of flour laid down in Shasta from this market would be fully up to or more than the price mentioned. But there is also an abundance of flour in the Upper Sacramento Valley, the presence of which would preclude the introduction of supplies from any point south of Marysville, as it could be afforded cheaper than flour from below could be sold for under the present rates in this market. Neither San Francisco nor Sacramento could successfully compete with the eight mills in that valley. It is the opinion of our informant, who is well acquainted with the wants of our northern population, that hereafter that section will require nothing in the provision line from beyond its own borders, and the remark we think is fully applicable to many other sections that until lately have depended on this market for supplies. Such facts are too apt to be overlooked by city speculators, who seem to regard San Francisco as California entire."
Sacramento Daily Union, May 3, 1858, page 1


    The Crescent City Herald of April 28th says that rich discoveries of gold have been made in Southern Oregon. A letter dated Althouse Creek, April 20th, says: "Bosworth, Chapman & Potter here took out last week a nugget of gold weighing fifty-seven ounces and a half. The piece is considered one of the prettiest that has ever been taken out in California or Oregon. Besides the nugget, they took out eleven ounces, weighing in all sixty-eight ounces and a half."
    The Indian hostilities on Rogue River still continue to cause much anxiety, and the life of the settler is considered one not merely of hardship and privation, but is now beset with constant peril.
Sacramento Daily Union, May 3, 1858, page 2






    FLOUR MOVEMENT.--The Crescent City Herald of April 28th says:
    "But a short time ago, two years at most, nearly every train leaving here for the interior had as a part of its freight more or less flour. That has not only ceased entirely, but the tables are turned, and the flour is now coming here from the interior. A train of nineteen mules came in from Rogue River Valley last week loaded with it. It brought nine cents."
Sonoma Democrat, Santa Rosa, California, May 6, 1858, page 2


    Mr. Editor:--Of a gentleman just up from Rogue River (distant thirty miles) I learn the startling fact that on Tuesday night last a band of Indians made a descent upon a cabin--some three or four miles up the river--occupied by three young men, on a cattle ranch. Late at night, after they had gone to bed, about fifteen Indians, with a yell, rushed into the cabin, which had, instead of a door, a blanket hung up. Before they could reach their arms, the Indians had them secured, no doubt having learned their locality before the men retired. In the confusion and darkness of the night a struggle ensued; the whites, finding all means of defense gone, rushed through the savages out of the doorway, each making the best of his way for safety. One of the men made good his escape to the settlements at the mouth of the river; the second reached the brush and lay secure until daylight; the third, Stephen Taylor, was killed. The party making his escape gave the alarm at the settlements, and a party of men repaired to the spot to render assistance, if possible, to the two missing men; they found the house in flames and the Indians gone. After daylight, this party made the discovery of the death of Stephen Taylor, whose body was thrown into the river; they also discovered that the Indians had taken a trail towards Pistol River, in a southerly direction across the mountains. By this daring exploit, the Indians secured two good rifles, one revolver, two cans of powder, lead, caps and all of the provisions, blankets &c. with which these men were amply supplied. Great alarm is felt by the settlers, as it has become dangerous for any small party to pass to or from this settlement. A singular fact connected with this circumstance is that this cabin occupied the same spot upon which Capt. Ben Wright was killed, in Feby. 1856, which immediately preceded that disastrous and bloody Indian war.
    It is difficult to say what has brought about this act of the Indians. None of them have been seen in that quarter, previous to this last outbreak, since the war. The impression is that the Indians on our southern border are more numerous than before anticipated, and that having help from some quarter, they meditate a savage revenge for being interrupted and removed from their old country. Several whites have recently been killed, and the lives of others attempted. The people are heavily taxed for self-protection; many of them are, and have been, struggling since the war of 1856 to relieve themselves of embarrassments brought about by that war. They have their all of this world's goods in that locality. Must they be driven out by a savage foe and compelled to abandon all they have again, or may they expect tangible relief? I trust the latter.
Oregon Weekly Times, Portland, May 8, 1858, page 1


    New gold mines (says the Sentinel) have been discovered about eight miles north of Jacksonville paying fifty dollars a day to the hand. "New gold mines" will probably be the order of the day from this on till fall. Don't let everybody run at once.
Oregon Argus, Oregon City, May 8, 1858, page 2s


    JACKSONVILLE (O.T.)--We find the following items of interest in the Sentinel of May 1st:
    O. S. Hart, who has been figuring rather conspicuously in this county for some time past, and one of the parties implicated in the murder of Dr. Sisson, at Ashland Mills, was visited the other day by Samuel Fair, the Sheriff of Siskiyou County, Cal., and taken to California, to answer on a charge of murder. It is reported that a reward of fifteen hundred dollars was offered for his apprehension.
    At a late Democratic county convention, Joseph Lane was recommended to the office of United States Senator, to represent the new state of Oregon.
    The following important decision was rendered in the United States District Court for Jackson County, in an indictment vs. Wakeman and Murphy, for breaking and destroying a dam:
    "Held, that whoever first appropriates the water of a running stream for purposes of mining, either by using it in the natural channel, or by turning it into a ditch, has the exclusive right to the use of such water to the extent of such appropriation, as against all persons who do not claim title to the land from the general government. It is a crime within the meaning of the 34th section of Chapter 4 of the Crimes Act, to destroy a dam by which the water is turned from its natural channel into a ditch for mining purposes, although the person so destroying the dam may have a right by prior appropriation to have the water, or some portion of it, thus diverted to run in the natural channel. The party who considers himself aggrieved by the dam may proceed by injunction to have the dam removed or modified, if, upon the hearing, it shall appear that he has the better right to all or a portion of the water by having first appropriated the same.
Sacramento Daily Union, May 11, 1858, page 1


    INDIAN WAR AT THE MOUTH OF ROGUE RIVER.--We learn from a gentleman lately from the coast that about a week or ten days since, some thirty Indians attacked three men in a cabin, where Ben Wright was killed during the war of 1855-6, and killed one named Taylor, the others making their escape. The settlers are again compelled to leave their houses and property and seek protection in forts. On the coast all the houses--eight or ten--have been burned, and some of the inhabitants are missing. We hope to receive reliable details from there next week.--Jackson Sentinel, May 1st.
Daily Butte Record, Oroville, California, May 14, 1858, page 2


    A convention called by the Republican Party of Jackson County for the purpose of nominating candidates for county offices met at Phoenix on Saturday, 10th inst., and organized by calling L. A. Rice to the chair and nominating D. T. Geiger secretary.
    On motion, a committee of three was appointed by the chair to draft resolutions expressive of the political sentiments of the convention. The committee reported the following:
    Whereas, the object of all human government is to establish justice and to secure liberty to the governed, and whereas our own is in a prominent manner based upon this great principle, and stands forth to the world as the defender of it, and whereas in this, as well as in the government of the Old World, this principle finds numerous opponents, and whereas political aspirants have managed by intrigue to obtain the reins of government, and have prostituted its powers in crushing out the genius of liberty and of self-government and to the building up of the institution of human slavery under the sacred name of Democracy--therefore,
    Resolved, That we are opposed to the policy of the so-called Democratic Party, and will by combined action do what we can to wrest the reins of government from their hands, and restore it in its operations to the establishment and development of the hallowed principles for which the Fathers of the Revolution instituted it.
    Resolved, That the Republican Party stands forth preeminently as antagonistic to the policy of the party now holding the reins of government, and that we cordially adopt as our political creed the platform laid down by that party in the Philadelphia Convention.
    On motion, the resolutions were adopted.
    The chair appointed a committee of five to report candidates for the several offices of the county. Committee reported the following;
    For Senator--I. Constant.
    Representatives--G. W. Reed, T. B. Willard, B. F. Myer.
    Sheriff--F. H. Freeman.
    County Clerk--D. T. Geiger.
    County Treasurer--J. C. Davenport.
    County Assessor--James Henderson.
    County Judge--W. T. Leever.
    County Commissioner--S. P. Taylor.
    On motion, the secretary was instructed to send the proceedings of this convention to the Argus for publication.
D. T. GEIGER, Sec'y.
Oregon Argus, Oregon City, May 15, 1858, page 2


Daily Globe, San Francisco, May 15, 1858, page 2


    A MAN MISSING IN SOUTHERN OREGON.--We learn that, on the 25th of April, a young man who was in the employ of Sykes, on Evans Creek, in this county, left the house about eight o'clock in the evening, without shoes or coat, and has not since been seen or heard of. Search was made for several days afterwards, but nothing was discovered that gave any clue to his whereabouts or fate. His name is Morrison; he is about twenty-seven years old, and was from Eugene City, Oregon.--Jacksonville (O.T.) Sentinel.
Sacramento Daily Union, May 17, 1858, page 3


    The delegates from the several precincts met at McCully's Theatre, in this place, today, Saturday, May 1st, and appointed Thos. Pyle, temporary chairman, and J. R. Peters, secretary, when the following preliminary proceedings were held:
    On motion, Ben. Haymond, F. M. Strickland, P. Dunn and James Hamlin were appointed a committee on credentials.
    On motion H. H. Brown, W. F. Songer, G. B. Davidson, Thos. Hopwood and J. Tatum were appointed a committee on resolutions.
    On motion, A. Carter, Jas. Barnes, J. S. Miller, S. D. Van Dyke and H. H. Brown were appointed a committee on the order of business.
    On motion, the convention adjourned till 1 o'clock p.m.
    AFTERNOON SESSION.--Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
    The committee on credentials reported the following persons as delegates:
    Ashland--Claiborne Neil, P. Dunn, W. F. Songer; Applegate--John O'Brien, Jas. Barnes, H. H. Brown; Butte Creek--J. Tatum, John Nichols, J. Swingle; Dardanelles--Ben. Haymond, D. Courtney, M. Dildine; Eden--Jas. Hamlin, S. D. Van Dyke, Alex. Carter; Evans Creek--John Music, Philip Griff, Lewis Miller; Forest Hill--James Ringgold, W. T. Kelly, Thos. Stewart; Jacksonville--Harvey Morgan, Wm. Hesse, R. C. Moore, J. R. Peters; Manzanita--J. S. Miller, Thos. Hopwood, Thos. Beall; Perkinsville--Wm. Filburn, Chas. Burton, Jas. Boss; Sterling--Perry Bowen, F. M. Strickland, Chas. Donaldson, Dennis Crawley; Sams Creek--Joseph Satterfield, A. J. Molton, J. M. Sutton; Siskiyou--R. T. Brickley, J. W. Rigsby, Omer T. Saltmarsh; Star Gulch--John Goldsby, G. B. Davidson, Basil Bozarth.
    On motion, the convention was permanently organized by appointing Thos. Hopwood President, James R. Peters Secretary, and H. H. Brown Assistant Secretary.
    The committee on resolutions reported the following, which, on motion, were unanimously adopted:
    Resolved, That a Democratic form of government is of necessity a government by organization created to carry out such measures as shall most conduce to the benefit of society, and that no member of the community can consider himself independent on subjects of social importance and general government, and be either a good citizen or a sound Democrat.
    Resolved, That we do not recognize the right of Democrats to vote and act in opposition to the principles of the organization of which they are professed members, and still maintain their standing in the party.
    Resolved, That we endorse the platform laid down at Salem, March 16th, 1858, as embracing the principles and policy of the Democratic Party in Oregon.
    Resolved, That the eminent, patriotic course of the Hon. Joseph Lane, our Delegate in Congress, and his untiring devotion to the interests of Oregon, commend him to the respect of all good citizens and endear him to the Democracy of the country, and that our Senator and Representatives be and they are hereby instructed to use their best endeavors to secure his election to the United States Senate, as our first choice for Senator, to represent the new State of Oregon.
    Resolved, That our Senators and Representatives to the State Legislature be requested to cooperate with the Democracy of Northern Oregon in the election of a second national Senator, who will know no North or South--but will act in all things for the good of the whole country.
    Resolved, That we will ourselves, and we recommend to the Democracy of Jackson County, to use all honorable means to secure the election of the nominees of this convention.
    On motion, the convention proceeded to nominate candidates, voting viva voce, as follows:
    For senator, A. M. Berry; representatives, H. H. Brown, Daniel Newcomb and W. G. T'Vault; sheriff, L. J. C. Duncan; county judge, Wm. G. Beggs; county clerk, Wm. Hoffman; coroner, J. Hamlin; treasurer, D. Linn; assessor, B. Bozarth; county surveyor, Sewall Truax; probate judge, N. D. Smith; county commissioner, Pat. Dunn; superintendent of schools, J. O. Raynor; col. of militia, G. W. Keeler.-- Oregon Sentinel.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, May 18, 1858, page 1


    "NOW YOU SEE IT, AND NOW YOU DON'T SEE IT."--In his speeches at Jacksonville and Sterling, last week, Col. Kelly, the "national" candidate for Congress, endorsed the Administration side of the Kansas question, and the decision of the Supreme Court in the Dred Scott case. At Gasburg, where Republicans are numerous, he was silent in regard to these questions. We last week predicted that this would be the game with the "national" candidates. In the company of pro-slavery men, they are pro-slavery, and in the company of Republicans, they are black as the blackest. In this they are following out the example of good St. Paul--they "become all things to all men, that thereby they may win some" votes--Jacksonville Herald.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, May 18, 1858, page 1


Liberality.
    The Sacramento Evening Visitor relates the following incident: "A day or two since an old gentleman, a miner living in Jacksonville, Oregon, came down on one of the Red Bluff boats, accompanied by his daughter, a sweet little girl, who has been blind for two years past. He was on his way to San Francisco and had worked in the mines for the period mentioned for the purpose of procuring means to pay for the services of an oculist, in the hopes of restoring the little girl to sight. Capt. Whitney, the president of the California Steam Navigation Company, being on board the boat, and learning the circumstances of the case, granted them a free pass to San Francisco and back, and supplied him with every comfort on the way."
Daily Globe, San Francisco, May 18, 1858, page 3


    THE NEW ROAD FROM SHASTA TO YREKA.--From the Yreka Union we learn that the wagon road from Shasta to Yreka is being rapidly pushed forward to completion. The road is being made twelve feet wide, of solid digging, rising on the outside six inches, with a culvert on the inside to drain the water off. The heaviest grading in this section has been completed, and the road to the river will be built with but little difficulty. From Fitch's ferry to the foot of Scott Mountain the road runs along Trinity Valley, and with the exception of two or three points in the neighborhood of Trinity Center, which will need some excavations, there will be but little grading to do. The entire cost of the road to the foot of the mountain will amount to about $10,000, and an addition of $25,000 will bring it to Callahan's Ranch.
    This road when completed will connect Sacramento with Jacksonville, Oregon, by a continuous wagon road of four hundred and sixty miles, and surmounting obstacles at times considered impregnable. The contract calls for the completion of the road to the foot of Scott Mountain by the 19th July next, but the contractor will endeavor to have it so far completed that stages may make the trip on the 4th of July, when the time consumed in traveling from San Francisco to Yreka will be but seventy-eight hours, being a saving of at least two, if not three, days, as it now occupies five and six days in the passage.
San Francisco Bulletin, May 20, 1858, page 3






    NEW ROADS.--A wagon road was opened a couple of weeks since between Shasta and Weaverville, and stages are now running regularly between the two places. The new wagon road between Shasta and Yreka is nearly finished. A wagon road has been made from Crescent City to Jacksonville, and the Christian Advocate says that stages have commenced running between the two places. A direct stage road is being made between Santa Cruz and San Jose. These are all great improvements, and will have much influence on the course of trade.
Daily Alta California, San Francisco, May 22, 1858, page 1


    THE SHASTA AND YREKA WAGON ROAD.--Referring to this project, to which reference has been repeatedly made in the Union, a correspondent of the Fireman's Journal, writing from Scott River, says:
    "The road, when finished, will give a direct wagon road communication between Sacramento and Oregon of at least four hundred and sixty-five miles. The ultimate advantages to be derived from this road are incalculable, opening up, as it will, a rapid means of communication between the commercial metropolis of California and the great North, and will furnish the merchants of San Francisco a fine opportunity of visiting those sections of the country from which they derive their support. The time has been when the pictured fatigues of a trip over the mountains debarred them from visiting this portion of the state. In two months they will be enabled to make the trip from the Bay to Yreka, four hundred and twenty-five miles, in seventy-eight hours, without difficulty--the same trip consuming five days at the present time. This road will furnish a much safer mode of transporting freight for the Klamath and Salmon River country than by shipping on vessels, compelled to make passages of the most dangerous character on a coast famed for the severity of its seasons. From the foot of Scott's Mountain, on this side, to Portland, Oregon, there is an immense mining and agricultural interest, comprising Scott's, Shasta and Rogue rivers, and Umpqua and Willamette valleys. These are all very rich, and will afford an enormous amount of business for the new road."
Sacramento Daily Union, May 24, 1858, page 1


    Mr. Editor.--I learn that the worthless loafer who succeeded in swindling about half the people of Southern Oregon during his residence there, and who has been vagabondizing about Salem for a year or two, is now engaged in writing "Charter" letters. He remains here hoping in the event of Barnum's election to be made his aide or private secretary. He had much better return to Massachusetts, and administer to the wants of his poor blind wife now in the pauper house.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, May 25, 1858, page 2


    The Varieties Troupe were playing in Yreka last week, having returned from a very successful trip into Southern Oregon. Woodard and Mrs. Hanks have gone down the country.
Red Bluff Beacon, May 26, 1858, page 2


    Company B, 3rd Artillery, left Benicia a few days ago, to take post at Fort Umpqua. The company will go by Rogue River, and take up to the Reservation those Indians now on the river.
"Army Movements," Sacramento Daily Union, May 26, 1858, page 3


    NOT IN DEMAND.--The Oregon papers of the "regular" branch of the Democratic Party are opposed to the influx of politicians from California. The Jacksonville Herald says of those who go over the line to take an active, or rather office-seeking, part in Oregon politics that they are "the meddling interlopers who come here for the purpose of instructing us in the arts, and wiles, and tricks of California politics." If all the Oregon papers say of Oregon politicians be true, it would be quite useless for any to go over expecting to teach the above-named branches with success, unless his political training has been perfect.
Nevada Democrat, Nevada City, California, May 26, 1858, page 3


    ASSESSING CATTLE FROM OREGON.--The Jacksonville (O.T.) Sentinel is disposed to rally the authorities of one of our northern counties a little, for assessing the cattle that pass through it from Oregon to the Sacramento Valley or Southern California, of which stock it is estimated there will be, this season, some 20,000 head.
Sacramento Daily Union, May 27, 1858, page 2




    A lump weighing fifty-seven ounces was taken out at Althouse Creek, Southern Oregon, on the 20th ult.
    The Indians at the mouth of the Rogue River murdered a young white man, named Stephen Taylor, and the whites are determined to punish them, so we may look for a little war. There are only forty warriors in the offending tribe, but it is feared that they will be joined by fugitives from the Umpqua Reservation.
"Oregon," Hartford Courant, Hartford, Connecticut, May 31, 1858, page 3


    A BANTAM PULLET.--There is a little sheet called the Jacksonville Herald, which tails on the Statesman, and appears from its columns to be a feeble echo of all the base and false pretensions about the nationals--who compose the party and the object sought. It is a pity that little Beggs should be so easily deluded and hoodwinked by the Salem faction. Our opinion of him is that he sins most ignorantly, and that the tender mercies of those whose desperate fortunes he is seeking to maintain will prove exceedingly cruel to him. "Could he but see himself as others see him," salvation would reach him ere he is engulfed where the faintest glimmering of hope cannot come.--Standard.
    A TERRIER PUPPY.--There is a little sheet, pensioned by Avery, edited by a conceited little ninny from California, and called the Democratic Standard, which tails onto the Occidental Messenger, and appears from its columns to be a feeble echo of all the base and slanderous lies concocted by Avery, Dryer & Co. against the Democratic Party--the objects sought being spoils and power. It is a pity that little O'Meara should be an unmitigated scoundrel, and such a consummate ass as to imagine that his little tricks of California polities can be played upon the people of Oregon. Our opinion of him is that he sins quite instinctively, and that the tender mercies of justice will one day prove exceedingly cruel to him. But even were he permitted to "see himself as others see him," salvation would never reach him, ere he is engulfed where the faintest glimmering of hope cannot come. His doom is sealed.--Jacksonville Herald.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, June 1, 1858, page 1


    The Jacksonville Herald speaks of the nationwool faction and its California manager as follows:
    Will the voters of Oregon countenance and encourage such a faction? Will they, by their votes, offer a premium to political renegades and adventurers from California? Are the people of Oregon so ignorant, so benighted, that they cannot manage their own political affairs in their own way, without the aid of missionaries from our neighboring state? Are the political institutions of California so much purer, so much better than our own that we would be benefited by importing them? The voters of Oregon will answer, at the polls on the first Monday of June next, most emphatically, NO! The meddling interlopers who come here for the purpose of instructing us in the arts, and wiles, and tricks of California politics, the traitorous demagogues, who, for the sake of a few weeks' brief mention in a couple of obscure newspapers, in connection with a nomination for office, would betray their party, and the political tricksters who, for the sake of getting the capital located in accordance with their wishes and interests, would sell themselves, soul and body, to any party, will meet with a severe and merited rebuke from the hands of the people.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, June 1, 1858, page 2


    THE BEGINNING.--The effect which the road will have on the trade of the country is already beginning to manifest itself. On Sunday night six wagons came in from Jacksonville, all of them with four animals attached but one. The parties who brought them down speak very favorably of the road, and say it is much better than they had expected to find. They estimate that they can haul out from thirty to thirty-five hundred with a four-horse team, and that they can come down from Jacksonville in three days' light.
Crescent City Herald, June 2, 1858, page 2


    PACK MULES FOR FRASER RIVER.--A train of one hundred pack mules, caparisoned with saddles, and some four or five horses, crossed the Yolo Ferry yesterday, in charge of Alvarez & Marks, for Fraser. They will proceed overland, via Shasta, Yreka and Jacksonville. We understand that the train has heretofore been used in packing from Stockton to the southern mines. There were fourteen men in the train.
Sacramento Daily Union, June 5, 1858, page 3


    JACKSONVILLE, O.T.--We find in the Jacksonville Sentinel, of May 29th, the following intelligence from Southern Oregon:
    "We understand that the Crescent City and Jacksonville road has become navigable for wagons. J. R. Peters arrived on Thursday evening, direct from Crescent City, with a buggy. Peters is the first man that rode through on the first buggy that came direct from Crescent City to Jacksonville. When the stage makes the first trip, the people shall hear of it.
    "Cleaveland Walker was convicted, at the trial session of the District Court, of assisting prisoners to escape from jail, and sentenced to three years' confinement in the Penitentiary.
    "James Stephens, who was indicted for larceny by the grand jury at the May term of the District Court of the Third Judicial District in Oregon, was arrested at Yreka, California, and placed in jail to await the requisition of the Governor.
    "Tom Banning, who was indicted for an assault with intent to kill, was rearrested on a bench warrant, but made his escape from the Sheriff, and has not been taken.
    "Asbury Smith, charged with larceny, whose case was submitted to a jury; the jury disagreed, and were discharged, and cause continued till next court.
    "David H. Sexton, charged with larceny, by stealing a mule from John Purdy, was tried and acquitted at the trial sitting of the District Court."
Sacramento Daily Union, June 7, 1858, page 1


    Our enterprising fellow citizen, James Clugage, will next week start a tri-weekly stage line from this place to connect with the transportation train of Mr. Johnson, at Patrick's ranch, 45 miles this side of Crescent City. Mr. Johnson has the mail contract for carrying the mail between this and Crescent City. The mail will be carried from this place in Mr. Clugage's coaches. The departure of the stage from this place will be on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, so as to connect with the Yreka stage.


    A mass convention of all parties met at Jacksonville on the 15th ult. and nominated a county ticket as follows: State Senator, A. Ross; Representatives, Dr. J. W. McCully and J. A. Van Vest.
    The Herald (Jacksonville) says that a daughter of Wm. Justus, ten years of age, was bitten by a rattlesnake on the 21st ult., and died in twelve hours. We believe this is he first instance on record of a rattlesnake bite in Oregon.
Oregon Argus, Oregon City, June 12, 1858, page 2


    A PLAGUE OF CRICKETS IN THE NORTH.--Crickets are making their appearance in countless numbers in the vicinity of Yuba, and throughout Shasta Valley. The Yreka Chronicle remarks that they are far more destructive to the crops than the grasshoppers, and though the latter insect has frequently made its appearance in that vicinity, this is the first advent of the huge crickets which now literally cover the ground for miles in the level country east of the town, devouring everything which comes in their way that is not large enough to resist their attack, frequently even eating other insects. They are of the same species as those in the Snake River country, which are used as food by the Diggers. The Indians about Yreka have recently gathered many bushels of them in Shasta Valley for the same purpose. A person from Table Rock says the crickets have attacked his barley fields and that he fears his own crops and all in the vicinity will be entirely destroyed.
San Francisco Bulletin, June 14, 1858, page 3


    A MAN MISSING IN SOUTHERN OREGON.--We learn that, on the 25th of April, a young man who was in the employ of Sykes, on Evans Creek, in this county, left the house about 8 o'clock in the evening, without coat or shoes, and has not since been seen or heard of. Search was made for several days afterwards, but nothing was discovered that gave any clue to his whereabouts or fate. His name is Morrison; he is about twenty-seven years old, and was from Eugene City, Oregon.--Jacksonville Sentinel.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, June 15, 1858, page 2


    STOCK GOING TO CALIFORNIA.--Cattle, in very large numbers, are being driven from Oregon to California this spring. The stock are destined, generally, for the Sacramento Valley, or Southern Californian. It is estimated that over twenty thousand cattle will be driven from this Territory into California during the present season.
    It will be seen by the following from the Yreka Union that the authorities of Siskiyou County do not intend to neglect cattle owners--but will, immediately on their arrival in California, extend to them the protection of the laws of that state.--Jacksonville Sentinel.
    J. S. Dudley, County Assessor, has appointed Mr. John M. Runkle, of Cottonwood, to the office of Deputy Assessor. He will make his headquarters in the northern portion of the county along the Oregon road. The principal object of this appointment is to secure an assessment of stock driven in from Oregon, large herds of which are frequently arriving.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, June 15, 1858, page 2


    Sheriff Pyle, of Jackson Co., arrested in California James Stephens, of that state, and lodged him in jail at Yreka, to await a requisition from the Governor of Oregon. Stephens was indicted by the grand jury of Jackson Co. for stealing a mule in that county. For reasons set forth in another paragraph the Governor declined to send the requisition. Under the California laws and the decision of their courts it seems that Oregon has no protection against her desperadoes who may commit crime here and succeed in making their escape home before arrest.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, June 15, 1858, page 2




    JACKSONVILLE, O.T.--We find in the Sentinel of June 12th the following matters of interest:
    The following is the official vote of Jackson County: For Representative in Congress--L. F. Grover, Democrat, 648; J. K. Kelly, National, 243; McBride, Republican, 8. For Governor--J. Whiteaker, Democrat, 440; E. M. Barnum, National, 432; Denny, Republican, 6. For Secretary of State--L. Heath, Democrat, 542; E. A. Rice, National, 280; Holmes, Republican, 13. For State Treasurer--J. D. Boon, Democrat, 531; J. L. Brumley, National, 283; Applegate, Republican, 10. For State Printer--A. Bush, Democrat, 322; Jas. O'Meara, National, 507; Craig, Republican, 7.
    Sheriff Pyle left on the 9th, with A. J. Owens and Cleveland Walker, for Portland. The first is sentenced to five years, and the latter to three years' confinement in the penitentiary. Owens for committing the crime of burglary, and Walker for assisting him to escape.
    James Clugage will next week start a triweekly stage line from this place to connect with the transportation train of Johnson, at Patrick's Ranch, 45 miles this side of Crescent City. Johnson has the mail contract for carrying the mail between this and Crescent City.
Sacramento Daily Union, June 18, 1858, page 4




    FROM CRESCENT CITY TO YREKA.--The stages are now running regularly through from this place to Yreka. From here to Sailor Diggings the route is run by McLellan & Co., and Mann, thence to Jacksonville by Clugage & Drum, and from Jacksonville to Yreka by the California Stage Company. Passengers can now be transported from Jacksonville to this place in thirty-six, and from Yreka in sixty hours, and this in daylight, giving them all night to sleep on the road. Quite an amount of freight is now being hauled from this place to Jacksonville and Rogue River Valley. The present price is four cents per pound. But when the road becomes more worn and smooth, and the proper kind of wagons and teams are placed on it, there is no doubt but that freight can be taken to Yreka for that price or even less, in which case it will unquestionably be [in] the interest of the merchants of that place to take their goods by this route.--Crescent City Herald.
Daily Alta California, San Francisco, July 3, 1858, page 1


    Beggs, of the Jacksonville Herald, is about to remove his paper to Roseburg, Douglas Co.
"Newspaporial," Oregon Statesman, Salem, July 6, 1858, page 2


    NORTHERN COMMUNICATION.--The Crescent City Herald of the 23rd says:
    "The stages are now running regularly through from this place to Yreka. From here to Sailor Diggings the route is run by McLellan & Co. and Mann, thence to Jacksonville to Yreka by the California Stage Company. Passengers can now be transported from Jacksonville to this place in thirty-six, and from Yreka in sixty hours, and this in daylight, giving them all night to sleep on the road. If a steamer is here when they arrive, twenty-four hours' run will take them to San Francisco (if Capt. Haley is here with the Pacific he don't want that much time) so that the whole time from Yreka to the Bay by this route will be only eighty-four hours, and from Jacksonville only sixty."
Sonoma Democrat, July 8, 1858, page 1


    JACKSONVILLE, O.T.--The Sentinel, of July 3rd, says:
    On Tuesday our fellow townsman, D. B. Brenan, met with a serious accident, and was severely injured. He and one Johnson have been running a tunnel into the hill west of Jackson Creek, about three miles from town. They were in the act of drilling out a hole when the charge exploded with a frightful crash, badly mutilating Brenan. Johnson escaped with only slight burns. Brenan was severely burnt on the face and eyes, and slightly on the right arm and breast. The left hand was dreadfully mangled, and the left knee received a considerable wound.
    A weekly mail commenced over the route from Cañonville to Yreka, "from and after the first regular mail day after the first of July."
Sacramento Daily Union, July 13, 1858, page 3




    DURING a marriage ceremony at Gasburg, O.T., the man answered the questions with an oath, which frightened the bride, and she answered, "No, I don't want any such man," and backed out, "right thar."
"Latest State Events," Trinity Journal, Weaverville, California, July 17, 1858, page 2


    The Jacksonville papers speak in well-deserved praise of Hinkley & Kimball's Oregon circus. The institution is on its winding way to New Mexico. It is worthy of note that the circus bills were printed at this office. Those having anything in the printing line to be done will do well to make a note of that.
Oregon Weekly Times, Portland, July 17, 1858, page 2





    JACKSONVILLE (O.T.)--We find in the Sentinel, of July 10th, the following amusing account of a "half wedding."
    "At Phoenix, on Sunday, the 4th, by Col. Hays, J.P., Mr. Pursely to Miss Wagner, both of that place.
    "We learn that Mr. Pursely is a son of St. Crispin, who has been endeavoring to 'make ends meet' for eight months past, in the flourishing little town above named, and who it is said has conducted himself in the meantime quite respectably. Some months since he became enamored of Miss Wagner, a respectable lady, who finally consented to wed. On Sunday evening, everything being got in readiness, the 'Squire bid them stand up. After the usual preliminaries, he asked the male party: 'Do you take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife?' The groom, who had taken some stimulants to 'bring his courage up to the sticking point,' and who, consequently, had no very definite idea of the proprieties of the occasion, answered, 'I don't do nothin' else, old hoss!' This gave dire offense to the would-be bride, and she at once became a wouldn't-be bride. She remained, however, while the Justice, amid the suppressed merriment of the company, some sixty persons, propounded the all-important query, which she answered with a negative, and resumed her seat. In accordance with the suggestion of a friend, he left the room. He went and drank more liquor, and was soon after in a state of far advanced inebriation, when he was taken and thrown into the millrace nearby. He afterwards received a coat of lampblack and was subjected to sundry and divers other indignities. At last accounts, Pursely was non est."
Sacramento Daily Union, July 21, 1858, page 1




    JACKSONVILLE, O.T.--In the Jacksonville Sentinel, of July 17th, we find the following, in the letter of its Salem (O.T.) correspondent, concerning a new mail route and the establishment of post offices on the Yreka road:
    "I have seen Norris, the postal agent. He informs me that, at my request, he has recommended a mail route from Sterling, via Jacksonville, to Westgate's, on Butte Creek, and thinks it will be established. He has also recommended post offices at James McDonald's and at David Birdseye's, on the route from Cañonville to Yreka. The postmasters at each end of this route, should the contractor fail to carry the mail once a week according to schedule, will be requested to have the service performed and charge the contractor with the excess of expenses."
    The Sentinel has also the following:
    "We regret to be called upon to record the death of our esteemed fellow townsman, D. B. Brenan, a native of Ohio, who was so severely injured recently by a mining accident, and who it was thought a week ago was in a fair way to recover. On Saturday last he began to grow worse, having attacks of tetanus, which continued until Monday, when he expired.
    "A young man named Burris, a miner, from Evans' Creek, was brought to town on Tuesday by Mr. Bethel, in a state of apparently hopeless insanity, and from want of a better place he is now confined in the jail. His father is either on Galice Creek or the Umpqua Valley, and sometimes called 'Kentuck.' Anyone knowing him would perform an act of humanity by informing him of the condition of his son, and telling him to come to his assistance, as the young man often calls for his father."
Sacramento Daily Union, July 23, 1858, page 3

    GILLAM-OLDS.--At Sailor Diggings, Del Norte County, July 4, L. Gillam to V. Olds.
    BRENAN.--At Jacksonville, O.T., July 12, D. B. Brenan, formerly of Ohio.
New York Herald, August 28, 1858, page 1

    Editor Statesman!--Sir: Since I last wrote to you, nothing has occurred here worthy of much note. Dullness predominates in every department of our "Sunny South." A stranger who should come within our borders would almost imagine he had entered the confines of the "Silent Land," so deathlike is the stillness that pervades everywhere. Our people are now indulging in their usual summer nap, which extends throughout those months when the "dog star rages," and which is only interrupted by an occasional half-waking visit to the bar of the "El Dorado" or the "New State" (not Oregon, but the other new state) in search of "suthin' cold." A "thorough awakening" need not be expected until the winter rains set in--the camp meeting to the contrary notwithstanding.
    The prisoners confined in our jail--five in number--took advantage of the somnolency (which, by the way, I am inclined to think is constitutional) of the jailer to make their escape on the night of the 2nd instant. They effected their exit from durance vile by means of a broom handle, with which they made a breach in the wall three times larger than was necessary for their purpose, the jailer, in the meanwhile, sleeping calmly in an adjoining room, undisturbed by the sound of the falling rocks and mortar. One of the fugitives was arrested a day or two afterwards, on Evans Creek, about twenty miles from town. The other four are probably wending their way to Fraser River, where they will perhaps find exercise for their skill in digging.
    Speaking of Fraser River reminds me that many persons who went there from this neighborhood are returning. They are satisfied to remain and work in our mines. Hundreds of persons who went from California are also returning by way of Crescent City, many of whom will stop in the mines of Jackson and Josephine counties during the winter. Our mines are far from being worked out, and new discoveries are being made of rich deposits of gold. On Wards Creek, about sixteen miles from Jacksonville, diggings have lately been struck which will pay all the way from five dollars to an ounce per day to the man. The "hill country round about" Jacksonville is full of the precious metal, but there is a want of water to work it.
    Our citizens feel much flattered by the marked compliment paid them by the state legislature in the selection of a worthy and distinguished member from our county to fill the chair of Speaker of the House. The compliment is the more appreciated as it was entirely unexpected. [W. G. T'Vault was elected Speaker for a brief special session in July 1858.]
    Some interest was caused by the appearance of the Statesman, containing the Washington correspondence signed "Metropolis," as also by private letters received here by last mail.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, September 7, 1858, page 2


    FUGITIVE ARRESTED.--On Friday night last Sheriff Connoyer arrested Thomas Greenwood, one of the prisoners who escaped from the jail at Jacksonville on the night of the 2nd August last. Greenwood was stopping at the Marion House, in this place, under the assumed name of Lawrence Thompson. When arrested, he readily acknowledged his identity, but refused to give any clue to the whereabouts of the companions of his flight, two of whom are believed to have been here recently. Greenwood will be kept in custody here until sent for by the authorities of Jackson County.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, September 7, 1858, page 2


    JACKSONVILLE, O.T.--We find the following items in the Sentinel, of September 4th:
    One night last week, $2,600 in dust and coin was stolen from J. G. Babcock, of Sterling. Suspicion was attached to N. C. Crouch, of that place, who was arrested on Wednesday night, when he confessed the theft and gave up about $2,000 of the money. He was brought to town and examined before Justice Hayden, yesterday, and in default of $3,000 bail was committed to await his trial. On complaint of Crouch, Jesse Sherman was arrested as an accomplice, but was discharged, as there was no evidence of his complicity.
    It is reported that gold has been found in considerable quantities in the gulches this side of Eagle Mills. This country has not been prospected yet.
Sacramento Daily Union, September 10, 1858, page 1


    HAIL STORM IN THE NORTH.--The Yreka Union learns from Judge Smith, of Rogue River, that about two weeks ago a portion of that valley was visited by a terrific hail storm, which continued for nearly two hours, and that in some places it fell to the depth of six inches. It was, however, quite limited in extent, not exceeding ten or fifteen miles of country. It did not reach Jacksonville, but the latter was visited by a light shower of rain at the same time.
San Joaquin Republican, Stockton, California, September 11, 1858, page 1


    A PARTY from Jacksonville went to the top of Mount McLoughlin, ate their dinner and left visiting cards in a bottle. The view, east and south, is a continuous plain of prairies and lakes.
Weekly Trinity Journal, Weaverville, California, September 18, 1858, page 4


    WASHINGTON, Sept. 17.--Major Townsend, Assistant Adjutant General, has by direction of the Secretary of War just issued an order saying the department to the Pacific is to be divided into two parts, to be called the Department of California, with the headquarters at San Francisco, and the other, northern, part to embrace the territories of Washington and Oregon excepting the Rogue River and Umpqua districts, which will be called the Department of Oregon, with the headquarters at Fort Vancouver. Brevet Brigadier General Clarke of the Sixth Infantry is assigned to the command of the Department of California.
"From Washington," Hartford Daily Courant, Hartford, Connecticut, September 18, 1858, page 3




    JACKSONVILLE (O.T.)--We find in the Sentinel, of September 18th, the following intelligence:
    "We were shown a very beautiful specimen of gold from the right-hand fork of Jackson Creek, which was 'garroted' by Robinson Rock, a French matelot, weighing six ounces, and of a peculiar shape, being about seven inches in length and the shape of a figure 6, and valued at Mint prices at $105.   
   "We learn that Oliver Evans, of the Slate Creek House, Josephine County, has recently discovered a valuable salt spring near his residence. A few ounces of the salt, which was found crystallized about the spring, may be seen at this office. It appears to be strong and pure. We understand that Evans is preparing to manufacture salt in quantities, for sale. It is, no doubt, a valuable discovery.
    "On Tuesday, a miner's cabin on Grave Creek was entered, and $50 in cash and some other articles stolen. The prisoner has been taken back to Josephine County for trial. The thief is a stranger, and supposed to be a returned Fraserite."
Sacramento Daily Union, September 24, 1858, page 1


    DEATH IN OREGON.--We have received the following letter from Oregon Territory. It will explain itself:
    Please announce, in your valuable paper, the death of Ewart Thompson, of Jackson County, O.T., Sept. 22nd, 1858, of consumption. His father is said to be living somewhere in Yuba or Butte County, Cal. A letter has been written to his father, George Thompson, and forwarded to the Marysville Post Office, Yuba Co., Cal.
    By giving this publication he will be likely to get the above mentioned letter, which will inform him of further particulars. From your humble servant,
Jacksonville, Sept. 28th, 1858.
Daily National Democrat, Marysville, California, October 5, 1858, page 3


    On the Similkameen River, about 200 miles back, we lost two of our party who were killed by the Indians--John Gess from Jacksonville, Oregon, and Benjamin Reynolds, from Red Bluff. . . .
John Brady, "Letter from Fraser," Red Bluff Beacon, October 6, 1858, page 1


    CAUTION.--A dirty, little, drunken rascal, representing himself to be a printer, and who goes by the name of "Fenry," obtained from us a passage to Shasta as one of the craft. We have since heard that he represented that he had worked in the Herald office, Jacksonville, O.T., and that Mr. Beggs, the late proprietor of that paper, was indebted to him sixty dollars. We know this to be a falsehood, and would caution offices below against being imposed upon by this beggar.
    The above-first-rate notice appears in the Yreka Union.
Daily National Democrat, Marysville, California, October 7, 1858, page 4


    JACKSONVILLE, O.T.--We find in the Sentinel, of October 2nd, the following intelligence:
    "The Deputy Sheriff of Douglas County brought back and delivered to the Sheriff of Jackson County the escaped prisoner Greenwood, who had been arrested at Salem and made his escape and was again retaken by the Sheriff of Marion.
    "Several of our citizens returned from Fraser River this week. After months of privation, hardship, toil and danger, they return perfectly satisfied with the great Northern humbug. David McLaughlin's party had got through to Thompson River in thirty-seven days from the Dalles, and had prospected that river and Upper Fraser without finding paying diggings."
Sacramento Daily Union, October 9, 1858, page 3


    The Jacksonville Sentinel says that two men named Cheronto and Christian were arrested there on a charge of selling liquor to the Indians. They were fined $50 each.
    A negro was also arrested for furnishing powder to the Indians, but was discharged.
    A man named Steiner was arrested at the same place, for stealing horses from the Indians. He confessed his guilt and was put in jail.
Daily National Democrat, Marysville, California, October 14, 1858, page 4


    JACKSONVILLE, O.T.--We find in the Sentinel, of Oct. 9, the following:
    "Mr. Wm. Deppel, a young man residing on Deer Creek, Josephine County, was seriously injured on Tuesday of last week, by the accidental discharge of a gun, while removing it from his berth, the ball taking off the lower part of the right arm, leaving many of the tendons bare.
    "Today the match race between 'Black Satin,' owned by James Clugage, and the 'Glass-Eyed Filly,' owned by James Lewis, came off over the Jacksonville Course, single dash of a mile, for $1,500 a side. At half-past four the drum was tapped. 'Black Satin' led off in fine style, and was the favorite till near the home stretch, when the 'Glass-Eyed Filly' passed him, and came to the home stand in 1:50, winning the race by thirty feet. A large amount of money and property changed hands--say not less than $10,000."
Sacramento Daily Union, October 20, 1858, page 1


    SELLING LIQUOR TO INDIANS.--The Jacksonville Sentinel says that two men were recently tried, convicted and fined $100 each for selling liquor to the Indians. A negro was tried for selling powder to the savages, but was not convicted.
Nevada Democrat, Nevada City, California, October 20, 1858, page 2


    JACKSONVILLE SENTINEL.--This paper, published in Southern Oregon, has been for some time past edited by W. G. T'Vault, late Speaker of the Oregon Legislature. In the last number T'Vault announces that it will hereafter be edited by "Wm. J. Robinson, who is well known in this section of the country as a sound, reliable, pro-slavery Democrat. He has been in the Sentinel office nearly two years, and we hope he will meet the expectations of his numerous friends in conducting the columns of the Sentinel as editor; on account of other business, we will no longer act in that capacity." A pro-slavery Democrat we should think rather out of place in Oregon.
Sacramento Daily Union, October 21, 1858, page 2


    MILITARY ROAD.--The military road from Jacksonville (O.T.) to Scottsburg is now in excellent order, as we learn from the Jacksonville Sentinel, The Grave Creek Hills have been leveled, the cañon improved, and the whole road repaired so that heavy freighted wagons can pass with less difficulty than has heretofore been experienced.
Sacramento Daily Union, October 22, 1858, page 1


    STRANGE.--We notice that Col. T'Vault, of the Sentinel, is secretary of the Jackson County Bible Society. This, we believe, is the first instance on record where a Democratic editor belonged to a Bible society. The Colonel must have had a pious mother.
Oregon Argus, Oregon City, October 23, 1858, page 2


    "GONE NORTH.--W. J. Beggs, late editor of the Jacksonville Herald, has taken charge of the moral department of the Oregon Statesman. We learn that Bush will continue to run one or two smut columns to keep Dryer and Adams alive."
    The above paragraph, which we clip from the Yreka Union, will account to our readers for the improved moral tone of the Statesman during the absence of Mr. Bush to the north.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, October 26, 1858, page 2


    MATTERS IN JACKSONVILLE (O.T.)--We find the following items of local intelligence in the Sentinel, of Oct. 23rd:
    On Monday last, Aaron Chambers, a citizen of this valley, who was returning from Crescent City with a wagon loaded with goods, while attempting to lock his wagon, the wheel run over his left foot, cutting off two of his middle toes and bruising the foot considerably.
    The races come off over the Jacksonville Course, on the 19th and 20th of November. There will be some good stock from California, also from Northern Oregon.
    First Day--Purse $250, entrance $126, sweepstakes; free for any Oregon or California-raised horse; single dash of a mile, weight for age, according to the rules of the Metairie Course, Louisiana.
    Second Day--Purse $150, entrance $75, sweepstakes; free for any Cayuse or Spanish horse; mile heats, best two in three; weight, 100 pounds.
    Some white men have been endeavoring to set fire to Chinese houses in Jacksonville.
    Large flocks of wild geese are wending their way to the southward, in search of a more genial clime. They may be said to be coming down from the north, not "white with fear," but black, and afraid a snowstorm will overtake them.
    Rain in sufficient quantities to soften the ground for plowing has fallen during the week. The farmers will be busy seeding for a month or six weeks.
Sacramento Daily Union, October 29, 1858, page 1


    At the anniversary of the Jackson County Bible Society, Rev. Wm. Roberts, Agent of the American Bible Society for Oregon, delivered an appropriate discourse from 2nd Timothy, I, 10. After which, the reports of the Secretary and Treasurer were read, and the election of officers for the ensuing year was held. President, Rev. M. A. Williams; Vice President, Judge L. A. Rice; Secretary, Col. Wm. G. T'Vault; Treasurer and Depositary, Wm. Hoffman; Executive Committee, Rev. J. O. Raynor, Curtis Davenport, S. Humphrey.
Pacific Journal, Eugene, October 30, 1858, page 3


    MISS HIFFERT'S BENEFIT.--The Alleghanians arrived in town from the North on Thursday. We are pleased to state that, in Siskiyou and Southern Oregon, this admirable band of "sweet singers" met with extraordinary success. They sang at "Excelsior Hall" last night to a large audience, and, as will be seen per advertisement, Miss Hiffert will present herself for a "benefit" tonight. We may very safely predict a regular "bumper." The admiration which her beauty, and above all, her exquisite singing elicited at her previous visit, renders this prediction perfectly safe. From the fact that the most of our citizens have heard the "Alleghanians," it is unnecessary for us to repeat the universal opinion of the press, that no troupe of the kind, equal in ability, has heretofore sung in California.
Shasta Courier, Shasta City, California, October 30, 1858, page 2


    Yreka, like Jacksonville, is cursed by the presence of many of the Klamath Lake Indians. BROWN of the Union, in his "Editorial Gossips," has the following à la Hiawatha:
    "Look at those 'beautiful' and 'romantic' Indians crossing the Plaza! Where is our Hiawatha?"
Shasta Courier, Shasta City, California, October 30, 1858, page 5




    JACKSONVILLE, O.T.--The Sentinel, of Nov. 13th, chronicles the annexed intelligence:
    "There is a fine wagon road now from Eugene City to Scott's, with the exception of about ten miles, and this will soon be completed, when all the trade of the populous county of Lane will be concentrated at Scottsburg.
    "Some time since reference was made to the district of Oregon lying east of the Cascade Mountains, known as the Klamath Lake country, and the probability of its speedy settlement. That it is a fine, fertile and grazing country all who have visited it will admit. There is no doubt about its being the best stock raising country now within the limits of Oregon, and certainly will be settled at no distant day. It is important that there should be an Indian agency and military post located in that section of country, and that, too, in advance of the settlements.
    "We learn from J. M. Durban that himself and two others, Charles Lythus and Seth Hall, were attacked one day last week, near the mouth of Little Butte Creek, by a large grizzly bear. Durban was the only one who had a gun, and he fired at the bear, wounding him, but the bear continued to pursue them, and overtook Hall, and bit him severely on the back of the neck and on the calf of his leg, and then fell dead. On examination, it was found that the ball had gone through the lower portion of the heart of the bear, who ran afterwards over a hundred yards before he fell. The bear weighed over twelve hundred pounds; one of his feet measured thirteen inches in length. Hall, we learn, is recovering from his wounds."
Sacramento Daily Union, November 22, 1858, page 3


    RELIABLE DIGGINGS.--The Jacksonville (O.T.) Sentinel, of Nov. 13th, speaks of some diggings at Cañonville, in that vicinity, which it says are of a reliable character, or in other words, "no humbug, no Fraser excitement, no Indians to fight, nor mountains to climb." Its correspondent remarks:
    "You will no doubt have learned something of the rich gold diggings that have been recently discovered about twenty-five miles east of this place, north of the South Umpqua, on a small creek called by the miners Coffee Creek. I will give you, as far as I know, a description of the mines. Coffee Creek empties into the South Umpqua, about twenty miles above this place, and from its mouth up for a distance of about five or six miles, gold is found along the edge of the water and in the crevices of the bedrock. The first claim that has paid well is at the mouth of a small stream coming from the east. The claim is owned by Danforth, Cranmer & Co., and prospects from ten cents to one dollar to the pan--from two to four feet pay dirt; one large lump of gold had been taken out of this claim, and weighs about one hundred and six dollars. The second claim on the gulch or creek is owned by the Texas Company, and prospects from ten cents to one dollar to the pan, with about five feet pay dirt. Claim No. 3, owned by Mitchel & Brown, prospects about the same as Texas claim. Claim No. 4 is owned by Hibbart & Co., and prospects from ten cents to two dollars to the pan; several specimens have been found in this claim, the largest weighing nine dollars. Claim No. 5, Russell & Co., prospects from ten cents to one dollar to the pan, and about four feet of pay dirt. The next claim above Russell's is Pierce's, and prospects about like those below. There is no longer any doubt about the diggings being rich and extensive; the streams all head near the great quartz mountain, and the one now being prospected and worked is precisely similar to North Humbug, in Siskiyou County, Cal. Great preparations are being made; those having claims are building and preparing for winter. There is at this time about seventy-five miners all told, and all agree to the fact of the diggings being rich and extensive."
Sacramento Daily Union, November 24, 1858, page 4


    The mouth of the Umpqua is said to be one of the safest harbors on the coast. Vessels enter and lay at anchor in safety. There is a good wagon road from this place to Scottsburg, and it can be traveled at all seasons of the year.--Jacksonville (O.) Sentinel.
Shasta Courier, Shasta City, California, November 27, 1858, page 5


    JACKSONVILLE (O.T.)--The Sentinel, of November 20th, referring to some diggings near the borders of California, remarks:
    "Sailor Diggings is still improving. Some half a dozen good buildings have been erected there this fall--among the most important is a large hotel. The mines are as they always have been--worked out--yet they fail not, but render gold for honest toil.
    "Althouse reports well. Rich diggings are daily discovered in the high hills bordering on either side of the creek. Miners no longer confine their operations to the narrow bed of the stream and the points of hills footing down to its water's edge, but pick and shovel are now wielded hundreds of feet above, on the steep declivities of the mountains.
    "Sucker Creek continues to unhoard its plenteous store to the persevering industry of the 'honest miners.'
    "Cañon Creek is doing to please 'the masses'; much larger yields are expected from its mines this season than any previous season has been witness to."
    Of matters in its own vicinity the same paper says:
    "We learn that some rich prospects have been struck by John Markley on this creek, about six miles from John O'Brian's, on Applegate. In one hole sunk, $110 was taken out, and in another $50--one solid piece weighing $31.50. The diggings are from ten to fourteen feet deep. There are surface diggings nearby which prospect from three to five cents, and are considered good eight-dollar diggings.
    "On the 30th, 'Billy Wood' and 'Cockarorum' run at the Dalles, for $1,000 a side, and made a draw race. Distance, two hundred and fifty yards. Nudd, just returned, informs us that a large amount of money was bet--say $6,000. The friends of 'Billy Wood' offered to run him again for $2,000 a side."
Sacramento Daily Union, December 2, 1858, page 1


TAKEN UP, by the subscriber, living on Butte Creek seventeen miles n.e. of Jacksonville, Jackson Co., one red line back cow, marked with underbit in each ear, and a crop off the right, branded on the left hip J.O.M. and a red, line back bull calf, no brands or marks, perceivable, one red, line back heifer, one year old last spring, no marks or brands perceivable, and one small red bull calf, the old cow and heifer, came to my premises the spring of 1857.
Nov. 7, 1858.
Oregon Statesman, December 7, 1858, page 3


    FROM SOUTHERN OREGON.--The Jacksonville Sentinel of the 4th has the following items:
    Our town has presented quite a lively appearance during the past week, a great number of strangers having arrived, many of them returning from Fraser River. The mines in Southern Oregon are yet comparatively new, and offer as good inducements to the enterprising miners as any on the Pacific coast.
    The news from the different localities in the mines is encouraging. The rain we have had has stimulated the miners, and they are preparing to go to work in right good earnest. We may expect soon to hear of some good strikes being made.
    A match race has been made between Snowy Butte and Grey John, for $600 a side, to come off at the Jacksonville course on Saturday next.
Weekly California Express, Marysville, December 11, 1858, page 3


    MINES NEAR JACKSONVILLE, O.T.--The Jacksonville Sentinel, of Dec. 4th, says:
    "We are informed that a large number of miners have taken claims at Willow Springs, about six miles from town, and are preparing to work during the winter. These mines have been worked but little since 1852. The diggings are good, but water has been scarce for the past few years. The prospect for water is favorable this winter."
Sacramento Daily Union, December 13, 1858, page 2


    EDITORS UNION: For some weeks past rumor has been rife in this neighborhood about the discovery of new and extensive gold diggings on the South Umpqua, a few miles south of here. But knowing how much the people of your state have suffered from innumerable gold humbugs, and the character which the Union aims at for reliability, I did not deem it prudent to notice the rumors until I should have sufficient evidence of their foundation in fact. Although I am not now able to speak of their extent or richness from personal observation--not having been there--yet I have seen enough to satisfy me that the rumors are not baseless. The mail carrier--who is known in this neighborhood as a perfectly truthful and reliable man--on his last trip north exhibited to me and other persons a gold specimen of the value of ten or twelve dollars, taken out by a party of his friends. He said parties were making from five to twelve dollars per day to the band, and reports the gold found to be coarse, resembling that mined about Yreka. There were but few parties at work then (this was two weeks ago), mostly the residents of the vicinity, and the country had not been prospected to any great extent; hence he could not vouch for the extent of the mines, but, so far had been prospected, gold was found in paying quantities. Since then, people are crowding along the road from the north to the new El Dorado. But perhaps you are anxious to learn the locale of the new candidate for popular resort. I have said it was only a few miles south of "here"--a very indefinite designation to the general reader, doubtless. But I imagined myself addressing the "Eds.," and I knew they had some idea of where my "here" was. However, to be more specific, the auriferous region is situated on or about what is known by the euphonious name of Cow Creek, a tributary of the South Umpqua, in the southern part of Douglas County, near the great cañon which leads from the Valley into Rogue River, and vice versa. Should any of your readers be disposed to try their fortunes there--and I do not advise such a step until further developments are made--they can take the steamer from San Francisco to Crescent City or Scottsburg, and from thence post by land to the diggings. There is a good military road from the latter place to the described locality, and the distance is about sixty miles. From Crescent City it is about one hundred and fifty.
    The discovery was made by two old Yreka miners, named Clarke and Morey, who had been working on the creek some time, keeping things quiet to themselves until recently, when a drunken Frenchman in their employ, during one of his exhilarating sprees at Cañonville, let the cat out of  the bag, and, of course, raised the neighborhood. It has created quite an excitement in the Valley, although we are proverbially a non-excitable people, as our indifference to Fraser bears ample testimony. I will make further inquiries, and, should additional developments be made, will let you know them as quick as our slow coach mail can carry them. And this reminds me that we haven't had a California or states mail for upwards of a month. The latest Union I have seen was of the date of the 25th September. Don't the P.M.S. Co. treat us beautifully? In the dull monotony of backwoods life there is little of accident or incident to spice the enjoyment of existence, and such of us as have been used to the amenities of civilized life grumble hard at such mail arrangements as this; but we might as well take it philosophically, as our neighbors do, who seem to care little indeed whether the mail comes or goes. I suppose we, also, will have to come to it after a while.
    A hunting adventure has recently befell our Colonel Commissioner Mott, which is too good to be lost, though his particular set here are no ways anxious that it should be wafted on the wings of fame to his cronies at Washington. The argus eyes of the watch dogs of the press penetrate even the untrodden wilds and solitudes of an Oregon wilderness. There is very little passing in the heavens above, or in the earth beneath, or in the waters under the earth, that they cannot spy out, and that they do not manage to tell to that somewhat extended circle of acquaintances known as "our readers."
    But to our tale. Your readers are probably aware of the appointment of Colonel Mott by Mr. Thompson, Secretary of the Interior, as Special Commissioner to investigate and report upon the condition of Indian affairs upon this coast. Some weeks ago the Colonel Commissioner arrived at the modern Sodom of this Territory (Salem), and took up quarters in the same building with the Quartermaster General of the late volunteer force, and from which the Oregon Democratic Bible (the Statesman) is issued. How true the trite old adage--"birds of a feather flock together"--is, the Colonel's not accidental surroundings is but another exemplification of.
    In a few weeks the official's overtasked frame needed recuperation, or at least his friends made him believe so; and a grand elk hunt in the Coast Range was proposed as a reanimator. Who that has found himself suddenly transported from the miasmatic shores of the Potomac, and the more pestilential atmosphere of Washington politics, to the untrodden wilds of Oregon, could resist the temptation of such delightful recreation as an elk hunt, especially as the place selected was contiguous to the grand camping ground of the dusky daughters of the forest on the Grand Ronde Reservation, and the Colonel could combine business and pleasure en route to the hunting grounds. To make a long story short, the Colonel's party started into the mountains fully armed and equipped, and upon arriving at what was thought to be a favorable pass for the game to run--every hunter knows there are innumerable passes of such a character in the mountains--our official Nimrod was posted in the brush to watch for game, while the rest of the party were to "tally, ho!" the place for some acres around, driving the game past his hiding place, when he was to make awful havoc with shot and minie ball! But, alas!
    So it turned out to be in the Colonel's case. He waited for some time, but "nary" elk came trooping by, and, to add to his disappointment, his friends had gone clean out of sight and sound. Then it grew rapidly dark, and the rain came down in such torrents as it can come down only in Oregon. The idea of the game now was forgotten in the desire to retrace his steps back to the Indian Agency; but c----s [curses] on these dark, matted Oregon forests, it was impossible to make a road through them. The poor Commissioner had been led to the spot by a road that he didn't understand quite as well as Pennsylvania Avenue, and after groping in the dark for some time concluded it was no go, and went supperless to bed in the forest.
    All night the rain continued to lull the official to sleep, with the mingled howl of the storm and the panthers. When morning broke, the party who had found their way to comfortable quarters at the Agency, minus the guest whom they had turned out to honor, began to scour the woods in search of the lost. He was at last found, after much hallooing, in a very pitiable plight, and needing his supper badly, which he found at the Agency, and which it is to be hoped he enjoyed as heartily as he ever did at Mrs. Gwin's banquet and fancy ball. The rascally "bhoys" here were determined to let him see sights, and they did it up brown.    P.J.M.
Sacramento Daily Union, December 15, 1858, page 1


    A week ago today, about sunset, one of the most cold-blooded and cowardly massacres that ever was perpetrated on this or any other coast was enacted in the neighborhood of your Cabin Correspondent's residence in the county of Umpqua. The murderers were whites, and pretended to be members of a Christian church, and the murdered, what the superior, though materialistic, civilization of the Anglo-American race usually designate the aborigines of the country to be of the inferior races. They were, in short, Indians, but so far advanced in the arts of civilized life--the great object of which the State aim at in their relations with the Indians--that their civilization was the cause of their murder. Cupidity--the desire to possess the property of the murdered parties--was the impelling cause which drove on their murderers.
    As early as the year 1850, an Indian known in the Umpqua Valley by the name of "Dick Johnson," with his father, mother, wife and family, became convinced of the superiority of civilized over savage life, and refused to sell out his interest in the land of his fathers, or to go on the Reserve, with the rest of his tribe, and betook himself to agriculture instead of the chase. He selected for their location a little secluded valley, at the suggestion of General Palmer, then Superintendent of Indian Affairs, who assured him (in writing, which I have seen) of the protection of the government for his improvement, he cleared the land (320 acres), fenced it in with a good, substantial rail fence, built him a good house, and raised abundant crops. Within the last two or three years he was getting to be what is called "well off" in the world," by his industry, when a family named Canada, or Kennada, living in his neighborhood, coveted his possessions, and, knowing the condition of the United States laws respecting Indian rights, took advantage of them to lay a preemption upon his claim!
    Dick appealed to the present Superintendent of Indian Affairs (Nesmith) and pleaded what to him was the solemn pledge of the government at Washington--the assurance of protection. Of course, Nesmith could do nothing for him under the present condition of the laws. But the Indian determined to hold his place until paid for his improvements, at least, or die. A week ago this evening, about dusk, eight ruffians, composed of the white family named and their connections, crept up stealthily to his door yard, where Dick was cutting firewood, and deliberately shot him down in his tracks. The old Indian father, who was named "Mummy," hearing the report and a groan from the yard, rose to ascertain the cause, and was shot down while going out of the door. Some of the murderers then went into the house, and were in the act of attempting to murder the two squaws and the children when they were attracted to the yard again by the appearance of an Indian named Jim, who usually resided with the murdered man. They fired several shots at him, one of which grazed his back about a quarter of an inch deep, but he dodged the other side of a horse on which he was riding and escaped to the brush, but the horse was killed. The pursuing parties then returned to reattack the squaws, but the muzzle of an unloaded gun, pointed through the chinks of the house by the old squaw, caused the cowardly rascals to beat a hasty retreat to a spot beyond rifle range. While they were gone the squaws and children escaped by a back door to the brush ; the elder one having sustained, in the first attack, a serious injury in the head from the blows of a revolver, and the younger one having her clothes nearly burned off by the fire from the ruffians' pistols. It was a miracle that they were not killed; indeed, they would have been had not the appearance of the Indian on horseback outside attracted the attention of the murderers from within. When assured that the murderers were gone, the elder squaw made her way to the nearest white settlement and gave the alarm. An inquest was held on the bodies on Wednesday and Thursday, but little or no testimony, other than that of the surviving Indians, tending to implicate the parties concerned, was elicited. The squaws, however, told, point blank, who they were, and the Sheriff' summoned them to appear as witnesses at the inquest, hoping that some of them might "let the cat out of the bag," but they refused to attend. On Friday, when I left for this place, the Sheriff 's posse was after them, but it was rumored that they intended to resist by force his authority to arrest them.
    This case is another beautiful instance of the justice of the law (in force here as well as in California) which allows "the inferior races" to be murdered with impunity, and without a shadow of possibility of punishment overtaking the white scoundrel who commits it, except some white person is present to testify against him. Out upon such law! say I. Out upon such justice! Out upon such civilization and humanitarianism, even though they are those of the boasting, self-lauding, American race! If there is a God in Heaven, sirs, there will be justice even on the earth--for states and nations that work injustice, having no future, must and will be punished here. At least such is the faith of your correspondent.
    The Territorial Legislature convened today, at this place, and adjourned after the usual preliminary--a temporary organization. A Democratic caucus is now being held to nominate permanent officers. As that party have a vast majority of both branches, of course this night's doings of King Caucus will be ratified tomorrow. Party discipline in Oregon has attained to a degree of rigidity almost beyond the power of language to portray.
    As we are believed to be upon the verge of state existence, the existing code of laws (so say the masters of the Legislature) will not be tampered with, lest it might not be made so as to harmonize with whatever Constitution Congress might admit us under, for an impression prevails here that Congress will take it upon itself to change some portions of our Constitution, and in that shape send it back for ratification. The relocation of the capital at Portland is talked of and believed to be not inevitable. Any change that would wheel it away from the baneful influence of the corrupt clique who congregate here ought to be hailed with joy by men who rejoice to see white people, especially legislators, emancipated.
    The news of the defeat of the Buchananites in Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania, received by last mail, has produced secret joy amongst the ruling politicians of the clique school here, but they dare not let it appear in the organ published in this place. It simply gives the returns without comment, but, as I told you in my last, with Douglas' brightening prospects, it lets in a little more for him, in the shape of giving place to opinions expressed in his favor by Senator Brown, of Mississippi, and by the St. Louis Republican. The hatred of the clique politicians towards their quondam friend, Jo Lane, grows every day more intense. "The General" had the imprudence, as well as the impudence, to encourage, aid and comfort two rival shops (that of the Portland Times and Standard) of the organ--the Statesman--published here, thus ensuring the mortal enmity of the presiding genius of the latter, who is the ruling spirit of the triumphant "clique."
    Henceforth our delegation at Washington (when we become a state), like Gwin and Broderick, will war to please their adherents at home in the matter of Oregon's share of the drippings from the fingers of the pure old man who dispenses the nation's revenues. The clique swear that Grover and Smith must work for and procure the removal of Lane's favorites, beginning with Gen. Adair, the Collector of Customs at Astoria; and Lane's supporters maintain that Lane being au old fogey like "the venerable President," he is possessed of sufficient influence at Court to more than equipoise that of the "clique" Senator and Representative. We will have a delightful time of it when our Opposition Rotators at Washington get fully under way.
    The South Umpqua gold mines are believed not to be extensive, bat are paying well so far as they do extend. The claims, however, were all taken up .shortly after the discovery, and there is no room, so far as prospected, for others to locate.
    The mail steamship Columbia has at last got oft' the »pit at the month of the Umpqua and gone to sea. Central Oregon, as usual, has not had a California or States mail for upward of a month--the latest dates from your city being the 30th of October; and there is no telling when another mail will come in there, as the officers of the Columbia say they will never venture in there again. So we are without mail, either by the Columbia river or the Umpqua either!
    The mail closes in five minutes, and I have only time to chronicle the result of the caucus : President of the Council, Chas. Drain, of Linn County; Secretary, Noah Huler, of Portland; Speaker of the House, N. H. Gates, of Wasco County; Clerk, James Pyle, of Douglas County.
Sacramento Daily Union, December 22, 1858, page 1


    SMUT IN WHEAT.--Wm. Baldwin, of Jackson County, O.T., writes thus to the Jackson[ville] Sentinel:
    If the farmers will keep their seed wheat until it is two or three years old, I think it would be as well as using vitriol or bluestone. I sowed wheat last fall that was two years old. did not use vitriol; one of my neighbors sowed some wheat out of the same bin, and used vitriol. The result was that I had a crop of good clean wheat, my neighbor had a tolerable crop of smut. My opinion is that it does not depend altogether on vitriol or bluestone, or your seed wheat, whether you raise smut or not. Smut is a blight or disease that takes the wheat in the bloom.
Daily Alta California, San Francisco, December 6, 1858, page 1


    The northern mail was considerably delayed by high waters of Rogue River.… 
"Brief Reference," Trinity Journal, Weaverville, California, December 11, 1858, page 4


    JACKSONVILLE, O.T.--We notice in the Sentinel, of December 11th, the subjoined intelligence:
    "We are informed that the snow on the trail over the mountains between this place and Crescent City is about three feet deep.
    "The prospect at Sailor Diggings is more flattering than at any place in the country. There will be a great many men employed there this winter. The place is improving rapidly.
    "There is some excitement about new diggings which have been struck lately among the low hills near Colwell's bridge, on Sucker."
Sacramento Daily Union, December 23, 1858, page 1


    Since the announcement of the contemplation of a lawsuit by the daughter of Dr. David Sisson to obtain possession of property in Ashland which it is claimed belonged to the Doctor at the time of his death, we have been led by the interest awakened in the matter to gather up the facts of the mysterious murder of Mr. Sisson so far as they were known to the public at the time. To that end "our reporter" has been buttonholing the old inhabitants mercilessly, days, and from the reminiscences of several old pioneers who lived in the neighborhood at the time of the tragedy he constructs the following brief story of the case:
    At the time of the murder, in the spring of '58, the village of Ashland consisted of the grist mill, then owned and run by Wagner and Fowler, the saw mill of Jno. Sampson, which is still standing, the hotel building of Mr. Sisson, which was upon or near the site of the Ashland House, a small wooden building which stood upon the site of McCall & Baum's brick store, and the dwelling house of A. D. Helman, near the saw mill. The hillside northward from the creek, where the main street of the town now runs, built up on either side with scores of cozy, comfortable homes and beautified with grassy lawns and flower gardens, was then but a thicket of chaparral and manzanita brush, which extended down along the creek below where the woolen factory and the planing mill of Daley & Co. now are.
    Dr. David Sisson was a practicing physician, who had located upon the land upon which the Ashland House is situated, and who kept an open house for the entertainment of the traveling public. In the early spring, or perhaps in February, of '58, Mr. Sisson became involved in a quarrel with a man named Beckett, who, with his "pard," one Hart, lived a few miles up the valley. Beckett threatened Sisson's life, it is said, and at one time made an assault upon him in Sisson's house, but whether the quarrel was really of such a nature as to inspire a mortal hatred in the heart of Beckett, we are not prepared to say. Be that as it may, about that time Beckett suddenly disappeared from the public view, and a few days afterward, as Mr. Sisson was returning to his house from a spring near the creek, he was fired at by someone concealed in the brush on the opposite side of the creek, and received a wound in the hand. He was passing a small building on the south bank of the creek, used as a carpenter shop, and the boards near where he stood were found, upon investigation, to be riddled with buckshot. One morning about eight o'clock, just a month afterward, as Mr. Sisson was again walking along the bank of the creek, when about under the large oak tree near the corner of the woolen factory, he was mortally shot by an assassin who was lying in wait in the bushes.
    'Squire Gillette, who was then stopping at the house which stood on the site of McCall & Co.'s store, had just come down the valley with Trapper Connor, and was upstairs changing his clothing preparatory to going to work in the sawmill when he hear the rifle shot and heard someone in the street below say: "Dr. Sisson's shot!" Rushing downstairs, Mr. Gillette found a group of three or four men standing in front of the house, talking excitedly, and as soon as they saw him they pointed down the creek to where Dr. Sisson was lying, and said he had been shot in plain sight of them.
    The others seemed afraid to approach the wounded man, but Gillette hastened to him at once. He found him lying on his face, and, raising him in his arms, inquired if he was much hurt. The Doctor replied: "My God, they've got me this time!" These were the last words he uttered, and in a few moments he had breathed his last. He was carried to his house, and a report of the tragedy was at once sent to Jacksonville. The coroner, B. B. Griffin, came up the same evening, and, summoning a jury, one member of which was Bennett Million, held an inquest over the remains. The facts above stated were brought before the jury, and examination showed that the bullet had struck a little to the right of the pit of the stomach and, passing below, or through, the heart, had lodged just under the skin to the left of the spine, where its location was plainly visible. The jury rendered a verdict to the effect that deceased came to his death by a rifle shot fired by someone to the jury unknown. The next day the remains were buried, but a few days afterward the coroner again appeared, accompanied by a physician, the body was exhumed and the bullet taken out and preserved. Whether it be still kept by someone who knows its history we cannot tell.
Ashland Tidings, December 19, 1879, page 3


Ashland Tidings, January 30, 1880, page 3