Letter from Cornucopia. (July 24, 1875)
Letter 4
LETTER FROM CORNUCOPIA.
The Elkoites Rustling to Capture the Trade—The Town—The Mines Etc.
Cornucopia, July 22, 1875.
Editor Silver State: Since my last some things have turned up here which deserve attention. The Elko folks are straining every nerve to secure the trade of this point and section of the country surrounding it—Tuscarora, Bull Run, Mountain City, and as far north as South Mountain, Idaho. Smith Vandrillen has got the mail contract for two years to come, and is running a tri-weekly line of coaches from Elko. Woodruff & Ennor yesterday put on a daily line of six-horse coaches, with Wells, Fargo & Co.’s express, and passengers. They appear to mean business. The Elko folks also have quite a lot of hands improving the road from this place to that town. The Battle Mountain fast freight line runs in only once a week, and then only to meet the requirements of Battle Mountain trade, which now is only a bagatelle here. I think Winnemucca would get the trade did they but exercise a little energy. By bridging the Owyhee above Powers’ a good grade could be obtained, and seven miles of distance saved on the Winnemucca road. Other places may be shortened, and there could be a good road got in here with a distance not to exceed ninety-five miles.
Many strangers are arriving in town every day to see the mines, and work on them goes bravely on. Winnemuccans are here and are getting lots and entering into business. Thomas Taswell [Laswell] and partner opened their place yesterday on the main street of the place, and have a good prospect of success. Freeman has not got his place opened yet, but I understand will have it running in a few days. He has a fine location. There are a great many people who are coming here every day for work, but the developments are not far enough advanced to give every inquirer labor as he demands.
The restaurants are thronged to overflowing. The Cornucopia eating house has the lead. Mr. Walsh knows how to keep it.
Every day the Leopard develops better and better, and those well posted in the matter inform me that when they get the new mill running they will be able to ship over one hundred thousand dollars’ worth of bullion per month, over a million per year. The Hussey Company are near their ledge now, and if appearances fail not, she will create quite a stir in the stock market, at least. The Monarch is pressing his case and will be heard from in San Francisco in the course of the next ten days.
Judge Sinclair goes below tomorrow. Somebody must be badly deceived, or this is going to be a good camp—not a mushroom, but permanent. The only fear is that it may be overdone by outside pressure—let it have its natural growth and all will be right.—S. M. H.
Originally published in the Silver State on July 24, 1875. (link)