… continuing from yesterday’s post …

“A faint description of this canyon is about as follows: from the water at the bottom, at the bridge, to the summit of the mountain, is twelve hundred and sixty-two feet. In descending, you have to make four turns. This elevation is inside of one mile of travel: from the first turn to the second, is about one-third of a mile; from the second to the third, about one-quarter of a mile; from the third to the fourth, is nearly half a mile.

“In traveling this canyon the road is wide and good; two teams can pass at any point. When you have made the descension, and stand on the bridge looking east, to a stranger, the sight is most wonderful. My toll for crossing the bridge was thirty cents, for horse, carriage, and cow.

“In ascending, after leaving the bridge, you have but one turn and this is to the left. I think this part is the most dangerous.

“The road is much traveled as there are many mines in the vicinity. This county is noted for its extensive mines. I have seen sixteen horses attached to one wagon. To this wagon, three others were attached. These are eastern-built wagons, made of the best of timber and hav[ing] double brakes. All the large teams have iron shoes made expressly for traveling these canyons. Even the stages are provided with them; they dare not depend on the brakes.

“You will remember the stage driver cautioned me not to go down the canyon without chaining my wheels. He knew I was a stranger and it was thoughtful of him in giving me the warning. I shall ever remember him for his kindness, and should he by chance ever get this book, he will remember me by my cow.”