John Frost

EVENTS IN CALIFORNIA FROM THE ADMISSION OF THE STATE INTO THE UNION TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF 1853.

Since the foregoing chapters were written, events of considerable importance have transpired in California. Remarkable political steps have been taken, and disastrous accidents by flood and fire have happened.

The crimes of robbery and murder becoming of so frequent occurrence in San Francisco that all security of person and property was threatened with destruction, a meeting of citizens was called, and it was resolved to organize a Vigilance Committee, for the summary trial and execution of offenders. This was an open manifestation of contempt for the constituted authorities, and they protested against it. But a majority of the citizens of San Francisco, feeling that extraordinary measures were necessary, supported those persons who were appointed upon the Committee. Such officers generally abuse the extensive authority conferred upon them; but justice requires that we should say, that the members of the San Francisco Vigilance Committee acted throughout with a due appreciation of an awful responsibility. Several persons were arrested, tried, convicted and hung. One or two were notorious criminals, who had often been up before the regular courts, and always contrived to elude justice. By the certain and summary measures of the Committee, security was in a great measure restored, and the members then surrendered their authority—acknowledging the entire supremacy of the courts.

In October, 1851, the State elections occurred. The contest was spirited. The Democrats were generally successful. John Bigler, their gubernatorial candidate, was elected by about thirteen hundred majority over Mr. Reading, the candidate of the Whigs. At the succeeding session of the Legislature, John B. Weller, formerly of Ohio, was elected to the Senate of the United States, to succeed John C. Fremont, who had resigned his seat. Mr. Weller had long been a prominent member of the Democratic party. He commanded the Ohio regiment in the Mexican war. It was believed that he would be an efficient colleague of the industrious and practical Senator Gwin.

The Chinese portion of the population of California has gradually become quite numerous. They have proved themselves steady, energetic and useful citizens. Gov. Bigler, however, had a different estimation of them. As they do not respect the oaths and forms established by law for the regulation of business in California, he thought they could not be bound sufficiently in their bargains to suit the business community; and accordingly he recommended to the Legislature, that some measures should be adopted for checking Chinese immigration. This called forth a spirited remonstrance from the Chinese citizens of San Francisco. They argued with much reason, that they had conducted themselves properly ever since they had entered California, and that there was no real ground of complaint against them. The methods of binding them were explained, it is believed, to the general satisfaction of the business community. We should think that Chinese labor would be in great demand in California, as the "Celestials" not only work for less than the Americans, but can endure more toil and exposure.

In October, 1852, events occurred in the Mexican State of Sonora, which the Californians could not but regard with much interest. Count de Raousset-Boulbon, a French adventurer, was the prime actor, in a brief but stirring drama, in that quarter. He had come to California in search of fortune. Being unsuccessful, he went to Mexico.

At the period of his arrival there the Province of Sonora was devastated by the Alpaca Indians, who committed all sorts of depredations with impunity. Count de Raousset-Boulbon presented himself to the Mexican Government, and offered to deliver Sonora from the red-skins with which it was infested. The Mexican Government was ready to fall upon the neck of M. de Raousset-Boulbon. "I am a Frenchman. I know the country. I understand war. I will answer for every thing," said the Count. "Good," said the government, "we will place an army of ten thousand men at your disposal." "Thank you," said M. de Raousset-Boulbon, "keep your army; it would only get in my way. Give me some muskets, and two hundred thousand francs, and leave the rest to me." He received the required sum, returned to Sonora, organized a corps of Frenchmen, resolute men like himself, and proceeded to hunt down the Indians. The merchants of the country, delighted with the successes obtained by their defender against a set of rascals who had so long been masters of their provinces, sent subsidies to M. de Raousset-Boulbon, put themselves under his protection, and assured him that neither he nor his troops should ever want for any thing if he would only continue the war. The Count closed with the offer. But the popularity of the young general, and the success of his little army, alarmed the Mexican Government.

They issued an order requiring him to quit the country with his forces. Count de Raousset-Boulbon replied, that the merchants and land-owners of the country having placed Sonora under his immediate protection, he felt it due to his honor not to abandon them, and consequently he distinctly refused to obey the order. The Mexican Government then sent a frigate to blockade the principal port of Sonora. Count de Raousset-Boulbon took the frigate. The government sent Gen. Blanco, at the head of an army, against the French commander. A battle was fought, and after a short but fierce struggle, superior numbers triumphed, and the French were defeated. A treaty was then negotiated, by the terms of which, Count Boulbon agreed to quit Sonora, in consideration of receiving a large sum of money.

It is the prevailing opinion that this movement originated in a mere restless spirit of adventure. But there are some sagacious statesmen at Washington and some keen-eyed politicians in California, who regard it as having had the object of organizing a powerful French state, which might check the progress of the great North American confederacy. Senator Bell, of Tennessee, predicted that such a design would be entertained, and such a movement executed by the French. It is well that the people of California should be upon their guard. A republic can have no safe neighbors but republics. There are a large number of Frenchmen in California; but if the Americans are vigilant there is nothing to be feared from them.

On the 2d of November, 1852, the presidential election was held throughout the United States. The Democrats carried California for their electoral ticket, pledged to vote for Franklin Pierce, of New Hampshire, and William R. King, of Alabama. The state election occurred at the same time, and in this, also, the Democrats were completely successful.

About the same time, destructive fires occurred in various parts of California. The greater part of the city of Sacramento was laid in ashes by a conflagration, which occurred on the 2d of November. Of this terrible disaster, the San Francisco Herald of the 4th of November, gives the following account:—

At 11½ o'clock on Tuesday evening, a fire broke out in the millinery shop of Madam Lanos, on J street, near the corner of Fourth. The inspectors were counting the votes, and a numerous crowd were awaiting the decision of the judges, so that no time was lost in delay. With astonishing rapidity the fire spread from building to building—up, down and across the street, in five minutes. The Crescent City Hotel, on the opposite side of the street, was in flames, and being of inflammable materials and of large size, sent the fiery torrent in every direction. The hardware store of Pawoth, Eels & Co. communicated the flames to the brick block adjoining, which was speedily burned to the ground, and carried the fire up street on both sides, until it reached Eighth street, and on the south side of J street. On the corner side, from Brown, Kenny & Co.'s brick block, which caught from the Crescent City fire, there was nothing to stay its progress but the Overton Block, on the corner of Third and J streets, on the one side, and Scudder, Carroll & Co. on the other. For a time the superhuman exertions put forth seemed to check, and it was hoped would entirely subdue the fire, and the boom of the powder, like artillery, that was deposited in every building, by the hook and ladder boys, was deemed the signal for the arrest and staying of the fire on this line. In vain, however; the wind, heretofore blowing towards the levee, increased to a gale and changed to the north, thus turning the fire broadside on, and in five minutes it had spread to M. street.

CAFE RESTAURANT, SAN FRANCISCO—MADE OUT OF A SHIP GALLEY.

From J and Third, the fire curled around Scudder & Carroll's, and extended to Dr. Morrell's drug store, on the south side of J street, which proved a barrier for a time. These buildings, of wood, were built in 1849, and as combustible as powder. The flames caught the wooden building opposite, and spread to the rear on I street. At this time, W. R. McCall & Co.'s building caught on the roof. The burning of their building sealed the fate of all to the levee, on both sides of the street, and bearing down the length of the city, the flames extended, soon wrapping the Orleans Hotel. The buildings all around were blown up with the rapidity of magic, carts standing ready with 25lb. kegs of powder. The Union office next fell, the proprietors saving two presses, type and paper sufficient for a few days' supply. The Tahama block, containing Page, Bacon & Co.'s, Swift's and Grimes' banking offices, saved, wind changing, blowing directly south from them. J. B. Starr's store also made a wall to prevent the further spread of the fire in that direction. At this moment the fire reached, from the levee, J and K street to Tenth, one sea of fire, crumbling every thing to ashes. The large brick store of J. A. Haines, the brick blocks on K—with the exception of that of the Lady Adams Co. on K, between First and K streets—are a pile of ruins. The L. A. Co.'s buildings stand prominent and erect this morning, a monument to the proprietor's sagacity and good sense. The families on the line below K street, were busy removing their valuables and furniture, when the flames crossed the brick barrier, and swept with remorseless fury down and across, licking with its forked tongue from street to alley, apparently shrivelling the wooden buildings with a single breath. The inmates of the hospital, seventy in number, were taken in season to the levee, and from thence to a suitable house, by Drs. Briarly and Williams. The City market, filled with hay, and the hospital, were the last on that line of the fire, where the citizens effectually stopped its further progress. On F street the brick building of Reynolds & Co. made but a light barrier, the roof falling in almost immediately, with three of No. 3's engine men, who were burned to death. Every thing to Eighth street, on the north, and Ninth Street on the south side of J street to Twelfth street, on K down to N street on the southeast, through N and M to the levee—the El Dorado, supposed impregnable hitherto, as also Merritt's, Dr. Morrill's, Scudders', and Case & Co.'s are completely gutted.

Thus far the number of lives ascertained to be lost are six. Three of No. 3's Engine Company's men, who fell with the roof of Reynolds & Co.'s building, were swallowed up alive; the confusion of the morning, and the scattering of people, prevented a roll call to ascertain the names of the gallant but unfortunate firemen. A lady, next door to the place where the fire originated, is also reported burnt. The number scorched is enormous, all of whom, however, are carefully attended to by surgeons on board the Camanche. Every assistance possible was proffered by the captains and agents of the steamers, whose vessels were soon crowded with females. The levee was strewn with merchandise of every description, and the wind blowing from the northwest threw the sparks from the goods and saved them all. At 5 A.M., the fire had nearly ceased, the smouldering embers throwing huge clouds of smoke and lurid flashes, bringing desolation to the hearts of all who witnessed the sickening sight. The losses cannot be less than $5,000,000.

On the evening of the 9th of November, another great fire occurred at San Francisco. Of this the California Whig of Nov. 10, gives the following account:—

Last evening, at half past eight o'clock, our citizens were alarmed by the dreadful cry of fire, which proved to be too well founded, for in less than five minutes the whole city was illumed by the lurid glare of the flames.

There is much contradiction as to where the fire originated, but it is pretty generally conceded that it was in the upper story of the frame building on the corner of Merchant and Kearny streets, occupied by some lodgers.

In a very short time all the buildings on the corner of the street were in a blaze, and wholly beyond the power of human aid to save. The close proximity of the building to the Union, on the opposite corner, rendered the probability of its destruction almost certain. In a very few minutes the latter building caught. In the meantime the frame buildings on Merchant, and between that and Clay streets caught, and were in a blaze.

The whole force of the fire department were promptly on the spot, with their apparatus, and put into the most effective service. Never since they have been in organization have they displayed their unequalled energy and training as they did on this occasion.

Fortunately for the safety of the lower part of the city, there was but little air stirring, and a slight misty rain had fallen during the day and evening, which checked the tendency of the fire to spread towards the bay. Had it not been for this, the mass of sparks falling upon the roofs of the frame buildings on the east side of Montgomery street, must have extended it to the whole lower side of the city. These buildings were covered with men provided with wet blankets, buckets of water, and every thing necessary to extinguish the flames, should they communicate to their roofs.

The fire burnt eastward to the buildings of Messrs. Austin & Lobdell, fronting on Clay street, and that of Mr. Naglee, fronting on Merchant street. On the north side of Merchant it took the Union Hotel, and all the buildings fronting on that street, down towards Montgomery, to Bolton and Barron's building. It did not cross over to Washington in any instance. This is the second time that the building of Messrs. Austin & Lobdell has proved an effectual barrier to the progress of a fire, and without receiving the least injury itself, or damaging the goods within it.

Nothing but the determined and unparalleled efforts of the firemen prevented the fire from extending to the south side of Clay street; as it was, some $10,000 damage was done to goods and buildings upon that side.

The fire broke out, as we have said, at half past eight o'clock, and it was not until a quarter past ten that it was checked or its further spread prevented, and the engines worked for some time longer.

The records of the different courts in the old City Hall were removed, but thrown into the utmost confusion.

In the midst of the excitement, Mr. Masalski, a gentleman well known to the community as the former keeper of the Sacramento House, rushed to the scene of disaster, and shortly afterwards returned to his dwelling. He was immediately seized with the most alarming symptoms, and in a few moments breathed his last. Dr. Guatier, who attended him in his last moments, says that it is difficult to pronounce upon the cause of his death, other than that it was brought about by congestion of the brain, but what was the immediate cause of this congestion he is unable to say at present.

It is of course impossible for us to give a correct estimate of the losses sustained, but we have heard it variously estimated as from $150,000 to $200,000.

Other destructive fires occurred at Marysville, Sonora, Stockton, San Diego and in the agricultural districts, an immense amount of property being destroyed. In the cities, the damage was repaired, with an astonishing rapidity, but some individuals were utterly ruined—the results of years of labor being swept away in a single night. The cities of California are now generally supplied with fire engines and hook and ladder companies. But these machines are not always available.

The mining news contained in California papers of November, 1852, is very interesting.

A letter dated Nevada, Oct. 24, says that the continued dry weather has given unusual opportunities and facilities to miners now working in the river channels. At the best these operations are very precarious in their nature—necessarily attended with a vast outlay, and frequently, where the most sanguine hopes were entertained, the results have been most unfortunate. The time for working in the rivers is usually confined to a very limited period, the water being seldom or never sufficiently low to work to advantage earlier than September; it follows, therefore, that every additional week of dry weather is of the utmost value to such as are thus engaged. Luckily for them, the present dry season has been unusually protracted, consequent upon which, the rivers are at an exceedingly low stage, and the success of the miner proportionate to this advantage. On the other hand, those interested in ravine and hill mining (by far the greater proportion of the miners,) are anxiously awaiting the wet season for a supply of water—without which, all their labor is fruitless.

The Bear River and Auburn Water Company's canal is so far completed as to be available to the miners by the first rains, notwithstanding the great expense and time attending its construction, arising from a want of experience, and so far beyond the calculations of its projectors. This work traverses an extensive and rich mining country, totally dependent upon the canal for water, which cannot be exhausted for many years.

The discovery of a continuation of the celebrated Coyote lead, in Nevada, from which so many millions of the precious metals were extracted in '50 and '51, is now established beyond a doubt. As yet it is not developed to any great extent, but enough, however, to give employment to a goodly number of miners. The character of the lead continues to be similar to the old mines, in appearance and productiveness. A few weeks' further investigation of the locality will no doubt give a new impetus to mining operations here, which have latterly been somewhat stagnant.

The Sacramento Journal says:—We have been shown a lot of the gold taken out of the Mokelumne run, valued at $2,500, which was superior to any thing we ever examined before. The pieces of glittering ore were of sizes varying from a cucumber seed up to a pumpkin seed, and all in that flat, oval shape so peculiarly characteristic of Mokelumne gold. It was sent down from the store of D. L. Angier, in Calaveras county, and we are informed that the same company of six men that disposed of it, have taken out of the claim $36,000 of the same kind of specimens.

Gold has been found in considerable quantities in the mountains back of San Buenaventura. The existence of the gold was made known by the Indians to some white men, who, on visiting the spot indicated, were rewarded with six ounces of the precious metal. The prospect is said to be good.

Three quartz mills have recently commenced operations in Scott valley. We have not received any definite information as to what these mills have accomplished, but are informed that one of them is producing gold in great abundance.

The Columbia Mining Company took out 12 lbs. of gold in one day, and 8 lbs. at night—making in all 20 lbs. The same gentleman informs us that miners generally in that vicinity are doing remarkably well.

New diggings have been discovered near the American ranche. Those working there are getting well paid, in coarse, heavy gold. They are making from $12 to $20 per day to the man. The diggings are ravine diggings, and can be worked all winter.

A convention of the quartz miners of Nevada county was to have been held at Nevada on the 13th of November, to adopt measures having for their purpose more unity of operation and greater security of labor and capital.

The San Francisco papers of Jan. 1, 1853, contain most interesting intelligence of the state of the gold region. The following is the most important:—

The present winter is conceded to be the most severe experienced in this country since it has been populated by Americans. During the last fortnight it has been raining and snowing continually in the mountains and valleys, and we are daily in the receipt of accounts of disasters and suffering in all parts of the state. The waters have been unusually high, and communication through the mining regions almost entirely cut off, either by snow or overflowed streams. The rivers have been swelled to such an extent as to inundate all the low lands, causing immense damage, destroying stock and agricultural products.

The whole country between Tehama and Sacramento city was entirely under water, whilst Marysville was partly inundated, and though Sacramento city was well protected by a levee, the lower portions were submerged. The waters at the present time have subsided, although the rains still continue. On the mountain streams, the loss of mining implements has been great, and all work for the present is suspended. Bridges have been swept away, and ferries destroyed, and some few lives lost. The southern portion of the mining district has suffered equally with the northern. Stockton has been inundated partially, and property to a considerable amount destroyed. The bridges on the Calaveras, Stanislaus, and other streams have been swept away, and communication with the mining towns for a while suspended. The flood has been universal, and the waters higher than in the memorable winter of 1849.

The great scarcity of provisions, and the consequent high prices, have occasioned much suffering and distress already, and it is feared that many will actually die from starvation. Many miners subsist entirely on beef and potatoes, whilst in other portions of the mines there are hundreds who have nothing at all but barley and potatoes. In portions of Yuba and Sierra county the snow was already ten feet deep, and still falling, and the miners actually reduced to absolute want.

In one place they held a meeting and forced a trader to sell what flour he had on hand at 45 cents per pound, and all who were able to leave did so, thus leaving the provisions for those who were unable to find their way through the snows to the valleys. In some places cabins are entirely covered with snow, and the roofs of many have been crushed in, thus cutting off the last chance of protection. The accounts received may be greatly exaggerated—nevertheless, there is much suffering and distress, and it is not improbable that some may perish by starvation.

A few days since, we were visited with a terrible southeast gale, which prevailed for two days. Several light tenements were blown down, and some injury done to the shipping in the harbor. For a day or two, communication by stage with San Jose was cut off, owing to the sudden rise of the intermediate streams.

Several important decisions have been rendered in our courts, among which is the decision of the State Supreme Court, recognizing the right of native claimants of land to the summary remedy of ejectment where they are disturbed by squatters. This applies to parties who are in possession of their claims, and relieves them from what, by a previous decision of the court, was a necessity, that they should incur first the expensive process of a writ of right in order to prove their title.

The Land Commission are making considerable progress in the adjudication of claims. Of these, the most important, perhaps, is that of Mr. Fremont, to a large tract of land on the head waters of the Mariposa river. The Commission recognizes his claim to the land, but does not undertake to decide upon his title to the mineral wealth, which, as is well known, is embraced within the limits of the grant.

A convention of Quartz Miners, held at Nevada, have adopted a code of laws for the government of those working quartz veins in that country.

Barley has been used for bread in some places in the interior, and is found to be a good substitute for flour.

Farmers are getting their lands ready for the crops of the next year, and it is understood that considerable quantities of wheat will be sown. Preparations are also being made for the erection of grist mills, and it is not likely another season will find us so dependant upon foreign supply for breadstuffs.

There was considerable excitement in California, during the latter part of December, about a supposed monopoly of flour. The article had been very scarce and high for some time, and the exorbitant rates it commanded were attributed in a great measure to an organized effort to force up prices. Indignation meetings were held in the interior, and in San Francisco several of the public prints endeavored to expose the supposed plots of the speculators. The timely arrival of cargoes from Chili and elsewhere, however, soon caused a decline, and the excitement on the subject consequently abated.

Vallejo has been made the capital of the state. It possesses many advantages of situation, and promises to be a large city. If the government should continue to have its seat there, Vallejo may prove a formidable rival to San Francisco.

At Sacramento city much alarm prevailed, in consequence of the rise of the water in the river and its tributaries. The papers say:—

The warm and unprecedented heavy rains of the last forty-eight hours have brought down upon us an avalanche of water from the snowy regions skirting the forks of the American River, and swollen the latter stream to a greater height than at any former period of the present season.

At 9 o'clock, yesterday morning, the water was even with its natural banks, and soon after commenced percolating through the unfinished embankments at the gaps of the old levee. These were speedily torn away by the force of the current, and the water, now running on unobstructed through the breach of the new levee, and so on down towards the city.

By dusk last evening, that portion of the town lying south of J and east of Fifth street, was entirely submerged, to the depth of from one to three feet. During the whole of yesterday the rain poured down in torrents, and the weather was warmer than we have known it for a month past. The American river continued to rise, up to a very late hour, and, at last accounts, was eleven and a half feet higher than on Wednesday.

It is useless to deny the fact that the highest mark has not yet been reached, for there is a great body of snow that, under the influence of the present storm, must dissolve, and find its way to the Sacramento. The latter stream also rose steadily during Thursday, but still lacks some two feet of being up to the top of the levee.

There is no danger whatever of the embankment yielding at any point in front of the city—the only danger to be apprehended is that it may not prove sufficiently high to retain the stream within its appropriate bounds.

A small breach was discovered early yesterday morning in the new levee, near Dudley's farm, but it was repaired before any damage was done.

There was a rumor prevailing last evening that Lisle's bridge had been swept away, but could be traced to no reliable source.

Every body is busily engaged in making preparations to meet the anticipated flood. Merchants and shopkeepers, and all having property on the ground floor, are raising them above high water mark—boats are moored at the doors—vehicles of every description, stock, grain, tents, hay, provisions and people, are crowded together on the public square, and every available dry nook and corner is occupied.

The Marysville Express of the 20th, says: "The water is within three or four inches as high as it was at the last flood, when it was 6½ inches higher than ever known before. The rain is still falling heavily, and when we consider the enormous, almost frightful, quantity of snow in the mountains, the most alarming fears may most reasonably be entertained. All seem to join in the belief that the present will exceed any previous flood known."

The accounts we receive from the mining districts are really heart rending; death by cold and starvation has visited many poor unfortunates, while as yet the tale of horrors is but half told. It was feared that as intelligence should be received from the mountains, we shall have to record the sad fate of many more.

Great quantities of gold are still obtained in California. The average value of the gold dust brought by each steamer of the Panama line is about $500,000. This is an astonishing production; and we are almost ready to believe the enthusiastic declarations of the first adventurers in this El Dorado, that the gold region is inexhaustible.

Emigration to California continues to be extensive. Most of those who intend to become permanent settlers proceed by the overland route, from Independence, Missouri, to Sacramento City. Late in the summer of every year, a relief train is sent from the settled portion of California, to meet the emigrants. Many persons are thus saved from death by starvation. The expense of the relief train is a consideration of little importance, when its object is borne in mind. Had the same measure been adopted soon after the gold discovery, many of those whose bones are bleaching on the plains, would have survived to become useful citizens of California.

Interesting proceedings have taken place in the United States Senate, in regard to the Tehuantepec route to California. The Mexican government has shown a disposition to prevent the construction of a road across Tehuantepec, which some senators think should be promptly rebuked. In a recent speech upon the subject, Mr. Mason, of Virginia, said that the acquisition of California and the intervening territory, placed this Government in the position of having some of its dependencies almost inaccessible. The discovery of the gold in California, made the subject of a communication with that region, of the deepest importance, and has naturally drawn the eyes of the world to the necessity of securing some safe, reliable, and speedy right of way to the Pacific Ocean. Panama has been sought, and it has been used as a place of transit, without any serious objection on the part of any government there. Mexico alone has interposed an obstacle to this desired communication with the Pacific. Mexico, from whom our territory was derived, and who is our neighbor and sister Republic, has alone refused the right of way to the world, and has not only refused the right of transit to other nations, but has also set aside an existing grant of that right. For years, enterprises have been projected to connect the two Oceans at Tehuantepec. In view of the vast importance of this connection, the minds of the people of the United States have been concentrated upon the discovery of that plan which shall be the least expensive, and at the same time the most certain and efficient, to unite the two Oceans by means of travel or transportation. Mr. Mason read a table showing the distance between New York and San Francisco by the Chagres route, to be 6650 miles; between New Orleans and San Francisco, by way of Chagres, 5675 miles; between New York and San Francisco, by the Tehuantepec route, 4970; between New Orleans and San Francisco, by the Tehuantepec, 3740 miles. The average time from New York to San Francisco, by the Chagres route, was 28 days, and the shortest 24 days. The average time by the Tehuantepec route was 19 days, and the shortest 15. From New Orleans, by way of Tehuantepec, the average time would be 14 days and the shortest 12 days.

It is believed that spirited action on the part of our government will secure from Mexico the recognition of a right of way across Tehuantepec, which, according to Senator Mason's able representation, is but a matter of justice. Mexico is at present almost ready to fall to pieces, most of its states, or provinces, being in successful rebellion. She is not, therefore, in a condition to resist a formidable foreign power. It is lamentable when a government is weak, and yet dares to be unjust. The people of California have a considerable stake in the decision of the Tehuantepec question.

The gold region is constantly being extended by new discoveries—especially in the north-eastern section of the state. In the meantime the old mines continue to yield a good profit to industrious laborers. Before the recent flood, the mining news from the Mariposa diggings was very favorable—the miners averaging from $25 to $30 a day. On Cottonwood Creek, Shosta Valley, operations were also well rewarded—one company making $100 per day to the hand. The number of persons engaged in mining and crushing the gold-bearing quartz is very large, and the yield rewards the toil.

The miners still occasionally take upon themselves the punishment of offenders. Recently, a half-breed Mexican, named John Bathus, having stolen $800 in gold dust from S. B. Star, on the Klamath, was caught, tried by the miners of the district, convicted, sentenced to be shot, and executed accordingly. About the same time, a man named Morrison, having committed a theft among the miners on Humbug Creek, was caught, and received twelve lashes on his bare back. These cases, however, occurred in wild districts, where the laws of the State are but imperfectly executed, and where summary measures can alone secure the miner in possession of his hard-earned property.

The Indians in the State are very troublesome, in spite of the strong regular force kept in vigilant service. The most recent disturbances have occurred in Trinity County, whither Gen. Hitchcock was compelled to despatch a company of United States troops. Prompt and vigorous measures being adopted, the savages were quieted. Other disturbances in that section of the country about the mouth of the Klamath, were terminated as promptly.

A late number of the Shasta Courier says, the Indians on Churn Creek, on the east side of the Sacramento river, have become very annoying to the whites. They have stolen a great many mules, and are constantly watching for opportunities to take human life. But recently, a man named Henry Welden, was pursued for several miles by a band of these Indians, and narrowly escaped with his life. In consequence of these outrages, a company of miners was formed for the purpose of driving the savages to a safer distance, or exterminating them. The company was equipped for efficient service in the mountains. The Indians fled before them, and could not be overtaken.

Several months previous the Indians on the Gila were incited to war by some reckless Mexicans. Several expeditions were sent against them from Fort Yumas, and recently the savages have been so far quieted, that the country is now considered safe for emigrants.

Among the new and most remarkable placers, are the gold bluffs, situated near the mouth of the Klamath river, about thirty miles north of Trinidad. The approach to them by land is over a plain of sand, into which the traveller sinks ankle-deep at every step. The bluffs stretch along some five or six miles, and present a perpendicular front to the ocean of from 100 to 400 feet in height. In ordinary weather the beach is from 20 to 50 feet in width, composed of a mixture of gray and black sand, the latter containing the gold in scales so fine that they cannot be separated by the ordinary process of washing; so that resort must be had to chemical means. The beach changes with every tide, and sometimes no black, auriferous sand is to be seen on the surface. By digging down, it is found mixed with gray sand, which largely predominates. The violence of the surf renders landing in boats impracticable. When the beach was discovered early in 1851, several tons of goods were landed from a steamer despatched thither, by means of lines from the vessel to the shore. The Pacific Mining Company have made good profits in working the bluffs and the sand of the beach.

Tunneling has been carried on quite extensively in the mining region. Some of the tunnels through solid rock are wonderful achievements. At Duggan's Flat, a party bored 150 feet in the solid rock before finding the gold.

Professor Forrest Shepherd, of New Haven, has made some remarkable discoveries of thermal action in California. In one place where there was nothing on the surface to attract attention, on digging down the heat increased so rapidly that at the depth of two feet he could not bear his hand in the earth, and the thermometer indicated a temperature of 130 degrees. At another place, after wandering for four days through dense thickets, he came upon a chasm a thousand feet deep, through which flowed a stream, the banks of which, on the 8th of February, were covered with vegetation. Following up the stream, the earth grew so hot as to burn the feet through the boots. There was no appearance of lava, and the rocks were being dissolved by a powerful catalytic action. From innumerable orifices steam was forced to the height of two hundred feet. The number of spouting geysers and boiling springs, on a half mile square, exceeded two hundred. The Professor, in the course of a lecture delivered at San Jose, said he did not doubt that silver, lead, and iron abounded in California.

The legislation of Congress in regard to California has sometimes been of a very unsatisfactory character. By an act passed in 1850, the Secretary of the Treasury was authorized to contract upon the most reasonable terms with the proprietors of some well-established assaying works then in successful operation in California, who should perform such duties in assaying and fixing the value of gold in grains and lumps, and in forming the same into bars, as should be prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, and the assayer was to fix the stamp of the United States, indicating the degree of fineness and value, upon each bar or ingot. This was a measure of convenience, and the merchants of the California ports had then ample means of paying their custom house duties. In 1852, however, Congress passed an act, creating a branch mint of the United States in California: and to this act was appended a clause, repealing the act which authorized the office of Assayer, as soon as public notice was given of the creation of the branch mint. In consequence of this legislation, the Assayer's office was abolished, and yet there was no mint for coining in the golden land. Time was required for making the necessary appropriation of money, erecting buildings, and constructing machinery, all of which had not been considered. The clause of the former act which made the stamped ingots receivable for duties was repealed. The merchants of California had no means of paying their duties at the custom house, and great excitement and confusion ensued. Finally, an arrangement was made with the Collector of San Francisco, under which uncoined gold could be received in payment of duties, and then business went on as usual. Care is one of the first essentials of beneficial legislation. The circumstance that the people of California are so far from the seat of the federal government, requires a strict attention in legislators, to prevent evils which cannot be quickly remedied.

The people of California seem to be deeply interested in the construction of a great railroad from the Mississippi to the Pacific. At San Diego, several meetings have been held, and reports adopted, advocating and exhibiting the advantages of a southern route for the proposed railroad. The route which the meetings favored is to start from the Gulf of Mexico or some of its tributaries, and passing through Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico to California, and strike the Pacific at San Diego. Its entire length would not exceed sixteen hundred miles, whilst it would have the advantages, as alleged by the report, of passing through a section in which universal summer prevails, and of affording opportunities for lateral roads connecting with the cities of Mexico, through which a large trade might be obtained. The subject has been brought to the consideration of Congress, and that body has prudently appropriated a large sum for a survey of the various routes proposed.