[1] The distance has since been reduced.
“October 3, 1853.
“I have been informed by the agent of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company at Acapulco that the steamers will not hereafter touch at that port. If this be the fact, it will be grave matter for the consideration of our company. In that event, we will be cut off from receiving or forwarding any California mails until we establish a connexion of our own.”
“The careful examination I have directed to be made recently of the whole length of our route, has dispelled many of the obstacles and difficulties which we had supposed would have to be encountered. I always supposed that, as we became more familiar with the route, and with the country on both sides of it, difficulties would vanish.”
“Our express mail has not only demonstrated the time in which we can run over the route, but also the obstacles in the very worst season of the very worst year.”
“My last reports received of the time of the couriers from Vera Cruz, on the 17th September, 4 p. m., were as follows: Arrived at Puebla 4 p. m. on the 18th; arrived at Mitapec 11 a. m. on the 19th; arrived at Draper 3½ p. m. on the 19th; arrived at Papagallos river 10 a. m. of the 20th; arrived at Acapulco at 6 p. m. of the 20th—the whole time three days and two hours. At least four hours were lost by the courier going through Chilpanzingo, which was out of the way.”
“October 15, 1853.
“Since writing the above, I have thought it best to finish the subject of the gold-placers on the Mescala river. The existence of these mines have long been known. You will find them mentioned in my notes on this valley, under the article on ‘Mines;’ but recently gold has been found in such abundance as to cause a sensation; people rush in crowds.