Misc. Records
Where to Emigrate and Why - Frederick B. Goddard, Peoples Publ. Co., 1869
MONTANA.
IN the year 1803, Thomas Jefferson, the immortal author of the Declaration of Independence, proposed to Congress "the sending an exploring party to trace the Missouri to its source, to cross the highlands and follow the best water communication which offered itself from thence to the Pacific Ocean." Congress approved the proposition, and appropriated the requisite funds.
The command of the party was intrusted to Captain M. Lewis, a brave and reliable man, and Captain William Clark was appointed second in command. Their little army consisted of nine young Kentuckians, fourteen United States soldiers, an interpreter, and two French voyageurs.
The expedition, well armed and equipped, embarked on board of three frail boats, and with "stars and stripes" flung free to the breeze, this vanguard of the coming Yankee nation sailed away from St. Louis on the 14th of May, 1804, to penetrate a region as little known as the Polar Sea. Resting from the fatigues of their romantic and perilous journey, they spent the winter at the mouth of Big Knife River, among the Mandan Indians, and upon the 13th day of June, 1805, reached the now celebrated Falls of the Missouri, in the heart of the present Territory of Montana, about 75 miles from the city of Helena.
Lewis and Clark's description of these Falls is interesting. Of the Lower Falls their report says:―
For ninety or a hundred yards from the left cliff, the water falls in one smooth, even sheet over a precipice of at least eighty feet. The remaining part of the river precipitates itself with a more rapid current, but, being received as it falls by the irregular and somewhat projecting rocks below, forms a splendid prospect of perfectly white foam. two hundred yards in length, and eighty in perpendicular elevation. This spray is dissipated into a thousand shapes, sometimes flying up in columns of fifteen or twenty feet, which are then oppressed by larger masses of the white foam, on all which the sun impresses the brightest colors of the rainbow.
And of the Upper Falls:―
Captain Lewis heard a loud roar about him, and crossing the point of a hill for a few hundred yards, he saw one of the most beautiful objects in nature; the whole Missouri is suddenly stopped by one shelving rock, which, without a single niche, and with an edge as straight and regular as if formed by art, stretches itself from one side of the river to the other for at least a quarter of a mile. Over this it precipitates into an even uninterrupted sheet to the perpendicular depth of fifty feet, whence, dashing against the rocky bottom, it rushes rapidly down, leaving behind it a spray of the purest foam across the river. The scene which it presented was indeed singularly beautiful, combining all the regular elegances which the fancy of a painter would select to form a beautiful waterfall.
On the 12th of August they reached the "remotest waters of the Missouri." Soon after they drank from the Columbia, rolling its floods away to the west—sublime in its lonely majesty and grandeur—and on the 7th of November they looked for the first time upon the blue waters of the Pacific, feeling, perhaps, as much emotion as did Balboa, when he threw himself upon his knees and thanked God for permitting him to be the discoverer of this great ocean.
After many perils and privations, the returning party reached St. Louis on the 23d of September, 1806, after an absence of nearly three years. They had been mourned as dead, and their safe return was the signal for widespread joy. It was the great event of the day, and the whole land was swift to do them honor.
All the objects of the enterprise, as detailed in President Jefferson's instructions had been accomplished: the boundaries of science were greatly extended, and to our fathers was presented a knowledge of this empire of natural wealth and wonders —lands of matchless fertility, and exhaustless mines of silver, gold, and copper—which their posterity was destined so soon to fill with all the arts and embellishments of civilization, with wealth, with freedom and happiness.
The Territory of Montana lies between Dakota on the east and Idaho on the west. It has an area of 143,776 square miles, or about 92,000,000 of acres, all of which is open to settlement as public land. Its present population is variously estimated at from 40,000 to 65,000. Although one of our most recently organized Territories, Montana ranks next to California and Nevada in its yield of precious metals, the first discoveries of which were made in 1862.
Embracing within its limits the range of the Rocky Mountains, and the heads of two of the greatest rivers that wind their long and devious courses through the lower countries to the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, this Territory may justly claim the appellation of the "Golden Summit."
CLIMATE.—The climate of Montana in the valleys is less cold than that of the Eastern States. It is colder in the mountains, and much snow falls. The Territory is everywhere remarkably healthy.
Mr. MAGUIRE, of Helena, M. T., in a little work upon the resources of Montana, says:―
Wild flowers spangle our hills in March, and hill and dale are robed in green in the month of April. Can that be said of any eastern section north of St. Louis ? Excepting a few intensely cold days in January, and hot ones in August, the climate of Montana is remarkable for its equability—generally open and pleasant in the winter months, and mild and salubrious in the summer. And owing to the purity of the atmosphere—refreshed and modified, as it is, by the breezes of both oceans, and free of all malarious influences—she is one of the most healthful regions on the face of the globe. True, she is not an Italy or California; but her climatic condition is no more objectionable than that of Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, or any other Northern State. And is it not true that man, since Civilization began her northward march from the bright suns and flowery plains of the Mediterranean, has achieved his greatest triumphs in all the ennobling arts where skies were the angriest, and physical effort the most necessary ? We are on the latitudinal lines which cross the most populous, prosperous, and wealthy lands of the globe, in either hemisphere, and nature has not been more lavish in her gifts at any other point of the world-girdling circuit. If you wish to breathe the enervating and miasmatic air of the tropics, follow the Missouri down to where she sluggishly pours her tribute to the sea; but if vigor of body and mind ye seek, come up to the beautiful valleys, sublime mountains, and stupendous cataracts which give her birth.
The following, respecting the agricultural and mineral resources of Montana, is taken from the Report of the Surveyor-General of the Territory:―
AGRICULTURE.―I find the land in the valleys, suitable for cultivation, to be first-rate and unusually fertile, almost every variety of the cereals yielding abundantly. A mountain stream of good size, generally, courses rapidly through the valley, increasing in volume from many springs and clear sparkling brooks from the adjacent hills and mountains. A sufficient supply of water for irrigation is generally afforded, and the table-lands, situated below the sources of the streams, can be watered with facility, thus adding a large percentage of fertile lands, which, until recently, were supposed to be confined to the bottoms alone. The soil of these table-lands is of fine quality, and it has been ascertained that the crops in such localities are more certain and quite as abundant as those produced on the low lands of the valleys. I believe fully one-third of the entire area of the Territory is susceptible of profitable cultivation.
The more important valleys, requiring immediate survey, are the Bitter Root, Deer Lodge, Hell Gate Round, Big Hole, Beaver Head, Stinking Water, Jefferson, Madison, Gallatin, Boulder, Prickly Pear, including Helena and the Missouri, from the Three Forks to Canon Ferry, east of Helena, in all of which there are settlements.
The arable lands in these valleys, from a careful estimate, amount to 9,000 square miles, and contracts will be let as soon as possible to experienced deputies for the survey of portions amounting to the present appropriation. Natural roads lead from the different valleys to the cities, towns, and mining camps, many of which are equaled only by the best improved roads in the States.
A ready home market is found for the produce of the ranches and dairies, and the supply of the different kinds of grain is, no doubt, sufficient for the wants of the population, until another crop is produced. Potatoes are selling at two cents per pound, and, together with other root crops, are in great abundance. The yield of potatoes has been so great, that I believe fully one million bushels could have been exported, and still leave enough for home consumption.
The wheat raised in Gallatin Valley is carefully estimated at 8,000 acres; and other small grains, such as oats, barley, rye, &c., are placed at 6,000 acres. From that already thrashed, the yield will be at least an average of thirty bushels to the acre, making, as a low calculation of all the grain in that valley, 420,000 bushels. Several of the other valleys have large crops this season, but I have no data of them.
The list shows 166,140 acres of land under cultivation, and the total valuation of property assessed, $5,708,118. Although the returns are not full, some idea can be had of the immense resources of Montana.
There are a number of flouring mills in the agricultural portions of the country; all doing a good business. There are three large ones in the Gallatin valley, and more are being erected in other places. From this time, no profitable shipments of flour can be expected into Montana.
GRAZING LANDS.—The grazing lands are of great extent, and of the best quality; there can be none finer in the world. The most nutritious grasses cover all the valleys, hills, and mountains, except on the very highest ranges. Cattle and stock of all kinds can be kept in good condition all winter on these lands, generally without even hay.
Beeves are taken from among the different herds at all seasons of the year, and found to be of the fattest and sweetest, making delicious food. The nutritious grasses make them more tender and of finer quality than the grain-fed stock of the States. Many large herds of cattle are now being grazed in the Territory, their number being estimated at 40,000. There are also numerous bands of horses and mules herded throughout the country, which, together with the oxen, are largely used for the transportation of goods between the different commercial points.
IMMIGRATION.—Owing to the Indian troubles on the plains this season, the great thoroughfares to this Territory were partially cut off, except the Missouri River, which was the only route free from molestation. Many availed themselves of this route, and a large number of boats landed at Fort Benton, loaded with freight and many passengers. The overland coach carried quite a number of immigrants through, but the dangers were so great that but few emigrant trains would encounter them. The northern overland route from Minnesota has been traversed, with interruptions by the Indians in some cases, and the mails are sometimes obstructed. The class of citizens who are generally coming into the Territory are those who intend making their homes here. Hence many families are coming and settling up the different valleys. The farming population is fast increasing, and a great number of miners find it profitable to devote their time to agriculture.
TIMBER.—Timber is generally found on the mountains and foot-hills, and along the water-courses. Pine, fir, and cedar predominate. Pine differs in size, according to its locality; on the slopes of the mountains, especially on the Pacific side, it is large; on the highest points it is short and scant. Firs (the balsam and spruce) abound on the northern slopes and colder regions of the mountains, often attaining great size. Cedar is usually stinted and scrubby, growing on rocky, sterile soil, and used only for firewood. Timber for building, fencing, and fuel, as well as for mining purposes, is found in abundance to supply the wants of the settlers, and there is but little land that may be said to be without these necessary materials close at hand.
Numerous saw-mills are running constantly, to supply the demand for lumber, which sells readily at from $30 to $50 per thousand feet.
BUILDING MATERIALS.—Building-stone of granite, limestone, and slate is found in all portions of the country, together with the materials for brick, slate for roofing, &c. Superior fire-clay has also recently been discovered in great abundance, the want of which has been felt heretofore in building furnaces. Many fire-proof business buildings have been erected in Virginia City, Helena, and Sterling.
MOUNTAIN PASSES—There are several passes over the mountains, some of which are doubtless feasible for the construction of railroads. The lowest of those now known are the Deer Lodge and Mullan's passes, requiring no tunnels, the former 5,000 feet and the latter 6,000 feet above the level of the sea.
COAL has been found on the Big Hole River, about sixty miles from Bannock City; in Jackass Gulch, on the east side of the Madison River; and at Summit district, near Virginia City. These are all bituminous, and the seams do not exceed three or four feet in width, as far as known. Coal also exists on the head of the Yellowstone River. Brown coal, or lignite, is found in great quantities on the banks of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers, valuable as common fuel, but of no great value for manufacturing purposes. It is also found on the head-waters of the Teton and Marias rivers, branches of the Missouri.
IRON:― A deposit of iron ore has been discovered on Jackass Creek, a tributary of the Madison River, but its extent is unknown. It is supposed to be valuable.
COPPER.—There is a group of copper lodes along the Muscleshell River, believed to be valuable. The lodes generally run east and west, and assayers have detected gold, in small quantities, in specimens examined. The width of vein is from three to four feet. As yet no arrangements have been made for working these mines, nor have any shipments of ore been made to any place for that purpose, so far as known. Some recent discoveries of placer copper have been made on Beaver Creek, near Jefferson City, which show some splendid specimens. But freights are so high that nothing can be made at copper mining until the rates are reduced.
SILVER MINES.—The first discovery of silver mines in the Territory was made by Professor Eaton, of New York, on Rattlesnake Creek, opposite the town of Argenta. The mineral was argentiferous galena. About the same time silver was discovered on the head of Prickly Pear Creek, above Beavertown. Subsequently lodes containing both gold and silver were discovered at and near Virginia City, in the Madison range of mountains, on the Jefferson, Prickly Pear, Ten Mile, and Boulder creeks, and also in the vicinity of Helena. The most recent discovery is on Flint Creek, a blanch of Hell Gate River. On the head of this stream a district has been found abounding in silver lodes, the assays of which have been of astonishing richness. Great activity is exhibited there at present in prospecting, developing the lodes and building mills and furnaces. Many furnaces are being put up in different parts a the Territory. The best results obtained have been at Argenta, where, under the superintendence of gentlemen of skill and experience, the smelting works have been very successful, and several shipments of silver have been made this season.
PLACER MINES.—The first placer mines worked in this Territory were found on the Hell Gate River, in 1862. In the fall the mines at Bannock were discovered. In May, 1863, the mines on Alder Gulch, where Virginia City now stands, were discovered, and an immense impetus given to prospecting, and about $20,000,000 have been taken from there since that time. About a year afterward mines were discovered on Prickly Pear, where Helena now stands.
Valuable mines were discovered on the eastern side of the Missouri, and immense sums have been taken from Confederate Gulch and Montana Bar. Diggings were struck on the Big Blackfoot in 1865, which have produced largely.
All the gulches are on the head-waters of the Missouri, Columbia, and Yellowstone rivers, and are generally contained within the parallels of 45° and 47° 30' and the meridians 110° and 114° west longitude. The number amounts to hundreds, and almost every day increases it.
At the present time there is great excitement in the western portion of the Territory about mines said to exist on the Big Bend of the Kootenay, which are probably within the limits of the Territory.
Gulch mining is attended. with many difficulties in this country. The season is short, and the gold generally found on the bed rock, often fifty or sixty feet from the surface. When provisions and labor become cheaper, many gulches will be worked that at present are untouched. They are known to contain gold, but prices at present are too high to yield a profit on them.
Large amounts of money have been expended this season in ditches and preparations for gulch mining next year, and fully fifty per centum more gold will be taken out than has been the present season. I estimate this year's work at $20,000,000.
To conclude, not a tenth part of the Territory has been prospected.
GOLD-BEARING LODES.—The first gold-bearing lode of this Territory was discovered at Bannock in 1862, and called the Dakota. The surface indications were extraordinarily good, and gave a stimulus to prospecting which resulted in the discovery of many valuable lodes in that part of the country. The results from these lodes proving satisfactory, several mills were erected, and are now at work upon rock taken from them. Some of the largest and finest lodes of this section have been discovered this season, and the hope is entertained that quartz mining may prove successful in this the pioneer mining camp of Montana.
Several thousand lodes have been discovered in Madison County, many of which are in the vicinity of Virginia City.
There are a large number of mills in this county, either in successful operation or in process of erection, and the results thus far have been generally satisfactory. Much capital has been embarked in mining-enterprises, and the work has been prosecuted with an energy that attests the confidence of the operators and gives assurance of success. At Summit City, eight miles above Virginia City, near the head of Alder Gulch, gold quartz mining is extensively carried on. The lodes are numerous and rich; several mills are in operation and others being built. From this point there is a succession of auriferous lodes to the foot of Alder Gulch, a distance of ten or twelve miles. Fine ledges are also found on the west side of the Madison range, in Ramshorn, California, and Beran's gulches, while Mill Creek and Wisconsin gulches afford good prospects. Some of the gold-bearing lodes of this region contain large quantities of argentiferous galena.
There is a valuable quartz district between Hot Springs Creek and Meadow Creek, on the east side of the Madison range, and still another to the north of it, on Norwegian Gulch. At the Sterling mining district, in this section, there are many valuable lodes, and five mills in operation. In some other of these places mills are at work, generally with fine success.
There are also mining districts on the waters of the Jefferson River, known as the Silver Star, Highland, and Rochester, in which lodes have been found of immense value, some of which, in their present undeveloped state, have sold for large sums. One, the Green Campbell, was bought by a New York company for $80,000.
There are several districts on the Boulder, Prickly Pear, and Flint creeks, and Deer Lodge River, which have shown fine indications, and are being worked to a considerable extent. One lode, the Atlantic Cable, situated on Little Moose Creek, a tributary of the Deer Lodge, gives extraordinary promise. Though little work has been done upon it, the sum of $180,000 has been offered for it and refused.
The Bailey lode, in the Dead Wood district, on the head-waters of the Little Blackfoot, also deserves particular mention. Parties who have been prospecting for it for the two past years claim to have recently struck the vein or crevice, and are taking out rock of remarkable richness.
To the east of the Missouri River, near Diamond City, is a large and promising quartz region, which is attracting much attention. Two mills are already in operation, and. several companies have been organized, one of them with a capital of $1,000,000, and a working capital of $300,000, for the purpose of developing and working some of the leading mines. Large quantities of machinery, and all the necessary appliances for the successful working of the lodes and extracting the precious metals, have been ordered from the East, and large results are expected next season.
The district of gold mining now receiving a considerable portion of public attention is that around Helena, a great many of the lodes being situated on the Oro Fino and Grizzly gulches, to the southwest of the city, stretching along to the northward toward Ten Mile, connecting with that district and Blue Cloud.
The Union lode, No. 2, is situated near Grizzly Gulch. Recent crushings of ore have yielded seventy-two dollars to the ton. Another, the Park lode, is also doing well, while on the neighboring gulches there are many fine lodes, which only need labor and capital to make them rival any thing yet found. in any mining country.
On Ten Mile Creek, a stream that flows from a source near the summit of the Rocky Mountains, in a northeasterly direction, there is a fine lot of lodes, some of which have assayed a large percentage of gold, while there is an intermingling of silver. Careful assays prove these lodes to contain from $25 to $300 per ton of ore, and by the "working test" made in St. Louis, $240 per ton has been obtained from rock taken from within seven feet of the surface. The veins are generally firm and solid within a few feet of the surface; the ledges from five to thirty feet high.
Blue Cloud, a new district, about ten miles from Helena, on Ten Mile, is opening out well. Machinery is being erected, and. developments rapidly made.
In addition to the many mills, there are scattered over the different portions of the country, wherever there are any promising lodes, a large number of arastras. They are a rude mill, constructed for the purpose of working quartz, and generally driven by water-power. Most of them do well, and yield handsome wages to their owners. Some are erected for the purpose of developing mines, rather than going to the expense of bringing machinery on to the premises too early, deeming it best to prove the value of one good lode rather than own many with no knowledge of their intrinsic wealth. The owners of lodes are generally anxious to procure Government patents for their claims, and already there have been several applications filed. Next season I have no doubt but a large proportion of the owners of quartz will take advantage of the mineral law to get titles to their mines.
There have been more valuable discoveries of lodes this season than ever before, and capital is being carefully used in developing them. By the use of an arastra, and a small amount of money, each lode can be tested economically and sufficiently. Five hundred thousand dollars judiciously expended this season would open out enough mines to insure the success of one thousand mills next year. This seems to be the general theory on which miners are working, and can consequently offer inducements to capitalists in another season.
The lodes in Montana are generally better defined than in any other mining country in the world, and the singular freaks sometimes taken by them in other regions are less frequent here. The simplicity of the ores is a theme of general remark, and although sulphurets are often found, they are taken as an indication of richness, and their appearance looked upon as a promise of ultimate success.
On the whole, the gold lodes of Montana look in every way encouraging; in every quarter the highest hopes are expressed, and all look forward to great wealth for the Territory from this source.
MISCELLANEOUS.—The principal shipments of merchandise to this Territory are made by steamboats, via the Missouri River, from St. Louis to Fort Benton, at a cost of about eight cents per pound. From this place transportation is had by means of ox, mule, and horse trains, to the towns and mining camps, at from three to five cents per pound. Fifty boats landed at Fort Benton daring the last season, with freight to the amount of from one hundred to three hundred tons each, and were it not for the rapids above the mouth of the Muscleshell, many boats of larger capacity would engage in this service. Hence, a wagon road built by the Government from Helena to the most feasible point below those rapids would be of immense benefit to the Territory. Quite an amount of freight is also brought from California and Oregon through Washington Territory, over the mountains, on pack animals. Large trains of them are arriving now, but the mode of transportation is primitive and expensive, and a wagon road is much needed in that direction. The people here are looking with great solicitude for the action of Congress on this subject.
Our productions are such as to make us self-sustaining. Butter can be had at seventy-five cents, and potatoes and other vegetables at from two to five cents per pound; flour is worth ten cents; grain, such as rye, oats, and barley, seven cents; beef and wild game fifteen to twenty-five cents per pound. In a word, all the necessaries of life are within the reach of any one, and, in proportion to the prices paid for labor, cheaper than in the States, offering to the industrious laborer inducements furnished by no other portion of the Union.
The climate is healthful, and, with an atmosphere devoid of humidity, is admirably calculated for those afflicted with diseases of the lungs, or any manner of rheumatic affections. The purity of the water, and the entire absence of all malarious influences, also render it well adapted to the invalid, suffering from any cause whatever.
But not alone in a practical view does Montana offer superior inducements to the people of the over-crowded States. Here, side by side, they find the grandest of the Creator's handiwork and the magnificent enterprises of man. Above tower the lofty peaks of the Rocky Mountains, covered with a luxurious growth of evergreens and capped with everlasting snow, while below is the sturdy miner with pick and shovel extracting the precious metal that is to sustain the national credit and honor, and the valleys covered with herds of cattle, stacks of grain, and all the evidences of increasing wealth.
With such advantages who can doubt the brilliant future of Montana Territory, and the important position she must one day take in the great sisterhood of States.
In conclusion I beg leave to present a letter from. Professor G. C. Swallow, a gentleman of science and talent, who has given several mouths to investigations of the various resources of Montana:—
"HELENA, MONTANA, October 4, 1867.
"MY DEAR SIR: In compliance with your request I can only give you a very general statement of my impressions of Montana as a mineral and agricultural region, as previous engagements will occupy nearly all of the five days between this and the time when your report must be completed. I have spent the last four months in as complete and careful an examination of the mining and agricultural capacities of the Territory as the time would permit. The results already obtained in cultivating the soils of our valleys are such that there can be no reasonable doubt of the entire success of agricultural pursuits in the Territory. It certainly is one of the finest stock countries on the continent. All the more important domestic animals and fowls do remarkably well; horses, mules, and neat cattle are more hardy, and keep in better condition on the native grasses than they do in the States on hay and grain. As a general rule they winter well on the grass of the valleys and foot-hills without hay or grain. The valleys furnish a large area of natural meadows, whose products are equal to those of the cultivated meadows of the Middle States. Beef fattened on the native pastures is equal to the best produced in the country.
"The small grains, wheat, rye, barley, and oats, produce as large an average yield as in the most favored grain-producing States; fifty and sixty bushels to the acre are not uncommon yields for Montana. Of the native fruits we have strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, service-berries, choke-cherries, haws, currants, and gooseberries, and there is every reason to believe that apples, pears, cherries, plums, quinces, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, currants, and gooseberries can be cultivated in our broad valleys as successfully as in any of the mother States.
"All the more important root crops, such as potatoes, rutabagas, beets, carrots, turnips, radishes, and onions, and all the more important garden vegetables, are cultivated with great success.
"Timber is abundant on the mountain slopes and in some of the valleys. Five varieties of pine, two of fir, one of spruce, two of cedar, grow on the mountains and in the mountain valleys and canons balsam, poplars, aspens, alders, and willows on the streams. The pines, firs, spruce, and cedars furnish an abundance of good timber for building, mining, and farming purposes.
"The purest waters abound everywhere, in cool springs, mountain streams, meadow brooks, and clear, rapid rivers. Hot and mineral springs also occur. Beautiful lakes and magnificent waterfalls and cascades are numerous in the mountains.
"Veins of gold, silver copper, lead, and iron are found in great numbers in nearly all the mountainous portions of the Territory. So far as discovered, they usually come to the surface on the foot-hills and sides of the valleys and canons. A large portion of these lees are true veins, cutting through granite, syenitic, porphyry, trap, gneiss, mica slate, hornblende slate, talcose slate, argillaceous slates, sandstone, and limestone. These veins vary in thickness, from a few inches to fifty or sixty feet. The gangue or vein rock, called quartz by the miners here, is very variable in character. In the gold-bearing veins it is usually a whitish quartz, more or less ferruginous—often nearly all iron. In some veins it resembles a stratified quartzite; in others it is syenitic; pyrites, hornblende, calc-spar, arsenic, antimony, copper, and tellurium are found in these veins. In the silver veins the iron, so abundant in the gold veins, is usually replaced by oxide of manganese. This mineral is sometimes so abundant as to constitute the larger portion of the gangue. The gangue in many of the copper mines is usually quartz, heavy spar, talc-spar, and brown spar, more or less commingled.
"Many thousand lodes of gold, silver, and copper have already been discovered and recorded, and a large number of them somewhat developed. It is true, as well as in all other mining regions, that a large part of the lodes discovered can not be worked with profit by the method usually adopted in new mining countries; but many of those which can not now be profitably worked will become valuable when experience has shown the best methods, and when labor and materials can be had at ordinary prices. But there is a very large number of large and rich lodes, which will yield large profits even at the present prices of labor and material; and there is quite a number of lodes of both gold and silver already discovered which will rank among the largest and richest in the annals of mining.
"This, like all new mining districts, presents serious obstacles and difficulties in the way of immediate success. These are obvious to all experienced men, and are expected in all such undertakings. But all this and other hinderances to the full success of our quartz-mining operations will soon be removed. They are evils which will naturally cure themselves. Better mills are now going into operation, better lodes are bought in larger quantities, good men are employed to manage, and owners of quartz property are offering better facilities for developing their lodes; capital is turned toward this source of wealth, and our best financiers are operating in Montana mining property.
"The placer mines, though very extensive, and in some instances vastly rich, have not yielded so much as in former years. But many new and rich discoveries have been made, and large sums of money spent in conducting water to favorite localities, and we have every reason to believe that the placers will yield as many millions as in former years to those hardy toilers who have labored so faithfully and successfully in securing this golden harvest.
"In conclusion, it may be stated with safety that Montana has the agricultural capacity for sustaining any population which her mines, salubrious climate, and glorious scenery may attract to her fair land. Her mines are more numerous and more diffused than any other equal area on the globe, and they will. prove as rich and yield as large profits as the most productive in this or any other country.
"Very truly yours,
" G. C. SWALLOW.
"General SOL. MEREDITH."
In a pamphlet containing the Governor's Message to the Legislature, November, 1867, we find the Report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Territory, from which we take the following:―
EDUCATION. —We all believe and know that there is hidden in the rock-ribbed hills of our Territory such countless treasures as shall draw thousands upon thousands of settlers within our borders, to build up our future State; and it depends in a very great measure on the legislation of the present, what the preponderating class of those accessions to our numbers shall be. Let it be known that we have now, in our infancy, provided amply for the education of the young in our Territory, and hundreds of families will annually swell the list of those who come to Montana for a permanent home; and very many of those men who are now among us for a temporary sojourn, only to acquire a fortune from our golden mountains, will bring hither their wives and little ones, now remaining at home under the old roof-tree, and will people our beautiful valleys and build up our towns and villages.
What every lover of Montana wants to-day is, that a class of emigrants who desire above all things that their children shall be educated, may be induced to settle among us. Those men who never inquire, "Can my children have there the advantages of good schools ?" when determining where they shall find a home, are not the men who build up great States. It is the part of wise men, looking only to personal interests even, that we now take such action as shall insure a rapid and healthy growth for our Territory; and no one thing, not even a positive assurance that our mountains were solid gold, can so effectually secure this much to be desired end as the establishing a thorough, far-reaching, and complete system of free schools.
A correspondent of the New York Tribune, writing from. Montana, says:―
As far as the eye can see, the Gallatin, Madison, and Jefferson valleys present their green bottoms, luxuriant fields, and countless herds of the finest cattle, while the lines of the rivers and their numerous tributaries are distinctly marked by the dense growth of timber on their banks. I was charmed with this beautiful prospect, and lingered more than an hour to enjoy its delightful contrast with the parched waste of the prairies distant from water. A little more than threescore years ago Lewis and Clark stood in the same place, and made the first record of the source of the great river of the West, and the three rivers above were then first named in honor of the eminent statesmen then President and Cabinet officers of the nation. Then the source of the Missouri was in what were regarded as inaccessible wilds and wastes, where the home of the pale-faces would never be reared. To-day the most bountiful crops of the world are being gathered in the valleys of the Upper Missouri and. its tributaries, and the vast plains are dotted with the ranches of the successful husbandmen. But, rapid as has been the march of progress here in the past, it is but in its infancy. It was not a mere feverish speculation that planted a city, with cabins, at the head of the Missouri, a few years ago. True, it was a step in advance of progress itself, and the cabins have disappeared, with a solitary exception, to grace the farms in the neighborhood; but I doubt not that they will return in a few years, and come to stay. The Missouri has been navigated and carefully explored from Gallatin to the falls above Fort Benton—a distance of 200 miles by the course of the river—and there are no obstructions whatever. An intelligent gentleman, who had been with the exploring party last year, informed me that light boats can navigate the Missouri in the dryest season, and one or two years at most will see a line of steamers plying from the Falls into the heart of the agricultural wealth of Montana. And while the steamers will come up from. the North, civilization will be extending from Bozeman City eastward into the Yellowstone, and the rich placers of the Yellowstone, Big Horn, Wind. River, and Muscleshell will make a continued line of white supremacy from the Mississippi to Puget Sound. The wonderful fruitful valleys will fully supply the miners, and the savage will recede or die before this "manifest destiny."
Of the agricultural settlements of Montana, the Gallatin and Missoula valleys are the most favored in climate—the eastern and western extremes of the Territory. I learn that the Missoula grows the earliest and finest vegetables raised in the mountains, although it is the least accessible of all the agricultural districts as yet. It is the northwestern county of the Territory, and is flanked by the Bitter Root range. So favorable has the climate been since the settlers have been there, that the more hardy fruits are about to be planted, with entire confidence that they can be grown successfully. The whole territory is made up of alternate mountains and valleys—the one studded with the precious metals, and the other teeming with the most bountiful crops I have ever seen. In four years, with trackless mountains and hostile savages to confront the pioneer, this Territory has been settled for nearly 200 miles in every direction from Helena, the central city, and with less than 30,000 people, it is second only to California in the production of gold and silver, and rivals that State in the growth of wheat to the acre. It has been cursed with adventurers in both business and politics, as has been the experience of all new territories; but its future will make romance pale before the swift march of progress.
The following extracts from letters received from citizens of Montana, will be read with interest:—
FORT BENTON, August 12, 1868.
F. B. GODDARD, Esq.: The lands for farming in this neighborhood are not the best nor the worst. The Territory abounds in good farming lands, and farmers are growing wealthy. As an instance, I have sold this season to the farmers and ranchmen about $15,000 worth of agricultural implements, comprising mostly reapers and mowers, and am now receiving orders for next year. For grazing, this Territory can not be beat. Butter generally brings $1 per pound, and milk sells readily at 75 cents per gallon.
Working men get no less than $60 per month, and in fact are the only kind that can do any thing. Fancy folks are not needed unless they have plenty of money.
Climate beautiful and healthy, although we are some distance north. The seasons are mild and delightful.
Fine coal beds abound within twenty miles of this place; our timber is mostly pine, but plentiful.
Every thing can be raised here you raise in your State, except corn, which can be raised, but not to good advantage. Flour made here is selling for $10 per 100 lbs.; potatoes 4 cents per pound; hay from $30 to $70 per ton, according to the locality. Any thing in the edible line will find a market in any part of the Territory, and facilities for transportation are good and abundant.
Commencing to educate some, but seemingly no time to spend in church.
All kinds of people can be found here, from the native American—the Indian—to the Chinaman; all looking after gold mines, but all don't find them.
Hoping these few lines will be of some benefit to you,
I am, respectfully, TOM C. POWER.
VIRGINIA CITY, MONTANA, Aug. 24, '68.
DEAR SIR: * * * The farms in our valleys are exceedingly productive. More wheat will be raised this year than is required by the people of the Territory. The prices of land are merely nominal, because they are generally pre-empted under the laws of Congress. The improvements necessarily cause an outlay according to circumstances. The supply of water by means of rain is inadequate in many seasons. Ditches convey the water from the mountain streams, which are abundant. The grass is nutritious, and cattle rapidly fatten upon it. Viewed simply as an agricultural region, I entertain a sanguine opinion respecting Montana.
The winters are longer than they would average in most of the States, but the degree of cold does not range so low as that of Minnesota. Our mild season extends from April to October, generally.
In the summer, or working season in the mines, the usual price of labor is $5 per day, coin. The supply is fair at present. We need more farmers than any other class of laborers. Next year labor will not command so much—probably $4 per day in mines. The completion of the Pacific Railroad will achieve wonders for this section of the country. Labor and the necessaries of life will be diminished in cost. Upon January 1st, 1869, this great road will be completed to Ogden, about 400 miles from this point. The coaches, in two and a half days, will then convey passengers from the terminus of the road to Montana.
The climate is remarkably healthy. Physicians are continually complaining of this fact, which may be stated in the most positive manner.
With the exception of Helena, Virginia City, and perhaps one or two other important towns, there can be no regular markets.
There are many Irishmen and Canadian French in Montana. The Germans are fairly represented; I trust there will be more of them. Many inhabitants of Missouri, who left that State during the war, reside in Montana.
I have thus diffusely talked of this Territory. Its future seems to me to be brilliant with promise. Send all the intelligent miners, whether native or alien, to our mines of gold, silver, and copper, and they will succeed.
I am, very respectfully, HENRY N. BLAKE.
HELENA, August 25, 1868.
FRED'K. B. GODDARD, Esq.:―
DEAR SIR: Your favor was duly received, and in reply to your inquiries as to Montana we would say:―
1st.—The character of our farming land is similar to that of Minnesota—sandy soil, well adapted to the raising of cereals and the hardier vegetables. Every portion of the arable land is cultivated by irrigation; water abundant.
2d.—Labor ranges from $2 to $5 per day in gold. Good farm hands can be had at $60 per month and board. Miners get from $50 to $175 per month, and board. There is more labor needed for the mines than for any other purpose.
3d.—Climate dry and equable; splendid in summer and autumn, cold in winter. There never was a more healthy climate.
4th.—Our mineral resources are varied, embracing gold in placer and quartz formations, silver, copper, lead, and iron. Coal has recently been found in several portions of the Territory. Timber is abundant, principally pine and fir.
5th.—Wheat, barley, and oats are the principal grains raised here. Corn does not grow, the season being too short for it to mature. Potatoes, cabbage, beets, onions, &c., grow splendidly here. Wheat is worth about $3 per bushel; oats, $1; barley, $1.20; vegetables from 3 cents to 7 cents per pound, according to supply and demand.
6th.—We are 140 miles from Fort Benton, which is the head of navigation on the Missouri River, and 600 miles from Salt Lake City, the nearest point to the Pacific Railroad; but we will very soon have railway communication through the center of our Territory, either by the railroad from Lake Superior to Puget Sound, or by a branch from the Central Pacific Railroad, or both.
7th.—We have three good schools and two churches at this point—the latter Northern Methodist and Presbyterian. An Episcopal society will soon be organized.
8th.—A very large proportion of our population are Americans, hailing from all sections of the Union, a majority being from Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Minnesota. Foreign population principally Irish and German.
Yours truly, T. E. & D. G. TUTT.
HELENA, July 30, 1868.
FRED'K B. GODDARD, Esq.:―
DEAR SIR: * * * Thousands of acres of as good agricultural lands as are found in any of our Territories, are here unclaimed. The value of improved lands depends upon their distance from a market—say from $2.50 to $15 an acre. Survey of our Territory not yet completed; consequently none of the lands are as yet paid for.
None of our Territories offer the inducements to the industrious emigrant that this does. We are especially favored of Providence, possessing a healthy climate, rich lands, that with but little labor can be made to blossom like a rose. Being principally a mining community, the farmer has a home market for his productions.
Very respectfully,
L. H. HERSHFIELD, Banker.
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.