A California Mining Veteran Bets Everything on the Coeur d'Alene Gold Rush

There is not a single individual we have met who has actually visited the Coeur d'Alene mining country but who is not favorably impressed with the prospects that he will return to the diggings at the first favorable opportunity. Not only has the camp become an object of interest to the residents of the Northwest, but the marvelous rumor of its richness has reached far and wide, and now old practical miners, with coin to back their efforts, are flocking into the mountains. Naturally, having produced so many experienced miners, California is supplying the majority of these prospectors.

Among those who understand the most intimate principles of mining, and who have studied and learned mining from practical application, is Geo. Henderson, Esq., of Martinez, Cal., who called upon us Tuesday, directly from Hayes City. Mr. Henderson is not one of those who take the word of another as to the value of a mine, or who trifles with a pick and shovel chancing fortune with a pan. He has been schooled in the diggings of California, Nevada, Colorado and Arizona, and is fully competent to pass judgment upon the worth or worthlessness of a mine. When he makes up his mind from personal observation he locates at once if the prospect justifies, and if otherwise, otherwise.

He has been mining lately in Arizona, and is interested in mines there now. He read of the discovery of gold in the Coeur d'Alene mountains and, desiring to learn from actual examination, made the trip north. One day spent in the diggings satisfied him as to its extent and value. He wasted no time but purchased and located claims. Besides this he had two houses constructed, and has men in his employ to remain all winter. He also has a considerable force of white men and Indians at work packing in a large quantity of supplies.

In conversation with us Mr. Henderson stated that the mines could not be exaggerated. There is gold over the whole country in paying quantities. Six or eight claims were being worked, and the owners were making big money. He says that there will be a heavy influx of people into the country next summer. The gold-producing section is very extensive, and he is confident that the ledges from which the coarse gold has been washed in past ages will be eventually discovered, and from the appearance of the nuggets promises to be the most valuable ledge ever uncovered. So confident is he of the existence of quartz that he has sent to Arizona for his superintendent, who will spend the winter, as far as practicable, searching for the ledges, and Mr. H. thinks that if there is a man in America who can find them his superintendent is the party.

Mr. Henderson goes back to California for the winter, where business interests demand his presence, but he will return early in the spring and push his mining operations at Hayes City. Capital will prove any assistance in developing the country; he is perfectly able to develop it. The gentleman returned to the mines Wednesday, where he will superintend the transportation of the provisions for continuing the work as late in the winter as possible. We found Mr. Henderson to be a very intelligent gentleman, and put a great deal of faith in what he says.

So far the weather has been good in the mines, giving prospectors ample chance to work their claims. We may add that it cannot be expected that the trails will remain open much later, and if people go in now they had better prepare for a six months' sojourn. A number of persons have gone up from here this week, but the travel will not continue much longer.

We have received numerous letters of inquiry regarding these mines and as the questions are all about the same we will here answer a few, which will enlighten the correspondents and others seeking information.

Are the reports of the mines reliable? They are if we can take the word of good and true men. Besides, quantities of virgin gold have been displayed, handled and sold in this city, coming directly from the mines and brought in by those who washed it out.

Are many going in? Some men are fitted out in this city every week. This point of departure is only taken by those coming from the south and west. Many from Montana, Dakota and Idaho go in from the east.

What time in the spring can men get into the mines? That is a question hard to answer. If we have an early spring perhaps in May, but otherwise not until the latter part of May or the first of June. One may be able to get in earlier, but no work could be done.

What would be the cost from Spokane Falls? This is another stumper, and depends. One can hire a horse only on a flying visit, or pay from $25 upward. The other expenses might be saved if a traveler camps by the way, carrying and cooking their own edibles. Besides, by spring a stage line will probably run from this city at a low rate of fare.

Which is the best route? It is considered that the trip can be made from Spokane Falls with the least difficulty. The trail is in good condition and a wagon road will be completed in the spring. Other routes lie by the way of Sand and Baron.