Letter from Cornucopia. (March 16, 1876)
Letter 26
LETTER FROM CORNUCOPIA.
Owyhee Bridge—Rich Strikes in the Leopard and Other Mines—Other Items of Interest.
Cornucopia, March 7.
I feel compelled to write to you this mail; because some questions have been asked me about the construction of the OWYHEE BRIDGE. Mr. Plummer, Superintendent of the Leopard Company, was inquiring of me this morning when the bridge would be completed. He says that the company have a large amount of freight to be got from San Francisco, and they are anxious to ship it by way of Winnemucca. Please get the determination of the committee and publish it in the State so that all can see it.
Day before yesterday there was a LARGE AND RICH STRIKE IN THE LEOPARD. Those that know, say it is very rich. Within the last few days there has been a very rich development in the Texas mine, situated in the Grand Junction district. This district lies east of Aurora and north of Tuscarora, between the latter and Cornucopia district. The claim is owned by Mr. Madden, Mr. Culver, Sam Blonger, and others. It is exceedingly rich. Pieces of ore from the mine assay way up in the thousands. In fact, the mineral belt that runs through this section of country is wondrously rich with that material which gladdens the human heart. Most of the mines in that range, and in the four districts to wit: Cornucopia, Grand Junction, Tuscarora, and Aurora, pay from the top right along. Look at the Leopard. The old mill commenced crushing in December, 1874, and I obtain entries made in Wells, Fargo & Co.’s books at his place that since then they have shipped from that mine the sum of $525,018.14, and have from this paid $125,000 in dividends; have never levied and assessment; lost one mill by fire; and built a new one; and in most every instance worked at great disadvantage being so far from the railroad. Notwithstanding all this, what other mine can say the same. Our future prospects are very cheering. Dutch Henry is at work hauling quartz to the Leopard mill.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST. I have visited the lock-up, which is just completed, at this place. The cost of the building is about $800. I advise all turbulent spirits to stay away, for Shony [Johnny] McAvin, constable, says if they do come in the spring and cut up any didoes he will put them behind the bars. The weather has been warm and pleasant for the last two days. To-morrow is pay day, and we hope it will stir times up a little.
LATER. Since I wrote the above the mail has come in, and we get the quotation of Leopard at $6; but, Mr. Editor, I tell you that such news does not discourage the old timers in this camp. It you could see the rich ore obtained from the mine in the last two or three days you would open your eyes and exclaim, eureka.—S. M. H.
Originally published in the Silver State on March 16, 1876. (link)