Miners’ Ten Commandments
By James Hutchings, 1853
The allure of gold, a siren’s call that echoed across the nation in the mid-19th century, drew countless individuals westward, transforming landscapes and lives in its wake. The California Gold Rush, a period of unparalleled migration and ambition, forged a unique society in the rugged terrain of the Sierra Nevada. These gold-seeking pioneers, often far from home and traditional societal structures, developed their own code of conduct, a set of unwritten rules that governed their interactions and aspirations. It was within this context that James Hutchings, a prominent figure in early California journalism, penned the Miners’ Ten Commandments, a satirical yet insightful reflection of the miner’s life.
Hutchings’ Miners’ Ten Commandments, first published in the Placerville Herald in June 1853, quickly gained popularity and was subsequently reprinted as a letter sheet. This format allowed miners to use the text as stationary, sending missives home that were both personal and reflective of their shared experiences. The document itself is presented as a divine revelation, a miner returning from "Away Down East" who has "Seen the Elephant," a common phrase of the time referring to the experience of encountering the unfamiliar and often harsh realities of the Gold Rush. This miner, having witnessed the full spectrum of the Gold Rush experience, finds himself before a "clapboard shanty" where a candle-card tacked to a shingle displays the commandments.
The Miners’ Ten Commandments are not a literal set of religious edicts, but rather a clever blend of biblical language and practical advice tailored to the specific challenges and temptations faced by gold miners. They offer a glimpse into the daily lives, the moral dilemmas, and the ever-present hope and despair that characterized this transformative era. The commandments touch upon everything from claim disputes and gambling to the importance of honoring one’s family and avoiding the pitfalls of excessive drinking.
I. Thou shalt have no other claim than one.
This first commandment speaks directly to the competitive nature of gold mining. Claim jumping, the act of illegally seizing another miner’s claim, was a frequent source of conflict. This commandment emphasizes the importance of respecting established claims and avoiding disputes that could escalate into violence. It establishes a foundational principle of fairness in a landscape often characterized by opportunism.
II. Thou shalt not make unto thyself any false claim, nor any likeness to a mean man by jumping one.
Expanding upon the first commandment, this one delves into the consequences of dishonest behavior. It paints a vivid picture of the miner who attempts to cheat his fellow man, ultimately facing ruin and despair. The imagery is striking: "thou shalt take thy pick, thy pan, thy shovel, and thy blankets, with all that thou hast, and go prospecting to seek good diggings; but thou shalt find none." This commandment serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of integrity in a society where trust was a valuable commodity.
III. Thou shalt not go prospecting before thy claim gives out. Neither shalt though take thy money, nor thy gold dust, nor thy good name, to the gaming table in vain…
The lure of instant riches was a constant temptation during the Gold Rush, and gambling dens sprang up throughout the mining towns, preying on the miners’ hopes and vulnerabilities. This commandment warns against the dangers of succumbing to this vice, emphasizing the devastating consequences of losing one’s hard-earned fortune and reputation at the gaming table. It connects gambling to the neglect of one’s responsibilities, particularly towards family, labeling such behavior as "insane."
IV. Thou shalt not remember what their friends do at home on the Sabbath day, lest the remembrance may not compare favorably with what though doest here.
This commandment offers a poignant commentary on the erosion of traditional values in the mining camps. The demands of survival and the pursuit of wealth often led to a disregard for religious observance and traditional moral codes. It acknowledges the stark contrast between the idealized memory of life back home and the harsh realities of the mining frontier, suggesting a deliberate effort to suppress nostalgia in order to cope with the present circumstances.
V. Though shalt not think more of all thy gold, nor how thou canst make it faster, than how thou wilt enjoy it after thou hast ridden rough-shod over thy good old parents’ precepts and examples…
This commandment emphasizes the importance of maintaining one’s moral compass amidst the allure of wealth. It warns against sacrificing one’s values and familial bonds in the pursuit of gold, reminding the miner that material success should not come at the expense of personal integrity and the respect for one’s upbringing. It highlights the potential for the Gold Rush to corrupt individuals, urging them to remain grounded in their principles.
VI. Thou shalt not kill thy body by working in the rain…Neither shalt though destroy thyself by getting “tight,” nor “slewed,” nor “high,” nor “corned…”
This commandment addresses the physical and mental toll of the miner’s life. It warns against overwork and self-destructive behaviors, particularly excessive drinking. The vivid descriptions of the various stages of intoxication – "tight," "slewed," "high," "corned," "half-seas over," "three sheets in the wind" – paint a stark picture of the prevalence of alcohol abuse in the mining camps. The commandment also highlights the health risks associated with the miner’s harsh working conditions.
VII. Thou shalt not grow discouraged, nor think of going home before thou hast made thy “pile…”
This commandment speaks to the perseverance and determination required to succeed in the Gold Rush. It acknowledges the hardships and setbacks that miners inevitably faced, urging them to remain steadfast in their pursuit of fortune. It contrasts the potential for wealth in California with the limited opportunities back home, suggesting that enduring the challenges was worth the ultimate reward.
VIII. Thou shalt not steal a pick, or a pan, or a shovel, from thy fellow miner…
This commandment reinforces the importance of respecting property rights and maintaining order in the mining camps. Theft was a serious offense, and this commandment outlines the potential consequences for those who violated the community’s code of conduct, ranging from public shaming to physical punishment. It underscores the need for cooperation and mutual respect in a society where resources were often scarce.
IX. Thou shalt not tell any false tales about “good diggings in the mountains” to thy neighbor…
This commandment warns against spreading false rumors and engaging in deceptive practices to benefit oneself or one’s friends. It highlights the potential for such actions to backfire, leading to resentment and even violence. The commandment emphasizes the importance of honesty and fair dealing in a society where misinformation could have serious consequences.
X. Thou shalt not commit unsuitable matrimony, nor covet “single blessedness,” nor forget absent maidens…
This commandment addresses the social and romantic lives of the miners. It cautions against hasty marriages and encourages fidelity to loved ones back home. It acknowledges the loneliness and temptations faced by miners far from their families, urging them to remain true to their commitments and to seek companionship in a responsible and respectful manner.
Beyond the ten commandments, Hutchings adds a final, "new commandment," emphasizing the importance of family as a motivating force. This addition underscores the central theme of the Miners’ Ten Commandments: the importance of maintaining one’s values, integrity, and connection to loved ones amidst the challenges and temptations of the Gold Rush.
The Miners’ Ten Commandments offer a valuable window into the social and moral landscape of the California Gold Rush. They provide a glimpse into the daily lives, the aspirations, and the anxieties of the men who sought their fortune in the golden hills, reminding us that even in the pursuit of wealth, the fundamental principles of human conduct remain essential. They remain a testament to the enduring power of satire and the importance of preserving the stories of those who shaped the American West.