The Lockwood Claim and Washington's 1880 Gold Rush

While in Ellensburg on Saturday, we gleaned intelligence from the local gold fields. The Lockwood claim is doing remarkably well. Recently, a fraction of over eight tons of ore was crushed and the sum of $560 was netted, being a little over $70 to the ton. Mr. Cooper, one of the partners, informed us that the present season's work is nearly finished, though they are still running the crushers. The season's development on this mine has been unusually remunerative. Over the mountain, on Nigger Creek, work has been successful for the season. On Wednesday last, Marshall Glinn came down direct from this locality, and from him we learned that the developments made this season upon the vein are most satisfactory. Five claims are owned by the company, all incorporated together under the name of the Cascade Mining Company. Upon one of these claims, known as the Vancouver, a tunnel has been run into the mountain following the course of the vein. This is 150 feet, and when work was discontinued, a four-foot vein of paying ore was in sight. We have a specimen of the ore now in our possession, and having had considerable experience in quartz mining, we unhesitatingly say that this ore will pay from $15 to $20 per ton mill process. The average dip of the vein is 45 degrees, with well-defined foot and hanging walls. From the point where the tunnel penetrates and follows the vein, it will give the company a 'stoping face' upon it of about 1400 feet. Running close to the mouth of the tunnel is the creek, which has a great fall. At low water, the company can have at least 400 inches of water, which would be sufficient to run all the machinery they desire. Great confidence is felt by the owners, and preparations for another season's work have been made.