Beals writes, describing a mine which he owned, seeking either a partnership or an infusion of investment capital:

      “Dr Sir,

           I will give you the particulars of a mine which I am owner of with an undoubted title, in fact a good and perfect title, the mine is in Esmeralda Co Nev 60 miles from the P. R. Road or Wadsworths, about 50 or less yards from Walker River, plenty water and wood at all times, and can work the mine by water, or steam power. I have run along the Ledge for nearly 500 or more ft, have a shaft 40 to 50 ft deep on the Ledge, 4 to 6 feet wide and widening out as we go down with good clay walls. I have bought 800 feet and re located in all 2000 feet. I believe it to be one of the Richest mines ever found in this country, it has cost me a good deal of money and time to secure this mine and been over three years to accomplish this object, and I sincerely believe the mine to be one of the Richest mines ever found, if the mine was near this town it would be worth a very large sum of money, had I been able would now be working my mine. We can run in a tunnel from the Bank of the River and very soon reach our Ledge at a depth of 500 to 1000 or more feet deep. I do not know of any mine in the country so good for working, water so near, and wood also, beautiful climate the year round, and I am certain by a small outlay we can take out all the money we may want in a very short space of time, Now what I have wrote, you can depend on. I am willing to give any man or Co every thing that is Right. I ask for nothing more. I have spent a good deal of money and time to get hold of this mine, and am willing to give any man or party one of the best arrangements ever offered, this mine is a Regular Gipsum Mine, and these mines are the best mines in the world. I could not set a price on the mine for the very reason no one will buy a pig in a bag, but if you will be so good and give me your intentions or calculations  concerning the matter I will answer immediately all your inquiries as I have said am willing to do what is right in every respect. I will give any reliable party the control of the mine for a certain consideration but would rather not sell all of my mine, will give the control retaining a portion as unassessable stock or as we may agree. I have sent you some of my ore from the mine and can send you more if necessary for I have more. I had some of the ore worked at Dalls mill at Franktown near this town went near to 300 per ton, but it was too far to bring to make it profitable and in my opinion and some others the ore ought to be milled nearer $ 500, per ton, Now sir you have the facts and of course must act accordingly…”