The Similkameen Gold Rush

A Government expressman named McGuire arrived yesterday with a line of horses, bringing reliable intelligence that new and rich gold diggings have been discovered near the Similkameen River. The report states that the miners are taking out from $20 to $200 to the hand. This is without the ordinary conveniences for mining, and with nothing but picks, using frying pans for washing out. With rockers, it is estimated that from $50 to $200 to the hand could readily be taken out. We have not learned that any of the neighboring bars have been prospected, but it can scarcely be possible that the rich deposits are confined to one locality. The miners in command are very anxious to conceal all knowledge of the discovery, apprehending an immediate rush that in the present condition of the country must be attended with great privation. The nearest point at which supplies necessary to the miner can be obtained is Colville, which is over one hundred miles distant from the newly discovered mines. The Indians, too, are represented to be decidedly unfriendly to the movement to remove, and miners would be exposed to constant attack from savages.