Gold on the Wenatchee

The Wenatchee mines have been partially known for the last few years. Before the arrival of the Indians in that region in 1855, the Indians had repeatedly exhibited specimens of gold, which they claimed to have obtained in the drifts and bars in the vicinity of the Wenatchee River and its tributaries. During that and the following years, persons in the employ of the government made discoveries of gold there which they deemed rich prospects; among these was Mr. Hughes, formerly a resident at Olympia and an old and experienced miner in California in 1849. These persons were in government service at the time, and put off visiting that region for mining purposes. But the breaking out of the war prevented them. Last year, for the first time since his discovery, Mr. Hughes made his contemplated return to that country, but he was accidentally killed before he had time to examine his old field of discovery.

The discovery of Capt. Robertson will be recollected, and his return from the mines with a large quantity of gold. But it seems that when he was near the ground his company were unwilling to make extensive examinations there, and forced him to go on with them to the Northern British gold fields. Other indications have been obtained establishing the existence of gold in that region. Indeed, we have heard many men who went north with Robertson say that there were better indications of rich gold deposits in the vicinity of the Wenatchee, where they stopped, than they found elsewhere through their entire northern tour.

Following the suggestions given by Hughes and Robertson, parties this year, both from the Sound and this city, have made explorations which have proved beyond all doubt the existence of gold there in paying quantities. Several men from this city are now at work there during the winter, making fair returns and opening up claims preparatory to a full summer’s operations. Others have been there and taken their claims, with the full intention of working them on or after the 15th of July, the time fixed when their rights to the claims shall cease. We have seen numerous specimens of gold from the bars and claims of those who went there last fall, and whom we know to be reliable men. They say they dug them there. These specimens will range from $1 to $8 in value each. The dirt is well impregnated with gold dust in paying quantities, and in the bed of the creek, near the surface, coarse gold is found. The bedrock is from six to fifteen feet below the surface.