PROCEED NORTH--INCIDENTS OF THE ROUTE--A SEVERE TEMPEST OF
RAIN, WHICH SWELLS THE STREAM--CHANGE IN THE GEOLOGY OF THE
COUNTRY--THE ANCIENT COLIGOA OF DE SOTO--A PRIMITIVE AND
MINERAL REGION--ST. MICHAEL--MINE A LA MOTTE--WADE THROUGH
WOLF CREEK--A DESERTED HOUSE--CROSS GRAND RIVER--RETURN TO
POTOSI.
I left my night's quarters before daylight was fairly developed. The sky
was, indeed, heavily overcast, and it soon commenced raining. Expecting
to find a house at no great distance, I kept on, the rain at the same
time assuming a more settled form, and falling with steadiness. It was
seven miles before I reached shelter (Swaim's). I was thoroughly wetted,
and, the storm continuing without abatement, I remained until the next
morning. The atmosphere was then clear, and the sun rose pleasantly; but
the roads were a perfect quagmire. An immense body of rain had fallen.
Every little rivulet roared as if it were a torrent that was out of all
patience to deliver its quantum of water to the swollen St. Francis. The
ground was perfectly saturated with water; but I picked my way four
miles to breakfast. It had been my intention to cross the St. Francis,
and take the route through Caledonia to Potosi; but after travelling
sixteen miles towards the north-west, and reaching the fords, I found
them too much swollen to make the attempt.
After crossing the St. Francis, towards the north, there are strong
indications of a change in the geological structure of the country. The
horizontal limestone and sandstone series still continue for a distance;
but they are covered with large blocks of sienite and granite. What is
remarkable in these blocks, is their angular character, which denotes
that they have not been carried far south of their original beds. These
blocks increase in frequency and size as we approach the primitive
highlands of the St. Francis. And I at length stood, gazing at these
rough, red, crystalline peaks, and high orbicular knobs, which reach up
from beneath and through the calcareous and sedimentary series, without
having lifted up the latter into inclined positions, or in the least
disturbing their horizontality--a proof of their priority of position.
I passed the night near the fords, at a farmer's; and finding it
impossible, the next morning, to pursue this route, or to get a boat or
canoe to cross the river, obtained directions for making my way
north-eastwardly, towards St. Michael's. I was now in the probable
region of De Soto's Coligoa, the utmost north-westwardly point of his
explorations. And it ceased to be a matter of surprise that the Indians
had given him such wonderful accounts of the mineral wealth of the
sources of the St. Francis. The white inhabitants, at this day, have
similar notions. They perceive such an unusual geological display before
and around them, that they suppose it indicates mineral treasures. There
are stories afloat of all kinds of mineral discoveries--not of gold,
indeed, which was De Soto's search, but of tin, lead, copper, iron,
cobalt, and antimony. The iron mountains of Bellevieu, so called, are
part of this development. At a place called the Narrows, the river
rushes between alpine peaks of sienite and black hornblende rock, which
lies in huge and confused heaps, plainly indicating ancient volcanic
action. I had examined this region, with minuteness, the previous
summer, in an excursion through the southern limits of the lead-mines,
and now revisited some of the points, respecting which, my curiosity was
unsatisfied. I wandered among these attractive peaks about ten miles,
and slept at a house (Burdett's), to the occupant of which, I had
carried a letter of introduction the year before.
The next day (Feb. 1) proved rainy; but I took advantage of intervals in
the weather to advance on my general course about three miles. The sky,
the next morning, was still cloudy, dark, and unsettled. When it
indicated signs of clearing up, I was advised of another ford of the
St. Francis, at a higher point; and I proceeded a part of the way to
reach it; but accounts discouraged me, and I bent my steps to the
village of St. Michael. Two miles north of this, I came to the noted
lead-mine of La Motte, the most southerly in position of the Missouri
circle of mines. At this place, they raised large tubular masses of
lead-ore, from its position in the red, marly clay. The slags drawn from
the ash-furnace denoted, by the intensity of their blue color, its
connexion with the oxide of cobalt. Ten miles beyond these mines, after
passing an uninhabited tract, I entered Cook's settlement, where I
slept.
Next day, I was again in motion at early dawn. The effects of the late
copious rains were still an impediment to travelling; but I experienced
no further symptoms of lameness, and felt the desire to press on,
increasing in proportion as I drew near my starting-point in the prior
autumn. I felt that I had succeeded in the accomplishment of a trip of
some peril, through a noted mountainous range, into which all but one of
my original party had failed to accompany me, and my guides had deserted
me at a moment of peculiar peril. It was also true that my only
companion had rather abruptly left me, when taken lame on the road. I
could not, as I approached the spot of organizing my party for this
exploration, help feeling a degree of buoyancy of spirits, while
returning to it, in the hope of again meeting familiar acquaintances
face to face.
Under this impulse, and with the high health produced by daily exercise,
I travelled ten miles on the following day. On reaching Wolf creek, it
was found to be filled to overflowing. It was already dark; and a
ruinous, tenantless house, with the doors and windows standing open, was
the only object that presented itself on the opposite bank. Horse or
canoe, there was none; but there could be no hesitation in attempting to
cross it. The waters, in the deepest parts of the channel, reached to my
breast. I came out, of course, dripping; it was still two miles to the
next house, and, casting furtive glances at the masses of darkness in
the deserted dwelling, and with a path muddy and indistinct, I hurried
on to the point of my destination.
It was the 4th of February when I crossed Big river, the Grande river of
the days of Crozat and the financier Law. I was carried across it in the
ferry-boat, and took my way over the sylvan, long, sweeping mineral
hills, which stretch toward Potosi, entering that busy town at a
seasonable hour, having travelled fifteen miles. The first acquaintance
I encountered, on reaching within a few miles of it, was a Major
Hawkins--a surveyor, an old resident, and a good woodsman, who,
cordially extending his hand to welcome my return, exclaimed, "I thought
the Indians or the wolves had long ago eaten you up." This was the first
intimation I received that there had been any temerity in the plan for
this expedition.
Potosi was now selected as the place for drawing up an account of the
mines, and the mineralogical productions and resources, of the
country--a memoir on which, was published at New York in the autumn of
this year (1819), and which is inserted, in a revised form, in the
Appendix to these sketches.
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY OF THE WEST.
TWO LETTERS ADDRESSED TO THE HON. J. B. THOMAS,
U. S. SENATE, WASHINGTON.
I.
POTOSI, Missouri, Feb. 9th, 1819.
SIR: I beg leave to address you on the subject of my recent
expedition into the Ozark region. When I was at your house at Cahokia, I
mentioned to you my design of making a tour into the interior of the
Territory. I have just returned from the excursion. Two persons were
associated with me in the enterprise; but one of them, our mutual
friend, Mr. Brigham, was compelled by illness to relinquish the journey,
and return, after he had reached Potosi.
We proceeded in a south-west direction, which carried us across the
sources of the Maramec and Gasconade. We then entered on the elevated
highlands, which alternately pour their waters into the Missouri and
Mississippi rivers, reaching, in their development, to the Washita
river. Through this rough alpine range, the Arkansas, rising in the
Rocky mountains, penetrates, and is the only river that completely
separates the chain. Our explorations were confined to the region lying
on its northern banks. Winter overtook us on the sources of the White
river, giving us a few days of severe weather, but offering, generally,
no impediment to travelling. There is much that is most striking and
picturesque in the scenery of this region, and not less in its
productions and physical character. Nowhere, probably, on the globe, is
there such a remarkable succession of limestone caverns, and large,
transparent springs. At several places, large brooks flow abruptly out
of crevices in the rock; and at one place, a flowing stream, Spring
river, thus originates. We found the ores of lead, iron, and manganese,
in large bodies. The high uplands are often rent by precipitous valleys
and large chasms, caused by the force of these streams. These valleys
are well wooded, and contain the richest soil. And this broad region
must at no distant day attract settlement, and will afford facilities
for agriculture and mining, while its abundant water-power gives it
great advantages for milling and manufactures.
The country is a continuation of the limestone and sandstone formations
of the west banks of the Mississippi. The number and extent of the
caverns in this formation, is, indeed, remarkable. They yield saltpetre
earth, wherever they have been explored. Nitrate of potash has been
manufactured in some of these caves, and transported across the
wilderness for eighty miles; and a valuable traffic in this article may
be established. In the district between the head-waters of White river
and the Arkansas, salt is found, in a crystallized state, in the
prairies. The region is still occupied by herds of the buffalo, elk,
deer, and by the bear, and smaller animals of the latitude, which
renders it an attractive country to hunters and trappers.
The Osage Indians, who inhabit it, are the cause of fear and alarm to
this class; but it did not appear to us, from the sparse numbers of the
Indians, and the periodical flying visits they are in the habit of
making the eastern and northern parts of it, that there is ground of
permanent apprehension from this source. The policy of locating the
Cherokees on the north banks of the Arkansas, may well be questioned;
and I have heard this arrangement much spoken against.
Indeed, the agricultural value of the country has been much underrated.
Independent of the mineral discoveries mentioned, the arable lands of
the Ozark summit-level constitute one of the richest and most beautiful
districts in the Territory. The high grass and flowers which cover the
prairie-lands, impart the most sylvan aspect to the scene. Springs of
the purest water abound, and, by avoiding the chasms, the country is
susceptible of being traversed by roads. It only requires to be better
known, to attract the notice of emigrants, and will some day bear a
great population. I do not doubt that the high road from St. Louis to
Fort Smith will probably cross this tract of country. Such a route must
greatly shorten the distance.
I cannot refer you to a correct map of the country, and therefore
enclose you a sketch, explanatory of my route. From a conversation with
Mr. Brigham, I cannot mistake your friendly influence in these
explorations. I am desirous to extend them to other parts of the
frontiers. I understand that the Secretary of War entertains enlarged
and enlightened views on the subject. I should be pleased to be employed
in this branch of the public service.
I am, with respect, your ob't serv't,
HENRY R. SCHOOLCRAFT.
II.
POTOSI, Feb. 15, 1819.
SIR: I had the honor, on the 9th instant, to address you on the
subject of my journey into the region of the Ozarks. You will allow me
again to trouble you on the subject of explorations.
Government has long been acquainted, by reports, with the existence of
native copper on the Upper Mississippi, and the banks of lake Superior.
I believe the attempt was made about 1798, to have the localities
explored. I know not what success attended that attempt. Probably the
remoteness of the country, and the hostility of the Indian tribes, were
unfavorable. But I am persuaded that the object is one of importance.
The mineralogy of those regions became the topic of early interest, even
in the days of the French supremacy. Copper appears to characterize an
extensive area. It is stated to break out in the immediate vicinity of
St. Anthony's falls, and to continue through to the southern shores of
lake Superior. In its exploration, other traits of the natural history
of the country would be developed.
The establishment of a military post at St. Anthony's falls, renders the
present a favorable time for exploring the region. Its features and
resources are objects of deep interest; and it appears to be the policy
of the government, in the disposition of its western and northern posts,
to prepare the way for ascertaining these traits at the earliest period.
The position of the most advanced posts which are now in the process of
location, is such as to afford great facilities for exploration. The
hostilities of the Indians are repressed, and a survey of these parts of
the public domain could now be effected with comparative safety, and at
little expense.
Should you think the appointment of an agent for this purpose, to
accompany some of the military movements, would be favorably received by
the Secretary of War, may I indulge the hope that, in recommending it,
you will remember me in the premises?
I am, with respect, your ob't serv't,
HENRY R. SCHOOLCRAFT.
APPENDIX.
OBSERVATIONS
ON THE
MINERALOGY, GEOLOGY, ANTIQUITIES,
AND
GEOGRAPHY OF THE WESTERN COUNTRY.
LIST OF PAPERS.
A. MINERALOGY, GEOLOGY, AND MINES.
1. A VIEW OF THE LEAD-MINES OF MISSOURI.
2. A CATALOGUE OF THE MINERALS OF THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY.
3. MINERAL RESOURCES OF THE WESTERN COUNTRY. A LETTER TO GEN.
C. G. HAINES.
B. GEOGRAPHY.
1. MISSOURI.
2. HOT SPRINGS OF WASHITA.
3. MEMOIR OF WHITE RIVER.
4. LIST OF STEAMBOATS ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER IN 1819.
C. ANTIQUITIES AND INDIAN HISTORY.
1. ARTICLES OF CURIOUS WORKMANSHIP FOUND IN ANCIENT INDIAN GRAVES.
2. ANCIENT INDIAN CEMETERY FOUND IN THE MARAMEC VALLEY.
I. LEAD-MINES OF MISSOURI.
A MEMOIR ON THE GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY OF MISSOURI, DRAWN UP IN 1819.
PREFACE.
When we reflect on the history of our own country--its advance in arts,
commerce, and agriculture, and the rapidity with which its population
has increased, and its resources been developed--the mind is with
difficulty brought to believe that all this has taken place within a
comparatively short period. These developments are particularly striking
in the region west of the Alleghany mountains. A new world has, as it
were, been discovered in the Mississippi valley, which, under the strong
impulse of emigration, has been transformed, as if by superhuman
exertions. No sooner had its great fertility and productiveness become
known, than a universal desire for correct information sprang up. Our
first travellers in that region did little more, however, than glance at
its most obvious and grand features; and with respect to some topics,
such as its antiquities and natural history, these notices have had the
effect rather to stimulate, than to gratify curiosity.
But, whatever information has been published respecting the country, its
mineralogy and geology have remained wholly unnoticed. The mines of
Missouri, especially, have failed to attract the consideration which
they merit. To supply this deficiency, I have written the following
memoir. It is the result of no ordinary degree of opportunity of
observation upon the particular mines, and their geological position in
the great metalliferous limestone formation west of the Mississippi.
Besides visiting the principal mines, and traversing the country
thoroughly, to ascertain the character and value of its mineral
resources and geological developments, I made an exploratory tour
through the broad and elevated region of the Ozarks, lying west and
south of this celebrated tract, extending into the Territory of
Arkansas. If, therefore, I have failed to collect a body of facts
sufficient to impress the reader with a sense of the extent, value, and
importance of the country, and particularly of its mines and minerals,
it can hardly be ascribed to a want of opportunity, or, indeed, of
assiduity in the study or arrangement of my facts.
The historical data here recorded, respecting Renault's operations, have
never, I believe, appeared in print. They were elicited in the course of
a legal investigation, instituted between the heirs-at-law of Renault,
the agent of Crozat, in 1723, and sundry individuals, who claimed the
same grants on the authority of a date subsequent to the transfer of
Louisiana to the United States.
The drawings I give of the lead-furnaces which are peculiar to that
section of country, are from actual measurement, done under the eye of
an operative smelter of approved skill at Potosi, and are conceived to
be minutely correct.
HENRY R. SCHOOLCRAFT.
NEW YORK, Nov. 25, 1819.
In republishing this memoir, advantage has been taken of several
judicious suggestions respecting it, made in a critical notice of it, by
the able editor of the American Journal of Science, in the volume of
that work for 1821.
H. R. S.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 1853.
A VIEW OF THE LEAD-MINES OF MISSOURI.
SECTION I.
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE MINES.
The rage for adventure, which the brilliant exploits of Cortez, Pizarro,
and other Spanish adventurers, had excited throughout Europe, continued
for a long time to agitate the public mind, and had not abated at the
commencement of the eighteenth century, when an idea of the mineral
riches of Louisiana had become prevalent. Gold and silver were then the
chief objects which engrossed attention; and in search of them, the
earliest discoverers were led to penetrate into the interior. The
physical aspect of the country was in general such as to flatter the
most sanguine expectations of mineral wealth; and the further the
country became known, the more interesting was found its mineralogical
character. To men whose preconceived ideas of a country were already
high, such appearances must have had the most inspiriting effect, and
lightened the embarrassments they encountered in exploring a wilderness.
Many of the useful metals were thus met with, and gold and silver mines
were reported to have been discovered in several places. Red river, the
Arkansas, and the river La Platte of the Missouri, were particularly
mentioned; and from the evidence which is afforded by the discovery of
ancient furnaces, &c., there is reason to conclude that those metals
were wrought at a very early period. Judging from appearances, they were
ready to conclude the country exhaustless in mines; and the most
exaggerated accounts of them appear to have been transmitted to Europe,
particularly to France, where a lively interest was felt in the
prosperity of the infant colonies in Louisiana and Illinois; and in the
descriptions published at that day, the lands are reputed to equal in
fertility the banks of the Nile, and the mountains to vie with the
wealth of Peru.
It was in this supposition of the immense wealth of Louisiana, both in
the vegetable and mineral kingdoms, that the renowned Mississippi scheme
originated, which, from the imposing character it was made to assume
under the guidance and direction of M. Law, drew upon it the eyes, not
only of France, but of all Europe, and produced one of the most
memorable disappointments recorded in the annals of commercial
speculation.
Louis XIV., by letters patent, bearing date September 14th, A. D. 1712,
granted to Anthony Crozat, Counsellor of State, Secretary of the
Household, &c., the exclusive privilege of commerce of that district of
country, now known as the States of Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee,
and Illinois, and the Territories of Missouri and Arkansas, with the
proprietary right of the mines and minerals he should discover in the
country, reserving the fifth part of all bullion of gold and silver, and
the one-tenth of the produce of all other mines. The exclusive privilege
of commerce was granted for a term of fifteen years; but the right of
the mines was conveyed in perpetuity to him and his heirs, on the
condition that such mines and minerals should revert back to the crown
of France, whenever the working of them was discontinued for three years
together. The bounds of Louisiana, as granted to Crozat, are described
in these words: "Bounded by New Mexico, (on the west,) and by the lands
of the English of Carolina, (on the east,) including all the
establishments, ports, havens, rivers, and principally the port and
haven of the Isle of Dauphine, heretofore called Massaere; the river of
St. Louis, heretofore called Mississippi, from the edge of the sea as
far as the Illinois; together with the river of St. Philip, heretofore
called Ouabache (Wabash); with all the countries, territories, lakes
within land, and the rivers which fall directly or indirectly into that
part of the river of St. Louis."
In the month of August, A. D. 1717, M. Crozat solicited permission to
retrocede to the crown his privilege of the exclusive commerce and the
mines of Louisiana, which was granted by an arret of the Council of
State, during the minority of Louis XV. In the same month, letters
patent were granted by the Council of the Regency to an association of
individuals at Paris, under the name of "The Company of the West," by
which they were invested with the exclusive privilege of the commerce of
Louisiana, and the working of the mines, to the same extent as it was
enjoyed under the grant of Crozat. These letters patent were dated on
the 23d of August, A. D. 1717, registered 6th September of the same
year, and were to be in force on the 1st of January, 1718, and to
continue for a period of twenty-five years. By them, not only such
grants and privileges were conveyed as had previously been enjoyed by
Crozat; but they were invested with additional powers, rights, and
privileges. The territory was granted in free allodium, (_en franc
allieu_,) in lordship and injustice, the crown reserving to itself no
other rights or duties but those of fealty and liege homage, which the
company was required to pay to the king, and to his successors at each
mutation of kings, with a crown of gold of the weight of thirty marks.
The boundaries were the same as described in the grant to Crozat; and
the mines and mining grounds, opened or discovered during the term of
its privilege, were declared to belong to the company incommutably,
without being holden to pay any rents or proceeds whatever. The company
was also invested with the right to sell and alienate the lands of its
concession, at whatever price or rents they might fix, and even to grant
them _en franc allieu_, without reserving the rights of justice or
lordship. It was also provided, that if, after the expiration of the
twenty-five years for which the exclusive privilege of commerce was
granted, the king should not see proper to continue the privilege by a
new grant, all the lands and islands, mines, and mining grounds, which
the Company of the West should have inhabited, worked, improved, or
disposed of on rent, or any valuable consideration whatever, should
remain to it for ever in fee simple, to use and dispose of as a proper
inheritance, on the simple condition that the company should never sell
such lands to any other than the subjects of France.
A company incorporated with such ample rights and privileges, did not
fail to draw upon it the attention of the speculative, or to enlist the
aid of the enterprising capitalists of the French metropolis. The
country of the Illinois was reputed rich beyond comparison: the
financial estimates submitted to the view of the public, offered
prospects of unusual gain, and capitalists flocked with avidity from all
quarters to enrol themselves as members of the company, and partake of
the promised wealth. If anything had been wanting to accelerate the pace
of adventurers, or to fan the ardor of hope, it was the genius, the
financial abilities, and the commanding influence of M. Law, who was
placed at the head of the company, and was the moving power in every
transaction. Hence, it is no subject for surprise that the most
extravagant anticipations were entertained by the members of the Company
of the West, or that the unusual splendor of the Mississippi scheme was
only equalled by the signal disappointment in which it eventuated.
In the year after the Company of the West had been instituted by the
royal patent of the king, they formed an establishment in the country of
the Illinois, at fort Chartres; and in order to promote the objects of
their institution, and to encourage the settlement of the country, held
out the most liberal inducements to French emigrants, and made them
donations of all lands which they should cultivate or improve. Miners
and mechanics were also encouraged to emigrate; and the city of New
Orleans, which had been founded during the last year of the authority of
Crozat (1717), received a considerable accession to its population in
the fall of the same year, and settlements began to extend along the
banks of the Mississippi, and in the country of the Illinois.
Among the number of adventurers to Illinois, was Philip Francis Renault,
(the son of Philip Renault, a noted iron-founder at Consobre, near to
Mauberge, in France,) who came over as the agent of the Company of St.
Phillips, an association of individuals which had been formed under the
patronage of the western company, for prosecuting the mining business in
the upper country of Louisiana and Illinois. It appears also that he
was a member of the Company of the West, and he is spoken of as
"Director-General of the mines of the Royal Company in Illinois;" a name
by which not only the present State of Illinois, but a vast district of
the adjoining country, appears then to have been known.
Renault left France in the year 1719, with two hundred artificers and
miners, provided with tools, and whatever else was necessary for
carrying the objects of the company into effect. In his passage he
touched at the island of St. Domingo, and purchased five hundred slaves
for working the mines; and, entering the Mississippi, pursued his voyage
up that river to New Orleans, which he reached some time in the year
1720, and soon afterwards proceeded on his way to Kaskaskia, in
Illinois. Kaskaskia was then inhabited solely by the French, and was one
of the earliest posts occupied by them when they began to extend
themselves from Canada, along the great western lakes, and down the Ohio
and Mississippi. Renault established himself in the vicinity of this
town, near fort Chartres, at a spot which he named St. Phillips, (now
called the Little Village,) and from this sent out his mining and
exploring parties into various sections of Illinois and Louisiana. These
parties were either headed by himself, or by M. La Motte; an agent
versed in the knowledge of minerals, whom he had brought over with him.
In one of the earliest of these excursions La Motte discovered the
lead-mines on the St. Francis, which bear his name; and, at a subsequent
period, Renault made the discovery of those extensive mines north of
Potosi, which continue to be called after him. Other mines of lead were
also found, but their distinctive appellations have not survived; and a
proof of the diligence with which Renault prosecuted the object, is
furnished by the number and extent of the old diggings which are yet
found in various parts of the country. These diggings are scattered over
the whole mine country; and hardly a season passes, in which some
antique works, overgrown with brush and trees, are not found.
Renault, being probably disappointed in the high expectations he had
formed of finding gold and silver, turned his whole force towards the
smelting of lead; and there is reason to conclude that very great
quantities were made. It was conveyed from the interior on pack-horses
(the only mode of transportation which was practicable at that early
period). The lead made by Renault was sent to New Orleans, and thence
chiefly shipped for France. That he also discovered copper, is probable,
as a grant of land made to him at Old Peoria, on the Illinois river,
embraces a copper-mine.
Renault's operations were, however, retarded and checked, from a quarter
where it was least expected. By an edict of the king, made at Paris, in
May, 1719, the Company of the West was united to the East India and
Chinese Company, under the title of the Company Royal of the Indies (_La
Compagnie Royale des Indies_). And in 1731, the whole territory was
retroceded to the crown of France, the objects of the company having
totally failed; and Renault was left in America, without the means of
prosecuting the shining business. His exertions in behalf of the company
were not, however, overlooked by the government, and four several grants
of land were made to him in consideration of his services. These grants
bear date June 14th, A. D. 1723, and cover the Mine La Motte, and some
other very valuable tracts, which, after having laid dormant for a
period of about sixty years, have recently been claimed by the
representatives of his heirs-at-law.
Renault, however, remained in Illinois several years after the explosion
of the Mississippi scheme, and did not return to his native country
until 1742. With him the greater part of his workmen returned; the
slaves were sold, and the mining business fell into neglect. Here is a
period to the first attempt at mining in Louisiana. The country was
ceded to Spain in 1762, and taken possession of in 1769.
After Renault's departure, little or nothing appears to have been done
in the way of mining; and, even after the Spanish had taken possession
of the country, the lead-mines were but little attended to. The force
which Renault had with him was sufficient to protect him from the
attacks of the savages; but, after his departure, the settlements on the
Mississippi, feeble in themselves, could not furnish protection to such
as might be disposed to work at the mines. The Spanish, however, in a
few years after taking possession of the country, did something; and in
process of time new discoveries were made, and the mining business began
to assume a more respectable character. The principal discovery made
under the Spanish authority was that of Mine a Burton, which takes its
name from a person of the name of Burton, or Le Breton,[12] who, being
out on a hunt in that quarter, found the ore lying on the surface of
the ground. This man, who is still living in the vicinity of St.
Genevieve, at the advanced age of one hundred and nine years, had been
employed while a youth under Renault. The period of this discovery it
would be very difficult now to ascertain, Burton himself being unable to
fix it. It has probably been known about forty years.
The processes of mining pursued under the Spanish government appear to
have been very rude and imperfect, not more than fifty per cent. of lead
being got from the ore. The common open log furnace was the only one
employed, and the lead-ashes were thrown by as useless.
In 1797, Moses Austin, Esq., performed a journey from the lead-mines in
Wythe county, Virginia, to the Mine a Burton, in Louisiana, and obtained
a grant of land one league square, from the Spanish authorities, in
consideration of erecting a reverberatory furnace, and other works, for
prosecuting the mining business at those mines. This he commenced in
1798, previous to which time no furnace for smelting the ashes of lead
had been erected. Mr. Austin sunk the first regular shaft for raising
the ore, and introduced some other improvements which were found
beneficial. He also, in 1799, erected a shot-tower, in which patent shot
of an approved quality were made. A manufactory of sheet-lead was
completed during the same year, and the Spanish arsenals at New Orleans
and Havana drew a considerable part of the supplies for their navy from
this source.
About this time, a few other American families crossed over into
Louisiana Territory, and settled in the neighborhood of the mines.
These, from their more enlightened and enterprising spirit, were an
acquisition to the mining interest; and as their earliest attention was
directed to it, the lead business began to revive; and at the time the
Territory was taken possession of by the United States, the mines were
extensively and advantageously worked.[13] The Mine a Robino, Mine a
Martin, and many others, were shortly afterwards discovered. Since the
year 1804, the number of mines has been astonishingly multiplied;
Shibboleth, New Diggings, Lebaum's, and Bryan's mines, are among the
latest discoveries of consequence.
The lead-mines did not fail to attract the earliest attention of the
American government; and, immediately after the occupation of the
Territory, measures were taken to ascertain their situation, the method
of working them, &c. Several laws have since been enacted on the
subject, and a reservation made of all discoveries upon public lands.
The emigration to Louisiana, which had partially commenced under the
Spanish government, took a more decided character after the cession of
the country to the United States, but has been particularly great within
the last few years.
In 1812, that part of Louisiana bordering on the gulf of Mexico,
including New Orleans, and extending up the Mississippi to 33 deg. north
latitude, was erected into a State under the name of Louisiana, and the
remainder formed into a territorial government by the name of Missouri.
There is a petition now before Congress (Feb. 1819) for the admission of
Missouri into the Union on a footing with the original States. By this
petition it is contemplated that White river will form the southern
boundary; and the country between that and the northern line of
Louisiana, including our claims on the Spanish, will be erected into a
territorial government, under the name of Arkansas.[14]
Respecting the present state of the lead-mines, it is only necessary
here to add, that they are worked in a more improved manner than at any
former period; that they are more extensive than when the country came
into the hands of the United States, and of course give employment to a
greater number of miners, while every season is adding to the number of
mines; and that the ores may be considered of the richest kind. Every
day is developing to us the resources of this country in minerals, and
particularly in lead; and we cannot resist the belief that, in riches
and extent, the mines of Missouri are paralleled by no other mineral
district. In working the mines, in raising and smelting the ore, and in
the establishment of the different manufactures dependent upon it, there
is much to be done. Though the processes now pursued are greatly
superior to those in use under the French and Spanish governments, there
is still ample room for improvement. The earth has not yet been
penetrated over eighty feet! We know not what may be found in the lower
strata of the soil. There is reason to believe that the main bodies of
ore have not yet been hit upon; that they lie deeper, and that we have
thus far only been engaged upon the spurs and detached masses. There is
also reason to believe that bodies of the ores of zinc exist in the
district of the mines, and that copper will be afforded by the lower
strata of earth. It is found overlaid by lead-ores in many of the
European mines; and the geognostic character of the country leads us to
conclude that it may also be found here.
The want of capitalists in the mine country, and of practical skill in
the boring, blasting, sinking shafts and galleries, oppose obstacles to
the successful progress of mining. There is but one regular
hearth-furnace for smelting in the whole district; and that is on the
modern plan of English furnaces. There are not over four or five regular
shafts in about forty mines; there is not an engine, either by horse,
steam, or water power, for removing water from the mines, several of
which have been abandoned on this account, with rich prospects of ore in
view. In fine, there is little of that system which characterizes the
best-conducted European mines, and which, by an application of the most
recent discoveries in mechanics, chemistry, and philosophy, render them
the admiration of every intelligent visiter. Should the subject attract
the attention of mining capitalists, the circumstance would form a new
era in the history of the mining operations of this country. Something
also remains to be done by the government; the existing laws are
inadequate to the purposes for which they were enacted. That feature
restricting leases to three years, is injudicious; the period is so
short, that it deters those who are most able from engaging in it at
all. It is desirable that such a system should be established as would
indicate the annual produce of the mines, number of hands employed, and
such other facts as are necessary in forming a series of statistical
tables on the subject. The want of such data has hitherto prevented us
from properly estimating the importance of the mines in a national point
of view. The acquisition of a scientific knowledge of minerals should
also be facilitated in this quarter. There should be a mineralogical
school located in the country, where students might be instructed in
that useful science. In a country so rich in minerals, and whose wealth
will always so much depend upon a proper development of these resources,
the knowledge of mineralogy should be laid open to every one, and should
be within the reach of such as do not wish, or cannot get, the other
branches of a liberal education. To obtain this knowledge now, a person
would be compelled to travel to remote parts of the Union, and to incur
an unreasonable expense. No one who is conversant with the advantages
which Germany has derived from such a seminary, will deny the utility of
a similar one in the United States.
Yet, with all the disadvantages under which the lead-mines have been
viewed, there are many who may be surprised to find their annual
products, from the best information, stated at three millions of pounds;
and from this some idea may be formed of their riches and extent, and,
when they come to be properly and regularly worked, how greatly they
will contribute to the national wealth.[15]
SECTION II.
TOPOGRAPHICAL AND GEOLOGICAL OUTLINE OF THE MINE COUNTRY.
The district of country formerly known as the lead-mines of Louisiana,
extends from the head waters of the St. Francis, in a north-west
direction, to the Maramec, a distance of seventy miles, by about
forty-five in width, having the Mississippi on its eastern borders. It
is included, very nearly, between 37 deg. and 38 deg. north latitude, and
comprises an area of about three thousand square miles. Most of the
mines are situated within a circle of this general area, of which Potosi
and Mine a Burton constitute a centre.
The rock formation of the country appears to be simple and uniform. At
the lowest depths observed in valleys, there is a crystalline sandstone,
which often consists of transparent quartzose grains, adhering by the
force of aggregation. The lead-bearing limestone reposes upon this. Both
formations are deposited in perfectly horizontal strata. Valleys which
carry streams have been worn down into this formation, presenting this
order of arrangement very satisfactorily. A stratum of red, marly clay,
spreads over the limestone. Above this, constituting the top layer, or
surface soil, rests a bed of diluvial materials, filled with broken-down
fragments of rock, masses of radiated quartz, and chips of hornstone.
Vegetable matter and black sand form a covering over such parts of this
diluvial deposit as constitute valleys and agricultural plains. The
Mississippi river lays open this formation along its western banks, from
the influx of the Missouri to Cape Girardeau.
Beneath this metalliferous column lie the primitive rocks. The most
striking feature of this kind is found in the occurrence of a primitive
formation at the sources of the river St. Francis. My attention was
arrested by this fact, soon after I began to examine the mine country.
This formation consists of sienite, rather than granite; the mica being
generally replaced or represented by hornblende. The feldspar, which
constitutes three-fourths of the mass, is of a dull red hue. The rock in
connection is greenstone trap, which is sometimes porphyritic. I
observed small masses of sulphuret of iron in some parts of this rock.
The upheaval of this formation appears to have been of the most ancient
era of geological action; for the stratified limestones and sandstones,
which lie upon or in juxtaposition to these elevations, have not been
disturbed in their horizontality. The altitude of this primitive tract
does not probably exceed one thousand feet above the waters of the St.
Francis river. Vast blocks of the red sienite have been detached, and
scattered southwardly over the secondary rocks, apparently by the force
of some antique deluge, setting from the north. The whole series of
formations may be judged of by the following diagram:
[Illustration]
The general aspect of the country is sterile, though not mountainous.
The lands lie rolling, like a body of water in gentle agitation. In some
places they rise into abrupt cliffs, where the rock formations appear.
Generally, they present the form of diluvial ridges, sparingly covered
with forest, and bearing a growth of prairie-grass and herbage. The
western banks of the Mississippi, between St. Genevieve and Herculaneum,
present a mural front to this district, in a series of elevated
perpendicular cliffs of compact limestone. The whole coast extending to
St. Louis, appears to be sufficiently elevated to have served as a
former barrier to waters covering the low grounds of Illinois. The
strata exhibit ancient water-marks of a diluvial character. They are
broken through, from the west, by small streams draining the mine
country.
No indications of lead-ore have been found in these cliffs. The mines
are situated at considerable distances west of them; and when the
observer has arrived at their localities, he finds the ore often lying
in the unconsolidated soil. This soil is a stiff, reddish-colored clay,
filled with fragments of cherty stones, quartz, and small gravel,
clearly attesting its diluvial character. This soil extends to the depth
of from ten to twenty feet, or more, and is based on limestone rock. It
is so firm, in some places, as almost to resist the pick-axe; in others,
it partakes more fully of marl, and is readily penetrated. The ore lies
in this marly clay, and is often accompanied by sulphate of barytes and
calcareous spar. The country is particularly characterized by radiated
quartz, which is strewn in detached pieces over the ground, and is also
found imbedded in the soil at all depths. This substance is here called
_blossom of lead_, or _mineral blossom_. Pyrites, and some other ores of
iron, are also found in detached masses upon the surface, and, very
rarely, lead-ore.
Such is the general character of the mineral lands, which are covered
with a stunted growth of oaks, denominated post-oaks. Walnut is found in
some instances out of the valleys. A ridge of yellow pine extends west
of the mines, between the St. Francis and Maramec, and is more decidedly
barren than the grounds covered with oak. All the open, elevated tracts,
are clothed with herbage, which hides their flinty aspect, and gives the
country a picturesque appearance. The minor slopes and ravines are often
rendered almost impassable by hazel, vines, and other bramble, which
appear to be indicative of a better, or rather a deeper soil. The whole
area of upland soil, which rests as a mantle over the rocks, is a
diluvium, which must, we think, be referred to an early period of
diluvial action.
The only true alluvium of the mines appears to be confined to the
valleys or plains, which are, consequently, the principal seats of
cultivation, and thus derive an additional value from their contiguity
to the barren tracts. This alluvium rests on the red marl-clay, or
mineral diluvium; the latter of which is uniformly found on penetrating
it. Some of the mines exist in, and have been pursued beneath, this top
alluvion, across the valleys. Others are seated beneath an arable soil,
bearing a forest. Many of the most barren and stony parts of the
elevated lands are, on the contrary, destitute of mines. The depth of
the mineral soil varies exceedingly. It barely conceals the rock
formations in many of the more elevated positions, and frequently does
not conceal them. It is deepest in the plains and depressed grounds,
being accumulated much in the manner we should expect, on the
supposition of a general diluvial submersion.
The principal objection to a general diluvial action, involving the
whole Mississippi valley, appears to arise from the admission of the
limestone rock's being the true locality of the ore. But we think there
are too many facts in support of this opinion, to leave any reasonable
grounds for questioning it. Several of the mines in the mineral soil
have been traced down into the rock, and have been pursued through
apertures, closing and expanding in the manner of true veins. In the
numerous cases where the rock has put a stop to further mining, and it
has exhibited no signs of ore, it may be supposed that the ore has been
moved, by diluvial force, from the original position of the mine, and
been finally deposited, with the soil, upon unmetalliferous portions of
the rock. And could we with certainty determine the course of diluvial
action, the principles of mining might be, in some respects, employed in
searching for the original vein. It is evident, from the unscratched
and unbroken surface of much of the ore and its spars, that it could not
have been transported far; while the portions of it called gravel ore,
which evince its diluvial character, are manifest proofs of a change,
more or less extensive, in the general position of the ore.
With respect to the character of the limestone, we have been perplexed
with its protean character, and, to avoid apparent contradictions, were
led, at first, to adopt distinctions of strata, which we very soon saw
were untenable. It is evidently the American equivalent for the
metalliferous limestone of England, and, as a formation, is of the
transition era. In a specimen of this rock, now before us, taken from a
fresh excavation at Potosi, forty feet below the surface of the soil,
and thirty-one feet below the original surface of the rock, the
structure is in part compact, and in part granular; the compact portions
having minute shining crystalline points, and the granular being without
any appearance of crystallization, but changing, in the width of about
forty lines, from compact granular to a dull arenaceous structure, quite
friable between the fingers. Part of the mass is vesicular, and the
vesicles are studded over with minute crystals of white opaque quartz.
The two extremes of this specimen have the appearance of totally
different formations, yet are both calcareous. By experiment, I found a
portion of the lower arenaceous part almost completely soluble, in the
cold, in nitro-sulphuric acid; and the actual residuum was, in part,
owing to a defect in trituration.
Most of the limestone rock disclosed by excavation in the mines, is of
the granulated kind; while the structure of the rock above the surface,
where the strata are exposed to the weather, as in cliffs and
hill-sides, is of the solid, glistening, pseudo-compact variety. Both
these varieties, as shown in the specimen, are geologically identical,
notwithstanding their striking differences in hardness, structure,
colour, and particularly in crystalline lustre. This lustre is, however,
as shown by examination with the magnet, owing almost exclusively to
minute facets of calcareous crystals, which render it rather sparry than
crystalline.
We have examined large portions of this rock, in all its varieties, for
organic remains; but have not succeeded in finding any well-characterized
species, although a further and fuller search might, and probably would,
disclose some species. We observed a single mass of the rock, an
imperfectly columniform structure, apparently organic. The rock is
rather vesicular than cavernous in its structure. The heavy deposit of
diluvium conceals the surface. But if the appearances in the
mine-diggings are to be received as general indicia, the surface of the
concealed rock is extremely rough and irregular, standing up, in the
mineral soil, in huge lumps, which renders the general depth at which it
may be reached, a question of great uncertainty.
It has been intimated that the sparry-compact, and the dull granulated
varieties of the limestone, are often contiguous; and we have seen, by
the examination of a hard specimen, that they are geologically
identical as a formation. If this compact variety from the mines be
compared with the principal formation in the precipitous cliffs forming
the western banks of the Mississippi, in front of the mine tract, they
will be found to coincide in so many points, that these two localities
may be deemed parts of the same formation, and as being identical in
age. The principal differences consist in the occurrence of organic
remains in the strata along the banks of the Mississippi; a discovery
attributable to the more full exposure of these cliffs to observation.
There is also an apparent absence of the granulated, or sand-lime
variety. These two calcareous tracts are not, however, continuous, being
separated by a formation of granular quartz, or white crystalline
sandstone, which runs nearly parallel with the Mississippi for a
distance, a few miles west of it. This stratum of rock, which appears to
be rather a quartzose sandstone than a granular quartz, reappears west
of Potosi, in the barren area called the Pinery, and is also apparent at
several localities between the waters of the Maramec and the St.
Francis.
At a point thirty miles west of the Mississippi, in about the latitude
of St. Genevieve, the primitive formation reveals itself in a series of
mountain masses of granite, which cover a comparatively extensive area.
This tract appears to be the nucleus of the country, rising through the
great secondary formations which intervene between the Alleghany and the
Rocky mountains. Its western limits have not yet been explored; but it
probably covers an area of not less than a hundred square miles. The
mines lie north of it. This granite is composed almost exclusively of
reddish feldspar and quartz. The proportion of mica is small, and this
mineral is often absent. It has been employed as a material for
millstones. It is connected with greenstone, which is sometimes
porphyritic.
We have now three formations of rock, as constituting the mine series;
and it only remains to point out their relative position and extent,
with the best means at our command. This might seem to be a very simple
process, and would indeed be so, were it not that the area over which
the formations extend is extensive, and is covered with deep formations
of the diluvial and alluvial character, bearing a forest. The primitive
is immediately succeeded by the two latter. Mine a La Motte is situated
in the mineral diluvium, and is distant about two miles from the granite
on Blackford's fork. The first appearance of rock, in situ, north of
this point, is at Rock creek, a few miles distant, where the granular
quartzose sandstone appears. There is no further appearance of rock in
this direction for many miles. The white crystalline sand-caves of St.
Genevieve are seated in this formation. It is again disclosed on the
Platten creek, and in the elevations west of the Joachim creek, called
Fort Rock, and in the white sand-caves near Herculaneum. Whether it is
continued farther in the approach to the Maramec, cannot be stated; but
the line of country which is thus traversed by it, is probably sixty
miles. The only point where this rock appears on the banks of the
Mississippi, is in the range of the Cornice Rocks.
Proceeding west across this formation, the mineral diluvium succeeds,
and conceals the rock formations; but, wherever they are disclosed by
the action of the streams, and by excavations, the metalliferous
limestone appears, which constitutes the lowest stratum yet found in the
mine region proper. But it is to be observed, that no excavations of any
considerable depth have been made; the rock has not been penetrated to
any great depth. The principal seat of the mines consists of the area
included within the circuits of the Grand river and Mineral Fork,
constituting the main tributaries of the Maramec. These streams extend
something in the shape of a horse-shoe around the mines. Immediately
west and south-west of this area, the white sandstone reappears,
extending south towards the granite. The position of the two formations
may be represented by a pair of expanded dividers, opening northward;
the two shanks of which denote the sandstone ridges, and the head, or
rivet, the primitive.
The most valuable mineral products of the mines, in addition to lead,
are iron and salt; the latter of which is made, in limited quantities,
at a saline spring at Madansburgh, in the county of St. Genevieve. Other
indications of it exist at one or two localities in the township of
Bellevieu, and on the Maramec river, where efforts were formerly made to
manufacture salt.
Iron-ores are found at numerous points; but no body of the ores of this
metal is known, comparable, in extent or value, to the locality of
Bellevieu, called the Iron Mountain. The ore exists, at this place, in a
very massive form. It is in the state of a micaceous oxide. It has been
tried in a slag furnace, and smelted easily, without a flux. The iron
obtained was of a very malleable quality, and spread freely under the
hammer. This locality is embraced by the waters of Cedar creek, which,
at the distance of seven miles, are stated to afford a water-power
adequate for the reduction and working of the ore. About five miles
distant, at Stout's settlement, occurs another body of this ore.
Zinc is found, in the form of a sulphuret, in small quantities, at
several of the lead-mines in Washington county. A single mass of the
sulphuret of antimony has been discovered in the granitical district,
which affords also a locality of coarse graphite, and some other
minerals, which will be noticed in the sequel.
A sulphur spring exists a few miles west of the Mississippi, in
Jefferson county. The water issues, in a copious stream, from an
aperture, situated near a cliff of the compact limestone. It is of a
bright, transparent quality, but indicates, by its taste, its
sulphureous impregnation, and deposits sulphur, in a whitish pulpy form,
on the pebble-stones and fallen vegetation of the brook which issues
from the spring.
Topographically considered, the mine country is a hilly and uneven
tract, having a considerable elevation above the waters of the
Mississippi. It is well watered, with numerous springs, brooks, and
streams, and, from the prevalence of a firm diluvial soil, affords
facilities for roads. The climate is favorable to health. The manner in
which the smelting of the ores is performed, being in the open air, is
probably less injurious to those engaged in it, than if the furnaces
were enclosed with buildings.
Some losses are sustained in the death of cattle, which die with a
disease called the mine sickness. Cows and horses, which are frequently
seen licking around old furnaces, often die without any apparent cause.
Cats and dogs are taken with violent fits, which never fail, in a short
time, to terminate their lives. This is usually attributed, by the
inhabitants, to the effects of sulphur, driven off from the ores in
smelting. It is more probable that it arises from the sulphurous acid in
its combination with barytes, which may operate as a poison to animals.
The sickness is wholly confined to quadrupeds.[16]
The soil thrown out of the pits, at the abandoned mines, is found to
produce some plants, and even trees, which are not peculiar to the
surface. Such are the cotton-wood and the beech-grape, species which are
usually confined to the arenaceous alluvions of valleys. And we think
their growth here is not promoted by the mineral clay, which is
manifestly of a fertilizing property, when cast on the surface; but to
the disintegration of the sand-lime, producing a soil favorable to such
productions. The sensitive brier, observed in the mine district, is
evidently not of this class, as it is found remote from any mine
excavations.
SECTION III.
LOCAL POSITION OF THE SEVERAL MINES.
Since the first discovery of lead in this Territory, the number of mines
has been much increased, and hardly a season passes without some new
discovery. Every discovery of importance soon becomes the centre of
mining attraction. As the ore is found in the diluvial soil, it is
generally exhausted on reaching the solid rock; and after penetrating a
considerable area of the surface with any, or but partial success, the
locality is abandoned, and a new one sought. As the mines are worked
without capital, and the ore is dispersed over a wide area, the number
of localities is almost indefinite. Upwards of forty principal
sub-districts are known, most of which are appropriately denominated
_diggings_. The earliest discovery, at Mine a Burton, has been one of
the most valuable, and still continues to afford the ore. Mine a La
Motte has also proved an extensive deposit, and is still unexhausted.
New Diggings, Shibboleth, and Richwoods, are among the discoveries of
later date, which have yielded very large quantities of ore. But the
mode of mining in the diluvial soil must exhaust it of its mineral
contents, and direct miners, in after years, to the true position of the
ore, in the calcareous rock. So long as the search continues in the
soil, the business will partake of the uncertainty which now attends it,
and which renders it rather an object of temporary enterprise, than a
fixed employment.
In the search for ore in the soil, scarcely any uniform principles can
be certainly relied on. Generally, rocky and barren localities are
avoided, and large and deep beds of the red metalliferous clay sought
for. The occurrence of crystallized quartz, or spars, on the surface, is
regarded only as a general indication, but cannot be depended on to
ensure local success. These masses are found to be distributed on and
through the top soil, as other debris, being sometimes contiguous to,
and sometimes remote from, ore. But they are never, so far as I have
observed, found with the ore.
The method of searching for and raising the ore, is simple. Having fixed
on a spot for digging, the operator measures off about eight feet
square. A pick-axe and shovel are used for removing the earth. A
practised hand will pitch the earth from a depth of eight or ten feet. A
windlass and bucket are then placed over the pit, and the excavation
thus continued. Small detached masses of ore, or spars, are often found
in the soil, in approaching a larger body. The ore is the sulphuret, or
galena. It has a broad, glittering grain, and is readily divisible into
cubical fragments. It occurs in beds, or detached masses, which are
deposited horizontally in the soil. They are often accompanied by the
sulphate of barytes, or by calcareous spar; sometimes by blende, or iron
pyrites. The ore is often connected with the barytic spar, indicating
the latter to be a true matrix. The direction of these beds of ore
appears to be irregular. Veins of ore are confined to the rock.
The variety of ore called _gravel ore_, differs from the preceding
chiefly by its marks of attrition, and connection with diluvial
pebble-stones. No spars have been noticed in these gravel-beds, although
it is probable that a careful search might detect them.
The calcareous spar is most abundant in connection with rock diggings.
It is translucent, or transparent, and often exhibits the property of
double refraction. The miners, who employ their own conventional terms,
call this substance _glass tiff_, to distinguish it from the sulphate of
barytes, which is denominated _tiff_. Much of the radiated quartz of
this district bears the marks of diluvial action. It is not uncommon to
find masses of it, in which the angles of the crystals are quite
defaced. Veins of ore in the rock correspond generally, in their course,
I think, with the cardinal points, in the instances of their being
pursued horizontally. But they dip at various angles with the plain, or
sink perpendicularly into the rock.
The horizontal position of the ore-beds in the red clay soil, may be
regarded as an evidence of its being a diluvial deposit.
The metalliferous, red, marly clay, is, in fine, the most interesting
geological problem connected with the mines, and is calculated to show
us how little we know of the true eras of the diluvial deposits. After
every examination which we have been able to make, we are decidedly of
the opinion that this formation belongs to the diluvial, and not to the
alluvial era. It seems, indeed, to assert a claim to be considered,
among the western strata, as immediately succeeding the secondary. It
lies directly next to, and upon, the limestone rock. We have witnessed
the progress of an excavation on the public square of Potosi, in which
the soil was removed down to the rock, and a clean area of its surface
was exposed. There was no other stratum below it, and between the clay
and rock. And such we believe to be its general position. The radiated
quartz and pebble drift is above it, and, consequently, constitutes a
subsequent deposit. And hence it is that the numerous fragmentary masses
of the former, called _mineral blossom_, are no sure indications of the
subterraneous presence of ore. The gravel-ore and mixed diluvial gravel
is likewise a newer deposit, coinciding with the era of the primitive
and secondary boulders. No large primitive boulders, however, exist in
the mine district, if we except the angular fragments of granite, south
of St. Michael, which are, indeed, just without the lead-yielding area.
Pebbles of common quartz, granite, and greenstone, are found in the
surface soil, and are also to be observed, in accumulated masses, in the
beds of brooks. Occasionally an orbicular mass of these rocks, of the
size of a melon, is observed. It is evident, from these appearances,
that no formations of the primitive exist, towards the sources of the
Mississippi, for a great distance, as it is from this direction that
diluvial action appears to have been propagated. This clay soil is free
from boulders, and is of a homogeneous texture. It partakes, in its
qualities, so largely of marl, as to operate as a manure, on being
thrown out of the pits, and, after a few years, is covered with a very
rank growth of trees, vines, &c. This is a characteristic trait of the
locality of abandoned diggings.
The following is a catalogue of the mines. It comprises those of most
note, which are now worked, or have been at some former period.
1. Mine a Burton. 24. Tapley's Diggings.
2. Mine a Robino. 25. Lambert's Diggings.
3. Mine a Martin. 26. Old Mines.
4. New Diggings. 27. Mine Shibboleth.
5. Citadel Diggings. 28. Elliot's Mines.
6. Perry's Diggings. 29. Belle Fontaine.
7. Hawkins's Mine. 30. Cannon's Mines.
8. Rosebury's Mine. 31. Little Diggings.
9. Austin's Shaft. 32. Becquet's Diggings.
10. Jones's Shaft. 33. Mine Liberty.
11. Rocky Diggings, (Prairie de Roche). 34. Renault's Mines.
12. Gravelly Diggings. 35. Miller's Mine.
13. Brushy-run Diggings. 36. Mine Silvers.
14. Stricklin's Diggings. 37. Fourche a Courtois.
15. Bibb's Diggings. 38. Pratt's Mine, Big river.
16. Tebault's Diggings, (Pinery). 39. Lebaum's Mine, Richwoods.
17. Mine Astraddle. 40. Mine a Joe, Flat river.
18. Masson's Diggings, or Partney's. 41. Bryan's Mines, Hazel run.
19. J. Scott's Diggings. 42. Dogget's Mine, Hazel run.
20. T. Scott's Diggings. 43. Mine La Motte, St. Michael.
21. Micheaux's Diggings. 44. Gray's Mine, Big river.
22. Henry's Diggings. 45. M'Kain's Mine, Dry creek.
23. Moreau's Diggings.
The most noted mines are Mine a Burton, New Diggings, Shibboleth,
Richwoods, Old Mines, and the numerous mines on the waters of the
Mineral Fork of Grand river. Mine a La Motte, Mine a Joe, and Bryan's
Mines, are east and south of the principal group of mines in Washington
county, and at a considerable distance from them. A few general remarks
may be applied to all these mines.
The mines possess one general character, although there are some
peculiarities which I shall hereafter mention. The ore is found in
detached pieces and solid masses, in beds, in red clay, accompanied by
sulphate of barytes, calcareous spar, blende, iron pyrites, and quartz.
The ore is of that kind called, by mineralogists, lead-glance, or
galena, and is the sulphuret of lead, of chemistry. As it is dug up or
quarried from the adhering spar, it presents a very rich appearance. It
has a broad, glittering grain, of a lead-gray colour, which passes into
a bluish shade. The ore is easily broken by the blow of a hammer, and
may be pounded to a fine powder, still preserving its glittering
appearance. In breaking it, it always separates in cubes. Sometimes
detached lumps of four or five pounds weight, of a cubical form, are
found imbedded in the clay. Its primitive figure of crystallization is
particularly observable after the ore has been desulphurated by heat,
which, at the same time, increases its splendor, and renders the lines
of intersection between the facets more plainly discoverable.
The clay, or red earth, in which the ore is found, appears to partake
largely of marl; and a difference of quality is to be observed at the
different mines. It all, however, operates more or less as a stimulant
to vegetation, on being thrown out of the pits. Mixed with the clay are
innumerable pieces of radiated quartz, very beautiful in appearance.
This forms the first stratum, and is about fourteen inches in depth;
then succeeds a stratum of red clay, four or five feet thick, and
sparingly mixed with substances of the same kind; after this, a layer of
gravel and rounded pebbles, of a silicious character, ensues; these are
about a foot in depth, and lead-ore, in small detached lumps, is then
found. This is of the description called gravel-ore, and no spars are
found accompanying it. The greatest proportion of lead-ore is, however,
found imbedded in marly clay, accompanied by the sulphate of barytes,
and resting on limestone rock. The rock is struck at a depth of from
fifteen to twenty feet, and is a metalliferous limestone, of a
semi-crystalline structure, lying in horizontal beds. It is traversed by
veins of lead-ore. Sometimes these expand in the shape of caves, where
masses of galena occur.
The most valuable substance accompanying the lead-ore, is an ore of
zinc, which is found at several of the mines. Another substance, found
with the ore in considerable quantities, is the sulphate of barytes.
This is sometimes in immediate connection with the ore, but more
frequently in contiguous masses, in the clay.
The sulphate of barytes, called _tiff_ by the lead-diggers here, is the
same substance called _cawk_ by English miners. It is very white,
opaque, and very heavy, and may be considered as the proper matrix of
the lead-ore.
There are also found considerable quantities of calcareous spar,
particularly in the caves and veins in rock. This substance is often
observed in large orbicular or irregular masses, which have the
appearance of external attrition. On breaking them, they fall into
rhombs, which are very transparent and glittering; in color, they are
either white, or honey-yellow.
Pyrites are common at the mines, sometimes crystallized in regular cubes
of a beautiful brass-yellow color, and, at others, found in tabular
masses, or mixed with blende, sulphate of barytes, or calcareous spar.
Quartz is found throughout the whole mine district, both on the surface
of the ground, and at all depths below. It is generally in the form of
tabular pieces, whose surfaces are thickly studded over with small
pyramids of transparent rock-crystal, and present an appearance of the
utmost beauty and splendor, looking like so many diamonds set over the
surface of white stone. These crystals are frequently grouped in the
form of a hemisphere, circular, or oviform, solitary or in clusters,
forming the different varieties of mamillary and radiated quartz, and,
when met with in their pristine beauty, present a very rich and
brilliant appearance. It has acquired the popular name of _blossom of
lead_, or mineral blossom, a term perfectly significant of its supposed
affinity.
The exterior stratum of red clay, with its ores and minerals, will be
best understood by comparing it to a garment thrown over the
rock-formations of the country. The search for ore has been generally
confined to these clay diggings, which are pursued, very much, with the
apparatus of common well-digging. If, on reaching the rock, no vein of
ore is discovered, the work is generally dropped.
On viewing the district on a large scale, this external clay stratum
appears to have originally derived its mineral contents from veins in
the calcareous, lead-yielding rock. This metalliferous rock has
evidently, in former ages, been scooped out by rivers and streams,
forming valleys and vast diluvial plateaux, where the abraded materials
were deposited. The original subterranean veins were concealed by these
geological changes.
Some of the mines exhibit traits that may be mentioned. Mine La Motte is
one of the oldest mines in the Territory, having been discovered in
1720, by the person whose name it bears. The mines are very extensive,
and a large quantity of ore is annually raised. They are situated within
two miles of St. Michael, Madison county, and on the head-waters of the
river St. Francois. No spars are found accompanying the ore; iron pyrite
is occasionally met with, and plumbago is found in the vicinity. The
ore, which is less brilliant, and differs in other characters from any
other in the mine tract, is at the same time more refractory; in some
instances, the greatest difficulties have been experienced in the
smelting. Hence, an idea has originated that it is combined with other
metals; but no experiments, I believe, have been made to ascertain this
point.
On a visit to these mines, I observed the inside of the ash-furnace
beautifully tinged with a blue color of considerable intensity. This
furnace is built of a white sandstone, which becomes vitrified on the
surface, forming glass. We are acquainted with no substance which will
communicate a blue color to glass in fusion but cobalt; hence, it is not
unreasonable to infer that this metal is volatilized during the
smelting, and is thus brought into contact with the liquefied surface of
the stone, imparting to it the color noticed. That the ores of La Motte
contain an unusual portion of sulphur, is very probable. I draw this
inference both from its refractory nature and dull appearance. Sulphur
always renders an ore refractory; for, when it is expelled by
torrefaction, the ore melts easily. Its dull aspect is not less
conclusive; for, the more an ore is roasted, and the more sulphur there
is driven off, the brighter it grows. This is evident to every smelter,
who cannot fail to observe the surprising brilliancy the ore assumes
after it has gone through the first operation in the log furnace. That
the difficulties daily experienced in smelting the La Motte ores are,
therefore, attributable to the extraordinary quantity of sulphur they
contain, is extremely probable; for, even if they were united with other
metals, with silver or with cobalt, these would not increase their
infusibility, except by the extra quantum of sulphur they brought with
them. At least, we have no facts to prove that a simple alloy does not
melt as easily as a pure metal, while there are many to show that alloys
are of the most easy fusibility.
The quantity of ore raised at New Diggings has been very great, a
regular vein having been found; but they were abandoned several years
ago on account of the water, which rushed in with such rapidity, that to
remove it every morning with a common windlass and bucket was found a
work of such labor as to render the business unprofitable. The mines
were left with the most flattering veins of ore in view. The general
character of these mines is such as to justify the erection of a
steam-engine, and other works for prosecuting the business on an
extensive scale; and their revival at some future period may be
confidently looked for.
Mine Renault is situated about six miles north-north-west of Mine a
Burton, in a very rocky part of the country, which affords some of the
most picturesque views of mountain scenery. The region is strongly
marked by mineral appearances, rendering it probable that other
substances of value, besides lead, may exist in that vicinity. Ores of
zinc are abundant at this mine, and a body of micaceous oxide of iron is
found in the neighborhood.
Bryan's Mines are seated on Hazel run, and are among the most recent
discoveries of consequence. Near a million pounds of lead were made here
during the first year of the discovery. The mine is characterized by
yielding no heavy spar; sometimes a little calcareous spar is found, and
then adhering to the ores; a circumstance which I have nowhere else
observed. Much of the ore of these mines is found in tabular pieces,
which are sonorous in a considerable degree; the ore is brilliant, and
smelts readily, yielding the same as at Mine a Burton.
Gray's Mine, situated on Big river, in the northern extremity of the
mine tract, is remarkable for a body of white clay, which was discovered
in searching for ore. In sinking several pits at this mine, a stratum of
clay of an unusual appearance was struck at the depth of from eight to
ten feet, and no ore was procured at those places; the diggings were
abandoned in consequence of the clay, which covers a considerable area
of ground on the banks of Big river. This mineral substance bears a
striking resemblance to specimens of a pyrous crucible clay.
Elliott's Mines lie upon the Mineral Fork, and are characterized by the
abundance of pyrites, and the beauty of the calcareous spar found there.
Considerable quantities of blende were also met with, and strong
indications of the existence of copper are furnished. During the
remarkable earthquakes of 1812, a fine spring of water at the mouth of
the mines suddenly became warm and foul, and in a few days dried up
entirely, and no water has run there since. Illuminations in the
atmosphere (arising doubtless from phosphorus) are frequently observed
in this vicinity on the approach of night.
At Mine a Burton, there is found adhering to the sides of the log-hearth
furnace, a grayish-white sublimated matter, of great weight, which I
take to be a sublimate of lead. It is considered as chiefly sulphur or
arsenic by the lead-smelters, and is thrown by as useless. It is found
at every furnace, and a very large quantity could be annually collected.
This induced me to undertake some experiments on the subject. I was
convinced, on reflection, that there could be no sulphur, at least no
considerable quantity of sulphur, in it, from the fact that all sulphur,
or other inflammable matter, expelled from the ore in the furnace, would
undergo immediate combustion. This is also observable in the color of
the flame while the ore is torrified. Indeed, every person conversant
with the nature of this substance must know that it cannot be otherwise.
The furnace is entirely open, and does not rise over seven or eight feet
in height; consequently, there is no opportunity for it to condense.
That the sulphuric acid is driven off, is undoubted; for, whenever
sulphur is burned, this acid is set at liberty; but it has no
opportunity for entering into a new combination within the body of a log
furnace.
The idea of arsenic in the substance alluded to, is perfectly erroneous,
and has originated in an ignorance of the nature of the ores of these
mines. It is the _sulphuret of lead_, and not the _arseniate_. That
there is a small portion of silver and antimony in combination with the
ore, is probable; but they too are mineralized by sulphur. Reflecting on
this, I became convinced of the popular error, and, to ascertain the
point, made the following experiments:
A. I took a lump of the sublimated matter, freed from adhering
impurities, and reduced it to the state of a fine powder by pulverizing
in an agate mortar, and trituration. Of this I mixed six parts with four
of pulverized borax, and a little charcoal, and submitted it to the
intense heat of a small chemical furnace. On removing the crucible, I
found a button of metallic lead in the bottom, weighing nearly four.
B. Dissolved a quantity of the powdered sublimate in nitric acid; it
effected a ready solution, with violent effervescence. Poured on liquid
carbonate of potash until no more precipitate fell. I then collected the
precipitate, and washed away the superfluous alkali by clear water, and
dried it in the shade. The result was a very fine, and a very white
powder, of considerable weight. This was a carbonate of lead (white
lead). With a quantity of the white lead thus made, I mixed linseed
oil, and painted a board. The color was of the most delicate white, and
it gave a good body. On inspecting this board several months afterwards,
I found the color inclining a little to yellowish. But perhaps it stands
as well as any white lead would, prepared from litharge, by solution in
nitric or acetic acids, and precipitation by carbonated alkali.
C. Mixed eight parts of sublimate with twelve of muriate of soda, and
fused in a crucible, with a tight cover, in a high heat. Result, a
yellow, hard, heavy, vitrified mass, resembling muriate of soda and
lead.
M'Kain's Mine is situated on a small stream called Dry creek, running
into Big river not far from its junction with the Maramec. The mine is
worthy of remark only on account of a body of steel-grained lead-ore
found there. This ore is found to yield less lead in smelting than the
common broad-grained ore, and, as may be inferred from its texture,
contains silver.
So little has been done, of late years, in mining in the rock, that the
character of the veins must be judged of from limited facts. But there
can be no question, from what is known, that the true scene of mining
operations is the rock.
Along the west banks of the Mississippi, and also in some of the
interior valleys, we observe that the metal-bearing limestone rests on
crystalline sandstone. Both preserve a horizontal position, and both are
deposited, at the distance of about seventy miles south of Potosi, upon
pre-existing formations of sienitic granite, embracing hornblende rock;
some of the latter of which is porphyritic.
These primitive formations mark the geography of the country at the
sources of the St. Francis. They form alpine peaks, through which the
river forces its way. Mine a La Motte is within two miles east of this
tract. These peaks have been raised to their present position without
disturbing the horizontality of the limestones and sandstones. Hence the
conclusion of their prior elevation.
At a still further southern point, and before reaching the banks of the
St. Francis at Bettis's ferry, the horizontal rocks again appear. But,
in this instance, sienitic and granitic boulders are scattered over the
southern series of the calcareous strata, showing, with equal clearness,
that the geological era of the boulder stratum was posterior to the
deposition of the horizontal strata, and that the force which scattered
the boulder stratum was from the north.
SECTION IV.
METHOD OF WORKING THE MINES.
The method of raising the ores, and the processes pursued in separating
the metal, are, upon the whole, extremely simple. A pick-axe and shovel
are the only tools in use for removing the earth; and the drill, rammer,
and priming-rod, are added when it is necessary to blast. Having
determined on the spot for digging, the process commences by measuring
off a square of about eight feet, and throwing out the earth, spar, and
gravel, until the miner sinks beneath the depth he can throw the earth.
An expert hand will pitch his earth clear out of the pit from a depth of
ten, twelve, and even fifteen feet. At this depth a common windlass and
bucket are placed over the centre of the pit, and the digging continued
by drawing up the earth, spar, and ores, if any are found, in the manner
pursued in sinking a well. During his progress, the miner is notified of
his approach to a body of ore, by small detached lumps occasionally
found imbedded in the soil, within a few feet of the surface. Sometimes
lumps on the top of the ground determine on the place for digging. The
spar is also a sign by which he judges, as there is seldom a body of
spar found without lead-ore. There are also other signs by which an
experienced digger is advertised of his prospects, and encouraged to
proceed with cheerfulness in his work. These are, peculiar appearances
in the texture of the spar, and sometimes minute specks of ore scattered
through it, the changes in the color, and other qualities of the earth,
gravel, &c. If these appearances are promising, and bits of ore are
occasionally met with, he is encouraged to sink down a great depth; but
if they should fail, he is generally induced to abandon the pit, and
commence at another place.
In searching for ore, the soil, the slope of the hills, spar, blossom,
trees, &c., are taken as guides, and some are obstinately attached to
these signs. Others, who have been fortunate in finding ore where these
appearances were least promising, wholly disregard them, and pay no
attention to rules. In general, there is a greater disposition to trust
to luck and chance, and stumble upon ore, than by attending to mineral
character, to be sure of success. As those who search by rules are
generally incapable of those minute remarks on the distinguishing
character and geological situation of minerals, which are necessary in
order to ensure success, it frequently happens that they meet with
disappointments. An incident of this kind is enough to perplex a man who
has not habituated himself to reasoning on the subject, and to weaken
his belief in the affinity of ores and stones. Such a man will not stop
to compare and reconcile facts, which are seemingly opposite, or to
investigate the nature of general principles.
Hence miners exclaim on the uncertainty of finding ores by rules drawn
from the observations of science; that the strata of the earth are
irregular, and not to be depended upon like the rock formations in
Europe; and that, in fine, we have no guides by which its mineral
treasures are to be sought, and that, in so confused a soil, chance is
the best guide. Such a man is more ready to follow the mysterious
guidance of the divining-rod than the light of reason, and would be
easily persuaded that fortune is more surely the result of blind chance,
than of feasible schemes, well planned and well executed.
There would be, nevertheless, some truth in the uncertainties and the
confusion complained of, were those circumstances among the observations
of scientific men. But it will be hazarding little to say, that when
such observations are made, there will be found as much regularity,
harmony, and order, in the superposition of the strata, as generally
exist. The few facts I have noticed, lead to this conclusion.
Having raised a sufficient quantity of ore for smelting, the next
process consists in separating the spar, and cleaning the ore from all
extraneous matter. This is done by small picks, tapered down to such a
point that a careful hand may detach the smallest particle of adhering
spar. It is necessary that the ore should be well cleaned, as it would
otherwise prove refractory in smelting. If there be any lumps of
uncommon size, they are beaten smaller. The object is to bring the lumps
as near as may be to an uniform size, so that the heat may operate
equally in desulphurating the ore. It is desirable that the lumps should
be about the size of a man's two fists, or perhaps fifteen pounds'
weight; if too small, a difficulty and a waste is experienced in
smelting. In this state, the ore is conveyed to the primary furnace,
(see Plate I.) and piled on the logs prepared for its reception. When
the charge is put in, which may in a common way be about five thousand
pounds, it is surrounded by logs of wood, and covered over at the top,
the fire being lit up at the mouth below. A gentle warmth is created at
first, which is raised very gradually, and kept at this point for about
twelve hours, to allow the sulphur to dissipate; the heat is then
increased for the purpose of smelting the ore, and, in twelve hours
more, the operation is completed, and the lead obtained. Wood is
occasionally added as the process goes on, and there is a practical
nicety required in keeping the furnace in proper order, regulating the
draught of air, &c., so that some smelters are much more expert, and
thereby extract a greater quantity of lead from a like body of ore, than
others. This furnace is called the log furnace, and, so far as I know,
is peculiar to this country. It is of a very simple construction,
consisting of an inclined hearth, surrounded by walls on three sides,
open at top, and with an arch for the admission of air below. Upon the
whole, it appears well adapted to the present situation and
circumstances of the people. It is cheap, simple, may be built at almost
any place, and answers the purpose very well. A good furnace of this
kind may be built at a cost of from fifty to sixty dollars, every
expense considered; and one of the most considerable items in the sum
total is the bill of the mason, who cannot be hired, in this region, to
work for less than two dollars per day.
Plate I., Figure 1. _A Perspective View of the Log Furnace._
a, the front wall, 8 feet long, 7 feet in height, and 2 feet in
thickness.
b b, the side walls, 8 feet long, and 2 feet thick.
c, the hearth, 2 feet wide, and 8 feet in length.
d d, the ledges on each side of the hearth, 10 inches in height, and 1
foot wide. These serve to elevate the logs above the hearth, at the same
time creating a draught for the air, and passage for the lead.
e, the eye of the furnace, or arch, 2 feet across at bottom, with an
arch thrown in a half circle, or a flat stone laid across at the height
of the ledges.
f, the iron ladle for dipping out the melted lead.
g, the iron mould. Every bar of lead cast in this, is called a _pig_.
h, the hole in the ground, for the reception of the lead as it runs from
the furnace.
Figure 2, is a perspective view of the furnace from the back or open
part. The same letters used in Figure 1 apply to the same parts of the
furnace in this figure.
Figure 3. _Ground Plan._
_a_, the eye or arch in front.
_b b_, the side walls.
_c_, the hearth.
_d d_, the ledges.
[Illustration: _Log Hearth Furnace_
No. 1.
_For Smelting Lead Ore_]
The process of charging the furnace may be mentioned. Three large oak
logs, rolled in from the back side, and resting at each end on these
ledges, fill up the width of the furnace; small split logs are then set
up all around on the two sides and front; the ore is then piled on until
the furnace is full, and logs are then piled over it, beginning at the
back, and continuing over to the front, so that the ore is completely
surrounded by wood. This furnace is always built on the slope of a hill,
as represented in Plate I., Fig. 1; and the hearth is laid on an angle
of 45 deg., so that it falls four feet in a distance of eight. Two furnaces
of the size here described are generally built together, by which there
is a saving of the expense of one wall, and the work is rendered
stronger, one serving as a support to the other. Not only so, but the
same number of hands will keep a double-eyed furnace in blast, which are
required at a single one. It takes three hands, one to cart wood during
the day-time, and the other two to relieve each other alternately, every
twelve hours, at the furnace. When a charge is melted off, the furnace
is cooled, new logs and upright pieces put in, and the whole
operation begun anew. Twenty-four hours is the time generally allotted
for each smelting, but it often takes thirty-six; and when there is bad
wood and want of attention, it requires still longer, and indeed the
result is never so good.
The ore is estimated to yield, in the large way, fifty per cent. the
first smelting. A considerable portion of what is put in, however, does
not become completely desulphurated, and is found in the bottom of the
furnace after cooling. This is chiefly the smallest lumps, which have
fallen through the apertures that burn between the logs, before they
were thoroughly roasted, and thus, getting out of the way of the heat,
lie entangled with the ashes. Some lumps, which are too large, also
escape complete desulphuration, and either remain unmelted, or else,
when the fire is raised, melt altogether into a kind of slag, and
produce little or no metallic lead. This constitutes what are called the
lead-ashes. The larger pieces, consisting of ore but partially
desulphurated, are carefully picked out from among the ashes, and added
at the next smelting in the log furnace; while the remainder is thrown
by in heaps for further examination.
The lead-ashes are still rich in lead, and, when a sufficient quantity
has accumulated from repeated smeltings, it is taken off to a proper
place contrived for the purpose, and separated from the cinders,
wood-ashes, and other adhering impurities. This is done by washing the
whole in _buddles_, one set below another, in the manner of the potter,
when it is necessary to _search_ his clays. The ashes, which consist of
clotted lumps of a moderate hardness, are first pounded to a gross
powder, and then introduced into the water through a sieve. The
wood-ashes and other impurities, being lighter, swim on the top, and, by
letting off the water, are thus carried away. Fresh water is added, the
ashes briskly stirred with a hoe, and the water again let off, carrying
a further portion of impurity with it. By repeating this operation
several times, the lead-ashes are brought to the required degree of
purity. Thus washed, they are carried to a furnace of a different
construction, called the ash furnace (see Plate II.), and undergo a
second smelting.
Plate II., Figure 1. _A Perspective View of the Ash Furnace._
_a_, the ash-pit, 2 feet wide, 6 feet long, and 20 inches in height.
_b_, the mouth of the fire-arch, a foot square.
_c_, the mouth of the flue, where the charge is put in.
_d_, the iron pot for the lead to flow in, when the furnace is tapped.
Figure 2, is a longitudinal section through the furnace, at right angles
with the front, showing the curve of the arch, flue, &c.
_a_, the ash-pit.
_b_, the grates, 10 inches square, and 3 feet long; these are pieces of
hewn stone.
_c_, the mouth of the fire-arch.
_d_, the _santee_, consisting of two stones, 3 feet long, and 3 feet 6
inches wide, with a thickness of 6 or 7 inches. They reach from the
bottom of the ash-pit to a foot above the basin-stone, the interstice
between them being rammed full of clay, and the whole measuring 18
inches across. (This keeps the lead, slag, &c., from running into the
fire-arch, and is an important part of the furnace, requiring
considerable skill and accuracy in the construction.)
_e_, the basin-stone, 4 feet square, and 1 foot thick.
_f_, the flue, or throat, 10 feet long, 22 inches wide, and 11 inches in
height. This must be continued a foot and a half over the mouth of the
flue, or apron, making the whole length eleven and a half feet; some
prefer the flue twelve and a half feet.
_g_, the mouth of the flue or apron, where the furnace is charged; this
flares from 22 inches to 3 feet, in a distance of 3 feet, (as shown in
Fig. 3.)
_h_, the fire-arch, 3 feet high in the centre, 18 inches high where the
arch begins to spring, and the same over the centre of the basin-stone.
Figure 3. _Ground Plan._
From _a_ to _b_, 8 feet; from _b_ to _c_, 8 feet 6 inches; from _a_ to
_d_, 8 feet 6 inches; from _e_ to _f_, 6 feet; from _e_ to _g_, 13 feet.
_h_, the basin, 4 feet long, and 22 inches wide, except in the centre,
where it is 24 inches wide.
_i_, the flue.
_k_, the mouth of the flue, or apron, 3 feet at the front, and 22 inches
in the rear.
_l_, the santee.
_m_, the fire-arch, with grates at bottom. (This is 22 inches wide at
each end, 24 inches in the centre, and 5 feet long from the inside of
its mouth to the santee.)
_n_, the mouth of the fire-arch.
_o_, the iron pot for the lead to flow into, set in the curve made in
the wall for convenience of tapping.
_p_, the curve in the wall for drawing off the slag.
Figure 4, is a perspective view of the mouth of the flue where the
furnace is charged.
From _a_ to _b_, 6 feet; from _a_ to _c_, 5 feet; from _a_ to _d_, 1
foot.
_c_, the mouth of the flue, 22 inches wide, and 11 high. (This flares
out to 3 feet in the distance of 3 feet, the flue covering half of it,
so that the heat may be thrown down on the ashes.)
[Illustration: _Ash Furnace_
No. 2
_For Smelting Lead Ashes. Missouri._
Fig. I. Fig. II. Fig. III. Fig. IV.]
One of the principal points to be attended to in building an ash-furnace
is the elevation of the flue. It should rise 5-1/2 feet in 10; some
prefer 5-1/2 in 11. If the ascent be too steep, the ore will run down
into the basin before it gets hot, which is detrimental. If the
ascent be too low, the bottom of the flue next to the basin will soon be
eaten away by the heat, and thus in a short time undermine and destroy
the furnace.
The flux employed is also a matter of moment. Sand, and pulverized
flinty gravel, are mixed with the lead-ashes before smelting. The object
of this is to promote the vitrification of the slag, which would
otherwise remain stiff; the particles of revived lead would not sink
through to the bottom, but remain entangled with it, and thus be lost.
Lime is also sometimes employed for the same purpose; and indeed any
earth would operate as a flux to the scoriaceous part of the lead-ashes,
if added in a due proportion, particularly the alkaline earths. Lime and
barytes, both of which are afforded in plenty at the mines, might
therefore be advantageously employed, when no sand or easy-melting
silicious gravel could be obtained. Good fusible sands are readily
attacked and liquefied by submitting to heat with oxides of lead,
alkaline salts, or any other alkaline or metallic flux; hence their
extreme utility in glass, enamels, and all other vitrescent mixtures.
When, therefore, silicious sand can be obtained, it will be found a more
powerful flux to lead-ashes than either gravel, lime, spars, or any
other substance, if we except the fluor spar. This is probably better
adapted as a flux than even silicious sands; but it has not yet been
brought to light at the lead-mines. Perhaps the lower strata of the
earth may afford it. It is found at a lead-mine near Cave-in-Rock, on
the right bank of the Ohio river, in the State of Illinois, and, with
the exception of a little found at Northampton, Massachusetts, is the
only place where this rare, useful, and beautiful mineral, occurs in the
United States.[17]
The situation for an ash-furnace is always chosen on the declivity of a
hill, as represented in the plate. The inside work, or lining, consists
of slabs of hewn limestone, laid in clay-mortar, and backed by solid
masonry. Although a stone less adapted for furnaces could hardly be
found, yet it is made here to answer the purpose, and is an evidence of
the ingenuity of men in making a bad material answer when a good one
cannot be found. No sandstone or freestone, of that refractory kind
used in glass and iron furnaces, is afforded in this vicinity; and the
smelters seem to prefer rebuilding their furnaces often, to incurring
the expense of transporting good infusible sandstones from a distance.
It is not perhaps duly considered, that a furnace built of refractory
materials, although expensive in the erection, would be sufficiently
durable to warrant that expense, and outlast several built of limestone,
which burn out every blast, and have to be rebuilt from the foundation.
Limestone is a combination of the pure earth _lime_ with _carbonic acid_
and _water_; it is a carbonate of lime. When subjected to a red heat, it
parts with its carbonic acid and water, and, if the operation be
continued long enough, is converted into quicklime. This effect,
therefore, takes place as well in the lead-furnace as in the limekiln,
and with this difference only--that in the former it is laid in a wall,
protected in some degree from the heat, and will not part with its
carbonic acid readily; while in the latter it is broken into
comparatively small lumps, exposed to the heat on all sides, and is
easily and readily converted into quicklime.
Nevertheless, although this calcination is constantly progressing, an
ash-furnace will last from fifteen to twenty days, according to the
skill which has been displayed in its construction, and the particular
quality of the stone employed. When the stone partakes of clay
(alumina), it runs into a variety of argillaceous limestone, and is
manifestly better adapted to resist the effects of fire. Whenever the
furnace is cooled, so that the stone can attract moisture from the
atmosphere, it falls into quicklime. This change does not, however, take
place rapidly; for the burning has seldom been uniform, and the stones
have either been over-burned, or not burned enough; so that it requires
several days, and even weeks, to assume the powdery state.
An ash-furnace, built of limestone, is estimated to cost a hundred
dollars. This includes every expense, and such a furnace lasts during
one blast, say fifteen or twenty days; perhaps, with great care, it will
run a month. During this time, from sixty to ninety thousand pounds of
lead ought to be made.
When a furnace is completed, it requires several days to dry it, and
bring it to the proper state for smelting. About ten days are usually
spent in this. The fire is begun very moderately at first, being only
the warmth of a hot smoke, and is kept so for the first five days, by
which means the moisture of the mortar and stone is gradually expelled,
and without any danger of cracking the stone, or otherwise injuring the
furnace. It is then raised a little every day until the furnace is
brought up to a full red heat, when it is ready for the first charge of
ashes.
The operation begins by shovelling a layer of ashes on the mouth of the
flue, then adding a thin layer of sand or flinty gravel as a flux, and
then more ashes; and so adding gravel and ashes alternately, until the
required quantity is shovelled up. This is suffered to lie here and grow
thoroughly hot before it is shoved down the flue into the basin; for,
if introduced cold, it would check the heat too suddenly, and prove
injurious in the result. When hot, the charge is shoved down the flue
with a long-handled iron hoe, and another portion of ashes and gravel
immediately shovelled on the mouth, suffered to heat, and then pushed
down as before. This operation of heating and charging is continued
until the furnace has a full charge, which may require about six hours,
and in two hours more the furnace is ready for tapping. The slag, which
is in a very fluid state on the top of the lead, is first drawn off, and
the aperture closed up with stone and mortar. The smelter then goes to
the opposite side of the furnace, and prepares for drawing off the lead
by driving a stout sharp pointed iron bar through the side of the
furnace, at a particular place contrived for this purpose. On removing
the bar, the metallic lead flows out into a large iron pot set in the
ground, and accompanied by a considerable quantity of a semi-metallic
substance, called _zane_. This is lead not perfectly revived, being
combined with some earthy particles, and oxide of lead. The zane
occupies the top of the pot, and is first ladled out into hemispherical
holes dug in the clay near by. This substance is of the consistence of
the prepared sand used by brass-founders when hot, but acquires
considerable solidity when cold. The metallic lead is then ladled into
iron moulds of about eighteen inches in length, and yielding a pig of
lead of about fifty pounds each. The quantity of zane made at each
tapping is about equal to that of metallic lead. This is afterwards
taken to the log furnace, and readily converted into lead. The lead made
at the ash-furnace is not thought to be of so pure a quality as that of
the first smelting made at the log furnace. It undoubtedly contains any
other metals that may be combined with the ore, and is therefore more
refractory. Such lead is thought to be a little harder, and some pretend
to discover a lighter color.
The lead-ashes are reckoned to yield fifteen per cent. of lead (zane and
all), which, added to the first smelting, makes an average product of
sixty-five per cent. This estimate will hold good uniformly, when the
ores have been properly dressed, and the smelting well performed. Any
spar adhering to the ore, renders it refractory; blende and pyrites have
the same effect. The latter is particularly injurious, as it consists
chiefly of sulphur; a substance known to render all ores refractory.
The slag created by the ash-furnace is a heavy, black, glassy substance,
well melted, and still containing a portion of lead. Some attempts have
been made to obtain a further portion of lead from it, by smelting with
charcoal in a blast-furnace; but the undertaking has not been attended
with complete success, and is not generally thought to warrant the
expense. The per centage of lead recovered from the slag is not
estimated at over ten, and, with the utmost success, cannot be reckoned
to exceed twelve.
Some practical and miscellaneous observations may here be added.
Metallic lead in the pig is now (Feb. 1819) worth $4 per cwt. at the
mines. It sells for $4 50 on the banks of the Mississippi, at St.
Genevieve and Herculaneum; for $5 50 in New Orleans; and is quoted at $6
in Philadelphia. This is lower than has ever been known before, (except
at one period,) and a consequent depression in the mining business is
felt. There is a governmental duty of one cent per pound on all bar and
pig lead imported into the United States; but it does not amount to a
prohibition of foreign lead from our markets. Perhaps such a prohibition
might be deemed expedient. It is what the lead-smelters here call for;
and certainly the resources of this country are very ample, not only for
supplying the domestic consumption, but for exportation.