No. 62

I have the honor to forward Copy of the latest report
which has been received from the Kootenay Gold Mines. The
financial Statements alluded to have not reached me.

2. Mr Young's report refers to a winter of unprecedented
severity coming upon a Mining community but a few Months
established on the Kootenay. While I regret the privations
which have been suffered, I allow myself to think that the
next winter will find the people better prepared in every
way to endure its rigour, should it even, contrary to all
suppositions, prove as severe as that from which we are just
emerging. It is clear from all reports that Gold is plentiful
on the Kootenay and Columbia, and that the Country, unlike the
Cariboo district, is admirably adapted for farming purposes.

3. You will be gratified to see how well conducted the
Mining population continues to be.

4. Mr Young's report mentions anticipated arrivals
of pack trains and goods from different places, but I am
sorry to say that every one of these places is in the United
States. This dependence of our new Gold fields upon foreign
markets is an unconvenience to the Government and a loss to
British Merchants. I am happy to say, however, that I have
now succeeded in opening the trail over the Cascade Mountains
at Hope. You may judge of the nature of the Country when I
say that, in this latter part of May, the road has, for many
miles, still seven feet of snow on either side. By the end of
July I expect to have the trail completed through British
Territory from the Fraser to the Kootenay.