Transcript

Salt Lake Mail.

The first mail from Salt Lake City, due the first of the month, arrived on Thursday 21st. The mail was a heavy one. From the manager we learn that he reached Salt Lake with mail on the 9th ult. going out he was detained a few days by the jaded condition of his animals, and on his return he was delayed eight days--six by sickness and two by stopping to show mules, &c. Considering that this was the first trip, with no previous arrangement for change of animals, we imagine that there will be but little difficulty, with proper arrangements, in going through in the time allotted--thirty days.

They met September mail on the 28th ult. 65 miles beyond Fort Laramie, and the October mail on the 10th inst. at Kearney. The rumor that the September mail was attacked by the Indians is untrue, and originated from thoughtlessness of some of the carriers, who wrote back to that effect in order to play off a hoax. We understand that one of them has written to the St. Louis Organ, that they were attacked near Kearney by the Pawnees. Mr. Scroggins informs us that this is untrue, and that on the contrary, all the Indians seen were entirely friendly.

No news of interest from Salt Lake. The country is remarkably healthy. Traders there this season have all done well.--[Independence Messenger.

From Mr. Thos. D. Scroggins we got the following additional items of news from Salt Lake. On the way out he passed 600 Mormon wagons of emigrants and merchandize. There were still a few California emigrants in the valley recruiting their stock and preparing to go by the Southern route. Barney Ward, an old mountaineer, was going with them as pilot. Brown & Thompson's stock of cattle, numbering 300 or 400, were in the Valley, but they expected to leave with them on the 13th, ult., by the Southern route. Their stock looks remarkably well, as did all stock that had been in the Valley a month. Finest grazing grounds there he ever saw. Can have stock kept there by the month at 30 cts. per head. With regard to grass on the Northern route to California, the reports were unfavorable. It was ascertained that there would be immense loss of stock and much suffering on that route.

After leaving Platte River the health of the emigrants was good. Seldom saw any beyond Black Hills. The Mormons were very healthy on the road and in the Valley. Didn't see a pale countenance among them.

Crops were very fine. Finest wheat he ever saw-yielding this season 40 bushels to the acre. Oats, barley and vegetables succeed well. Season too short for corn.

Wheat was worth $4.00 per bushel, oats $2.00-board $3.50 per week-common day labor $1.50 and board-mechanical labor from $3.00 to $5.00 per day and board. Provisions bore a fair price, flour $10.00 per cwt.-beef, as good as ever ate 12 1/2 cts. per lb.-potatoes $1.00 per bushel, and other vegetables in proportion. Groceries were paying a fine freight-coffee 50 cts. Per lb.-sugar, 40 cts.-rice 35 cts.-tea $4.00. All the merchants there doing well.

Stock exorbitantly high. Mules from $125.00 to $200.00 and can't be had at that. Californians swept the Valley. Paid at Fort Bridger $110 for mules and $100 for American horses.Population of the Valley is from 23,000 to 25,000.

On his return, met the last Mormons at the Pacific Springs, 227 miles this side Salt Lake, getting on well but slowly on account of the grass being eat out. On the head of Sweet Water saw a war party of 300 or 400 Snake Indians, who were anxious to trade for powder, lead and caps. Saw a party of Pawnees near Cotton Wood Spring, 30 in number. Friendly disposed and wanted to beg. The Indians all friendly, and no danger to be apprehended from them. Went out and came in with four men.--[Independence Messenger.