Southern marksman. [volume] (Clinton, Miss.) 1838-1839, 1839-01-08

The above extract from the Colonel's
letter is doubtless true in every particu-
lar, and we compliment all parties con-
cerned, for their GOODNESS and courage on
the occasion.
WONDERFUL RELIC OF THE PAST
Mr.. Buckingham gives The following view
of the wonderful ruins of Thebes, in late
lecture on Egypt.
The ruins of Thebes existed in nearly
the same proportions on each bank of the
Nile. On ascending the river, a number
OF vast temples were seen on the left
hand, while on the right were the catecoms
or tombs of the kings-and nearly in The
centre was the celebrated statue of the
Memmon. The principal Temple which
had astonished all travellers by It's magn-
tude and beauty, was on the right bank of
the Nile. 1t was dedicated TO Jupiter
Ammon-was remarkable for The harmony
| OF It's proportions--and was placed in the
best possible place 10 be seen, an advan.
tage of which the ancients never lost sight
bnt which seemsto be dsregarded in mod
ern days. 1t was situated at Two miles
/ distance from the bank Of the Nile, that
1t might be seen by the voyager at pro-
per point of view. A flight of massive
granite Steps led from the river to the bank
which when the traveller had as ended,
he found himse!fat the entrance of a wide
avenue reaching TO the Temple, and which
was lined on both side for one and three
quarters of mile with Sphynxes, carved
out of solid rock, being each 90 # in hight
and standing so # apart. The remainder
of the avenue, the other quarter of a mile
was ornam9nted with statues sixty f. in
height, and near the gateway were two
obellsks, each l2O # in height. On pasS
sing the doorway, and arriving beneath
the portico, the scene was truly magnifi-
cent, creating establishment and inspiring
feeling of ven3ration and awe, not only
in the educated traveller, but even in the
minds of the Arab guide, who frequently
visited the spot. Bozeni ard Demon had
both described in powerful language, the
effect produced upon their feelings, by the
extent and sublimIty of the prospect a.
round them.
Mr.. Il. described the magnitude ofthe
porficn ond mparcd il TO The portIco OF
the Capitol at Washington-which was in
due proportion to The body OF the builds
ing ITSELF The portico of the Capitol
was supported by "a columns, being doub-
lie the number ordinarily used on these oc-
casions they were each 8 fl. in diameter,
and presented most imposing appearance.
But in the poriico Of the temple of Jupiter
Ammon, the number of columns was one
numbered and forty-four-each was II #.
IN diameter. and stood at least ~ fl apart
In the centre of this portico there was a
space sufficiently large TO contain the
Capitol at Washington with the adjoining
green.
But this vast portlco was In proper ar
chitectural proportions with the immense
budding to which it was the entrance
The Temple of Jupiter Ammon being
2 miles in lenrth, having been frequently
measured, once by the French Cavalry
under Dessaix, who rode round 1t al brisk
trot, and calculated its extent by the time
il required 10 perform the act--again by
loot soldiers, who marched around it, and
finally by the French Swans, in NapoleOns
army. who measured it with chains, and
ascerianed il 10 be two English miles ia
length.
The vastness of its size struck the be
holder with awe, but the decorations III
sculpture and painting, on the columns and
; walls, doubtless required more labor thar
| even the erection of the Temple Itself
) The whole interior Of the walls was GOV
} cred with Neurological figures, which
: could not be understood at this day, anC
, great and small hireoglyphics probably
many millions in number. These plcto
rial writings were painted in the most vi
, vid colors, The brlliancy of which contln
ne even 10 the present time. The QUITE
; surface Of the wall of the temple was
J covered with paintings and sculpture OF
! much excellence, representing battle
sceues, landscapes, &C., of every variety
showing that the artists Of that period
| must have possessed much genuine skill
j This renowned Temple from its collossa
} size, and the great number and variety 0
{ IFS decorations, could hardly have beer
begun and completed during the lifestimt
, of one of their kings. Ii was probably
the work OF several reigns, and no one
| could view it, without being forcibly struc
with the grandeur and sublimity of It's ap
, pearance, and filled with admiration a
! The vastness of the Egyptian architecture
Timely j. X. PAULDING.
,, saw temple reared by the hands o
! man, Standing with lis high pinacle in tn
a