South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1837-03-25
REMARKABLY DISCOVERY.
From the Hamilton (Tenn.) Observer.

From the Hamilton (Tenn.) Observer.
1t is well known to our readers that among
the many natural curiosities found in the ex-
tensive caves and grottoes in the vicinity ofthe
great Laurel Ridge, Cumberland Mountains,)
many human skeletons and bones Of animals
have been discovered, some OF them in petri-
fled state. These caves abound in prodigious
vaulted apartments and chambers, which when
viewed by torch light, exhibit scenes ofgloo.
my grandeur which astonish the beholder.
Several petrifed trees have also been discov-
cred on the banks of the river near this ridge,
as also bones of maminoths and other animals
whose races are now extinct.
But the most remarkable discovery that has
ever been made in this part the country--if
not the greatest natural curiosity in the world,
was brought to light on Sunday, oath Jan. by
two scientific gentlemen with whom we are
acquainted and who are now in town. They
have been for several weeks exploring the
caves above. alluded to, and gathering such
curiosities as they wished to carry away with
them.
boat of gum elastic, and capable of buoying
two persons. With this boat and other con-
veniences procured for the purpose; they will
undoubtedly, before they leave their task, pc
netrate everyaccessihfe hole in the West Cum
berland mountains-for they are determined
to spend the whole season among them.
The wonderful discovery which will now
shortly be presented to the public is three pc
trifed bodies entire, one of dog and two hu-
man bodies, one of them holding a spear 1t
is believed by these gentlemen that all three
of the bodies may be removed from their po-
sition in perfect state though the dog, be-
ing in laying posture upon flat rock, it
will undoubtedly be a difficult task to remove
aba LoJ -.
be those of unexpectedly hunters. Their
clothing can hardly be distinguished-bu still
it is evident that that, too, was in a measure
turned to stone. They are described thus
one sitting, With the mead leaned as it were a.
gainst projecting rock, and the other stand
ing, with spear balanced in his hand,as tho
he was surprised, and had Just started on a
quick walk. The dog hes as if couched in
tenor,or about 10 make q spring-but the fea-
lures Or body is not distinct enough to deter
| mine which position.
| This wonderful formation cannot be ae-
counted for in any other way than that these
| persons were buried by some CONFUSION of
nature. The cave in which they were found
is full i25 feet into the mountain, and is situa
ted about mile and half beyond what is
called Mammoth Grotto, in direct line. The
entrance to the place is difficult, and il is
| thought that ii was never before ATTEMPTED at
all. At the foot of the entrance of the cave
is considerable brook of water, which an
pears to gather from ALI parts of it. There is
also valley thence to the rver,-The gentle
men who have made this Interesting discoye-
ry are making active preparations 10 bring a.
forwarded to New York
Since the above was written, we have had
an invitation to visit the cave and bodies.
which we shall most certainly accept. We
have hitherto declined to mention the names
of the persons to whom we have alluded in
this account One .ofthem is a wealthy Eng
lsh gentleman, president ofPhiladelphia, Jno
! Chester, Esq, and his companion is Mir. ia
cob L: Davis, Philadelphian.-f object
OF their scientific researches is principally
their own gratification. We shall next week
give our readers some further particulars rel
auVe 70 tne position OF the cave, ETC., which
our visit VIII enable US to do.
"when men fiatter, sigh and languish.
| Believe them false.''