The North-Carolina standard., 1844-05-29

ed our conTs Sc took an obscure path way sxhichs
led along ridge probably 00feet above the val
lies on each side When wewere yet mile of,
We stopped and viewed it again with increased
delight the former blue appearance changing in--s
to a rich dark green, of decorating trees and
strawberries. through which we could perceive It's.
rocky surface; the pinnacle of granite rick Of
white appearance seemed magnificent buildings
ornamented with green briafs, vines, and shrubs.
at suitable distance, growing out of its-wal COM
bininglin an eminent degree the sublime and
beautiful The ridge by whichNe approached
It terminated in valleysthat seemed to surround
the mountains. which we now commenced the
task of ascending; butthe surface being entirely
covered with rocks of all sizes and in alfpostures
we were soon laid under the necessity of leaving
our horses Whilst we were ascending son foot,
and experiencing the fatigue ofrising step by step
on an angle of about 45d. the weather being hot,
Irecollectedthat my neighbor Mr. w some years
ago. having laboured under chronic disease and de-
bity, and excited by desires like my own lost his
life, by an acute inflammation, induced by precisely
the expedition was now performing, Itookthe pre-
caution of going zigzag direction, which rendered
the ascent much easier. But being anxious TO ex-
pore the grand spectacle still before us, we lost
time until we arrived at the top of the mountain,
which is at the foot of the pinnacle, so called.
Immediately, the air became so keen that one of
the company was near having an ague before he
could get 90 his coat, which he had taken off in
consequence of the heat Whilst we were view
ing such objects as presented themselves hbeganto
rain, first below US, and afterwards where we
were, which compelled US 10 take shelter in the
rocky caverns. Oar pilot ascended the pinnacle,
but we had not the enterprise to follow him up
this steep wall of rcck 800 feet high. 1t is per-
pendicuar, or projecting over on every side for
275 feet in height, except one narrow steep pass
way, ith. slight footsteps; a: one part of which
about 80 or 4Ofect high, the rock is perpendicu-
lar or a f. from one step to the next-here ii
takes an expert climber to make his way witho ut
assistance afterwards the ascent is easier. After
the rain had ceased, and I had become more ia
miliarized with the ACTIVITY at first so awful,
resolved to follow my guide and fear no evil !;
which did with little difficulty, except at the
place mentioned above.
My fatigue had by this time occasioned great
thirst, which l soon found the means of allaying
by gathering and eating Ground Wholtleberries.
now began to walk about and view this upper
region, which | found to contain about an acre of
ground, covered with rocks, and only enough soil
TO admit of the growth of shrubby pines and an
underground found that it had been much fire.
quented, both by females as well as males as u D.
peared from names and dates cut on trees, and
marked with the pencil on such parts of rocks as
were sheltered from the weather. l now turned
GtlenllOu 10 prospects as were nTeSCnIeo
to my view from this elevated situation-The
Blueridge for the space of 40 or so miles in extent
the intervening country Of 80 miles-tho planta-
tions-the waves formed by the tops of the trees
over hilly country, like the troubled ocean, were
beyond description. 1t began to thun-
der and Iigthen and heard roaring which
admonished me to look out for shelter among the
rocks, from the approaching storm. 1t appeared |
Iardy in its approach. went to.the brink, and
found that there was hard shower of rain falling |
below me, whilst remained perfectly dry with |
out shelter. When returned from the pinnacle,
hose at the foot of it gave evidence of the hard
rain where they were. mention this circum-
stance not to convince you that it is common
in nature, but because it was new to
he In fact but old in theory while others accus-
omrd TO believe nothing but what they see, reject
he idea without examining its principle.
On enquiry I was informed that among those
Who have visited this mountain, far greater por-
ion of females than males had acted so much the
nero to ascend the pinnacle We were also
informed of a man who had come a considerable
distance, and being too timid to ascend, was car
led up by force by his cruel comrades, which
Harmed him to such degree that the faculties of
lis mind were cndan gered. Were l to stop here
'our idea of its appearance from every side, cx.
ePt The eastern would be imperfect About 100
ods from'he main pinnacle, as already described.
S The clIf called the Little Pinnacle which is A.
'out 200 feet perpendicular on the east side-and
m the west goes off with gradual descent, so
hat hunters have pursued Deer to the top, from
Whence they have leaped off the precipice, and
we're killed. Dogs also have been killed by
ampng off in pursuit of their game The part
# the mountain between the two pinnacles forms
kind of festoon, which renders its form at dis
ance singularly beautiful
You would suppose from the account ha We
1st given you Of this rude display of nature. that
is wholly destitute of the means of benefrine
ither man or animal. But it affords good graz.
ng. The grass springs up between the two rocks
\ such abundance that it was mpIated by the
french Gentleman, on whom it had been i'm
oscd as tract of good land to form this noun
lin into Sheep walk, and he actually placed on
100 head of Sheep, but he had bad Shepherd,
7ho suffered them to die for want Of winter feed
1g, which disguised the owner, and he gave up
is plan He also intended to establish house of
at the above mentioned Mineral
pring, and invite valetudnarians to resort thither
'r the recovery of health. The Spring being at
he foot Of the Pilot Mountain would tend greatly
attract visitors.
With much esteem,
am Sir, Yours,
JER. BATTLE 6