November 7,
1846.--Our
camp was on a flat sandy plain, of small extent, at the mouth of
a dry creek, with deep washed banks, giving the appearance of
containing, at times, a rapid and powerful stream, although no
water was visible in the bed. At the junction, a clear,
pure stream flowed from under the sand. From the many
indications of gold and copper ore at this place, I have named
it Mineral Creek; and I doubt not a few years will see
flat-boats descending the river from this point to its mouth,
freighted with its precious ores.