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Journal of Western Travel

by John McTurk Gibson
edited by Weldon Hoppe
Gibson
September 2nd, 1859 -- Nine miles further on and we are at the head of the valley, taken as a whole I am much pleased with it. It is about 30 miles long and about 15 at the widest point and from appearances much more productive than Salt Lake Valley though far inferior in size. There is a telegraph line established and in running order clear from Carson City to San Francisco, and this is only a beginning, not many years will elapse until the telegraphie wire spans the entire continent. The telegraph first and then the railroad, it is only a question of time, which the unknown future will assuredly decide in favor of an onward progression as irresistible as it is important. We had to pass through a canon seven miles long and as rough as can well be imagined, pity some enterprising individual couldn't find a suitable grade and make a passable road, winding road among the mountains, such an end accomplished would secure a fortune to the lucky "hombre" as well as the heartfelt thanks of the travelling public. Here we are in Hope Valley, small but pleasant surrounded as usual with tall pine and cedar. The wind sweeping with a mournful cadence through the lofty branches, sweet, plaintive and yet soothing.

Powell
Travelled 15 miles. We left the valley this morning and started up a canon 6 miles long. At the mouth of the canon is a hotell, sawmill & smith shop. This was the first timber we have travelled through since leaving the States. This canon is one of the prettiest places I have ever saw. The mountains on both sides are very tall and formed of almost solid rock covered with tall pines. I measured one that was 8 feet in diameter. A nice stream is rushing down this canon. Springs are coming in all along. The canon road is quite bad in places. Just as we got through we entered a small valley called Hope. We are camped here, 2 houses are here.

Copyright © 1997 Weldon Hoppe
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