Frank Williams memoir, page 9

The leading men in Vanderbilt proper sent word to us that they would like to confer with us upon Fourth of July plans and a committee of several men, of which I was one, was selected. We went over and arranged for a celebration at Blackburn's ranch in New York Mountain.Vanderbilt people including Mormom Camp turned out almost to a man on the morning of the big day and headed for Blackburn's. There we were joined by crowds from the New York mine and from Purdy which was then the terminal of the Nevada Southern Railroad.The Declaration of Independence was read and Dr. Tutle of Vanderbilt delivered a stirring address. There was a big barbecue, followed by horseracing and other sports. Toward evening the Vanderbilt people returned to their camp where the day finished with a big dance and the usual orgie of drunkenness.During the time that I was employed here Mr. Campbell had me work one afternoon upon some ore croppings near the west end of the Webster mine, a property in which I afterward became a part owner.About the last week in July Mr. Campbell concluded to curtail operations and laid off nearly all his men. I was included among those laid off.Next day I left for Goodsprings in a wagon driven by Joe Woods of St. George, Utah. We left in the afternoon and travelled most of the night, arriving in Goodsprings the following forenoon. Several men whom I knew were camping there waiting for the Keystone mine to open up again.