Remarks on the Gold Mines of Virginia. 129 



strike these grounds, whicli are immediately contiguous. It gives 

 additional strength to tliis view, that the estates opposite to the Cul- 

 peper mine, and lying on the other side of tlie river Rapidan, are 

 rich in gold. 



There can be no doubt, therefore, as to the general nature of this 

 region, and it remains only to inquire whether the peculiar features 

 indicating gold are continued through the territory on both sides of 

 the Rappahannock. To this question the answer is decidedly in the 

 affirmative. 



The ranges and strata, like those of the gold-bearing rocks, with 

 their quartz veins, the same that, with slight variations of appearance, 

 are seen through the gold region, are here conspicuous, passing under 

 the river Rappahannock, and appearing in the lands on both its banks. 

 The same slaty rocks that characterize the gold region elsewhere in 

 Virginia, are seen here ; as in many other places, they are highly 

 inclined, and in general, the quartz veins have the same inclination 

 as the strata and layers of rock, and lie between them. On the 

 northeast side of the river, in the Mount Ephraim estate, the veins 

 of quartz are large ; their ruins are numerous, and lie in massy piles 

 on the surface, presenting, sometimes, over a considerable surface 

 of quartz, a delicate frosting of minute crystals of quartz, and at 

 other times the crystals are distinct, having perfect forms. In the 

 extensive tract on the southeast side of the river, the veins of 

 quartz are numerous ; tliey are not so large as on the other side, 

 but they are better defined, and often assume a promising appear- 

 ance, being accompanied by that bright or deep red earth, so com- 

 monly, seen through the gold regions, and which has probably pro- 

 ceeded from the decomposition of pyrites, so frequent a companion 

 of gold in Virginia. 



In answer to the inquiry whether gold has been actually found 

 upon any portion of these tracts, the facts ai'e not numerous, but as 

 far as they go they are satisfactory. We are credibly informed, that 

 gold has been repeatedly found in both territories by washing; my 

 witness is one who himself obtained the gold on the southeast side 

 of the river, and he had the statement respecting the other side 

 from a gentleman resident on the ground, and personally knowing to 

 the facts. 



It appears, then, that there is sufficient encouragement to justify 

 an examination of these grounds in the usual way, and that it is 

 decidedly proper to expend a sufficient sum in washing, upon all 



Vol. XXXIL— No. 1. 17 



