Considerable excitement prevailing at the present time
owing to the discovery of new Gold fields, reported to be rich
and extensive, on the Upper
Columbia and on the tributaries
of the
BridgeRiver River, I have caused a Map, Copy of which I
have the honor to transmit, to be prepared from the most
authentic sources, showing the route to the new Mines through
British and through American Territory, and also, the Line of
Telegraph as far as it has been completed.
2. I refrain from expressing my opinion on these discoveries
until I can forward the Reports
of of the various Surveys and
Explorations undertaken during the past year by direction of
this Government. The next Mail will, I trust, convey these Reports.