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are not very rough nor of any great elevation. After traveling some 50 miles 
through those mountains, we arrive at the Klamet river, about 10 miles below 
the Klamet lake--out of which this stream flows. This river is a fine 
stream, some 150 paces wide, and for about half the year it cannot be 
forded. We forded it by propping up our wagon beds and in about 10 miles 
travel we came to the Klamet lakes. Here are truly, some of the great 
wonders of the Western world, presented in the form of these mighty lakes. 
These lakes--as also mount Chaste, which stands near them--are situated upon 
a very elevated country, probably the most elevated section of country west 
of the Rocky mountains, for several hundred miles north and south. Many of 
the great rivers of the west have their source from these lakes, or their 
immediate vicinity. Here is the find Klamet river which flows immediately 
from the lake's side, besides several others of considerable note that have 
their sources in this vicinity. Say, the great Sacramento, Deshute, John 
Day, Rotue river, the Umpquas, and the McKenzie's fork of the Willamette. 
All these great streams take their rise in and near those great lakes.

. . . Those lakes, and the mounds and ridges that divide them, cover a large 
tract of country. Many of those lakes, by wash and other causes, are fast 
filling in. A few of them have already filled up, and formed rich little 
valleys. From this place we made our course to the Sacramento valley. The 
road is circuitous and in many place very rough. We finally descended into 
the Sacramento valley; and after chasing around for a time, we made our way 
to the Redding's diggings, for health, the most northerly mines in 
California. Here we commenced mining with fair success; but had not been 
long in this fair business, before we witnessed the awful spectacle of a 
very sick camp. The sickness increased, and many deaths took place; and the 
people, as soon as they were able to travel, set out for Oregon. My company 
recovered in part, and we left the mines on the 24th of July. California is 
truly one of the sickliest, poorest in soil, and hottest countries your 
unworthy writer ever visited. I hope this will be warning enough to my 
friends about California.

Respectfully yours,
Benjamin Cleaver.


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